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.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
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.
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.
Tea Partiers Spiking the Drinks?
Checked out some Tea Party Express sites and blogs- made for some funny reading.
On one site there was a list of people in the El Paso area that wish to attend, hope to or can't.
"Militiasam" is hoping to.
A young woman from the NE side wants to attend even though her husband will be working- but she's in a quandary. See, she states that she doesn't drive and she's asking STRANGERS going to the Tea Party for a ride!
UMMM.......... hello.......... it's called mass transit- take the bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She's probably scared to ride the bus with those scary..... bus people! The poor, elderly, disabled, blue-collar working stiffs- you know- everyday real Americans- the uninsured or what she probably thinks are the leeches of society- the disabled.
So she'd rather go in a stranger's car - wonder how her hubby feels about that?
Hopefully she doesn't accept a ride with one of those crazies that's packin' an AK47 or what-not on his shoulder or hip- nothing like carrying a firearm to a free speech rally! My bad- it would be concealed in Texas. We're all trying to protect our constitutional rights, but carrying a firearm to a free speech rally is riding the fringe of intimidation.
Anyway- I'm sure DavidK will be there- maybe he'll be selling those 'Nobama" calendars, remember- capitalism is the end-all for him and it's everybody for himself. The good thing is the people buying those calendars will be just like him. I won't waste my money. Part of the proceeds of the calendars will be going into the Tea Party coffers which ends up where? In grassroots organizations or which politician's pocket?
I'm thinking of going to see this spectacle. I'm hoping other free-thinkers will be there, too.
I'll be taking the bus.
Hmmm- maybe that's why the young lady doesn't want to take the bus, no firearms are allowed.
On one site there was a list of people in the El Paso area that wish to attend, hope to or can't.
"Militiasam" is hoping to.
A young woman from the NE side wants to attend even though her husband will be working- but she's in a quandary. See, she states that she doesn't drive and she's asking STRANGERS going to the Tea Party for a ride!
UMMM.......... hello.......... it's called mass transit- take the bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She's probably scared to ride the bus with those scary..... bus people! The poor, elderly, disabled, blue-collar working stiffs- you know- everyday real Americans- the uninsured or what she probably thinks are the leeches of society- the disabled.
So she'd rather go in a stranger's car - wonder how her hubby feels about that?
Hopefully she doesn't accept a ride with one of those crazies that's packin' an AK47 or what-not on his shoulder or hip- nothing like carrying a firearm to a free speech rally! My bad- it would be concealed in Texas. We're all trying to protect our constitutional rights, but carrying a firearm to a free speech rally is riding the fringe of intimidation.
Anyway- I'm sure DavidK will be there- maybe he'll be selling those 'Nobama" calendars, remember- capitalism is the end-all for him and it's everybody for himself. The good thing is the people buying those calendars will be just like him. I won't waste my money. Part of the proceeds of the calendars will be going into the Tea Party coffers which ends up where? In grassroots organizations or which politician's pocket?
I'm thinking of going to see this spectacle. I'm hoping other free-thinkers will be there, too.
I'll be taking the bus.
Hmmm- maybe that's why the young lady doesn't want to take the bus, no firearms are allowed.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Accessible Housing and the Hoodwinking of City Council and LRC by Builders
City Council will be introducing changing the building code requirements for the percentage of handicap accessible units from 5 units built per 100 apartments to just 2 on Sept 1st, next Tuesday.
What I'm afraid of is that City Council is scared to turn away any business right now. They will believe the trumped up figures and "logic" the builders will throw at them, saying they can't afford to build the extra 3 units per 100 and that if needed they would rather convert an apartment to specific accessibility needs of the tenant- but at who's cost? That has not been determined. So actually the pool of choices becomes smaller if more units are not built and the elderly and disabled are left to choose from pre-existing units, accessible and not- IF ground-floor apartments become available and IF they fit the size and needs of someone or some family that has accessibility needs then some builders are saying they would be willing to do the work. Then when that family moves on- bet your bottom dollar they will convert it back- another added cost not talked about.
I'm also hearing the argument that handicap-accessible units are not being rented- they are not making any money- they are sitting vacant. If that is the case- if you supposedly can't rent out a unit and times are tough- wouldn't it behoove you to look into lowering the rent on that unit and also look into possible subsidies? Isn't $400 a month in-pocket better than $0?
Are they not being rented because they are too expensive? And the disabled and elderly cannot afford them?
That may be the case in some instances, but I have seen figures that denounce that theory to a degree. There are plenty of disabled vets, retired people and disabled that DO have an adequate income to pay for more "luxury" apartments. And yes, there is a good percentage that cannot.
Are handicap-accessible apartment units being advertised? I don't believe they are to their full-potential. Actually I don't just believe that- I know that for a fact.
You see, 5 years ago when I moved down here to El Paso from "up North" I was used to paying a pretty penny for an apartment. My unit I left was a great find at $735 a month for a 1 bedroom at about 600 sf. So when I came down here I looked for apartments in that price range that could accomodate myself and my client that is disabled and uses a wheelchair. My client had a house and the mindset then was that it would be too much for me to take care of them and a house that was in disrepair. And inaccessible. So apartment hunting we went!
Just so happened to go and look at The Pointe apartments- Bohannon's apartments. I was told they had handicap- accessibile apartments over the phone, even though on the website I didn't see any mention of that. But I liked the floorplan and wanted to take a look. I wanted a 2-bedroom 2-bath. My client, myself, and another caretaker went to the apartments and talked with the girl that greeted us in the office. She asked for an ID before she could show us a unit and I gave her mine. She left it sitting on her desk and was ready to show us around when I asked her to please secure my ID properly before we left- I didn't want my ID just sitting on a desk for anyone to take!
We entered the model unit and realized it would be very UN-accomodating. The doorways were too narrow and my client couldn't even fit through to go into a bedroom. The kitchen was not wide enough for turnarounds in a manual or power wheelchair. Then there were steps down into the livingroom- hardly conducive to accomodating a person in a wheelchair.
While talking with the girl showing us the unit she said there were no handicap accessible units available. She never mentioned that if we DID choose to rent with them they could or would convert it to make it more accessible. That issue was never brought up or offered. Even though now I hear that Bohannon is supposedly willing to convert for tenants. Is he just saying that now because he wants to get by just building 2 units per 100 instead of the current 5 per 100? And would he really convert it at no cost to the tenant if asked?
Hmmmm.
I don't like the tactics these builders are using. They're basically strong-arming the city into giving them carte blanche. They'll build if they get some great tax breaks and don't have to build too many accessible units that they are unwilling to advertise. And the city, instead of standing up for it's disabled community, looks like they might offer anything to builders with the troop crunch coming and not enough affordable multi-family housing units. Isn't "smart growth" and planning supposed to include livability for the elderly and disabled?
I'm the last of the baby-boom generation. And I'm starting to feel the aches and pains that come with getting older. I'm seeing a greater need for accessible housing, not a lesser. And all those people that have single-family units with the island in the kitchens are probably going to kick themselves when they realize they need to pull out that island and re-tile when they find themselves or a family member in need of using a wheelchair and they need their place to be more accessible. But the builders built for a trend and no one looked at the future.
So when the public gets its chance to voice their opinion on this issue at the Sept 8th city council meeting I hope city council is ready to listen without prejudice.
What stake do the elderly and disabled have in gaining (actually keeping) the same amount of units built per 100? Is it choices and dignity and accessibility? True transition? Yes.
What stake do builders have in all this besides profit? Remember, true transition and accessibility is not supposed to be ruled by financial (supposed) inability.
Builders need to build according to the community's needs.
We have over 4,000 single-family units on the market right now and builders are complaining of what they are unwilling to rent out or advertise as far as accessible units? I find that ridiculous. If the builders are crying "tough times" foul and they say that it is cheaper to convert rather than build accessible units- why don't they start buying some of these houses and convert them to be accessible? I bet they'd advertise when they have $125,000 on the line compared to just $600 for an apartment a month. Someone needs to think ahead and not just in the moment, our community has needs and someone needs to be responsible enough and listen.
Builders unwilling to pay for accessible units and think only of their profits should not be making city code. Who else stands to profit in our city off of changing the city code? Let's take a good hard look at who are the players pushing this through. If it's not obvious- you will see on the 8th.
sidenote- one of my goals for the disabled/elderly community is to actually create a tax break to individuals that convert a home into an accessible home and deed it such that it cannot be converted back when sold. That would leave a bigger pool and choice in housing and reduce costs of conversion for future disabled/elderly persons.
What I'm afraid of is that City Council is scared to turn away any business right now. They will believe the trumped up figures and "logic" the builders will throw at them, saying they can't afford to build the extra 3 units per 100 and that if needed they would rather convert an apartment to specific accessibility needs of the tenant- but at who's cost? That has not been determined. So actually the pool of choices becomes smaller if more units are not built and the elderly and disabled are left to choose from pre-existing units, accessible and not- IF ground-floor apartments become available and IF they fit the size and needs of someone or some family that has accessibility needs then some builders are saying they would be willing to do the work. Then when that family moves on- bet your bottom dollar they will convert it back- another added cost not talked about.
I'm also hearing the argument that handicap-accessible units are not being rented- they are not making any money- they are sitting vacant. If that is the case- if you supposedly can't rent out a unit and times are tough- wouldn't it behoove you to look into lowering the rent on that unit and also look into possible subsidies? Isn't $400 a month in-pocket better than $0?
Are they not being rented because they are too expensive? And the disabled and elderly cannot afford them?
That may be the case in some instances, but I have seen figures that denounce that theory to a degree. There are plenty of disabled vets, retired people and disabled that DO have an adequate income to pay for more "luxury" apartments. And yes, there is a good percentage that cannot.
Are handicap-accessible apartment units being advertised? I don't believe they are to their full-potential. Actually I don't just believe that- I know that for a fact.
You see, 5 years ago when I moved down here to El Paso from "up North" I was used to paying a pretty penny for an apartment. My unit I left was a great find at $735 a month for a 1 bedroom at about 600 sf. So when I came down here I looked for apartments in that price range that could accomodate myself and my client that is disabled and uses a wheelchair. My client had a house and the mindset then was that it would be too much for me to take care of them and a house that was in disrepair. And inaccessible. So apartment hunting we went!
Just so happened to go and look at The Pointe apartments- Bohannon's apartments. I was told they had handicap- accessibile apartments over the phone, even though on the website I didn't see any mention of that. But I liked the floorplan and wanted to take a look. I wanted a 2-bedroom 2-bath. My client, myself, and another caretaker went to the apartments and talked with the girl that greeted us in the office. She asked for an ID before she could show us a unit and I gave her mine. She left it sitting on her desk and was ready to show us around when I asked her to please secure my ID properly before we left- I didn't want my ID just sitting on a desk for anyone to take!
We entered the model unit and realized it would be very UN-accomodating. The doorways were too narrow and my client couldn't even fit through to go into a bedroom. The kitchen was not wide enough for turnarounds in a manual or power wheelchair. Then there were steps down into the livingroom- hardly conducive to accomodating a person in a wheelchair.
While talking with the girl showing us the unit she said there were no handicap accessible units available. She never mentioned that if we DID choose to rent with them they could or would convert it to make it more accessible. That issue was never brought up or offered. Even though now I hear that Bohannon is supposedly willing to convert for tenants. Is he just saying that now because he wants to get by just building 2 units per 100 instead of the current 5 per 100? And would he really convert it at no cost to the tenant if asked?
Hmmmm.
I don't like the tactics these builders are using. They're basically strong-arming the city into giving them carte blanche. They'll build if they get some great tax breaks and don't have to build too many accessible units that they are unwilling to advertise. And the city, instead of standing up for it's disabled community, looks like they might offer anything to builders with the troop crunch coming and not enough affordable multi-family housing units. Isn't "smart growth" and planning supposed to include livability for the elderly and disabled?
I'm the last of the baby-boom generation. And I'm starting to feel the aches and pains that come with getting older. I'm seeing a greater need for accessible housing, not a lesser. And all those people that have single-family units with the island in the kitchens are probably going to kick themselves when they realize they need to pull out that island and re-tile when they find themselves or a family member in need of using a wheelchair and they need their place to be more accessible. But the builders built for a trend and no one looked at the future.
So when the public gets its chance to voice their opinion on this issue at the Sept 8th city council meeting I hope city council is ready to listen without prejudice.
What stake do the elderly and disabled have in gaining (actually keeping) the same amount of units built per 100? Is it choices and dignity and accessibility? True transition? Yes.
What stake do builders have in all this besides profit? Remember, true transition and accessibility is not supposed to be ruled by financial (supposed) inability.
Builders need to build according to the community's needs.
We have over 4,000 single-family units on the market right now and builders are complaining of what they are unwilling to rent out or advertise as far as accessible units? I find that ridiculous. If the builders are crying "tough times" foul and they say that it is cheaper to convert rather than build accessible units- why don't they start buying some of these houses and convert them to be accessible? I bet they'd advertise when they have $125,000 on the line compared to just $600 for an apartment a month. Someone needs to think ahead and not just in the moment, our community has needs and someone needs to be responsible enough and listen.
Builders unwilling to pay for accessible units and think only of their profits should not be making city code. Who else stands to profit in our city off of changing the city code? Let's take a good hard look at who are the players pushing this through. If it's not obvious- you will see on the 8th.
sidenote- one of my goals for the disabled/elderly community is to actually create a tax break to individuals that convert a home into an accessible home and deed it such that it cannot be converted back when sold. That would leave a bigger pool and choice in housing and reduce costs of conversion for future disabled/elderly persons.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
... let God sort 'em out
City Council is again hearing from both sides on the domestic partnership/city employees benefits package.
Mayor Cook has quoted again the council's adopted policy of "no personal attacks" and has warned of the consequences. It is very subjective what he will decide is a personal attack. But he has that right as mayor and running the council meeting. He certainly didn't like when he and council were called evil and hypocrites at one meeting. And he's showing he means business by the stern warning today. But since it is subjective- where does free speech fit in? There are degrees of what is acceptable behavior and speech. I'm not for disrupting public meetings with words that are obviously or outrageously incindiery, hurtful, discriminatory etc- but we do all hold the right to our opinions and free speech. We are also responsible for what we say.
Anyway, what gets my goat are the men and women from churches and the private sector that are preaching their interpretation of morality on this issue. Yes, I believe in the Bible. Yes, I believe in laws, God's and man's. But preachers, priests and rabbis are all sinners and they preach to sinners. And Jesus walked and associated with the worst of the worst. And loved them, anyway.
What cracks me up is that we live in a region that has high immorality. We have a huge population of under-age and unmarried people that are having pre-marital sex and having babies. Where is our morality now? Do the parents of these sinners cast their children aside because of their actions? If so, that would be very unloving and not in the best interest of the child or the baby. But how do they deal with these moral convictions? Or is it a matter of convenience?
I have thought long and hard on this and many issues. So I say what may sound like a cop out to some but which is something I do truly believe in with conviction. I'm human. And I don't understand alot of issues. Some I just have to rely on faith as being the right thing. And these I turn over to God to deal with. I don't have to be the moral compass for God just because I believe in Him. He's been doing just fine. So all I can do is do what I think is fair and let the burden of judging rest on God's shoulders.
So I believe in letting domestic partners share in the privilege of these benefits they are paying a portion of. And I say that without judgement and will let God do His work.
Mayor Cook has quoted again the council's adopted policy of "no personal attacks" and has warned of the consequences. It is very subjective what he will decide is a personal attack. But he has that right as mayor and running the council meeting. He certainly didn't like when he and council were called evil and hypocrites at one meeting. And he's showing he means business by the stern warning today. But since it is subjective- where does free speech fit in? There are degrees of what is acceptable behavior and speech. I'm not for disrupting public meetings with words that are obviously or outrageously incindiery, hurtful, discriminatory etc- but we do all hold the right to our opinions and free speech. We are also responsible for what we say.
Anyway, what gets my goat are the men and women from churches and the private sector that are preaching their interpretation of morality on this issue. Yes, I believe in the Bible. Yes, I believe in laws, God's and man's. But preachers, priests and rabbis are all sinners and they preach to sinners. And Jesus walked and associated with the worst of the worst. And loved them, anyway.
What cracks me up is that we live in a region that has high immorality. We have a huge population of under-age and unmarried people that are having pre-marital sex and having babies. Where is our morality now? Do the parents of these sinners cast their children aside because of their actions? If so, that would be very unloving and not in the best interest of the child or the baby. But how do they deal with these moral convictions? Or is it a matter of convenience?
I have thought long and hard on this and many issues. So I say what may sound like a cop out to some but which is something I do truly believe in with conviction. I'm human. And I don't understand alot of issues. Some I just have to rely on faith as being the right thing. And these I turn over to God to deal with. I don't have to be the moral compass for God just because I believe in Him. He's been doing just fine. So all I can do is do what I think is fair and let the burden of judging rest on God's shoulders.
So I believe in letting domestic partners share in the privilege of these benefits they are paying a portion of. And I say that without judgement and will let God do His work.
Ideas I'm Working On
Been thinking about this for a loong time and am now in the phase of "yeah- maybe I should get off my arse and do it".
Do any of you remember "Old World Chat"? I was deep in that cyber world in some ways from 2001-2006 until they made many changes, some for the better and much-needed- there was alot of cyber-bullying going on, not to mention other drama.
Well, I'm thinking of writing a book about that whole scene, changing the AKAs, of course. If anyone from the El Paso area walked in that world and has any imput I would love to hear from you- and I know that means positive and negative imput.
I'm talking Old World Chat and then the new World Chat thru Jumbuck from back in the time period stated, and even a little earlier.
For credibility, I will ask for old AKAs to verify what you say and that you were truly part of that scene, but will hold true to my confidentiality claims.
Do any of you remember "Old World Chat"? I was deep in that cyber world in some ways from 2001-2006 until they made many changes, some for the better and much-needed- there was alot of cyber-bullying going on, not to mention other drama.
Well, I'm thinking of writing a book about that whole scene, changing the AKAs, of course. If anyone from the El Paso area walked in that world and has any imput I would love to hear from you- and I know that means positive and negative imput.
I'm talking Old World Chat and then the new World Chat thru Jumbuck from back in the time period stated, and even a little earlier.
For credibility, I will ask for old AKAs to verify what you say and that you were truly part of that scene, but will hold true to my confidentiality claims.
Update on Sun City
Ok- waited to hear from many sides on the piece I wrote last night on "Part-time Accessibility for Full-time Disabled"- here's the scoop.
Sun City Cab did receive New Freedom monies in their pursuit of van conversions for wheelchairs. Not alot, but some, don't have an exact dollar amount.
Yellow/Checker has not received these monies.
There is no stipulation of having the wheelchair accessible vans available 24 hours a day to get these monies.
The owner of Sun City Cab also apologizes for the mistake made when saying they were now "on-demand". He says they only have 2 vans at the moment and they are still requiring 24-hour notice for these vans.
Ok- now that we have all that straight- it still sucks. It's better than it was- at least now for planned events or errands the disabled can get a ride, but good luck being spontaneous.
There's more possible good news in the works as far as Sun City and the disabled community, can't say now, but we'll hear about it in October possibly.
So the work continues....
Sun City Cab did receive New Freedom monies in their pursuit of van conversions for wheelchairs. Not alot, but some, don't have an exact dollar amount.
Yellow/Checker has not received these monies.
There is no stipulation of having the wheelchair accessible vans available 24 hours a day to get these monies.
The owner of Sun City Cab also apologizes for the mistake made when saying they were now "on-demand". He says they only have 2 vans at the moment and they are still requiring 24-hour notice for these vans.
Ok- now that we have all that straight- it still sucks. It's better than it was- at least now for planned events or errands the disabled can get a ride, but good luck being spontaneous.
There's more possible good news in the works as far as Sun City and the disabled community, can't say now, but we'll hear about it in October possibly.
So the work continues....
Monday, August 24, 2009
Part-time Accessibility for Full-time Disabled
Yeah, it's 2 a.m. and I'm up and awake.
Par for the course, my sleeping schedule is so out of whack.
But the upside is I like to do alot of work around the house in the wee hours, especially in the summer. It's not as hot or humid- perfect for laundry time. Perfect time to go shopping at Walmart, too.
Or so I thought. I really gotta stop thinking so much.
You see, I've taken Sun City Cab over to Walmart or other places after 9 p.m. when there's no bus service. It's worked out about 4 times that I've used them. And I use Sun City because they advertised to the CAC and the CAAC (city accessibility advisory committee)that they have handicap accessible vans and I'm usually accompanying my client in a wheelchair.
I also know that Yellow/Checker has handicap accessible vans, but I now have a "relationship" with Sun City and try to give business to the ones that want it. Sun City seemed to really want to serve the disabled community.
Last year when they let us know about the vans they said to give them 24- hour notice at first for a ride. Ok- I can understand they wouldn't always be available. They were waiting til word spread about the vans- then they could have them available full-time. The owner and his son gave us their first ride in the vans one night last year and we have been using them since.
Earlier this year they said there would be maybe a couple hour notice needed, then it was "call anytime". And it's worked out like I said the 4 or so times I've used them.
Last I heard, Sun City has 5 handicap accessible vans. I had heard that one got wrecked in an accident in Juarez and is being tied up in red tape as far as getting it fixed. I think it's still in Juarez.
So that would leave 4 vans.
Speaking with one of our usual drivers, we were told that two vans were waiting to be painted with the Sun City graphics- that was a while ago. Where are they now?
See, called for a handicap accessible van just now from Sun City and there isn't one available. It's not on another call- it's not being used. The drivers out tonight are using other vehicles. Or maybe they have a handicap accessible van out on calls but the back back seat is put in and they don't want to drop off that seat over at headquarters, make this call, then go pick it back up? I dunno.
Called Yellow/Checker- no vans available until "maybe" in the morning.
Called Border Cab- no handicap accessible vans in their fleet, according to dispatch.
City Cab- none.
According to our "usual" driver at Sun City, some drivers don't like to use the handicap accessible vans because when they go on certain calls, like picking up soldiers, they can't fit as many into the taxi because the back back seat is taken out of the handicap accessible van to make room for a wheelchair. So in reality, the vans can only carry maybe 4 passengers that way as opposed to 6 or 7 with the back back seat in.
Why don't they just send another van for larger groups?
Bus service and cab service are two separate entities in the transportation industry.
Maybe I'm being selfish, but since cabs run 24 hours a day I believe that if they receive any grant money for handicap accessible vans they should be required to have the handicap accessible vans available 24 hours a day!
I'm pretty sure Sun City received grant monies for these vans, and probably Yellow/Checker, too- I will check in the morning and post an update.
But in the meantime, cabs being the most expensive mode of transportation in the city compared to bus service out-of-pocket to the disabled community, and you have handicap accessible vans- don't you think your advantage would be having them available when bus service doesn't run?
Or am I thinking too much, again?
Par for the course, my sleeping schedule is so out of whack.
But the upside is I like to do alot of work around the house in the wee hours, especially in the summer. It's not as hot or humid- perfect for laundry time. Perfect time to go shopping at Walmart, too.
Or so I thought. I really gotta stop thinking so much.
You see, I've taken Sun City Cab over to Walmart or other places after 9 p.m. when there's no bus service. It's worked out about 4 times that I've used them. And I use Sun City because they advertised to the CAC and the CAAC (city accessibility advisory committee)that they have handicap accessible vans and I'm usually accompanying my client in a wheelchair.
I also know that Yellow/Checker has handicap accessible vans, but I now have a "relationship" with Sun City and try to give business to the ones that want it. Sun City seemed to really want to serve the disabled community.
Last year when they let us know about the vans they said to give them 24- hour notice at first for a ride. Ok- I can understand they wouldn't always be available. They were waiting til word spread about the vans- then they could have them available full-time. The owner and his son gave us their first ride in the vans one night last year and we have been using them since.
Earlier this year they said there would be maybe a couple hour notice needed, then it was "call anytime". And it's worked out like I said the 4 or so times I've used them.
Last I heard, Sun City has 5 handicap accessible vans. I had heard that one got wrecked in an accident in Juarez and is being tied up in red tape as far as getting it fixed. I think it's still in Juarez.
So that would leave 4 vans.
Speaking with one of our usual drivers, we were told that two vans were waiting to be painted with the Sun City graphics- that was a while ago. Where are they now?
See, called for a handicap accessible van just now from Sun City and there isn't one available. It's not on another call- it's not being used. The drivers out tonight are using other vehicles. Or maybe they have a handicap accessible van out on calls but the back back seat is put in and they don't want to drop off that seat over at headquarters, make this call, then go pick it back up? I dunno.
Called Yellow/Checker- no vans available until "maybe" in the morning.
Called Border Cab- no handicap accessible vans in their fleet, according to dispatch.
City Cab- none.
According to our "usual" driver at Sun City, some drivers don't like to use the handicap accessible vans because when they go on certain calls, like picking up soldiers, they can't fit as many into the taxi because the back back seat is taken out of the handicap accessible van to make room for a wheelchair. So in reality, the vans can only carry maybe 4 passengers that way as opposed to 6 or 7 with the back back seat in.
Why don't they just send another van for larger groups?
Bus service and cab service are two separate entities in the transportation industry.
Maybe I'm being selfish, but since cabs run 24 hours a day I believe that if they receive any grant money for handicap accessible vans they should be required to have the handicap accessible vans available 24 hours a day!
I'm pretty sure Sun City received grant monies for these vans, and probably Yellow/Checker, too- I will check in the morning and post an update.
But in the meantime, cabs being the most expensive mode of transportation in the city compared to bus service out-of-pocket to the disabled community, and you have handicap accessible vans- don't you think your advantage would be having them available when bus service doesn't run?
Or am I thinking too much, again?
Saturday, August 22, 2009
New Links
Check out some new links I added for Chicago-style food to order online and links to gardening, plant sites- it's not all about blogs!!! Check out FAVORITE LINKS on the right side of this page.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Chicago-style Food- the Italian Beef
Here's a small tribute to the best food in the world- Chicago-style food!!!
Let's start with one of my favs- the Italian beef sandwich. On a french or Italian roll, plain or toasted, with or without garlic butter- Gonnella bread is the best.
Next comes the beef. Vienna brand beef. Beautifully slow-cooked and spiced Italian beef that is actually from lesser-cuts, but once it's slow-roasted it will literally melt in your mouth and with no rubbery fat- just pure beef, juicy and tender. Now you have the choice of how you want your beef. If you want it real juicy ask for it "wet" and they'll take your sandwich in tongs and dip the whole sandwich, bread and all, into the au jus.
El Pasoans will understand this next step. You just HAVE to have giardeneira on it. That's pickled jalapeno slices, pickled carrots,pickled sliced celery, pickled cauliflower(some mixes), and/or pickled sliced sport peppers (serrano)in a delicious hot pickling sauce- it's chopped bite-size and is almost as important an ingredient as the beef.
Next comes the sweet peppers. These are blanched green peppers (boiled for 1-2 minutes then thrust into ice cold water to stop the cooking process). They taste nice and sweet and are not too crunchy and not too soggy- just perfect for Italian beefs or Italian sausage sandwiches with marinara sauce- another Chicago Italian specialty.
A good beef will never be fatty and you'll eat it so fast because it melts in your mouth and because they can be messy if you like 'em wet- but don't worry- no one's looking while you eat it to see how messy you are- they're gulping down their own as fast as they can!
The best beefs in Chicago are at Portillo's, Zippy's, Al's Beef (Taylor St), and MY fav- Johnnie's Beef in Elmwood Park, Il. Johnnie's Beef has a "beef nazi" taking your order- just like the soup nazi on Seinfeld- you better know what you want and how you want it when you're next or you'll be skipped over. These guys are serious- there are usually lines traveling half-way around the building to get in. They only have an ordering counter and a counter opposite to eat at- there are a few picnic tables outside and people eat there or in their cars when inside is full. The weekends there's actually security guards to keep order. Oh- you also have to have a real Italian Ice when you go to Chicago- Johnnie's has 'em, of course.
You can go to Chicago for this wonderful food for the true experience, or you can even order it online and they'll ship it to you on dry ice ready to heat and serve through Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, a famous Chicago restaurant that has partnered with other Chicago favorites for ex-pats and other lovers of authentic Chicago-style food at http://www.loutogo.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8yVjXKVDQ8&NR=1
Let's start with one of my favs- the Italian beef sandwich. On a french or Italian roll, plain or toasted, with or without garlic butter- Gonnella bread is the best.
Next comes the beef. Vienna brand beef. Beautifully slow-cooked and spiced Italian beef that is actually from lesser-cuts, but once it's slow-roasted it will literally melt in your mouth and with no rubbery fat- just pure beef, juicy and tender. Now you have the choice of how you want your beef. If you want it real juicy ask for it "wet" and they'll take your sandwich in tongs and dip the whole sandwich, bread and all, into the au jus.
El Pasoans will understand this next step. You just HAVE to have giardeneira on it. That's pickled jalapeno slices, pickled carrots,pickled sliced celery, pickled cauliflower(some mixes), and/or pickled sliced sport peppers (serrano)in a delicious hot pickling sauce- it's chopped bite-size and is almost as important an ingredient as the beef.
Next comes the sweet peppers. These are blanched green peppers (boiled for 1-2 minutes then thrust into ice cold water to stop the cooking process). They taste nice and sweet and are not too crunchy and not too soggy- just perfect for Italian beefs or Italian sausage sandwiches with marinara sauce- another Chicago Italian specialty.
A good beef will never be fatty and you'll eat it so fast because it melts in your mouth and because they can be messy if you like 'em wet- but don't worry- no one's looking while you eat it to see how messy you are- they're gulping down their own as fast as they can!
The best beefs in Chicago are at Portillo's, Zippy's, Al's Beef (Taylor St), and MY fav- Johnnie's Beef in Elmwood Park, Il. Johnnie's Beef has a "beef nazi" taking your order- just like the soup nazi on Seinfeld- you better know what you want and how you want it when you're next or you'll be skipped over. These guys are serious- there are usually lines traveling half-way around the building to get in. They only have an ordering counter and a counter opposite to eat at- there are a few picnic tables outside and people eat there or in their cars when inside is full. The weekends there's actually security guards to keep order. Oh- you also have to have a real Italian Ice when you go to Chicago- Johnnie's has 'em, of course.
You can go to Chicago for this wonderful food for the true experience, or you can even order it online and they'll ship it to you on dry ice ready to heat and serve through Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, a famous Chicago restaurant that has partnered with other Chicago favorites for ex-pats and other lovers of authentic Chicago-style food at http://www.loutogo.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8yVjXKVDQ8&NR=1
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Customer Service the Key to Profits
What is it with T-Mobile?
Why do they make something so simple to take care of into a loss on their part? Especially in these hard economic times?
You see, my pay date changed when I switched agencies for work. I pay my other bills in the beginning of the month and my T-Mobile bill with my second check in the month. Always have and never had a problem- until the paydate changed.
I pay about $150 a month for all the bells and whistles for my phone. But T-Mobile REFUSES to change my billing date. And I refuse to NOT pay my more important bills just so I can pay my cellphone bill in their time frame.
T-Mobile is losing anywhere from $25- $50 a month from me because I end up paying the lesser pro-rated bill soon after I get my 2nd paycheck of the month, just a few days after they cut me off. I try to explain this every month to "customer care" but no one gets it!
So for the folks that try to call me and get a recording that the customer is not receiving calls at this time- now you know why.
Not a very smart way of doing business on T-Mobile's part, I would say.
I still have a home phone I can be reached at, though I do need to replace the phone as it is difficult to hear on. I use the MagicJack and have no qualms with them overall, just that they don't have a customer service line for their customers- if you have an issue you need to go online and chat with a rep that may or may not be able to help you. But it makes for a good backup if my cell is off- tho I can still use my cell to call 911 if needed.
Advice to T-Mobile- figure out this very intricate glitch- maybe take your right index finger or even left or pinky-finger for all I care, and change the date on my bill and pro-rate the beginning billing cycle for the new date in the POSITIVE, I'll pay the full bill, and next month we'll be back to paying my regular full-price bill on-time.
WOW! What a concept- customer service at it's finest!
Now THAT would be a cool mobile makeover!
Why do they make something so simple to take care of into a loss on their part? Especially in these hard economic times?
You see, my pay date changed when I switched agencies for work. I pay my other bills in the beginning of the month and my T-Mobile bill with my second check in the month. Always have and never had a problem- until the paydate changed.
I pay about $150 a month for all the bells and whistles for my phone. But T-Mobile REFUSES to change my billing date. And I refuse to NOT pay my more important bills just so I can pay my cellphone bill in their time frame.
T-Mobile is losing anywhere from $25- $50 a month from me because I end up paying the lesser pro-rated bill soon after I get my 2nd paycheck of the month, just a few days after they cut me off. I try to explain this every month to "customer care" but no one gets it!
So for the folks that try to call me and get a recording that the customer is not receiving calls at this time- now you know why.
Not a very smart way of doing business on T-Mobile's part, I would say.
I still have a home phone I can be reached at, though I do need to replace the phone as it is difficult to hear on. I use the MagicJack and have no qualms with them overall, just that they don't have a customer service line for their customers- if you have an issue you need to go online and chat with a rep that may or may not be able to help you. But it makes for a good backup if my cell is off- tho I can still use my cell to call 911 if needed.
Advice to T-Mobile- figure out this very intricate glitch- maybe take your right index finger or even left or pinky-finger for all I care, and change the date on my bill and pro-rate the beginning billing cycle for the new date in the POSITIVE, I'll pay the full bill, and next month we'll be back to paying my regular full-price bill on-time.
WOW! What a concept- customer service at it's finest!
Now THAT would be a cool mobile makeover!
Marijuana and Reformed Health Insurance
I have to admit I had much more hope in Obama addressing the drug wars going on than what he has shown so far.
And not just the drug wars, but of opening up discussion and putting forth real effort in even more scientific and medical research about marijuana. We need overkill to wake up some people that make policy on things they don't understand.
The LaGuardia Report just isn't believable to some people nowadays and I don't understand why. But then again, people will believe what they believe, even when facts stare them straight in the face.
Is Obama afraid to shake things up too much right at the beginning? He's already shelved immigration discussion. He had the momentum in the beginning, now that that moment has passed it is all uphill from now.
Even without the narco wars marijuana is long past due being looked at and discussed on an intelligent level.
But, with the healthcare overhaul looming, do you really think big government is going to start accepting prescriptions for medical marijuana for Medicare patients if states were to pass it's acceptance for medicinal purposes? Not even to mention recreational?
I think not.
Will Medicare or any government funded insurance drop patients that have valid prescriptions for marijuana? Will they be dropped if they go and buy it at a store and pay taxes on it but go and get piss tested by their doctor and it's found in their system? I think we all know the answer to these questions. Big government will stick their 2 cents in, not in the best interest of the patient, but for themselves. Big government will become (even more so than now) the new 'insurance" company that looks at oudated notions and beliefs as factual and not at scientifically proven facts.
Many people I know who are severely disabled and/or in chronic pain receive prescription drugs for their conditions through Medicare. I'm talking powerful drugs and in huge doses that would kill the average person not using drugs. Are they addicted? Well, yes. Do they build a tolerance to these drugs? Yes again. But there is a HUGE difference in most of these patients compared to the everyday addicted drug-user that goes out and commits crimes to get his drugs. Alot of these patients I know actually take less than the dose recommended because they want to be as lucid as possible and not be a vegetable. They even put up with pain to a degree we can't even imagine just so they can be productive, useful and coherent human beings.
So why is it ok to prescribe very heavy drugs in pill form (or sometimes by injection) but it is taboo to smoke a drug? If marijuana came in pill form would that make it more acceptable to the ignorant?
Some I know that have chronic and breakthough pain would definitely benefit from using a small amount of marijuana. These patients are on heavy drugs yet they still wake up from a deep sleep because of their pain. Being able to use marijuana for it's medicinal benefits would help them with their pain and to sleep. It would give them a more quality life. So to drop many of our poor and government-insured patients for their use of marijuana would be shameful and against their civil rights (if state and/or medicinally accepted), let alone against basic human rights. Doctors have to be in the forefont of this issue and should not have to be afraid of non-payment or penalty by the insurance company for their actions based on the Hippocratic Oath and (possible) law. Who has the patient's best interest at heart- a doctor or our government/insurance company?
Do I smoke marijuana? No. Do I believe in alcohol, a legal drug to users of age, being used for medicinal purposes? Rarely. Tho I have been known to have a few beers when my back was hurting and after a couple I was able to move around more easily. But going to a chiropractor helps, too. And so would taking prescribed medication - but I don't like taking pills- too hard for me to swallow and I am cognizant of the possibility of becoming addicted. I believe in marijuana's medicinal qualities based on fact and research. Alcohol cannot be used in conjunction with most prescribed pills to help alleviate pain or induce sleep- the combination can kill- we hear about it all the time. Based on fact and alcohol's makeup. But marijuana CAN be used in conjunction in alot of instances without ill effects. Alcohol is a far more dangerous drug and with more ill effects than marijuana. But the people that drink alcohol already put in their protest years ago and finally won their right to drink for whatever reason. It's time marijuana users have that same right. And it's time people who could benefit from medicinal marijuana have that same right. And without fear of prosecution or being dropped by their doctor or insurance.
We need more updated scientific and medical research studies to diminish the stigma marijuana holds over many. Doctors, scientists, professors need to take this ball and run with it to give it the credibility needed for intelligent analysis. This is one issue that has been so blown out of proportion that I don't even think AARP or other large groups can tackle this alone without these other professionals in their corner.
And not just the drug wars, but of opening up discussion and putting forth real effort in even more scientific and medical research about marijuana. We need overkill to wake up some people that make policy on things they don't understand.
The LaGuardia Report just isn't believable to some people nowadays and I don't understand why. But then again, people will believe what they believe, even when facts stare them straight in the face.
Is Obama afraid to shake things up too much right at the beginning? He's already shelved immigration discussion. He had the momentum in the beginning, now that that moment has passed it is all uphill from now.
Even without the narco wars marijuana is long past due being looked at and discussed on an intelligent level.
But, with the healthcare overhaul looming, do you really think big government is going to start accepting prescriptions for medical marijuana for Medicare patients if states were to pass it's acceptance for medicinal purposes? Not even to mention recreational?
I think not.
Will Medicare or any government funded insurance drop patients that have valid prescriptions for marijuana? Will they be dropped if they go and buy it at a store and pay taxes on it but go and get piss tested by their doctor and it's found in their system? I think we all know the answer to these questions. Big government will stick their 2 cents in, not in the best interest of the patient, but for themselves. Big government will become (even more so than now) the new 'insurance" company that looks at oudated notions and beliefs as factual and not at scientifically proven facts.
Many people I know who are severely disabled and/or in chronic pain receive prescription drugs for their conditions through Medicare. I'm talking powerful drugs and in huge doses that would kill the average person not using drugs. Are they addicted? Well, yes. Do they build a tolerance to these drugs? Yes again. But there is a HUGE difference in most of these patients compared to the everyday addicted drug-user that goes out and commits crimes to get his drugs. Alot of these patients I know actually take less than the dose recommended because they want to be as lucid as possible and not be a vegetable. They even put up with pain to a degree we can't even imagine just so they can be productive, useful and coherent human beings.
So why is it ok to prescribe very heavy drugs in pill form (or sometimes by injection) but it is taboo to smoke a drug? If marijuana came in pill form would that make it more acceptable to the ignorant?
Some I know that have chronic and breakthough pain would definitely benefit from using a small amount of marijuana. These patients are on heavy drugs yet they still wake up from a deep sleep because of their pain. Being able to use marijuana for it's medicinal benefits would help them with their pain and to sleep. It would give them a more quality life. So to drop many of our poor and government-insured patients for their use of marijuana would be shameful and against their civil rights (if state and/or medicinally accepted), let alone against basic human rights. Doctors have to be in the forefont of this issue and should not have to be afraid of non-payment or penalty by the insurance company for their actions based on the Hippocratic Oath and (possible) law. Who has the patient's best interest at heart- a doctor or our government/insurance company?
Do I smoke marijuana? No. Do I believe in alcohol, a legal drug to users of age, being used for medicinal purposes? Rarely. Tho I have been known to have a few beers when my back was hurting and after a couple I was able to move around more easily. But going to a chiropractor helps, too. And so would taking prescribed medication - but I don't like taking pills- too hard for me to swallow and I am cognizant of the possibility of becoming addicted. I believe in marijuana's medicinal qualities based on fact and research. Alcohol cannot be used in conjunction with most prescribed pills to help alleviate pain or induce sleep- the combination can kill- we hear about it all the time. Based on fact and alcohol's makeup. But marijuana CAN be used in conjunction in alot of instances without ill effects. Alcohol is a far more dangerous drug and with more ill effects than marijuana. But the people that drink alcohol already put in their protest years ago and finally won their right to drink for whatever reason. It's time marijuana users have that same right. And it's time people who could benefit from medicinal marijuana have that same right. And without fear of prosecution or being dropped by their doctor or insurance.
We need more updated scientific and medical research studies to diminish the stigma marijuana holds over many. Doctors, scientists, professors need to take this ball and run with it to give it the credibility needed for intelligent analysis. This is one issue that has been so blown out of proportion that I don't even think AARP or other large groups can tackle this alone without these other professionals in their corner.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Gimme 3 Winks
I know I know... I've been saying this for a few days BUT- I will post some new info and other stuff later today and over the next few days but I can't get into it at the moment. I wanna try and get a couple more hours' sleep in to add to the 3 I got last night- then it's off to a meeting with ADAPT/Pact and Walmart/Trans Mtn then pool league tonight, tomorrow is an LRC meeting.Yesterday was the CAC meeting and pool practice, let alone I work full-time. This stuff used to be a drop in the bucket for me but I'm getting older and have more aches and pains and it takes me hours to travel around to these meetings via mass transit and the heat sure doesn't help any!
Ok I'm done feeling sorry for myself... talk with ya'll soon...
Ok I'm done feeling sorry for myself... talk with ya'll soon...
Monday, August 17, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
It Ain't Over til the Fat Lady Sings
I'm waiting to post some more items about the CAC but I am waiting until certain things become public knowledge at upcoming meetings, sorry folks.
So between that and the ongoing glitches with Time Warner, it's going to be a boring few days.
Just be happy I'm not singing- it could be worse!
So between that and the ongoing glitches with Time Warner, it's going to be a boring few days.
Just be happy I'm not singing- it could be worse!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Is Your Refrigerator Running?.....
Remember when we were like 9-13 years old and we thought it was hilarious to crank call people (some we knew, some we didn't) and ask them "is your refrigerator running?- well you better go catch it!!" and hang up laughing our behinds off?
Well, seems it's still going on nowadays only it's a bit different.
Crank texting is the new crank call.
And it seems 9-13 yrs old isn't the case anymore- this guy looks a little older.
The guy in the pic above texted me this morning around 3:45 am.
And he wouldn't leave it alone or give up bugging me even though I texted him that I didn't know him.
You see, I have 'Bev's old cell phone number and her friends that haven't talked to her in over a year and a half are still trying to get ahold of her. Bev is a pretty popular girl it seems- this guy texted me he had a dream about her and wanted to see her.
The guy finally gave it up after I threatened to go to the police with all his info- the sucker even sent me a pic- what a dork!
So it really wasn't crank texting, but it became a nuisance after I told him repeatedly I wasn't Bev and she hasn't had this number in years.
When are we going to have some kind of cellphone directory? I know it'd be a helluva job updating that list- can you imagine?!!!
Maybe Obama can stimulate the economy by creating a national cellphone list and all the people without jobs can work from their home computers doing data entry, with insurance to cover their carpel tunnel syndrome. Moms and Dads can stay at home and do this job and the kids can have both parents home to keep an eye on them. Wow- what a concept!
Looks like this kid in the pic could use a little supervision.
Anyway- these are things that make me go hmmmmm.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Can You Hold it for Another Year and a Half?
2 of 3 Sun Metro coach operators waiting for the single unisex bathroom at the Northgate Terminal.It'll be at least another year and a half until we get a new terminal and new bathrooms in the NE.
If you're sick and tired of being treated this way and don't want to take it anymore, please call 533-3333 and voice your complaints and suggestions.
Or do it in person at the Union Depot at 700 San Francisco. The Sun Metro offices are to the left and back of the building.
Or come to the CAC (Citizen's Advisory Committee to Mass Transit Dept Board/Sun Metro) meeting every 3rd Tuesday of the month- all the big guys are there. 2pm.
Or see how long you can just hold it.
"Welcome to Progressive..."
This is just one cart of about 10 carts I saw lined up at Walmart a couple weeks ago when I visited early in the morning. They were lined up by customer service, waiting for employees to put away. The perishable items (the ham, frozen pizzas etc) were being thrown out.
Now I know where to go next time my pantry gets low, which is most of the time.
What a wasteful society we have become.
Let's see- why are these items being thrown out?
On the consumer end, we go shopping for food for an hour or more, wait in line to pay for what we picked out and when they give us the magic number we find we don't have enough money. So we put things to the side, probably thinking someone will put them away for us. Or we change our minds in mid-shop and instead of walking a football-field's length back to put it away we say to ourselves "oh they'll put it away- I'm giving them job security".
On the store's end, this is a bare-bones-no-customer-service kinda store (as far as baggers go- remember them?) and this waste is just a cost of doing business. Why should they hire another employee at $7.25 an hour to put away (if salvageable) a $10 ham? They can just write it off to waste.
Yes, there's always going to be the r-e-a-l-l-y lazy shoppers who decide not to buy an item and just stick it anywhere on the shelves no matter if it's perishable or not (there's always a 'bad apple' among us). Whatever the reason- it's a waste and it's a shame.
I wanted to call up this Walmart and ask them just how much they throw out in a day. I also wanted to ask them how much they donate to the local food bank. But I knew that I'd probably still be waiting for that answer to go through corporate and back and blah blah blah. I'm still waiting for the accessible pathway promised last year.
And I'm still waiting for the carts to be cleared from the bus stop.
Told ya- I'm available to gather carts, and I can even check food for proper temperature and try to salvage it by placing it back on the shelf to be sold.
But now I'm multi-tasking, so you need to pay me $14 an hour.
And give me a cool title with a tricked-out name tag (like Flo's). It can say "Hello, my name is Suzanne and I give a sh*t".
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