STAFFING SHORTAGES AT THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL FACILITIES.

The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA) of 2014 and VA Choice and Quality Employment Act (VCQEA) of 2017 requires the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) to determine, annually, a minimum of five clinical and five nonclinical Veterans Health Administration (VHA) occupations with the largest staffing shortages within each VHA medical center (facility). Pursuant to this requirement, the OIG conducted a review to identify those severe staffing shortages by occupation. The OIG also compared the number of severe occupational staffing shortages against the previous seven years’ reports to assess changes. The OIG surveyed VHA-identified facility points of contact to determine severe occupational staffing shortages at each facility. Among the most significant findings in this year’s staffing report were the following: In fiscal year (FY) 2025, VHA facilities reported a total of 4,434 severe occupational staffing shortages, a 50 percent increase from FY 2024 in which facilities reported 2,959 total shortage occupations. Ninety-four percent of facilities reported severe occupational staffing shortages for Medical Officer occupations, and 79 percent of facilities reported severe shortages for Nurse occupations. Psychology was the most frequently reported severe clinical occupational staffing shortage and also the most frequently reported Hybrid Title 38 severe shortage occupation, with 57 percent of facilities reporting it as a shortage. Police was reported as a shortage by 58 percent of facilities, making it the most frequently reported severe nonclinical occupational staffing shortage and the most frequently reported of all occupations. All 139 VHA facilities identified staffing shortages.

PRAYERS FOR CHELSEA QUINN YARBRO

REPOSTED FROM FACEBOOK Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - Author I am sad to have to share some unfortunate news. Over the last year Chelsea Quinn Yarbro has faced a series of medical challenges that prevented her from posting online, responding to emails, or making personal appearances. While things are now stabilized, it is clear that she will not be returning to any of these activities in the future. A GoFundMe is being set up to deal with certain of her medical care costs that insurance is not covering. I will share this link soon. Quinn does treasure her friends and fans, and sends sincere thanks to everyone for their friendship and their personal and professional support. If you would like to share how much Quinn or her works have meant to you, or send any personal messages, please email them to me (SaichekPublicity@gmail.com). I will arrange for them to be read to Quinn, and any replies from her will be transcribed and forwarded. For the last year, Quinn's team and her physically-closest friends have been focused primarily on her care. But work has been ongoing regarding the re-release of Quinn's backlist and the publication of new works that were completed before these medical issues got in the way of further work. Stay tuned for further information on those projects. We thank you for your support, understanding, and kind thoughts. --Wiley Saichek on behalf of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro I WILL POST THE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAIABLE. QUINN WAS ONE OF THE FIRST AUTHORS TO SPORT A BARYON QUOTE ON FALSE DAWN.HER SAINT GERMAIN NOVELS HAVE BEEN FAVORITES SINCE THEIR INTRO

DUCTION,

A Song for You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdcSNruapQk The algorithms and AI are really kicking my butt. I bounce around on the various music sites, and today Spotify suggested a "daily mix" based on my previous choices. In today's choices are a lot of Sarah McLachlan, Kasey Chambers and Beth Nielsen Chapman, and this song was number one on the list from the late 90s and I thought I would share it with you. Let the song make its own mark on your soul, like it did on mine.

John Carter, Warlord of Mars Animated Series

Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., Announces John Carter, Warlord of Mars Animated Series Monday, July 21, 2025 (Tarzana, CA) – Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., representing the estate of the iconic author behind Tarzan® and John Carter of Mars®, is developing an animated series based on the John Carter of Mars novels. Michael Kogge, who is writing and directing John Carter of Mars: The Audio Series and whose other credits include projects for Lucasfilm (Star Wars), Disney Interactive, Playtone, and Warner Bros., has been tapped to develop the series. Jim Sullos and Wolf Larson will oversee for Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. Edgar Rice Burroughs originated the story of John Carter of Mars in his first novel, A Princess of Mars, over 100 years ago. In 1936, legendary animator Bob Clampett (Looney Tunes) and Burroughs’ son, John Coleman Burroughs, created a test reel to pitch a series of nine-minute animated John Carter shorts to MGM that never came to fruition. This series would be the first time John Carter of Mars has been fully realized in animation. “In this era of incredible animation, with shows like Castlevania, Blood of Zeus, and Twilight of the Gods pushing the genre of fantasy action-adventure to new heights, there couldn’t be a better time for the Martian saga of John Carter and Princess Dejah Thoris to be told through bold, ground-breaking animation,” Kogge said. “We’re thrilled to endorse Michael Kogge’s inspired vision for our John Carter animated series, driven by his exceptional direction of John Carter of Mars: The Audio Series,” said Wolf Larson, head of the entertainment division of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. “Edgar Rice Burroughs’ eleven John Carter novels, combined with the countless comics and authorized stories by other authors, offer a vast tapestry that has inspired cinematic giants like George Lucas and James Cameron. With animation’s soaring popularity, we’re ready to unleash the boundless wonders of Mars in a thrilling epic that will enthrall both loyal fans and new explorers alike.” “The explosive rise of action-adventure animation has captivated audiences around the world, making it the perfect moment to launch our John Carter animated series. This marks a new era in storytelling for the Edgar Rice Burroughs universe and we’re excited that Michael Kogge will help bring Mars to life,” added Jim Sullos, President of ERB, Inc. More will be revealed at 2025’s San Diego Comic Con during the Edgar Rice Burroughs panel on Friday, July 25th, 2025 at 4 p.m. in room 32AB at the San Diego Convention Center. About Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. From its headquarters in Tarzana, California, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., administers the intellectual property of American author Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950), one of the twentieth century’s most prolific and enduring writers. Mr. Burroughs’ stories have been adapted into 60 films and 250 television episodes, and are featured in comic books, video games, apparel, and other merchandise. Through worldwide ownership of copyrights and trademarks, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., oversees authorized adaptations of his literary works in film, television, radio, publishing, theatrical stage productions, licensing, and merchandising. The company is owned by Mr. Burroughs’ heirs and continues to operate from offices the author built in 1927 on the site of his former Tarzana ranch in the San Fernando Valley. About Michael Kogge Michael Kogge is an award-winning writer-producer and #1 best-selling author. He currently is writing and directing the official John Carter of Mars: The Audio Series for Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and Pocket Universe Productions starring Sean Patrick Flanery (Young Indiana Jones), Bruce Boxleitner (Babylon 5), Tim Russ (Star Trek: Voyager), Wasé Chief (Kevin Costner's Horizon), and Ian McDiarmid (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith). He has written projects for Lucasfilm, Disney Interactive, Playtone, Warner Bros., and Oscar-nominated actors, and has two television series in active development. He penned the young adult novels of the recent Star Wars sequel trilogy, with his novelization of The Last Jedi reaching #1 on the UK book charts. He is represented by WME and Felker Toczek. For more information, contact: James Sullos, President, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., jsullos@erburroughs.com Wolf Larson, Vice President, ERB Entertainment, wolflarson@erburroughs.com

Frank Frazetta, Fine Lines Edited by Sara Frazetta and Arnie Fenner

The full title of this volume is: FRANK FRAZETTA FINE LINES, A COLLECTION OF ILLUSTRATION & DRAWINGS BY THE GODFATHER OF FANTASTIC ART. That is a very apt description of the amazing and beautiful art that is presented here on photo grade paper in marvelous color and black and white. There are many presented here for the first time and some are presented together in groups. His marvelous art done for the Science Fiction book club's Martian series by Edgar Rice Burroughs; the Lord of the Rings portfolio that began as an "unauthorized" edition; his work for Canaveral Press; Warren's Creepy, Eerie and Vampirella; and, rare pieces that he created for friends. Sara Frazetta and Arnie Fenner have done a marvelous job in putting this volume together and it is a proud addition to anyones collection of art books; but. to the Frazetta fan and collector it is a necessity. I would never have thought that the Lancer or Ace paperback I picked up back in the 1960s would have grown into a lifelong love of fantasy art that would not have been possible without the amazing "godfather" that was Frank Frazetta. Although we never met in person, he was nice enough to autograph some labels for me in the 1970s that were affixed to some of my favorite titles. At least to me, that made him an amazing person as well. Priced at $35, this is a bargain. Order direct from Frazetta Girls, 7374 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 or www.frazettagirls.com and let them know Baryon sent you.

Kasey Chambers Backbone Tour

My best friend Jim Brock and I were able to get some front row tickets at the City Winery Atlanta. It was one of the first stops on her BACKBONE tour. She was even better than the last time we saw her. She did songs from the new album and a collection of her hits coering her entire career. Her dad, her brother and her daughter all joined hare for a fantastic acoustic version of "Not Pretty Enough" that did not leave a dry eye in the house. She always puts on a great show and if you have a chance to see her, be sure and do so. The opening artist was Summer Sweeney, who I was not familiar with, but I am sure her name will be out there soon. Here are some pictures to entice you to join in.

The Full Book Cover

Available everywhere,this week.