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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 04/30/2013 10:49:30
Good Morning.
Today is our 4,223rd day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,200
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,081
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$ 1, 435, 280, 650, 000 .00
Let's talk about buildings and machinery today. We very much focus on the human elements of war, but war doesn't happen without infrastructure. Usually, it's something that happens in the background and off everyone's radar screens....that is, until it becomes hazardous to our troops and our allies.
We'll begin overseas in Afghanistan. A country that has been devastated by over 30 years of war would necessarily be in need of much rebuilding. It's an opportunity for the country to become one of the most up-to-date and modern ones in the world. (See post-war Japan and Germany for additional examples.) Unfortunately, Afghanistan is so corrupt and overrun with opportunits, as well as having a complete lack of regulations or inspectors, that the buildings themselves have become a hazard. To the point where a Federal agency has called much of the new construction "A fire hazard."
But the news about buildings isn't all bad. I live in an area of the country where old buildings are literally on every streetcorner. I've been in one of the oldest houses in the country here in the North End (circa 1680) and a good number of the larger homes around here date to colonial times. With careful maintenance, a home should theoretically last forever. Which is why in the "Good News" category, we have some Spanish-American war era buildings being rebuilt for homeless vets.
Speaking of Germany, you probably never even heard about this story. 68 years ago this week, Berlin was ringed by more than a million Soviet soldiers and thousands of T-34 tanks. About 155 kilometers away, a similar number of American and British forces stood on the West bank of the Elbe river. Berlin fell, and the war came to an end...except neither side ever withdrew their tanks or personnel and we had been facing each other across the frontier for decades.
In March of this year, the last 22 M-1 Abrams tanks left Germany for good. Believe it or not, their is no US armor on German Soil as of this writing.
So using Germany as a model...expect to see "Ask a Vet" in this space until 2070.
Today is our 4,223rd day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing war, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 2,200
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,081
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
Let's talk about buildings and machinery today. We very much focus on the human elements of war, but war doesn't happen without infrastructure. Usually, it's something that happens in the background and off everyone's radar screens....that is, until it becomes hazardous to our troops and our allies.
We'll begin overseas in Afghanistan. A country that has been devastated by over 30 years of war would necessarily be in need of much rebuilding. It's an opportunity for the country to become one of the most up-to-date and modern ones in the world. (See post-war Japan and Germany for additional examples.) Unfortunately, Afghanistan is so corrupt and overrun with opportunits, as well as having a complete lack of regulations or inspectors, that the buildings themselves have become a hazard. To the point where a Federal agency has called much of the new construction "A fire hazard."
A federal watchdog has urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop building structures for the Afghan Army that “pose a serious fire and safety risk.”
John Sopko, the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, faulted the Army Corps in an April 4 letter for using foam insulation and thermal-barrier systems that don’t comply with international building standards.
“We are alerting you to our concern over this serious fire and life safety risk,” Sopko wrote.
He urged the Corps to reconsider its decision to proceed with construction while posting warning signs and having a “fire-watch during rest hours.”
Three of the so-called K-Span structures caught fire during construction last year, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage, Sopko said.
In southern Afghanistan, 704 of the 1,002 K-Span structures under construction use non-compliant foam insulation and barrier systems, he said.
The Army Corps, in a March 10 “decision paper,” acknowledged the fire risk while citing concerns about delays and additional cost if the non-compliant materials had to be removed.
The Army Corps didn’t immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment. The K-Span structures, which are designed to be rust- and weather-resistant, replaced concrete and masonry structures for the Afghan Army beginning in 2010, according to Sopko’s letter.
Sopko said he is opening an investigation of the matter.
But the news about buildings isn't all bad. I live in an area of the country where old buildings are literally on every streetcorner. I've been in one of the oldest houses in the country here in the North End (circa 1680) and a good number of the larger homes around here date to colonial times. With careful maintenance, a home should theoretically last forever. Which is why in the "Good News" category, we have some Spanish-American war era buildings being rebuilt for homeless vets.
FORT SNELLING, Minn. — After decades of neglect, five brick buildings at Fort Snelling that saw service from the Spanish-American War through World War II will be renovated into apartments for homeless veterans and their families.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ plans call for creating 58 affordable apartments, the Star Tribune reported Sunday. Construction is expected to start this summer and finish by summer 2014.
The Fort Snelling plan is part of a larger effort by the VA to end veteran homelessness and reduce its inventory of vacant and underused properties. The VA plans to provide more than 3,000 units of permanent and transitional housing for veterans at 25 VA Medical Center campuses nationwide, and another 1,000 units are pending or underway.
The structures on what’s known as Fort Snelling’s Upper Post include cavernous Building 210, the old quartermaster stables, where horses for cavalry officers were kept. They also include Building 211, with its high beams and wide doors, where grease-stained GIs toiled fixing tanks during World War II.
“It’s a perfect fit,” said Andrew Michaelson, project manager for the nonprofit that will run the development. “To put homeless vets in a place like this, with its military history, it’s a hand-in-glove fit.”
The $15 million project will cover 6 acres west of Highway 55 adjacent to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The land and buildings won’t be sold but will be managed by St. Paul-based CommonBond. Three-quarters of the cost will be paid for from private investments leveraged through housing and historic tax credits.
Veterans with anything other than dishonorable discharges will be able to apply for housing. The buildings won’t be homeless shelters, but permanent housing. Multibedroom units are expected to appeal to veterans with families and the growing number of female homeless veterans with children.
Speaking of Germany, you probably never even heard about this story. 68 years ago this week, Berlin was ringed by more than a million Soviet soldiers and thousands of T-34 tanks. About 155 kilometers away, a similar number of American and British forces stood on the West bank of the Elbe river. Berlin fell, and the war came to an end...except neither side ever withdrew their tanks or personnel and we had been facing each other across the frontier for decades.
In March of this year, the last 22 M-1 Abrams tanks left Germany for good. Believe it or not, their is no US armor on German Soil as of this writing.
STUTTGART, Germany — The U.S. Army’s 69-year history of basing main battle tanks on German soil quietly ended last month when 22 Abrams tanks, a main feature of armored combat units throughout the Cold War, embarked for the U.S.
The departure of the last M-1 Abrams tanks coincides with the inactivation of two of the Army’s Germany-based heavy brigades. Last year, the 170th Infantry out of Baumholder disbanded. And the 172nd Separate Infantry Brigade at Grafenwöhr is in the process of doing the same.
On March 18, the remaining tanks were loaded up at the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s railhead in Kaiserslautern where they then made the journey to the shipping port in Bremerhaven, Germany. There they boarded a ship bound for South Carolina.
The tanks belonged to the 172nd along with a mix that were leftover from other units, according to the 21st TSC.
“It is an honor to be one of the soldiers escorting the last battle tanks out of Germany,” said Sgt. Jeremy Jordan of the 529th Military Police Company, in an Army story about the journey. “As these tanks sail back to the U.S., we are closing a chapter in history.”
From World War II on through the Cold War, tanker units were a heavy presence in Germany. At its peak, Germany was home to 20 NATO armored divisions, or about 6,000 tanks, according to the 21st TSC.
“There is no [U.S.] tank on German soil. It’s a historic moment,” said Lt. Col. Wayne Marotto, 21st TSC spokesman.
So using Germany as a model...expect to see "Ask a Vet" in this space until 2070.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 13:12:58
Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 13:12:58
Mondo is back at work.
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 13:13:45
Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 13:13:45
Mondo is back at work.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 13:22:52
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 13:22:52
Morning 
Comment by 
Raine on 04/30/2013 13:45:25
Good morning.
Raine on 04/30/2013 13:45:25
Good morning.
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 13:52:23
Raine on 04/30/2013 13:52:23
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 13:57:37
Poor TVB
Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 13:57:37
Quote by Raine:
Well, this is interesting....
Trans-vaginal Bob is being investigated by the FBI.
Poor TVB
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:03:05
That's the same company that gave the Cucc some very nice gifts
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:03:05
Quote by Raine:
Well, this is interesting....
Trans-vaginal Bob is being investigated by the FBI.
That's the same company that gave the Cucc some very nice gifts
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 14:04:18
His daughters wedding might be more expensive than he originally thought...
and then there's this:
Raine on 04/30/2013 14:04:18
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Well, this is interesting....
Trans-vaginal Bob is being investigated by the FBI.
Poor TVB
and then there's this:
A lawsuit against the state of Virginia by a nutritional supplement maker whose stock comprises Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's total investment portfolio is raising questions about the Republican's potential conflicts of interest.
Henrico-based Star Scientific Inc. sued Virginia's Department of Taxation in Mecklenberg Circuit Court in July 2011 over a $700,000 tax dispute with the state. A deputy attorney general filed an answer to the complaint the following month. There have been no new motions, pleadings, filings or hearings in the case since. ....
Cuccinelli's 2012 Statement of Economic Interest reports $10,001 to $50,000 worth of Star Scientific stock as his only investment.
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 14:04:56
yupperoni!
Raine on 04/30/2013 14:04:56
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Well, this is interesting....
Trans-vaginal Bob is being investigated by the FBI.
That's the same company that gave the Cucc some very nice gifts
yupperoni!
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 14:07:36
Raine on 04/30/2013 14:07:36
Today is on ask the governor on WTOP right now.
He can't comment on it -- it's a criminal case, you see..
He can't comment on it -- it's a criminal case, you see..
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 14:13:12
I remember hearing something awhile back about TVB's daughter's expensive wedding being paid for by a campaign contributor. I guess this would be the same one?
Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 14:13:12
Quote by Raine:His daughters wedding might be more expensive than he originally thought...Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Well, this is interesting....
Trans-vaginal Bob is being investigated by the FBI.
Poor TVB
and then there's this:A lawsuit against the state of Virginia by a nutritional supplement maker whose stock comprises Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's total investment portfolio is raising questions about the Republican's potential conflicts of interest.
Henrico-based Star Scientific Inc. sued Virginia's Department of Taxation in Mecklenberg Circuit Court in July 2011 over a $700,000 tax dispute with the state. A deputy attorney general filed an answer to the complaint the following month. There have been no new motions, pleadings, filings or hearings in the case since. ....
Cuccinelli's 2012 Statement of Economic Interest reports $10,001 to $50,000 worth of Star Scientific stock as his only investment.
I remember hearing something awhile back about TVB's daughter's expensive wedding being paid for by a campaign contributor. I guess this would be the same one?
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 14:18:23
Yes. I think this is the new information.
Raine on 04/30/2013 14:18:23
Quote by Mondobubba:
I remember hearing something awhile back about TVB's daughter's expensive wedding being paid for by a campaign contributor. I guess this would be the same one?
Earlier in the day, Todd Schneider, the former governor’s mansion chef who faces four felony counts alleging he stole from the mansion, alleged in court papers that he gave FBI and state police investigators evidence a year ago of wrongdoing and abuse by McDonnell and his family. This included documents showing Williams paid $15,000 to help cover the costs of catering done by Schneider’s private company for a June 2011 mansion wedding reception for McDonnell’s daughter Cailin, court papers show.
Comment by 
BobR on 04/30/2013 14:20:33
BobR on 04/30/2013 14:20:33
That story about Germany is pretty amazing
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 14:22:52
The Cooch appears to be headed towards investigation as well..
Raine on 04/30/2013 14:22:52
The motion alleges Schneider told investigators that the mansion staff and other state employees had witnessed him being instructed to take state-purchased food as payment for personal services, and that they saw others “openly taking cases of food and other supplies from the Governor’s Mansion.â€
The motion also accuses Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican candidate for governor this year, of prosecuting Schneider in an attempt to protect his political interests in his gubernatorial bid — “a campaign for which he needs substantial political donations and the support of the current Governor of Virginia.â€
He alleges that Cuccinelli ignored evidence that Schneider provided about McDonnell’s ties to Williams because the attorney general had also received thousands of dollars in gifts from the same business executive.
The Cooch appears to be headed towards investigation as well..
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 04/30/2013 14:23:15
Will in Chicago on 04/30/2013 14:23:15
Good morning, bloggers!
TriSec, good blog about the rehabbing of the old buildings for the veterans. Chicago is a much younger city and it was a rare thing to see a building from before the Chicago Fire. My grade school dates back to 1871 and is still in use.
After subbing a lot last week, I am home and checking on freelance writing work. A charter school near Boston wants applicants to send in some materials, including a sample lesson plan. So, I will work on adjusting one for them.
TriSec, good blog about the rehabbing of the old buildings for the veterans. Chicago is a much younger city and it was a rare thing to see a building from before the Chicago Fire. My grade school dates back to 1871 and is still in use.
After subbing a lot last week, I am home and checking on freelance writing work. A charter school near Boston wants applicants to send in some materials, including a sample lesson plan. So, I will work on adjusting one for them.
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 14:25:00
yeah... I think he's in deep doo as well.
Raine on 04/30/2013 14:25:00
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Well, this is interesting....
Trans-vaginal Bob is being investigated by the FBI.
That's the same company that gave the Cucc some very nice gifts
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:32:17
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:32:17
Question about ACA - My aunt has Medicare only (and my other Aunt keeps bitching that "Obama care doesn't cover anything but checkups" but that's a whole other thing) she needs a supplemental - does anyone now ACA will affect them? Will they be cheap or if you can't afford one will they make provision that you can get some assistance to get one?
This is whole new territories for our family to deal with and have now idea what we're looking at.
This is whole new territories for our family to deal with and have now idea what we're looking at.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:34:27
way to cover Bobby
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:34:27
Quote by Raine:
Today is on ask the governor on WTOP right now.
He can't comment on it -- it's a criminal case, you see..
way to cover Bobby
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 14:42:38
Try here for ACA questions.
For medicare information, go here.
I actually learned yesterday that Medicare part B -- you can enroll at anytime. It's the prescription drug plan that doesn't have open enrollment. (long story short -- I had to talk to a Social service worker for a friend about that yesterday.)
Raine on 04/30/2013 14:42:38
Quote by wickedpam:
Question about ACA - My aunt has Medicare only (and my other Aunt keeps bitching that "Obama care doesn't cover anything but checkups" but that's a whole other thing) she needs a supplemental - does anyone now ACA will affect them? Will they be cheap or if you can't afford one will they make provision that you can get some assistance to get one?
This is whole new territories for our family to deal with and have now idea what we're looking at.
For medicare information, go here.
I actually learned yesterday that Medicare part B -- you can enroll at anytime. It's the prescription drug plan that doesn't have open enrollment. (long story short -- I had to talk to a Social service worker for a friend about that yesterday.)
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 14:43:13
Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 14:43:13
Dear Celexa,
I would like control of my equilibrium back.
Thank you.
Mondo.
I would like control of my equilibrium back.
Thank you.
Mondo.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:45:38
Yes, part B covers hospitals and stuff like that. I think all the others you have to meet certain criteria. (eek, hope everything is ok)
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:45:38
Quote by Raine:Try here for ACA questions.Quote by wickedpam:
Question about ACA - My aunt has Medicare only (and my other Aunt keeps bitching that "Obama care doesn't cover anything but checkups" but that's a whole other thing) she needs a supplemental - does anyone now ACA will affect them? Will they be cheap or if you can't afford one will they make provision that you can get some assistance to get one?
This is whole new territories for our family to deal with and have now idea what we're looking at.
For medicare information, go here.
I actually learned yesterday that Medicare part B -- you can enroll at anytime. It's the prescription drug plan that doesn't have open enrollment. (long story short -- I had to talk to a Social service worker for a friend about that yesterday.)
Yes, part B covers hospitals and stuff like that. I think all the others you have to meet certain criteria. (eek, hope everything is ok)
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:50:25
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:50:25
Scratch that part A is for hospitals and stuff, B is the preventative one
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 14:54:13
Right. -- we does your aunt have part a & b?
Raine on 04/30/2013 14:54:13
Quote by wickedpam:
Scratch that part A is for hospitals and stuff, B is the preventative one
Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and home health care.
Medicare Part B helps cover doctor services and preventive services.
Medicare Part C is a way to get your Medicare benefits through private companies approved by Medicare. It includes Part A and Part B and in most cases Part D.
Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drugs.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:54:45
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:54:45
oh lord, who was the douche that asked about Bengazi?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:55:35
I'm thinking its B since my other Aunt is calling it Obamacare and bitching about it not covering enough
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 14:55:35
Quote by Raine:Right. -- we does your aunt have part a & b?Quote by wickedpam:
Scratch that part A is for hospitals and stuff, B is the preventative oneMedicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and home health care.
Medicare Part B helps cover doctor services and preventive services.
Medicare Part C is a way to get your Medicare benefits through private companies approved by Medicare. It includes Part A and Part B and in most cases Part D.
Medicare Part D helps cover prescription drugs.
I'm thinking its B since my other Aunt is calling it Obamacare and bitching about it not covering enough
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 15:03:56
Yeah... I don;t think she's quite got that right.
The ACA from what I am reading ( and yes, I am looking into this) didn't have as much to do with medicare on a patient level.
If she can get online, she should really go to medicare.gov.
maybe here.
Raine on 04/30/2013 15:03:56
Quote by wickedpam:
I'm thinking its B since my other Aunt is calling it Obamacare and bitching about it not covering enough
The ACA from what I am reading ( and yes, I am looking into this) didn't have as much to do with medicare on a patient level.
If she can get online, she should really go to medicare.gov.
maybe here.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:06:19
yeah my Aunt Bev and the internet - not so much gonna happen. She still does the TV with the antenna over the airwaves thing
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:06:19
Quote by Raine:Yeah... I don;t think she's quite got that right.Quote by wickedpam:
I'm thinking its B since my other Aunt is calling it Obamacare and bitching about it not covering enough
The ACA from what I am reading ( and yes, I am looking into this) didn't have as much to do with medicare on a patient level.
If she can get online, she should really go to medicare.gov.
maybe here.
yeah my Aunt Bev and the internet - not so much gonna happen. She still does the TV with the antenna over the airwaves thing
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 15:06:41
Umm I don't know if this will help, but yesterday on Talk of The Nation on the NPR mosheen they did an hour on this very topic. You might want to check the ToTN website to see if there are any helpful links.
Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 15:06:41
Quote by Raine:Yeah... I don;t think she's quite got that right.Quote by wickedpam:
I'm thinking its B since my other Aunt is calling it Obamacare and bitching about it not covering enough
The ACA from what I am reading ( and yes, I am looking into this) didn't have as much to do with medicare on a patient level.
If she can get online, she should really go to medicare.gov.
maybe here.
Umm I don't know if this will help, but yesterday on Talk of The Nation on the NPR mosheen they did an hour on this very topic. You might want to check the ToTN website to see if there are any helpful links.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:09:40
That helps. I never realized until about 2 years ago how much information there is to dig through.
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:09:40
Quote by Raine:
This explains how the ACA strengthens Medicare.
That helps. I never realized until about 2 years ago how much information there is to dig through.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:10:19
Thanks, we'll check that out too.
BTW, you feeling better?
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:10:19
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Yeah... I don;t think she's quite got that right.Quote by wickedpam:
I'm thinking its B since my other Aunt is calling it Obamacare and bitching about it not covering enough
The ACA from what I am reading ( and yes, I am looking into this) didn't have as much to do with medicare on a patient level.
If she can get online, she should really go to medicare.gov.
maybe here.
Umm I don't know if this will help, but yesterday on Talk of The Nation on the NPR mosheen they did an hour on this very topic. You might want to check the ToTN website to see if there are any helpful links.
Thanks, we'll check that out too.
BTW, you feeling better?
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 15:12:41
Not surprised. This is one of the things where I really believe it's a total FAIL to ask seniors to go online to government websites for this information.
I have to try to explain stuff to my mom -- or she needs to ask her doctor, the problem is she doesn't know what questions to ask.
Does you Aunt have a case worker? Maybe she can get one to help -- a social worker perhaps?
Raine on 04/30/2013 15:12:41
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Yeah... I don;t think she's quite got that right.Quote by wickedpam:
I'm thinking its B since my other Aunt is calling it Obamacare and bitching about it not covering enough
The ACA from what I am reading ( and yes, I am looking into this) didn't have as much to do with medicare on a patient level.
If she can get online, she should really go to medicare.gov.
maybe here.
yeah my Aunt Bev and the internet - not so much gonna happen. She still does the TV with the antenna over the airwaves thing
I have to try to explain stuff to my mom -- or she needs to ask her doctor, the problem is she doesn't know what questions to ask.
Does you Aunt have a case worker? Maybe she can get one to help -- a social worker perhaps?
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 15:14:41
See comment below. Otherwise, not bad.
Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 15:14:41
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Yeah... I don;t think she's quite got that right.Quote by wickedpam:
I'm thinking its B since my other Aunt is calling it Obamacare and bitching about it not covering enough
The ACA from what I am reading ( and yes, I am looking into this) didn't have as much to do with medicare on a patient level.
If she can get online, she should really go to medicare.gov.
maybe here.
Umm I don't know if this will help, but yesterday on Talk of The Nation on the NPR mosheen they did an hour on this very topic. You might want to check the ToTN website to see if there are any helpful links.
Thanks, we'll check that out too.
BTW, you feeling better?
See comment below. Otherwise, not bad.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:17:25
I have no idea at this point - Lois (my step-grandmother) is handling most of this stuff now.
Sorry for all the personal stuff on Das Bloggie guys.
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:17:25
Quote by Raine:Not surprised. This is one of the things where I really believe it's a total FAIL to ask seniors to go online to government websites for this information.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Yeah... I don;t think she's quite got that right.Quote by wickedpam:
I'm thinking its B since my other Aunt is calling it Obamacare and bitching about it not covering enough
The ACA from what I am reading ( and yes, I am looking into this) didn't have as much to do with medicare on a patient level.
If she can get online, she should really go to medicare.gov.
maybe here.
yeah my Aunt Bev and the internet - not so much gonna happen. She still does the TV with the antenna over the airwaves thing
I have to try to explain stuff to my mom -- or she needs to ask her doctor, the problem is she doesn't know what questions to ask.
Does you Aunt have a case worker? Maybe she can get one to help -- a social worker perhaps?
I have no idea at this point - Lois (my step-grandmother) is handling most of this stuff now.
Sorry for all the personal stuff on Das Bloggie guys.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:18:29
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:18:29
Mondo - I can understand that
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 15:30:05
Don't be silly... I'm glad to help in whatever small way I can.
Raine on 04/30/2013 15:30:05
Quote by wickedpam:
Sorry for all the personal stuff on Das Bloggie guys.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:32:36
awww thanks
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:32:36
Quote by Raine:Don't be silly... I'm glad to help in whatever small way I can.Quote by wickedpam:
Sorry for all the personal stuff on Das Bloggie guys.
awww thanks
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 15:34:32
Raine on 04/30/2013 15:34:32
BTW, Kaiser Family foundation is another really good resource.
As far as State level medicare information, Kaiser has a page for that as well.
As far as State level medicare information, Kaiser has a page for that as well.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:37:46
I'll tell you what, Kasier seems to have really embraced and run with this ACA. THey are pro-info no matter what.
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:37:46
Quote by Raine:
BTW, Kaiser Family foundation is another really good resource.
As far as State level medicare information, Kaiser has a page for that as well.
I'll tell you what, Kasier seems to have really embraced and run with this ACA. THey are pro-info no matter what.
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 15:44:33
They have, probably because they are non profit.
And while I am at it I would be remiss if I didn't mention Families USA. My friend Kim works there. (you have met Kim, Mala)
Raine on 04/30/2013 15:44:33
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
BTW, Kaiser Family foundation is another really good resource.
As far as State level medicare information, Kaiser has a page for that as well.
I'll tell you what, Kasier seems to have really embraced and run with this ACA. THey are pro-info no matter what.
And while I am at it I would be remiss if I didn't mention Families USA. My friend Kim works there. (you have met Kim, Mala)
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 15:50:03
Yeah, it's been a fun few days.
Mondobubba on 04/30/2013 15:50:03
Quote by wickedpam:
Mondo - I can understand that
Yeah, it's been a fun few days.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 04/30/2013 15:53:45
Shrug
Guess I'm just too jaded to think anything will come of this. I'd love to be proven wrong.
Glad you're back Mondo.
trojanrabbit on 04/30/2013 15:53:45
Quote by Raine:The motion alleges Schneider told investigators that the mansion staff and other state employees had witnessed him being instructed to take state-purchased food as payment for personal services, and that they saw others “openly taking cases of food and other supplies from the Governor’s Mansion.â€
The motion also accuses Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican candidate for governor this year, of prosecuting Schneider in an attempt to protect his political interests in his gubernatorial bid — “a campaign for which he needs substantial political donations and the support of the current Governor of Virginia.â€
He alleges that Cuccinelli ignored evidence that Schneider provided about McDonnell’s ties to Williams because the attorney general had also received thousands of dollars in gifts from the same business executive.
The Cooch appears to be headed towards investigation as well..
Shrug
Guess I'm just too jaded to think anything will come of this. I'd love to be proven wrong.
Glad you're back Mondo.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/30/2013 15:55:53
We all are here to help.
Will in Chicago on 04/30/2013 15:55:53
Quote by Raine:Don't be silly... I'm glad to help in whatever small way I can.Quote by wickedpam:
Sorry for all the personal stuff on Das Bloggie guys.
We all are here to help.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:59:00
Thanks Will
I appreciate every bit of help!
wickedpam on 04/30/2013 15:59:00
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:Don't be silly... I'm glad to help in whatever small way I can.Quote by wickedpam:
Sorry for all the personal stuff on Das Bloggie guys.
We all are here to help.
Thanks Will
I appreciate every bit of help!
Comment by 
Scoopster on 04/30/2013 16:47:03
Scoopster on 04/30/2013 16:47:03
Ugh.. afternoon all Well the server is up & running again with a new HD. We lost about two weeks of data tho, and hafta reinstall everything.
My boss has finally reached his limit tho - we ordered parts for a spanky new server machine!
Well the server is up & running again with a new HD. We lost about two weeks of data tho, and hafta reinstall everything.My boss has finally reached his limit tho - we ordered parts for a spanky new server machine!
Comment by Scoopster on 04/30/2013 16:52:09
Scoopster on 04/30/2013 16:52:09
Jeez.. trans-vag, cooch, deep doo - today's bloggie is just all about the downstairs parts huh?!
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2013 17:13:51
Well since you put it that way... 
Raine on 04/30/2013 17:13:51
Quote by Scoopster:
Jeez.. trans-vag, cooch, deep doo - today's bloggie is just all about the downstairs parts huh?!
Comment by 
livingonli on 04/30/2013 17:49:24
livingonli on 04/30/2013 17:49:24
A brutal night last night at the salt mine having to suffer through 15 innings of very bad baseball between the Mets and the Marlins. Of course, the real fun is trying to cut down for replay a game that ran almost 6 hours down to 3 for the next day replay.
Comment by Scoopster on 04/30/2013 17:55:38
SWEEEET! I got the OK for the apartment I looked at last night, move-in date is the 15th.
Now I just hafta get a move on with packin' up all my shit!
Scoopster on 04/30/2013 17:55:38
SWEEEET! I got the OK for the apartment I looked at last night, move-in date is the 15th. Now I just hafta get a move on with packin' up all my shit!
Comment by BobR on 04/30/2013 18:01:32
Moving is the best way to face the reality of "do I really need this?"
BobR on 04/30/2013 18:01:32
Quote by Scoopster:
Now I just hafta get a move on with packin' up all my shit!
Moving is the best way to face the reality of "do I really need this?"