Thank you, Senator Baucus. I am happy for everyone, the Senate, the people of the USA and President Obama. It's really going to happen.

The Compromise Bill will be very interesting. The House and Senate needs to pass their final bills and move it to committee to finalize the Bill the President will sign. I congratulate the Democrats for fighting and continuing to fight an incredibly uphill battle for so very long. This is a wonderful legacy to the memory of Senator Kennedy as well.

...The House version of the health legislation (click title to entry - thank you) would require some employers to pay as much as 8% of payroll as a fine if they don’t offer coverage to workers. Under the Senate Finance measure, employers who decline to provide coverage would face a smaller penalty, and in narrower circumstances.
The Senate Finance legislation — set to be unveiled on Wednesday — says employers with more than 50 full-time workers would pay a $400 fee for each employee if they don’t offer health insurance. The fee would be triggered if any employees apply for federal tax credits to buy coverage....

Health Care Insurance Reform. The nation wants it and physicans approve of it. Time to get it done !

...When polled, "nearly three-quarters of physicians supported some form of a public option (click here), either alone or in combination with private insurance options," says Dr. Salomeh Keyhani. She and Dr. Alex Federman, both internists and researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, conducted a random survey, by mail and by phone, of 2,130 doctors. They surveyed them from June right up to early September....

The majority in TWO physician opinion polls shows a consistency in favor of the Bill for Reform that includes BOTH private and public options. We need to get this done, the nation is waiting for it. Enough already.


...Overall, a majority of physicians (62.9%) supported public and private options (click title to entry - thank you) (see Panel A of graph). Only 27.3% supported offering private options only. Respondents — across all demographic subgroups, specialties, practice locations, and practice types — showed majority support (>57.4%) for the inclusion of a public option (see Table 1). Primary care providers were the most likely to support a public option (65.2%); among the other specialty groups, the “other” physicians — those in fields that generally have less regular direct contact with patients, such as radiology, anesthesiology, and nuclear medicine — were the least likely to support a public option, though 57.4% did so. Physicians in every census region showed majority support for a public option, with percentages in favor ranging from 58.9% in the South to 69.7% in the Northeast. Practice owners were less likely than nonowners to support a public option (59.7% vs. 67.1%, P<0.001),>

The squeakiest wheel gets the most attention. That would be the case with Health Care Insurance Reform in the USA. In more and more polls across the country there is considerable consent for reform. The poll above is from The New England Journal of Medicine's current issue of September 10, 2009. The country is reconciled to have reform, it is simply the noisest and least informed that are opposed to it.

...On health care reform Rasmussen reveals that a majority of people (51%) (click here) actually support reform as opposed to a minority (46%) that oppose. While Rasmussen still has a "large intensity gap" between the number strongly supporting reform and strongly opposing reform a ABC/Washington Post poll finds that gap closing. The Rasmussen numbers are nearly a new high for support and is tremendous jump from the lows of August when (53%) actually opposed reform...

I left off the review on Page 151, that is more than half way through the proposed legislation.

Page 151, lines 6 through 15 addresses the 'need to know' by the USA government of the nature of facilities that provide Long Term Care. This provision sets up the ability for the GAO (Government Accounting Office) to do so:

(c) GAO STUDY ON NURSING FACILITY UNDER CAPITALIZATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study that examines the following:
(A) The extent to which corporations that own or operate large numbers of nursing facilities, taking into account ownership type (including private equity and control interests), are
undercapitalizing such facilities.

This is a transparency measure so the people of the USA are aware of the structure of their health care system. One cannot sufficiently administer correct policy to reduce costs while still maintaining high quality health care without this information. There isn't anything sinister about it. The tone of the legislature is to empower facilities that provide care to do it well and efficiently.

There are people that need us to pass these bills and provide quality care to them, it's time to get this done and stop procrastinating.

Following these surveys by the GAO, the Comptroller will have 18 months to prepare a report to Congress.

The Bill goes on with its usual definitions, the particulars on the website that will carry information to the health care community as well as the public.

Page 555, lines 20 through 25 state there is going to be important information (of which this is a sample) on the website for consumers to consider when chosing a Long Term Care facility:

‘‘(vi) Summary information on the number, type, severity, and outcome of substantiated complaints. ‘‘(vii) The number of adjudicated instances of criminal violations by employees of a a nursing facility—

The States will be contributing information to the website as well. The surveys will be required to be updated every six months. That means every SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility / Long Term Care Facility) will be required to not only report their facts with the initial survey, but, every six months to maintain and improve on quality of care. There will be no 'flash in the pan' in improvement of care of people just to look good on a survey only to return to bad habits and poorer conditions.

Page 560, lines 20 through 25 and Page 561, lines 1 through 6 states:

‘‘(i) Staffing data for each facility (including resident census data and data on the hours of care provided per resident per day) based on data submitted under subsection (b)(8)(C)(ii), including information on staffing turnover and tenure, in a format that is clearly understandable to consumers of long-term care services and allows such consumers to compare differences in staffing between facilities and State and national averages for the facilties. Such format shall include—

The Bill seeks to be helpful to consumers while empowering them with Federal laws that will require good quality care PERFORMANCE.

Page 568, lines 7 through 18 is to be sure there are provisions that allow the States and Federal government to communicate and develop together web-based information to close the 'gap' to consumers for well informed decisions:

(1) GUIDANCE.—The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this subtitle referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall provide guidance to States on how States can establish electronic links to Form 2567 State inspection reports (or a successor form), complaint investigation reports, and a facility’s plan of correction or other response to such Form 2567 State inspection reports (or a successor form) on the Internet website of the State that provides information on skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities and the Secretary shall, if possible, include such information on Nursing Home Compare.

There is provisions for protections for Whistle Blowers. too.

Page 575, lines 1 through 11:

‘‘(C) WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION.— ‘‘(i) PROHIBITION AGAINST RETALIATION.—No person who works at a skilled nursing facility may be penalized, discriminated, or retaliated against with respect to any aspect of employment, including discharge, promotion, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, or have a contract for services terminated, because the person (or anyone acting at the person’s request) complained,

The provision is a lot longer than those 11 lines.

Within the reporting the facilities have to perform is the status of the 'staff' of the facility. That status is to be derived from recorded payroll data. The 'measure' of stating the reporting is to be from payroll data is to insure accuracy in reporting. It demands accuracy so a 'source' of auditing can be conducted to be sure the 'patient : professional staff ratio' is best for the residents of that facility. In other words the Bill states clearly where reporting information on exact type of staff is coming from to insure there cannot be any misunderstanding or misreporting. That is the only reason any mention is made of 'payroll data.' It isn't about monitoring what people are paid, so much as whom is getting paid in relation to the capacity they serve the residents.

Page 588, lines 14 through 25 and Page 589, lines 1 through 4 addresses monetary penalites any non-compliance with the law will be rendered. The Bill delineates that there will be penalities and not a suspension of payment of Medicare or Medicaid benefits so there is no undo outcomes to residents depending on the facility. I am sure of the facility is a chronic offender, the facility will face possible sanctions on accepting patients for care with potential of closing their doors. The line has to be drawn somewhere otherwise the Bill becomes meaningless.

SEC. 1421. CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES.
(a) SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 1819(h)(2)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i– 3(h)(2)(B)(ii)) is amended to read as follows: ‘‘(ii) AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES.—
‘‘(I) AMOUNT.—The Secretary may impose a civil money penalty in the applicable per instance or per day amount (as defined in subclause (II) and (III)) for each day or instance, respectively, of noncompliance (as determined appropriate by the Secretary).

This provision of hte bill is quite extensive and spells out all the particulars of the penalities, how the monies will be collected, the participation of the States and so on and so forth. The provision goes past page 606 and it is here I will end for now. I'll return to it later.

Write your legislators and ask to have this Bill moved forward. Thank you.

Have a good day.

Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee), Northern

Posted September 14, 2009

I'll let you in on my busy schedule lately. My oldest son is getting married on October 3rd and we are holding a Bridal Shower for he and his bride on Sunday. Needless to say it has been a busy and joyful time.

I have some short errands to run and I will return tonight to do some reading of the Current House Health Insurance Reform Bill.

I do want to express sympathy for the loss of Yale Student Annie Le. It is more than sad. According to her roommate, Annie was the kindest person she had ever come to know. The murder has shaken a Yale Campus whom now believe more than ever, a murderer walks among them.

It was a gruesome reality. She was working hard in her lab one minute and killed the next. The building where she was found is one of the most secure buildings on campus with 700 cameras in and around the building. The one place there were no cameras was the basement where her body was found. The murderer knew that building from every angle. We look forward to the good work of the police.

Be back shortly. Staying connected to the Reform and Recovery of my country is important to me. I also want to stay up to date on Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East in general. I believe Secretary Clinton has been addressing the issue of Iran's nuclear program. I want to look for any news about the IAEA, too.

Police find 'person of interest' in Yale slaying (click here)
By RAY HENRY AND SUSAN HAIGH
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITERS
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Police investigating the slaying of a Yale graduate student zeroed in on a "person of interest" Tuesday after keeping tabs on an ever-tightening circle of people connected to the medical lab where her body was found stuffed behind a wall.
Authorities on the case have been tight-lipped almost since the minute 24-year-old Annie Le was reported missing Sept. 8, just a few days before her wedding day. Police say they have ruled out her fiancee, a Columbia University graduate student, but they have provided little additional information - other than to deny reports that a suspect was in custody.
On Tuesday, investigators descended in large numbers on the home of a Yale animal research technician who lives in an apartment in Middletown, about 20 miles from the New Haven campus. Le worked for a Yale laboratory that conducted experiments on mice, and investigators found her body stuffed in the basement wall of a facility that housed research animals.
It was unclear whether the technician was the "person of interest," and whether police were giving the same attention to any others who had access to the lab where Le worked. Detectives have questioned more than 150 people, many of them believed to be connected to the busy medical research building where Le was a rising star....

The poverty rate for children jumped from 16.2 per cent when Clinton left office to 19 per cent when Bush stepped down.

...When Clinton left office in 2000, the Census counted almost 31.6 million Americans living in poverty. When Bush left office in 2008, the number of poor Americans had jumped to 39.8 million (the largest number in absolute terms since 1960.) Under Bush, the number of people in poverty increased by over 8.2 million, or 26.1 per cent. Over two-thirds of that increase occurred before the economic collapse of 2008....



On every major measurement (click title to entry - thank you), the Census Bureau report shows that the country lost ground during Bush's two terms. While Bush was in office, the median household income declined, poverty increased, childhood poverty increased even more, and the number of Americans without health insurance spiked. By contrast, the country's condition improved on each of those measures during Bill Clinton's two terms, often substantially.


Date of chart : 12/31/05 11:57 AM

When George Walker Bush FIRST came into office, he wasted no time in seeking a 'melt down' of the economic infrastructure he and Henry Paulson would harvest just before the second term of Bush was completely. How did he accomplish such a task? By proposing OPPORTUNITY for people unable to sustain it !

George Walker Bush 'legislated' the economic collapse and paid for its deployment out of the coffers of the USA Treasury. All of it was done in the name of Compassionate Conservatism, in the 'flag waving' initiative to 'spread the American Dream' among the impoverished. The global economic collapse cost the American Tax Payer $1.7 billion to get it started in 2000.

Housing: Help low-income purchasers, and housing developers
Bush’s main proposals on housing:
Creation of an “American Dream Downpayment Fund” to allow low-income families to use HUD rental vouchers to make a down payment on a home. Bush says this could help as many as 650,000 families become homeowners.
A tax break aimed at real estate investors that would provide them with tax credits of up to 50% of costs, totaling $1.7 billion over five years. This tax credit would provide incentives for private investors to redevelop single-family housing or build new homes for low- and moderate-income Americans. Bush said he expects this plan would build or rehabilitate 100,000 homes in five years.
Individual development accounts giving tax credits and other financial incentives for low-income families to save money for a home purchase, for education costs, or to start a business.
Source: Washington Post, p. G5 Oct 28, 2000

Recession's toll: more Americans in poverty, without health insurance (click here)
By Mike Swift and Steve Johnson
Mercury News
Posted: 09/10/2009 07:57:44 AM PDT
Surveying the pain of the first full year of the recession, a new U.S. Census Bureau report shows that household income has dropped, millions more are in poverty — and for the eighth year in a row, fewer Americans are covered by private health insurance.
Given the rising job losses in 2009 that could very well continue into 2010, more people could lose private health insurance and fall below the poverty line, continuing the grim trend, economists and analysts said Thursday....

Former Carter press secretary Jody Powell dies

Nelson said Powell had been working with firewood with a helper who briefly stepped away. Powell was discovered a short time later on the ground. Powell was said to have had a previous heart attack, but that it was some time ago in the early or mid-1990s.

Sad news: Jody Powell (click title to entry - thank you)


I had intended to finish up a big "how to think about the Chinese tire tariff" item, when instead I heard the news that Jody Powell had died. This is sad in its own right, and when coupled with the death last year of Hamilton Jordan is unexpectedly poignant. Jimmy Carter, who will soon turn 85, is in the position every parent dreads, that of outliving the children.

Powell and Jordan were of course only virtual children to Carter, slightly older than his real offspring and having a work-centered relationship with him. But they'd driven with him across Georgia in the early days and to fund raisers and stump speeches when he was starting his improbable run for the presidency. In the public imagination they survive as the jaunty young characters -- "jaunty" to their friends, "cocky" to their detractors -- they were when Carter took office, as captured in the classic Rolling Stone cover published 32 years ago....

Thank you.

..."At issue," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said earlier, "is whether we are able to proceed with a degree of civility and decorum that our rules and our democracy contemplate and require."
Wilson, speaking after Democrat Hoyer, refused to back down. "I think it is clear to the American people that there are far more important issues facing this nation than what we're addressing right now." He said Obama had "graciously accepted my apology and the issue is over."...

There is much more 'at issue' than civility in Congress. This measure comes at a time in the USA when decorum within any political spectrum is being assaulted with escalating tones of anger. I believe this measure was more than appropriate.

General Motors Company slated to save the economic growth in the USA.

I'll be back to resume the 'reasonable' approach of actually reading legislation and looking at the facts as they actually exist.

Oh.

My the way.

Did everyone notice the sale of Opel?

I want to thank all those that believe agreements between 'peoples of countries' and 'companies in need' that work together to save economies and improve opportunities for workers is important. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is about time, citizens and businesses truly appreciate the dynamics of the decisions and promises they make to each other.

EU won't block Opel deal: Magna's Wolf (click title to article - thank you)
“The whole idea is based on economics, and I cannot imagine that someone has something against economics,” co-CEO Siegfried Wolf says

The co-chief executive of Magna International Inc. (MG.A-T47.00-0.23-0.49%) said Tuesday that he doesn't believe the European Union will block his company's acquisition of a majority stake in Opel.
“The whole idea is based on economics, and I cannot imagine that someone has something against economics,” Siegfried Wolf said at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show where Opel debuted a new version of its Astra, its mainstay in European markets.
Mr. Wolf's comments came as a German government official met with representatives of six other European countries that host Opel factories to discuss sharing the burden of the €4.5-billion ($6.55-billion U.S.) in state guarantees needed to launch the new Opel....

The GOP is waiting for the dawn of a new day. Won't happen. Yesterday's event.

While listening to 'Talk Radio' yesterday I marked an event.

It occured at 3:26 PM on September 9, 2009.

It occured while listening a Murdock production.

It occured while listening to Shea Hannity.

Mr. Hannity stated, "Later in the program I will show you how there is domination by a Conservative, White nation in the USA."

When is this going to stop? When is this 'reference' to skin color going to stop. Mr. Hannity stated it very quickly and for the most part would have gone unnoticed, but, it alarmed me and I looked at the clock to make the occassion.


There is a profound problem within the Republican Party in the USA. They are too rigid in the views and their party platform is highly bigoted. It discriminates against the GLBT community (click here), it discriminates against any other 'religion and/or belief' system other than Conservative Christian.

Hate crimes plague Hispanic community (click here)
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportune time to rethink racism
Derrick Skaug
The Daily Evergreen
...In this country of tolerance, Jose Osvaldo Sucuzhañay walked the streets of Brooklyn on Dec. 7, 2008, never expecting his life was about to end. Sucuzhañay, a 31 year-old Ecuadorian and father of two, was walking home from a church party arm in arm with his brother, according to The New York Times.
Two men drove up to the brothers yelling anti-gay and anti-Hispanic slurs. Sucuzhañay was struck down to the ground after a beer bottle was smashed against his head. Another attacker proceeded to bash his head in with an aluminum baseball bat. The attackers kicked and punched him as he lay motionless on the ground. Suffering severe head fractures and extensive brain damage, he died two days later....

They are chronically complaining, ALWAYS angry, they propagate hate and breed killed such as Timothy McVeigh, Eric Rudolph and James von Brunn just to new a very, very few.

Freedom is speech is limited. It begins with yelling "Fire" in a crowded theater when there is no such fire. It causes reaction. The Talk Radio ignites hatred and propagates intolerance. When are we going to put an end to the exploitation of supposed 'political opposition' that does nothing but increase the intolerance of decency and spreads lies, hate and anger. When it this going to stop?

The intolerance of the GOP on so many social issues reflects 'poor' choices in options for government focus. They attack nearly half the population of the USA on social issues for the sake of being elected, when they should be addressing their own issues, such as how do they allow their party to conduct poor oversight of economic structures that allow the implosion of an entire global framework?

How doee that happen? By mistake? "On a drunk." Or is there something profoundly "W"rong with 'platform' of the Republican Party. The answer to that question is that there is something PROFOUNDLY "W"rong with the Republican Party and their ? Political Platforms ?.

Correct me if I am wrong, but, the economic collapse occurred while the Republicans had exploited the powers of the USA Legislature since 1998 and continually deregulated the Finance Industry to the point where government oversight meant absolutely NOTHING. The implosion of the fiscal infrastructure of the entire global market place plummeted out of greed and corruption and I dare anyone to state otherwise.

The Republican Party 'hides' their incompetency by screaming about social issues and their 'corruption' of the youth of the country as if it were the truth. They interlace their political priorities with that of ???????? religious bias ???????? as if they were on the Panel of Cardinals to the Pope.

This is a political movement? No. It is a dead edifice of a 'movement' of continual corruption.

Not in any of their political venues is there open-mindedness. There is no movement of acceptance of difference. There is only anger and hate and more it everytime their 'wallets' feel a little pinch of taxation.

That isn't a political party. That is a manipulative movement built on indulge of cronies by their elected authority. It has to stop.

Being 'out of order' during a speech by The President in a joint session of Congress is only a futher demonstration of the continued "Anarch Advocacy" of these people. They aren't political anything. They are hate mongerers. They can't deny it. They hate and free any PEOPLE that are Gay. They hate and fear all those that aren't marching to The Pro Life Movement and they hate and fear anyone with ideas that a meltiing planet should have priority in the future of our children, HENCE, therefore an economic issue that should actually cause them more taxes. The hate and fear any form of government control that actually brings more opportunity to people through health, wellness and a change in direction of our economy.

There is more than little 'validation' of the positions of the Republican Party and their punits in the year 2009, so much as continued DOGMA of the same old rhetoric of anger and hate. They don't have solutions to modern problems, they have only the emotional tirade of people UNWILLING to participate in government in a manner that promotes acceptance of differences, brings people together to open a new understanding of common values and move the country forward on venues of economic growth and opportunity, including the opportunity to have a safe and sane health care insurance system.

Heckling a President of this country in an accepted place of civility was the last straw. It is over for the GOP and their extremist base !

It was an outrage and absolutely appalling. What is more incredible is the Right Wing Political Pundits are heralding Wilson a hero.

House of Representatives

...With two simple words - "You lie."... (click title to entry - thank you)

The trouble makers are showing off the Stars and Stripes.

Talk Radio, the liar's forum. I am surprised Joe Wilson wasn't sponsoring the rally.

These are the same people that caused all the fiscal trouble President Obama inherited. Now they are 'attempting' to appear as the 'aggreived' in order to influence voters that are easily 'swayed' by fear. The Independants. The ones with 'real backbone.'

These are the folks that whine and cry because they were unfairly caught up in a fiscal circumstance(s) created by government, therefore, it is up to government to bail them out. I heard it over and over and over again, about when will the government 'do something' to give them relief from exploitation of the market place they knew full well they were 'gambling with.'

These are the folks that wave the Red, White and Blue when they should be waving a flag covered in "Gold Leaf." They are the ones that 'practice' fiscal brinkmanship all the time. They 'count' on the government to act in their favor when the 'number of troubled citizens' are too large to ignore. Their numbers alone constitute the 'collective' equivalent of "The Too Big to Fail Category." Their 'habits' chronically set the economy of the USA 'at risk' and it is them that the Legislature and Executive Branch need to treat as dangerous as any 'Mega Bank.'

No wonder they carry guns.

I only have one thing to say.

"They need jobs !"



...Against a backdrop of tens of thousands of Americans marching on Washington to oppose health care reform, the White House dismissed the president's critics, reinforced his message while offering few specifics, and continued to back away from insistence on the public option....

The Motto for the Day is "I voted for President Bush the First and I voted for President Bush the Second !"

It would seem the House Rep from South Carolina has a need for addiction recovery. Typical, he is in self-denial. Pity.

Rob Miller for South Carolina House. Let's face it, South Carolina needs someone that cares about the people. They have a Governor that was legislated into receiving Stimulus dollars and now this humiliation. How much can the people of South Carolina stand?
Act Blue (click here)

Meet Rob Miller (click here) - One of Rob's Campaign focus is to stop outsourcing jobs.
Born and raised in South Carolina as the youngest son of a Navy Veteran, Rob learned the importance of hard work from a very early age. Facing staggering medical bills after his father passed away, 14-year old Rob went to work washing dishes to help support his family. Through hard work and lots of support from family and the community around them, Rob’s family weathered the financial storm....

12:42 September 11th, 2009
No lie! Poll shows Joe Wilson trailing in reelection bid (click here)
Posted by: Thomas Ferraro
Congressman Joe Wilson might be tempted to yell “You lie!” again – this time at a poll that shows the presidential heckler trailing in his reelection bid.
The survey by Public Policy Polling found Democratic challenger Rob Miller leading the five-term Republican lawmaker by 44 percent to 43 percent. The numbers had Democrats cheering, and at least one pollster offering a new view of the contest in the heavily Republican South Carolina district....

Evidently, the Obama Presidency is making history at every turn.

...Campaigns have always played fast and loose with the facts. (click title to entry - thank you) But as the partisan divide in Washington has grown, the rules have changed
“Now we’re in an era of the permanent campaign, and the line between campaigning and governing is virtually gone,” said Gary Jacobson, a political science teacher at the University of California-San Diego.
Enter Wilson. After his shout on Wednesday night heard ’round the political world, his Democratic challenger raised $400,000 by Thursday evening.
Proof enough for Kim Alfano Doyle, a Republican campaign strategist for two decades, who said that Wilson’s move was crass and that the take-no-prisoners approach is a mistake.
“It just looks ugly, it looks petty, it looks like no one’s getting anything done,” she said. “When you’re up there having a slap fight, you’re not taking it seriously. Everything’s a campaign, and that’s a shame.”
The Washington Post contributed to this report. To reach David Goldstein, call 202-383-6105 or send e-mail to dgoldstein@mcclatchydc.com.

Wilson took caffeine pills in 2007 (click here)
By Jordan Fabian - 09/10/09 06:21 PM ET
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who shouted "you lie!" at President Obama during his Wednesday night address to Congress, admitted to regularly consuming caffeine pills in 2007.
It is unclear if Wilson still takes NoDoz, a brand of pill that contains 200 milligrams of caffeine a pop. By comparison, a seven ounce cup of drip coffee contains 115 to 175 milligrams of caffeine.
A source told The Hill in 2007 that the congressman ingested the tablets “like candy," but Wilson insisted he was not addicted despite the fact that he had been taking them since high school.
"I love coffee, but I don’t have time to drink it and I don’t have access to it," Wilson said at the time.
The fifth-term Republican said he shared his NoDoz use with his doctor, who Wilson said assured him that the over-the-counter pills are not dangerous unless you get addicted.
Wilson interrupted the president yesterday night after he said that his health reform plan will not insure illegal immigrants. He quickly apologized for his outburst last night but maintained that Obama was lying in a radio interview today.

Page 151, lines 6 through 22:

(c) GAO STUDY ON NURSING FACILITY UNDER CAPITALIZATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study that examines the following:
(A) The extent to which corporations that own or operate large numbers of nursing facilities, taking into account ownership type (including private equity and control interests), are undercapitalizing such facilities.
(B) The effects of such undercapitalization on quality of care, including staffing and food costs, at such facilities.
(C) Options to address such undercapitalization, such as requirements relating to surety bonds, liability insurance, or minimum capitalization.

Nursing Homes are a huge issue. It requires attention and it requires attention now. There are many reasons to 'get this right.' The next generation of elderly will be numerous and some will require Long Term Care. The Baby Boomers come from a generation that would rather 'opt' for longevity with activity and purpose, however, there will be the exceptions.

By every definition of 'Sandwich Generation' I should be one of those taking care of elderly parents while paying for a child's wedding. But. I am not. Why? Because my parents are in excellant health for their age and they live in their own home able to take care of themselves. That, by the way, is true for most of my extended family. Irish Americans. Evidently, we are a sturdy bunch.

I say this with anticipation of seeking the same autonomy for myself, until my death. And. I expect the same 'ideals' hold true for my generation. I believe that is an important 'directive' for any Health Care Insurance Reform. Why? Because if The Baby Boomers are able to care for themselves all their lives, the SNF (Skilled Nursing Facilities) just might be a thing of the past. And, that is another thing. Why aren't their 'earning' opportunities for Seniors that live in Nursing Homes, should they have the ability. Imagine a 'Mom and Pop Country Store' in every SNF that residents and visitors can frequent for the latest in DVDs, Music Downloads or Gourmet Frozen Dinners.

It will be vital for the next generation of 'elders' to remain active, in good health and quite possibly able to produce an income that will continue to contribute to the country's tax base. BUT. In realizing there is a chance that will be part of the American Landscape, please let it be in balance with 'respect for The Golden Years' and some entitlement of Seniors for 'down time' and relaxation as they seek to send it.

There is also this 'hazard' accompanying longevity. It is the 'longevity of job occupation.' And by occupation, I don't mean 'profession.' By occupation I mean staying in a position too long. While some of the most qualified employees a company has is their 'experienced' and older workers and executives, there is a moral issue with 'job protection' in the face of a younger generation 'stuck in the rut' of No-Advancement and no advancement opportunity. It is a concern for many reasons.

As Americans live longer, they will work longer. Even in retirement, the opportunities to earn and fight 'built in' inflation of retirement income, will be met with job seekers. There is a problem with that as it 'oppresses' younger workers and potential executives. There needs to be a 'longevity' component to those jobs frequently sought for their higher income or prestige or responsibility. There comes a time when 'the younger generations' need a chance at their goals. Now, this is somewhat of Age Discrimination, but, it doesn't have to be. If an individual comes into a managerial position with a healthy income in their forties, there needs to be some expectation on 'changing' such employment within twenty years of achieving it.

Why?

Not because the older worker can't do the work, they can probably accomplish it handily. But. There are several reasons that will enhance 'the futrue' of any enterprise, including, local economies.

An enterprise that has longevity has the right to remain vital. It is good for the economy. Often younger workers will become diminished in abilities if they are 'stuck' in lower paying and lower expectation employ. In that, there is a hazard. It is a dynamic that needs to be addressed from the standpoint of what is good for any company to remain viable and what enhances 'vitality' in the American economy. Why discourage younger workers from achieving if they feel their best years will be stalemated in lower or middle management or jobs of lower esteem than they hoped for when graduating from classes, be it High School or the University.

With anticipated increased longevity. Longevity with purpose and income. There needs to be an understanding to the extent longevity will play in any economic dynamics. That is not Age Discrimination, unless, it is viewed as being OPPRESSIVE against young workers. And by young, it includes those in their fourth and fifth and sixth decade of life that has yet 'the chance' to reach for the Gold Ring.

It may be that this unique dynamic might be exclusive to the Baby Boomers and Generation X will find a more 'traditional' meaning to retirement. But, to anticipate such an issue is to address it. That was off the path of reading the House Bill as it stood before Summer Recess.

There are problems with 'chain store' SNFs. Corporate structure removes 'compassion' from SNF. There are also opportunities for fiscal exploitation of the USA Treasury and SSI, especially considering there might be increased demand for such services. So, to understand the SNF and its fiscal 'habits' is more than prudent for any National Health Care Insurnace Reform Bill.

Page 551, lines 23 and 24 and Page 552, lines 1 and 2:

(2) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under paragraph (1).

It sound not only correct to proceed, but, neglectful if we don't.

The bill goes on to list definitions, the website which sounds like a central clearinghouse for information and certifications. There is recommendations for 'staffing improvements' or at least 'consumer awareness' of what staffing should be available. Usually that type of information will bring about change for the better with consumer advocacy.

Page 555, lines 1 through 3:

‘‘(IV) an explanation that appropriate staffing levels vary based on patient case mix.

That is more than interesting. In today's SNF, staffing it arbitrary based on parameters set up by the Director/Vice President of Nursing. They are viewed as 'standards' by the profession, but, there is little to no application of 'staffing for acuity.' There is no reason why a SNF should not be viewed as a 'fluid' environment for changes in 'residents' acuity. There is also no reason why that dynamic should be 'ignored' as a part of any management practice within any facility. It may mean that two more Nursing Assistants are needed on The Alzheimer Unit as some of the residents are changing their wellness status, while The Rest Home Unit is enjoying many agile residents needing far less assistance.

Most hospital units today use some type of acuity scale to staff probably. There is no reason why that dynamic cannot be applied to SNFs as a way of maintaining clearer understandings of their 'client population' and their ever changing needs.

But, this is more or less about 'empowering' the consumer seeking a SNF, as a method to compliance of 'quality of care.' The new website, of which has a name, ‘Nursing Home Compare,’ will provide a place to download forms when a complaint needs to be filed.

Page 555, lines 13 through 19:

‘‘(v) The standardized complaint form developed under subsection (f)(8), including explanatory material on what complaint forms are, how they are used, and how to file a complaint with the State survey and certification program and the State long-term care ombudsman program.

The legislation goes on to define staff that acts in a criminal manner, enforcement, deadlines for provisions in the bill to be incompliance, there is stated the 'agencies' the Secretary will consult with, Page 557, line 21 and 25, Page 558, lines 1 through 5:

‘‘(B) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the review under subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary shall consult with—
‘‘(i) State long-term care ombudsman programs; ‘‘(ii) consumer advocacy groups; ‘‘(iii) provider stakeholder groups; and ‘‘(iv) any other representatives of programs or groups the Secretary determines appropriate.’’.

Continued in entry below.

Continued from previous.

Young adults a key to health care reform (click title to entry - thank you)
Many are uninsured, with mixed opinions on need for change
By Childs Walker, Stephanie Desmon and Paul West Baltimore Sun reporters
September 11, 2009
...In the debate over health care reform, Stokes and his peers are known as "invincibles," strong and healthy young adults who have no experience with wallet-crippling illness and feel they have no need for coverage....

Yet, young males are at risk for serious diseases such as Testicular Cancer. Young women have incidence of Breast Cancer. We aren't speaking to our young people the way they need us to speak to them.

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer among males age 15 to 44 (click here). After motor vehicle accidents and suicide, cancer is the leading cause of death in this age group, followed by homicide, heart disease, and HIV. Testicular cancer is known as the young man's cancer.

This table is on Page 46 of article (click here). It was the only 'study' on the internet that was handy. Unfortunately, it only addresses White Males, but, I think the 'idea' of misinformed youth is validated.

TABLE 1. Age-specific and age-adjusted incidence rates of testicuiar cancer (per 100,000) for US White males from 1973 to 1995: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program
In 1995 - ages 15 thru 19 there were 3.9 cases per 100,000 Caucasian men.

In 1995 - ages 20 to 24 there were 7.9 cases per 100,000 Caucasian men.

In 1995 - ages 25 to 29 there were 15.9 cases per 100,000 Caucasian men.

To return to the legislation, Page 559, lines 11 through 17:

‘‘(8) SPECIAL FOCUS FACILITY PROGRAM.— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall conduct a special focus facility program for enforcement of requirements for skilled nursing facilities that the Secretary has identified as having substantially failed to meet applicable requirement of this Act.

This entire provision sets up Consumer Education and Advocacy as well as sets expectations for SNFs. The title of this initiative is "Special Focus Facility Program." It's a good title. Leaves open the inclusion of 'miscellaneous' facilities including Rehab facilities like the one that welcomes and specializes in returning, disabled veterans.

Proper staffing will ultimately be an initiative with this Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Page 560, lines 20 through 25 and Page 561, lines 1 through 6.

‘‘(i) Staffing data for each facility (including resident census data and data on the hours of care provided per resident per day) based on data submitted under subsection (b)(8)(C)(ii), including information on staffing turnover and tenure, in a format that is clearly understandable to con2
sumers of long-term care services and allows such consumers to compare differences in staffing between facilities and State and national averages for the facilities. Such format shall include—

Properly staffed and well run SNFs looks to be a priority of the Secretary.

Page 566, lines 7 though 10:

‘‘(B) PERIODIC SURVEYS.—Under such program the Secretary shall conduct surveys of each facility in the program not less often than once every 6 months.’’.

The provision provides for transparency in that the reports and surveys will be available at the website to the public and professionals. The States are going to have a role in quality assurance as well.

Page 568, lines 7 through 18:

(1) GUIDANCE.—The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this subtitle referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall provide guidance to States on how States can establish electronic links to Form 2567 State inspection reports (or a successor form), complaint investigation reports, and a facility’s plan of correction or other response to such Form 2567 State inspection reports (or a successor form) on the Internet website of the State that provides information on skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities and the Secretary shall, if possible, include such information on Nursing Home Compare.

And I have to apologize here. I usually cover at least 50 pages per day, but, I have some personal business that is pressing and I won't be able to complete this review until Monday afternoon or evening.

In hoping everyone is well...

...until then...

I'll read some more of the House Health Care Insurance Reform Bill tomorrow.

...until then...

It is kind of a strange day. September 11, 2009. 8 years and the perpetrators are still a danger to us.

There is this report. It was published by Voice of America and I didn't see this content many other places. The 'map' to click on in the article is more than interesting. And when looking at this article and the map I think it is wrong to have an emotional reaction, but, one has to study the map a minute to realize its implications. In my opinion.

Taliban Control Spreads in Afghanistan (click here)
By Steve Herman New Delhi

11 September 2009

Eight years after the terror strike on the United States, which prompted an invasion of Afghanistan to oust the Taliban, there are indications that the insurgents are continuing to widen their reach inside the country. Meanwhile, some high-ranking British and American officials are expressing mounting concern about Afghanistan's fraud-tainted election process.

A respected international think tank has released a new map showing, for the first time, the Taliban have a "permanent presence" in 80 percent of Afghanistan. "Permanent presence" in a province is defined as one or more insurgent attacks - lethal and non-lethal - per week...

The years of a diverted war has literally left Afghanistan to the Taliban. They have been having a heck of time 'tearing up' the place. What I find interesting about the map at first glance is the location ONE, and only ONE, Taliban Base in the Tanji Valley. It is remarkably close to Kabul and the lousy encampment is still there. Tell me that makes sense? What the heck has been going on that an enemy's encampment is in such close proximity to Kabul.

It is also understandable for the Taliban to attempt to 'hold on' to every inch they took away from decency and democracy. They nearly own the blasted country when one looks at it from this perspective.

But, there are also portions of the country that aren't even touched by the Taliban. They are along the northern region where former Soviet nations share a border with Afghanistan.

..."We're now seeing Taliban control across the country. And one of the most significant things that we're seeing in this latest map is the increased level of Taliban presence in the north of the country. Provinces such as Kunduz and Balkh, which previously were relatively stable, are now seeing very high levels of Taliban activity," he said....

The movement into the northern region has to do with Pakistan's actions to eliminate the insurgency there and it is where the NATO and USA troops conduct their supply lines. Basically, I think the strongest reason for the Taliban to be migrating north to attempt to dominate the area is to cut off the supply lines to Western Troops.

Even to disrupt the supplies is a victory for them. The other day, the Taliban were taking a stolen fuel tankers to kill the German PEACEKEEPERS. As a result the tankers were exploded. Now, while there are supposed to have been innocent civilians involved there was also precious fuel destined for the troops. So even though the Taliban failed at executing their directive, the fuel was still gone.

What I find even more fascinating about the land in the northern region is the complete and absolute absence of Taliban attacks on the narrow strip of land bordered by Tajikistan and Pakistan. They must be doing something right otherwise the Taliban would be far more invasive.

I believe Tajikistan and Pakistan are doing so much right that it supplies a buffer to the rest of Afghanistan. If one notes, the TWO regions immediately west of this area, Badakhshan and Takhar is still seeing 'relief' from the Taliban than other areas. Not only that, but, there is also another small province, Panjshir, bordered by those TWO regions I mentioned in the previous sentence that is again completely absent of Taliban violence.

For this to be true, Pakistan and Takikistan must be exerting a good amount of force and that brings me to my next observation.

Considering Pakistan is having a great deal of success in combating the violent occupation of The Taliban. And it would appear Tajikistan is taking a hard line with any possibility of migration of the Taliban into their country. Also, this 'buffer zone' exists with the efforts of both these countries to secure their own borders, along with the reality of the Supply Line presence as allowed by Russia. It is obvious, at least to me, that the Taliban are under stress in most of the other areas of Afghanistan because it is the only place they have any 'elbow room.'

There are others in the military that can speak to this better than I, but, it appears to me the Taliban are contained. But. They are contained in Afghanistan where our troops are facing most of the violence the Taliban can muster. The reality the Taliban are contained, the escalation in the war in Afghanistan should have been expected.

The issue is this. And it is an issue that would require a 'regional' perspective, in that, while Afghanistan is absorbing all the Taliban and their violence as they try to reassert themselves, what does the rest of the region look like? The Taliban are virtually removed from any influence in Pakistan and the military in that country continues to be successful with the remnants of the Taliban militas.

Does the reality, at this point, reflect a successful war to secure the region with a 'hot spot' concentrated in Afghanistan. Because if they are 'contained' in Afghanistan, squeezing them will result in more chaos within their ranks and eventual collapse of any infrastructure that facilitates violence.

One of the great failures in fighting the Taliban or any of the international criminal networks in this region is their ability to 'liquidate' their presence and migrate back around any advancement of Western troops. These networks sort of disband and meld into the landscape of civilians while they reconstitute in areas where Western Troops have finished operations.

If the reality is that the region is MORE stable than in anytime in the last decade that cannot be ignored. The reality that these networks are actually impuned from some of the northern regions speaks to their decreasing ability to carry out chaos as a strategy. In other words their operating/staging area is limited and closing in on them.

If that is not the reality of the region then the advancement of the Taliban speaks to 'civilian loyalty' and whether they are accommodating the Taliban in favor or the Afghanistan government.

The corrupt election and no one should be denying at this point the Afghanistan election was corrupt. There appears significant evidence to that by most. The corrupt(ed) election is more evidence of the desperation of the Taliban and their influence among the electorate. I might add, that even though the elections were corrupted, they still are 'intact' enough to find 'majority' candidates. It is a concern IF the corruption was actually carried out by the leading candidates themselves and that is another issue.

If I could have my way, I would like to see a 'final election' with two candidates. It would give the nation one more time at conducting intact elections. It would give the 'observers' and I am assuming there are observers, a real chance at finding the corruption and those involved, because it will show up more when there are only two candidates running. If, however, President Karzai and the Afghanistan election board could prove his successful election with more than 50% of the vote, there should be a court to certify the win. But. If President Karzai has less than the required 50% then a court needs to certify that as well.

I realize there is conjecture regarding President Karzai's administration and a brother engaged in somewhat of a warlord status engaged in the Poppy Culture. But. I point to the fact, the Poppy yields are lower and the export is diminishing, therefore, in that reality there is less 'financial infrastructure' to lend support to the violence of the networks currently 'surviving' in Afghanistan.

I also won't speculate on WHY there is diminished capacity in the Poppy market place as it could be Climate Change and/or an inflitration of those that would like the culture to disappear. Just speculation.

Bottom line is, here we are eight years after the attacks of September 11, 2001 and the occupation of Afghanistan has reached critical mass. It is due to the negligence of the Bush/Cheney years to the 'real war' to secure our nation. But, is the 'critical mass' we are witnessing in Afghanistan 'the end' of the Taliban regime and violence OR growth of a strengthened network?

I hold a wish for peace for all the survivors and families of the victims of September 11, 2001.

The contracture of the economy is slowing.

This recovery is going to be different than any recovery in the past history of the USA with some exception of the FDR administration. The reason is the 'character' of the stimulus which is titled, "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act." This stimulus wasn't just dumping money into the economy through tax cuts or rebates as was practiced in the past eight years, this is a 'reinvestment' stimulus.

While jobs were definately saved with this stimulus there are also new jobs 'being' created. As the NEW American infrastructure takes place job growth results. Example: Constructing high speed rail in at least thirteen hubs around the country, there first has to be design/architects and all the technical folks doing their part. When plans are in place there is usually a significant government process that has to be mounted to begin any construction. Once all the permits and objections are answered and resolved, then the construction can actually begin. The most job creation will result far later than a 'quick infusion of money' result. The long term recovery is best because it is sustainable employment that creates jobs with longevity and can't be outsourced.

U.S. Initial Jobless Claims Fell to 550,000 Last Week (Update2) (click title to entry - thank you)
By Courtney Schlisserman

...Applications fell by 26,000 to 550,000 in the week ended Sept. 5, lower than economists forecast, from a revised 576,000 the week before, Labor Department data showed today in Washington. The total number of people collecting unemployment insurance declined to the lowest level since April....

Link to chart (click here)
Also known as insured unemployment. This is an actual of the number of individuals who are unemployed and are currently receiving unemployment benefits. These are the number of people who filed for unemployment benefits at least two weeks ago. Weekly initial jobless claims is the number of people who have filed for unemployment benefits for the first time. To file a claim you must be eligible and meet five (5) guidelines. 1. Meet the requirements of time worked during a 1 year period (full time or not). 2. Become unemployed through no fault of your own (cannot be fired). 3. Must be able to work; no physical or mental holdbacks. 4. Must be available for work. 5. Must be actively seeking work.

Calif. State Assemblyman Mike Duvall stepped down after being caught bragging about sex with two lobbyists on a live microphone. (AP)

Snake in the grass or perhaps in the garden. What does Ann Coulter and Joe Wilson have in common? They are both political operatives.

Joe Wilson lied. Illegal immigrants can get health care insurance, so long as they pay for it in full without government funds.

After Congress comes back in January, having passed the National Health Care Insurance Reform, the next topic on the agenda is Immigration Reform. Get the picture? Joe Wilson picked a 'quiet moment' to 'strategically' place the words 'out there' to idiots like the Murdock tribes.

If Wilson were successful, the entire distraction would incorporate anger over immigration and health care into one big storm of emotion that would carry them into November 2010.

Wilson is a snake, no different than the Right Extremists that 'lie like rugs.' The aggressive act mimiced the actions of activists at the town hall meetings. It was deliberate. It was a political maneuver and he should be severely sanctioned to 'make an example' of the jerk. If a legislator lowers their standard this much, he'll do anything.


Sept. 9: Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina is seen shouting "you lie!" at President Obama during his speech to Congress in Washington. (AFP)

Censure !!! If not censure, impeachment !

Joe Wilson, Van Jones, and the watermelon (click title to entry - thank you)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) showed a grave lack of respect for the president and congressional protocol when he shouted, "You lie!" at Mr. Obama as he insisted in his speech last night that health care reform would not mean insuring illegal immigrants. (The president was not lying.)...

Specter Calls for Censure of Wilson (click here)
By Garance Franke-RutaSen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) called Thursday for the censure of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) for shouting "You lie!" at President Obama as the president addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night.
"There ought to be a reprimand or censure of Rep. Joe Wilson to discourage that kind of conduct in the future," he Tweeted.
"Rep. Wilson apologized immediately afterward but I don't think that's adequate," he wrote just moments before.


Expulsion, Censure, Reprimand, and Fine: Legislative Discipline in the House of Representatives (click here)
Summary
The House of Representatives is expressly authorized within the United States Constitution (Article I, Section 5, clause 2) to discipline or “punish” its own Members. This authority of the institution of the House to discipline a Member for “disorderly Behaviour” is in addition to any criminal or civil liability that a Member of the House may incur for particular misconduct, and is a device or procedure designed not so much as merely a punishment of the individual Member, but rather ultimately as a measure to protect the institutional integrity of the House of Representatives, its proceedings and its reputation....

If GMC decides to continue with ownership of Opel, then they planned it from the beginning...

...lying all along the way. I do believe that is criminal in intent. After all, there is no proven performance of GMC's ambitions and absolutely NO REASON to believe there is 'sound judgement' in moving in any other direction EXCEPT the sale of Opel as dictated in 'The Agreement.'

...A decision not to sell the European business (click title to entry - thank you) would be bad news for Opel and German jobs.
Paul Newton, of IHS Global Insight, said: "GM has invested a lot of money in GM Europe, especially in research and development in Germany.
"To walk away from this for not a lot of cash (the deals offered by RHJ and Magna), obviously didn't make sense. But the big question is where will they get the money from?
"GM has to find around $6bn - that's a large amount of money."
German unions are threatening to launch mass strikes if the decision goes against them.

GM has not commented on the reports.

In Sight, but Not Yet within Reach - The Slimeballs from Wall Street See 'Sea Green' but they may not survive to claim it.

There has been very startling events occurring in the North Atlantic. There is significant release of Methane Gas.

Methane gas seeps from seabed outside Svalbard (click here)

2009-08-19

A scientific study shows that the powerful greenhouse gas methane is escaping from the Arctic seabed. This could be a response to climate change and higher ocean temperatures and accelerate climate changes even more....

The exact article is here:

Warming Ocean Contributes to Global Warming (click here)

14/08/09
The warming of an Arctic current over the last 30 years has triggered the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from methane hydrate stored in the sediment beneath the seabed....

The Permian Extinction was caused by warming of Earth. Earth's oceans lost 99% of its phytoplanton following the release of Methane Gas from the oceans as the Earth warmed at an incredibly faster rate with atmospheric methane climbing. The only phytoplankton that survived the Permian Extinction was the Silicon based single celled plants.

As carbon dioxide enters the ocean and there is more and more of it in the ocean it produces carbonic acid. Acidic oceans do not allow for the 'shells' of marine species to form. Therefore the oxygen producing single celled plants that are necessary for the breathable oxygen on Earth can't survive as their use of calcium carbonate is vital. However, with acidic seas the calcium carbonate is dissolved and unavailable.

The silicon content of the oceans is far lower than the calcium carbonate, so even though there are some Silicon Based Shelled phytoplanton that survives such a warming event, there is very little to produce enough oxygen to support all life currently on Earth.

For those seeking wealth in the Arctic Ocean and believe the oceans becoming acidic is just a 'sign' that Earth's warming is to benefit to humans, reconsider; when the oceans are warm enough, the phytoplanton that produce your very breath will die.

Carbon dioxide sequestration would be an excellant idea long about now. And. Oh, yeah. The best place to prevent the CO2 from re-entering the troposphere is where it can be frozen all year long. Like. Antarctica. Or. The Arctic Ocean. Stored in seamless stainless steel tanks without VALVES, but, sealed and buried in a location very, very cold so even if a tank should develop a leak, the carbon would be too cold to escape.

Hate to tell you, I told you so. But. I told you so. In 2003 I gave it five years after the vortices showed up. I was a year off.

Currently, the weather at Glacier Bay National Park (crystal wind chime) is:

Local Time: 11:06 PM AKDT on September 09, 2009 (GMT -08)
Lat/Lon: 58.8° N 137.0° W
Elevation :: 33 feet
Temperature :: 57 F
Conditions :: Overcast
Humidity :: 77%
Dew Point :: 50 F
Wind :: 12 mph from the SE
Pressure :: 29.79 in (Rising)
Visibility :: 10.0 miles
UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds :: Scattered Clouds 3500 ft
Mostly Cloudy 4700 ft
Overcast 6500 ft
(Above Ground Level)