Thursday, October 31, 2013

Tricking people into not getting health care...


Organizing for Action
DuPage Democrats--

When the facts aren't on your side, and you don't have good ideas of your own, there's only one thing left to do:

Pass out free beer and koozies.

That's not really true, but it does happen to be exactly what the Koch brothers' group has been doing at college campuses across the country -- all to try to convince young people not to get health insurance. That's right -- they're setting up booths, right next to the organizations helping students get covered, and handing out free stuff.

The bad news is these guys have millions of dollars to spend -- the anti-Obamacare crowd has already spent more than $400 million against us. It's going to take real, on-the-ground organizing to beat them.

The good news is that's what OFA does best. Donate $5 or more today to fight back.

The facts aren't that complicated -- no matter how much noise the other side makes, Obamacare is here to stay, and it's helping millions of people get better, more affordable care as I write this.

The thing is, there's no Koch brothers-recommended alternative to Obamacare here. They're saying just risk it -- and hope you (or your kids) don't get sick.

We won't be able to outspend them, but we can help shut this cynical campaign down with OFA's brand of organizing, which just happens to specialize in actually trying to help people.

So if you're tired of the Kochs' cynicism, donate $5 or more to the team that's fighting back today:

https://donate.barackobama.com/Protect-Obamacare

Thanks,

Lindsay

Lindsay Siler
National Director of Issue Campaigns
Organizing for Action

----------------
The other side will spend millions to maintain the status quo. We're fighting for change -- chip in $5 or more to support OFA today.









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Monday, October 28, 2013

Employee benefits: America’s ‘other’ healthcare revolution | The Raw Story

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/10/28/employee-benefits-americas-other-healthcare-revolution/

*This is a long and deep article, and also a MUST-READ for those covered by employer health plans. There is a sea change occuring in American healthcare, regardless of the ACA, and preceding even the passage of the ACA. Really, everyone should read this. - Dan Stafford

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Sunday's Simple Solutions for Stress-free living Part 3

So more awesome tips to integrate slowly into your life to make it richer yet simpler and more stress-free!

Always opt for comfort
If you don't love it, live without it
Let Mother Nature nurture
Don't answer your phone during dinner
Stop trying to please everybody
Start pleasing yourself
Stay away from negative people
Nurture friendships
Approach problems as challenges
Honor your aspirations.


From Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Inequality For All now playing at the Glen Art Theater

Inequality For All: A fastinating look into high-level macro-economics by the former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, in easy-to-understand terms. Thos goes beyond the "blame game" and into what's really going on in our economy. 9/10

We just saw Inequality For All at the Glen Art Theater in downtown Glen Ellyn. The film is currently playing a full schedule there, this isn't a one-off event. I highly recommend going  to see it.

Regards,

Dan Stafford

He said what?! You'll be surprised who, too. Leave a message now and call again on MOn


DuPage County,
On Fox News Sunday, Senator Dick Durbin said he was open to cutting Social Security and explained:
"Social Security is gonna run out of money in 20 years. The Baby Boom generation is gonna blow away our future. We don't wanna see that happen."
Huffington Post points out, "Social Security will not run out of money in 20 years. The program currently enjoys a surplus of more than $2 trillion."
We expect false facts and a push to cut Social Security benefits from Republicans, but not from Democrats like Dick Durbin.
Can you call Senator Durbin and tell him to draw a line the sand during negotiations with Republicans -- no cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits?
Senator Durbin is on the key committee for the budget talks, and negotiations begin soon. That's why he needs to hear from us now.
Thanks for being a bold progressive.
-- Kimberly Fountain, Campaign Director


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Paid for by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee PAC (www.BoldProgressives.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions to the PCCC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Plenty of Weekend Left. Spooky and Fun DuPage Events!

SPOOKY FAMILY FUN IN DUPAGE COUNTY THIS WEEKEND Vampire bat
 
SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE EDITION
 
It is hard to believe it is almost Halloween. We are having such great weather this weekend I thought I would see what’s going on in DuPage County. This weekend offers an astounding array of Halloween events and activities that will surprise and delight all ages.  Have fun and enjoy!
 
Trick or TreesPlay tricky games, fashion fun fall crafts and plant a tree seed to take home as your treat in the Children's Garden. Small pumpkins to paint will also be available for purchase. Free with Arboretum admission, weather permitting. Weekends in October at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
 
Naperville Bites and Sites ToursEnjoy a culinary and cultural experience walking through Naperville's historic neighborhood. One delicious taste at a time! You will sample some great food and drink tastings from family run restaurants and shops. Along the way, you will discover hidden works of art, downtown Naperville, the riverwalk and fun facts on the rich history that makes Naperville amazing. 5th Avenue Station in Naperville.
 
Pumpkin FestCosley Zoo is a feast for the senses during the month of October. Breathe in the crisp fall air as you enter the zoo through a cornstalk-lined path, hear the crunch of the leaves underneath your feet, listen to the squeals of excitement from the children conquering the straw pyramid or finding their way through the corn stalk tunnel, and take in the thousands of pumpkins scattered on the zoo's lawn. Apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks, and various sizes of straw bales are available to purchase. Be sure and check out the fall merchandise in the Wild Side Gift Shop, also. Proceeds from your purchases benefit the continued development of Cosley Zoo in Wheaton.
 
Asylum Xperiment Haunted AttractionThe Asylum Xperiment Haunted Attraction terrorizes you from above and below inside the largest haunted attraction in Chicagoland, with over 45,000 Scare Feet of Terror, and 100+ creatures, zombies and freaks! The hairs on the back of your neck will stand up, and you will experience the unmistakable smells of decay and evil, as you snake through all new twists, turns, scares, and award-winning special effects. Voted #1 Haunted House in the entire state of Illinois, The Asylum Xperiment, returns bigger and better with select dates Thursdays through Sundays during the month of October. Not suitable for kids under age 13. Special group rates and food and beverage packages available. Call for details. Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park
 
Haunted Heights Haunted HouseThe Village of Glendale Heights is bringing all of the horror characters back - Freddie, Chucky, Jason, and Pinhead will be waiting for you! So, if you enjoy things that go bump in the night, monsters, spiders, snakes, and ghosts, come to the Aquatic Center and take a stroll through your worst nightmares! Friday, October 25, 7-10pm. Saturday, October 26, 7-10pm. Saturday, October 26, 3-5pm (Lights-On Tour). Sunday, October 27, 7-9:30pmThursday, October 31, 7-9:30pm. Our Haunted House is not recommended for young children who are afraid of the dark. You should not participate if you are pregnant; have claustrophobia, prone to seizures, or have heart or respiratory problems. GH2O-Glendale Heights Aquatic Center in Glendale Heights.
 
Elmhurst City Centre's Boo-tiful Saturday 10/26/13Bring the family to the heart of downtown Elmhurst for a free movie at the York Theatre, pumpkin patches and trick or treating for kids 12 and under at all your favorite merchants. Trick or Treating hours are from 11 am to 1 pm. Elmhurst City Centre in Elmhurst.
 
Halloween Festival & Trick or Treating 10/26/13Join us for our 3rd annual Halloween Festival with more activities for the children and fun prizes for kids and adults! Trick or Treating will be from 1:30 - 3:00 pm at designated businesses ("Trick or Treat Here" sign will be posted at participating businesses on Villa Avenue). The Festival in Cortesi Square will be from 1:30 - 3:00 pm with games & prizes, costume contest registration, & a food vendor. The costume contest & drawing will be from 3:00 - 4:00 pm for children ages 0-12 years. The prize drawing will be for Family Gift Baskets (Winners must be present). Old Town Villa Park in Villa Park.
 
Itasca Halloween Celebration 10/26/13Families, come and enjoy an afternoon of exciting Halloween activities. A petting zoo, pony rides, games, pumpkin decorating, hay rides, crafts and a Non-Spook walk are among some of the free and fun activities. The event will be held at the Springbrook Nature Center in Itasca. Participants are encouraged to bring items or a donation for the Itasca Food Pantry. Springbrook Nature Center in Itasca.
 
Screech Cinema 10/26/13Join us for an evening outdoors watching "FRANKENWEENIE" a PG Rated family movie at the Springbrook Nature Center from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Dress warm and bring a blanket! The movie will start at 7pm. Enjoy a fire at the fire ring. Concessions will be available. Springbrook Nature Center in Itasca.
 
Zurko Promotions - 3rd Annual "Haunted Halloween" Flea Market 10/26/13Featuring "Horror Movie Stars," guests & celebrities, live music, a costume ball, thousands of holiday treasures, ghoulish encounters, and lots more fun! DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.
 
For further event dates go to:  http://www.discoverdupage.com
 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

iL Single Payer Coalition Presents "Mercy Killers". Get your free tickets today.




Illinois Single Payer Coalition and the American Theater Company
proudly present:

Mercy Killers 
Reserve your (free) tickets now

 
Mercy Killers, written and performed by Michael Milligan, directed by Tom Oppenheim, has won a prestigious First Fringe Award from The Scotsman for best new writing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival:
“…thoroughly moving" and "...theatre distilled to its most basic essentials” (The Scotsman).

If you are trying to understand health care in America, see Mercy Killers.

Mercy Killers is a one-man theater piece taken from the collected stories of people suffering financial disaster on top of chronic illnesses. After hearing many horror stories of the American health care system, Michael Milligan (whose Broadway credits include August: Osage Country, La Bête, and Jerusalem) works to put a human face on what he perceives to be a national tragedy.
“… a surprisingly tender love story,
Mercy Killers stands out as some of the best theatre at the Fringe.”
-TV BOMB


October 30 thru November 2nd, 8 PM;  Nov. 3rd, 2 pm
American Theater Company (ATC)
1909 W. Byron, Chicago

Free, donations will be split btw ATC and Mr. Milligan
Discussion following each performance
 
Reserve your free seats online or by phone:    

Visit  ATC  http://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/atc/eventcalendar

 OR CALL ATC Box office at: 773.409.4125
Box Office Hours:
Monday through Fridaynoon to 6pm
Saturdays: 1pm to 8pm (on performance days)
Sundays: noon to 5pm (on performance days)
More about Mercy Killers  THE
 STORY: Joe loves apple pie, Rush Limbaugh, the 4th of July and his wife, Jane. He is blue-collar, corn-fed, made in the USA and proud, but when his uninsured wife is diagnosed with cancer, his patriotic feelings and passion for the ethos of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are turned upside down. In Mercy Killers, a new one-man play, Joe struggles with the uniquely American experience of losing your health in the land of plenty.
“Michael Milligan’s Mercy Killers is a powerful teaching tool to deliver the emotional impact of how our healthcare system chews up and spits out so many Americans. This masterfully written and performed play displays the agonizing, dehumanizing suffering needlessly imposed on decent people by a system that turns healthcare into a market commodity instead of a basic human right. Mercy Killers poignantly demonstrates how rugged individualism can’t compete with diseases and expenses that can strike down anyone.”
BUDDY ROBINSON, CO-COORDINATOR, GREATER MINNESOTA HEALTH CARE COALITION

See Teaser or Trailer 1
See notice in the Tribune
Help Support ISPC's Single Payer work.  Donate Now Here.

Or by check: made out to ISPC, and mail to: 29 E. Madison, St. Suite 602, Chicago, IL 60602
Your help is needed and appreciated.

Copyright © 2013 Illinois Single Payer Coalition, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed our petition supporting Illinois' Single Payer (Medicare for All) bill, HB 942.
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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Thank you, Bill Foster; giving Credit when due!


DuPage County... Can you sign our card thanking Rep. Bill Foster for standing firm during the shutdown? Click here to sign.
Thanks -- Amanda

Rep. Bill Foster is standing united with his colleagues to stare down Tea Party extremists during the shutdown.

Last week, Paul Ryan announced the budget "deal" he will push as House Budget Chair -- cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits. 
Unfortunately, the White House proposed Social Security cuts in their own budget, and there will likely be pressure on Democrats in Congress to go along.
Cutting Social Security or Medicare benefits would hurt seniors and veterans throughout Illinois. It would also be political suicide for Democrats just as taking back the House has come within reach.
Bill Foster deserves to know his constituents thank him for standing firm during the shutdown -- and will stand with him in opposing Paul Ryan's "deal" to cut Social Security and Medicare.

Thanks for being a bold progressive.
-- Amanda Johnson, PCCC Campaign Director


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Paid for by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee PAC (www.BoldProgressives.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions to the PCCC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Recent Review of Suburban and Statewide candidates

Suburban and Statewide Candidates
SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE EDITION
Quinn, Democrats drum up support in suburbs (all)
Gov. Pat Quinn, speaking to a room full of suburban Democrats, said on Sunday that one key to future prosperity for the state is that everyone be given the opportunity to share in the success. "Our state will move forward only if everybody's in, and no one's left out," he said. Quinn was the keynote speaker at a meet-the-candidates breakfast and fundraiser hosted Sunday by Schaumburg Area Democrats, a political group that raises awareness of Democratic candidates.
The primary election will be held March 18, with the general election on Nov. 4. "It promises to be a tough fight, but we'll be ready for it," Quinn said. Other politicians who spoke during Sunday's breakfast included current Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, who will run next year for state comptroller; state Sen. Mike Frerichs, who will run for state treasurer; state Rep. Michelle Mussman, who will run for a third term in the 56th House District; Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Clerk David Orr, both of whom will try to retain their posts; and a slate of three candidates for the board of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago — incumbent Frank Avila and newcomers Josina Morita and Tim Bradford.
  
GOP governor candidates in Bloomingdale: It's about beating Quinn (all)
All four GOP candidates running for governor agree that one way to fix Illinois' problems is to get a Republican in the executive mansion.On Tuesday night, they each addressed a room full of suburban Republicans to make their case for why they have what it takes to defeatDemocrat Gov. Pat Quinn next year. During Tuesday night's event, which was organized by the DuPage County Republican Party, Rutherford stressed that Quinn should never ever be underestimated.
84th District Seat – House of Representatives
Naperville businessman Krishna Bansal is the first Republican to enter the spring primary race for the 84th District seat in the state House of Representatives. The 84th House seat is held by Aurora Democrat Stephanie Kifowit and the district includes portions of Naperville, Aurora, Montgomery, Oswego and Boulder Hill.http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20131015/news/710159830/
11th District Seat - House of Representatives
Republican state Rep. Darlene Senger has a large fundraising lead in her race for Congress in the March primary election. Democratic U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, however, has far more campaign cash than any of his potential GOP challengers.http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20131015/news/710159768/
8th District Seat - House of Representatives
Red) Congressmen Davis and Schock endorse Goel in 8th CD race “Despite a record of voting Democrat and a residence outside the district, GOP candidate for the 8th Congressional District Manju Goel claims in a new pamphlet (below) that she has the backing of Illinois Congressmen Aaron Schock and Rodney Davis. While sources tell Illinois Review another Republican may enter the primary in early November, Goel is currently the only GOP candidate to announce a bid to challengeDemocrat Rep. Tammy Duckworth. …”
Naperville September political contributions
I’d like to thank Paul Sjordal for allowing me to use information from his in-depth newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy of Paul’s newsletter you can contact him at: psjordal@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Sunday's Simple Solutions for Stress-free living Part 2

More tips for a simpler, healthier, more interesting and fulfilling life (Who doesn't want that?):

Always carry something interesting to read
Breathe deeply and often
Move--walk, dance, run, find a sport you love
Drink lots of pure spring water
Eat only when you are hungry
If it's not delicious, don't eat it.
Be instead of Do
Set aside one day a week for rest and renewal
Laugh more often
Luxuriate in your senses!

From Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach

You won't believe what we could have bought for the cost of the Shutdown!

Nine things that cost less than the government shutdown

 
 Stephen Brashear / Getty Images file
You could buy 83 Dreamliner's, and it still wouldn't add up to the cost the government shutdown had on the economy over the past 16 days
So, with that whopping number in mind, here are nine things that are less than the cost of our government being shut down for a mere two weeks and two days:
IBM's third-quarter revenues.
The American Red Cross's total yearly operating expenses... multiplied by seven.
The revenues from two and a half NFL seasons.
The Yankees payroll, 100 times over.
The annual GDP for El Salvador.
83 Boeing Dreamliner planes.  NASA's  budget.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Running the International Space Station for just under 8 years                                                                                                                                            6,315 Super Bowl ads.
 
To read totals: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/17/21009104-nine-things-that-cost-less-than-the-government-shutdown?lite

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Did You know that Yesterday – October 15-- was Ada Lovelace Day?

Ada Lovelace, First Computer Programmer
 
SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE EDITION
 
I receive many newsletters to find information I believe will be interesting to you.  I know we are reacting to the government shutdown and debt ceiling now. We post many pieces on this ourselves. So, I try to look for articles of interest for that quick, brief Calgon moment – Take me away.  This may be directed more to the females interest but it may spark an interest in the male – who just doesn’t believe it.  I will admit I did not know some of these facts. It is apparent woman have been fighting for their rightful spot in the workplace as far back as the 1800’s – it is time to stop erasing these women from their great works.
 

Ladies Last: 8 Inventions by Women That Dudes Got Credit For

From computer programming to nuclear fission to the paper bag machine, it's time to stop erasing these women from their great works.

October 15 is Ada Lovelace Day, named for the world's first computer programmer and dedicated to promoting women in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math. A Victorian-era mathematical genius, Lovelace was the first to describe how computing machines could solve math problems, write new forms of music, and much more, if you gave them instructions in a language they could understand. Of course, over the ensuing 100-plus years, dudes have been lining up to push her out of the picture. 
Lovelace is hardly the only woman to be erased from the history of her own work. Here's a quick look at eight women whose breakthroughs were marginalized by their peers.

To read more on Ada Lovelace, computer programming: Rosalind Franklin, discovery of the DNA double helix: Margaret Knight, paper bag machine: Elizabeth Magie, Monopoly: Judy Malloy, hypertext fiction: Lise Meitner, nuclear fission: Candace Pert, opioid receptor: Martha Coston, signal flares: http://www.motherjones.com/media/2013/10/ada-lovelace-eight-inventions-women-erasure-credit

I am sure this isn't a complete list - If there is someone you would like me to research and post on our BlogSpot – please leave the name in our comment section and I will do my best for you.
 
 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Crippling Effect of Over-thinking. Everything.


By Matt Cheuvront (lifewithoutpants.com)

I almost didn’t write this. But then I did.

Over-thinking. I do it all the time. I’m doing it right now — right now as I write this, having not even been awake for half an hour.
The more I mature into my role as an entrepreneur — as a leader — as someone who’s still “growing up” — the more I continue to understand the importance of action. We’re all thinkers — some deeper than others — but very few of us are true men and women of action.We over-think because it’s a hell of a lot easier to wonder “what if?” than to prove, “why not?”
The funny thing is, we convince ourselves that the the “thinking” part is what’s most important. We use words like “intentional”, “strategic”, and “well-planned”. But what about words like “try”, “experiment”, and “fail”?
Intention is absolutely nothing without action.
You learn very, very little sitting back and thinking things through. The most I’ve grown — as an entrepreneur — as a writer — as a man — has been through simply giving things an old-fashioned try. When I’ve overcome the “thinking” stage and haven’t been afraid of failing, what other people will think, or if it has already been done before. As my good friend and colleague Brett said recently:
“Why guess at the right move behind the curtains when you can learn in real time? Why worry over the right direction when you can focus on aligning your efforts with the values of your brand? Do this and the direction isn’t the distinction any more — it’s your ability to press the pedal to the floor when other brands are still idling at the line. So go. Tweak and refine the approach once you’re running the race.”
I’m inspired by those out there who simply keep trying. They keep tinkering. They keep iterating. Their writing may not be well-articulated or the topics even clearly defined, but they write. Their product may have inconsistencies and flaws, but they ship. Their services may be a little confusing and ambiguous,but they put themselves out there for the world to see.
Ask yourself, would you rather be someone who’s willing to roll the dice, experiment, possibly fail but maybe — just maybe — become wildly successful — or someone who constantly over-thinks and is stuck behind “what if?”“maybe later”, and “I need more time to plan”?
This is my first post on Medium. When I fired up this blank page, I was over-thinking what I should write about. I almost didn’t write anything. But then I did.
Here’s to leaving behind “almost did” and pushing forward, no matter how much it might suck or how imperfect it may be, as someone who “did”.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Shutdown Sunday's Simple Solutions for Stress-free living Part 1

Since we are posting this in advance, we can all hope the shutdown is over by now and has been for days. Whether it is or not, here are some tips worth clipping and putting on your fridge about how to thrive in your life and keep the stress down to an absolute minimum.

Cultivate Gratitude
Carve out an hour a day for solitude
Begin each day with a prayer, meditation or reflection
Keep your house picked up
Don't overschedule
Strive for realistic deadlines
Don't make promises you can't keep
Allow an extra half hour for everything you do
Create quiet surroundings in your home and work space
Go to be at 9:00 twice a week

From Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach
Come back next Sunday for Part 2 though surely cooler heads will prevail in Congress by then.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Sandy's Lighthouse Edition


SANDY’S LIGHTHOUSE EDITION
 
We are plagued with the fact our government has shut down over the Affordable Healthcare Act. Buried among this is - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. As this day begins, we have looming over us the fact there are people trying very hard to take away the precautionary measures ALL woman have the right to. We can not let the government shut down over shadow this very important issue.
 
The most honest, intimate breast cancer stories you’ll hear this year    © Redbook // © Redbook
Speaking out and listening in are the real forces behind breast cancer awareness. These stories — and the countless others told every day — soothe grief, spur action, and save lives.StoryCorps captures and celebrates the conversations that bond us all.  Talk about a shared experience at a recording studio in your area (find a location at storycorps.org) Or download the organization’s Do-It-Yourself Instruction Guide.  You can also check out their new book, Ties That Bind: Stories of Love and Gratitude From the First Ten Years of StoryCorps, out this month.


"You can handle anything"
Gordon and Vicky Wight, Houston
Just six weeks after this married couple's second daughter was born, Vicky was diagnosed with breast cancer. Their conversation was recorded 13 months after her double mastectomy...

Friday, October 11, 2013

Call now: Make history on ENDA! Even the GOP is listening.


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