For Her, my Mom

I lay against the pillow, halfway between dream and remembering...

Faster and faster I fall through the undulating fog of warmth.

Where am I?

The sun beats down on my face and fills my heart. Today is never-ending and perfect.

I run.

I play.

I hear thunder and run back to safety in her arms.

I catch baby birds in their mid baby-flight and learn to let them fly free to be themselves.

I am surrounded by love and hope.

I nuzzle against her bosom, inhaling her crisp spring, content to never move forward.

Why should I?

For today is an eternity and that is all I need.

And want.

Summer arrives.

I didn't know it was coming.

Little bees and big bees nip at me, buzzing in my ears and telling me secrets I didn't want to know.

I thought the bees loved me like the baby birds did.

But she says it's ok and hugs me.

She says to love the bees anyway for what they are. And if I need to run into her arms away from the bees she will always be here to hug me and kiss away their sting.

I run on to look for more baby birds, but they are all gone away home.

I hope just for the night?

The sun slants differently now, beautiful and scary.

Casting shadows that try to speak to me.

But I dream of the spring and they go away.

Falling faster and faster, I am flung into sooner.

The leaves look like leaves, but are crunchy and brown and tired.

I am still delighted, but wary of what the leaves want to tell me.

So she walks with me and later waits for me, her hug is bundled with the cookies she baked for me in anticipation of seeing me.

And everything is ok.

Falling yet faster through eternity I wake to bitter bitter cold.

Leafless gray trees try and snag me in the day and creak their scritchy-scratchy on my window at night.

But I am warm inside and she has locked the door.

I lay against the pillow, halfway between dream and remembering...

It's snowing softly outside and I become lost in it's own eternity of hope.

Content to just be.

But soon I feel the need to want to share these snowflakes with her as they whisper sweet in my ear and I know that no one could hear them the same or appreciate them like her.

I lay against the pillow, halfway between dream and remembering...

and wish I were home right now in her arms.


(Merry Christmas Mom, I love you x)

PC Problems

Having pc problems at the moment and haven't been able to stay online too long- fan went out. Getting it fixed Friday.

Have a few posts in the works and so will try and get those finished and up in the next few days.....

Powerchairs and the Airline Industry

http://travel.aol.com/travel-ideas/articles/should-overweight-fliers-pay-more%3Fncid%3DAOLCOMMtravdynlprim0707/


Why has this not been addressed as a safety and customer service issue by the airlines for umpteen years?

Solution:

have 2-4 seats designated for larger persons in a predetermined section of the plane.

Ok-

This also got me to thinking how do persons that need a wheelchair/powerchair travel on a plane?

I have never taken my client on a plane but have wondered about some of the logistics.

I have heard many horror stories of airlines insisting that powerchairs be held in cargo and the many chairs being broken because the crew does not know how to take apart a powerchair, or how to transport it intact.

With all the different manufacturers of powerchairs out there and no set universal chair prototype it's understandable. Though it is pretty basic stuff, for that matter.

The headrest needs to come off beforehand. That's pretty basic- there's usually a push button release by it and then you pull up while keeping your thumb depressed.

There's also the arm that holds the joystick and cables, a very important piece that needs to be handled with care. I don't recommend anyone take apart this piece unless they have prior experience. But that also leads to loss of equipment- the more pieces you take off/apart the odds increase for loss.

So why aren't power wheelchairs, let alone manual chairs, allowed in the passenger seating?

I have read that many airlines object to having that kind of chair in passenger seating because of the batteries.

Sounds valid, but this is also based on old data and the closed gel fuel cells that most chairs use today are completely sealed and safe for transport.

Which also brings up the obvious question- how do people dependant on their chairs use the bathroom on a plane?

The answer is- they don't.

They usually "fast" the night or a few hours before, thus eliminating some of the need to use the bathroom in the first place.

They also are subject to doing what alot of people with disabilities learn to do- and that is to adapt and improvise.

In other words, using a blanket or whatnot to cover themselves and use a hand-held urinal. Easier for the guys, what about the women?

I don't see alot of dignity in the choices for people with disabilities as far as this matter is concerned.

I want to be fair to the airlines, and so later today I will conduct a survey and try to find out as much information as possible on these issues and will update this article.

I am very interested in finding out what the airline industry, governed by a federal entity, is obligated to do to accomodate persons with disabilities.

A Christmas Wish

Jaime, Jaime, Jaime.

...sigh.....

You agreed to an interview with me months ago and I am still sitting here with a pen and blank paper.

I don't want to do it over the phone- I need to get the feel, tone, mood, nuance of your answers and need to look you in the eye.

That's also why I thought to do the interview while playing pool in a relaxed atmosphere.

But then again, me beating you game after game might change the mood of the interview huh? ;)

I know you're a busy guy, I'm a busy gal.

Christmas is coming up, elections are coming up, taxes will be due......

you're not getting any younger and I really wanted to call the interview "At age 33 (?) the Lionstar Is a Refreshing Young Face with His Thumb on the Pulse of El Paso's Political Scene"- but if we wait any longer I'll have to call it "At Age 93 the Lionstar Is a Cranky Old Man with his Thumb in His Mouth at the Height of His Second Childhood and Saying 'We're in El Paso?' "

So give a girl a break... I'm not getting any younger, either!

The "LIFT" Running Late This Morn

According to Laura Cruz-Acosta of Sun Metro the LIFT paratransit service is running about 30 to 45 minutes late at this time.

There's alot of roads and highways that are slick and even some road closures, so please be patient.

Any questions please call 544-2514

Noreen Jaramillo Leaving KFOX14

I watch all the news channels.

No one particular channel is my favorite.

When I was in Chicago channel 7 abc was one of my favorites, also channel 9 WGN, locally.

Here in El Paso I watch them all, especially abc7 and KFOX14, or whatever they're calling themselves now.

Along with my coffee, that is how I like to start my day, watching the morning news.

So it's been interesting to watch KFOX the past few years, especially how the anchors get along.

Noreen Jaramillo and Ben Swann were an interesting duo.

Noreen practically shined sitting next to Ben. There was a good chemistry, almost a flirtation going on, in a good-natured sense and the broadcast flowed smoothly with news and was entertaining at the same time.

Then Ben moved on and Noreen was left to report alone.

Enter Israel Balderas.

I liked Israel immediately.

He was as "square" as they come and seemed like a real gentleman and just cut from a different cloth.

Yeah, he had a few weeks (or more) of getting used to how the show was run, he kept going to weather when it was time for traffic or vice-versa- which annoyed Noreen Jaramillo to no end and she could barely hide her disgust.

In fact, it was so painful to watch at times I had to switch channels.

The two anchors just didn't click. I don't know if it was because Israel didn't flirt with Noreen or if it was because she didn't get his corny jokes or she was acting the prima dona and he was the greenhorn, I don't know.

All I do know is that Noreen's seat was higher than Israel's and she usually had the laptop in front of her, she let everyone know who the big dog was.

One time, many many months since Israel came on to Fox, I wrote him an email about some story reported and also made the observation of how he and Noreen worked together on air. Israel was kind enough to respond promptly, and in true Israel Balderas fashion, went on to write "let's just say it's been an interesting time for the past year and a half. I think St. Paul said it best when he wrote that perseverance produces character and character produces hope. So I hope people now like the character we have on the air."

I did like Israel.

I didn't like how Noreen treated him.

Then Israel left for other pastures and Noreen was left as sole anchor again.

Enter Stephanie Guadian.

I was wondering how Noreen was going to take sharing the spotlight, especially with another woman.

I was surprised they got on well.

Now we know why- Noreen Jaramillo is leaving KFOX.

Just my opinion- Noreen was no sweetheart of El Paso and she certainly couldn't hold a candle to Estela Casas, El Paso's matriarch.

So I wish her luck on her next venture and hope she learns to play nice (and professional).

And maybe for Christmas she'll get a button-down blouse and some new suitcoats, maybe a new hairstyle. She certainly could use some sprucing up besides wearing t-shirts and baggy shirt-jackets.

Sun Metro Shines in Bad Weather

A super shout-out to Sun Metro for sending me 2 emails yesterday keeping me abreast of road conditions and possible route delays!

The first one arrived in my inbox at 6:30 in the morning and the 2nd at 7:57a.m.

I don't know if everyone can sign up for these kind of updates, but then again, how often do we experience bad weather? And the two I received were quite unexpected.

I doubt at this time they have the capability of sending out emails or mobile alerts to riders that might want to sign up to receive delay notices, especially for certain routes, but I bet our technology will soon be making this "everyday".

The sun is shining for Sun Metro!

I Hate Drunk/Buzzed Drivers!

Yes, I truly despise the total hypocrisy of grown men and women drinking and then getting behind the wheel of a car and totally disregarding my life and others!

They're not even thinking of their own life, so I'm pretty low on their list.

When I was younger, a teenager, we'd go out drinking at the bars that would serve us or go north about an hour away to Kenosha, Wisconsin where the drinking age was 18 and many bars had nickel beer night.

We'd drink like fishes and then cross our fingers for the long ride home.

That stretch of highway was where my one girlfriend totalled her car and almost lost her life.

That same area was where my friend was driving with me as a passenger and after a night of drinking we decided to get a bite to eat before the long journey home. He turned left to get into the restaurant, only we weren't in our turn lane we were in the right merging lane for the cross traffic, and almost slammed into a state trooper. Sad part was- my friend admitted to drinking about 12 drinks and the state trooper let him off, just took his license and gave him a ticket!

But that was back in the day and thank goodness the laws are alot stiffer now.

Kids (teens) do alot of stupid things for many reasons, and with experience they usually learn not to do certain things that will endanger themselves or others.

I drove drunk.

Once.

And it scared the heck out of me.

My girlfriend and I were on our way home from- you guessed it- a night of drinking up in Wisconsin.

We were so close to my home, within just a few miles, when my girlfriend had an ulcer attack.

We decided that she could no longer drive and so I took the wheel.

Drunk and scared, I literally prayed those few miles to get home safe, because I saw that I was all over the road.

And I have never ever driven drunk or buzzed again in my whole life.

I can be stubborn and a hard-head and sometimes had to learn lessons the hard way- but this was one of those times that once was enough for me. I learned my lesson.

So why do adults that supposedly know better drink and drive?

Is it because they think they are actually more sober and in control than they really are?

Is it because they just don't care?

Is it because they feel the chances of getting caught or in an accident are slim to none?

Is it because they are alcoholics and have given up all hope?

And what about the bars that overserve?

What's their excuse?

Greed is a pretty paltry excuse for overserving, and I don't think it would make a very good defense in a court of law.

Can you hear it now- "Judge, I am just a humble bar owner trying to make a living. I sell liquor, that is my business, so who am I to tell my regulars that they have had enough? I have coffee ready to be made if they seem too drunk and I even have chips and peanuts I sell to help sober them up so I am doing all I can- they are responsible for themselves and I didn't make them drink that much."

Pretty flimsy stuff if you ask me.

For one- bars are set up to walk a tightrope. Why do that to yourself and your livelyhood? Why not open a bar/restaurant and actually CARE about your patrons by not overserving them and firing any bartenders that do?

Yeah, some people hold their liquor better than others and can hide their drunkeness better- we're just asking that you truly do the best you can.

Pay for a taxi for your drunk patrons that slipped through and came to your business seemingly sober but that one drink you served them put them over the edge- alot cheaper than lawsuits, let alone losing someone to drunk driving.

Require that all your bartenders go to TIPS training and have monthly or bi-annual refresher classes or meetings.

The person overindulging at a bar and the bar overserving share responsibility, tho to what percentage of responsibility is up to the courts to decide, sadly, and on a case-by-case basis. Why not do all you can as a responsible bar owner?

Beer and liquor are legal to drink under certain provisions, even though its abuse and use carry some very dire and heavy consequences. But it is more socially acceptable than marijuana use, go figure, but let's just stick to alcohol.

Alcohol can kill you the first time you drink it by overindulging or actually having an allergic reaction to it. It can kill you when you drink and drive and have an accident. It can kill you 20 years later with cirrhosis of the liver. And it can kill you in the sneakiest ways, even when you think you're being semi-responsible.

When I was younger we used to throw house parties and the rule of thumb was that the girls were allowed to use the indoor bathrooms and the guys were to go outside when nature called. Nice idea, huh?

Well, in theory it was. But we lived up north and it could get awful cold at night in the winter- sometimes even -80 degrees with windchill cold!

So one night a boy I was seeing went to a party, I stayed at home.

The next morning my guy was found on the side of the house.

Frozen.

And dead.

They say he must have passed out at some point and just froze there...

Pretty sad way to learn a lesson, this one had no do-overs.

I'm not preaching about drinking or not drinking- that is your decision to make.

I am saying there are ways to have "fun" drinking yet being responsible.

The holidays are in full swing now and there will be more parties to attend and more drinking. I'll be at some of those parties, and I will not hesitate to take your keys from you, I've done it before and lost a friendship over it, and I will do it again if needed.

Don't make a fool out of yourself, please...

and DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!!

Sun City Cab 544-2211

abc7's Xtra

Caught abc7's xtra show tonight with host Darren Hunt and guests Major General Howard Bromberg and Colonel Manning.

The main focus was on the recent Ft. Hood attack and how Ft. Bliss is stepping up measures in security and mental health services.

Col. Manning was forthcoming on gate times and gate expansion, also explaining that Ft. Bliss has doubled in size since 2005 and that added to tougher security checks will increase gate times but they feel the times are still within reason.

Col. Manning also talked about new facilities opening this week and next year for expanded mental health services and outreach programs.

Sounds like we're on the right path.

What bothered me were some of the remarks made by Maj. Gen. Howard Bromberg.

Randy from the Eastside called in with an observation.

I couldn't understand if he said he was retired or near retirement as a warrant officer, but Randy was talking about visiting the south gym on base a few times a week and that he had noticed a marked difference in the level of esprit (spirit and liveliness, morale). He remarked that the soldiers were less lively and that the mood was more subdued, almost tense.

Maj. Gen. Bromberg answered back that he had just been to the Turkey Trot and that morale was high and that the soldiers he has talked to directly explained that they were concerned about certain things but that it would in no way impede their performance of duties.

What the hell else is a soldier supposed to say?

Randy from the Eastside stated that he was just trying to give another set of eyes and ears to the Maj. Gen. but it looks like that just fell on deaf ears.

Interesting dynamics at play here.

Even if the Maj. Gen were sincere in his inquiries of some soldiers, it's a fine line for soldiers to decide how to actually answer that. It's quite an intimidating situation and at the moment probably seems like a no-win situation so one says things are good, no problem.

It takes a wise man to listen to the ones that are beyond reproach or actually risk being ignored or ridiculed to tell him that the emperor has no clothes.

I hope Maj. Gen. Bromberg takes a closer look/listen to the people that are being honest with him about these issues.

Now on to Darren Hunt.

Ughhhh!

Thanks for messing up my name and using part of my email address instead- real professional!

Then he rambled and mumbled through my question and kept referring to me as "he" since he messed up my name.

At least Col. Manning understood enough to clearly answer my question, which was this...

"so far I am hearing about more security at the gates for Ft. Bliss- all well and good, and needed. And I'm hearing about the stresses- can we expound on that please? What is being done as far as mental health services right now and in the future on the base?"

I was glad to not just hear the usual pat answer that we are looking into it and it is always a priority- Col. Manning told us what was being done and when- thank you!

Let it Snow...

Amazing enough that we have rain today, more like thundershowers here in NE El Paso, but it is expected to mix and/or turn to snow tonight, but not as much accumulation as first expected.

But who cares how much- it's SNOW- WOOHOOO!!!!

The weather streams on tv are saying the eastern slopes should have the most accumulation, so I am looking forward to getting some good pics of the mountains since I live in the beautiful NE.

I wonder if Trans Mountain Rd will be closed tonight?

Bet your bottom dollar, though, that when the snow comes everyone will be pulling off the side of that road and playing in the snow!

Enjoy it while you can!

Eagles Squeak by 'Skins

Today was a rare day, and not just because it rained in the desert.

I ended up rooting for the Washington Redskins to beat the Philadelphia Eagles.

Had to, they're both in the Cowboy's division and the Eagles have a better record.

Oh well, so close...

Sorry Jaime.

I have no comment about the Bears at this time :(

Walt Phillips to Receive Conquistador Award

On City Council's agenda Tuesday, December 1st, Walt Phillips will be receiving the city's Conquistador Award.

A fitting award (maybe not in name but for recognition) at a fitting time (Thanksgiving) for a well-deserving person.

Walt Phillips has given his time over the years to benefit this city in countless ways, and this recognition and thanks seems almost overdue.

But due none the less.

I met Walt going on 3 years ago on the Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Department Board when he was nominated to represent for the Mayor's seat.

To be honest, I didn't know him or know of him at the time, especially having only been in El Paso about 2 1/2 years.

I only knew that an item I had brought up for discussion on the agenda he was against. I didn't understand his thinking behind his point of view, and he didn't understand mine.

I later learned, with time and getting to know him, that he was not unsympathetic to what I was trying to achieve, he was just questioning whether or not it was in our purview of the CAC.

I still believe it was and is, but that is neither here nor there at the moment.

What I learned from Walt is to be slower to judge and to take the time to find out people's agendas before assuming their agendas. Walt doesn't even know he has taught me this, but when we take the time to listen we can learn alot, and I am thankful for that.

Walt and I have had a few more discussions since then on topics that matter to both of us and he has shown nothing but support- he is an excellent cheerleader.

This little snippet does not do justice to the many things Walt has been a part of in shaping NE El Paso and the city as a whole, but I also feel it speaks volumes in the sense that I have only known him a short while and he has made a positive impression on me. I will leave the long list of accolades to those I am expecting to see Tuesday at City Council who have known him longer to honor him. I think we'll see a packed house that morning.

Walt Phillips is truly our "Friend of the NE" and I am proud to call him my friend, too.

Blogger Paranoia?

VERY INTERESTING!!!

Something to keep an eye on.

I could be jumping the gun, paranoid, or just my cynical self, BUT...

there's a new blog in town that is set up JUST LIKE MINE, or very similar.

Same color background, similar color of post titles (mine yellow theirs light greenish) and same color archive post lettering.

Will be interesting to read what this blogger writes about.

Funny, too, that the blog is called El Paso Juice....

we shall watch and see, could be nothing,

but....

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is coming up on us Wednesday, Nov 11th and it truly is a day for reflection and thanks for all that have served in our Armed Forces, abroad and domestically.

For some reason I find myself living in yet another military town, though it's different than in the past when we had open bases.

I used to live by Glenview Naval Air Base and Great Lakes Naval Air Base as a kid. My Dad was in the Army/National Guard so we spent time at the armory in Hammond, Indiana, and in my early 20s I lived in Columbus, Georgia, home to Ft. Benning. So I've been around big guns and tanks and the likes all my life. Growing up during the VietNam War and seeing the blue stars in windows of families with serving military and the POW signs was a humbling experience. I would say prayers for them as I passed by their house, but even God didn't bring some home.

Since I was about 12 or 13 years old my parents sponsored sailors every Thanksgiving at our house. That was always fun. The majority of sailors were pretty shy and very respectful and we got to learn about their reasons for joining, what basic training was all about and different scenarios they encountered meant to teach them comaraderie and working as a team. My Mom still sponsors sailors even though there was a suspension of the program one or two times since the War in Iraq. One time we were even documented on a cable tv news channel for the day and we had alot of fun with the film crew and sailors. It was also nice to see more and more young women joining the Armed Forces and become more accepted as the years went by.

I was almost one of them.

I was 18 years old and without direction and my brother had just gone off and joined the Marines. I knew I needed a similar scenario if I wanted to do the things I wanted to do in life so I called the army recruiting center in Deerfield, Illinois. This was in 1981 and there weren't alot of women joining at that time.

A recruiting officer came to my home and gave me the spiel and I was ready to join, so I went down to their office and took the written exam. The officers there (all male) were amazed at how smart I was, for a girl. I had heard this all my life- I grew up in a time when women's rights were just coming to the forefront. In Jr. High school I even had to join the boys' cross country team if I wanted to play organized sports, but thank goodness Title IX soon became law and so I was on our school's first girl's basketball team (with "regular" rules- not the old rules that girls used to be bound to play with half-court restrictions) and track and field etc, besides participating in science fairs and the like. Anyway, people have told me all my life I won't make it or can't. I was born 3 lbs 10 oz and went down to 2 lbs because of complications with my parents Rh factor not being compatible and my body's reaction to that, so if I were to survive at all they expected me to have many complications and disabilities. I showed them! I excelled in sports and academics and loved school.

Anyway, my next step was to go down to Chicago and take my physical exam. My recruiting officer offered to take me and we made the appointment. I waited and waited yet he never showed. I thought this might be a test to see how bad I wanted to join but in fact he had just overlooked the appointment! So we set yet another appointment and he didn't show up again! I took this to be an omen and decided that the army was not for me. Of course now that I'm older I'm kicking myself as I would have been retired for a number of years! Oh well.

I'm not knocking the army or any of the armed forces branches- this is just the experience I had when trying to join.

My father ended up putting in more than 25 years with the Army/National Guard and ended up serving stateside in the Gulf War while my Marine brother spent it in the mix and ended up writing a book about his experience called "Always Faithful" by John Hartnett. It's not your typical wartime book, it's more a study of moral dilemma dealing with marriage, happiness and war, along with bravery, in a crazy situation called war. Pick it up through amazon.com or Barnes & Noble- it's a fast read and a refreshing outlook, besides excellent storytelling!

Anyway, I find the coverage of the two wars going on right now quite lacking. During WWII us Americans had fireside chats and movie theater updates. Radio, to me, is much more intimate, plus anything filmed in black and white seems much scarier and more dire than color, as most old horror film buffs would most likely attest to. When the VietNam War was covered by reporters in the field that was new and exciting in the genre of covering war. By the time the Gulf War came we were used to cable and full-color blood and gore, so we were getting more desensitized to that, but there was still a feeling of importance every time CNN broadcast on regular tv with the missile attacks etc. It was such a fast war for those not directly involved, it almost seemed a video game.

Enter the Iraq War. Patriotism and revenge against any and all involved with terrorism was force-fed us on a daily basis. The Bush administration tried to keep us in a constant state of terror and alert, though there were degrees- yellow, orange.... Every day in the beginning of the war we got to watch the mighty Americans battling the terroristic government of Saddam Hussein and who can forget the pulling down of his statue! This stuff was made for tv! It was quick, like the Gulf War, and gave us the instant satisfaction in images to keep the public interested.

But alas, the war dragged on and on.... we heard our president declare "Mission accomplished" and the photo op reassured us all that our men and women would be home soon, but the days and casualties added up to years and thousands, no weapons of mass destruction were found and some people were starting to realize we may have been sold a bill of goods with this war with no direction, while losing alot of support of the world.

But that's a government bumble and not a soldier's to bear. We need to respect all that have served and are serving for their many reasons and beliefs.

And I believe that one of the highest forms of respect we can offer our veterans besides thanking them is to support them when they come back with the services they need.

Housing.

Close, accessible veteran hospitals, including increased mental health services.

College incentives.

To name a few.

My flag in front of my house is at half-staff in rememberance of our vets serving now and in the past, and in honor of the fallen at Ft. Hood, where I was supposed to be stationed.

Let's take a moment now and offer our prayers and thanks.........

Ray Gilbert Wakes Up City Council to Public Health Debacle

Sorry there hasn't been alot of posts lately, I've been quite ill with a bout with the flu and then a nasty cold- but I am still alive and kickin'!!!

Speaking of the flu, particularly the H1N1 vaccine, did anyone attend or watch last week's city council meeting with the health department update?

Was anyone else's jaws falling to the floor???

Thanks to Ray Gilbert, government watchdog and a man with some real horse sense, the public (and city council) got to find out just what was and wasn't being done with regards to the H1N1 vaccine and it's political redtape and bumbling of its distribution and funding.

I was appalled at the lack of foresight and lack of actions taken by Mr. Hill, director of the City of El Paso Department of Public Health!!!

After talking with area hospitals last spring and receiving their assessment that they were overwhelmed with the everyday, let alone people coming in with flu-like symptoms, Hill decided to wait for people and agencies and our government to come to HIM with volunteers of help and an action plan for this coming flu season!!!

Can you believe that?!

Many on city council were pretty outraged, too, that he was not more forthcoming with the needs of the county.

It was back to the "don't ask, don't tell" that Hill relied on, but this time some on city council kept asking the tough questions until they got the full and accurate answers needed.

I think Hill's position should definitely be reviewed, and publicly.

It was embarrassing to see company after company, agency after agency, come up to the podium and offer their assistance for distribution and staff resources during this projected pandemic- especially when they all said they had NOT been contacted for support!

Just WHAT was the plan by Hill- wait for federal money before doing anything?

He should have brought his concerns to city council time and again until everyone got it that we need to look at this and plan for it, whether it be asking for more money in the budget or at the very least- getting that vendor list contacted so everyone there was on the same page!!!

It sucked that I could not go and receive the vaccine since I was ill. I "qualified" since I am in home health, but it didn't matter anyway since I was ill and there were only 4 distribution sites!

Only 4!!! Guaranteeing that there would be long lines!

It didn't have to be that way!

And remember what the weather was like last week? Cold, wind and SNOW.

Another thing that gets my goat was watching Channel 7's Stephanie Valle reporting "on the scene" at 6 in the morning. Stephanie was amazed that there were not lines already at that hour. Even though the clinics didn't open until 7 a.m.

Hello?

Is everyone out of touch here?

For one, the weather was horrific for El Paso. Coming from Chicago myself it was pretty much a nuisance but everyday par for the course, even though I am starting to get acclimated to El Paso.

But another thing is, these vaccines were for the pregnant, young children, and elderly, besides those in the medical field etc.

And alot of us take the bus!

And alot of them don't start running until 6, 7, 8 in the morning- or they don't get to certain destinations until at least that time or later.

So I don't understand why Stephanie Valle was so surprised.

Of course, as it got later in the day the lines formed and then that was the news.

Okayyyy....

Umm, why didn't we start giving out this vaccine sooner, like BEFORE flu season?

Was it people in our government, like Mr. Hill, that were asleep at the wheel?

Looks like a duck...

walks like a duck....

Medical Marijuana Taken More Seriously Financially, if not Medically/Scientifically

Obama's administration has sent out a memo to our Justice Department declaring the pursuit of medical marijuana users/cardholders and dispensaries criminally are a waste of their time and our tax dollars. Unless, of course, they are involved in any other criminal activity involving marijuana or not.

Sounds like a good start.

Yes, there still does need to be more clarification in all aspects of this issue and state's laws and I do agree with the attorney general of Colorado when he states there needs to be regulation of these dispensaries. Otherwise we have let the wrong people free reign in setting up shop in our backyard.

Ok- so if that's what's needed, when are we going to discuss the regulation and taxation of legal dispensaries?

How is this going to affect people on Medicare/Aid when they go and try and fill their prescriptions in medical marijuana-legal states?

And are Medicare/Aid participants even allowed to use medical marijuana?

I searched the Internet yesterday for 3 1/2 hours reading page after page, article after article (and alot were from Ron Paul) and I couldn't find a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g even addressing this issue.

I did find out that some guy who was on Medicare and needed a liver transplant was found to have marijuana in his system and was thus denied the transplant- resulting in his death. Seems the feds mean business and that medical necessity being the lesser of two evils was no defense.
That was a couple years ago, though- I wonder how scenarios like this will play out in the future?

Wonder what Carl Starr has on this issue?

So what I will do Wednesday is call New Mexico and Texas' offices and find out what I can- even medicare.gov didn't have any info- and I'll update you on this when I have an answer.


for background please refer to my August 20th, 2009 piece "Marijuana and Reformed Health Insurance"

Update on Newspaper Tree

Ok, so Newspaper Tree has not officially folded but are walking wounded.

I don't know what they have in their back pocket, but with Sito and David's creativity and tenacity I'm sure we'll see what unfolds soon.

I hope, I hope.

http://newspapertree.com/opinion/4311-letter-from-the-editors/

Newspaper Tree Needs Our Support

Was nice to see a couple columns on Newspaper Tree's site yesterday. it's been awful quiet lately and now we know why.

Unfortunately, a great alternative to the El Paso Times has folded to the pressure of our economic times and it is a sad day of many in El Paso and also our sister city of Ciudad Juarez.

Sito Negron and David Crowder, among others, brought a smart and professional paper to the forefront of online papers and was a meeting site for many here in our region.

The two were at the forefront of investigative reporting in a time where no other papers in our region have time/money/commitment for follow-through.

The Newspaper Tree celebrated everything El Pasoan, Mexican and American- I guess you could say they were pro human rights. They kept the spotlight on Juarez and its many untold stories of struggle, El Paso's own struggles in keeping its autonomy as a border city but reminding everyone we are part of the U.S. and not just a dusty old Western town overtaken by tumbleweeds and they also shined the spotlight on free thinking Americans. They welcomed bloggers with all their different viewpoints and through their blog, other blogs, and reader comments El Paso had open discussion on so many topics of importance.

In fact, I will go as far as to say that because of online papers like the Newspaper Tree and its support of different viewpoints and the open forum it allows Americans and other readers of other nations in discussing hot, taboo or controversial topics we are moving forward and realizing that changes are needed and the air is thick- healthcare reform, narco-wars, celebration of culture and marijuana decriminalization or legalization are some subjects that stand out.

And I will go even further by saying that papers like these are even more important than mass/cable media on tv. So much tv media has gone the way of entertainment and what will fit into sound bytes that I feel much of the credibility has been watered down for quick sensationalism. It is papers like the Newspaper Tree that was in our own backyard that spoke from our hearts and gave hope that reasoning, transparency and commitment were more important than one man's agenda on op-ed that now passes for news to many that are too busy to do their own research or form their own opinions.

The niche for Newspaper Tree has been dug and we will not be happy until they can find the proper backing to keep this paper or a new alternative going. This kind of paper is far too important to be let by the wayside.

"one is content until he sees better, one isn't appreciative until he sees less" Henry Mulzac Peace Corps volunteer '75- '77 Belize

Bert Williams Downtown Transfer Terminal

Someone I know is going to like this post, or at least most of it :)

Fair is fair.

Couldn't make it to the grand opening ceremonies Friday morning of the Bert Williams Downtown Transfer Center, but was lucky to have a tour later on in the afternoon thanks to Mr. Jay Banasiak, Director of Sun Metro.

It was beautiful!

Yeah, there's some minor kinks to be worked out, and some bigger ones, but overall it was such a breath of fresh air to see an updated modern city facility.

Breakdown-
the bathrooms (at least the women's and I'm sure the men's is similar) had a fair amount of stalls including one wheelchair-accessible stall. It was occupied when I 'toured' it and I wished that at least one other stall would have at least grab bars for ease of accessibility- maybe put in a set in the stall next to the wheelchair accessible stall and place a sign on it saying 'grab bar accessible'- that would be very helpful for us needing the bars if the other stall is occupied.

the outside benches- just enough room for people to sit on both sides, could use another 2-4 inches width, tho. Was nice to see little slots for wheelchairs to fit in under the canopy, but don't know if too many people are aware that that's why it's narrower there- we'll see as it's being used more if that creates any problem or confusion, if so then maybe a sign would help out above the area.

cafe- good eats, reasonable prices- burgers, hot dogs, coffee, soda and the likes. The tables and chairs arrived Friday morning so that was a relief- it is a bit crowded, tho, for wheelchairs.

air conditioning- need I say more? It wasn't hot Friday but the air sure felt good:)

security- Mr. B. said there were 4 security guards in the day and 2 in the evening hours- excellent!

lighting- too bad we couldn't get any stimulus money for solar on this project, but we should be able to convert sometime in the future- there's alot of incentives and tax credits out there to be had. Maybe we can work with the BRAC projects that want to include solar for certain city/base projects?

All in all- a great leap in the right direction!

I even like the outside sculpture, alot, even tho it wasn't made by an El Paso artist- would like to see more art at the other new terminals by local artists.

Community Choice Act NOW!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK2Hwp5by64&NR=1

video of ADAPTers in action- towards the end of the video is our own Frank Lozano of DesertADAPT- GO BROTHER!!!

ADAPT is in Atlanta, Ga. right now on one of their bi-annual actions.

The Community Choice Act is one of the issues being brought up, along with treating the individual not the medical condition and fighting for better wages and benefits for personal attendants.

The Community Choice Act includes and expands on "the money follows the person". For years many disabled and elderly have had to be institutionalized in order to receive their "benefits" that keep them alive. They have been taken from loved ones and forced to live in nursing homes and institutions just because they receive some sort of government assistance. There they are told when to eat, what to eat, where they can go, when they must go to sleep etc. And we all have heard the horror stories of the neglect and abuses many have had to endure while in this "care".

The Community Choice Act allows the receiver of the benefits to dictate where they want to live and how they receive their services. And alot of people want to live at home with family or independantly. As free Americans that should be their choice. This Act also allows the receiver to hire, fire and train their own personal attendant, no longer would they be subjected to abuse and neglect at the hands of others making their decisions. Instead of an institution having the say in how the money is spent the receiver of the benefits has a voice. Along with a caseworker, the individual plans his own care and where and how they receive the services. It is already proven to be more cost-effective, let alone the individual is happier having more control over their life.

Another issue ADAPT is fighting for is individual need vs medical condition. What that means in a nutshell is that not every person with cerebral palsy, for example, is going to have the same needs as another with the same general condition. Included with this would be maintaining and upgrading necessary equipment or aids tailored to the individual's needs and lifestyle- no more waiting another 4 months for new wheels on a wheelchair that has worn out wheels just because the individual has reached their "cap" for the year and must wait until the next fiscal year of benefits to kick in. Imagine the productivity this individual could attain if not impeded by bureaucratic red tape and unecessary rules of benefit distribution!

The other issue ADAPT is currently fighting for is for personal attendants rights to a livable wage and benefits. Right now many agencies paid by the government aid in the hiring of attendants and keep them at a low wage and usually without benefits- these same agencies also takes out a percentage of money earmarked for the individual receiver in administrative costs, and usually at an unfair amount. With community based alternatives the individual, along with their caseworker and/or representative, decides what rate of pay the attendant receives and what benefits out of the monies they receive annually for the individual's care. A plan is written annually and a budget made and any help from outside agencies is paid a nominal portion out of those monies for administrative support. It is a more cost-effective way of using the monies and results in a happier individual receiving the benefits and keeps the personal attendant happier by giving them a livable wage and chance for advancement within their field.

As a senator, Obama promised to help push through the Community Choice Act. As President, he has stalled the process.

The time for change is NOW!

Many Tea Partiers have been protesting for months now that they don't want to give up control in how their taxes are spent with regard to healthcare and this is one big issue they should all be backing. Reforming Medicare/Medicaid and voting for the Community Choice Act now not only makes better use of all our tax money but makes life more fair, dignified and livable for our disabled and elderly.

Gripes from Under the Weather

Haven't posted in awhile, been extremely busy with the planning and execution of my birthday party, and now I'm sick.

But I'm going to post on a few subjects that are on my mind and some that are out there dangling, waiting for answers still.

Never did hear back from Tom Bohannon about my offer to help him in his PR department his staff is lacking so that we can get those accessible apartments rented he so desperately can't rent to the very people they are intended for. Guess he's busy playing with numbers and figuring how he can skew them in his favor when this comes back to city council. Don't worry, Tom, I'm working hard, too- gathering FACTS.

Haven't been by or heard anything back on the leak at city hall in the planter out front- another email written to them going unanswered- imagine! As soon as I can hear over the phone (my cold/flu is really messing with me) I will give them a call and try and get answers.

Have other emails out there still pending that will be full stories, if they go unanswered too much longer that will end up being the story!

Funny how some people schmooze you to no end to get support for a project they are working on and promise they will work with you because they know how busy you are because of the line of work you are in, but when it comes right down to it they really don't care. I will expound on this much more as it unfolds, it's a doozy.

City Hall must be in a "dead zone" as far as returned phone calls, emails and the like... waiting on another response from one department and waiting to hear about a supposed meeting that was to take place a month and a half ago yet it's been 3 months. And I AM being serious, many times when I call I get a terrible connection over there or the call gets dropped- even have a hard time accessing the city's website if it's early in the morning the day of a city council meeting. Hmmmmmm. Anyone else experience any troubles with the website the day of?

Even waiting to hear back from a news source on a hot yet forgotten story (but not forgotten by me).

Is it just me? Or is it me? People don't write letters much anymore since phones have been around (what- the last 100 years?) and now email. What's the deal with not responding to phone calls or emails? Isn't that part of the city's job working on our behalf? To have a fair and transparent government? What's with the games? Must I put in an open records request for everything?

Geez, for being in a desert it sure is shady around here!

"Anonymous" Hides Behind Blanket Statements - What an Oxymoron!

There's a couple people hiding behind the name "anonymous" that like to comment on my blog, and they're both usually critical of what I write, one especially when it comes to Sun Metro.

That's all well and good, we're all allowed our own opinions, and I post all comments whether I agree with them or not. As long as they don't contain filthy language or threaten anyone I will continue to show their side.

One "anonymous" has chosen to disclose their identity to me. I don't know why. . Actually, they could be one and the same, they do write very similar. If they are, that would be very sad for many reasons. Mainly because they are a pretty public person and on one hand they praise what I say or do to certain people or on other blogs or forums under their true name, yet here they hide behind "anonymous", which I guess gives them a little more superficial guts, and they not only comment critically to what I write but go even further by making blanket statements about what they perceive me to be, usually in a negative light. That's being a little on the passive-aggressive side if you ask me.

I don't care if we have differing opinions, we're all different and think different. "Anonymous" can slam my opinion all day- it still won't change the facts. I just find it funny that "anonymous" doesn't have anything to say about the bumbling government red tape and mistakes I have encountered and have posted about. Where's your voice then, "anonymous"?

Even funnier is when "anonymous" resorts to using blanket statements.

Blanket statements are used by people to try to disassociate themselves from and to dehumanize others. That is one of the core tactics used to separate people, not to bring together, and to judge (or pre-judge).

"Anonymous' is fond of lumping me into their neat little prejudicial box. They have called me a "messican" and in the same breath that I come from the "country club" set. Ummm hello?!! Make up your mind.

Then they go on to say I have contributed less to society, in their all-knowing opinion, because I speak out and shed light on things that matter to me. I didn't know you knew me so well, "anonymous". Lol. You must be an ex lover or good friend to know me so well. I do like older men (and younger for that matter- my last bf happened to be 8 years younger than me and the one before that 9 years older than me)- but there is a line, and if you are the "anonymous" I know then you're about 20 or 25 years older than me, not quite my cup of tea.

So that only leaves a good friend. If you are a good friend and know me so well then you would have never written these untrue statements like you did.

So I guess you are neither. So what qualifies you to make outrageous statements?

Then "anonymous" goes on that people like me milk the government and use government assistance as much as I can. What is this based on? I have been in the workforce and paying taxes for 33 years, never been on welfare, never had children and expected my government to feed and clothe them, never been on food stamps, never been on unemployment. That shoots that theory down. And to imply that people who do use these services are bad or should be ashamed is just plain wrong. It's the abusers of the system that you should be worried about.

"Anonymous" talks about my negativity, but they are completely negative and false in their statements about me. Kind of like the pot calling the kettle black.

So keep commenting, "anonymous", and I'll keep posting what you have to say- the more you talk the more we all see how disjointed, out of touch, and hypocritical you are.

www.transittalent.com/ makes my point in their link to my blog under the Squeaky Wheels category quite simple and direct in that I feel other projects (some that Sun Metro are in the process of doing now and in the future) will increase ridership more than free WIFI.

Common Sense vs Scare Tactics for Real Healthcare Reform

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/08/21

Free WIFI not the Key to Increasing Sun Metro Ridership

Did something rather unorthodox this morning, Sunday morning. Actually visited the El Paso Times' website.

I do that once in awhile when I'm bored.

Was reading Gustavo Reveles' article on Sun Metro enticing "choice" riders (as they are called by the FTA) with free WIFI at the new transfer centers.

"Choice" riders are what the FTA terms people that have cars but choose public transportation. When I first heard about this term I was a little put off. I thought it meant that people who may not choose public transportation but must use it because they do not have cars were less than "choice"- more like chopped liver. Now I understand it better, but still wish there were another term being used.

Anyway, I don't think free WIFI will be the determining factor in a choice rider's decision.

User-friendliness will always be the first determining factor.

User-friendliness includes many concepts. Most importantly, speed and ease of use.

No- not the speed of the bus! More like how fast can a rider get from Point A to Point B and with as few transfers as possible. Does the bus run only once an hour or 3x an hour? Is there a reverse route on this same route? (why don't we have reverse routes here?) How late do the buses run or how early do they start? Are there machines or people in a booth at the transfer centers (and grocery stores, 7-11's, libraries) where one can buy a daily/weekly/monthly pass? Eliminating having to count coins and drop them into the fare box on the bus will save us all time- we should be using ticket machines right now.

User-friendliness also includes showing routes on bus stop signs, finally being able to use Google Transit in our area, and having FULL audio and streaming announcements at transfer centers. It also includes clean, accessible, and safe bus stops and shelters. No more overflowing trash bins, no more carts blocking pathways (hello Walmart) and lights- lots of lights! And we can go even further and be environmentally-friendly and use energy-saving bulbs or solar.

Another way to entice more riders would be the advertising on the bus. I don't really have a problem with what is being advertised but how it is displayed. The ads are falling down, torn and just generally displayed in a non-pleasing manner. I don't think anyone looks at the bus daily and makes sure the ads look nice and without having that strip that holds them run across the middle of the ad etc. The devil's in the details! I simply like to call it follow-through. This small but important detail can be part of the daily checklist before a bus pulls out for the first shift and checked in between shift changes. I think all us riders, choice or not, would like a more aesthetically-pleasing environment and experience on the bus.

More bus shelters are needed also, all part of user-friendliness. Yes, Sun Metro is in the process of erecting 200 new shelters at the moment, but until we are at about 1:4 or even 1:3 shelters per bus stops I won't be happy waiting at a stop in this desert heat. Only need about 700 more shelters to get there! Sun Metro is also working on more landing pads or boarding pads, whatever they're called- those thingees made of concrete that we step onto or from that is connected to a sidewalk and cut curb for true accessibility- instead of being left in a bunch of volcanic rock or desert scrub.

I think all these would be first on my wish list BEFORE WIFI.

But let's take this even further- if we had an "el" (elevated train) and commuter rail we would REALLY be in the 20th century, even though we're actually in the 21st already!

But let's not forget.... it is the "non-choice" riders that have been the loyal customers of mass transit, without them there wouldn't be mass transit.

Amen.

Disabled Being Taken Advantage of and Endangered by Walmart's Laziness and Greed

Two Sun Metro riders, both in wheelchairs, having to move carts to gain an accessible pathway to the bus that is stopped at the Walmart at Trans Mtn/Woodrow Bean bus stop.

Just what in the heck does Walmart not get when it comes to accessibility issues?

The disabled community, including advocates, have had numerous meetings with Walmart and Sun Metro about the blocking of the bus stop of carts being used by Walmart customers.

Seems to no avail.

Yes, I understand that it's the people that should not be placing the carts there.

But Walmart cannot have their cake and eat it, too. They benefit from Sun Metro having a bus stop in front of their store, but they don't want to maintain the pathway for their customers.

It makes absolutely no sense that there is not a cart caddy up by the bus stop.

And even more senseless is the fact that Walmart employees don't check the bus stop in a timely and consistent manner for carts.

So Sun Metro's riders are now assuming what is Walmart's job out of necessity.

The disabled are forced to move carts, risking possible injury or accident to themselves or others around them, just to board the bus. Let alone able bodied riders are forced to move these carts.

Why is Walmart so lazy? Didn't they make a profit last year? We should all be protesting them, they are as bad as the banks and car manufacturers with their greed.

They promised the disabled community an accessible pathway LAST YEAR- where is it? A lady in a scooter was just hit by a car in the parking lot there a couple weeks ago. Yes, the onus falls on the driver, but Walmart has created an unsafe condition for the disabled with their huge parking lots and lack of a safe pathway through that parking lot.

When I call for them to clear the carts they promise they'll be right on it- management tells me that. Why lie to me when it takes less effort just to take care of your customers?

Didn't Walmart just get done with a lawsuit by a disabled person in a wheelchair about these very issues? What lesson has not been learned?

I am still waiting to see if Sun Metro and Walmart can ever come to a clear conclusion about Sun Metro buses being allowed to come further into Walmart's property and have the bus stop at their door. Sun Metro has said they have been denied that option, Walmart says they never said no- but no one is willing to have a meeting of the minds. Ft. Bliss has buses that come onto their property and pick up civilian employees that play "insurgents" in mock simulations- why can't Sun Metro come on the property also?

When is enough enough? How many lawsuits does it have to take for a company the size of Walmart to start really giving a hoot about their customers? They already don't care about the American worker- most of their stuff is from China. And what's up with the re-labelling they have done, making the Great Value brand (theirs) look more generic so one thinks they are getting a cheaper brand, tho the prices have risen? Before they labelled to have their brand say "we are as good as name brands but are cheaper"- now they're doing the opposite for the same effect!

Greed. It all comes down to that ugly word. It's what makes the corporate world go 'round. Haven't we really had enough of all that world has done for us?

Back!!!!!!

I'm baaaack!

My sincere aplologies to people that posted comments that I couldn't post until now. I had a family emergency but things are looking ok for now. I won't bore you with the details now, I may decide to post a piece about it later though.

So anyway, gimme a few days to get back in the loop and catch up on over 200 emails and we'll get together for a chat.

Shout out to Richard Sheldon- today's his birthday! He's an advocate with ADAPT and chair of the City Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro. He also speaks out once in a while over at city council- a real go-getter for someone in a power wheelchair and with all his challenges with his disabilities. Like I've said before, I have never met stronger people than the ones I've met and befriended that have some sort of disability- they are some phenomenol folks!

Spankin'-hot Feuds in the Blogosphere

So it's been a few days since I've posted anything new. Sometimes one just needs to take a break from all the buzz of the world and take care of their own personal business.

Every once in awhile I need to take a break from all the bs. Yes, I like to be involved and I do what I can with community events/activities, but sometimes people forget that this is not all I have in my life.

I am not a full-time political blogger, but some things I write about are political in nature. I am not a full-time campaign volunteer, though I dabble in different ways learning about a candidate, and their volunteers. And wow!- have I learned alot in the last few weeks! I am not a public speaker, as some of you can attest to, so I use my voice in the ways that are most clear and beneficial to my causes. By writing. What I want, when I want. Guess I'm selfish.

I really hate politics and when I end up getting a little too involved in trying to figure out all the games I not only feel exhausted but need a sort of respite. I seek balance and fairness.

I haven't read fully the other blogs out there until today since my break of the last few days. I got so much accomplished in my days off I didn't miss them. But everytime I take a break I come back and the bs is flying faster and smellier than before!

Specifically, the DavidK-Lionstar feuds.

One has to wonder if these two are for real in their disputes or if they are both master-minds in keeping the blogosphere buzz going fast and furious?!

I could call Jaime and ask his side of all this, but that wouldn't be fair to DavidK, and I don't have David's phone number.

I like Jaime Abeytia's views on alot of things and I read DavidK's blog to read the "opposition", tho sometimes he does make perfect sense on some issues.

They both do, to me.

At times.

So I'm sitting here wondering if the whole Chicano vs White Guy theme is planned or their real views?

But what it really comes down to is............

When the two of you resort to using the race card for whatever reason I just want to spank you! (and not in a good way, okay?!)

Two grown intelligent men resorting to a place where no one wins. It kills both their credibility.

Some may argue that they are only speaking the truth and their viewpont is valid. Yes, that's true. But one also has to ask- what gets accomplished when all is said and done?

They are not engaging in open discussion to come together, but to separate.

If their viewpoints are real then that's sad. Neither will accomplish what they set out to get. Be that equality, wrongs righted, credibility, looked at as intelligent and fair- whatever. They will leave that small irritating stain.

If it's all just a spin and a way to manipulate us readers into a tizzy and involve us in a revolving door of no consequence- I say community theater may be a better outlet for your creativity. I don't like big issues being used in a casual manner for your own entertainment. Especially when you are trying to involve others, and that's what you are doing by writing your blogs.

But did you also notice that I didn't touch on the subjects you two bloggers/column writers were actually writing about? That's because you lost me the moment you started with the race thing. Actually, one of you was low-down in your insinuations, but maybe we can talk about that another day since that real issue got bogged down by other bs.

Robert Talhami, Childhood Friend, 9/11 Victim

In memory of Robert Talhami, victim in the WTC 9/11 attacks, my childhood friend.

You will not be forgotten.

The Talhamis moved to the U.S. from Jordan in 1967 to my little town of Northbrook, Il. Robert and his brother George were very kind boys, and I know they grew into incredible men. The family was beautiful and raised their children right.

The boys were sort of neighborhood protectors, not necessarily by force but by their presence and demeanor. If someone was being picked on, especially a girl, these guys would handle the situation so that no one lost face.

To me, they were pretty darn cute with their carmel skin and dark brown/black shiny hair- and nice guys to boot- wow, the girls they met later in life surely didn't stand a chance of not falling under their spell! And they were smart as a whip, too!

The family eventually moved on, to Venezuela, I believe, and then back to the U.S., though they still have family in Jordan.

Robert worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and had a young family. I pray they are celebrating his memory today and that it is not just filled with sorrow.

If anyone in Northbrook today is over by the Village Green, maybe having lunch at Little Louie's or Sunset Foods, take a moment and head over to the Village Green Park and sit on Robert's memorial bench and give a moment of silence. He is worth remembering and honoring.

And say a prayer for all the other victims and heroes of 9/11, they were all loved by someone and families are grieving today.

City Council Sets Wheels in Motion for Database of Accessible Apartments

Tuesday's City Council meeting was a long and arduous day. Waiting for agenda item #10, heard after 11 a.m. was just the beginning.

I arrived at 8:15 and gathered with my ADAPT friends down in the cafeteria after signing up to speak. One thing I learned being in health care is arrive early and expect everything to take longer than you think it should. That's the only way to be prepared.

I have to give kudos to Mayor Cook on his patience and flexibility when Desert ADAPT appears, meaning there were alot of speakers signed up and he really gave us all a fair shake and a chance to speak. I DO wish, tho, that when he anticipates a showing of ADAPT or other people with disabilities or the elderly on certain agenda items that the agenda item be heard earlier. It takes a tremendous toll on some to wait hours and hours for the item to come up. I had to leave with my patient around 2:30, after we both spoke, as we both needed to eat and take care of other business.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to stay and rebut a few items that Tom Bohannon brought up, but I did so later in the comment section on the article by Newspaper Tree about the action by Desert ADAPT last Thursday at Festival and Mesa streets.

My points in that comment were these:

- How come Tom Bohannon, for 16 years, accepted the 5% rule and did nothing about it, especially if it supposedly hurt his business so much? Now when there's a real need for apartments and the demand is there, economics are at an all-time low, Mr. Bohannon wants to put the squeeze on the city to build fewer accessible apartments- even though he already would be getting tax breaks? It's like the guy selling ice or water during Hurricane Katrina for over-inflated prices! And then he threatens to take his business elsewhere?!!!

- Tom Bohannon is a businessman, right? He's in the business to make money. I think he's doing okay living up there on Cherry Hill. But instead of training his staff to tap into their pool of complexes he owns and manages for an accessible apartment for myself and my client when I was looking at his property The Pointe, which had no accessible apartments at the time I looked 5 years ago, he would rather ask the city to lower their standard for accessible apartments and take tax breaks. Sounds kinda lazy and greedy to me. He hid behind the law that says he doesn't have to do squat for transition if the building was built before 1993. My rebut was- aren't you going to eventually remodel these apartments? Can't you convert or retrofit some to be more accessible? Or at the very least, show me properties that ARE accessible? I hate it when businesses hide behind the "I don't have to, I'm not bound by law to care" excuse. You're leaving out a large part of the community when you don't remodel your bathroom to be accessible and welcoming to the disabled/elderly community, when your aisles are too full of merchandise and a wheelchair can't get through etc- that all screams "you're not important enough to me and my business"!

- My last point was a business proposal I made to Tom Bohannon. I basically said let me take over your PR and do some damage control cause what he's been doing just ain't working. I have good contacts in the disabled community, let's sort out all this disorganization and work on getting disabled and elderly into your apartments. This isn't rocket science. I am good at organizing, as a matter of fact, in my past life when I was married my husband and I had our own business and that was to look at small businesses and streamline and condense almost every aspect of that business. We re-trained sales staff, hired staff, did data entry, picked apart every expense and looked for ways to save money etc. Some jobs took a year or more, and when they got computers that was a whole other way to streamline the business and they called us back to do that.
Anyway- I offered to work with Tom Bohannon in a field that I have a vested interest in and we all would have benefitted- Tom would change his image in the disabled community as a man that cares, he'd make money, I'd have more money coming in and the disabled community would have more choices in apartments as they'd be advertised specifically for them and not given away at a discount to non-disabled. All I asked for was an apartment and a small stipend for my work. But Tom Bohannon has not bothered to answer yet. At first my proposal was in jest, tongue-in-cheek, but then I was like heck- this could work!

Anyway- council DID bring up some good points about getting a database together by Volar and the Apartment Association- shoulda been done years ago!

Representative Acosta brought up a good point, too, that many people may be disabled and may not feel comfortable to speak up about their disability and that many disabilities are not seen on the outside, such as heart patients, people with arthritis etc. And there was alot of confusion about how to legally place the disabled and elderly in accessible apartments that are intended for their use without stepping on toes and outright asking if they are disabled or the nature of the disability.

To me, that's a no-brainer. You don't have to ask someone what their ailments are (or aren't)- you can find out their needs by offering the amenities you have. If you are talking to a prospective client looking for an apartment and they have a cane you can offer that you have apartments that have walk-in or roll-in showers- these are amenities that should be celebrated, not shyed away from, and then you can go on and say "or would you prefer having a tub to soak in? We all love baths blah blah blah". TALK to the people, find out about them, show an interest. Yes, there's always going to be someone that might be offended, no one likes the stigma that as we age our needs may change and we are looked at as frail etc, but the majority of us aren't in Ironman competitions in our 40s, 50s, 60s etc ok? Let's be real. This is just one example of ways to try and meet the needs of the disabled/elderly- every case will be different. And all you can do is your best. Maybe a heart patient that looks fit, no cane, doesn't let you know an accessible apartment would be easier on them, for example. You don't want to question every person to find out if they may need an accessible apartment, and actually what I've seen for the most part is that the disabled/elderly community that has started or is in touch with the reality of their needs will be more than forthcoming with their requirements.

The six month hold on this agenda item to get organized and compile the database of accessible apartments is a good start but I don't believe we will truly see the need vs # of units available until guidelines are set and implemented on the advertising end of this issue. And that may take another 6 months or more to gather and decipher information found from that. I also suggest that the apartments do a survey of their tenants in accessible units and ask if they are meeting their needs or if they are even using those amenities. I'm sure that won't go over too good with some tenants that are taking advantage of accessible units at a discount, but you know what? I'd rather piss off that kind of tenant than deny a disabled person an accessible unit because JoeBlow Idontcare wants to save a few bucks.

Just my opinion.

New or Old City Hall Leak?

While at city hall yesterday I was killing time talking with Lisa Turner while we waited for the "desk lady" to bring the signup sheet for the agenda.

I like alot of the common sense Ms. Turner has and admire that she can pretty much get her point across without pages of notes. Me, I'm a dork. I spoke on agenda item 10 yesterday, the one about the city possibly changing the building code so developers won't have to build 5 p/100 accessible apartments but just 2. I even lost my place at one time in my pages of notes, but that was my fault, I didn't want to keep repeating points that others made before me so I shortened my comments. More on that in another post.

Anyway, during a lull I wandered by the windows and looked down at the front of city hall. I noticed one of the concrete planters had an awful lot of water accumulated in it and there was a sprinkler head bubbling just over the water line.

Probably about 2 inches or more accumulated in there.

I went down and took a few pics of this and this morning I emailed building maintenance and informed them of this problem.

I know things break, but because the trees and vegetation were quite lush in that planter I wonder how long this has been going on unchecked?

I'm waiting to see how long this takes to be repaired, and will update you when I hear back from them.

Free Speech vs Lack of Respect for our President

What's all this baloney goin' on now about the President supposedly wanting to "indoctrinate" our schoolchildren?

People who don't agree with some things the President has done or is doing, even though the burden falls on many others besides the President for the implementation, are now spreading the infection that we don't have to show any kind of respect to our President?

What does that tell our children?

They're so afraid the President is going to try and slip in subliminal messages and propoganda and that one speech will magically turn their kids into raving rebels of the Left! Are people really that ignorant?

Doesn't indoctrination need a series of actions, studies, disciplines to meet it's end result?

Parents have always held the key to their children's successes. Unfortunately, over half our children do not live in a two-parent household. Many of those do not have the proper supervision, so the streets or tv or gangs are taking the place of those parents.

It takes a village to raise a child. Ever heard that saying? It's true. It takes mentors of every sort to help shape our children and parents need to tap into that resource, with a watchful eye of course. It takes good teachers, a trusted church, extended family and friends, and neighbors. But the parents are the ultimate sayers in how the kids are raised.

We all have the right of free speech and to question our government. But instilling a fear into your children of our own President is taking that right really far! And it's downright disrespectful.

Children do not have the capacity of reason an adult has (sometimes that's a good thing!). They will not fully understand the nuances and depth of why they have to sit out of class while the rest of their classmates gets to participate in hearing and talking about the President's speech. All alot will know is that Mommy and Daddy said they don't have to listen to the President. WOW! What a learning experience!

As a child in the 60s and 70s I remember us schoolchildren participating in school activities that included a mock vote for our President, Nixon vs McGovern. For weeks we held debates and walked around the schoolyard with our signs trying to woo more people to our side. It was participation and discussion.

Let me say that again, louder...

We were allowed to PARTICIPATE and DISCUSS pros and cons of our candidates.

Our parents thought it was a good thing and didn't make us sit out. They embraced different opinions and they were conducted with decorum and respect. Not that we didn't get passionate at times.

So, why now is it an "us vs them" attitude and if you don't believe what I believe then I don't have to show you any respect and I will not participate?

I am clueless on this new attitude.

Some people are taking their rights way out of context and no one benefits or wins. It promotes closed-mindedness and perpetuates fears vs reasoning or debating.

Kinda anti-free speech!

"ACCESSIBLE APARTMENTS NOW! "

Participated in the action yesterday attended mostly by ADAPT/Pact people and other interested parties over at Festival and Mesa streets. ADAPT people never cease to amaze me with their strength and gumption!

This was to voice our concerns over the city possibly changing code to appease developers wanting to only build 2 handicap accessible apartments per 100 instead of the current code of 5.

I want to give a shout out to everyone that organized, participated and helped out in so many ways! Thanks for your strong direction and other support!

And a big thank you to the downtown businesses that donated cases of water for us! And thank you to the young gentleman that actually came and passed it out- I'm terrible with names so please forgive me!

I didn't get to take any pics as I was holding up a banner most of the time. And it almost looked as if it were going to rain, but we would have stayed anyway.

I received information from a Ft. Bliss public information office that there are about 80,000 disabled vets in El Paso County! (I hope I heard right on that number- I was pretty amazed at it!). And according to stats for the city there are about 60,000 disabled/elderly disabled in our area. I don't know if the two figures overlap. But these are astounding numbers!

Even if you take just the lower number of 60,000 disabled- that's just under 1/10th of our population! And builders just want to build 2 units per 100??? What's wrong with this picture? Do you know how many people are living in in-accessible housing because they can't find a vacancy in accessible apartments (let alone a shortage of houses handicap accessible)? Tea Partiers are shouting about their liberties and choices, but what do our disabled have? Very little- and the developers want to give them even less.

BYOH- Bring Your Own Healthcare

I really am having a hard time trying to start this piece.

There's so many nuances of importance that add to and affect my feelings on the health care reform issue, but I'm afraid to expound too much on some of them for fear of taking away from my overall point, and, of course, of rambling on a bit, which I can slide into easily.

So, I will trudge forward and hope that you all will follow with patience.

I was waiting at my bus stop for the 46 to arrive around 9:15 Wednesday morning to check out the Tea Party Express rally, I wanted to see for myself what was being said. Up pulled a supervisor's van instead of the bus. Seems 46 broke down with air pressure problems at around 7:30 a.m. I thought it was great I still had a ride to scope out the rally but then I also wondered how people in wheelchairs in the NE that were relying on a bus with a lift/ramp were going to get there? (A working bus DID meet us at NorthGate)

On the bus was a gentleman I had seen around the Walmart/Trans Mtn area. Maybe late 40s or early 50s, raggedy clothes, with his cane and his walker with a seat. I have spoken with him before while waiting for buses. I know some of his plight and that he is waiting for SS/Disability to kick in. In the meantime he resorts to panhandling, walking (if you wanna call it that) the rock median and asking for help from passersby. Now before you judge- I have never smelled alcohol on this man's breath nor does he seem to have other characteristics to imply other socially unacceptable problems, except that he doesn't have a job and is disabled. He was sitting on the bus praying with a dollar in his cupped hands- and it wasn't a quick one. He then took his package of 2 poptarts and was praying over that. It was quite a humbling site, and ironic, as I was heading to a group of people at the Tea Party that I feel don't want to be their brother's keeper.

I cried behind my sunglasses.

And I cried that I did not have any money to give him as I live paycheck to paycheck, literally. And this was right before payday. But that day I did not feel hopeless for him, in fact the opposite. He had someone on his side stronger than me and I felt it!

So I exited the bus right at Sue Young Park and started walking to the gathering. The parking lot was full of cars and no one got off the bus with me. I was met with people trying to sell me "Don't Tread on Me" flags and pieces of conversation- mainly of the nature breaking down to "us and them". But there were two "thems". Government and Democrats.

It was not "us Americans" plurally.

Cds, books and t-shirts were being sold, also. Nothing was free. Everything had a price. Go Capitalism! The new religion of the selfish! (just a smidgen of sarcasm) I looked around for someone possibly giving out water- none. I was amazed I didn't even see anyone SELLING water- what an opportunity missed! (I've never been to this park and didn't know if there was a water fountain somewhere)

I wasn't walking around with a mini flag, no buttons stating how American I am, no military affiliation colors worn- just me. A free American trying to understand another's point of view.

The thing is, there are many valid points made by some at these rallies. Unfortunately, alot of them are drowned out by the more vocal and radical. Some feel they need to be extreme or dramatic to make their point, which I feel is counter-productive. The fact that health care needs to be reformed is a strong enough point.

If we came together as united Americans we would have more numbers and a bigger impact, and then work out the finer details together.

Anyway, I'm walking around and listening. You could say my ears were perked. The signs that were being held up were everywhere, shouting out the words socialist! marxist! muslim! my money!

It was getting quite hot and humid and I was looking forward to going home and having some cool water. A funny thought ran across my mind. What if I passed out right here in front of everyone from heat exhaustion or dehydration? Would any of these people help me up?

And I thought of the man on the bus, and now probably sweating out there in the street at Trans Mtn/Woodrow Bean, and I was hoping he had enough money for lunch.

And I wondered how long he'd have to be out there before the government powers that be and people that only see him as a beggar decided he was poor enough and sick enough to be worthy of help?

Some pics from the Tea Party Express rally today at Sue Young Park in the NE.

They pretty much speak for themselves and the rhetoric was pretty much what I expected.

I will add more commentary later tonight.

"Can I borrow a cup of sugar Tom Bohannon?"

Did anyone read the El Paso Times story on the city council agenda item coming up for consideration Tuesday on developers wanting to change building code and the disabled community's opposition?

I wouldn't have, as I don't read the EP Times- can't even get it delivered properly to my home, let alone their "investigative reporting" is quite lacking.

But a friend of mine called and told me about it so I looked it up online.

The EP Times wrote that Victor Torres, development services director, stated "he met with developers and that the 5% rule was one area identified as a barrier to building more apartments"

WHY DIDN'T VICTOR TORRES MEET WITH ANYONE FROM THE ELDERLY/DISABLED COMMUNITY AND GET THEIR SIDE? I'm sure ADAPT/Pact would have welcomed him in a discussion on accessible housing, let alone senior centers, Volar, Project Bravo etal.

The EP Times further writes "Under the city's existing ordinance, 5% of all ground floor apartments must offer roll-in showers for handicapped accessibility." said Bill Bennett, a city coordinator"

BILL BENNETT IS NOT JUST A NON-DESCRIPT CITY COORDINATOR AS STATED BY THE EP TIMES- BILL BENNETT IS THE ADA COORDINATOR!!!!! That's Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. Hello?

"Apartment developer Tom Bohannon said there was not enough demand for the 5% rule to make sense.""Bohannon Development Corp. owns and manages 1,000 apartment units in El Paso. Of those, he said 50 are fully-equipped for disabled people, as required by city law, and 390 can easily be converted for that use." "Of those 440 units, I have 1 person in a wheelchair" he said."

SEE HOW TOM BOHANNON LIKES TO USE NUMBERS TO WORK IN HIS FAVOR??? REMEMBER- I WENT TO LOOK AT HIS APARTMENTS AT THE POINTE AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE UNITS AVAILABLE AND NO ONE EVER OFFERED TO CONVERT ONE FOR ME!!!! TOM BOHANNON ONLY HAS 1 PERSON IN A WHEELCHAIR IN ALL HIS 1,000 APARTMENTS???? WHY DOESN'T TOM BOHANNON WANT PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS IN HIS UNITS??? WHAT DOES HE HAVE AGAINST THE DISABLED???? DOES THAT INCREASE HIS INSURANCE? OR ARE THE DISABLED A BLIGHT IN HIS EYES?

"Bohannon says it's tough to rent disabled-accessible units to non-disabled residents. He has to offer discounts to fill them up".

THIS STATEMENT SHOULD OUTRAGE US ALL!!! NOT ONLY IS BOHANNON NOT TRYING TO RENT THESE UNITS TO DISABLED PERSONS- HE WOULD RATHER GIVE A NON-DISABLED PERSON A DISCOUNT FOR LIVING IN AN ACCESSIBLE APARTMENT THAN RENT IT TO THE PEOPLE WHOSE USE IT IS INTENDED!!!! THIS IS WALKING A VERY FINE LINE OF DISCRIMINATION!!!

Now, not all disabled persons are in wheelchairs. Some are heart patients, the elderly with balance and other health issues, or any other disability that may not be apparent just from looking at the outside of a person. But Bohannon brought up wheelchairs for some reason. Is that how he compartmentalizes disabled persons? I already got into the argument in another post about affordability- but this looks more and more like not advertising to the disabled/elderly community and I can only come to the opinion that it is because he doesn't want to rent to that sector of our community. For whatever reasons- financial, personal, I don't know.

Either way- there is a need for accessible housing, and done in a fair way. Normally I'd say boycott the guy that doesn't want the disabled community in his apartments- but in this case I say to my disabled and elderly brothers and sisters- get your pens ready and let's all go apply for an apartment with Bohannon!!! Let's be his neighbor and long-term!!! Let's look him in the face everyday and say "I am here and I'm not going anywhere soon and can I borrow a cup of sugar?"

And ask him for a discount because we don't like the aesthetics of his accessible units.

Representative Robinson's Breakfast Meeting

Ok, attended the weekly breakfast meeting Robinson held at Denny's yesterday.

Besides a couple of county and city employees, I believe I was one of the youngest people in attendance. I just don't understand the apathy of "younger" people not being interested in their city/county/state/country and their elected officials.

They're busy living their lives, but this is part of life!

When I was in school full-time and working full-time I still had time to go to different rallies and meetings, not all, though. Even managed to squeeze in a couple of anti-war protests.

And this September 11th, again, I will place a poster in my window or yard remembering and honoring my childhood friend, Robert Talhami, who was killed in the Twin Towers attack.

Anyway- back to the meeting. We didn't get into much discussion about health care reform, it was more about BRAC and housing and energy needs, very interesting, though.

I liked what Shapleigh was saying about pushing for solar energy for new housing and how now is an opportune time to become a leader in that industry.

He also spoke of preserving Castner Range and all the NE has to offer.

Arne Schonberger, an attorney and member of the City's Accessibility Advisory Committee, spoke about the city council's upcoming agenda item regarding reducing the number of handicap accessible units from 5 per 100 down to 2. He asked a really valid question- he asked people there when was the last time one of you took a bath? There were a few snickers about hygiene but most people agreed that baths were in their past (remember- this was an older crowd) and the general concensus was that most people showered and that it is safer not to have a bathtub to step/fall over. A step-in or roll-in shower is safer.

He also got into speaking about Bohannon and brought up a lawsuit between Bohannon and some employee but Robinson cut him off stating Bohannon wasn't here to defend himself so he didn't want to get into speculation.

Being an attorney I wish Arne had brought a copy of that lawsuit if it concluded- then maybe he would have had more bite as to facts and the argument would have been a moot point as the conclusion would be he had his day in court and his chance to defend himself. I'm really curious to hear what that case was all about.

You see, Bohannon is involved with the agenda item builders are trying to push through about changing city code to build 2 units per 100 instead of 5 handicap accessible units.

Back to Robinson. He spoke about trying to bring businesses to the NE and spoke about buildings having retail on the bottom floor and residences above, all very positive ideas. It's nice to hear ideas and plans for growth. NEsiders can complain all day or do something about improving our neighborhood.

Norma Favela also spoke at the end regarding running for District Clerk. Too bad she didn't come earlier, the audience was pretty restless by the time she spoke. She is currently the chief deputy tax assessor- collector.

I wanted to speak with all these people at the end of the meeting but I had been up all night and was starting to hit "the wall" and just wanted to go home and rest. I shook hands with Representative Robinson and told him "have a good night"- so it was time for me to shut up and leave before I said anything else stupid.

(No- I wasn't up all night partying- couldn't do that even if I had the inclination, I just can't hang like I used to, nor do I want to).

All in all it was a positive meeting, even though some of it was canned, and I walked away with more hope for the NE.