Customer Service Award Goes to....

Something really neat happened today.

And it wasn't something I had to battle the gods that be to get.

I was watching tv yesterday and saw a commercial for Lowe's and their advertised special for $98 carpet installation.

Perfect!

I happen to be in the market for some new carpet in my never-ending quest in remodeling/refurbishing my home.

So I went to their website and started reading the small print regarding carpet installation and I ran across something that did not quite strike me in a good way.

The special installation excluded glue-down and carpet without padding.

Ok, glue-down I understand not being included with there being extra steps involved.

But why carpet without padding?

Doesn't Lowe's know that people in wheelchairs have a hard time rolling across a padded carpet? So if a person in a wheelchair wants carpet it would be easier to have no padding.

But why should they not be included in the installation special just because they cannot use the padding because they are in a wheelchair? Why should they have to pay more if they are receiving less- just because they are in a wheelchair and it is safer and easier for them not to have padding?

So I posed this question to Lowe's Customer Care division.

Within the day I had an email back from "Tracy" stating that she will pose the question to my store specifically.

Cool.

I love a prompt response.

Then today I heard again from "Tracy" asking if there is anything else she can do for me.

I answered back YES!

I asked her to pose this question to her higher-ups so that company-wide this customer service question could be addressed. We'll see what happens and see if she runs with it. I asked her to get back with me.

Then "Jesus" called me from my local Lowe's in the NE side of town and explained that they would be more than happy to extend the installation special to someone not needing/wanting the padding under these special circumstances but that the 1-year warranty on installation would have to be waived.

I think that's fair.

And I think that's cool that a company the size of Lowe's didn't have to go through every rung on the ladder for an answer/solution.

(Surprising- isn't Lowe's a part of Walmart- one of my least-favorite corporations?)

Now- it would be even cooler if "Tracy" gets back with me to tell me that her bosses thought it was a great idea for the company to include in the small print that special circumstances would be included in their specials- just talk with your local store manager blah blah blah....

Wouldn't it be neat if a person with special needs were thought of BEFOREhand?

Wouldn't it be the cat's meow if they didn't even have to pose the question or ask for special favors in the pursuit of equality?

I tell ya- it would really be mind-blowing to a person so used to fighting for every bit of consideration!

Thank you, Lowe's NE, for some excellent customer service!

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.