Forgive, even when you think you were right

I didn't write a column a couple of weeks ago . Actually, I couldn't write a column . Not out of laziness or lack of ideas, but because I was distraught about a disagreement with my best friend.

Source: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/health/forgive-even-when-you-think-you-were-right-1374010.html?cxtype=rss_health_17932

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What happens to Medicare and Social Security if there?s a shutdown?

Spare change?

Spare change?


My colleague Kevin Thompson spoke yesterday with many people who are fearful that a government shutdown could threaten their Medicare and Social Security.

Ida Termonfils, on Social Security disability, was one of them.

“How am I going to live if I don’t get it?” she wondered. “I can’t go to work. I would get kicked out of my house.”

Kevin writes:

The Social Security Administration has said that the 53 million beneficiaries will continue to be paid in the event of a shutdown and that local offices will remain open for limited services. New enrollees, however, might face a delay in receiving benefits.

Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, meanwhile, have been shaking the loose change in their trust funds to see how long they can pay bills if a shutdown really happens.

If it?s a short-term shut down, they and their claims processors can pay the bills as usual, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services official said. But if it were to drag on for many weeks, well, things could get tougher.

The trust fund that covers Medicare Part B, medical care, and Part D, prescription drugs, has about $60 billion in it right now.

At a burn rate of $20 billion a month, ?we expect the trust fund would be able to continue to pay claims well into the summer,? the official said.

Part A, hospital and nursing care, would continue to be funded as usual, the official said, adding that the plans were still very preliminary.

But because Medicare contracts out its claims processing, and those contractors are paid from a discretionary fund that would be hit by a shutdown, checks to doctors might stop.

It would be up to doctors to decide what to do.

?In the case of a longer term shutdown, our ability to pay the contractors may be compromised, which could lead some providers to stop seeing people on Medicare,? the official said.

The number people answering the phones at 1-800 Medicare would be much smaller. The call center logs about 500,000 inquiries a week. Long hold times should be expected.

Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/on-call/2011/04/08/what-happens-to-medicare-if-there%e2%80%99s-a-shutdown/

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Destination Dining: Sustain Restaurant Bar in Midtown Miami

Granted, there?s an increased carbon footprint involved in driving to Miami to dine at Sustain, but once you get there, you?ll score mega green points. This 4-month-old eco-conscious American bistro, appointed with recycled and reclaimed touches, is a terrific addition to Midtown Miami?s lively restaurant row. On chef Alejandro Piņero?s inspired, eclectic menu: charcuterie and [...]

Source: http://www.pbpulse.com/dining/restaurants-dining/2011/04/13/destination-dining-sustain-restaurant-bar-in-midtown-miami/

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Dreaming megabig at West Palm Beach boat show

Sunday strolling among the yachts.

Sunday strolling among the yachts.

As I moseyed down the make-shift docks Sunday afternoon, I was nearly blinded by the sunlight reflecting off the gleaming white hulls of 100-foot-plus megayachts.

The yachts were displayed as part of the Palm Beach International Boat Show, which had taken over the waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach for four days. They closed off Flagler Drive in that area for a few days before and after the show. Detours ruled the days surrounding the boat show.

No shoes and other rules

Shoes were strewn on the walkways.

Shoes were strewn.

The first thing I noticed were the discarded shoes. I thought I had stepped into a bad dream where people were jumping overboard. But no, the shoes were left by people who had climbed aboard the boats. They were very thoughtful, I reasoned, until I saw the signs that said no shoes or drinks aboard the boats.

The rules for the yachts, basically anything costing more than $1 million, were even more strict. No one was allowed on board without a yacht broker.

The yacht sellers had tents strategically placed where would-be buyers could fill out forms with personal information before you could climb aboard the yacht. Plus, many yachts did not allow cameras and presumably picture-taking while aboard.

Mates standing guard.

Mates standing guard.

The 4-day boat show, among the top 10 in the country, boasts of $350 million worth of boats, yachts and accessories from the world’s leading marine manufacturers.

That Sunday afternoon, the temp reached 90 and was relieved by a stiff breeze of 20 mph from the southeast. It was quite warm, but I was glad I remembered to wear my straw hat, even if I had to hold onto it occasionally to keep it from blowing off.

Bank short sale

Bank short sale

Boats not immune

As people have lost regular homes and mansions, boat and yacht owners have not been immune to the financial crisis. Some boats carried signs about a bank short sale with a discreet broker talking about the owner in a hushed voice. Other yachts boasted: “Make an offer” while listing an asking price of $9.99 million.

I had my fill of the mega-world and walked back on land.

Navy flip-flops collar

Navy flip-flops collar

I wandered among the tents of marine supplies and accessories where I found a new collar for my dog. Not just any collar, though. It was a navy collar with a flip-flop motif and a bit of reflective plastic at Palm Beach Ribbon Designs.

The woman who sold the collar said it was machine-washable and dryable. I splurged on the $20 collar partly because all of that showy excess of the yachting world made me want to buy something. But I mindfully kept my purchase in line with what I could afford.

In the real world, I added 2.5 miles to my walking total for that day, just by walking around the show.

And now, for the numbers

I had my best walking day last week on Sunday, March 20, 2011, when I walked:

Steps: 10,847
Miles: 5.5

Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/step-by-step/2011/03/28/dreaming-megabig-at-west-palm-beach-boat-show/

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Family ties and friendship linked 6 turnpike crash victims near Stuart

Family ties, schools and friendship linked the five children and one adult in an SUV that blew a tire and rolled over on Florida's Turnpike earlier this month.

Source: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/family-ties-and-friendship-linked-6-turnpike-crash-1395790.html?cxtype=rss_state

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West Palm Beach man accused of trying to kill man set to testify against him

A 29-year-old West Palm Beach man named "Jimbo" is being held with no bond at the Palm Beach County Jail, for allegedly shooting another man who was going to testify against him in court Monday morning.

Source: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/crime/west-palm-beach-man-accused-of-trying-to-1391453.html?cxtype=rss_crime_1341

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Spoto?s Oakwood Grill serves sophisticated Key Lime Pie Martini

The bar: Spoto’s Oakwood Grill, PGA Commons The scene: PGA Commons is like an upscale super center for eating and drinking establishments, chock full of choices for your Happy Hour pleasure. And one of the choicest choices is Oakwood Grill, an eclectic eatery with a varied clientele parked in and around its outdoor Patio Bar. [...]

Source: http://www.pbpulse.com/bars-and-clubs/cocktail-culture-bars-and-clubs/2011/04/07/spoto-s-oakwood-grill-serves-sophisticated-key-lime-pie-martini/

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Florida malpractice cap proposal draws fire

Florida would have a two-tiered legal system - one for the rich and one for the poor - under a GOP-backed legislative proposal designed to help doctors avoid malpractice lawsuits, opponents say.

Source: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/florida-malpractice-cap-proposal-draws-fire-1393392.html?cxtype=rss_news

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Taking Your Pulse: Where do you like to park during SunFest?

One of the most critical decisions you can make at SunFest is where to park. You?re puzzled, I can tell ? who cares where you leave the car? But think about it: You either save a few bucks and pay for it later when your tired legs can only get you as far as the [...]

Source: http://www.pbpulse.com/music/sunfest/2011/04/12/taking-your-pulse-where-do-you-like-to-park-during-sunfest/

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