This damn system is SO SLOW. By system, I mean AOL, BlOGGER, etc. By the time I get some movement, I've completely lost the motivation to blog. I mean, there are plenty of articles about my hot topics: illegal immigration, "drugs are dumb", etc.
Ok, since I'll probably never get to my insightful book reviews (I'm really tired but would like to do book reviews, but I need some sleep...), I might as well give some links to articles of the day:
illegals march w/impunity - they're here illegally, yet they demand rights. hmmmm. why don't they demand rights and consideration in their respective countries? oh, right - because they're countries are a bunch of corrupt shit-holes that issue pamphlets on how to get the most out of the U.S. welfare system - and our leadership does everything to reinforce that attitude. Shame, Republicans (not all), shame!
Snarky illegals and the true patriots (Minutemen) who oppose them and aforementioned non-existent Republican leadership. Article. For the Post, actually pretty even-handed.
Meth addicts. You just couldn't invent people this stupid. Even cocaine takes a while to make you look that bad. Law enforcement. More of wishful thinking. Get this straight: for all you dumbasses who are espousing the whole "drug addiction as disease" number, you can pay for all the damage these morons (choose to) do to themselves and others. Political "evolution" has made us "gentler and kinder" to losers like this, but we all suffer the price. Some (read: many) of these losers will never "recover"; yet, there seems to be this inexplicable sympathy (read: extortion of taxes) to fund treatment programs. What the hey? Those of us responsible, tax-paying, stable, etc, etc. (name your own stupid virtue), will be stuck with the bill.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
So many books, so little room...
Washington Post Home section article details others who have found that their homes are just too small for their books. Eerie. Similarities...to US!!!!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Morning Lost
So, I studied like crazy yesterday (took the day off work even), got up early today, for a test I was supposed to have this morning. I check Blackboard, just in case the prof had postponed it and - nothing. So, I metro and grab the shuttle...go to the classroom...and a grad student walks in and tells us that the prof is out sick and our exam will be tomorrow instead.
So...I wasted an entire morning because of a completely irresponsible prof, whom I'm paying a lot of money for this stupid class and some notional professionalism. I tell you, every day she pisses me off a little more (make that A LOT more) and I lose even more respect for her. Worse, I have to get thru the class so that I can do the full degree, and after this, I have umpteen classes to go, plus what's likely to be an unpaid internship - before I can graduate. And get a real job in my field. Maybe. And probably still take a huge pay cut from what I was making at my last job. And the job satisfaction and sense of mission that I seek may still be non-existent.
And, I still have to find a job for when my contract runs out at the end of the month. And we might be moving apartments a month. No, no stress here. No depression and lack of motivation here. Everything's just peachy.
So...I wasted an entire morning because of a completely irresponsible prof, whom I'm paying a lot of money for this stupid class and some notional professionalism. I tell you, every day she pisses me off a little more (make that A LOT more) and I lose even more respect for her. Worse, I have to get thru the class so that I can do the full degree, and after this, I have umpteen classes to go, plus what's likely to be an unpaid internship - before I can graduate. And get a real job in my field. Maybe. And probably still take a huge pay cut from what I was making at my last job. And the job satisfaction and sense of mission that I seek may still be non-existent.
And, I still have to find a job for when my contract runs out at the end of the month. And we might be moving apartments a month. No, no stress here. No depression and lack of motivation here. Everything's just peachy.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
More Illegal Immigrant Boohooing
In today's Post is an article about some poor illegal who's been here for years with her family, trying to earn a degree in nursing from a community college, but can't qualify for in-state tuition and federal funding. That she can't take a full course load because she can't afford it. Wahhhhh! Cry me a river!
Her hope is that boneheaded Virginia will pass a bill that basically says if you've been here for a long time, you can get an exception to the rule and get in-state tuition. Doesn't matter if you're illegal. Wonderful. What's next?
Those of you who know me know at least 2 things about me: 1) I'm struggling to get through a Criminal Justice: Forensic Science degree so that I can finally have a meaningful CAREER and 2) I'm COMPLETELY against any benefits for people who have not earned the privilege of being in this country. Yeh, all I can get is a measley grant from the state in which I've been paying a shit-load of taxes for almost twenty years (yeh, count'em). I can't even get federal loans to cover my tuition fully. I applied for eleven scholarships/grants with criteria I certainly met and got one small grant. I'm taking one class this semester because I don't want to be in debt for the rest of my life; I have approximately FIFTY credit hours to go. Now mind you, my first degree I earned a 3.89 GPA and that was while working full-time.
Forgive the self-righteous whining, but I'm a taxpaying, loyal CITIZEN/good student and I can't get the support I need to do this degree (And before you say, well, you could just keep applying for scholarships, that takes TIME and ENERGY - all for notional funding). OH, but there's a heap of sympathy for the poor illegal bitch who's not evening seeking citizenship, just legal residency. While she's here, in this country, studying in my state.
This is hopeless - I might as well give up and just work at tedious, meaningless, jobs so I can support all the unfortunate undocumenteds in their quest for the American Dream - without the legality and without any real commitment or loyality to this country. Meanwhile, I limp on and worry.
Her hope is that boneheaded Virginia will pass a bill that basically says if you've been here for a long time, you can get an exception to the rule and get in-state tuition. Doesn't matter if you're illegal. Wonderful. What's next?
Those of you who know me know at least 2 things about me: 1) I'm struggling to get through a Criminal Justice: Forensic Science degree so that I can finally have a meaningful CAREER and 2) I'm COMPLETELY against any benefits for people who have not earned the privilege of being in this country. Yeh, all I can get is a measley grant from the state in which I've been paying a shit-load of taxes for almost twenty years (yeh, count'em). I can't even get federal loans to cover my tuition fully. I applied for eleven scholarships/grants with criteria I certainly met and got one small grant. I'm taking one class this semester because I don't want to be in debt for the rest of my life; I have approximately FIFTY credit hours to go. Now mind you, my first degree I earned a 3.89 GPA and that was while working full-time.
Forgive the self-righteous whining, but I'm a taxpaying, loyal CITIZEN/good student and I can't get the support I need to do this degree (And before you say, well, you could just keep applying for scholarships, that takes TIME and ENERGY - all for notional funding). OH, but there's a heap of sympathy for the poor illegal bitch who's not evening seeking citizenship, just legal residency. While she's here, in this country, studying in my state.
This is hopeless - I might as well give up and just work at tedious, meaningless, jobs so I can support all the unfortunate undocumenteds in their quest for the American Dream - without the legality and without any real commitment or loyality to this country. Meanwhile, I limp on and worry.
Monday, March 06, 2006
News items today
First: the Supremes done good by upholding that whole thing about military recruiters on college campuses and withholding federal funds from the colleges who refuse to allow such recruiting. More eloquently and completely explained here. I just love that. Of course, you know all the hubbub came from law schools. Figures.
Second: Federal and DC law enforcement, et al, coordinate efforts to get the pimpin' dirtbags who recruit little girls. I fully support 1) getting the scumbags and throwing their asses in jail and 2) various entities cooperating to get said scumbags. Although, it does surprise me that DC in particular could get its act together to do anything particularly effective, much less cooperate with anyone else to do it...but that's probably a personal prejudice (I mean at times they have problems collecting garbage - literally). Read all about it here. The coordination is a positive thing, but when you read about the m.o.'s of these guys - well, it's just sickening and I recommend the "tazing until dead" option, but alas, the District doesn't have the death penalty and I doubt they would taze them anyway. Bummer.
Second: Federal and DC law enforcement, et al, coordinate efforts to get the pimpin' dirtbags who recruit little girls. I fully support 1) getting the scumbags and throwing their asses in jail and 2) various entities cooperating to get said scumbags. Although, it does surprise me that DC in particular could get its act together to do anything particularly effective, much less cooperate with anyone else to do it...but that's probably a personal prejudice (I mean at times they have problems collecting garbage - literally). Read all about it here. The coordination is a positive thing, but when you read about the m.o.'s of these guys - well, it's just sickening and I recommend the "tazing until dead" option, but alas, the District doesn't have the death penalty and I doubt they would taze them anyway. Bummer.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Cell Phone Bandit will be doing some time
Saturday's Washington Post informed us that the (female) Cell Phone Bandit is sentenced to twelve years in the pokey. Bwahahaha! Dumbass. Yep both she (Candice Martinez) and her accomplice (Dave Williams), 20 and 19 y/o respectively, will be doing some serious time thanks to a one Judge Gerald Bruce Lee who put his thing down not once but twice in this case (charged separately). It's refreshing that a judge these days actually metes out punishment appropriately, instead of coddling criminals. Too bad these two boneheads chose to ruin their lives, now they're all sad and apologetic. Hahaha. Did I mention laughing and pointing? Only down side is we'll have to support their stupid asses during their punishment, but you can't have everything, can you?
An observation and a few pet peeves
If you want to try whiskey/scotch, drink it neat. Ice really messes up the flavor. Don't put soda in it either - it's gross.
A perennial favorite - slow and/or clueless people on the metro: move like you have a purpose, that you realize there are other people behind you, and that no one died and made you deity. Don't ever stand on the left, period. Further: don't do that and get miffed because others (who have a purpose and direction) are brushing past you looking very irritated. They have a reason.
Next: if you are at a store or stand-in-line restaurant (Cosi comes to mind) at a busy time, do NOT stand there counting out your change in pennies (or rooting around your purse/pockets for change) while herds of other customers are waiting. This would seem to be common sense, but alas, I see it on a regular basis. As in "I'm the only important customer here and everyone will just have to wait for my precious self to locate notional exact change." I'm surprised there haven't been violent incidents over this sort of behavior.
Finally, when I order a grande soy latte, don't give a grande hot soy milk, mkay? Clean out the ears and pretend you want to keep this job.
That's all for now. End communication.
A perennial favorite - slow and/or clueless people on the metro: move like you have a purpose, that you realize there are other people behind you, and that no one died and made you deity. Don't ever stand on the left, period. Further: don't do that and get miffed because others (who have a purpose and direction) are brushing past you looking very irritated. They have a reason.
Next: if you are at a store or stand-in-line restaurant (Cosi comes to mind) at a busy time, do NOT stand there counting out your change in pennies (or rooting around your purse/pockets for change) while herds of other customers are waiting. This would seem to be common sense, but alas, I see it on a regular basis. As in "I'm the only important customer here and everyone will just have to wait for my precious self to locate notional exact change." I'm surprised there haven't been violent incidents over this sort of behavior.
Finally, when I order a grande soy latte, don't give a grande hot soy milk, mkay? Clean out the ears and pretend you want to keep this job.
That's all for now. End communication.
Mystery Book Reviews
Read two mysteries lately with distinctly different responses to them. The first was Murder at The National Cathedral, by Margaret Truman and the second was The Sinister Pig, by Tony Hillerman. The former was nominally entertaining – set as it was in good ol’ Washington, DC – having to do with a possible conspiracy within the church – bigger picture stuff – that ultimately, in my opinion, fell flat. And the characters fell flat. I really wasn’t drawn into their plights, their lives, etc. Normally, a mystery involving the church, whether it be Catholic or other, is very compelling, but this was a let-down. Also, Truman’s heavy-handed characterization of characters based on their political bent was off-putting (e.g., conservative preacher is painted as by-the-book, unyielding, uncaring, more concerned with obedience to rules than caring about “the little people.”)
Hillerman’s book, on the other hand, had the effect of coming home to people you know and like, of becoming immediately engaged in their situations, loves, etc. Of course, I have the benefit of having read other Hillerman books prior – but one doesn’t voluntarily read multiple books from one author if they’re not enjoyable. And his stuff is good – one gets some idea of Navajo culture, how it relates to neighboring cultures, and how it’s expressed/experienced by the characters. Jim Chee, Joe Leaphorn. Good characters. If you haven't already read some of his stuff, give it a go!
Hillerman’s book, on the other hand, had the effect of coming home to people you know and like, of becoming immediately engaged in their situations, loves, etc. Of course, I have the benefit of having read other Hillerman books prior – but one doesn’t voluntarily read multiple books from one author if they’re not enjoyable. And his stuff is good – one gets some idea of Navajo culture, how it relates to neighboring cultures, and how it’s expressed/experienced by the characters. Jim Chee, Joe Leaphorn. Good characters. If you haven't already read some of his stuff, give it a go!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Some charming news items...
Ah, I love my fellow man - um, mostly not so much. Anyhoo, reading the Post Metro section (my mistake) and came across these gems:
Asshead MS-13 members (I mean "suspected" members) caught robbing a brothel (run out of an apartment - evidently it's a trend) and having raped one of the workers. Undercover cop lady on an unrelated assignment, gets dragged into the apartment by said "suspected" gang members in their kind-hearted attempt to spread the love. She called her back-up and those alleged gang dudes were so busted. Read all about it here.
Woman kicks and punches to death her adopted two-year-old Russian daughter. She did this because the girl "...was not behaving and not listening and just crying." Because, you know that a good kicking and punching really makes 2-year-olds stop crying and behave. Of course, all you parents out there know this. Wow, there are no words sufficient...to describe what should be done to this heinous individual; prosecuter recommends 40 years in the slammer. Heh. Good. Full story here.
Cop fatally shoots drug dealer after drug dealer stabs another cop. Shooting cop is placed on administrative leave pending investigation. Huh? Well, DH Jeff says this is standard operating procedure. Hopefully, this is a formality and the officer will be allowed to return to duty within the day. Personally, who's really going to miss some scumbag pusher? Read all about it here.
Asshead MS-13 members (I mean "suspected" members) caught robbing a brothel (run out of an apartment - evidently it's a trend) and having raped one of the workers. Undercover cop lady on an unrelated assignment, gets dragged into the apartment by said "suspected" gang members in their kind-hearted attempt to spread the love. She called her back-up and those alleged gang dudes were so busted. Read all about it here.
Woman kicks and punches to death her adopted two-year-old Russian daughter. She did this because the girl "...was not behaving and not listening and just crying." Because, you know that a good kicking and punching really makes 2-year-olds stop crying and behave. Of course, all you parents out there know this. Wow, there are no words sufficient...to describe what should be done to this heinous individual; prosecuter recommends 40 years in the slammer. Heh. Good. Full story here.
Cop fatally shoots drug dealer after drug dealer stabs another cop. Shooting cop is placed on administrative leave pending investigation. Huh? Well, DH Jeff says this is standard operating procedure. Hopefully, this is a formality and the officer will be allowed to return to duty within the day. Personally, who's really going to miss some scumbag pusher? Read all about it here.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Streams of Unconsciousness
So, you thought I'd given up on my blogging life, eh? Nah.
Got a 94% on that Chemistry test - no one more surprised (and pleased) than me!
Teacher got me royally pissed (as opposed to just commonly pissed) the other morning by starting the class early with no prior notification thereof. I walked in on time to find her whisking thru her transparencies.
Now we're gearing up for another exam. Oh joy.
I've come to a realization after having bored to death a guest with a rambling diatribe about abortion, fueled by way too much wine. Yeh, I should watch the amount I drink, but more importantly, I should drop that subject permanently. There is absolutely no point in bringing it up. I have my values, they have theirs - and never the twain shall meet. But, if it were truly a personal and private choice (to kill your kid), then no red cent of mine should ever go to supporting (any) abortion (e.g., healthcare/insurance that covers abortion, etc). Your mistake, your bill. Fat chance!
War on drugs? Same thing. Just a way for our govt to spend a huge amount of (our) money and man-power for no appreciable benefit. The constant is that Americans love their drugs & will find other means of acquiring them or, they'll just make them at home. Then demand that there be all sorts of "free" rehabilitation to salvage their useless lives. Your mistake, your bill. Nope, we pay for that too.
Wars run and international policies hatched, having the effect akin to creating antibiotic resistant strains of tuberculosis by sharing your meds. We pay on myriad levels for that, believe me.
I think I'm going to try to ignore all these things, adopt a positive if self-absorbed mental state, and attempt to make enough money to go to school and continue dining out when I want. Blah. My fury at these issues and how they're dealt with serves only to give me stomachaches (I've had a lot of those lately, but I suspect partly due to the gallons of coffee I drink daily, and the consequent erosion of my stomach lining). Anyhoo, there it is. Rambling diatribe sans alcohol.
Got a 94% on that Chemistry test - no one more surprised (and pleased) than me!
Teacher got me royally pissed (as opposed to just commonly pissed) the other morning by starting the class early with no prior notification thereof. I walked in on time to find her whisking thru her transparencies.
Now we're gearing up for another exam. Oh joy.
I've come to a realization after having bored to death a guest with a rambling diatribe about abortion, fueled by way too much wine. Yeh, I should watch the amount I drink, but more importantly, I should drop that subject permanently. There is absolutely no point in bringing it up. I have my values, they have theirs - and never the twain shall meet. But, if it were truly a personal and private choice (to kill your kid), then no red cent of mine should ever go to supporting (any) abortion (e.g., healthcare/insurance that covers abortion, etc). Your mistake, your bill. Fat chance!
War on drugs? Same thing. Just a way for our govt to spend a huge amount of (our) money and man-power for no appreciable benefit. The constant is that Americans love their drugs & will find other means of acquiring them or, they'll just make them at home. Then demand that there be all sorts of "free" rehabilitation to salvage their useless lives. Your mistake, your bill. Nope, we pay for that too.
Wars run and international policies hatched, having the effect akin to creating antibiotic resistant strains of tuberculosis by sharing your meds. We pay on myriad levels for that, believe me.
I think I'm going to try to ignore all these things, adopt a positive if self-absorbed mental state, and attempt to make enough money to go to school and continue dining out when I want. Blah. My fury at these issues and how they're dealt with serves only to give me stomachaches (I've had a lot of those lately, but I suspect partly due to the gallons of coffee I drink daily, and the consequent erosion of my stomach lining). Anyhoo, there it is. Rambling diatribe sans alcohol.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Blah, blah, blah!
Still limping thru Chemistry class. Took first exam of semester on Thurs. Studied alot; pulled out hair; swore a blue streak. How'd I do? Anyone's guess. We'll see this week.
Liberal at the Post (heh) weighing in about the "hoopla" over putting in writing and law limits to damned illegals' acquisition of higher education in VA. About what you'd expect. Can't find story right now...will try tomorrow...
Tech guy at work acquired U.S. citizenship. Nice to see someone actually caring enough to become a citizen instead of just sneaking in the back door and grabbing what he can.
We socialized during the weekend and it was nice! Going to restart book club thank goodness.
Lots to say, no time to say it. Gotta go start Chem homework...
Liberal at the Post (heh) weighing in about the "hoopla" over putting in writing and law limits to damned illegals' acquisition of higher education in VA. About what you'd expect. Can't find story right now...will try tomorrow...
Tech guy at work acquired U.S. citizenship. Nice to see someone actually caring enough to become a citizen instead of just sneaking in the back door and grabbing what he can.
We socialized during the weekend and it was nice! Going to restart book club thank goodness.
Lots to say, no time to say it. Gotta go start Chem homework...
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Life is getting cheaper by the minute
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.
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.
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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