How the GOP Created Obamacare

With the next stages of the Affordable Healthcare Act being implemented and the recent GOP caused government shutdown, once again Republicans are fighting to repeal their much despised Obamacare. What is amazing about the Republican push against Obamacare is that in the 1990s, they were calling for the very system we are currently implementing.

In the 1990s, Hillary Clinton introduced a healthcare plan that sent Republican’s into a frenzy, the Health Security Act of 1993. They attacked Clinton’s proposal, claiming that their system would be better served for all Americans. But, the fight wasn’t against universal health care but how best to implement it.

Ventura

Ventura is just south of Santa Barbara and we recently took a trip up there to see family and enjoy the beach.

The drive up was very relaxing and beautiful and since it wasn't too far away from us we decided to take Highway 1, which travels along the ocean. It was a clear day and we were able to see the ocean almost the entire ride. Perfect!

When we checked in we were pleased to see that our room had an ocean view. We headed downstairs for a beer on the patio and to chat and catch up with our family.

Once we started to feel the chill of the fog rolling in we split up and Dan and I walked around the downtown a while. The stores were mainly second hand shops with a lot of interesting things in the windows. From Star Wars Pez to classic sewing machines. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to go into any of them and see if we could find any hidden treasures, because we were in charge of finding a place for dinner. Seeing as how Dan and I were the only veg heads we didn't pick the only vegan joint in town, although I was very curious to see if it was good. Next time.

REVIEW: Blackfish – An Inside Look At Killer Whales In Captivity At SeaWorld

When I was a kid I loved SeaWorld. Watching animal shows and hoping to get splashed was the best part, of course. The trainers would talk about the orca as if they loved to do these shows, that this behavior was normal for them in the wild. So, when I went into this film, the child in me was devastated to find out that this amazing show was a farce.

Blackfish is a documentary that takes a hard look into the reality of orca’s (a.k.a. Killer Whales) lives in captivity. The film begins with a rough looking fisherman almost breaking down in tears talking about the capture expedition he went on in 1983. In this expedition, they captured a baby orca, named Tilikum, off the coast of Iceland.

Who Was Che Guevara?

Published on the 46th Anniversary of his death.

To heal life or to take life.

That was the decision Ernesto Guevara had to make in the mid-1950s. As most people know, he chose the latter.

What took a doctor and turned him into a revolutionary, a famous icon, and a so-called murderer? Who was this legend and why is he everywhere?

Ernesto Guevara was born in Argentina, June 14, 1928. By the age of three he had developed asthma that would haunt him for his entire life. For much of his early childhood, he was home schooled because of his asthma and spent many days in bed just trying to breathe. Ironically, he was spared from serving in the Argentinian military due to this severe health condition.

5 Must Have Items That Do Everything

I try to keep my cleaning supplies to a minimum. Having a different product for every type of cleaning is excessive and cumbersome. I also try to avoid chemicals when possible. I don’t like the thought of using cleaning supplies that could harm my cats or myself. And why would I use these things when I can get what I need with common, natural products?

Did you know that the skin absorbs most of what we put on it? I find it strange that it’s acceptable to use harsh chemicals on our bodies that we would never eat. If we are absorbing it anyway, what’s the difference?

Kayaking

Our last adventure during my visit was a kayaking trip. We went to the Elkhorn Slough, just south of Santa Cruz, and enjoyed a peaceful day in the sun.

Muir Woods and An Unexpected Treat

I recently visited my parents for my mom's birthday. We had originally planned to go camping in the RV, but dad's work was keeping him stuck in town. So, we figured we'd stay local, which was fine with me. I was just happy to be in the Bay Area. Like I said in a previous blog, my trip up was a surprise.

We decided to go to Muir Woods which is just north of San Francisco. Dan and I had gone hiking there before we moved to Los Angeles, but I hadn't been since and a trip to the redwoods was just what I needed. We drove through San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge, it was a lovely day and only foggy when we crossed part of the bridge, a little bit of everything. :]

A Nice Surprise

I couldn't sleep I was so excited. I knew that in the morning two very exciting things were happening, the DOMA decision was going to be announced and I was getting on a plane for the bay area. DOMA was potentially a frightening thing (yay for SCOTUS!), but my plane ride was going to be anything but.

It was a surprise.