News

I started MyLastLecture.org - check it out, or don't. Hope it catches on like wild fire, not wildfire, like a fire, that is wild.

Also, regarding the current situation of healthcare reform legislation. Dammit. The votes aren't there in the Senate, so this means the House has to pass it, or as much of it as possible can be passed with a simple majority through the budget reconciliation process. This is the best method, because otherwise it will get pared down to a shell of itself. However, the Parlimentarian hasn't ruled yet on just how much of the bill could be passed this way. It only applies to spending or taxing, and many of the core programs (exchanges, eliminating heinous insurance company practices, setting up cost control pilots, Medicare Advisory Board) are not on budget. As is often the case in this life, the most important things are always both a blessing and a curse. These measures will likely save the most money (trillions, not to mention many lives), but because it doesn't dirctly spend money, it can't be considered through reconciliation. And all because of Kennedy's seat. The cruel cruel irony. Here's to good news out of the Parlimentarian's office.

Also, today J.D. Salinger died. From Catcher-

When I was all set to go, when I had my bags and all, I stood for a while next to the stairs and took a last look down that goddam corridor. I was sort of crying. I don't know why. I put my red hunting hat on, and turned the peak around to the back, the way I liked it, and then I yelled at the top of my goddam voice, "Sleep tight, ya morons!" I'll bet I woke up every bastard on the whole floor. Then I got the hell out. Some stupid guy had thrown peanut shells all over the stairs, and I damn near broke my crazy neck.

Anyway, I'm sort of glad they've got the atomic bomb invented. If there's ever another war, I'm going to sit right the hell on top of it. I'll volunteer for it, I swear to God I will.

Boy, when you're dead, they really fix you up. I hope to hell when I do die somebody has sense enough to just dump me in the river or something. Anything except sticking me in a goddam cemetery. People coming and putting a bunch of flowers on your stomach on Sunday, and all that crap. Who wants flowers when you're dead? Nobody.

Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody