Systems Computers U.S.A. Inc.©: Saturday, April 24, 2010

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Health Care Reform Infographic – Changes Coming!

Health Care Reform Infographic – Changes Coming!: "

While I rarely try to comment on politics, I was recently sent this graphic which outlines the impending changes to the Health Care reform that was signed into law a few months ago.

For most people, health insurance plays a big role in personal finances (sometimes good and sometimes bad). Courtney and I currently paid $138/month for high-deductible insurance (it’s either $2,000 or $3,000 deductible). We basically just want to cover catastrophic-type events.

Personally, I’m not really for or against these changes. I won’t be at any tea parties, but I didn’t cheer in victory when Obama signed it into law. The biggest concern for me is children. I think minors under 18 should be fully covered no matter what. No pre-existing condition garbage. This includes pregnant women, as well.

Beyond children, I’m not such a fan of mandated health insurance. I think adults should have that responsibility fall upon themselves. I would be in favor of having a government sponsored option and very strict penalties on abuse from insurance companies, though.

What are your opinions on the Health Care reform changes?

Leave the sensational politics on the sideline please. I don’t want to hear about socialism, communists, or racism.

I’m more interested in the specific changes and how they may/may not affect you. Do you see these changes affecting your finances (besides a potentially increased tax burden)? Would you personally take advantage of any of the above?

Interested to hear your thoughts!

Note: Thanks to HealthInsuranceProviders.com, a site where you can compare health insurance options, for allowing their infographic to be shared!

Mauro Giuliani · Concerti per Chitarra · Quintetti op. 65 e op. 102

Mauro Giuliani · Concerti per Chitarra · Quintetti op. 65 e op. 102: "

Claudio Maccari · Paolo Pugliese · Orchestra 'Ensemble Ottocento'

LINK part1 - part2

Mauro Giuliani · (1781-1829)

Concerto n. 1 in la maggiore per chitarra e orchestra op. 30
Concerto n. 3 in fa maggiore per chitarra terzina e orchestra op. 70
Concerto n. 2 in la maggiore per chitarra e orchestra op. 36
Gran Quintetto per chitarra, due violini, viola e viloncello op. 65
Introduzione e variazioni sopra la Cavatina 'Nune perdonami se in tal istante' op. 102

2 CDs · MP3 HQ · 186 MB

The Monk Institute Combo: The Future Moderns

The Monk Institute Combo: The Future Moderns: "

by Patrick Jarenwattananon

The horns of the current Monk Institute combo: (L-R) Godwin Louis, Billy Buss and Matt Marantz. Hogyu Hwang plays bass. (Patrick Jarenwattananon/NPR)

New Orleans has a history of nurturing amazing young musicians, reared by multiple generations of mentors. But jazz education is, more and more, moving into the university and conservatory, with no signs of stopping. So it's appropriate that as of 2007, the cradle of jazz also has a world-class college program of its own.

When the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz officially relocated to New Orleans, it brought a unique, top-notch performance program with it. Every two years, the Institute selects a small group of musicians for an intensive, all-expenses-paid scholarship. They work together as a combo, under the eye of Terence Blanchard, and emerge with a Master's Degree. What's especially remarkable is that Terence knows how to pick 'em: recent alumni include buzzed-about cats such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Walter Smith III, Joe Sanders, Gretchen Parlato, the entire Lionel Loueke trio ...

As part of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the combo (full personnel found here) played the opening set at the WWOZ Jazz Tent. I didn't hear anyone who struck me as The Future Of Jazz, Now. But I did hear an incredible amount of proficiency within the tradition of progressive hard bop. When some of these folks get their own bands -- and/or move to a bigger scene and start playing with everyone and their mother -- look out.

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Related At NPR Music: An NPR story from correspondent John Burnett about the Monk Institute's move -- and its commitment to community education in New Orleans -- in 2007.

Dave Bartholomew Steals Bob French's Show (With Permission)

Dave Bartholomew Steals Bob French's Show (With Permission): "

by Patrick Jarenwattananon

Dave Bartholomew, New Orleans royalty. (Patrick Jarenwattananon/NPR)

An 89-year-old man was the highlight of a 100-year-old band's performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Technically, trumpeter Dave Bartholomew isn't part of the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, continuously operating in some fashion since 1910 and currently led by drummer Bob French. But Bartholomew is maternal kin to French -- and he's a living legend.

You know, here's the guy who helped write hits for Fats Domino ("Ain't That A Shame," "Blueberry Hill," etc.). The Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer, the wild card who's done everything in the record business (and is plenty wealthy for it), the man present at the transition of jump blues to R&B. In episode one of Treme, Davis steals a Dave Bartholomew box set -- the point being that this man has been anthologized in a box set. Oh yeah, and he knows his early jazz plenty well too.

French invited Bartholomew along to play on a few tunes. On 'Fever,' he stepped in for a concise plunger mute solo. On 'At Last,' he interjected seamless obbligato behind vocalist Yolanda Windsay. And French pointed to him to take the lead on 'Tenderly,' accompanied only by banjo and piano. His tone is beautifully clear, his phrasing immaculate, his articulation, high notes and effects gutsy. The man sounded great.

Yolanda Windsay sings, Dave Bartholomew plays, Bob French appears to approve. (Patrick Jarenwattananon/NPR)

More photos and notes from the show, after the jump.

Bob French is no joke either -- he's certainly nobility in town. He took over the band from his father, played with Fats Domino himself (at Bartholomew's nomination) and hosts shows on WWOZ, New Orleans' celebrated community radio station. He carries his share of the torch proudly. But all the cameras raced to the front when Bartholomew held aloft his horn, and with good reason.

Before the close, French riled up the crowd with a few 'Who Dat?' calls. Months after the Super Bowl victory, Saints pride is everywhere, even for a fellow like French who precedes the team's existence by decades. That segued, of course, into 'When The Saints Go Marching In' -- and its corollary dancing parade through the aisles, ceremonial umbrellas held aloft. That scene, below: