I just wanted the world to know this officially: I DID NOT SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS TO ANYONE THIS YEAR.
If anyone disputes this claim, please let me know. I know for a fact I did not apply pen to card this year because of finances and lack of time. I thought of everyone, but was not in the writing mood this year.
This should serve as proof that I didn't slight anyone in that regard. There was a certain person (who shall remain nameless) who lit into me about not sending cards this year. And once again, this claim has threatened to blow up a working relationship that had been absent for four years previously.
The word is official: I was not able to send anything for Christmas 2006. Why this has the effect of an H-bomb being dropped is beyond me, and is very childish. I thought there were bigger concerns in life. For everything I received at Christmas (and 2006 was a very good one) I am truly thankful. I am just sorry my writing arm was unable to cooperate.
January 30, 2007
January 26, 2007
No frills, yet full price
And just when the internet begins providing me possible answers...
We are down to our last straw as far as internet providers go. I happen to be writing this from Kinko's again, as they shut off the internet again. Likely we have to change providers again, so these updates will be once again few & far between until the 9th of February.
Our original internet/phone bill of $200 was to be taken care of by knocking off international calling ability, which Steve once again abused. We even eliminated regular long-distance callingin the country. And we STILL get a bill for $200? This is a ripoff at its finest (or worst).
It figures, doesn't it? Just when I was at my most productive state online, as I finally placed a resume on Monster.com and actually began finding some jobs available that would suit my career choice just fine. I only hope that come the 9th they'll still be there, although I was pleasantly surprised to see there were many more jobs that fit the criteria as compared to previous searches. Sometimes it helps to hit the right keywords!
One other silver lining? Steve leaves for the Phillipines on Monday, so at least he won't behanging around here bored out of his mind for twelve days. Remember, there's no TV either.
Whenever possible, I'll update whenever I get the chance to go to Kinko's. Remember, the car situation has not resolved itself, so mobility (as well as everything else in my recent life) will be a question, a concern, and limited in scope.
We are down to our last straw as far as internet providers go. I happen to be writing this from Kinko's again, as they shut off the internet again. Likely we have to change providers again, so these updates will be once again few & far between until the 9th of February.
Our original internet/phone bill of $200 was to be taken care of by knocking off international calling ability, which Steve once again abused. We even eliminated regular long-distance callingin the country. And we STILL get a bill for $200? This is a ripoff at its finest (or worst).
It figures, doesn't it? Just when I was at my most productive state online, as I finally placed a resume on Monster.com and actually began finding some jobs available that would suit my career choice just fine. I only hope that come the 9th they'll still be there, although I was pleasantly surprised to see there were many more jobs that fit the criteria as compared to previous searches. Sometimes it helps to hit the right keywords!
One other silver lining? Steve leaves for the Phillipines on Monday, so at least he won't behanging around here bored out of his mind for twelve days. Remember, there's no TV either.
Whenever possible, I'll update whenever I get the chance to go to Kinko's. Remember, the car situation has not resolved itself, so mobility (as well as everything else in my recent life) will be a question, a concern, and limited in scope.
January 24, 2007
I can count my friends
With the burial plot being planned for that car of mine which just used up its ninth life, I still have friends to thank for helping me out of my panicked mess from yesterday.
Special thanks today go to Nazem, who provided me the towing of the car from I-275 free of charge... Chuck, who took time off work to drive me to the site... Deana, who lent Chuck the car to drive me there... and my supervisors, who have been more than kind to me as they have worked around my crazy schedule without complaint.
They may not have been so unlucky as to have walked in my shoes, but they've certainly smelled them from a distance - not pretty at all. But the world still has some kind faces, and for that, I will be forever indebted.
Thank you, everyone.
Special thanks today go to Nazem, who provided me the towing of the car from I-275 free of charge... Chuck, who took time off work to drive me to the site... Deana, who lent Chuck the car to drive me there... and my supervisors, who have been more than kind to me as they have worked around my crazy schedule without complaint.
They may not have been so unlucky as to have walked in my shoes, but they've certainly smelled them from a distance - not pretty at all. But the world still has some kind faces, and for that, I will be forever indebted.
Thank you, everyone.
Trans-fat: Follow-up
As a sidebar to the entry I made last week about the banning of trans-fats becoming a major one in Michigan: another simple reason why I think they should remain.
Many times, especially in the last four years, I have bought refrigerated groceries, only to forget about them later because I never root around in the 'fridge long enough. I had to stop myself today before I made some grilled cheese, just to make sure that the cheese hadn't expired. Strangely enough, the cheese is good through this November. In other words, I can forget about it for a time, and yet not have to throw it out at a later date.
Without trans-fats, which act as preservatives, how long would that cheese have lasted? It's been in the 'fridge for two weeks, and we know dairy products don't come cheap these days. The mere presence of those preservatives have enabled my money to last a little longer simply by still having a good food product waiting for me when I do remember it.
But as stated before, "Big Brother" wants to monitor this issue as well by the proposed ban. Will they care about the point I just made?
I already know my answer.
Many times, especially in the last four years, I have bought refrigerated groceries, only to forget about them later because I never root around in the 'fridge long enough. I had to stop myself today before I made some grilled cheese, just to make sure that the cheese hadn't expired. Strangely enough, the cheese is good through this November. In other words, I can forget about it for a time, and yet not have to throw it out at a later date.
Without trans-fats, which act as preservatives, how long would that cheese have lasted? It's been in the 'fridge for two weeks, and we know dairy products don't come cheap these days. The mere presence of those preservatives have enabled my money to last a little longer simply by still having a good food product waiting for me when I do remember it.
But as stated before, "Big Brother" wants to monitor this issue as well by the proposed ban. Will they care about the point I just made?
I already know my answer.
January 23, 2007
Alarm set for breakdown
Just after typing yesterday's entry, I got my car back from the shop following another (groan) $400 repair.
For those who think I know nothing about cars, you are almost correct. However, I did know enough at the time of purchase to try looking up the car's history on the Carfax website. Lo and behold, nothing there. So I had every reason to believe that everything under the hood was a mystery to me and everyone else.
The heater core & thermostat had to be replaced. The heater core in the car had melted away because it was PLASTIC. Why anyone would install anything other than metal parts into heat-producing elements is beyond me, but at least the car was now up to code.
Now this is where I submit my formal application for "Zen-master". Either that, or a lifetime supply of duct tape to close my mouth with. I asked the repairman if anything else looked bad under the hood, and he said no. I casually remarked that with the amount of repairs I've put into it lately, "the transmission might be the next thing to go, knowing my luck."
Bingo.
Thank goodness I left for work way early today to do a test run on the car. From the word go, the steering was giving me problems. All of a sudden, all hell broke loose while on the freeway. Shades of that LeBaron I had which blew the engine pistons out on I-94. I was fortunate to find a rest stop on I-275 to stop the car at. The wheel would barely turn left.
Upon backing out of the space to ginger the car home, I heard something being pulverized, followed by the smell of burnt plastic. It took both hands to place the transmission into park. Forty dollars and one cab ride later, I was back at work, throwing things around the room in a spurt of rage.
Why am I so stupid as to spend more money on a cash cow? I guess I wasn't raised as well as I gave myself credit for. My first impression, however, is that another repair shop hosed me. Until I took the car to them yesterday morning, I had no steering problems, and no problems with the transmission. They only occurred after I brought the car home.
This is either the most blatant case of coincidence known to mankind, or they did a number on me.
And "knowing my luck" as I am apt to say, I can say my ability to predict things is a little too uncanny these days. Just not uncanny enough to hide my increasing stupidity as far as getting along with motorized vehicles!
For those who think I know nothing about cars, you are almost correct. However, I did know enough at the time of purchase to try looking up the car's history on the Carfax website. Lo and behold, nothing there. So I had every reason to believe that everything under the hood was a mystery to me and everyone else.
The heater core & thermostat had to be replaced. The heater core in the car had melted away because it was PLASTIC. Why anyone would install anything other than metal parts into heat-producing elements is beyond me, but at least the car was now up to code.
Now this is where I submit my formal application for "Zen-master". Either that, or a lifetime supply of duct tape to close my mouth with. I asked the repairman if anything else looked bad under the hood, and he said no. I casually remarked that with the amount of repairs I've put into it lately, "the transmission might be the next thing to go, knowing my luck."
Bingo.
Thank goodness I left for work way early today to do a test run on the car. From the word go, the steering was giving me problems. All of a sudden, all hell broke loose while on the freeway. Shades of that LeBaron I had which blew the engine pistons out on I-94. I was fortunate to find a rest stop on I-275 to stop the car at. The wheel would barely turn left.
Upon backing out of the space to ginger the car home, I heard something being pulverized, followed by the smell of burnt plastic. It took both hands to place the transmission into park. Forty dollars and one cab ride later, I was back at work, throwing things around the room in a spurt of rage.
Why am I so stupid as to spend more money on a cash cow? I guess I wasn't raised as well as I gave myself credit for. My first impression, however, is that another repair shop hosed me. Until I took the car to them yesterday morning, I had no steering problems, and no problems with the transmission. They only occurred after I brought the car home.
This is either the most blatant case of coincidence known to mankind, or they did a number on me.
And "knowing my luck" as I am apt to say, I can say my ability to predict things is a little too uncanny these days. Just not uncanny enough to hide my increasing stupidity as far as getting along with motorized vehicles!
January 22, 2007
Picture the other shoe
The State Of The Union speech is upcoming Tuesday. Although press releases have stated President Bush will actually downplay the war on terror in this edition, my best guess is that the subject will still take front & center stage.
He will likely make it clear that we are struggling, and that answers are forthcoming. Most likely, however, he still cannot grasp why the situation in the Middle East gets worse by the day.
Here's an idea why. And before reading on, please note I am not taking sides. I am a realist by nature, which would undoubtedly worry some media types, who print slanted opinions at times. I am for our troops 100%, even if the purpose of the fight is wrong and misdirected.
That said: Picture the shoe being on the other foot. Let's say we are the smaller country in area, but still practicing the same beliefs & freedoms we currently do. Imagine the other country, much bigger in size, practicing their beliefs as they do now. Now let's say we are the ones conquered & occupied. We do not agree with their beliefs and want to defend ourselves. It's a very basic principle.
As when a germ invades the body, we want to be the antidote and rid it of the disease. Should basic medicine not get rid of the germ, you go to the doctor, take stronger medications, etc. In warfare, therefore, you'd use stronger tactics to send the message you don't wish to be occupied, and you are not in need of their interference.
Would we not battle fiercely to rid ourselves of the occupier?
Supposedly, in the name of the common good, we are currently in the Middle East to help. What has resulted, as we all know, is not the plan that was set forth. The people did not welcome us with "open arms", and they attack our troops daily. The war has no end in sight.
Wouldn't we have done the same had the shoe been on the other foot?
One of the popular anthems of the 1960s was the song, Both Sides Now. I wonder if the president ever listened to the song, or got the message the title implies.
He will likely make it clear that we are struggling, and that answers are forthcoming. Most likely, however, he still cannot grasp why the situation in the Middle East gets worse by the day.
Here's an idea why. And before reading on, please note I am not taking sides. I am a realist by nature, which would undoubtedly worry some media types, who print slanted opinions at times. I am for our troops 100%, even if the purpose of the fight is wrong and misdirected.
That said: Picture the shoe being on the other foot. Let's say we are the smaller country in area, but still practicing the same beliefs & freedoms we currently do. Imagine the other country, much bigger in size, practicing their beliefs as they do now. Now let's say we are the ones conquered & occupied. We do not agree with their beliefs and want to defend ourselves. It's a very basic principle.
As when a germ invades the body, we want to be the antidote and rid it of the disease. Should basic medicine not get rid of the germ, you go to the doctor, take stronger medications, etc. In warfare, therefore, you'd use stronger tactics to send the message you don't wish to be occupied, and you are not in need of their interference.
Would we not battle fiercely to rid ourselves of the occupier?
Supposedly, in the name of the common good, we are currently in the Middle East to help. What has resulted, as we all know, is not the plan that was set forth. The people did not welcome us with "open arms", and they attack our troops daily. The war has no end in sight.
Wouldn't we have done the same had the shoe been on the other foot?
One of the popular anthems of the 1960s was the song, Both Sides Now. I wonder if the president ever listened to the song, or got the message the title implies.
January 21, 2007
Opening all too soon
With our first real blast of winter weather upon us and not leaving us all too soon, my mind turned to one thing today: an unseasonable opening in the works.
Some of my favorite memories are the evenings spent at the local ice-cream stand, Bob-Jos in Wyandotte (come to think of it, if I know their history, I ought to create a new Wikipedia article on it). It was always a treat to go there to beat the summer heat, especially when a cold ice cream cone was a reward for a good deed or a well-behaved day. Lord knows I didn't have too many well-behaved days as a youngster, so those trips were hard-earned. My father will be happy to know Bob-Jos is still there, and still gets good business.
I don't live near there anymore, but we do have the old-fashioned Dairy Queen walk-up stand three blocks from the house. Their milkshakes are fantastic.
When they will open this year is the question. It puzzles me sometimes that ice-cream stands don't open for the season in-season. Three years ago, I saw the Southgate Dairy Queen announcing plans to close for the season on September 23. Closing the business that early when temperatures still hovered around 80 degrees? It made no sense.
Neither does opening a stand in the middle of February, when it's bitter cold and the snow continues to fly. The stand near my house opened February 25 last year, and those shivering employees probably wondered where everyone was. Most likely, wisely staying at home. Why pay for a "frostee", after all, when you still see "frostee" weather outside for free?
This, of course, discounts actual walk-in stores, where you can enjoy your treat in warmth no matter what time of the year. And granted, Michigan has one of the craziest, most inconsistent climates you'll find. But one thing is certain about this state: September weather is generally (generally?) warmer than February weather.
Whose clock is off on this one?
Some of my favorite memories are the evenings spent at the local ice-cream stand, Bob-Jos in Wyandotte (come to think of it, if I know their history, I ought to create a new Wikipedia article on it). It was always a treat to go there to beat the summer heat, especially when a cold ice cream cone was a reward for a good deed or a well-behaved day. Lord knows I didn't have too many well-behaved days as a youngster, so those trips were hard-earned. My father will be happy to know Bob-Jos is still there, and still gets good business.
I don't live near there anymore, but we do have the old-fashioned Dairy Queen walk-up stand three blocks from the house. Their milkshakes are fantastic.
When they will open this year is the question. It puzzles me sometimes that ice-cream stands don't open for the season in-season. Three years ago, I saw the Southgate Dairy Queen announcing plans to close for the season on September 23. Closing the business that early when temperatures still hovered around 80 degrees? It made no sense.
Neither does opening a stand in the middle of February, when it's bitter cold and the snow continues to fly. The stand near my house opened February 25 last year, and those shivering employees probably wondered where everyone was. Most likely, wisely staying at home. Why pay for a "frostee", after all, when you still see "frostee" weather outside for free?
This, of course, discounts actual walk-in stores, where you can enjoy your treat in warmth no matter what time of the year. And granted, Michigan has one of the craziest, most inconsistent climates you'll find. But one thing is certain about this state: September weather is generally (generally?) warmer than February weather.
Whose clock is off on this one?
January 20, 2007
Your life, your menu
We listened to dietary advice from our parents, guardians, and close relatives while growing up.
"Don't eat that candy, it'll rot your teeth."
"Don't eat the cookies, it'll spoil your dinner."
"Too much of anything is not good for you."
The relatives, we understood. We didn't know who the nutritionists were, and friends didn't care, as long as the eats were free to them.
Now, "big brother", who we always accuse of watching our every move more so than our parents or relatives did, is sticking its nose into where it may not belong. In Oakland County (Michigan), they are trying to regulate people's diets. Talk about a loss of appetite.
According to this article, county executives are looking to ban trans-fat additives & ingredients from over 4,000 county-wide restaurants, following the lead of "healthy" New York City. The government's aim is to protect other people's health by shielding them from things not good for them.
We can't forget about the recent trend in healthy eating habits. It might be good to jump on the bandwagon if we really want to feel good about ourselves. But how does a county come up with the idea they can police us better than we can?
The worries abound, and they are true - regarding the hold government has on us. They sock 20-25 percent of our paychecks, but how come they run up an $800 million deficit? There goes the public trust, for one. Do the bigwigs in Lansing know my eating habits? They only know my personal information from a database. They don't know ME, the person. Trans-fats have contributed to my life. I may not be perfect, but I'm still ticking, and still try to foster a productive life.
But the most important thing is the way each person regulates their own eating habits. They eat based on the environment they were raised in. Some were raised vegetarian, and more power to them. Some were raised on a totally balanced diet, and good for them, too. Some have not eaten the right kinds of foods, and some (especially recently around here) have been impoverished. Any food would look great to those hungry enough for some.
The individual has control over their own life. Some shoot to live to 100; some don't care how old they wind up being. If what they eat makes them comfortable and it can be stomached, why can't it be eaten now? It's a personal choice, and please note individual preferences & rights are being attacked yet again by the same source that has received this criticism before.
As Thomas Gordon, Health & Human Services director for Oakland County said: "Is trans fat good for you? No. Is smoking good for you? No. But they're not illegal, and people in this country still get to make up their own minds about issues like that."
What a great quote from an unexpected ally in this issue.
There is an age-old solution. The last I heard, we have the power to choose. You are not forced to eat bad foods at a restaurant. The reason there's a menu is for you to scan it through and pick the dish that's right for you, with the ingredients you choose. You don't have to have the cake, doughnut, or chicken. Or, you can choose to do so.
What people eat is their choice; their business. They know the consequences of bad eating, and they'll either believe in them or blow them off. And, speaking of that aforementioned $800 million state deficit, wouldn't "big brother" rather cast its eyes on that and try eliminating that gap, improve the economy, and make life in this dying state more bountiful for those in it?
Smart decisions like that could put more food -- of all types -- on the table for those working so hard to earn it.
"Don't eat that candy, it'll rot your teeth."
"Don't eat the cookies, it'll spoil your dinner."
"Too much of anything is not good for you."
The relatives, we understood. We didn't know who the nutritionists were, and friends didn't care, as long as the eats were free to them.
Now, "big brother", who we always accuse of watching our every move more so than our parents or relatives did, is sticking its nose into where it may not belong. In Oakland County (Michigan), they are trying to regulate people's diets. Talk about a loss of appetite.
According to this article, county executives are looking to ban trans-fat additives & ingredients from over 4,000 county-wide restaurants, following the lead of "healthy" New York City. The government's aim is to protect other people's health by shielding them from things not good for them.
We can't forget about the recent trend in healthy eating habits. It might be good to jump on the bandwagon if we really want to feel good about ourselves. But how does a county come up with the idea they can police us better than we can?
The worries abound, and they are true - regarding the hold government has on us. They sock 20-25 percent of our paychecks, but how come they run up an $800 million deficit? There goes the public trust, for one. Do the bigwigs in Lansing know my eating habits? They only know my personal information from a database. They don't know ME, the person. Trans-fats have contributed to my life. I may not be perfect, but I'm still ticking, and still try to foster a productive life.
But the most important thing is the way each person regulates their own eating habits. They eat based on the environment they were raised in. Some were raised vegetarian, and more power to them. Some were raised on a totally balanced diet, and good for them, too. Some have not eaten the right kinds of foods, and some (especially recently around here) have been impoverished. Any food would look great to those hungry enough for some.
The individual has control over their own life. Some shoot to live to 100; some don't care how old they wind up being. If what they eat makes them comfortable and it can be stomached, why can't it be eaten now? It's a personal choice, and please note individual preferences & rights are being attacked yet again by the same source that has received this criticism before.
As Thomas Gordon, Health & Human Services director for Oakland County said: "Is trans fat good for you? No. Is smoking good for you? No. But they're not illegal, and people in this country still get to make up their own minds about issues like that."
What a great quote from an unexpected ally in this issue.
There is an age-old solution. The last I heard, we have the power to choose. You are not forced to eat bad foods at a restaurant. The reason there's a menu is for you to scan it through and pick the dish that's right for you, with the ingredients you choose. You don't have to have the cake, doughnut, or chicken. Or, you can choose to do so.
What people eat is their choice; their business. They know the consequences of bad eating, and they'll either believe in them or blow them off. And, speaking of that aforementioned $800 million state deficit, wouldn't "big brother" rather cast its eyes on that and try eliminating that gap, improve the economy, and make life in this dying state more bountiful for those in it?
Smart decisions like that could put more food -- of all types -- on the table for those working so hard to earn it.
January 19, 2007
Making careful strides
Some scant progress was made on a few important fronts this afternoon. But it's still progress to me, and kept me awake for a little while:
* Look to your right - you will find a new logo which I will activate soon, taking you to a perfect marriage for me: writing for Major League Baseball. I received a very surprising email from MLBBloggers.com today, and I'm in the process of signing up. This is also a very encouraging sign that someone has referenced this blog for something!
I'm glad they think of me as one that can talk about baseball - I actually haven't done much of that in this space - because I really can. Look in the next few weeks for the link at the right to work, and my knowledge & fever for the sport shine in yet another area of the web!
* I learned one important thing when I worked for municipalities: Go out for bid when you are looking for something, someone, or a service that will really dent your budget.
My car seems to have more lives than a cat. Forlornly as it has sat for two weeks, it could still be resurrected. Today I compiled nineteen auto repair places within a two-mile radius of me. After getting over the sheer shock of their prevailancy, I began calling them one-by-one getting quotes on the two parts I need replaced rather quickly.
Patience was rewarded as I have likely chose my repair personnel. Prices ranged from $225 (low end) to over $500 (high end). In bidding, I learned you always go for the lowest bid to keep it competitive. My early years were spent always choosing the first place I found in the Yellow Pages, or going somewhere referred to me. Sometimes, I have to come up with my own answers - and hopefully this will be a shining moment in that effort to think for myself.
* Only twice before have I come close to responding to a work-at-home ad. Both those times were in 1999, when I really had no clue or trust in these places. The internet is now filled with sites where you can work from home and get paid. I specialize in grammar & punctuation (I scored on the 99th percentile on my high school ACT test in that area), and there is a call for proofreaders on this site. I have emailed my interest and, in the next couple days, will be taking a grammar test, to see how good a proofer I can be.
English and writing were not my college majors, so I won't be using education here: I'll be using natural knowledge. And that could be almost as rewarding as putting my long-dormant degree to ultimate use. Wish me luck - everything's worth a chance once... as long as you tread cautiously.
* Look to your right - you will find a new logo which I will activate soon, taking you to a perfect marriage for me: writing for Major League Baseball. I received a very surprising email from MLBBloggers.com today, and I'm in the process of signing up. This is also a very encouraging sign that someone has referenced this blog for something!
I'm glad they think of me as one that can talk about baseball - I actually haven't done much of that in this space - because I really can. Look in the next few weeks for the link at the right to work, and my knowledge & fever for the sport shine in yet another area of the web!
* I learned one important thing when I worked for municipalities: Go out for bid when you are looking for something, someone, or a service that will really dent your budget.
My car seems to have more lives than a cat. Forlornly as it has sat for two weeks, it could still be resurrected. Today I compiled nineteen auto repair places within a two-mile radius of me. After getting over the sheer shock of their prevailancy, I began calling them one-by-one getting quotes on the two parts I need replaced rather quickly.
Patience was rewarded as I have likely chose my repair personnel. Prices ranged from $225 (low end) to over $500 (high end). In bidding, I learned you always go for the lowest bid to keep it competitive. My early years were spent always choosing the first place I found in the Yellow Pages, or going somewhere referred to me. Sometimes, I have to come up with my own answers - and hopefully this will be a shining moment in that effort to think for myself.
* Only twice before have I come close to responding to a work-at-home ad. Both those times were in 1999, when I really had no clue or trust in these places. The internet is now filled with sites where you can work from home and get paid. I specialize in grammar & punctuation (I scored on the 99th percentile on my high school ACT test in that area), and there is a call for proofreaders on this site. I have emailed my interest and, in the next couple days, will be taking a grammar test, to see how good a proofer I can be.
English and writing were not my college majors, so I won't be using education here: I'll be using natural knowledge. And that could be almost as rewarding as putting my long-dormant degree to ultimate use. Wish me luck - everything's worth a chance once... as long as you tread cautiously.
January 18, 2007
Where the sidewalk ends
I am not quoting the Shel Silverstein masterpiece above. Rather, I am quoting an obvious truth about life in Garden City without a car.
People may think of me as a coward, but I have never enjoyed being the "daring" type by walking down an actual street or a curbfront; I have always preferred to use the sidewalks wherever I have been.
Here's another fact: Garden City was incorporated in 1933, seventy-four years ago. And yet my neighborhood, dating at least to the early 1950s, still has areas where sidewalks end where they're not supposed to.
I've lived in five different cities, all less than rural. You would expect inner suburbia to have sidewalks galore in developed areas. This is a mature neighborhood I live in, and yet there are stretches of two or three houses where no sidewalks exist. Then poof, there they are again. A pedestrian has no choice but to use that street or curbfront, lest they walk through someone's property.
It is inconvenient, and potentially hazardous, depending on how active the street is. The one I live on is fairly busy as an east-west route, with the municipal complex & police station at one end. Yet, two blocks from me, four houses on my side do not have a sidewalk.
What are these properties holding out for? Sidewalk placement will not single-handedly lower their property values. Or am I wrong? Cities are very powerful and have great say over how properties look. Owners just reside in the house, according to most cities' thinking. Can't they have a say in having sidewalks from end to end, to provide convenience for those who either choose to or (in my case) are forced to walk?
In a city that's seventy-four years old, in a neighborhood that isn't much younger - and so close to the municipal hub - stranger facts are rarely more evident than this one. Sidewalks are a way of life, and should not end inside of where the neighborhood limits are.
People may think of me as a coward, but I have never enjoyed being the "daring" type by walking down an actual street or a curbfront; I have always preferred to use the sidewalks wherever I have been.
Here's another fact: Garden City was incorporated in 1933, seventy-four years ago. And yet my neighborhood, dating at least to the early 1950s, still has areas where sidewalks end where they're not supposed to.
I've lived in five different cities, all less than rural. You would expect inner suburbia to have sidewalks galore in developed areas. This is a mature neighborhood I live in, and yet there are stretches of two or three houses where no sidewalks exist. Then poof, there they are again. A pedestrian has no choice but to use that street or curbfront, lest they walk through someone's property.
It is inconvenient, and potentially hazardous, depending on how active the street is. The one I live on is fairly busy as an east-west route, with the municipal complex & police station at one end. Yet, two blocks from me, four houses on my side do not have a sidewalk.
What are these properties holding out for? Sidewalk placement will not single-handedly lower their property values. Or am I wrong? Cities are very powerful and have great say over how properties look. Owners just reside in the house, according to most cities' thinking. Can't they have a say in having sidewalks from end to end, to provide convenience for those who either choose to or (in my case) are forced to walk?
In a city that's seventy-four years old, in a neighborhood that isn't much younger - and so close to the municipal hub - stranger facts are rarely more evident than this one. Sidewalks are a way of life, and should not end inside of where the neighborhood limits are.
January 17, 2007
Humorous site
As I go about updating information on the Peanuts Mini-Wiki encyclopedia online, I ended up coming across this site which deals with the Peanuts characters in, let's just say, more realisitic situations.
Incidentally, I do plan on adding more information to that online encyclopedia later today. It's ended up as a labor of love. I am grateful for having this opportunity, and am pleasantly surprised that all my ideas & additions have shown up so far without a hint of complaint.
Enjoy the sites.
Incidentally, I do plan on adding more information to that online encyclopedia later today. It's ended up as a labor of love. I am grateful for having this opportunity, and am pleasantly surprised that all my ideas & additions have shown up so far without a hint of complaint.
Enjoy the sites.
Blowing through smokescreens
It's a shame that our young veterans in the Marines and Army don't have an adequate voice to use to express their true thoughts about the Iraq ordeal, with an unbiased government administration and impartial media available to hear them out, honestly & completely.
I've been searching through the Detroit Free Press online site for nearly an hour, trying to find the article that best exemplifies their frustration. Ultimately, it cannot be found there, nor on any other search engine I've accessed. That is an additional shame, because this did give their voice through in an article where it becomes obvious that things aren't "peaches & beans" overseas.
A group of troops stationed there are war-weary of this effort that seems to yield no concrete results and no visible solutions at close range. They look for a medium to express their opinion that the recent troop surge of 21,500 ordered by the President is fruitless, will only make the situation worse, and not only demoralizes the attitudes & outlooks of those already stationed, but would result in more deaths, chaos, bad feelings, as well as reinforcement that they cannot succeed in a war many believe can never be won. In other words, they see what Joe Q. Public has figured out: the strategy is worsening, trying to cover up mistakes from before - and all gaining a sense of urgency without careful planning, or acknowledgment of other sources providing alternative information.
The article pointed out their inability to have their voices taken seriously. One reason is obvious: you simply can't deny orders from the commander. You can't put the squad in mutiny. They are not looking to make a mutant statement; they do want to fight for their country. Their question is whether the war can be won, and if there is an underlying purpose to the proceedings. They worry about their comrades dying needlessly, and wonder why the administration won't listen to them ("all the politicians do is squabble", it was stated).
We have freedom of speech and of the press. Does this not apply to our people in military fatigues? Who better to tell the administration that things just aren't working - the ones doing the actual fighting?
Risking their lives in a futile environment everyday, and the resulting, realistic opinions & concerns, should be noted with more than just a wink and casual observance.
I've been searching through the Detroit Free Press online site for nearly an hour, trying to find the article that best exemplifies their frustration. Ultimately, it cannot be found there, nor on any other search engine I've accessed. That is an additional shame, because this did give their voice through in an article where it becomes obvious that things aren't "peaches & beans" overseas.
A group of troops stationed there are war-weary of this effort that seems to yield no concrete results and no visible solutions at close range. They look for a medium to express their opinion that the recent troop surge of 21,500 ordered by the President is fruitless, will only make the situation worse, and not only demoralizes the attitudes & outlooks of those already stationed, but would result in more deaths, chaos, bad feelings, as well as reinforcement that they cannot succeed in a war many believe can never be won. In other words, they see what Joe Q. Public has figured out: the strategy is worsening, trying to cover up mistakes from before - and all gaining a sense of urgency without careful planning, or acknowledgment of other sources providing alternative information.
The article pointed out their inability to have their voices taken seriously. One reason is obvious: you simply can't deny orders from the commander. You can't put the squad in mutiny. They are not looking to make a mutant statement; they do want to fight for their country. Their question is whether the war can be won, and if there is an underlying purpose to the proceedings. They worry about their comrades dying needlessly, and wonder why the administration won't listen to them ("all the politicians do is squabble", it was stated).
We have freedom of speech and of the press. Does this not apply to our people in military fatigues? Who better to tell the administration that things just aren't working - the ones doing the actual fighting?
Risking their lives in a futile environment everyday, and the resulting, realistic opinions & concerns, should be noted with more than just a wink and casual observance.
January 16, 2007
Affording college
Sheila starts college classes again today after a small layoff, and I told her I couldn't be more proud of her that she's going to accomplish her life-long goal of being a child psychologist.
How she goes about it is no business of mine, but I know finances have to be weighed. Most likely, she's going through student loans, and she has asked me on occasion why I don't pursue a Bachelor's degree while using a student loan to pay for it.
How would I be able to afford it down the line?
I ended up earning 80 credit hours while in college from 1990-96. Unfortunately, the only thing that came out of my pocket was book money more often than not, and maybe one semester's worth of tuition. My family paid the rest, and they can't do that now.
I will never advance further than I am now in my current job. Airplane mechanics get paid a great deal, but I can't even find a radiator cap to my car, as I've detailed before. My current knowledge in video production is dated at best, since the computer revolution has matured itself since my 1996 graduation.
You can't go anywhere without some sort of college education these days. What about those of us who can't afford that, or whose families haven't set forth on saving for college upon someone's birth? Why is the working man on the lowest end of the totem pole the one who can't see answers in front of them, because the most logical & obvious of the alternatives is the most unreachable?
I need about twenty credit hours to obtain a bachelor's degree, I believe - about two full semester's worth. And it would get me exactly where I want to go. But what happens when the bill comes in, and it turns out I don't have that promising job yet to pay it off? I've heard it's a problem with many college students, but one I want to avoid, and one I wish all those others did not have to face.
Why is that so, and how come the people who want to advance a little in this world can't without the worries going through their sub-conscious?
Well, when Sheila gets her degree, that's when I'll find out the answers!
How she goes about it is no business of mine, but I know finances have to be weighed. Most likely, she's going through student loans, and she has asked me on occasion why I don't pursue a Bachelor's degree while using a student loan to pay for it.
How would I be able to afford it down the line?
I ended up earning 80 credit hours while in college from 1990-96. Unfortunately, the only thing that came out of my pocket was book money more often than not, and maybe one semester's worth of tuition. My family paid the rest, and they can't do that now.
I will never advance further than I am now in my current job. Airplane mechanics get paid a great deal, but I can't even find a radiator cap to my car, as I've detailed before. My current knowledge in video production is dated at best, since the computer revolution has matured itself since my 1996 graduation.
You can't go anywhere without some sort of college education these days. What about those of us who can't afford that, or whose families haven't set forth on saving for college upon someone's birth? Why is the working man on the lowest end of the totem pole the one who can't see answers in front of them, because the most logical & obvious of the alternatives is the most unreachable?
I need about twenty credit hours to obtain a bachelor's degree, I believe - about two full semester's worth. And it would get me exactly where I want to go. But what happens when the bill comes in, and it turns out I don't have that promising job yet to pay it off? I've heard it's a problem with many college students, but one I want to avoid, and one I wish all those others did not have to face.
Why is that so, and how come the people who want to advance a little in this world can't without the worries going through their sub-conscious?
Well, when Sheila gets her degree, that's when I'll find out the answers!
January 15, 2007
Only a name?
Today was rather surprising. I expected the bus home to run on a holiday schedule due to today being Martin Luther King Day. But I had an inkling at work that I better show up at the bus stop expecting a normal Monday-Saturday schedule.
I embarassed myself by excusing myself off work a little earlier (and more haphazardly) than I would have wished - and sure enough, the bus was running on a normal, non-holiday schedule. To make things more surprising, city hall was open for business as usual when I walked home, and the DPW trucks were going about their business, as if it was a regular Monday.
Is it because the day is not certified as an actual "Hallmark Holiday" that city business was operating and the busses were running normally? For three days, King's efforts and legacy have been documented front-page news. Rosa Parks initiated the modern civil rights movement as far as I'm concerned, but King advanced it to the max, and looked brilliant doing it. If the papers theme it to be a monumental holiday, then why isn't it treated as such? Out of respect for everything King did, and for how well his efforts are respected & received, why can't cities honor him by declaring it a federal holiday?
Although I am Caucasian, this bothers me to a big extent. He made gigantic strides and gave black people a voice to demand equality for all. Someone like that, a real mover & shaker, ought to get a little more respect from the business world.
--------------------------------
YouTube is coming across with some more brilliant clips of old PBA bowling from the early 80s. I watched four more of them today, and I must say there are reasons why networks and stations shouldn't erase all their videotapes (or re-use them) without saving the information elsewhere.
I'm not a relic (like a certain roommate is), but I do appreciate seeing these things from my youth, a reminder of happier times with less stress.
Someday, I wish I could meet these YouTube posters (the above-mentioned poster is the most valuable), and thank them for having the forthsight to save these clips, knowing they would become valuable brain-pleasers in the long run.
I embarassed myself by excusing myself off work a little earlier (and more haphazardly) than I would have wished - and sure enough, the bus was running on a normal, non-holiday schedule. To make things more surprising, city hall was open for business as usual when I walked home, and the DPW trucks were going about their business, as if it was a regular Monday.
Is it because the day is not certified as an actual "Hallmark Holiday" that city business was operating and the busses were running normally? For three days, King's efforts and legacy have been documented front-page news. Rosa Parks initiated the modern civil rights movement as far as I'm concerned, but King advanced it to the max, and looked brilliant doing it. If the papers theme it to be a monumental holiday, then why isn't it treated as such? Out of respect for everything King did, and for how well his efforts are respected & received, why can't cities honor him by declaring it a federal holiday?
Although I am Caucasian, this bothers me to a big extent. He made gigantic strides and gave black people a voice to demand equality for all. Someone like that, a real mover & shaker, ought to get a little more respect from the business world.
--------------------------------
YouTube is coming across with some more brilliant clips of old PBA bowling from the early 80s. I watched four more of them today, and I must say there are reasons why networks and stations shouldn't erase all their videotapes (or re-use them) without saving the information elsewhere.
I'm not a relic (like a certain roommate is), but I do appreciate seeing these things from my youth, a reminder of happier times with less stress.
Someday, I wish I could meet these YouTube posters (the above-mentioned poster is the most valuable), and thank them for having the forthsight to save these clips, knowing they would become valuable brain-pleasers in the long run.
January 14, 2007
Second thoughts on my supplier
I try not to make a habit of erasing prior posts, but after scanning through yesterday's, I may have to make an exception -- after what Mike told me today.
Mike owns a 1995 (thereabout) Chrysler New Yorker that he purchased off the same person who sold me my bomb (and who has ideas about another car for me). I just got home from work today fresh with the news that his car now needs $2,500 in repairs to be deemed safely driveable again. Among other things, his heater core is giving him fits, the rack & pinnion is gone, and the front struts are shot. It cannot be driven on the freeway whatsoever.
He overpaid for that car; being charged $800 in interest - unfairly, I may add. And now, as is with my situation, he's faced with repairs that would equal or eclipse the amount the car is worth. Unlike mine, his is still driveable, but now he's in my boat: the car cannot do what he would ultimately like it to.
Is the supplier selling us a boatload of lemons, intentionally or otherwise? He is very good-natured and wants to see us mobile, but I do have to question where he finds his cars, and how he blindly goes about saying they're good, when there's now two cases building against those claims. I can't say for certain if Mike's feeling hosed, but it would not surprise me if his frustration is peaking along with mine.
But like I mentioned with the college issue up above, those that work hard & get rewarded little can't have things the way we could when we were kids and our parents were alive, well, and working. It is not in our interests to settle for bottom-of-the-barrel products, but sometimes that is all we have. Anyone that questions our recent judgements have to understand what living without a raise from work since 2003 can do while the cost of living continues to skyrocket, with no end in sight.
I fear losing my job due to the transportation issue. I try not to invoke panic, but when it's your moneymaker you have to go to, you need wheels. I only wish I could criticize (or try to analyze) the supplier without hard feelings. There's been too many kicks in the butt to go around lately. Eventually, they'll run out of places to kick.
Mike owns a 1995 (thereabout) Chrysler New Yorker that he purchased off the same person who sold me my bomb (and who has ideas about another car for me). I just got home from work today fresh with the news that his car now needs $2,500 in repairs to be deemed safely driveable again. Among other things, his heater core is giving him fits, the rack & pinnion is gone, and the front struts are shot. It cannot be driven on the freeway whatsoever.
He overpaid for that car; being charged $800 in interest - unfairly, I may add. And now, as is with my situation, he's faced with repairs that would equal or eclipse the amount the car is worth. Unlike mine, his is still driveable, but now he's in my boat: the car cannot do what he would ultimately like it to.
Is the supplier selling us a boatload of lemons, intentionally or otherwise? He is very good-natured and wants to see us mobile, but I do have to question where he finds his cars, and how he blindly goes about saying they're good, when there's now two cases building against those claims. I can't say for certain if Mike's feeling hosed, but it would not surprise me if his frustration is peaking along with mine.
But like I mentioned with the college issue up above, those that work hard & get rewarded little can't have things the way we could when we were kids and our parents were alive, well, and working. It is not in our interests to settle for bottom-of-the-barrel products, but sometimes that is all we have. Anyone that questions our recent judgements have to understand what living without a raise from work since 2003 can do while the cost of living continues to skyrocket, with no end in sight.
I fear losing my job due to the transportation issue. I try not to invoke panic, but when it's your moneymaker you have to go to, you need wheels. I only wish I could criticize (or try to analyze) the supplier without hard feelings. There's been too many kicks in the butt to go around lately. Eventually, they'll run out of places to kick.
January 13, 2007
Car update (get used to it)
Fear not! Though the pile of trash I used to call a car still sits in my driveway eight days after breaking down, it will not be resurrected like Kenny from South Park used to be.
Friends of mine are looking at a 1996 model with 116,000 miles, whose only problem seems to be the muffler. They are planning on taking me to the shop to test drive it tomorrow afternoon. If I like it, the mechanic and I discussed the entire purchase scenario. In effect, it is a nice deal because he knows me so well, and knows I'm honest and up-front with any vehicle payments I make.
But as is always the case with purchases totalling $80 or more at a time, I approach it with extreme caution. I am losing money rapidly by constant cab rides to work at 3 AM each morning. The bus wouldn't be so bad if it were running that early, but the closest it comes to the house at that time is two miles south. So, in essence, I could afford the bi-weekly payments on the proposed car, since I'd fork that out every two weeks in cab fare.
However, I have been burned countless times before on cars. This Grand Am was a lemon, and earned a laugh from my neighbor Dawn, who said "I told you so!" Two cars before was a LeBaron, and it quit on I-94 in the middle of nowhere. And ironically, the car I wanted to get at that time (which was sold an hour before, therefore requiring the LeBaron for me) lost its transmission two miles into its new ownership.
So the bad luck I've been saddled with comes back to remind me to make the wise decision, but take a few days or so, even at the expense of those cab rides. It can be tough to trust what's built these days, especially when pre-owned. You hear about auto recalls constantly (heck, Sheila's Jeep Liberty was recalled twice in a 3-week span), and that's for new cars. Repair histories aren't always accurate, either; I have found some to be doctored.
The need is there, and the need for self-transport is urgent. But what's a few more cab rides when getting to work on time & improving your attendance record is the main concern? The job pays the bills, including the proposed car payment(s).
I can't let a sudden decision derail the orderly flow for me.
Friends of mine are looking at a 1996 model with 116,000 miles, whose only problem seems to be the muffler. They are planning on taking me to the shop to test drive it tomorrow afternoon. If I like it, the mechanic and I discussed the entire purchase scenario. In effect, it is a nice deal because he knows me so well, and knows I'm honest and up-front with any vehicle payments I make.
But as is always the case with purchases totalling $80 or more at a time, I approach it with extreme caution. I am losing money rapidly by constant cab rides to work at 3 AM each morning. The bus wouldn't be so bad if it were running that early, but the closest it comes to the house at that time is two miles south. So, in essence, I could afford the bi-weekly payments on the proposed car, since I'd fork that out every two weeks in cab fare.
However, I have been burned countless times before on cars. This Grand Am was a lemon, and earned a laugh from my neighbor Dawn, who said "I told you so!" Two cars before was a LeBaron, and it quit on I-94 in the middle of nowhere. And ironically, the car I wanted to get at that time (which was sold an hour before, therefore requiring the LeBaron for me) lost its transmission two miles into its new ownership.
So the bad luck I've been saddled with comes back to remind me to make the wise decision, but take a few days or so, even at the expense of those cab rides. It can be tough to trust what's built these days, especially when pre-owned. You hear about auto recalls constantly (heck, Sheila's Jeep Liberty was recalled twice in a 3-week span), and that's for new cars. Repair histories aren't always accurate, either; I have found some to be doctored.
The need is there, and the need for self-transport is urgent. But what's a few more cab rides when getting to work on time & improving your attendance record is the main concern? The job pays the bills, including the proposed car payment(s).
I can't let a sudden decision derail the orderly flow for me.
January 12, 2007
Another TV long gone
Just like clockwork: for the fifth (or so) time, a television Steve rented from the local rental agency is going back this weekend because of lack of funds. Thank goodness we don't anchor such items to the floor, or there'd be no floor left thanks to the holes left behind.
But don't worry! I'm sure that come springtime, in this very space (book it), we will hear of another television being ordered to replace that small TV that replaces every rented TV he's had. And you could see it coming as early as today, the same day he announced this TV is going back: he wants cable television back. Reasoning: the shows on over-the-air television "stink". Hey, don't they all?
But don't worry! I'm sure that come springtime, in this very space (book it), we will hear of another television being ordered to replace that small TV that replaces every rented TV he's had. And you could see it coming as early as today, the same day he announced this TV is going back: he wants cable television back. Reasoning: the shows on over-the-air television "stink". Hey, don't they all?
(Top: Cousin Mike using the first TV in the room; spring '03)
(Bottom: Myself in front of the most elaborate TV setup we had; summer '04)
Though my photo references are not complete as far as capturing televisions we've had, here are two. And you can guess that the others in-between were of various sizes and shapes. I've heard of varying room layouts every once in awhile to avoid visual boredom, but this has become a comedy of sorts. Blink, and you never know what might be standing against that wall next.
January 11, 2007
We're here (this week)
As a positive update, we are now staying put in Garden City (and for reference, I've finally enclosed a photo of the humble abode). This week's decision (heh, heh) has us here for the forseeable future, which really eases things up. No security deposits for me to worry about, no moving vans, no arranging utilities...... It really is a nice feeling - especially when considering that for all the work I put in at work (remember that New Year's double shift?), I didn't get more than $150 more than I usually do. Now I know the extra work's not worth my body or my sanity.
It pays to ride along
Reflecting on my still-carless situation, nearly ten days after that darn thing of mine breathed its last:
* How I will get all my financial duties solved tomorrow without donating $50 more of my money to cab companies remains to be seen. I don't want to keep bugging Sheila for rides everywhere, especially since she lives so far out of the area. Neighbors and my aunt, the same way. Can you believe that on a full paycheck, $200 has to go just for rides into work? That is an outrageous admission price if I've ever heard one, and it's to WORK, for pete's sakes! This is why I had to take Tuesday off... I wouldn't have been able to afford to go in tomorrow (payday) if I did.
The need for a different car is now more obvious than ever. I had hoped to have a loan paid off for good by tomorrow, but that will likely never happen. That is okay, so long as the amount borrowed doesn't exceed what it is today.
* SMART, the local bus service, has taken a hit from citizens over the past ten years or so because of their apparent lack of service. But in the times I have taken it, off and on the past three years, I've never had a complaint about it. True, some busses have been late, some have had to spend ten minutes in transfer mode, and one even broke an axle on the road (although that can be attributed to the road). Hey, I don't ride the bus for the friendliness of the drivers. I use it to get to where I want to go, and it's not failed me to this point. At least it doesn't rob me blind like the cab company does.
Not being able to drive does have its perks. One of the hidden advantages is being able to look freely about you as you're transported. I have been in Garden City since 2003, and I still don't know where businesses are, even a mile from me. I took one of my old cars four miles to have the transmission looked at. There's a shop just four blocks from me, and I just found that out while looking out the bus window Tuesday!
I lived in Southgate for 28 years. Duh, you would think after that long over there, I would know the city inside and out. But obviously, I thought I had a photographic memory of where things were, and indeed I do. Yet obviously, it only helps the cause when you're able to look around and see what's there, versus always looking at the cars in front of you, trying to avoid accidents.
If I ever know half of Garden City in ten years as well as I know Southgate (six years after moving from there), I will either consider myself lucky, or used to not having wheels of my own.
* How I will get all my financial duties solved tomorrow without donating $50 more of my money to cab companies remains to be seen. I don't want to keep bugging Sheila for rides everywhere, especially since she lives so far out of the area. Neighbors and my aunt, the same way. Can you believe that on a full paycheck, $200 has to go just for rides into work? That is an outrageous admission price if I've ever heard one, and it's to WORK, for pete's sakes! This is why I had to take Tuesday off... I wouldn't have been able to afford to go in tomorrow (payday) if I did.
The need for a different car is now more obvious than ever. I had hoped to have a loan paid off for good by tomorrow, but that will likely never happen. That is okay, so long as the amount borrowed doesn't exceed what it is today.
* SMART, the local bus service, has taken a hit from citizens over the past ten years or so because of their apparent lack of service. But in the times I have taken it, off and on the past three years, I've never had a complaint about it. True, some busses have been late, some have had to spend ten minutes in transfer mode, and one even broke an axle on the road (although that can be attributed to the road). Hey, I don't ride the bus for the friendliness of the drivers. I use it to get to where I want to go, and it's not failed me to this point. At least it doesn't rob me blind like the cab company does.
Not being able to drive does have its perks. One of the hidden advantages is being able to look freely about you as you're transported. I have been in Garden City since 2003, and I still don't know where businesses are, even a mile from me. I took one of my old cars four miles to have the transmission looked at. There's a shop just four blocks from me, and I just found that out while looking out the bus window Tuesday!
I lived in Southgate for 28 years. Duh, you would think after that long over there, I would know the city inside and out. But obviously, I thought I had a photographic memory of where things were, and indeed I do. Yet obviously, it only helps the cause when you're able to look around and see what's there, versus always looking at the cars in front of you, trying to avoid accidents.
If I ever know half of Garden City in ten years as well as I know Southgate (six years after moving from there), I will either consider myself lucky, or used to not having wheels of my own.
January 8, 2007
Once state-of-the-art
Late last year, I mentioned I had photos of my airport terminal building (the Smith Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport) dating back from the 1960s. I found them again and am sharing them with you now. This is the same building that single-handedly gave Metro its long-standing impression as about the worst airport to do business in. Tales have been told about the building acquiring "campy" status, and its dinginess is obvious to travelers. No one seems to recall a time where that terminal was state-of-the-art. But for a time in the 1960s, it was THE place to be in the area.Just look at how vibrant this photo appears to be. The arrangement in this main concourse is very passenger-friendly, even with a classic car displayed to the right of the main entry doors. This photo was in fact taken from an observation platform on the floor above. And this was the point: the entire second floor at the time was all customer observation area. You can bet the airport wasn't paranoid about security at this time.
This is the approximate area of our ticket counter these days. The observation area I just mentioned is underneath the funky-tiled ceiling up above, now taken up by countless offices.
Here's a conversation starter, in fact: Where are the lights? There seem to be no lights in the ceiling here. Well, I guess even in its peak days, the building was rather quirky. But that was nothing compared to now.
I bring this nostalgic look up as I just got home from work today in that building - with no heat. After 48 years, I guess, the boiler decided to retire.
January 7, 2007
Don't bury the lawn mowers
As they say in on-line lingo: "OMG!" Our area may actually get some SNOW tomorrow afternoon!
To get snow around here the past two winters, you really have to go north these days. And not even old reliable, the U.P. of Michigan, has had more than a foot of snow this year. In the Detroit area, we've had about 2.7 inches of snow for the season to this point; normal by this time is nearly seventeen (17) inches.
Weather specialists say that the old current "El-Nino" is in full strength for this season, and that this year should have a mild winter. But for those Detroit residents, didn't the snow fizzle out last season (2005-06) after we had a nice dumping on Christmas? In fact, I only remember seeing constructive snowflakes flying around three times afterward, and twice they were only a squall shower.
The difference maker: Last winter was dry. This one has been moist, but on the rainy side. Combined with the wind, this has to be the windiest start to a winter I've seen in some time. But there's been no windchills to note since our temperatures are way above normal (the seventh warmest December on record in the area just passed us by).
I even scanned the Official Niagara Falls Webcam Site, and it doesn't even show snow in the area. Normally, the phenomenon known as the "Ice Bridge" forms in the lower river by now, but the river is all flowing water. There's even some people still standing by the water's edge. This is January, mind you... NOT October!
Myself, I'll take the warmer temperatures with a little less rain & wind, and call it a little less dreary than what I'm used to this time of year. It also helps when I have bragging rights: between my location, my father's (Tucson AZ), and my stepbrothers (San Bruno CA and Seattle), I had the warmest low temperature one day last week. Yep; go north to get the warmth!
To get snow around here the past two winters, you really have to go north these days. And not even old reliable, the U.P. of Michigan, has had more than a foot of snow this year. In the Detroit area, we've had about 2.7 inches of snow for the season to this point; normal by this time is nearly seventeen (17) inches.
Weather specialists say that the old current "El-Nino" is in full strength for this season, and that this year should have a mild winter. But for those Detroit residents, didn't the snow fizzle out last season (2005-06) after we had a nice dumping on Christmas? In fact, I only remember seeing constructive snowflakes flying around three times afterward, and twice they were only a squall shower.
The difference maker: Last winter was dry. This one has been moist, but on the rainy side. Combined with the wind, this has to be the windiest start to a winter I've seen in some time. But there's been no windchills to note since our temperatures are way above normal (the seventh warmest December on record in the area just passed us by).
I even scanned the Official Niagara Falls Webcam Site, and it doesn't even show snow in the area. Normally, the phenomenon known as the "Ice Bridge" forms in the lower river by now, but the river is all flowing water. There's even some people still standing by the water's edge. This is January, mind you... NOT October!
Myself, I'll take the warmer temperatures with a little less rain & wind, and call it a little less dreary than what I'm used to this time of year. It also helps when I have bragging rights: between my location, my father's (Tucson AZ), and my stepbrothers (San Bruno CA and Seattle), I had the warmest low temperature one day last week. Yep; go north to get the warmth!
January 5, 2007
Prolonged death, rolling eyes
That stupid Pontiac Grand Am that's being constantly referenced.Both my arms were attached to me in August 2006 when this was shot;
now they've both been donated for repair & upkeep!
I am at my wits end with this stupid car - as well as virtually everything else in my life, save for the presence of my dear Sheila.
Again, this latest breakdown comes at the expense of going to a family event - this time my Aunt Sandy's layout at the funeral home in Wyandotte. I got my oil changed en route from work and found out I was a gallon-and-a-half short of anti-freeze. I let the car sit for an hour, got dressed, and headed out for the 15-mile journey. It stopped short by about twelve miles.
What happened? Some hose is acting up again, and all I get through the ventilation system is steam and an ugly anti-freeze odor that fogs up the windows too much to see clearly. The oil change experts say that the mechanic is needed for this one, or I might burn out the engine.
The car can burn for all I care now. This would be the fifth time in the last eight Fridays that the car is in the shop for something, and all that runs through my mind is: "When is enough, enough?"
I must have committed a darn freaky mortal sin for this bad luck to lay itself on me on such a consistent basis; not only for the car, but for everything else in life. I begin to wonder if someone is trying to send me a message that my lower-class *** (hint: the word rhymes) is having it too good. All work and no play (which is what I've had the last three months) is TOO good?
Work is getting worse: we've lost nine people due to injuries or termination since December 1. Again, I'm doing the work of three people when the room is staffed, and I'm abused worse the other half of the time. The budget is turned upside down every paycheck, and I can't keep up with bills. Half my earnings since November have gone to this car. Now I get ready for a whopper of a paycheck, and it's liable to be eaten up again!
Sometimes I wonder whether or not it would be easier for me to just admit defeat, quit the job, and live on the streets. This seems to be the message being sent to me: I must experience what the "low-lifes" (as society calls them) live through. And with what deed did I end up deserving this fate? None that I can think of.
I am not a quitter by nature these days. I don't roll through jobs like I once did. I work as hard as I can despite my physical limitations. I've dealt with transport problems before and suffered tremendous embarassment & anguish. I try to be nice and help people who need help. I sacrifice myself for the benefit of others much more often than not. I can't remember the last time I really enjoyed myself, if you take away the times Sheila has been here. I try to make good on as many bills as possible and have literally killed myself figuring out alternative budgets to make that happen, paycheck to paycheck.
And paycheck to paycheck is what I'm living by. Five years into that job, and I'm nowhere better off now than I was in 2001. This is not progress, this is relentless torture which has no end, and shows no advantage. Reminds me of the Iraq war we may never get out of.
The Good Book says we are never given more pressure to handle than the Man knows we're capable of. Have they issued a rewrite of that Good Book recently, and a copy wasn't sent my way?
I simply don't know what to do. I wish giving up was not an option at all. But to keep sanity in my frame, nothing can ever be ruled out.
Whatever I may have done, I am sorry. But I just want to live my life without bothering anyone, just conducting my business and doing what I can to survive.
Please tell me if I am wrong.
January 4, 2007
Clark is worth the feedback
I'm a little disappointed in the electronic media right now. All year, I had been looking forward to seeing Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, but as has been the case, I was not able to stay up that late. I'm always very interested in knowing how his condition is and how much he has improved in speech, motion & mannerisms since his terrifying stroke of 2005.
Alas, in the Entertainment news sections of both local papers, not one thing was written about how he did. Nothing about that show, or any other New Years' show. How we should approach reacting about that, I don't know.
On one hand, it might be best not to create media sensationalism over it. How often do we get tired of seeing those glorified tabloids by the check-out counters, spewing one false rumor after another? I am also sure that Dick Clark, as respectable as he is, would want to keep his condition quiet, private, and just concentrate on splitting his duties with Ryan Secrest. But positive reaction & praise for his recovery should not be muted.
To those who think he shouldn't be on TV at all, shame on you. The man has had a stroke, but so have others. The stroke was not his fault. It shows pure guts to come back on TV as quickly as he did for the 2006 show, and then it testifies to the man's character that he stays low in the limelight until the 2007 show. This man earns my respect time and again as one of those few celebrities who can avoid the tabloids for the most part, and concentrate solely on doing what he does best, no matter what the stroke may have done to him.
And that, my fellow readers, is where I'm coming from when I strive to find out how he performed, and not finding out. It's never to make a judgement call; it's to know for myself that someone has battled, is succeeding, and will not drop the things they love doing if that's possible.
----------------------------------
Once again, it was funny to read conflicting accounts of how well the retail shopping season would end up for last Christmas. Everyone seemed to play it cautiously into December, then you heard stories about stores possibly filing for bankruptcy.
But then whoa, hold on: It'll be a holly-jolly Christmas for sure, simply because of an article quoting a trash-hauler who says "I've never picked up this much wrapping paper before!"
To those who believed, and then read the reports today that the actual numbers hit a snag: Do what those exit pollers in the Presidential elections should be doing: Mouths shut, sensationalism down, and ears open for the facts.
It's no wonder we can't trust the media half the time - and they're supposed to be our guide to the world.
Alas, in the Entertainment news sections of both local papers, not one thing was written about how he did. Nothing about that show, or any other New Years' show. How we should approach reacting about that, I don't know.
On one hand, it might be best not to create media sensationalism over it. How often do we get tired of seeing those glorified tabloids by the check-out counters, spewing one false rumor after another? I am also sure that Dick Clark, as respectable as he is, would want to keep his condition quiet, private, and just concentrate on splitting his duties with Ryan Secrest. But positive reaction & praise for his recovery should not be muted.
To those who think he shouldn't be on TV at all, shame on you. The man has had a stroke, but so have others. The stroke was not his fault. It shows pure guts to come back on TV as quickly as he did for the 2006 show, and then it testifies to the man's character that he stays low in the limelight until the 2007 show. This man earns my respect time and again as one of those few celebrities who can avoid the tabloids for the most part, and concentrate solely on doing what he does best, no matter what the stroke may have done to him.
And that, my fellow readers, is where I'm coming from when I strive to find out how he performed, and not finding out. It's never to make a judgement call; it's to know for myself that someone has battled, is succeeding, and will not drop the things they love doing if that's possible.
----------------------------------
Once again, it was funny to read conflicting accounts of how well the retail shopping season would end up for last Christmas. Everyone seemed to play it cautiously into December, then you heard stories about stores possibly filing for bankruptcy.
But then whoa, hold on: It'll be a holly-jolly Christmas for sure, simply because of an article quoting a trash-hauler who says "I've never picked up this much wrapping paper before!"
To those who believed, and then read the reports today that the actual numbers hit a snag: Do what those exit pollers in the Presidential elections should be doing: Mouths shut, sensationalism down, and ears open for the facts.
It's no wonder we can't trust the media half the time - and they're supposed to be our guide to the world.
January 3, 2007
Tall tales; January 3rd
Random thought process as I enjoy the second of three straight days off work:
* I added several new links to the right, including MrBowling300.com, which shows classic bowling clips, including many I remember watching live. It's the only place to see the first two 300 games which were broadcast in the late 1960s. I had a lot of fun with this site, which I only recently discovered.
The other side is a Wikipedia compilation of "Peanuts", still perhaps my most favorite and remembered comic strip of all time. And boy, am I licking my chops on this one: this is a largely unfinished product which is begging for contributors. Over the next few months, if you check in, you'll see information being filled in my me (under the name Spiritkevin). This is a marriage of both worlds: my love for writing, and my love for the comic.
* The past ten months have been bad for parents. Steve lost both his parents last year, and word trickled to me this morning that my cousin Mike lost his mom (Sandy) on Tuesday. I hope he takes advantage of the bereavement time work can give him, though knowing him, he will try to work through it.
Big mistake, Mike. Take the time off and grieve. Sheila has told me that it's okay for men to grieve through problems, as unpolitically correct as society might make it. And she is right. You can't leave the stress bottled up inside you. Just ask me about my 2005.
Sandy had gone through a lot of suffering the past ten years, and now she is without pain. All in all, a good person who will be missed. My condolences to the family, even if she was married to that greedy uncle of mine. But we will never figure her out: She once dated Bob Seger, of all people... only to dump him because she thought he'd "never make it" with his music.
All together now: OOPS!
* I pulled off an 18-hour workshift New Year's Day on just four hours of idle sleep. I got through it better than I imagined, though it's not something I want to lobby for every day. The passenger loads are getting worse by the week, and we're back to people dropping like flies, as I've mentioned before.
* Still no word from Steve in nearly two weeks. It's been a nice silence at the house, though it's getting a bit eerie because rent payments are due. I certainly hope he doesn't disappoint.
* Matt Millen stays on as Detroit Lions president. Say hello to another 13-loss season next year, especially when he says the team has talent and is going places... hopefully, to the back pages of the sports section. This club thrives on losing, cursed or not. Add that to the two things in life we know are certain: death & taxes.
What a way to start off 2007, eh?
* I added several new links to the right, including MrBowling300.com, which shows classic bowling clips, including many I remember watching live. It's the only place to see the first two 300 games which were broadcast in the late 1960s. I had a lot of fun with this site, which I only recently discovered.
The other side is a Wikipedia compilation of "Peanuts", still perhaps my most favorite and remembered comic strip of all time. And boy, am I licking my chops on this one: this is a largely unfinished product which is begging for contributors. Over the next few months, if you check in, you'll see information being filled in my me (under the name Spiritkevin). This is a marriage of both worlds: my love for writing, and my love for the comic.
* The past ten months have been bad for parents. Steve lost both his parents last year, and word trickled to me this morning that my cousin Mike lost his mom (Sandy) on Tuesday. I hope he takes advantage of the bereavement time work can give him, though knowing him, he will try to work through it.
Big mistake, Mike. Take the time off and grieve. Sheila has told me that it's okay for men to grieve through problems, as unpolitically correct as society might make it. And she is right. You can't leave the stress bottled up inside you. Just ask me about my 2005.
Sandy had gone through a lot of suffering the past ten years, and now she is without pain. All in all, a good person who will be missed. My condolences to the family, even if she was married to that greedy uncle of mine. But we will never figure her out: She once dated Bob Seger, of all people... only to dump him because she thought he'd "never make it" with his music.
All together now: OOPS!
* I pulled off an 18-hour workshift New Year's Day on just four hours of idle sleep. I got through it better than I imagined, though it's not something I want to lobby for every day. The passenger loads are getting worse by the week, and we're back to people dropping like flies, as I've mentioned before.
* Still no word from Steve in nearly two weeks. It's been a nice silence at the house, though it's getting a bit eerie because rent payments are due. I certainly hope he doesn't disappoint.
* Matt Millen stays on as Detroit Lions president. Say hello to another 13-loss season next year, especially when he says the team has talent and is going places... hopefully, to the back pages of the sports section. This club thrives on losing, cursed or not. Add that to the two things in life we know are certain: death & taxes.
What a way to start off 2007, eh?
January 1, 2007
In a nutshell: 2006
Greetings for the New Year, everyone.
I don't make it a habit to use the word "Happy" in my New Year greeting, because to me, the New Year is the same as the old year, and I'm still not happy, nearly nine years after hitting my professional apex in life. This should be the best and most prime years in my life, and I'm not experiencing that euphoria that should be equated with my age.
Not much happened in the past year, but that is actually good news over 2005, when things went downhill and I missed five months of work due to an illness. I was at least able to put 12 good months of work in.
In January, I caught what I considered to be another case of the runny nose. It ended up lasting all year long, save for a five-day break in May. No amount of medication has been able to affect it.
I stuck with the same car all year long for the first time since 2004. It managed to avoid the repair bug until November, when everything came crashing down on it. Still, it survives.
I had resolved to make one more trip to Niagara Falls in 2006. It didn't happen, mostly because of guilt over using my last week of vacation at the expense of work suffering. I read an article in the fall about people not using vacation time because of guilt over the job, and I was laughing at their rationale. Now I laugh at myself. I'm not the loyal company man, and yet I sacrificed time off?
I had also resolved to get back into television production, my major in college. I went to a total of three events, and the fourth was cancelled with no notice. I haven't even heard from that producer in three months, so I figure all the hoopla is just that, and not concrete results. On the other hand, I put in for two positions in my dream field: however, they are in Massachusetts. To date, I've not heard any follow-up from the company.
Resolution: to finally complete my backyard gardening project I began in 2003. Not accomplished, due to finances.
I also wanted to find that one true friend. That mission has been accomplished ten-fold with Sheila. A man cannot be more lucky and fortunate.
I finally saw land west of the Mississippi as well, having visited my father in Arizona in May. It was time well spent, although it was out of my normal element. It is great to see that he and my stepmom are doing so well. Coincidentally, that is when I started this blog, which will provide lasting memories.
The stress continued unabated, and probably will so long as I work at the airport. But I still thank my lucky stars that I'm fed, clothed and sheltered. That would be a resolution I would not dare break.
So as always, I resolve for this year to go a bit more smoothly than last year. All I can say is: enjoy the ride, however bumpy it may be.ear
I don't make it a habit to use the word "Happy" in my New Year greeting, because to me, the New Year is the same as the old year, and I'm still not happy, nearly nine years after hitting my professional apex in life. This should be the best and most prime years in my life, and I'm not experiencing that euphoria that should be equated with my age.
Not much happened in the past year, but that is actually good news over 2005, when things went downhill and I missed five months of work due to an illness. I was at least able to put 12 good months of work in.
In January, I caught what I considered to be another case of the runny nose. It ended up lasting all year long, save for a five-day break in May. No amount of medication has been able to affect it.
I stuck with the same car all year long for the first time since 2004. It managed to avoid the repair bug until November, when everything came crashing down on it. Still, it survives.
I had resolved to make one more trip to Niagara Falls in 2006. It didn't happen, mostly because of guilt over using my last week of vacation at the expense of work suffering. I read an article in the fall about people not using vacation time because of guilt over the job, and I was laughing at their rationale. Now I laugh at myself. I'm not the loyal company man, and yet I sacrificed time off?
I had also resolved to get back into television production, my major in college. I went to a total of three events, and the fourth was cancelled with no notice. I haven't even heard from that producer in three months, so I figure all the hoopla is just that, and not concrete results. On the other hand, I put in for two positions in my dream field: however, they are in Massachusetts. To date, I've not heard any follow-up from the company.
Resolution: to finally complete my backyard gardening project I began in 2003. Not accomplished, due to finances.
I also wanted to find that one true friend. That mission has been accomplished ten-fold with Sheila. A man cannot be more lucky and fortunate.
I finally saw land west of the Mississippi as well, having visited my father in Arizona in May. It was time well spent, although it was out of my normal element. It is great to see that he and my stepmom are doing so well. Coincidentally, that is when I started this blog, which will provide lasting memories.
The stress continued unabated, and probably will so long as I work at the airport. But I still thank my lucky stars that I'm fed, clothed and sheltered. That would be a resolution I would not dare break.
So as always, I resolve for this year to go a bit more smoothly than last year. All I can say is: enjoy the ride, however bumpy it may be.ear
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