Waxman, Rangel, Miller on Health Reform

Politics

U.S. Reps. Henry A. Waxman (D-CA), Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), and George Miller (D-CA), the chairmen of the three committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the U.S. House of Representatives, issued the following statement today after the Senate approved legislation to reform the nation’s health insurance system.

“We commend our colleagues in the Senate for this crucial vote, which brings health reform closer to reality than at any time in the past 70 years.  While there are clear differences between the bills passed by the Senate and the House, both bills will bring peace of mind and fundamental health care coverage to millions of Americans who are currently uninsured.

“Both bills will slow the growth of out-of-control health care costs and reduce the deficit by over $100 billion in the first ten years – and by much more in the second decade. Both bills will make unprecedented reforms to the insurance industry to hold insurers accountable and protect consumers from delays or denials of care based on pre-existing conditions, from rescissions, and from exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses that bankrupt far too many Americans. Both bills will protect and expand peoples’ choices of doctors and health plans. And both bills will offer relief to small businesses getting crushed by spiraling health costs.

“Now that the Senate has cleared this critical legislation, we look forward to working with them and the White House to reconcile and further improve our bills. We are committed to producing a final bill that incorporates the best reforms for middle-class families, small businesses, seniors and our fiscal health, stays true to the values of our members and delivers on the changes the American people desperately need.”

Doves Evolutionary Makeover

Our perception of beauty has never been base on reality…

…As it’s proved in this video…

Acme Donates car to Harlem Friars

Acme Auto Leasing LLC today announced its contribution of a 2006 twelve-passenger Ford E350 van to the Franciscan Friars’ St. Joseph Friary, located in the Sugar Hill in Harlem.

The Franciscan Friars operate an Apostolistic Mission located in Harlem that ministers to the poor, and provides a soup kitchen and homeless shelter to those in need.

“With these challenging economic times, our services are more in need than ever, and this generous gift of a 12-passenger van from Acme Auto Leasing will help the Mission in expanding its services to those who are in need.  It is especially welcome at this time of the year, and we are most grateful to Acme,” stated Father Luke of the St. Joseph Friary.

Schumer: Health Care Reform Is ‘Extraordinary’

Health

Senate Democrats passed a landmark health care bill in a climactic Christmas Eve vote that could define President Barack Obama’s legacy and usher in near-universal medical coverage for the first time in the country’s history.

“We are now finally poised to deliver on the promise of real, meaningful health insurance reform that will bring additional security and stability to the American people,” Obama said shortly after the Senate acted.

“This will be the most important piece of social legislation since Social Security passed in the 1930s,” said Obama, standing with Vice President Joe Biden in the State Room of the White House.

Keep reading –>

Where’s the Christmas lights on 125th Street?

For the first time in I don’t know how many years the Christmas lights that are usually hanging on 125th Street! In addition, the tree in front of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr., State office building is up!

What’s going on?

Zoë Saldana does Harlem

Star Treks’ Zoe Saldana keeps going where no woman has gone before. Coming down to earth after filming Cameron’s Avatar, she channels the glamor of the Harlem Renassince for photographer Michael Roberts. Ms. Saldana is in a Donna Karan dress and jacket, and struts her stuff inside the Lenox Lounge.

Vanity Fair, August 09

NYPD Daily Blotter: Harlem Whipped

A middle-aged woman pistol-whipped an acquaintance during a robbery in Harlem, authorities said yesterday.

Gun-toting Delores Hill, 45, allegedly whacked the woman in the head on Frederick Douglass Boulevard near 128th Street at 7:40 a.m. last Thursday.

Hill demanded the woman’s Visa card and PIN, and the victim complied, authorities said.

Police were called, and Hill was busted for robbery.

NYPost.com

Riverside Church’s New Year’s Eve Service

Events

In celebration of the New Year, over 1,000 people from all walks of life are expected to fill the halls of historic Riverside Church for its New Year’s Eve Watch Night Service of music and worship, in the Nave of The Riverside Church on Thursday, December 31, from 10:00 p.m. to midnight, 490 Riverside Drive (bet. 120th & 122nd St.), Morningside Heights.

New Salad bar in Harlem

The area that gave rise to some of the great achievements in African-American culture and commerce is now inundated with fast-food restaurants and suffers from high rates of obesity and diabetes.

The unhealthy turn has occurred despite the city’s ban on artery-clogging trans fats, expansion of bike lanes and launch of attack ads on sugary drinks, which are blamed by some health activists for the country’s obesity epidemic.

Black Broadcasting Network launches nationally

Media

Target Market News

The Black Broadcasting Network (BBN), an African American owned and operated cable network is now available nationally on Verizon FiOS TV Video on Demand. The 24/7 network targets an underserved urban 18-34 demographic.

BBN programming will focus on popular entertainment and a variety of program genres featuring African American and Latino artists, casts, comedians, producers, filmmakers and athletes. Genres include the latest in movies, music, music videos, independent films, black college sports, reality shows, comedy, and current affairs. The announcement was made by the network’s Chairman/CEO, Ricky Anderson and President/COO Yusef Muhammad.

Keep reading –>

Senator, Bill Perkins on Eminent Domain

Politics

To the Editor:

Re “Eminent Domain in New York” (editorial, Dec. 14): New York’s eminent domain laws are in need of reform. The Empire State Development Corporation’s attempted taking of private property on behalf of Columbia University illustrates how the current process lacks accountability, transparency or meaningful public participation.

The corporation cited “blight” to justify property condemnation. But the current definition of “blight” is vague. Absurd criteria, like the cracked sidewalks and loose awnings cited in Columbia’s decision, could be used to identify any neighborhood as blighted.

Openings and Closings

Business

…On the Upper West Side, Mama Mexico, which was recently seized for non-payment of taxes, reopened today at 2672 Broadway between 101st and 102nd streets. On the Upper East Side, 16-year-old neighborhood bar Willy’s will close 1538 Second Avenue at 80th Street. In Harlem, Chinese and Japanese restaurant Ocean has opened at 393 Lenox Avenue near 130th Street. Fast-food joint Checkers will open on 125th Street sometime next year…

therealdeal.com