Message Forum

Lance,

This is in response to your post on the vote count in Nevada. They are still counting votes here in Texas. It takes time to count all of the votes, the provisionals, the mail in votes, the votes coming in from our citizens serving overseas in the military. Here is a link. I suggest you read it. Counting all of the ballots takes time, it takes patience and it takes above all accuracy. It won't be declared here in Texas yet, not until all votes are counted and certified.

David,

A few posts ago you declared that Mitch McConnell would not confirm any of Biden's appointment to the cabinet. It seems Donald Trump set the bar for cabinet confirmations months ago. All Biden has to do is what Trump did, make them "acting" appointments. They just go ahead and do the job, not matter what congress says. Trump set a lot of precidents, I hope Biden does not follow them, but if gridlock happens, there is workaround.

11/07/20 03:06 PM

#19372

Steve,

Are you ready to relieve some tension and break some clays. I have both a portable electric thrower and plenty of clays.

11/07/20 06:50 PM

#19373

David,

Here is info on the AARP PPO with United Healthcare/ It shows the dental, vision and fitness program, This has a$0 monthly

11/07/20 09:19 PM

#19374

Wayne,

Right now I am working to print cards to give to the homeless people of color than inhabit every street where white people drive. I normally give them a dollar. Now I intend to give them cards that say, "No dollar this time if you are hungry. Be filled with assurance that Joe Biden is President now and you can get your food from him. He has promised to take care of you and from his past 47 year track record, you should feel real good about that."

11/07/20 11:07 PM

#19375

Sandra,

I don't think I said that about McConnell. Can you identify the post? Maybe someone else said it.

11/08/20 06:03 AM

#19376

David Wier

David C:

I have UTSouthwestern's insurance, BCBS as a supplement, as well as extra Dental and Vision, which I chose over everything else I could find. All I really pay is a copay for drugs (35/10/less). We just went on Medicare as of Oct 1. Supposedly, anything Medicare doesn't cover, our supplement is supposed to cover.

But I'm totally unfamiliar with your Humana F plan. Would this be something I'd get along with what I already have or would it replace our UT supplement? What is the cost, by the way? Our UT supplement totals about $270 for both of us.

11/08/20 07:27 AM

#19377

David W.,

As you know, medical insurance is free for UT system employees and for retirees. For retirees eligiible for Medicare, they must have Medicare part B, which becomes primary. UT Dallas HR tells me that a Medicare supplement and Medicare part D (prescriptions) are unnecessary for the retiree. For my wife, Medicare part B plus UT insurance is more expensive than Medicare part B plus a Medicare supplement plus Medicare part D (prescriptions), so we took the latter path for her. So far, it has worked out well. She hasn't had any copays, but she did have to pay full freight when she got a shingles vaccination. Her Humana supplement costs about $123 (includes Silver Sneakers). We also pay for UT's dental and vision.

Medicare Advantage would be cheaper than what we are paying for my wife, but we are very hesitant to make any changes just to save a few bucks, especially since we have had good luck with vision and dental through UT. However, it isn't clear to me if having UT as secondary to Medicare Advantage would allow me to have the benefits of Advantage and still allow me broader choices for physicians, etc. That is, if Advantage doesn't cover something out of network, will UT cover it?

11/08/20 10:30 AM

#19378

David,

My apology to you for mistakenly thinking you posted that. I have not gone through the posts to determine who did. Please excuse my rashness.

11/08/20 10:36 AM

#19379

Lance,

Why are you congratulating me? My vote and the votes of my family did not count at all, except to bump the national numbers. When it comes time for the electoral college, I am not counted at all. It is winner take all in Texas and Trump won all of them. I just hope for smooth transition with no violence. I also hope fervently that the pandemic gets under control, and classmates here who have either contracted the bug or have loved ones affected by its heal completely with no lasting effects. I hope none of you are affected the the loss of a loved one due to this terrible disease. I know of several who have died from it. Keep those who have died in your thoughts and wear a mask!

11/08/20 12:33 PM

#19380

Sandra,

To me, Biden was the least hideous of the Dems from a philosophical standpoint, but I expect him 1) to be overly influenced by the far left, 2) to deteriorate physically and mentally fairly rapidly, and then 3) to be dominated by the far left.

If the Republicans lose the Senate, which I anticipate, there will be one-party government. Pelosi will be re-elected as Speaker, in spite of the rumblings of a revolution from the center-left. Same rumblings happened last go 'round. (Note that Hakeem Jeffries, who is mentioned as a possible challenger, represents parts of Queens and Brooklyn. That would mean that the Speaker and Senate Majority Leader would both be from NYC.) Pelosi and Schumer are not compromisers like Biden is/was. They are fierce partisans. Witness Obamacare. Such a huge change in the health care system that had zero support from the other side. "You have to vote for it to see what's in it."

Biden will have minimal sway with Congress, and he will sign whatever the left puts in front of him. One caveat: I think he knows that he will not have a second term, so he may actually do what he really thinks is right rather than trying to please the left. (Pun intended.)

Another caveat: the near left probably realizes that socialism, torching of cities, and defunding police are very unpopular. Biden won in spite of all that garbage, but Dems lost ground in the House, not to mention the state houses. Pelosi certainly laments that the blue wave didn't occur, in spite of the unpopularity of Trump. I hope she will tell the fringe left like AOC to take a hike.

As much as the media and House badgered and beat up on Trump, much of it very unfair, he still got more votes than Obama or any other presidential candidate other than Biden. I don't think any of the Dems will respect that fact, i.e., that much of the country doesn't like what's going on, and they don't blame Trump.

That said, so many people were put off by the way Trump talks, and he couldn't see it, or at least couldn't see how important it was. People wanted the president to do good things, but also to be presidential. From my standpoint, Trump did do a lot of good things, but bad Trump defeated good Trump. Biden was just an observer.

11/08/20 12:47 PM

#19381

https://watch.hgtv.com/tv-shows/home-town/full-episodes/fire-and-water

Sandra,

This episode of Home Town on HGTV has three small parts that relate to building guitars. I think you have to have access to HGTV on your cable or streaming system to access it.

11/08/20 02:24 PM

#19382

David,

I can't access the online version of Home Town on my computer, however I have seen that episode. My guilty pleasure is HGTV, we get it through HULU. (It is also a perfect escape from news and politics). I would have to login using our provider and password and I don't have those on my computer (Danny manages all of that). I do vaguely remember that episode. One of their sub-contractors built guitars on the side, right?? I can't specifically remember if it was an acoustic or classical. But I do remember he had a wood bender and used heat and steam to bend the sides etc. I love watching that show, and also, Fixer Upper, and those two gals with the hammer in Indianapolis. I love the transformations they can come up with and for the most part, most of the design elements. However, I think they often stress too much on the "open concept" themes in these shows. We have an "open concept" kitchen and it is a pain to have conversation or watch TV in the den when someone is washing dishes or preparing food in the kitchen. Noise factor. Perhaps we will move someday and have one more opportunity to "get it right". Till then, I watch and dream....

Back to bending sides and guitar building....Aaron does the same thing when he builds his guitars. He has a nice wood bender and he also laminates his sides with an additional thin layer of wood to strenghten the sides as well. Aaron has built just over 50 guitars. I should know, I am the one who posts the photos of them on his web site. Building stringed instruments is facinating - time consuming, and takes great skill and patience. Precision is a word that comes to mind. Absolute precision is a necessity. A guitar built to specification and with a touch of artistic beauty, it is not only a joy to behold but an experience to hear. I am lucky to have witness to his builds and knowledge. I have to say, it makes the months of isolation bearable.

11/08/20 02:50 PM

#19383

David,

To me John Kasich is the least offensive of the Republicans.

What will happen? Who is to say? What will help? I will offer a one sentence response: If we tone down the finger pointing, name calling, label making, conspiracies and lies, that is a start.

I hope Biden stays healthy. I don't think he has any sign of dementia. I should know I live with an elder of some significance. I do see in him a high degree of intelligence, experience and diplomacy that is sorely needed. I hear through his words he wants to make peace, bring about unity and work across the isle. It is a two way street. Let us keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. I think he is the closest I will get to a representative for me.

I am one of the 25-30% of Americans referred to recently in the press, as nones. I have no religious affiliation at all. In addition, I am not represented in any of the branches of government that I know of. To my knowledge there are no justices, no one in congress, nor any elected to the executive branch past or present that represents my beliefs (or lack thereof). On a state and local level, according to most of the electorate, you are not qualified to run for office unless you do have a religious affliliation. Therefore, no one in my county, city or state represents my beliefs, either. In my heart I know who I am and what I believe and it is strong and makes me whole and content. I won't change to "fit in". If I were to change, I must take it to heart, and I don't.

There have been days, when listening to the rhetoric that I wonder with all of the noise anyone cares how any of the 25 to 35% feel about being ignored, and worse, not represented at all. Yet, I continue to hope and vote and work the polls when I can. I continue to have some faith in one thing, democracy. I hold that dear that my "none" is part of the religious freedom clause somewhere in our laws and constitution. That somehow I will be heard and represented.

So lament about whatever your pressing issue is. At least you are represented. Your vote here in Texas, counted. It will be represented in the electorial college in December. Mine won't. Not for at least four more years and probably longer than that.

11/08/20 03:45 PM

#19384

David Tankersley

Wayne

What are the copays for hospitalizations, surgeries, rehab and skilled nursing days?

11/08/20 05:24 PM

#19385

Lowell Tuttle

I could be mistaken, but wasn't Cade McCrary (Hardee McCrary's son) the super receiver at Lake Travis High School when Garrett Gilbert was their Quarterbak. Now starting and beating the Pittsburgh Stellers?

11/08/20 06:32 PM

#19386

Lowell and David,

11/08/20 07:56 PM

#19387

David T

Here is the first page for the AARP Advantage PPO by United Healthcare

With $6700 max out of pocket In-network

After 57 days of skilled nursing hits max. 20 days at $0 then 37 days at $184/day

11/08/20 08:11 PM

#19388

Remember to thank a veteran and think of all we owe to them. Wed. Nov 11. Veterans Day is for all who hae served. Memorial Day is to honor those who died protecting us. Remember our classmates and their kids who have served or are serving. If you can wear a red paper poppie if you are out and about.

11/08/20 11:38 PM

#19389

David Wier

David C:

I'm not used to all the correct terms yet - advantage plan/supplements, etc. Yes - the $270 per month is the UT supplement we pay for, since I was using it for my wife when I was working for UT. (now plus Part B for each of us). There are no copays for Doctors, but we must pay the same copay for meds as when I was working there, using Express Scripts.

So, you're saying the Humana Part F is cheaper than the $270 we're paying?

If there are no physician copays, I'd just need to check into medicine and the copays. My wife has quite a few problems and we pay a lot just in copays for medicine and doctors each month.

11/09/20 12:25 AM

#19390

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

I heard on TV tonight (Sunday) that Michelle Obama stated, about Trump supporters, after praising Biden and Harris's win, "Let's remember that tens of millions of people voted for the status quo, even when it meant supporting lies, hate, chaos and division." (She was startled that Republicans voted in this way.) Then she said, "We've got a lot of work to do to connect with these people and get them to understand our viewpoint, so that we can unite," or words to that effect.

Were there Republicans voting in support of lies, hate, chaos and division? I know I didn't support those things!

As a matter of fact I remember lies, hatred and chaos in the Ferguson Missouri fiasco for days and days of rioting, burning and looting. Then afterward, after a court review ordered by Eric Holder, the conclusion was delivered to inform us that Officer Wilson would not be charged with a crime. And as for division, there was plenty of division in the US throughout Obama's administration too. Obama complained about cynical Americans "clinging to their guns and religion," and scolded citizens of being suspicious of people who are not like them. Then there was Eric Holder who dismissed an open and shut case of The New Black Panthers who were threatening Whites at a voting precinct. Another example of Obama causing division was when he gave Cuba diplomatic recognition absent conditions with which to comply, and no requirements for Cuba to end oppression,(Cuban-Americans were incensed)... as well as Obama refusing to enforce immigration law, hurting working-class Blacks and Hispanics who entered our country LEGALLY to find jobs. Obama also refused to enforce work requirements for welfare recipients, as was required by US law, etc., etc. Go online to see more examples.

As for getting Republicans to understand the Democrat viewpoint in order to unite us all, well I think they need to understand OUR viewpoint as well....understand that we are not a nation that desires radical changes to match Europe's way of life, necessarily, nor do we want to rewrite our Constitution where there are PURPOSELY STATED LIMITS spelled out, as to how much power is allowed by the government. Those LIMITS anger the Democrats, because they want limitless powers to rein us in, directing our lives. They want the government to be able to tell us how to live as they see fit, and as to how they want us to accept what they determine for us; socialism. They don't appreciate, very often, that we want choices WE DETERMINE, without BIG BROTHER breathing down our necks with demands.

We can listen to what they propose, if they can listen to what we propose, and we are willing to compromise on issues if they are willing to do the same, instead of exhibiting the Pelosi-like attitude of "Do as I wish, or I will go home, and not allow you any money from the 'purse' I control."

11/09/20 12:26 AM

#19391

David W.,

I have Medicare Plan F with A , B and the Premier Prescription plan from Humana.. It runs just a bit less than the $270 but it does not have Dental except for major medical mouth surgery. They deduct it from my social security before I get the check so I never miss it.

11/09/20 12:30 AM

#19392

Janalu,

When you have to have Thanksgiving and invite some of your liberal family members for dinner, Freak them out with the following Turkey presentation. Tell them you guess it is because of global warming.

11/09/20 08:51 AM

#19393