First off- damn this heat!
Everything takes longer when you throw in the heat factor. Thought I almost had heat stroke the other day, definitely had heat exhaustion. There is a difference- I've had both. Took me about two days to recover from the latter this time around.
Besides going through that and trying to keep up with the usual day-to-day activities my pc decided to go haywire. Well, actually it was just a loose connection. Thanks to my cats. Can't blame the dog- he's outside.
Did you ever wonder what your cats do when you're not around (and sometimes when you ARE around)? They're frkn sending emails and buying stuff off of ebay. Ok- a little dramatic with the ebay part, but I have had my cats send half-written emails that I left unattended and not saved to draft. It can be a little embarrassing and you can never be quite sure that the recipient believes you when you say your cats sent the email- oh well.
So ya turn your back for a minute and what happens? Darren Hunt files a lawsuit against the city for all the humiliation and pain and suffering he went through with that cop.
That in and of itself seems perfectly justifiable. What I take offense to is the amount he is seeking in damages. It is a ridiculous amount and benefits only himself.
Well, you say, isn't that what a lawsuit is about- to right wrongs and compensate for losses and to sometimes make dramatic examples to the defendant?
Yes.
And no.
Sorry- it's the Libra in me and I have to look at all the sides of an issue.
Darren Hunt is a public figure, much like the mayor is.
He is a well-paid public figure, though.
And he is sueing the city. Of which our taxes pay for these services, and lawsuits.
Before David K comes screaming out of a closet claiming I'm another one of those liberal Democrats that doesn't want to pay my share of taxes blah blah blah... let me finish.
There are questions that need to be asked and looked at here.
Darren Hunt has every right to sue for his true damages. True being the operative word here. True = fair.
Is Darren seeking such an exhorbitant amount in "pain and suffering" because he suffered extremely?
Yes, his civil rights may have been violated. But to the tune of $300,00 plus the $150,000?
Was he beat up by the cop? No. Did he suffer broken bones? No. Did he lose his fiancee because she was so embarrassed by his overly-dramatic mugging for the camera even as he was being violated by the over-zealous cop? No.
So I'm being led to the conclusion that Darren is sueing for so much to make an example of the PD because he can.
Is he doing it to pave the way for all reporters to enjoy covering stories in a more congenial manner with the police that are possibly investigating such news story?
I don't think so. Just the mere fact of a lawsuit and the media coverage of this whole event will take care of that- somewhat.
Or is he trying to act like an every-day Joe and stick it to the man? I don't think so, either.
One- he's not us- he's not your every-day Joe. Even if he secretly likes to think that about himself. He's afforded certain luxuries and perks that your every-day Joe just doesn't get privy to. Some are small and inconsequential, some are bigger. Like being able to speak with our city and county officials on certain subjects and getting a response (canned or not, it's at least a response). Some of our city reps like to THINK they have an open door policy but from my experience it really isn't at times.
Anyway- two- Darren isn't just trying to shine a spotlight on a ridiculous situation that got way out of hand- he's being greedy and his ego is running amok.
If he were taking the noble high road he could file his suit for say $10,000- it would prove his point and still afford him a little pocket change.
You see, he's not showing the every-day Joe that everybody can sue and win. He's of the privileged in this community that can afford a lawyer to sue or has found a lawyer willing to take on his case because of who he is and the circumstances. Hardly what the every-day Joe is able to do.
I've seen wayyy too many cases of people that were truly injured physically and mentally and lost their case or were awarded much less.
Example- my ex-husband was hit by a drunk driver and lost his leg. Someone ran out of gas or was having car problems on the highway and my ex pulled over to see if he could help. A cop pulled over, too, but was a little too late. A drunk teacher ran into my ex's car and pinned him between his car and the person's car he was helping push off the road. It came down to degree of responsibility- yes the guy was in the wrong that was drunk, but my ex also shouldn't have been on the road behind that car. My ex lost his football scholarship and a career in the army and never fully adjusted to losing his leg and spent the next 10 years or more deep in the throes of alcoholism. He was awarded $150,000 after medical expenses paid out over 10 years. Sounds like alot, huh? Not when you throw in the careers he lost, the future money he could have made in those careers, let alone the real pain and suffering he has to endure for a lifetime. This is just one example, there are many like this- so when I see the exhorbitant amount Darren is shooting for for his embarrassment and inconvenience it makes my stomach turn.
I'm not making lite of Darren's suit- just the amount he's seeking in damages. As a matter of fact, I side for Darren. The cop has obvious Napolean syndrome symptoms going on, let alone a real power trip problem and he SHOULD be made an example of. But Darren also has some responsibility in this, too, just like my ex. He shouldn't have been where he was and shouldn't have expected to be treated differently because he is in the media.
To what degree he shouldn't have been on the side of the road will be argued in court.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy 4th of July!
Happy 4th all!
Thinking of my brother today and all the fun we had as kids, especially on holidays.
And appreciating that he served in the US Marine Corps for many years, serving in Desert Shield and Desert Storm- 1st in and last out- Go Marines!
My brother is a pretty cool guy- ok, in my book he's REALLY cool.
My brother, Captain John C. Hartnett, has done so many neat things with his life! He has truly taken advantage of all the freedoms afforded us in this country.
Right now he's in Nepal- quite the world traveler.
When we were kids we were made to dress in red, white and blue and had to have our picture taken in the front yard holding up the American flag. One pic I remember my brother's wearing a Marine camo field cap- given to him by a returned vet/neighbor from the Viet Nam war. He sure was proud to wear that and I've often wondered if that experience had any bearing on joining the Marines instead of the Army. Or other branches, for that matter.
Anyway- happy 4th to all! Sure do miss my family and hope you're all doing well!
No Good Deed....
I really hate when people say
"No good deed goes unpunished".
It's a cynical, untrue statement and a cop-out. It says more about the person saying it then they think.
It's a sad sad statement that lacks hope.
I was brought up in the Catholic church. One thing I was taught was faith, hope, and charity.
I know for a fact without faith we have nothing. There would be no belief in God or much else.
I know that without hope I wouldn't have gotten through some things in life that tried to drag me down- baaad things.
I also know that without charity we wouldn't treat our fellow man as our brother. Which is also treating him as we would like to be treated ourselves. Which is also part of Jesus' teachings.
The true way to say this saying, and the way I learned it as a child is
"No good deed goes unseen".
What a profound statement!
So full of faith, hope, and charity.
We know that if acts alone could get you into heaven we'd ALL be walking lil ole ladies across the street and what-not. That's not the point I'm trying to make.
Sometimes I joke and call it 'karma'. Just like no good deed goes unseen, the same can be said for bad deeds, and sometimes "justice" is swift- thus making it more satisfying for us mere humans, but sometimes you have to resign to the hope that bad deeds are being "tallyed" just as much as good ones and justice will prevail at some time- even if we don't get to witness it. (man, that was a looong sentence and quite improper I'm sure- sorry to all me teachers!).
And now what I am going to say is not at all trivial, though not as profound an example as other times in my life that were more dramatic.
The other day I was bitching and moaning about my grill being stolen. And that it made me mad but I was happy in the fact that whoever took it now has a defective grill (probably easily fixed but...).
So what happens?
My neighbor gives me an old grill she wasn't using any longer. Now THAT was cool!
I live in a really cool neighborhood where alot of us know each other and look out for each other. Yeah, there's some bad apples on the street, but the majority are "true neighbors".
I don't take things lightly. And I am grateful for the little things that make my life easier just as much as the big things. And when I am treated well, even if the other person doesn't know the impact of their action or the value of it, I have to raise it up for the props it deserves.
Thank you, Bobbie, for doing what may be a small thing to you but you know it was a big thing to me, it really helped me out.
And thank you to God, for giving me examples every day of your goodness, even when things look bleak.
"No good deed goes unpunished".
It's a cynical, untrue statement and a cop-out. It says more about the person saying it then they think.
It's a sad sad statement that lacks hope.
I was brought up in the Catholic church. One thing I was taught was faith, hope, and charity.
I know for a fact without faith we have nothing. There would be no belief in God or much else.
I know that without hope I wouldn't have gotten through some things in life that tried to drag me down- baaad things.
I also know that without charity we wouldn't treat our fellow man as our brother. Which is also treating him as we would like to be treated ourselves. Which is also part of Jesus' teachings.
The true way to say this saying, and the way I learned it as a child is
"No good deed goes unseen".
What a profound statement!
So full of faith, hope, and charity.
We know that if acts alone could get you into heaven we'd ALL be walking lil ole ladies across the street and what-not. That's not the point I'm trying to make.
Sometimes I joke and call it 'karma'. Just like no good deed goes unseen, the same can be said for bad deeds, and sometimes "justice" is swift- thus making it more satisfying for us mere humans, but sometimes you have to resign to the hope that bad deeds are being "tallyed" just as much as good ones and justice will prevail at some time- even if we don't get to witness it. (man, that was a looong sentence and quite improper I'm sure- sorry to all me teachers!).
And now what I am going to say is not at all trivial, though not as profound an example as other times in my life that were more dramatic.
The other day I was bitching and moaning about my grill being stolen. And that it made me mad but I was happy in the fact that whoever took it now has a defective grill (probably easily fixed but...).
So what happens?
My neighbor gives me an old grill she wasn't using any longer. Now THAT was cool!
I live in a really cool neighborhood where alot of us know each other and look out for each other. Yeah, there's some bad apples on the street, but the majority are "true neighbors".
I don't take things lightly. And I am grateful for the little things that make my life easier just as much as the big things. And when I am treated well, even if the other person doesn't know the impact of their action or the value of it, I have to raise it up for the props it deserves.
Thank you, Bobbie, for doing what may be a small thing to you but you know it was a big thing to me, it really helped me out.
And thank you to God, for giving me examples every day of your goodness, even when things look bleak.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
What Am I?
I used to just call it a 'corn plant' for lack of a better word, as its leaves somewhat resemble , you guessed it, a CORN plant/stalk.
I used to trim this as it grows extremely fast and is very hearty and drought resistant.
But this year I didn't trim it, barely even watered it and the darn thing bloomed these beautiful white flowers!
Now I want to know what it is so I can get some more!
This plant makes me look like I have a green thumb!
World Blood Donor Day
Contact any United Blood Sevices and donate today.
Do I really need to tell you why it's so important?
Do I really need to tell you why it's so important?
Happy 4th of July (weekend)!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM- perusing the food ads and I want to get some ribs, some hot dogs, some sausages, hamburgers, hot links and steaks!
I got the charcoal and I'm gonna buy all the fixin's to make a perfect holiday feast!
Oh wait!
I CAN'T bbq this weekend!
'Cuz some IDIOT stole my grill from my side yard!
Yeah, I only paid like $30 for the thing about 4 years ago. But it's the principle. Someone STOLE from me, violated my space and sanctity.
Ahhh.... but enter karma.
Sweet sweet karma.
Almost as mouth-watering, juicy, and satisfying as anything I could cook on that grill!
You see, that grill is missing a little tab that holds up one of the four corners of the grate. It's a pain in the ass trying to flip anything without flipping the grate over.
Have fun IDIOT using my messed up grill!
I got the charcoal and I'm gonna buy all the fixin's to make a perfect holiday feast!
Oh wait!
I CAN'T bbq this weekend!
'Cuz some IDIOT stole my grill from my side yard!
Yeah, I only paid like $30 for the thing about 4 years ago. But it's the principle. Someone STOLE from me, violated my space and sanctity.
Ahhh.... but enter karma.
Sweet sweet karma.
Almost as mouth-watering, juicy, and satisfying as anything I could cook on that grill!
You see, that grill is missing a little tab that holds up one of the four corners of the grate. It's a pain in the ass trying to flip anything without flipping the grate over.
Have fun IDIOT using my messed up grill!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
CAC 101/Pt III
You're probably wondering why I left you hanging yesterday when I told you about Delta Airlines winning the 2008 Green Cross for Safety Medal and First Transit winning for year 2009?
Well, if you remember, I gathered that info straight from First Transit/First Group's website.
And it got me to thinking.
Why would First Transit even want to bother mentioning Delta Airlines on their site? What is the comparison, besides safety?
Safety IS very important and definitely should be at the top of the list. So in that sense, the medal is certainly deserved for both companies. And that, in and of itself, merits mentioning.
But what happens when you look at customer satisfaction surveys?
W
H
O
O
A
H!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You ok?
That was a sharp drop-off there.
OK, so let's look at a few sites and stats on the airline industry/Delta Airlines and see those results.
'Airline Customer Satisfaction Nosedives: Dismal" ' by Dave Carpenter, May 20, 2008.
According to the Huffington Post, the University Of Michigan conducts annual surveys of the airline industry, among other industries. The survey showed the airline industry with the worst grades since 2001. On a scale of 1- 100 here's the stats-
Southwest Airlines 79 points,
AA/Continental 62
Delta 60
Northwest 57
United 56
US Airways 54
Here's what Yahoo finance has to say-
According to the University of Michigan's annual survey for 2009-
"customer satisfaction rose 3.2% (airline industry)earlier this year, the first increase in 6 years..."
"The increase came as the number of passengers dropped and airlines reduced flying".
"Passengers checked fewer bags as luggage fees became more common, making it easier for airlines to keep track of the bags that remained..."
"And if fewer passengers are the reason for the improved satisfaction score, imagine how happy they'll be this year, when the FAA expects domestic boardings to fall 8.8%".
Claes Fornell, a University of Michigan business professor and director of the research center that compiled the customer satisfaction data on airlines and other industries, said "traffic drop-off appears to have as much to do with airline improvement as any action taken by the airlines. The study noted that even though airlines showed some improvement, their average score of 64 was good enough for a tie with newspapers but lower than other industries measured, including utilities (74), the Postal Service (82), expedited delivery companies (82), movies (70), and cellular phone service (69)".
Delta Airlines received a score of 64 for 2009 in the customer satisfaction survey.
So what does Delta have to say about themselves?
According to THEIR website, on the Awards and Recognitions page they have a list of some of their accomplishments, including-
April 2008- Green Cross for Safety Medal from the National Safety Council, outstanding achievement in safety and health, community service, responsible citizenship, and a superior record in advancing safety and health practices.
July 2008- Best Domestic airline for 1st class service, Best Frequent Flyer Program (domestic), and Best airline for Airport lounges in the world- presented by 'Executive Travel'.
So what exactly is Delta Airlines NOT getting when it comes to customer satisfaction?
I know they have a tough industry and not that many places to cut corners but....
when you start charging for pillows, up the price on drinks (remember when you used to get 2 complimentary drinks?), charge for baggage checked, take away the little "lunch bags" that we picked up for FREE in the jetway (and were handed the leftovers if available), LOSE my luggage, don't give me a free night's stay at a hotel and a meal when you overbooked the flight, don't offer me reduced fare or $$$ for going on stand-by- not to mention delays and cooling our heels for HOURS waiting in line to enter or exit the "skyway"- just WHAT exactly do you want from me?
Now I see why they advertise their safety record and mention NOTHING of customer satisfaction!
Meander back to First Transit with me...
First Transit/Sun Metro has made TREMENDOUS strides in the acquisition of new buses and parts the last couple years. The buses are more on-time and with the new ramp style the newer buses have fewer missed rides (refusals) for persons in wheelchairs. YAYYYYYYYY!
But wait...
B
L
O
O
P!
How come the customer complaints have not significantly reduced?
I'm sorry, but I DON'T believe the stats in the monthly director's report that is submitted to the Mass Transit Board meeting and Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) for that board.
I've seen stats showing less complaints than people I have talked to that I KNOW called in a complaint. I know this because there have been times when it was ME calling in and a couple other reliable sources- and the numbers don't match!
How come when I call in a complaint and I ask for a call back with results/solutions to their investigation I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A CALL ON ANY OF MY COMPLAINTS?!?!?!
How come I'm told to ask for a reference # to track the complaint, and other times I'm told that's not necessary as I can just use my name for reference?
Why can't we get an across-the-board policy on this simplest of tasks?
I just want straight answers.
BTW- last year I had to vote on the budget that Sun Metro submitted for FY2009. Not that that really matters because it's the MTDB's vote that really counts- but they used the CAC majority vote as a recommendation from us in their presentation to the MTDB at the budget hearings. For those that don't know- I voted "Nay", along with another member. They had just gotten the ball rolling on issues that should have been dealt with all along, went over-budget their first year under contract etc- yet they wanted a pay increase! Not on MY watch!
Soon after this they asked for extra money in case fuel prices jumped higher and STAYED that way (they didn't stay as high, plus they would have a locked-in price anyway so....), even though Representative Eddie Holguin tried to put the breaks on that.
Oh, then they raised the fares and transfers!
And us customers went from the first set of 'temporary' bus stops downtown, to another, then to where they're at right now. Yes, at least we have benches and shelters- but the sidewalk is not fit for bus loading and unloading, especially throwing in wheelchairs into the mix. I will delve into these issues in a further post.
So, I guess the moral of the story for First Transit/Sun Metro is...
In place of good old-fashioned customer service-
either have the vendors that sell chips and pop on the corners by the buses downtown sell alcohol
OR put in a really cool lounge in the Transfer Terminal for your customers. Get us good and soused. Things will look rosier all-around.
Who knows, your customer satisfaction stats might rise and you might win an award for that...
just like Delta Airlines!
Have a nice day!
Well, if you remember, I gathered that info straight from First Transit/First Group's website.
And it got me to thinking.
Why would First Transit even want to bother mentioning Delta Airlines on their site? What is the comparison, besides safety?
Safety IS very important and definitely should be at the top of the list. So in that sense, the medal is certainly deserved for both companies. And that, in and of itself, merits mentioning.
But what happens when you look at customer satisfaction surveys?
W
H
O
O
A
H!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You ok?
That was a sharp drop-off there.
OK, so let's look at a few sites and stats on the airline industry/Delta Airlines and see those results.
'Airline Customer Satisfaction Nosedives: Dismal" ' by Dave Carpenter, May 20, 2008.
According to the Huffington Post, the University Of Michigan conducts annual surveys of the airline industry, among other industries. The survey showed the airline industry with the worst grades since 2001. On a scale of 1- 100 here's the stats-
Southwest Airlines 79 points,
AA/Continental 62
Delta 60
Northwest 57
United 56
US Airways 54
Here's what Yahoo finance has to say-
According to the University of Michigan's annual survey for 2009-
"customer satisfaction rose 3.2% (airline industry)earlier this year, the first increase in 6 years..."
"The increase came as the number of passengers dropped and airlines reduced flying".
"Passengers checked fewer bags as luggage fees became more common, making it easier for airlines to keep track of the bags that remained..."
"And if fewer passengers are the reason for the improved satisfaction score, imagine how happy they'll be this year, when the FAA expects domestic boardings to fall 8.8%".
Claes Fornell, a University of Michigan business professor and director of the research center that compiled the customer satisfaction data on airlines and other industries, said "traffic drop-off appears to have as much to do with airline improvement as any action taken by the airlines. The study noted that even though airlines showed some improvement, their average score of 64 was good enough for a tie with newspapers but lower than other industries measured, including utilities (74), the Postal Service (82), expedited delivery companies (82), movies (70), and cellular phone service (69)".
Delta Airlines received a score of 64 for 2009 in the customer satisfaction survey.
So what does Delta have to say about themselves?
According to THEIR website, on the Awards and Recognitions page they have a list of some of their accomplishments, including-
April 2008- Green Cross for Safety Medal from the National Safety Council, outstanding achievement in safety and health, community service, responsible citizenship, and a superior record in advancing safety and health practices.
July 2008- Best Domestic airline for 1st class service, Best Frequent Flyer Program (domestic), and Best airline for Airport lounges in the world- presented by 'Executive Travel'.
So what exactly is Delta Airlines NOT getting when it comes to customer satisfaction?
I know they have a tough industry and not that many places to cut corners but....
when you start charging for pillows, up the price on drinks (remember when you used to get 2 complimentary drinks?), charge for baggage checked, take away the little "lunch bags" that we picked up for FREE in the jetway (and were handed the leftovers if available), LOSE my luggage, don't give me a free night's stay at a hotel and a meal when you overbooked the flight, don't offer me reduced fare or $$$ for going on stand-by- not to mention delays and cooling our heels for HOURS waiting in line to enter or exit the "skyway"- just WHAT exactly do you want from me?
Now I see why they advertise their safety record and mention NOTHING of customer satisfaction!
Meander back to First Transit with me...
First Transit/Sun Metro has made TREMENDOUS strides in the acquisition of new buses and parts the last couple years. The buses are more on-time and with the new ramp style the newer buses have fewer missed rides (refusals) for persons in wheelchairs. YAYYYYYYYY!
But wait...
B
L
O
O
P!
How come the customer complaints have not significantly reduced?
I'm sorry, but I DON'T believe the stats in the monthly director's report that is submitted to the Mass Transit Board meeting and Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) for that board.
I've seen stats showing less complaints than people I have talked to that I KNOW called in a complaint. I know this because there have been times when it was ME calling in and a couple other reliable sources- and the numbers don't match!
How come when I call in a complaint and I ask for a call back with results/solutions to their investigation I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A CALL ON ANY OF MY COMPLAINTS?!?!?!
How come I'm told to ask for a reference # to track the complaint, and other times I'm told that's not necessary as I can just use my name for reference?
Why can't we get an across-the-board policy on this simplest of tasks?
I just want straight answers.
BTW- last year I had to vote on the budget that Sun Metro submitted for FY2009. Not that that really matters because it's the MTDB's vote that really counts- but they used the CAC majority vote as a recommendation from us in their presentation to the MTDB at the budget hearings. For those that don't know- I voted "Nay", along with another member. They had just gotten the ball rolling on issues that should have been dealt with all along, went over-budget their first year under contract etc- yet they wanted a pay increase! Not on MY watch!
Soon after this they asked for extra money in case fuel prices jumped higher and STAYED that way (they didn't stay as high, plus they would have a locked-in price anyway so....), even though Representative Eddie Holguin tried to put the breaks on that.
Oh, then they raised the fares and transfers!
And us customers went from the first set of 'temporary' bus stops downtown, to another, then to where they're at right now. Yes, at least we have benches and shelters- but the sidewalk is not fit for bus loading and unloading, especially throwing in wheelchairs into the mix. I will delve into these issues in a further post.
So, I guess the moral of the story for First Transit/Sun Metro is...
In place of good old-fashioned customer service-
either have the vendors that sell chips and pop on the corners by the buses downtown sell alcohol
OR put in a really cool lounge in the Transfer Terminal for your customers. Get us good and soused. Things will look rosier all-around.
Who knows, your customer satisfaction stats might rise and you might win an award for that...
just like Delta Airlines!
Have a nice day!
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