December 8, 1980

the dreamer was ended. his dream lives on.



The World misses you, John.

If US Hospitals are the best in the world...

why is BushCo hellbent on destroying them? If "Homeland Security" is so important, why is BushCo trying to destroy hospitals that are on the forefront of caring for those injured in incidents?

From a DailyKos Diary

While people are focused on universal care, the Bush Administration is incrementally chipping away at our existing public health safety net. The most recent assault on our public health care infrastructure is escaping the notice of mainstream media and citizen journalists alike, probably because it is not easily explained. I am referring to a proposed arcane regulations change by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) which, if enacted, will result in $4 to $5 billion dollars over 5 years in cuts to public hospitals and other hospitals that serve indigent patients. In addition, CMS is proposing other rules changes that will result in billions of dollars of reductions to teaching hospitals.

...On January 18, 2007, CMS issued a sweeping rule that, if it goes into effect, will drastically limit Medicaid payments to public health care providers, and to private providers who serve the indigent and uninsured.

In response, Congress enacted a one year moratorium on the rules change, which was buried in the supplemental appropriations bill (P.L. 110-28, Section 7002) that funds military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The moratorium allows Congress time to consider and develop rules that simplify Medicaid without harming our safety net by preventing CMS from enacting the new rule until May 25.

...On November first, the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems offered testimony before Congress. Alan Aviles, President of the New York Health and Hospitals Corporation described the potentially drastic impacts the cuts would impose to public health, and to the ability of local government to respond to natural or manmade disasters. He should know. His hospitals treated the victims of 9/11. Mr. Aviles stated that many hospitals will be forced to choose between closures of emergency rooms, or primary care and outpatient services.

The impacts to communities are drastic and far-reaching:

In rural communities, where the same hospital serves all income levels, closure or cutbacks will leave all residents out in the cold regardless of ability to pay, and may leave multi-county regions without access to hospital care or trauma services.

Contact Congresswoman Lois Capps and let her know that our countrywill be ill served by shuttered hospitals and that public health should be the utmost consideration. We have quite a number of uninsured and indigent patients here in the land of $1.25 million dollar median priced homes and Cottage Hospital will feel the affects of BushCo's assault on healthcare.

Who says that Pre-Fab

can't be FABULOUS! (and Green, too!)

From Inhabitat we were introduced to the work of Michelle Kaufmann

mkLoft designs are an ideal solution whether you are looking to build a primary residence, create an inviting home office, or plug into an interconnected eco-community. Depending on your site, program, and performa, you can order 1 mkLoft, or 50 or more pre-fab units. Kaufmann’s loft homes can be customized in 2 or 3 story configurations using state-of-the-art sustainable materials and methods. As with MKD’s other design solutions and products, mkLofts utilizes energy-efficient, healthy foam-insulation; dual pane/low-E glazing; water-saving plumbing fixtures; and eco-friendly finishes throughout. Solar, geo-thermal, radiant heat and other energy-efficient systems are available in each unit.

We have a tremendous shortage of affordable housing here in Santa Barbara. Perhaps we can make use of such innovative ideas for housing solutions.

Developers are quickly realizing the many benefits associated with prefabricated architecture. Shorter timeframes, predictable costs, and lowered risks and liability are only a few of the benefits associated with off-site modular systems-built technology.

Through the use of smart, sustainable design and site strategies, energy efficient systems, and eco-friendly materials, MKD creates communities that are healthy, beautiful,and cost-effective - Michelle Kaufmann Designs

The Rocky Mountain News talks about Developers using the Glide House pre-fab for a development project.
Sunset Magazine spotlights Michelle Kaufmann's designs in their issue this month.

Back from Hibernation

and yes, still hopping mad.

What a hoppin' busy weekend we had

Took in the terrific panel talking about the future (or lack thereof) of newspapers at the Santa Barbara Writers & Authors festival.

Got the bejeebers scared out of me at Naomi Klein's talk on her book, "The Shock Doctrine." (as did Trekking Left over at The Average Man)

Picked up a bag full'o books at the annual Planned Parenthood Booksale at Earl Warren Showgrounds.

And, of course, enjoyed the terrific sun drenched scenery at one of our many local community parks.

and, you? How did you enjoy your Sunday?

Frog Bloggin' Friday!

This is an African Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) No, he isn't having a "bad frog day!" He's huge and warty, a good 6" across the middle, and had settled himself into a nice mud puddle. A fully grown one can be the size of a football! - the Frog Store

Rotten Rudy showed up in Santa Barbara

and held court for a handful of people at Joe's Cafe. This is the guy that Republicans are hoping for? Running on the perception of being a "leader"....well, THAT'S an Urban Legend. Ask the Firefighters.

This video documents the mayor's lack of respect for the fallen when he called off the recovery effort at Ground Zero on Nov. 1, 2001, after $200 million in gold bullion was recovered.

"We produced this documentary because we need to make sure our members know Giuliani's real record," said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.

"The UFA participated in this video to correct the myth that Rudy Giuliani has perpetrated on the American public," said Steve Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, IAFF Local 94.

and surprise, surprise...look who's involved in trying to steal the California Elections...one of Rotten Rudy's buddies.....

A close friend and major fundraiser of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has identified himself as the mystery financer of the proposed California initiative to apportion the state's 55 electoral votes by congressional district instead of winner-take-all. - LATimes