Post story: 38-yr-old grandmother shakes 5-DAY-OLD baby to death. Now, who of you thinks it's acceptable (and effective) to shake a newborn roughly in an attempt to quiet her? Clearly, these folks do. Except, a baby that small tends to inconveniently (or conveniently) die on you, suffering "...bleeding retinas and bruising on the brain." But hey, all part of the culture, eh? The mother is 19-yrs-old and was evidently present at the time of the shaking. Jeeze, that says it all, doesn't it? You know, a more cynical person (heh) might say, natural selection in practice...except the two perpetrators are still alive. And only one charged with anything.
Don't worry, though, I'm sure she'll get off and don't forget, at 38, she can create more children she won't raise with an ounce of sense. And her wonderful daughter, who clearly didn't raise a finger to stop the slaughter, still can squeeze out plenty of pups to kill. Why get all upset? The victims can't fight back.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
The Las Vegas Story
Finally. Ok, here's the deal. Neither Jeff nor I are gamblers. We do, however, enjoy good food, accommodations, service, shows and hiking.
My lovely Jeff arranged everything. And boy, did he choose an excellent hotel! The Wynn is a beautiful, new, very tall hotel that he saw and liked the last time he was in LV. We had a room on the 57th floor, which had floor to ceiling windows with a view of the strip and environs - and a gorgeous view of the surrounding hills. The room was bright, cheery & spacious with fun floral-themed artwork, 2 flat-screen TVs (one of which was in the large bathroom across from the tub), and a bed with down everything. The display-phone shows your name, so does the main TV when you wish to check your bill details. Really spiffy! Did I mention the amazing gym the hotel has? It looked nicer and better equipped than many regular gyms I've seen!
We ordered room service multiple times, twice ordered a bottle of wine and snacks...which we consumed while in bubble baths for two (the tub was large)...and watching Chinese and Japanese game shows without subtitles. It's a game to see if we can actually tell what the object of the show is. Ha! Culture! Oh yeh, and the TVs get Fox News, so you just know we were watching the opening remarks in the Alito confirmation hearings.
Did I mention how much I love room service? The service was so pleasant! They ask you if you want them to open the bottle and pour you a glass, or pour you some coffee, and they set up the little table nicely and chat amicably. The cleaning staff is very good too, doesn't skimp on or forget amenities. In fact, the first night, while we were out at dinner, they came in and turned down the bed AND gave us more amenities.
We also ate at several very good restaurants. Maggiano's, which is a traditional, New York-style Italian restaurant, which Jeff said we just had to go to, and for good reason. Fabulous food, cozy atmosphere, good service. We also went to really good Korean and sushi restaurants, at Jeff's brother's recommendation. I just love Asian foods. Then, one afternoon, we lazily had lunch with wine at one of the casino restaurants. Cool.
We also went to a Cirque du Soleil spin-off production called Zumanity. This was a risqué review of acrobatics, contortionists, little comedy skits, and basically boobies (all apparently real and mostly small, if you'd believe it!). Fun! My favorite parts were the various overhead acrobatics (like - don't fall!), esp. one with a girl twirling multiple reflective hula-hoops while being hoisted up into the vaulted ceiling. One of Jeff's favorite pieces was the pink-haired girl in the revealing Catholic school girl outfit very effectively cracking a long bull-whip - go figure. Anyhoo, fun!
Jeff's brother kindly took us out to do some hiking in a place call Valley of Fire, with stunning rock formations - you would not believe the colors! It was a very nice introduction to a place I wish to revisit sometime soon!
Ok my maiden voyage to Vegas-Land was a total success! I do want to go back, but I'm not completely convinced that we should move there...we'll see!
My lovely Jeff arranged everything. And boy, did he choose an excellent hotel! The Wynn is a beautiful, new, very tall hotel that he saw and liked the last time he was in LV. We had a room on the 57th floor, which had floor to ceiling windows with a view of the strip and environs - and a gorgeous view of the surrounding hills. The room was bright, cheery & spacious with fun floral-themed artwork, 2 flat-screen TVs (one of which was in the large bathroom across from the tub), and a bed with down everything. The display-phone shows your name, so does the main TV when you wish to check your bill details. Really spiffy! Did I mention the amazing gym the hotel has? It looked nicer and better equipped than many regular gyms I've seen!
We ordered room service multiple times, twice ordered a bottle of wine and snacks...which we consumed while in bubble baths for two (the tub was large)...and watching Chinese and Japanese game shows without subtitles. It's a game to see if we can actually tell what the object of the show is. Ha! Culture! Oh yeh, and the TVs get Fox News, so you just know we were watching the opening remarks in the Alito confirmation hearings.
Did I mention how much I love room service? The service was so pleasant! They ask you if you want them to open the bottle and pour you a glass, or pour you some coffee, and they set up the little table nicely and chat amicably. The cleaning staff is very good too, doesn't skimp on or forget amenities. In fact, the first night, while we were out at dinner, they came in and turned down the bed AND gave us more amenities.
We also ate at several very good restaurants. Maggiano's, which is a traditional, New York-style Italian restaurant, which Jeff said we just had to go to, and for good reason. Fabulous food, cozy atmosphere, good service. We also went to really good Korean and sushi restaurants, at Jeff's brother's recommendation. I just love Asian foods. Then, one afternoon, we lazily had lunch with wine at one of the casino restaurants. Cool.
We also went to a Cirque du Soleil spin-off production called Zumanity. This was a risqué review of acrobatics, contortionists, little comedy skits, and basically boobies (all apparently real and mostly small, if you'd believe it!). Fun! My favorite parts were the various overhead acrobatics (like - don't fall!), esp. one with a girl twirling multiple reflective hula-hoops while being hoisted up into the vaulted ceiling. One of Jeff's favorite pieces was the pink-haired girl in the revealing Catholic school girl outfit very effectively cracking a long bull-whip - go figure. Anyhoo, fun!
Jeff's brother kindly took us out to do some hiking in a place call Valley of Fire, with stunning rock formations - you would not believe the colors! It was a very nice introduction to a place I wish to revisit sometime soon!
Ok my maiden voyage to Vegas-Land was a total success! I do want to go back, but I'm not completely convinced that we should move there...we'll see!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Quick updates
I'll tell you all about Vegas tomorrow - I'm just too tired to write much.
Good news - my old employer asked me to do some consulting for them. Couldn't have come at a better time! This means I have a little more time to find a permanent job and some money coming in in the mean time. The only down side I can see is that the IRS will extort a huge portion of my earnings. Bastards!
Read a Post article about that book, A Million Little Pieces, that talks about a blog which is saying that James Frey, the author, falsified some of the details in the book. Bad, bad, bad.
I'm really tired, so I'm going to go take a bath. Until tomorrow...
Good news - my old employer asked me to do some consulting for them. Couldn't have come at a better time! This means I have a little more time to find a permanent job and some money coming in in the mean time. The only down side I can see is that the IRS will extort a huge portion of my earnings. Bastards!
Read a Post article about that book, A Million Little Pieces, that talks about a blog which is saying that James Frey, the author, falsified some of the details in the book. Bad, bad, bad.
I'm really tired, so I'm going to go take a bath. Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
And for tomorrow's entertainment...
"My First Trip to Vegas" & "updates on the Renee Saga." Heh - don't miss them!
Book Review: Jarhead (didn't see the movie yet)
Once upon a time I read a review of the book Jarhead, by Anthony Swofford, which peaked my interest. Jeff was thoughtful enough to pick me up a copy recently. I'm glad he's not a marine, or at least anyone like Mr. Swofford. Honestly, I kept thinking, "what a horse's ass this guy (Swofford) is." And, did I need any reminders that so many of our young marines will screw anything around - and I do mean anything? Especially while they're bemoaning their unfaithful women at home? But these items paled in comparison to the narrative close to the beginning of the book of what evidently was the desert version of a code red, only involving the rape of a fellow marine (because he "...[had] recently been a jerk or abused rank or acted antisocial, ignoring the unspoken contracts of brotherhood and camaraderie and esprit de corps and the combat family" - I kid you not) instead of just beating the crap out of him. I sincerely hope I misunderstood this charming narrative and will berate myself for my immediate gut reaction of "these guys are indeed expendable and it's a good thing we have so many stupid, violent, drunk, sexually diseased ones to throw at the enemy," if that is the case. Then the aforementioned hole-chasing philosophe whines at the end that he didn't get to kill anyone. At least it was a quick read.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Many thanks...
to all of you who are kind and generous in so many ways!
Today, for instance, I went to lunch with my former boss to catch up on the goings-on and the gossip. She surprised me by treating me to lunch! Such a thoughtful thing.
Some folks at my old employ - including some unexpectedly - were happy to see me and gave me hugs. I know, sappy, but there you go.
Anyhoo, these were just the most recent examples of kindness and generosity. Thanks to all of you who have shown me and mine that goodness!
Happy Wednesday!
Today, for instance, I went to lunch with my former boss to catch up on the goings-on and the gossip. She surprised me by treating me to lunch! Such a thoughtful thing.
Some folks at my old employ - including some unexpectedly - were happy to see me and gave me hugs. I know, sappy, but there you go.
Anyhoo, these were just the most recent examples of kindness and generosity. Thanks to all of you who have shown me and mine that goodness!
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Illegal-boosters back at it
Maryland lawmakers are introducing legislation that would make driving without a license punishable by jail time. The pro-illegal crowd objects strenuously, saying it would harm them. Jeeze, these folks are shameless! Read all about it here.
Hmmm…more information, please!
This article in the Washington Post on Saturday presents a “human interest” story about a woman, Michelle Armstead, who was fighting eviction from her Burtonsville, MD, apartment for repeated late rent payments. Some of her neighbors were facing the same issue for the same reason. Now, the apartment complex was using the fact that they were renovating the units along with the late payments as reason to evict (in lieu of relocating the tenants). Ms. Armstead rallied her fellow tenants to protest this. The Post characterizes her actions as “a lesson in individual initiative and why local politics matters.” (Washington Post, 12/31/05).
After reading the article, I’m not certain that I am willing to feel sympathy or as the writer intends, applaud Ms. Armstead for her chutzpah, strength or whatever. The piece glosses over many issues and I get the impression that Ms. Armstead believes that the apartment complex owes her lodging regardless of her payment record or others’ ability to pay their rent.
Now, the article states that she’s a single woman (without mention of any children) and takes home a little more than $2,000 per month from her job as a physician scheduler, which gives her a gross salary of more than $24,000 per year. In this area that’s on the low side, but it should be enough to cover her rent, which is stated as $800 per month. The article doesn’t say that the apartment complex is public housing and with a salary in the mid-twenties, I doubt she would qualify. Yet, she’s been late on her rent not once or twice, but admittedly many times. And if she’s having so much trouble paying rent, why not get a roommate? The article also states that she has a car payment of $486 per month. Is that all car payment or insurance too? If that’s just car payment, she may have a vehicle that is beyond her means. Does she think that the dealership or bank owes her transportation regardless of her ability to pay for it?
Ms. Armstead indicates that she was on disability for three months and as anyone knows and can understand, an unexpected medical problem can put one in the hole, but I don’t get the impression that all her problems have revolved around this episode. And generally, I believe, disability only kicks in after one has used up available sick leave. More questions, little information. The piece sums up by saying that her “initiative” yielded “bittersweet” results: she’s being offered a lease after paying rent on time for three months and at an increased rent of $1,008 per month. Now, who among you thinks these are outrageous terms (I dare you)?
As far as the information provided, it looks like the landlords want to have good tenants, ie, ones that pay their rent on time, and I see nothing wrong with that. Further, as much as we (renters) don’t like it, landlords are legally able to raise the rent every year unless prohibited by rent-control or –stabilization rules (which doesn’t appear to be the case here). Now, if the company was in violation of the lease agreements, that’s a different story, but that doesn’t appear to be the case here. I mean squatters’ rights? No.
My sympathies go out to those who have done everything right and responsible – and are being treated in an unethical or even illegal manner, but this article has raised too many questions about Ms. Armstead, by its omissions to make me feel that she has been wronged or that she is laudable for her stand against the apartment.
After reading the article, I’m not certain that I am willing to feel sympathy or as the writer intends, applaud Ms. Armstead for her chutzpah, strength or whatever. The piece glosses over many issues and I get the impression that Ms. Armstead believes that the apartment complex owes her lodging regardless of her payment record or others’ ability to pay their rent.
Now, the article states that she’s a single woman (without mention of any children) and takes home a little more than $2,000 per month from her job as a physician scheduler, which gives her a gross salary of more than $24,000 per year. In this area that’s on the low side, but it should be enough to cover her rent, which is stated as $800 per month. The article doesn’t say that the apartment complex is public housing and with a salary in the mid-twenties, I doubt she would qualify. Yet, she’s been late on her rent not once or twice, but admittedly many times. And if she’s having so much trouble paying rent, why not get a roommate? The article also states that she has a car payment of $486 per month. Is that all car payment or insurance too? If that’s just car payment, she may have a vehicle that is beyond her means. Does she think that the dealership or bank owes her transportation regardless of her ability to pay for it?
Ms. Armstead indicates that she was on disability for three months and as anyone knows and can understand, an unexpected medical problem can put one in the hole, but I don’t get the impression that all her problems have revolved around this episode. And generally, I believe, disability only kicks in after one has used up available sick leave. More questions, little information. The piece sums up by saying that her “initiative” yielded “bittersweet” results: she’s being offered a lease after paying rent on time for three months and at an increased rent of $1,008 per month. Now, who among you thinks these are outrageous terms (I dare you)?
As far as the information provided, it looks like the landlords want to have good tenants, ie, ones that pay their rent on time, and I see nothing wrong with that. Further, as much as we (renters) don’t like it, landlords are legally able to raise the rent every year unless prohibited by rent-control or –stabilization rules (which doesn’t appear to be the case here). Now, if the company was in violation of the lease agreements, that’s a different story, but that doesn’t appear to be the case here. I mean squatters’ rights? No.
My sympathies go out to those who have done everything right and responsible – and are being treated in an unethical or even illegal manner, but this article has raised too many questions about Ms. Armstead, by its omissions to make me feel that she has been wronged or that she is laudable for her stand against the apartment.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Updates & New Year's Resolutions
Well, I haven't visited in a while, but here I am again. Lots of stuff going on. Jeff & I had a conversation right before finals about my ability to continue as a full-time student in the Spring 06 semester, as in, having no ability to do that. Now, the good news is that I did very well in my 4 subjects, including the dread Chemistry, but alas, I'm all out of money to pay rent and expenses. If I would continue that would involve taking out the regular school loans, an additional loan for tuition that the fed loans didn't cover, credit card debt for textbooks and a loan to cover living expenses. And I would have a few more semesters of this. So, upon graduation, I would be so in debt that I could have gone to law school for the price, with only an additional undergraduate degree to show for it. So...because I DO actually want to finish this degree, I'm going to study part-time for a year, working at one or two jobs to pay bills and save cash for Spring 07 semester, wherein I would become a full-time student again. This semester I'll take the 2nd part of Chemistry to knock that out of the way.
Now, let me tell you how much this sucks. I'm very unhappy about this and the "poor-me syndrome" does apply here. Big set-back. I question every day whether all this hassle and stress is worth it. And, I'm paying $2,500 (by credit card by the way) for a class that I'll essentially have to teach myself. The truth is, though, that I should have started saving money 4 years ago and dispensed with the scholarship applications. While I'm sure there's lots of money out there theoretically, the only money that matters is that which I have in my hand. So...my first resolution is:
1. get a job or jobs that cover(s) expenses (ie, that pays considerably more than $7.00 an hour) and allows me to take time off for class (a whopping 6 hours per week for lecture and lab).
Certainly, something that would help alleviate cash-strain would be decreasing expenses, so my/our next resolution is:
2. move to a less expensive apartment.
Now, I'm not really all that jazzed about moving, but with luck we could move within the building, although that would involve losing a bathroom and possibly square footage. To that end, though, Jeff insisted that we clean out our store room and dispose of stuff we didn't need or sentimentally want. That was a good start to my/our next resolution:
3. decrease clutter
On a more positive side, I'm already engaging my next resolution:
4. blog more.
Keeps me writing which is good for school. Now, with the above in mind, you can believe I'll be suffering fools and illegals (and their proponents) even less than before. Few punches will be pulled.
This year, I will also:
5. learn to drive
Sad, isn't it? I have a valid driver's license, but need the actual skill set. Time to finally get with it.
Even given the aforementioned restrictions, my final resolution is a must:
6. have some fun and add interest to our lives (trips, book club revival, theater, etc)
Coasting hasn't made our lives fun or that interesting, so we'll have to put some effort in making them better. Jeff's the prime mover in this effort so far, organizing a long-weekend in Las Vegas for our first year anniversary. Can't wait - I've never been there!
Well, that's the skinny. Wish me luck!
Now, let me tell you how much this sucks. I'm very unhappy about this and the "poor-me syndrome" does apply here. Big set-back. I question every day whether all this hassle and stress is worth it. And, I'm paying $2,500 (by credit card by the way) for a class that I'll essentially have to teach myself. The truth is, though, that I should have started saving money 4 years ago and dispensed with the scholarship applications. While I'm sure there's lots of money out there theoretically, the only money that matters is that which I have in my hand. So...my first resolution is:
1. get a job or jobs that cover(s) expenses (ie, that pays considerably more than $7.00 an hour) and allows me to take time off for class (a whopping 6 hours per week for lecture and lab).
Certainly, something that would help alleviate cash-strain would be decreasing expenses, so my/our next resolution is:
2. move to a less expensive apartment.
Now, I'm not really all that jazzed about moving, but with luck we could move within the building, although that would involve losing a bathroom and possibly square footage. To that end, though, Jeff insisted that we clean out our store room and dispose of stuff we didn't need or sentimentally want. That was a good start to my/our next resolution:
3. decrease clutter
On a more positive side, I'm already engaging my next resolution:
4. blog more.
Keeps me writing which is good for school. Now, with the above in mind, you can believe I'll be suffering fools and illegals (and their proponents) even less than before. Few punches will be pulled.
This year, I will also:
5. learn to drive
Sad, isn't it? I have a valid driver's license, but need the actual skill set. Time to finally get with it.
Even given the aforementioned restrictions, my final resolution is a must:
6. have some fun and add interest to our lives (trips, book club revival, theater, etc)
Coasting hasn't made our lives fun or that interesting, so we'll have to put some effort in making them better. Jeff's the prime mover in this effort so far, organizing a long-weekend in Las Vegas for our first year anniversary. Can't wait - I've never been there!
Well, that's the skinny. Wish me luck!
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