A Priestess Problem

All personal views on "marriage" aside, I was astonished at the behavior of Brenda Lee, the "reporter" from Macon Georgia yesterday. The last time I checked, trying to take a "personal stand" while on the clock as a reporter is not in any way professional or acceptable. Beyond that, the members of the press who are allowed that close to a President are warned about protocol ahead of time. Brenda Lee was out of line and over the top in her protests near Air Force One. After all the anthrax letter scares and things of that nature, anyone in their right mind should be well aware that you don't try to hand the President of the United States a letter outside of standard procedures. She should also know better than to act like a damn fool when asked to leave by the Secret Service. You just don't do that. Now she wants to complain about how she was removed but left the people who are responsible for protecting the President no other choice short of tasering her. She states that she was worried about people seeing under her clothes. I say to that: Don't lie down on the ground while wearing a dress! I think maybe it's time Brenda Lee re-thinks her career path as she is obviously not willing to report on a story from a objective and professional place. If Brenda Lee wants to speak out about “traditional marriage” she can do it on her own time by taking part in an organized protest, blogging, or sending her letter through the proper channels. If she wants to be a reporter she should learn to check her religious views at the door and start behaving like a rational adult rather than a two year old. I, for one, do not believe she is a legitimate reporter at all. After reading her rather juvenile attempt at writing at http://www.gainformer.com/Files/thebirdseyeview.htm , I am not convinced. I also read the letter which she was trying to deliver to the President which reeks of ignorance and prejudice. You can find that letter at http://www.gainformer.com/Files/god%20verses%20men.htm I think the questions should be: How on earth did this “priestess” get within 3 states of the President? Why was she ever allowed that kind of access in the first place? She amounts to a third-rate opinion blogger on her best day. Maybe the U.S. Press Relations Office should revise their procedures for granting access to media events.



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Dirty Shirleys with Judi in Cosmo California

I went to San Diego this weekend with my friend Jeffrey! It was my first trip to Southern California and I must say I was impressed from start to finish.


I'm all about letting people know about my experiences. Since I publicly chastised Cigna in my previous piece, I would like to take a moment, in the spirit of "equal opportunity", to give a good report for another company...Southwest Airlines. It was my first flight on the airline since 1995 and I must say it was a great experience. The flight attendants were funny, approachable, and sincere. Way to go Southwest!!! Thanks for the memorable flights.


Ok, so I landed in San Diego on Saturday morning and was whisked from the airport to a friend's condo nearby by my very capable tour-guide and friend Jeffrey. I arrived to a wonderful breakfast and then immediately got “extra cute” for a Master's graduation ceremony near Palm Springs. While I looked damn good, if I do say so myself, I was about to be one baked Negro out in that sun. There were a few geniuses there who actually thought to bring umbrellas to block the sun. Imagine that. The ceremony was inspiring and the student speaker was even more so. She spoke of how "Things do not change. We change." While that theme has been resounded since Thoreau made that quote, it was not at all cliché. It was relevant. It was exciting...to see a new generation of business masters begin their journey. To hope that even one of them will make sound choices in their paths that will help change the face of economics in America for the better. It was an honor to witness this moment. After the ceremony we were taken to Riverside California for a celebratory dinner. It was wonderful. I had a steak so good you’d slap your mamma! The raspberry chocolate cake for desert would have made you slap the rest of your family. There was engaging and warm conversation all around and I found myself feeling very grateful.


Sunday morning I was treated to a one hour massage that quickly made me feel new again. Then there was lunch at the Chicken Pie Shop in San Diego! Open for business for that last 70 years or so…this place was a step back in time worth every minute! First of all…it was WAY CHEAP. OMG…I never expected to find a meal that includes desert for under $7 in Cali. More than that, it was SO good. I think it was the first time I’ve ever eaten a chicken pot pie without that annoying little tin that they come with…you know…when you buy them frozen. All I can say is wow! After lunch, it was off to The O.C.! I went to meet my friend and co-worker Judi. We have been speaking over the phone for nearly a year now and almost on a daily basis for work. Over that time we figured out that we had a lot in common and grew to appreciate each other very much. Meeting her in person was 10 TIMES better! She is full of life and humor that just makes all your problems just melt away. We immediately ordered Cosmos, then it was on to the Dirty Shirleys (a drink I’ve never had before). We munched on nachos and talked for a few hours before I had to head back to San Diego. My only regret is not having had more time to spend with such a fabulous person.


Monday morning Jeffrey and I headed out to the airport for our flight back to dismal Texas. I so wanted to just stay…forever. The flights back were just as nice as those going there. All things said, this was a great trip. I was able to relax, have fun, and learn a little something about myself in the process…


I change.


Stay Free!

C.I.G.N.A. - Caring Is Generally Not Acceptable

Let me start by saying, that I have a job. I book travel for my client's executives. That said…please understand that I pay my premiums. I pay my deductibles. I play by the rules. Cigna, my insurance provider, does not.


Cigna proved to me today that they are NOT in the "business of caring". They ARE, however, in the business of making their policy holders micro-manage their health care to the point of lunacy. More directly, they are not in the business of caring at all. Let me explain...


On my current plan for prescriptions, I am to pay a yearly one-time deductible of $50 in addition to my RX co-pay. This was paid on my first prescription in January. Since then Cigna has tried to charge me my yearly deductible EVERY SINGLE MONTH. Here is how that goes... I call in the prescription. I drive over to pick it up. They tell me it cost some outrageous amount. It never fails that it's on a weekend or a holiday of some sort. The following business day I spend at least an hour on the phone, while at work mind you, to "resolve" the matter. Cigna has admitted to me on every occasion that it is a system issue that can be fixed. Every month since January, Cigna has promised me that this issue will be resolved and every month it's the same tired routine.


Then today there was Maura, Sherry, and Nicole...

All three are designated as Customer Relations Supervisors. Each and every one of these reps REFUSED to put another authorization for the correct co-pay amount on my account. They said it should not have been done in the past because it doesn't solve the issue and that they (would not) do it again. I explained to all of them that I could not afford the increased co-pay and wait on a reimbursement. I explained that Cigna already owes me $50 from a February over-charge which I have yet to see. I also explained that I could NOT miss taking the medication under any circumstances. I further explained that the medication was NOT an optional one. Their reply: "Well, that's all we can tell you. I'm sorry." Sorry they say… Sorry that I will get gravely ill if I don't have the medication? Sorry that Cigna is too stupid to have resolved this issue 5 months ago when I first brought it to their attention or in any of the following months? Sorry that because it's the Friday of a holiday weekend they could care less? Sorry that they every rep I've spoken to in the last 5 months didn't know how to actually do their job? Sorry that Cigna and its "caring" reps refused to assist me today? Sorry for what, I wonder.


It's clear to me after today that Cigna is not at all in the business of caring as they say. I am not basing my conclusion on one, two, or even three situations. I'm basing my conclusion on 5 months, 16 Cigna representatives, 4 Cigna Managers, 1 Cigna Site Director (who finally told Nicole to do her job and provide me with an override today), 3.5hrs in phone conversations all while on my job, 15 calls to CVS to make sure everything was correct, 2 emails to my company about the issue, 3 phone calls to my company about this, 0 actual solutions to this ongoing problem, and 1 Cigna Manager out of 4 that offered a sincere apology (last month). The numbers are in and it's not pretty.


Cigna 1 Consumer 0


Stay Free… if your healthcare company will let you!

Things that make you say WTF?

1. Sarah Palin Memoir

This should be akin to an issue of Highlights Magazine. Remember: What's Wrong With This Picture?
That is actually a valid question given the circumstances.



2. Donald Trump

Ok most of us managed to get over the hair. What I can't get over is that he makes all final decisions about who gets to keep their crown. Seriously? Why on earth would you have a Miss USA committee? What's the point of having a ruling body if you are going to usurp their process every time? I think the Donald wants to stay on good terms with these risqué beauty queens. After all, he will need a new wife soon. It's about time to trade in for a newer model.



3. Hardly any headlines about Octo-Mom...SHHHH!!!

Enough said. No really...enough said.



4. Nancy Pelosi

What a tangled web we weave when once we practice to tell 41 different versions of the “truth” and then get confused about which one we are saying to certain people…then just give up and claim ignorance…then say we were mislead. Can we impeach her already??? Is that even possible? I sure hope so.



5. Yet another Palin - Bristol

Now she is the national authority on teen pregnancy? Really? Hmm let's take inventory here. Mom is probably THE most famous or infamous Governor in the US now with an ever expanding source of income and means. There are about 40 other people she lives with to help her raise baby. Now that she gave birth she is hanging out with celebrities at star studded charity functions while trying pass as a struggling teen mom. I don't think so. Let's “cut” to the inner city (where teen pregnancy is an issue) and see a teen that gets pregnant while living at her single mother's cramped apartment which is located at the corner of Poverty Lane and Unemployment Avenue. Now THAT is something to scare the kids straight.



6. People calling 911

Can we distribute a flyer or something RE-explaining what 911 is actually for? Apparently some people think it's for complaints about their fast food order, while others use it to report their children not cleaning their room. Oh and then there was the call to 911 about a drug deal gone wrong! Calling Dr. Phil!!!!!



7. Swine Flu Hysteria

First it was THE worst thing in the history of "things". Then it was kill all the pigs. Then it was close all the schools! Then it was H1N1 which everyone ignored and continued calling it the Swine Flu. Then it was “not as bad as we thought”. Now 10,000 people have it. Can we all just wash our hands, stop picking our noses, and stop letting our kids lick each other in the face? Did anyone else see the Mexican "health dept. guy" handing out masks on the national evening news...with his mask only on his mouth but not his nose? Pull the mask up man... Levanta la máscara, hombre!! Problem solved.


Stay Free!

In Memoriam: Laying To Rest Friendships That Don't Work

In my relatively short time here on the planet we call Earth, I've already come to realize the need for putting to rest relationships that do not work. I recently had to pay my respects my best friend. Nobody died but the friendship certainly did. Sadly, he decided to travel down a path which I could not follow. Though we've shared deeply and cared for each other, it wasn't enough to save the friendship from the grave.


Before him, there was the other best friend, who was more like a brother near the end. We knew each other’s deep dark secrets. We shared our struggles and dreams alike. We cried together, laughed together, played basketball together, you name it. Life was fun with this friend in my life until our relationship was diagnosed with religion and died soon after.


I understand now, that as with the actual death of a loved one, it is best not to stay mired in the past, but rather remember it for what it was. There are some things that are just not meant to be and no amount of revisiting, apologies, or good intentions will change that. It's best for one’s health to accept the “death” and move forward. Friendships are living things which require much nurturing to stay alive. Once that is cut off it is only a matter of time before irreversible damage is done.


So, today I take a moment to mourn for the loss of my two best friends. I am thankful for the experience but realize that nothing can be done to bring them back. I accept this and tomorrow will bring a new day with new opportunities for friendship.


Stay Free!

Burning My Bibles - 32 Years In The Making

After 32 years of believing parables and red letters I've decided the only good use for a Bible is to build a roaring fire.




32 years of oppression and guilt. 32 years of “Do it because the Bible says to“...even if it's contrary to itself. 32 years of Old Testament vs. New Testament. 32 years of Post-tribulation or Pre-tribulation. 32 years of listening to Pastors of many different religions wield the words of the Bible like a firearm. 32 years of merry CHRISTmas. 32 years of showy musical spectacles. 32 years of Pastors weeping and begging for forgiveness for the hooker, hustler, altar boy, steeling, lying, cheating, or squandering. 32 years of sly and not so sly racism using the Word as a foundation. 32 years of conditional love. 32 years of believe or you will burn in hell. 32 years of "I was raised in church". 32 years of "give it to God". 32 years of Homosexuals are less than human, disgusting, perverted, hell-bound sinners. 32 years of Ted Haggards and secretly gay music ministers and parishioners. 32 years of the Bible is infallible, though it was written by those who are fallible. 32 years of witnessing on Wednesday and bad-mouthing Mormons on Sunday. 32 years of “mixed babies end up looking look like yellow chickens“. 32 years of never seeing anyone be able to live up to anything in the Bible. 32 years of watching the Tammy Fayes, the Jim Bakers, the Jimmy Swaggarts, and the Robert Tiltons of the world. 32 years of the Bible Belt. 32 years mindless adherence to an ideal that fails time and again. 32 years was 32 years too long.



It is finished.


Damned if I do, damned if I don't.


Stay Free!

A Need for Weed

Note: I was asked to write about the topic of legalizing marijuana. After much research on the topic and speaking with several people who use marijuana on a regular basis, I present the following piece. Additionally, I am FOR the legalization and regulation of marijuana for both medical and recreational uses.

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There are several things to consider. They are as follows:


Social Acceptance:

It’s apparent to me that there are millions of people around the world that are regular users of marijuana. Now, whether or not they will admit that openly is a whole other story. There are, in my best guess, millions more that have used the "drug" in the past. From all indications society is split on their views of using pot. There seem to be agendas on both sides of the debate. Of course, from the Christian conservative base comes much rhetoric about using pot. While they will turn a blind eye to smoking cigarettes, as long as you don't do it during the sermon, they are quick to campaign against other things they have not come to terms with. Taking that into consideration, one really can't do anything unless the church says it’s OK. Anyone who smokes weed is going to hell anyway, so why bother worrying about what they think?


Political / Economic Considerations:

There is a growing voice in the political world to legalize and/or decriminalize the use of marijuana. You might find it surprising to know that in 2008 a measure to remove most federal penalties for possession was presented by Rep. Barney Frank (DEM) and Rep. Ronald Paul (REP). There are other bi-partisan measures that have been offered up as well. So this has bi-partisan support that is real. I offer the following link for more information on this: http://www.mjlegal.org/legislation.html

Economically speaking we would free up billions of dollars in state and federal funds related to marijuana related arrests and court proceedings. The boost to the economy would be swift and considerable. If you add federal or state regulation to the equation there would be room for taxation which would also be an aide to the economy. As it stands now, the billions of dollars spent on the purchase of weed each year is money that is completely slipping through the government’s fingers.

Historically speaking, prohibition has never worked and has actually contributed to Black Market violence and crime. If we bring the use of pot out in the light of day it will take away the need for the Black Market and save lives.


Medical Concerns:

Everything I have found on the subject seems to be very one-sided regardless of which side you stand on. There are very limited studies that have been done to support the government's War on Drugs. It seems to me that most "evidence" is inconclusive at best. There have been some studies on the effect of weed on the brain. The most serious side effects seem to be related to memory loss.

There is a large movement of medical professionals and doctors that stand behind the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Doctors have been able to prove that pot has the capacity to reduce nausea and increase appetite which is helpful for Cancer and AIDS patients.

Then, there is the "gateway drug" argument by activist groups and others. I, for one, do not believe this applies to even the majority of people on the planet earth. I believe people become addicted to drugs based upon their predisposition to addictive behavior and other outside factors and influences such as mental health and social support systems.


Cutting to the Chase:

Let's get real here for a moment. There are literally hundreds of millions of people in this world who either have used or currently use pot. They are functioning members of society. Weed has been around since man stepped out of the cave, looked around, and said "this isn't so bad". Perhaps, rather, since Adam and Eve took the first "bite out of crime"...whichever ideal you happen to subscribe to. Either way the use of pot is not going away. Just like alcohol and tobacco before it, it's here to stay. I believe legalization and regulation would purify the product, reduce related crime, and prove to be a giant economic boost. We've done it the “War on Drugs” way and it's not working. Legalization just makes sense.

Stay Free!