A few weeks ago I posted about blogs that write about mental illness over at my personal blog.

I'd like to paraphrase from that here and simply say that we each have friends and family dealing with these issues in our lives. Maybe even ourselves.

I tend to believe that blogs that deal with mental illness are some of the most courageous you can find. The fact that one of the best is published by a fellow Philadelphian is reason to share it here.

Here are two favorites:

The Trouble With Spikol: Ran by executive editor of the Philadelphia Weekly, Liz Spikol documents her fight against her illness and her takes on all matters that strike her to write.

Furious Seasons: Ran by a journalist, and psych patient Philip Dawdy, Furious Seasons wrestles with the ongoing, terrible state of psychiatric care.

Subscribe. Read. Relate. Comment.

Pennsylvania Blue Cross Merge: Executive Salaries

August 20, 2008

Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross would pay their top executives as much as $4.2 million more if they are allowed to merge.

Kenneth Melani, the chief executive of Highmark, who is expected to have the same job at the combined companies, would get a 31 percent raise, to $3.9 million from $2.97 million, including incentives, according to documents filed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

Independence Blue Cross CEO, Joseph Frick, who is slated for the role of chief operating officer after the merger, would earn $2.94 million, the same as his current pay. In 2006, Fricks pay was $1.6 million.

State insurance regulators last summer demanded detailed information on how much top executives would be paid if the merger, which would create a $22.5 billion insurance giant, were approved.

The two biggest raises after Melanis $930,000 are planned for Nanette DeTurk, chief financial officer, and David M. O'Brien, executive vice president for government services, both from Pittsburgh-based Highmark.

DeTurk, who is in line to be CFO of the combined entity, could get a $635,098 increase in total pay, which includes possible annual and long-term incentives. O'Brien, head of Medicare operations, would get a $556,184 raise under the plan.

Lance Haver, director of Philadelphia's Office of Consumer Affairs, said the raises were another indication that the Blues have lost their social mission and operate more like for-profit insurance companies.

If the reason for the merger is to better serve the public, then they don't need to raise executive salaries like this, he said.

The insurers have said that efficiencies from the merger, which would create the largest health insurer in state history and one of the largest in the nation, would spin off $1 billion in savings to benefit subscribers, the uninsured and other charities.

Part of the savings would come from the elimination of 745 to 1,200 jobs, the companies have projected.

Filings also showed the proposed senior leadership of the merged company. It gives a slight edge to Highmark, whose executives would hold nine of 17 positions.

State Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario said last month that his goal was to reach a decision on the merger by Dec. 31.

Did you know:

-That Philadelphia's public high school drop out rate is 50%?
-That obesity is an epidemic in teenagers?
-That hundreds of teens are working to win these fights and succeed in life, right here in Philly, by training to run a marathon?

A local non-profit youth program called Students Run Philly Style is currently in the running to win a huge award through the annual American Express Members Project contest (www.membersproject.com), and we need help pulling together some more local support.

Students Run is a mentoring program that takes students from neighborhoods all over the city and prepares them to complete the Philadelphia Marathon. It's not a traditional athletics program -- the kids who participate don't think of themselves as athletes before they begin, and they come from neighborhoods where violence is a problem and access to healthy food is really limited.

Students Run is currently #47 out of 1190 projects located throughout the world, so we actually have a shot at moving on to the next round. Click here to learn more and watch a video about Students Run:

http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/REMW3T

We're trying to get more people in Philly to log-on and support us in this contest. We need lots of people to nominate the project to advance to the next round of judging. If you could help us spread the word, that would be fantastic. The deadline for nominations is September 1. People can vote here: http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/REMW3T

If you have any questions, please let me know. You can also learn more about Students Run on our website: http://www.nncc.us/studentsrun.html

Have been yearning for in the (Gastown) the steam to stay under a 10-minute video, as can be said to originate in Vancouver's history is - Gastown, a lot of people think that the name will be there and gas What is the contact, in fact, it was just A person only.
1867, a person named John Deighton, with his Indian wife, Jizhi Ji, a few pieces of furniture, dog and a bucket of whiskey landing in Vancouver, from Vancouver's history began. Naturally cheerful, and communication preferences of John Deighton people call Gassy Jack, the Jack Nengshuihuidao is the meaning. He became the streets of celebrities, and by everyone's favorite, so this area will use his name for the Gastown. Maple Tree Square in the Central, also stands a statue of Gassy Jack as a mark.
Gastown from the Eastern Harbour Centre has been extended to Maple Tree Square, is covered with a Yuan Shi, a rich 19th-century style of the street. The most famous landscape here is standing in the Water Street and Cambie streets at the intersection of steam 10 minutes (Steam Clock), so much steam the bell is a very rare. Its power comes from the underground steam, Niaoniaoqingyan, every 15 minutes, 10-minute steam whistle will be in a boat similar to the voice of the Canadian national anthem played, where we stay is not long, but Are still fortunate enough to have heard of it let the ringing.
Gastown Danzhuan the street is that many sidewalk cafes and fine-arts gallery homes, where there are many fine Indian indigenous arts and crafts, planning is a very good shopping and leisure areas. I steam in the vicinity of a 10-minute works of art store to buy a few souvenirs, there are local specialty products: Hong Mei, blueberry, the price is lower than some other places.Flower Hong Kong Flower Arrangements For Weddings Floral Arrangement Flower Clip Art

Related Articles:Keep Your Direction Speak out Your Love

Among actual life, we different in taste of everyone, can produce different feelings at appreciating the same thing or the same scenery! Such as appreciate pure and noble jokul, delicate and pretty natural murmuring brook, or the massive sea. . . Will emerge in different life while appreciating the beautiful rivers and mountains of motherland and realize. Every kind of scenery and scene will bring different shock to us, bring the different love to us.
In the nature, there is love only in the heart, could experience the beauty that the nature brings to us.
Meanwhile, when appreciating beauty, can change love, love China and the United States can let all thing and scenery become perfect.
So, treat everything with the eyes that are appreciated, perceive with the soul that likes, go, sample, we can find life can so beautiful originally!

Related tags: Wedding Photo 新娘化妝 make up 芭蕾舞 Ballet 美容

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!

Its that time of year again!!!! Why not do something EXTRA special for the father you love most this Fathers Day!!! And you can let Ovations Salon and Spa Help!

This year for Fathers Day, we are offering a special that Dad will ABSOLUTELY love!!!!!

Why not try our Famous 007 Hot Towel Facial

~A deep pore and enzyme cleansing to aid in the reduction of ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, a facial massage to stimulate circulation,and a nourishing,calming mask to complete the mission. Follow up with a perfect Martini,shaken not stirred of course!!!

Normally $80.00 For Fathers Day-$70.00

OR

A Gentlemen's Escape

~An Hour and a Half of pure Bliss!!!
1/2 Hour Back Massage
1/2 Hour Facial
1/2 Hour Scalp Massage
All to eliminate the everyday stress of the workforce, admit it you deserve it Dad!!!

Normally-$100.00 For Fathers Day-$80.00

The Fathers Day Specials will run from 6/5 until 6/16 Gift Certificates are Available and will be Accepted for 1 year from the inital Purchase Date!

Ovations Salon and Spa
539 N Orianna St
Philadelphia PA
19123
215-923-4747

Have a Great Fathers Day!