Happy Valentine’s Day

I don’t really have a lot of time for blogging right now, what with still “sort of” living between two counties and working full-time (add to that the car breaking down continuously, my poochie’s diabetes giving us grief with not wanting to regulate, and my computer still not being hooked up and functional), BUT I did want to spread a little love today and wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Birthday, Bob Marley!

Can’t believe I almost forgot that today, February 6th, would have been Bob Marley’s 63rd birthday (my math might be a tad off).  What an incredible legacy of music and positive energy this amazingly talented man left us all in his very short life.  Thank you, Bob!

Here’s not only my favorite Bob Marley song (and there are SO MANY to choose from), but also my fave song PERIOD.  This song, Three Little Birds, can absolutely change my mood the minute the first notes hit my ears.  Love, love, LOVE it!

35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

“I hope every woman in this country, whether they agree with Roe or they disagree with Roe, whether they themselves would make one decision or another, will come together and say: Pro-choice means that the Government respects the individual, and isn’t that really what our country is all about?” ~Senator Barbara Boxer

Today is the 35th anniversary of one of the most important legal decisions for women in our country, and one well worth taking time to acknowledge. Unfortunately it’s quite easy to be lulled into a false sense of security that Roe v. Wade will always hold firm, but there are many people opposed to a woman’s constitutional right to privacy and to her right to make her own decisions regarding her health and safety. We must remain vigilant against the chipping away of women’s rights by anti-choice groups and their ability to work their viewpoints into our government and legal system. Happy Anniversary, women!

From Planned Parenthood:

35th Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade Decision

The 35^th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision, legalizing abortion nationwide, is one of the most powerful reminders that the struggle to protect women’s health and safety continues. Reproductive freedom is still a political target for extremists, and the battle isn’t just being waged over abortion, but over access to contraception and medically accurate sex education.The best way to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies is to make contraception accessible and affordable and provide young people with comprehensive sex education that helps them make responsible decisions about their reproductive health.

To commemorate 35 years since Roe, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Planned Parenthood’s advocacy and political arm, is launching a One Million Strong Campaign to mobilize people who care about women’s health and get one million people to the polls in 2008.

With One Million Strong, Planned Parenthood Action Fund will

• make women’s health issues a campaign priority for all the candidates
• and defeat ballot initiatives in communities across America

Visit the Planned Parenthood Action Fund website today to find out more about how you can become involved and join the campaign.

For more information background on Roe v. Wade and its impact over the past 35 years, refer to the links below:

• The History and Impact of Roe v. Wade
• Why Abortion Must Remain Legal: Interviews with Voices of Choice Participants
• Roe’s Global Impact
• Global Illegal Abortion: Where There Is No “Roe“: An Examination of the Impact of Illegal Abortion Around the World Issue Brief
• For Teens: Standing Up for Choice

Thanks for the season, San Diego Chargers!

While this season didn’t end the way any die-hard Chargers fan would like (sigh), it was great fun to hope for a trip to the big game, and to see San Diego County come together with some serious Chargers Pride. Our team ironed out a lot of kinks this season, from huge coaching changes to injuries and shifting of players, and as trite and cliche as it sounds, everyone better watch out for us next year!

THANK YOU CHARGERS!!!!

PS As much as I can’t stand Tom Brady and do not like the Patriots, I DO hope they win ONLY so that our Oceanside, CA, hometown boy Junior Seau, can get a well-deserved Super Bowl ring. On the other hand…

Let’s go CHARGERS! Fingers crossed for Bolts over Pats (video)

Sunday’s the day, and on any given Sunday ANY team can win, so naysayers step aside and allow my San Diego Chargers to exhibit their skills, and play some serious, hard-hitting, play-making football against the New England Patriots. (Sorry, Junior Seau, as someone who pretty much grew up in Oceanside, too, I’ll always love #55, but gotta stay true to the Bolts. ;))

Despite our boys being banged up for the game (especially Rivers, Tomlinson, Gates), if they can all come together and rally as the cohesive unit they showed themselves to be in the game last week against the Indianapolis Colts, and have Jackson, Turner, Sproles, Cromartie, and Chambers step up to the plate, with Merriman and our defense putting the pressure on Brady, then there is no way anyone can guarantee who will win until the final seconds tick off the clock.

Regardless of the outcome, I’m very excited to see how far our team has come after massive changes with the coaching staff, and a very sluggish start. Here’s hoping that after the game is done on Sunday, San Diego Chargers fans everywhere will be prepping for one heck of a Super Bowl showdown. GO CHARGERS!!!!!

 

Mitt Romney’s “semantics” (video)

Are the same sheep that blindly followed the flock and voted GWB in for 8 years the same ones that are clueless enough to be voting for Mitt Romney?!?!  The more I see of this guy (the hits just keep on coming after finding out about his putting his dog on his car roof for a 12 hour drive) the more I’m amazed that folks actually only pay enough attention to notice the semi-good looks and not enough attention to listen to the words that come out of his mouth.  Scary stuff, folks, scary stuff.

Catch-up before heading out for a few days :)

Just finishing up making some Louisiana-style french toast (to die for!) before taking my youngest nephew to the doctor. Don’t Auntie Lala’s come in handy? Don’t you wish you had one? I’m afraid we’ve all been hit with those heebie-jeebies everyone is coming down with lately; the headache (or as said nephew reports “My brain hurts!”, hence the band-aid on the forehead in the picture), the achiness, the overall feeling of crappiness (my highly technical term ;)). He was down with it last week, rebounded, then it made its triumphant return, as it seems to be doing with all of us. Ick.

Keep your fingers crossed I don’t pick it back up again, too, because yours truly is starting work again on Thursday…woo-hoo! Nothing like NOT working to make you feel totally unproductive. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the past couple months have BEYOND sucked, so working again is definitely a step in the right direction, especially since I’ll be getting to work with one of my very good buds.

And another situation which affected me and my life in ways I can’t even begin to describe over the last few months has THANKFULLY had a surprising positive twist this past weekend, one which I could NOT be happier about–very happy heart, VERY happy heart. But with the good usually comes some bad, as was the case here. It really hurts to find out that someone you didn’t really know very well, but someone you had high regard for and who had interacted with you in only the most positive manner before, ends up doing something you still can’t wrap your brain around, and something that you just can’t imagine anyone with a heart or even an ounce of compassion doing under any circumstances, especially knowing the ones I was in. I know I need to let it go, and I will, but right now I’m extremely hurt, disappointed, and shocked, since I know full well I was in no way deserving of the action on his part, nor of the consequences. That being said, the good ultimately outweighs the bad in the entire scenario because I have a really important part of my life back, and he knows who he is.

On the political front I have to say that I really enjoyed the portions I saw of the Democratic debate in Nevada, since I felt it actually gave us a chance to hear what the candidates had to say without all the snarkiness. The flare-up with the racial comments over the past days in the Obama and Clinton camps have been very disturbing and frustrating to see take place in the Democratic Party; the party that is supposed to be not only inclusive of all but a champion for all. (Yes, I quite often wear rose-colored glasses.) I’ve read some really interesting discussions over on Skeptical Brotha’s blog, and elsewhere, so I do understand both sides of the story. It’s just sad to see that racial divisiveness still has such a firm hold in our country. Call me naive but I just don’t get it, I just don’t. It takes so much more energy to hate someone than to live with and learn from the diversity that surrounds us. I hope the democrats can get their act together because I would truly be happy with any of the main democratic candidates running, and know that we need to come together as a party to prepare for the attack on our candidate in the general election by the Republican Party. Got your armor ready?

Speaking of the republicans, what in the heck is Michigan (or anyone voting for Romney!) thinking by allowing even the remotest possibility of this man becoming president? Who on earth is going to want some man who, with forethought, did this? ARGH!

Guess that’s it for now. I don’t have a laptop so having any puter access until the weekend will probably be slim-to-none, so just thought I’d post this little catch-up until then. Have a great week everyone, and STAY HEALTHY!

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr.

It goes without saying that we should celebrate and live Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of nonviolence, coexistence, and civil rights for all, each and every day of the year, and not just just on his birthday (today) or on the federal Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrated the 3rd Monday of each January (this year 1/21/0 . That being said, and considering the headlines of the past few days regarding the Clinton and Obama camps divisive comments regarding race (don’t get me started on that mess), I think that taking at least today and MLK Day to reflect on the mission and life’s work of MLK, Jr., is something we ALL would be advised to do. One would hope that this introspective reflection would continue well past these two celebratory days set aside to give thanks and appreciation to MLK, and become an integral and commonplace part of each of our lives. There truly is so much joy to be had in reveling in the diversity of us all.

Here is the post I did last year on this day. Peace.

MUST SEE: A reminder of Martin Luther King’s message

I think we all need a reminder of the message behind the day, behind the man. Here are a couple videos WELL worth a look. Also included is a link to the History Channel’s page dedicated to Dr. King, and a link to the lyrics of “Where is the Love?”, which is the song by the Black Eyed Peas playing over the images in the first video. Peace.

Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

 

San Diego Chargers beat Indy Colts 28-24: Football prognosticators can KISS MY LIGHTNING BOLT! (POD Chargers Anthem video)

Yeah baby, yeah baby, yeah baby!!! My San Diego Chargers came to play and play they did, NEVER allowing the much-favored Indianapolis Colts to run away with the lead, or to allow the raucous hometown crowd to get them down. It has been very frustrating to not have the Chargers receive the props they have deserved, and instead hear about how wonderful other teams are. Can we PUH-LEEZE finally give the San Diego Chargers a little credit and admit that they ARE a real football team, that they CAN come together to hang tough and pull out some serious wins, and that they ARE a team to be reckoned with and not some fluke? I’m anxious to read the write-ups about this game and see if ANYONE gives respect to my Bolts. (Boomer Esiason seemed to be the only one to give any kudos to the team at halftime on CBS…thanks Boomer!)

(VIDEO BELOW ADDED 1/20/07: Found this good video recap of the game when posting today’s blog entry about the Chargers/Pats game…enjoy!)

I’ll probably have more to add later, but just HAD to head over to give some major lovin’ to my boys from SD–thank you San Diego Chargers for representing 619 (760 and 858, too! ;)) as well as you have!!! While the video below of San Diego’s own POD (Payable On Death) performing their “Chargers Anthem” at a Chargers rally isn’t of very good quality, that sooooo doesn’t matter since it goes above and beyond expressing the enthusiasm and support of San Diego Chargers fans for their team. Watch out Patriots, do NOT underestimate us because we’re heading your way to ruin your perfect record!

Chargers Anthem lyrics

San Diego Chargers, Chargers

The west coast is back, better respect the name.
It’s the San Diego Chargers, feel the lightning bang.
Kill the hype we reign, S.D. runnin this game.
This is 619 straight born and raised.

This ain’t no fad or phase, this is Cali for life.
We gon’ rally tonight, so pump your fists till you get it right.
And keep it real so all of Diego can feel you.
But for now, sing the anthem so the whole world can hear you.

San Diego Chargers!
San Diego come on, come on!
Chargers!
San Diego come on!

San Diego Chargers!
San Diego where you at? come on!
Chargers!
San Diego where you at?

Stay true to your hood, don’t betray your roots.
East, West, North, South, Diego know your roots.
Fly your flag through the city, cause we callin all crews.
All you Diego dedicated rock your yellow’s and blue’s.

It’s the West Coast, California resurrection.
America’s finest city with border-line connections.
You can have your Raider Nation cause we ready for war.
It’s the San Diego Chargers takin over the world.

And we still Raider hatin’
San Diego Chargers!
South side come on, come on!
Chargers!
South side come on!

San Diego Chargers!
East side where you at east side?
Chargers!
East side where you at? come on!

San Diego Chargers!
North side come on!
Chargers!
North side come on, come on!

San Diego Chargers!
Everybody on the west side
Chargers!
Everybody on the west side

San Diego Chargers!
West Coast are you with me?
Chargers!
West Coast are you with me?

San Diego Chargers!
West Coast where you at? where you at?
Chargers!
West Coast where you at? where you at?

Good luck to my underdogs-San Diego Chargers and Seattle Seahawks!

Just putting some “good luck vibes” out into the universe in the hope they work well for my 2nd favorite football team, the Seattle Seahawks (I’m a Seattle-born gal) against the Green Bay Packers today, and for my FAVORITE TEAM, the San Diego Chargers (grew up in San Diego County) against the Colts tomorrow. Both of my teams have been deemed the underdogs by most of those who are supposedly “in the know” (cough-cough), but quite honestly being the underdog is a place I’d much rather be. Here’s hoping both teams surprise everyone (well, other than their fans who always have faith ;)) and rack up big wins this weekend.

Old news worth repeating: Mitt Romney straps dog carrier WITH DOG INSIDE to roof of car and drives for 12 hours! (video)

Apparently the story of Mitt Romney making a conscious choice back in 1983 to take a 12-hour car trip with his Irish Setter, Seamus, in a dog carrier attached to the roof of the Romney station wagon was first made public last summer as part of a Boston Globe article, and honestly I can’t believe I didn’t hear about it then. I was recently made aware of the unbelievable, yet true, story while reading “The Presidential Files: Evaluating the Elephants” on the Humane Society Legislative Fund blog. I have to assume there are others who are as blissfully ignorant about the situation as I was, so I feel a strong need to post links to the story for them below.

• Journeys of a Shared Life-Boston Globe
  • Before beginning the drive, Mitt Romney put Seamus, the family’s hulking Irish setter, in a dog carrier and attached it to the station wagon’s roof rack. He’d built a windshield for the carrier, to make the ride more comfortable for the dog.
• Dog on Roof? What Was It Like for Romney’s Pooch?-ABC News
  • “It would be one thing if someone put it down or forgot and then drove 50 feet and realized what they did,” said Kaplan. “I don’t know anyone who would purposefully do that to a dog.”
• Romney’s Cruel Canine Vacation-Time
  • The incident: dog excrement found on the roof and windows of the Romney station wagon. How it got there: Romney strapped a dog carrier — with the family dog Seamus, an Irish Setter, in it — to the roof of the family station wagon for a twelve hour drive from Boston to Ontario, which the family apparently completed, despite Seamus’s rather visceral protest.
• Romney-vs-PETA-Archy blog
  • “He scrambled up there every time we went on trips,” Romney said at a campaign stop in Pittsburgh Thursday. “He got it all by himself and enjoyed it.”

After reading the various articles on the situation I have to seriously wonder what kind of moron straps his dog carrier on the roof of his car WITH THE DOG INSIDE, then proceeds to drive off on a twelve-hour family vacation road trip?!?! What on EARTH was this man thinking (see video below to see him ‘try’ to make sense of what he did…stupid is as stupid does…argh!) and what kind of example was he setting for his children inside the car, let alone the danger he put Seamus in on that long, miserable drive?!?! And why didn’t anyone who witnessed this abusive activity report it to someone? Come on folks, let’s take a little responsibility for not only ourselves but others (animals included) with whom we share this planet. Sheesh.

I say we strap Romney to the roof of a car for 12 hours, drive about 75 mph, and see how HE feels. And if he loses control of his bowels, as poor Seamus did, let’s do as Romney did and pull over to a gas station to hose him down, then hit the road again like nothing out of the ordinary is taking place. Now that I think about it, if we strapped Romney to the roof and started driving at a high speed I’m sure his plastered down and “perfect” hair would probably change the aerodynamics and send the car into some flying pattern. Hey, might that get Homeland Security a tad confused by this “UFO” and have them take some trigger-finger action? Hmmmm…. (And speaking of security, for the record, no, I do not buy the whole “Iranian boats antagonizing the US Navy” scenario; something fishy going on there, but we all know Georgie Boy wants to get us into war with Iran before he leaves office, so…)

• Introducing Seamus Romney, ‘Mr. Personality’-Political Intelligence/Boston Globe
  • She says he was such a social dog that he often left Mitt Romney’s Belmont home to visit his “dog friends” around town. “He kept ending up at the pound,” she says. “They were worried about him getting hit crossing the street.”

Seamus Romney

Not that I ever had any intention of even thinking of voting for Mitt Romney, but something as horrible as what he did would surely have given me pause for thought. I hope it does just that for anyone out there that might still believe this is the type of individual we want running our country. As much as I can’t stand George Bush, I cannot imagine even him doing something as cruel as what Mitt Romney did to Seamus. Shame on you, Mitt, shame on you!

MUST SEE: “Debate 2008: Road to the Greenhouse” PETA political spoof video

This video collaboration between PETA and Free Range Studios has some great moments in it (yes, even for you non-vegetarian folks ;)), along with some pretty funny “names” for the candidates and moderators. Take a peek, have some chuckles and enlightenment, and by all means–GO VEGETARIAN! (Order your FREE vegetarian starter kit here.)

Debate 2008: Road to the Greenhouse

For Sharon (and maybe a couple of guys ;)): Nightmare flashback “Forever Plaid”

Sorry Sharon, but I just could NOT help myself with this one! Yup, blame some of it on the champagne and feeling giddy from the good news today, but most of all on me just being a mischievous little wench. Couldn’t leave it at merely a mention of the television commercial and just HAD to seek out more ways to inflict pain on ya (and yes, me)–just impale me on those poles, or plungers, or whatever the heck they are! The audience seems about as enthralled as we were, oh so many years ago in Vegas. If I recall correctly, didn’t someone fall asleep. Seriously, the memories of the boredom are unfortunately flooding back to me in HUGE waves. Don’t say I never gave ya anything, babe.

Happy 1st Blogging Birthday to Me

Still not really feeling the blogging bug, kiddos (despite there being so much to blog about from the continuing WGA strike to politics), but since it was one year ago today that I first took the plunge (blog was named “If I only knew then… “) into the blogging world I just HAD to pop on over to acknowledge the occasion. It’s been odd to look back on the previous 168 posts and be reminded of the events I blogged about and the feelings they invoked in me and in others. Goes without saying that the pet food recall is really what put this lil’ ole blog on the WordPress map last spring, which was surprising to me and something I definitely never envisioned. This blog has never been about trying to get readers or hits, but more about me just having a venue to express my thoughts, frustrations, happiness, and of course share pictures of my poochies, past and present. And especially this time of year, to lament AND CHEER my San Diego Chargers and their play-off experiences. Here’s hoping this year my boys take it all the way after having put it to the Tennessee Titans last Sunday, beating them 16-7. Since we already beat the Colts this year, I’m sure we can take care of them again this coming Sunday–GO CHARGERS!

So I’ll close with a “Happy Birthday” video from Concrete Blonde, which I suppose could be me; am still in my pj’s at 9AM…just substitute the cat for my pooch Rudy, and her dark hair for my blond…am sure I can dig up some champagne to toast in the event..but rest assured I would NOT release any balloon into the air since it causes harm to not only our environment, but to wildlife. (Hey, if you didn’t know that last part about me from reading this blog over the past year, you’ve got more reading to do! ;)) I’m sending out a HUGE thank you to all that have popped over to SoCal Muchacha to read a blog entry, agree or disagree with me in the comment section, and who also put out so much interesting reading on their own blogs. Happy blogging everyone!

Happy 2008 everyone/Break time for me

The end of this miserable year known as 2007 CANNOT come soon enough for me–8 hours and counting! While there were some things for which I’m grateful (finally passing the CSET, the wonderful children I had for my student teaching experience, incredible friends who have stood by me, my dear Rudy, starting this blog on 1-8-07 and sharing it with so many, along with other positive events), this past month or so of dashed hopes, turmoil, loss, and sadness, in addition to other disappointments and struggles over the past year, has me BEYOND anxious for the beginning of a new year and all that it can hold. Yes, I realize that January 1st of ANY year is just a date on a calendar and that if we choose to have new beginnings in our life we can (and should) start at any moment of any day in any month, but I’ll stick with my somewhat naive way of thinking that 12:01 AM on 1-1-08 WILL be my new, fresh beginning. For me it will represent being atop a mountain looking out on a sunny, green, peaceful and happy landscape known as 2008, with a quick look over my shoulder at something akin to a dark and dreary, war-torn past known as 2007.

It is with this intention of doing things better and to completion, that I’ve imposed an online break for myself. I haven’t been blogging on a consistent basis lately anyway, but when I do blog it does take time, and right now, with the current major upheaval in my life, it’s time I know I need to spend prioritizing areas of my life, and living to my full potential. In a way I feel like a parent telling their child that they can’t go out to play until their homework is done. At this particular point in my life “homework” equates with “figuring sh*t out”, and play is spending time online whether it’s blogging or reading many other fine blogs out there (see my blogroll ;)).

So, my friends, I leave for this mini-break (mind you, knowing me it might only be a few days! ;)) hoping you all have not only a happy and safe New Year’s Eve, but a new year filled with happy moments, appreciation for life, special people (and pets!) to share it with, and the fulfillment of dreams you’ve tucked way for too long, which you will NOW (hopefully) pull out for 2008. Take care, and I’ll see you soon!

Snowing in SoCal (thanks WordPress ;))/Tracking Santa with NORAD/Chargers spank the Broncos/Eartha Kitt “Santa Baby” (video)

Hope everyone who celebrates Christmas is having an enjoyable Christmas Eve (more so than it appears my pooch Rudy did in the accompanying picture; rest assured his tail WAS wagging at the time), although for most of you it’s already Christmas. I’m coming down off of too much sugar, and a bit too much of the yummy Wilson Creek almond champagne, so thought I’d pop on over and post a quick blog.

My nephews and I have been tracking Santa Claus on NORAD tonight (really fun site I was turned onto last Christmas–thanks Donna!), and as pathetic as it sounds, even though they’ve just gone to bed I’m quite sure I’ll keep checking the updates and watching the videos. Hey, it’s fun to “be a kid” for a little bit. I suppose it’s that “wishful thinking” state which has me posting this video of Santa’s trip to Paris, France, since I’m hoping maybe one day I’ll be spending the holidays there myself. Hey, I DID say it was wishful thinking. Right now NORAD has Santa tracked in Tucson, Arizona, so at least he’s getting closer to good old SoCal.

Speaking of SoCal, thanks to WordPress I’m having a white Christmas without having to head up to the mountains. Until January 2nd, the good folks at WordPress are giving us the gift of blog snow. (Anyone else getting a visual from The Breakfast Club right now? lol)

We opened family gifts early since the Chargers were playing the Broncos on Monday Night Football. No way in heck we’d be focusing on what the kiddos were opening while the game was on, and the nephews had NO problems with being given a MUCH earlier gift opening time. I’m sure they’ll be hoping the Chargers play every Christmas Eve if it means getting at those presents earlier! I’m just wishing the Chargers had been playing as well all season as they did tonight in their dominance over the Denver Broncos (23-3). Always nice to pull out a win over a division rival.

Before I head off to “help Santa” with a last-minute request in a note my five-year-old nephew penned for the jolly old man in the red suit tonight (this is in addition to the note to the right asking for a guitar), I’ll leave you with a classic rendition of “Santa Baby” by the absolutely amazing, Ms Eartha Kitt. Thanks for sending it along to me, Janice–love it. Off to put on those elf ears!

Santa stopped from completing an important delivery

Perhaps if there were pictures instead of words he might read it? Nah, probably not.

My non-traditional holiday gift to you all: Ms Jackie Beat! (videos)

I promised Jackie Beat I wouldn’t post any of the videos I took of her FANTASTIC holiday show “Give ‘Til It Hurts” at Bourbon Street in San Diego on December 12th, until after her holiday tour ended. (We did agree on one I posted the day after the show.) Well folks, the tour was completed this past weekend in San Francisco, so yours truly is about to unload upon you several holiday gifts via the hilariously witty, somewhat twisted (in a very good way), and totally talented mind of drag queen superstar, Ms Jackie Beat. For those of you who haven’t heard of Jackie before, shame on you because I posted about her recently so that means you haven’t been a regular reader of this blog. Tsk-tsk. I will forgive you, though, and still share these little gems with you. Keep in mind that due to language and content they are TOTALLY for mature audiences only, and narrow-minded, homophobic, no-sense-of-humor folks also need not view. I’m sure those of you with such viewpoints can find some Jerry Falwell or Bill O’Reilly videos somewhere.

Here are a couple videos to tease you with, and quite honestly the most mild I can share on this blog. The first video is a prelude to the second, and shows precisely why I didn’t pop my hand up when Jackie asked who in the audience is straight. I know enough about Jackie’s equal-opportunity-offending sharp tongue to know that while its outcome is hilarious to watch, it’s not necessarily something I want to be on the wrong side of yet. The second video is Jackie’s version of “Silver Bells” titled “Go to Hell”–perfect holiday sentiment, no? (We’ll see what you say AFTER the holidays!) You can watch more of the videos here, then head over to Jackie’s web site to buy some CDs!

Okay, I gave you your gift, now where’s mine?

Jackie using a “straight prop” to set up “Go to Hell”

Jackie Beat-”Go to Hell”

Reactions to CIGNA’s part in Nataline Sarkisyan’s death (videos/links)

(***CIGNA response added below on 12/23***)How unfortunate it is that it takes the death of such a young individual, Nataline Sarkisyan, to get people to pull their heads out of the sand and realize how unfair and unjust the health care system is in the United States. We get Los Angeles television stations in my area and it goes without saying that this local, heartbreaking story has been topping all our newscasts. As horrible as it sounds to say, I am glad to see that this case and its dire results due to CIGNA’s horrific money-grubbing choices, is also getting the national (and international) attention it needs in order to garner action by those fed up with the constant stream of people dying much sooner than they need to–all in the name of insurance companies making a profit.

I blogged about Nataline’s passing shortly after hearing the news (including informational links and a video by her brother), but so much more information and responses are coming out, so I thought I’d create this blog entry to list them. I’m including in the California Nurses Association section below, a video they put together focusing on the fight on Nataline’s behalf on the day she died. The first video posted here is a CNN report. I’ll add more links and videos as I run across them.

“Too late for transplant“-CNN

California Nurses Association (CNA) web site:

• Read approval letter from CIGNA
• RN’s statement on death of Nataline Sarkisyan
• Legislative advocacy
• California Nurses Association YouTube channel

Real People DENIED Real Healthcare: Nataline Sarkisyan

CIGNA 12/21/07 statement-Press-Telegram

“Our deepest sympathies are with Nataline’s family. Their loss is immeasurable, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

“We deeply hope that the outpouring of concern, care and love that are being expressed for Nataline’s family help them at this time.”

What you “deeply hope” CIGNA, is that your callous disregard for human life exhibited in this case, and most assuredly countless others, does not come back to bite you in the ass. I, on the other hand, hope it most certainly does! Please allow me to take the first bite, on behalf of Nataline and all the others you have sent to an early grave.

Michael Moore web site:

• SiCKO (People from all areas of the political spectrum agree that this is a MUST SEE movie!)
• Statement from Michael Moore on the Death of Nataline Sarkisyan

December 22nd, 2007 4:19 pm

“Today I call upon the Los Angeles district attorney to investigate and consider bringing criminal homicide charges against CIGNA Health Care for their role in the death of Nataline Sarkisyan. If their decision was one of incompetence, then manslaughter charges should be filed. If it was a premeditated decision — where CIGNA knew in advance that Nataline would most likely die — then their corporate officers should be arrested and the full extent of the law brought to bear upon them.

“This is one more example why we not only need universal health care for all our citizens, but also to eliminate the concept of private, profit-driven ‘health care.’ Nearly every candidate running for president has a plan that leaves companies like CIGNA in charge. This must not happen and I call upon the democratic frontrunners to show some spine and say so.”

UCLA health care web site (Nataline had been a patient at Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA) :

• UCLA Medical Center statement on the death of Nataline Sarkisyan

12/21/2007 12:45:59 PM

Everyone at UCLA Medical Center — the administration, physicians and staff — are profoundly saddened by the death of Nataline Sarkisyan, as we are by the death of any child in our care. Our hearts go out to the Sarkisyan family and to everyone touched by her life.

• UCLA Medical Center doctors unavailable for comment (excerpt from Bereaved family to sue insurer after dispute over liver transplant-Boston Globe)

“In a Dec. 11 letter to Cigna, four doctors had appealed to the insurer to reconsider. They said patients in similar situations who undergo transplants have a six-month survival rate of about 65 percent.

The letter sent by the UCLA doctors questioned the company’s explanation that it does not cover experimental or unproven treatments, saying Nataline’s case was neither.

One of Nataline’s doctors, Robert Venick, declined to comment on her case. UCLA Medical Center staff refused to make her other doctors available for comment.”

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***ADDED 12/24/07***

CIGNA defends actions over denial of transplant-CBS2.com

In a memo sent to Cigna employees today, Cigna President David Cordani and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeffrey Kang said the company consulted its own experts who doubted the effectiveness of the procedure.

“In this case, rather than going through our standard method of appeal, we went directly to not one, but two independent experts in the field who agreed that the procedure in question, given the patient’s particular circumstances, would not have been an effective or appropriate treatment,” the pair wrote in the memo.

No way around it: CIGNA’s actions responsible for death of Nataline Sarkisyan (video/links)

I’m disgusted, saddened, frustrated, and heartbroken for the family and friends of 17-year-old, Northridge, CA resident, Nataline Sarkisyan. After what had to be the very definition of the ultimate emotional roller coaster day, tonight (12/20/07) family and friends of Nataline are grieving her passing. Earlier the same day, family, friends, and members of the California Nurses Association protested in front of CIGNA’s Glendale offices. About ten minutes into the protest, while Nataline’s mother was speaking, she was notified that CIGNA was making an “exception” and reversing their refusal to allow Nataline the liver transplant doctors said she desperately needed; with a liver transplant (a donor had been found when Nataline was in better shape) her chances of survival were 65%, without it she had NO chance of survival. Sadly Nataline’s condition worsened that same evening and she died.

I am so sick of hearing about innocent people who have been faced with the misfortune of ill health and disease, DYING because bean-counters and pencil-pushers make life and death decisions that should ONLY be made by doctors! When, oh when, are people going to become fed up with hearing painful stories such as this one, and FINALLY take action to FORCE our government, our politicians, and the health care community to change things?! It can be done, folks, and if you don’t believe me I IMPLORE YOU to watch Michael Moore’s SiCKO, especially the bonus features which show how Oslo, Norway has done it. France has health care for it’s citizens, England has done it, why in the ever loving HELL isn’t the country which is supposedly the leader of the free world, able to do it for THEIR OWN CITIZENS?! Oh wait, we know the answer to that and yes you can hear the same sounds I hear right now: ka-ching, ka-ching. It’s all about the almighty dollar, people, all about the money.

Sorry if this post might not be very focused, but when I heard the news Thursday night that Nataline had passed I just had to come here to let the emotions I’m feeling somehow pour themselves out via my keyboard. To have witnessed on television Nataline’s family being told that CIGNA was going to allow the transplant, right in the middle of the protest, then to be truly shocked to have the news come on hours later to report that Nataline had passed…well, it’s just something that’s made me pretty emotional. I have to note that as I flipped channels to catch the story on the various Los Angeles stations, I can honestly say that this is one of the few times where you could tell that each and every reporter was obviously personally affected by the heartbreaking news they were sharing with the viewers.

Please, please, PLEASE do whatever you can to help change our unfair and broken health care system, my friends. No more people should be denied access to life-saving health care just so the HMOs can continue to make money hand over fist.

Media

• Girl Dies While Awaiting Liver Transplant (good video covering day’s events)
• Cancer Survivor Dies After Transplant Is Approved (video)
• CIGNA, In Switch, To Fund Transplant

Take Action

• SiCKO
  • See ‘SiCKO’ for Free:
    December 28th at 6:30 PM in Hayward, Wisconsin
    December 29th at 2:00 PM in Bonham, Texas
    January 5th, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
    January 7th at 5:45 PM in Spring Hill, Florida
    January 29th All Day Long in Salt Lake City, Utah
• OneCareU.S.
• H.R. 676 information on Physicians for a National Health Program site
• Text of H.R. 676

***Added***

• I just found this video made by Nataline’s brother (who had recently donated bone marrow to her) which was posted on December 18th, 2007, two days prior to her death. What an obviously devoted brother she had!

Cigna Health Denies My 17 yr old sister’s Insurance Claim

• Cancer Girl’s Lawyer Blames CIGNA for Her Death-CBS2.com (comprehensive coverage/video)
• Lawsuit promised in transplant case -AP
• CIGNA profits increase 22% in 3Q-Philadelphia Business Journal
• Press release from the California Nurses Association regarding Nataline’s death and CIGNA:

For Immediate Release December 21, 2007

Print Text Only Tell-a-Friend

RN’s Statement on Death of Nataline Sarkisyan: ‘CIGNA Should Have Listened to Her Doctors And Approved the Transplant a Week Ago’ The California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee today blasted insurance giant CIGNA for failing to approve a liver transplant one week earlier for 17-year-old Nataline Sarkisyan, who tragically died last night just hours after CIGNA relented and agreed to the procedure following a massive national outcry. On Dec. 11, four leading physicians, including the surgical director of the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program at UCLA, wrote to CIGNA urging the company to reverse its denial. The physicians said that Nataline “currently meets criteria to be listed as Status 1A” for a transplant. They also challenged CIGNA’s denial which the company said occurred because their benefit plan “does not cover experimental, investigational and unproven services,” to which the doctors replied, “Nataline’s case is in fact none of the above.” “So what happened between December 11, when CIGNA denied the transplant, and December 20 when they approved? A huge outpouring of protest and CIGNA’s public humiliation. Why didn’t they just listen to the medical professionals at the bedside in the first place?” asked Geri Jenkins, RN, a member of the CNA/NNOC Council of Presidents who works in a transplant unit at the University of California San Diego Medical Center. On Thursday, CIGNA was bombarded with phone calls to its offices across the country while a rally sponsored by CNA/NNOC, with the substantial help of the local Armenian community, drew 150 people to the Glendale offices of CIGNA – all of which produced the turnaround by CIGNA to finally reverse its prior denial of care. CNA/NNOC Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro called the final outcome “a horrific tragedy that demonstrates what is so fundamentally wrong with our health care system today. Insurance companies have a stranglehold on our health. Their first priority is to make profits for their shareholders – and the way they do that is by denying care.” “It is simply not possible to organize major protests every time a multi-billion corporation like CIGNA denies care that has been recommended by a physician,” DeMoro said. “Having insurance is not the same as receiving needed care. We need a fundamental change in our healthcare system that takes control away from the insurance giants and places it where it belongs – in the hands of the medical professionals, the patients, and their families.”