HEALTH CARE BILL PART 2

America is the only country without a government ran health care system. For decades we have been a country that wants to lead instead of follow, but consequently, we are behind in health care advancement, education, and employment. We think that any other system other than ours is wrong, so we attach the socialism label to anyone with an idea of reform. It is time for America to follow Canada, Australia, France, and Japan on twitter. Some of their twitter updates would read: "Government ran health care and doing fine," "We don't have a black guy to blame," "For the past decade we decided to help our people instead of creating fictional wars (Just to name a few). In other countries  such as Japan, people visit the doctor 10-20 times a year, not because of life threatening illnesses, but for checkups. To catch cancer before it spreads, to acknowledge the symptoms of the flu and treat it before it inflames, these are reasons to be checked up, these are reasons for health care reform. In France, Australia, Japan, and Canada no one is denied health insurance for pre-existing conditions. Here, in America, if you had cancer before you better believe if it comes back your health care won't. They have lower infant mortality rates and healthier lifestyles which strengthens the health care system. There are some set backs though; the long lines. In all of my research I have found and concluded that the most important issue proposed about a free health care system would be the waiting period to be helped also known as the 'crowding out effect'. I honestly cannot imagine if America had a stable health care system no one would complain about the lines, as if they are not long as it is. Going to the hospital now to schedule an appointment can take 2 weeks to a month here and you would still have to pay if you don't have insurance. Long lines at McDonalds waiting for a greasy Quarter Pounder with cheese seems more time allocated than waiting in line to get a checkup. It seems that waiting in line to detriment your health seems to be more important than waiting in line to become better. A stable health care system is needed or we can be stuck in the mindset of George Bush whom once said, "I mean, people have access to health care in America. After all, you just go to an emergency room." In France, social security funds  80% of the population, the financing is supported by employers, employee contributions, and personal income taxes. In France, Medicare is the universal health insurance and it is for everyone not just for the elderly. The government picks up the tab for the unemployed who cannot gain coverage through a family member. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and critical surgeries, such as a coronary bypass, are reimbursed at 100%. Cancer patients are treated free of charge. To make sure there is never a shortage of doctors, French doctors don't have to pay back their student loans because medical school is paid for by the state, and in its 2000 assessment of world health care systems, the World Health Organization found that France provided the "best overall health care" in the world". In Australia, all legal permanent residents are entitled to free public hospital care. In Canada, basic services are provided by private doctors with the entire fee paid for by the government, but in America we still have over 50 million citizens without basic health insurance. Rhianna might be "The Only Girl in the World," but America is "The Only Country in the World" that still has an inadequate health care system. With our many advancements in science and technology, we are somehow trumped by other countries. It is sad that our current health care system had to be reformed so much that it is taking years to get a basic concept through the door. We still have politicians repealing the idea of health care reform instead of finding conceptual ways to fix it. We are a country compartmentalized into making drastic choices like whether or not to go to Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, or whether or not purchase a Mac or a PC, but when will we be able to perform the cognitive decision to choose from health care incentives and benefits. I guess we are in competition with the red-winged blackbirds, the fish, and the cows for health care seeming how nearly 2000 birds dropped from the sky, thousands of fish washed up on the shore, and 200 cows died; are humans next? Its sad that the older you get the more money you have to spend to stay alive, and the younger you are the higher the chances you wont be able to afford health care. We've had price tags attached to us since we were born, I wonder how much I am worth, I guess we will find out when the proper, justified, and constitutional bill comes to pass. Until then, don't get hit by a falling bird which will cause you to go to the hospital to realize your insurance wont cover your head injury because random acts of birds is not insured under your health insurance (Thanks).
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HEALTH CARE BILL? Part1

WHAT IN THE H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS IS THE HEALTH CARE BILL? I've always thought that our lack of a health care system made the US quite hypocritical about calling any other country a third world country. I was chatting with my mom the other day and some how we started talking about this healthcare bill  and quickly realized that we didn't even know exactly what was included. I know I'm kinda late, but still, some research def needed to be done. So here it is. The facts are to the point, vague, but to the point and located in a 1,990 page document called the H.R. 3962 located on the US gov website.
  1. People with pre-existing conditions will no longer be denied coverage, families with no insurance can apply for tax credits which will help them buy affordable coverage, small businesses will be given tax cuts to help pay for employee coverage, and about 50 million uninsured Americans will be given the chance to become insured.
  2. New plans must cover checkups and other preventative care without co-pays. All plans will be affected by 2018
  3. For senior citizens, they will have access to free preventive care which includes free annual check-ups, mammograms, and colonoscopies, and a 50% discount for prescription drugs for those who fall in the Medicare 'doughnut hole' (Under current law, Medicare stops covering drug costs after a plan and beneficiary have spent more than $2,830 on prescription drugs. It starts paying again after an individual’s out-of-pocket expenses exceed $4,550), and that is only what will happen in this year. Long term, the Medicare 'doughnut hole' will be closed making sure senior citizens will be able to afford insurance.
  4. Insurance companies can no longer cut someone when he or she gets sick.
  5. Insurers must now reveal how much money is spent on overhead.
  6. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will set up a new Web site to make it easy for Americans in any state to seek out affordable health insurance options The site will also include helpful information for small businesses.
  7. For young adults, starting this year, you will be able to stay on your parents health insurance plan until your 26th birthday, in 2014 young adults will be given tax credits to help them afford coverage, and also the new plan will ban new groups from establishing eligibility requirements that discriminate against lower waged workers.
  8. Chain restaurants will be required to provide a "nutrient content disclosure statement" alongside their items. Expect to see calories listed both on in-store and drive-through menus of fast-food restaurants sometime soon.
  9. For women, in 2014, discrimination against women with pre-existing conditions will be banned, also it will make it illegal for insurers to charge women more than man for health coverage, and also health plans will include maternity services.
  10. Non-profit Blue Cross organizations will be required to maintain a medical loss ratio -- money spent on procedures over money incoming -- of 85 percent or higher to take advantage of IRS tax benefits.
So why is this bill almost 2000 pages? Well, that is because on those white pages there is a lot of GRAY. Gray areas include questions like these: What if I don't want "Obama-care" will I be penalized? Is this unconstitutional? Is Obama a Communist? Will this plan add to the national deficit? Will it raise taxes? Will it be able to turn water into wine...? There are some facts to answer some of those questions. If you fail to purchase health care insurance you will be fined starting in 2016. Individuals would be required to purchase coverage or face a fine of up to $695 or 2.5% percent of income, whichever is greater, and the plan will add $940 billion to the deficit, but over ten years the plan will reduce the deficit by $143 billion. So what do I think about all this? Well it's complicated, I did get spoiled by that Canadian Health Care system for 5 years, so I'll be doing some comparisons between our Health Care Bill, The French system, The Japanese system, the Australian system and the Canadian system, But before I do that. What are your thoughts?
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Peace Out 2010

Life is moving so fast. It's a wonderful. Just dance to the rhythm or slow down the record from time to time.  This year was great, had alot of gifts from the universe learned alot of lessons, started playing with more kids, made some major moves both literally and figuratively, had my feathers ruffled some, ruffled some others feathers, had my morals/standards uncomfortably tested, grew a little, shrank a little, became a better person in someways, and I'm sure worst in others, overall it's been a good year, but I'm ready to let it go and march right into 2011. I'm thankful for what is, but must admit I want more. Not necessary more stuff but more options, visibility, challenges and influence.  I'm more decisive than I've ever been and more excepting and expressive of that.  I'm expecting alot of my self so I'm sure I'll be raising hell, blastin' open doors, screaming, dancing, traveling and apologetically making shiny, sharp things in 2011. Peace out 2010, and Hello there 2011, let's dance. PS, and as for how I feel about the stuff going on outside of my arms reach, my gal Dodai couldn't have said it better
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THE NEW YEARS PARTY

Hey Dooky Readers, I know I've been a bag blogger lately. I'll do some recaps on all the past festivities in the 2010 year in review post. In the mean time and in between time I'd like to invite you you THE NEW YEARS PARTY. the followimg are the deets. Pls RSVP. WHAT: The funnest party that you ever did attend, the very best way to close out 20TEN and welcome 20ELEVEN. Brooklyn Motor Works along side The Brooklyn35 crew and will be holding down the music Including Live performances by Dana Athens and the Few, TeenBeats and R.ME. DJ B. Conscious. WHY: Because we love some of you and the rest we’ll grow to love DRESS: 50% fancier than you normally do. No Drama no BS DAMAGE : $10 with a bottle $20 without

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JUNKPRINTS RADIO EP

The promotional campaign is officially on!!! I Love music....no, I really love music. In a time like this, when hipsterism and the fear of being a hater have tainted our judgment on the music we like, I have decided to make ya'll a lil mix tape. I swear if I hear one more person say "I love all kinds of music and have 8 terabytes of everything including songs that don't even exist yet" or something along those lines I'm going to puke! C'mon son, we all know you have like 10 songs that you play on repeat...don't be ashamed, it's okay to have a preference. I have preferences and want to share them with you (like I always do ;). So here's the story of the EP, some of the tracks I kinda begged for, and some were inspired by a retarded long list of songs I was really feeling that month. I distributed the list to my super talented musician pals, kinda made them work together under the direction of Mr. Tough Dumplin and they returned with this.  This project was filled with many late nights on the roof of an undisclosed Red Hook building, a stuffy Kensington Bedroom Room, coast to coast chit chats,  jokes, tears, new friendships and old ones. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do and tons of love and thx to all the musicians on Junkyard Radio! Junkprints Radio Vol. 17

The following is the track listing and here's a link to the whole thing! Now ya'll know that this project wouldn't be complete with nifty packaging and a collection of merchandise including apparel, skate decks accessories and shoes inspired by the ep. This limited edition Cassette tape USB is free with selected online purchases. 1. Two Weeks by Earl Greyhound Vocals: Matt Whyte & Kamara Thomas Guitar: Matt Whyte Bass: Kamara Thomas Drums: Chris Bear http://www.earlgreyhound.com/ 2. Brooklyn Breeze Lyrics & Vocals: Dana Athens Production: Brian "Raydar" Ellis & Lee Turley for The Faculty Enterprise http://www.myspace.com/danaathens http://www.revivalistmusic.com 3. Let It Fly Lyrics & Vocals: Raydar Ellis,Tough Dumplin Teen Beats, R.ME George Reefah Production:  Brian "Raydar" Ellis & Lee Turley For The Faculty Enterprise Bass: Lee Turley Additional Keyboards & Sounds : Lee Turley http://www.revivalistmusic.com http://www.toughdumplin.com http://www.myspace.com/rebelsmusicempire http://www.georgereefah.com 4. JunkYard Radio Lyrics, Vocals & Production: Brownbird Rudy Relic http://brownbirdrudyrelic.blogspot.com/ 5. Toro Toro Toro - Remix Vocals & Lyrics: Lisa Marr Original version appeared on the EP "Soda and Lisa Sing You Some Songs" Remix Production:  Shahab Zargari http://www.lisamarr.org http://flavors.me/shahab 6. Rolla Skatin' - Remix Lyrics & Vocals: Manchilde feat. Tough Dumplin & R.ME Production: Think Twice http://www.manchilde.com http://www.toughdumplin.com http://www.myspace.com/rebelsmusicempire 7. Fighting Discrimination Lyrics & Vocals: A very nice guy Production: Tough Dumplin http://www.toughdumplin.com 8. Kate Goes to Jail Lyrics & Vocals: Teen Beats feat. Eliki Production: Teen Beats www.soundcloud.com/teenbeats 9. Brooklyn35 by Tough Dumplin & TBD Production: Tough Dumplin http://www.toughdumplin.com
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The Hip-Hop Word Count: A Searchable Rap Almanac SXSW

My pal Tahir aka @tahero (for the tweeps) has a fun project that the world should know about. Let's get it presented at SXSW. The following is all the info: The Hip-Hop Word Count: A Searchable Rap Almanac was accepted into the 2011 SXSW PanelPicker! Vote for it multiple times daily until August 27th; so we can present at SXSW. Here is the link: http://bit.ly/hhwcxsxsw Also Join the Staple Crops Face Book page for updates and specials: http://bit.ly/stcrfb The Hip-Hop Word Count is a searchable ethnographic database built from the lyrics of over 40,000 Hip-Hop songs from 1979 to present day. The Hip-Hop Word Count describes the technical details of most of your favorite hip-hop songs. This data can then be used to not only figure out interesting stats about the songs themselves, but also describe the culture behind the music. How can analyzing lyrics teach us about our culture? The Hip-Hop Word Count locks in a time and geographic location for every metaphor, simile, cultural reference, phrase, rhyme style, meme and socio-political idea used in the corpus of Hip-Hop. The Hip-Hop Word Count then converts this data into explorable visualisations which help us to comprehend this vast set of cultural data. This data can be used to chart the migration of ideas and builds a geography of language.
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Acceptable Coonery

Every once in while I find my self making a conscious effort to not be  a negative stereotype of a black person...and then I feel super silly about it, because I can't fully control how folks will or won't react to things and that type of over analysis is retarded. With that being said, I am particular about who I'll eat watermelon in front of...I ain't no coon, I'm just sayin. I love (and hate) my hip hop music and must admit that I jam out to alot of things I can't co-sign on and have taken the liberty to compile a short, non complete list of extreme cases. 1. Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't have None) by Snoop Can't say that I've ever tried to convince my lovers to make Mclovin' with my homies, but hey, what ever floats your boat. 2. Ante Up by M.O.P. Honestly I never find my kidnapping people, but do consider it as a career option when I hear this. 3. Anything by the Clipse Generational drug dealing is always makes for entertaining dinner conversations 4. Just about anything DJ Quick has ever said. I consider my self to an educated, well rounded, cultured gal, and these def do not fit in with my feminist views but I love them to pieces and the only justification I can give for this, is that I love the stories. Yeah, I wouldn't necessarily compare Ante Up with the Bicycle Thief,  or Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart but they all tell  engaging  stories. What music do you get engaged with but don’t relate to?
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Copyright, Copyleft

I recently watch a very interesting movie called , RiP! A Remix Manifesto. It touches down on the bases of old copyright laws, common copyright laws, illegal downloading, and how our freedom to reuse music and art is being taken away. It had interviews by musicians, artist, and of people who got into trouble because of that lost of freedom. I mean, for centuries people have been recycling music into something new, I don’t see why it has became such a major problem. Someone influences someone, and recycling an old piece of music into something new I find it as a way to capture history. Also, I think it's cool to see how many versions of a song can be remixed into something totally new and fresh.
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Farm Bill

Not to get confused with Farmville, Farm Bill is an agricultural food policy brought on by the Federal government. This bill gets passed every 5 years and it has an effect on our everyday lives. It can effect what goes in stores, what goes in schools meal programs, the preservation and farming in general. The current bill, Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, won't expire until 2012. Here are a few pointers about this current bill.

The current bill increased spending on food stamps

It increases the accessibility of fruits and vegetables in low-income schools by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, which gives free fruits and vegetables schools

Farmers Market Promotion Program, Community Food Project grants, and other food programs will be funded

Part of the bill gives tax credits to producers of cellulosic biofuels which are produced from wood and other non edible plants.

Its' program, Rural Energy for America Program, will give grants up to 25% of energy upgrades for agricultural producers as well as rural small business.

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Scent of a Woman

Grace Jones rocked the coochie perfume “Strange” in Boomerang, now there is a real product out where you can rock that scent. There is actually a product that comes close to “Strange”. The product, Vulva Original (that is seriously the name) is out in stores across the globe. So if you want to smell like coochie, then spray on some of this stench.

To learn more about this coochie scent and is not squeamish here is the link to Vulva Original site.

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