In mid-January I canceled Hazel's and my cell phone account with Verizon. this was recommended to us by a Verizon rep since we wanted to have cell phones with local area codes. Went to Costco and had a rep handle it there. We opened a new account with new numbers and new phones - they are nice.
I assumed that our old numbers would be discontinued and I'd receive no further billing - that is what the Costco rep told me would happen. Wrong. Since Verizon was automatically debiting my checking account, I received their usual notice that they were going to take more money in a few days - the full amount. Oh oh. So on 2/18 I called Verizon and spoke with two different customer reps and it was presumably handled, my old account was now canceled. I was impressed how quickly and smoothly it was handled, I guess the Costco rep just didn't do it right so all is well. NO.
Checked this morning and discovered they were still going to debit my checking account for my old numbers - and in the full amount. Called the contact number listed on Verizon's website - it says they will take calls 6am to 11 pm Monday thru Sunday. This is Saturday around 7:30 am so no problem. Wrong, get a message about their hours of availability and then dumped back to automated voicemail menus. Apparently that is west coast time and they don't realize they have service in the east.
Waited until after 9 am and this time got a contact. Explained my situation and the rep told me I would just be billed for 4 days of the current cycle up to the day I contacted their customer service on 2/18. I said that was not acceptable since I had expected my account to be canceled in January and not as of 2/18 when I called Verizon. So, writing this while on hold, the Verizon contact is talking to his supervisor.
Well, the supervisor tells the charge will continue to go through in its full amount but next month I am supposed to get a credit. The only problem is the credit only starts from 2/18 (when I called about the problem) to the end of the billing cycle - March 12th.
Thus I am still going to be charged for 5 days of service on numbers which were supposed to have been canceled.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Here Comes Hillary
When Hillary Clinton has a weak showing in Ohio and Texas she will press to have the Florida and Michigan delegates seated. Even though the states defied Democratic party rules. This, to me, is but a small reflection of the type of person she is. And it won't end there. Expect her to stage a serious floor fight at the convention to win the nomination, doing anything within her power. Integrity, honesty, truth...what's that? I wish the Democrats had found a better woman.
This time I had some optimism that I could be for a candidate instead of against one I viewed as the poorest candidate. However, as this race goes on I find my thinking shifting again to the lesser of evils mode.
It would be nice if we could select some of the best qualities from the various candidates and meld them into a superhero. If so, what would you take from each? Either as a personal quality or as a position on an issue?
Mmmmmmmmm....which one likes dogs the most I wonder? Do any of them golf? Any like popcorn? What do they think about legalizing U-turns on I5 or I95 (you know, population control)?
By the way, traveling in New Jersey...watch your speed. A very serious push is on by the state - 5 mph over the limit may net you a ticket. Troopers are expected to issue a ticket every 10-20 minutes. They have added 30 brand new cruisers. Push is on for the next 30 days from 2/11 to around 3/11/08. The state expects to generate 9 million dollars with a million of that going toward trooper overtime.
This time I had some optimism that I could be for a candidate instead of against one I viewed as the poorest candidate. However, as this race goes on I find my thinking shifting again to the lesser of evils mode.
It would be nice if we could select some of the best qualities from the various candidates and meld them into a superhero. If so, what would you take from each? Either as a personal quality or as a position on an issue?
Mmmmmmmmm....which one likes dogs the most I wonder? Do any of them golf? Any like popcorn? What do they think about legalizing U-turns on I5 or I95 (you know, population control)?
By the way, traveling in New Jersey...watch your speed. A very serious push is on by the state - 5 mph over the limit may net you a ticket. Troopers are expected to issue a ticket every 10-20 minutes. They have added 30 brand new cruisers. Push is on for the next 30 days from 2/11 to around 3/11/08. The state expects to generate 9 million dollars with a million of that going toward trooper overtime.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Berkeley Non Grata
The recent declaration of the Berkeley City Council about military recruiters and particularly marines has earned my contempt. The Council stated that "If recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders;" and goes on to applaud residents and organizations that "volunteer to impede, passively or actively, by nonviolent means, the work of any military recruiting office located in the City of Berkeley."
It will color my actions and influence my future visits to that city in such a way to avoid, when possible, support to any business or organization that is resident in that city. No doubt there are many that disagree with the Council but it is incumbent upon them to make their voices heard and rescind the Council's action.
It was attitudes such as this that enabled the shameful treatment of Vietnam veterans. There are many today, myself included, that are embarrassed that we did not speak up then. I do now. May Berkeley go to Hell!
It will color my actions and influence my future visits to that city in such a way to avoid, when possible, support to any business or organization that is resident in that city. No doubt there are many that disagree with the Council but it is incumbent upon them to make their voices heard and rescind the Council's action.
It was attitudes such as this that enabled the shameful treatment of Vietnam veterans. There are many today, myself included, that are embarrassed that we did not speak up then. I do now. May Berkeley go to Hell!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Relationship With God
A 75-year-old man goes in for his annual physical.
All of his tests come back with normal results. The doctor asks, "Bill, everything looks great. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with God?"
Bill replies, "God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight. God's fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom 'poof' the light goes on!. When I'm done 'poof' the light goes off."
"Wow, that's incredible," the doctor says.
A little later in the day the doctor calls Bill's wife. "Ethel," he says, "Bill is doing fine! But I had to call you because I'm in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that he gets up during the night and 'poof' the light goes on in the bathroom and when he's done 'poof' the light goes off?"
"Oh my goodness!" Ethel exclaims. "...he's peeing in the refrigerator again!"
All of his tests come back with normal results. The doctor asks, "Bill, everything looks great. How are you doing mentally and emotionally? Are you at peace with God?"
Bill replies, "God and I are tight. He knows I have poor eyesight. God's fixed it so when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom 'poof' the light goes on!. When I'm done 'poof' the light goes off."
"Wow, that's incredible," the doctor says.
A little later in the day the doctor calls Bill's wife. "Ethel," he says, "Bill is doing fine! But I had to call you because I'm in awe of his relationship with God. Is it true that he gets up during the night and 'poof' the light goes on in the bathroom and when he's done 'poof' the light goes off?"
"Oh my goodness!" Ethel exclaims. "...he's peeing in the refrigerator again!"
Please Mr. President, NO!
I just finished reading a February 6, 2008 Op-Ed piece in the Washington Post by Robert J. Samuelson. Mr. Samuelson reflects the consensus of many economists that presidents have usually had serious negative consequences when they attempt to influence the economy.
I recall Nixon's wage and price freeze which screwed me out of a raise. It worked long enough to get him elected during a short term economic boom which subsequently led to 12 percent inflation (1974) when the controls were removed.
In 1933 Franklin Roosevelt imposed New Deal policies designed to end the depression. They had little impact, World War II ended the depression.
Kennedy and Johnson followed expansionary policies to reduce unemployment. They ultimately led to high inflation.
Ronald Reagan's tax cuts and spending restraints are thought by some to have reduced inflation (thanks Nixon) from 13 to 4 percent. The real hero was the Federal Reserve which, giving credit deserved, Reagan supported.
Clinton was one of the most successful presidents in matters of economics. He left things alone and didn't try to manipulate the economy.
So, when the public clamors for presidents and congress to improve the economy, watch out.
I recall Nixon's wage and price freeze which screwed me out of a raise. It worked long enough to get him elected during a short term economic boom which subsequently led to 12 percent inflation (1974) when the controls were removed.
In 1933 Franklin Roosevelt imposed New Deal policies designed to end the depression. They had little impact, World War II ended the depression.
Kennedy and Johnson followed expansionary policies to reduce unemployment. They ultimately led to high inflation.
Ronald Reagan's tax cuts and spending restraints are thought by some to have reduced inflation (thanks Nixon) from 13 to 4 percent. The real hero was the Federal Reserve which, giving credit deserved, Reagan supported.
Clinton was one of the most successful presidents in matters of economics. He left things alone and didn't try to manipulate the economy.
So, when the public clamors for presidents and congress to improve the economy, watch out.
Kitchen Fire
I'd heard that you could use baking soda to extinguish a kitchen fire. This seems better if conditions permit.
A public service announcement.
A public service announcement.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Dream Office
Another step closer to my dream office. As you can see here, I have a new installation.
Now, I need to add a refrigerator for my beer and I will be content.
Now, I need to add a refrigerator for my beer and I will be content.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Eye Contacts
Hazel was going to order a new set of contacts and the online company required a current prescription be provided. Another intrusion of government at the behest of special interest. Presumably fashion contacts were being ordered that could potentially cause eye damage.
What happened to a warning sheet with the order? Another alibi was that most eye injury come from using contacts at night. How does a prescription prevent that?
While I am ranting...do you really think those signs that say "Drive Carefully" make a difference? They cost taxpayer money, is it wisely spent? Got onto this while thinking about all the stupid warnings we are given - and ignore. How about those radio ads which, at the end, a voice rattles off some gibberish - yea for government. Think I will become a Libertarian. I may not fully agree with their view but at least they are going in the right direction. I feel surrounded by government, rules and laws.
What happened to a warning sheet with the order? Another alibi was that most eye injury come from using contacts at night. How does a prescription prevent that?
While I am ranting...do you really think those signs that say "Drive Carefully" make a difference? They cost taxpayer money, is it wisely spent? Got onto this while thinking about all the stupid warnings we are given - and ignore. How about those radio ads which, at the end, a voice rattles off some gibberish - yea for government. Think I will become a Libertarian. I may not fully agree with their view but at least they are going in the right direction. I feel surrounded by government, rules and laws.
Free Credit Report - Not
You are eligible to receive a free credit report per law. Today I decided to check credit report via TansUnion. I discovered you have to give them credit card info and that you are automatically enrolled in one of there offerings - that after 30 days will charge your card. You have to CALL customer service to cancel your membership. Be sure to read the Terms and Conditions on their site or it won't be free!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
San Francisco Bound
We are planning to go to San Francisco on March 20th and return home on the 28th. Not sure which underpass we will sleep under while there. Kinda nervous about it because they tend to collapse during earthquakes and tanker truck explosions. Anyway, thats our plans.
We will probably stay with friends and relatives, I understand that Jax has extended an invitation although not sure I want to stay with a dog that runs away from cats. Unless it's one of those that escaped from the zoo.
We will probably stay with friends and relatives, I understand that Jax has extended an invitation although not sure I want to stay with a dog that runs away from cats. Unless it's one of those that escaped from the zoo.
Friday, January 18, 2008
New Cell Phones
Yesterday Hazel and I bought new cell phones. The purchase was prompted by bluetooth technology, we wanted to use the phones in our car which also has hands free link via bluetooth,
It's nice to have new phones and they seem to reflect some improvements but we have always used cell phones as phones, not as cameras, toasters, web browsers, etc. We are retiring our Motorola StarTacs. The StarTacs have been good phones and, although something of an anachronism, have become a small source of pride for me. I once went into a Verizon store and the salesman referred to my phone as an antique. My chest swelled at pride that I finally owned an antique, and that was several years ago!
And, I have had several people come up to me and ask "is that a StarTac?" "Yes" I reply. They then say something like "I wish I still had mine, it was one of the best phones I ever had." Hearing that encouraged me to stay the course. I bought the phones in the late 90's if memory serves me - it usually doesn't but I don't remember when it has failed me.
We will be contacting friends and family with our new number but if somehow we haven't relayed that information to you by the end of the month please call our old cell phone number. It won't work by then but that may mean we don't want you to have the new number...or maybe I forgot.
Well science marches on...or is marketing?
It's nice to have new phones and they seem to reflect some improvements but we have always used cell phones as phones, not as cameras, toasters, web browsers, etc. We are retiring our Motorola StarTacs. The StarTacs have been good phones and, although something of an anachronism, have become a small source of pride for me. I once went into a Verizon store and the salesman referred to my phone as an antique. My chest swelled at pride that I finally owned an antique, and that was several years ago!
And, I have had several people come up to me and ask "is that a StarTac?" "Yes" I reply. They then say something like "I wish I still had mine, it was one of the best phones I ever had." Hearing that encouraged me to stay the course. I bought the phones in the late 90's if memory serves me - it usually doesn't but I don't remember when it has failed me.
We will be contacting friends and family with our new number but if somehow we haven't relayed that information to you by the end of the month please call our old cell phone number. It won't work by then but that may mean we don't want you to have the new number...or maybe I forgot.
Well science marches on...or is marketing?
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Lawsuits
I received an email today which had an attachment listing the "Stella Awards" for the year. The Stella Awards are named after the infamous lawsuit in which Stella Liebeck was awarded $2.9 million dollars in damages against McDonald's Corporation. Her claim was that the coffee was brewed too hot and scalded her when she spilled it in her lap.
The Stella Awards are real but this particular email contained bogus examples and as is usual will circulate on the Internet for years to come. There are real cases that you can find on The Stella Awards website but the unfortunate thing is this seriously distorts reality. The Stella Awards are seeking to exploit these judicial awards and make money. They have a stake in distorting the truth.
Our judicial system has major imperfections and yet provides one of the fairest and thoughtful approach to jurisprudence in the world. Instead of being titillated by the bogus and the extreme, lets keep our perspective. This article says it well.
The Stella Awards are real but this particular email contained bogus examples and as is usual will circulate on the Internet for years to come. There are real cases that you can find on The Stella Awards website but the unfortunate thing is this seriously distorts reality. The Stella Awards are seeking to exploit these judicial awards and make money. They have a stake in distorting the truth.
Our judicial system has major imperfections and yet provides one of the fairest and thoughtful approach to jurisprudence in the world. Instead of being titillated by the bogus and the extreme, lets keep our perspective. This article says it well.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Hyphenated Names
I read in the Wall Street Journal that hyphenated names are falling out of favor. This was a disappointment to me because I had looked forward to some interesting permutations.
For example, when the offspring of a hyphen grew up and married, and adopted a hyphen in their name, the government would have to start redesigning all their forms to accommodate the larger surnames. And the names themselves could get interesting, especially after several generations. Doe-Smith-Kosolavsky-Ivanovich-etcetera
Then think about the bride that wanted to make a statement, looking for a mate that had a surname that helped her express her feelings. Maybe her last name is "Im-Lotta" and she wanted to add "crap." No telling where that would end. (Anybody know someone whose name is "Inna"?
For example, when the offspring of a hyphen grew up and married, and adopted a hyphen in their name, the government would have to start redesigning all their forms to accommodate the larger surnames. And the names themselves could get interesting, especially after several generations. Doe-Smith-Kosolavsky-Ivanovich-etcetera
Then think about the bride that wanted to make a statement, looking for a mate that had a surname that helped her express her feelings. Maybe her last name is "Im-Lotta" and she wanted to add "crap." No telling where that would end. (Anybody know someone whose name is "Inna"?
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Can our Sons Peel a Banana?
I was sitting in my office at the computer and Hazel called out do you want a banana? I replied yes and she brought me one, partly peeled. She laughed and said once a mother, always a mother.
That raises deep concern about our grown sons. They are men now but I have to wonder if they learned how to peel their own bananas? Are mothers the reason men are viewed by women as often inept in their personal lives?
Aki and Pam, do you have to peel bananas for your husbands? Laura, is Chris similarly afflicted?
That raises deep concern about our grown sons. They are men now but I have to wonder if they learned how to peel their own bananas? Are mothers the reason men are viewed by women as often inept in their personal lives?
Aki and Pam, do you have to peel bananas for your husbands? Laura, is Chris similarly afflicted?
Thursday, November 08, 2007
New Orleans Again...and Again
I'm back from New Orleans and trying to compile my impressions and information into some type of reasonably coherent and accurate portrayal of the city today. It is impossible to fully communicate something like this but on the other hand, I hope I haven't done a disservice.
I believe this time I have seen the city as it is likely to be for many years to come. Last April, stores had banners proclaiming their return to business - "Now Open," "Back in Business,"...but not all. Now, the signs are gone, it is business as usual. Those that were going to reopen have, and still there are empty storefronts. Some services such as dry cleaners are scarce or non-existent in areas.
This seems to reflect the state of the city over all. Figures vary but somewhere around 25-35% of residents have not returned, and are not likely to. The gap of their departure will no doubt be slowly filled over the years but it will take time. This means there will be occupied homes in blocks next to large groups of abandoned homes. The city has made gestures toward leveling abandoned homes but I have to wonder if they will follow through on the scale needed other then to allow developers to take over targeted neighborhoods.
The political corruption, special interest, and sheer ineptness seriously impede return to normalcy. There have been 186,000 applications for Road Home Funds. These funds are designed to assist homeowners in rebuilding, relocating - or still trying to decide. Only 20,000 have received assistance. Many were rejected to do paperwork filing problems - yes, assistance was available but people didn't know that they didn't know how to complete the applications. Maybe the new governor of Lousiana can improve things - many are hopeful.
Recent demographics, based on school enrollment, show that the largest number of residents to leave the city are those in the mid 30's to mid 40's. Older residents have returned and New Orleans is becoming an "in" place for young adults. Perhaps they will provide the necessary impetus to transform the city but there are serious blocks to purchasing a home there. First is the general state of the home buying industry and second is the very high insurance rates. This in the face of significant infra structure problems.
The problems are enormous, even without the corruption and self-interest. Crime is serious. Even though we stayed in a "good" neighborhood, we were cautioned not to walk alone. Often, gas stations close at 6 PM due to risk of robbery. Homes being newly built are scavenged for tools and copper. Air conditioning units are not being installed until the owner is occupying the home because thieves steal the motors for the copper wire - seriously damaging the system in the process. Never the less, we didn't really feel at risk.
So why did I go to rebuild and why do I plan to go again? Some reasons are difficult to express here. It is easy to say why build when there is the risk of another hurricane destroying the city? I think the best answer I can give is because it is their home. New Orleans has a very rich historical heritage that provides its citizens a unusual sense of community, a unique culture and savoir faire. Some residents trace back their New Orleans roots for generations and centuries.
I mentioned that many of the remaining citizens are older. Those were the folks we were helping during our trip. They had lived their entire lives in New Orleans. If they left, they would never be able to afford a home. With the help of Road Home Funds and the generosity of The New Orleans Episcopal Diocese, they could rebuild what they have, often I suspect a little better then before the hurricane.
We were rushing to complete one home so the couple could move out of their FEMA trailer before he died from stage four cancer, his wife would at least have a home. The other home belonged to a retired school teacher struggling with depression. She had lost a home 26 years ago due to flooding, this home was sitting on higher ground but still had a foot of water inside. Enough to require demolition and rebuild. New Orleans has been and still is there home.
The Episcopal program under which we worked is not associated with any government programs. The folks I described above received money from the church for the electrical/plumbing work on the understanding they would repay those funds once they received Road Home money. Last spring, when the diocese prepared their budget, they didn't anticipate having to pay for the electrical and plumbing (at least temporarily) and only allocated money toward the work volunteers do such as, drywall, flooring, hanging doors, windows, painting, etc. This budget was $6000 per house. Thus the funds were depleted faster then planned and fewer homes are being rebuilt right now. Some people have received their Road Home money and have repaid the Diocese, one owner felt so grateful that he wanted to pay much more then had been spent and had to be dissuaded (these are NOT wealthy people.)
One fear the Diocese has is that they will not get volunteers because people think they do not have the skills needed to rebuild. We met some very fine young adults (interns) - recently graduated from college that have volunteered months of time out of their careers. They came not knowing how to tile or any of the other skills, but quickly learned and can quickly train others. I saw a volunteer working that used a cane to get around and a woman in her 80's keeping the job site clean and organized. The volunteers were able to use them and I was surprised at how much they could contribute.
So why did I go and why will I return? Because these are simply people in need and I can help. It really has nothing to do with politics, New Orleans, or anything else.
I believe this time I have seen the city as it is likely to be for many years to come. Last April, stores had banners proclaiming their return to business - "Now Open," "Back in Business,"...but not all. Now, the signs are gone, it is business as usual. Those that were going to reopen have, and still there are empty storefronts. Some services such as dry cleaners are scarce or non-existent in areas.
This seems to reflect the state of the city over all. Figures vary but somewhere around 25-35% of residents have not returned, and are not likely to. The gap of their departure will no doubt be slowly filled over the years but it will take time. This means there will be occupied homes in blocks next to large groups of abandoned homes. The city has made gestures toward leveling abandoned homes but I have to wonder if they will follow through on the scale needed other then to allow developers to take over targeted neighborhoods.
The political corruption, special interest, and sheer ineptness seriously impede return to normalcy. There have been 186,000 applications for Road Home Funds. These funds are designed to assist homeowners in rebuilding, relocating - or still trying to decide. Only 20,000 have received assistance. Many were rejected to do paperwork filing problems - yes, assistance was available but people didn't know that they didn't know how to complete the applications. Maybe the new governor of Lousiana can improve things - many are hopeful.
Recent demographics, based on school enrollment, show that the largest number of residents to leave the city are those in the mid 30's to mid 40's. Older residents have returned and New Orleans is becoming an "in" place for young adults. Perhaps they will provide the necessary impetus to transform the city but there are serious blocks to purchasing a home there. First is the general state of the home buying industry and second is the very high insurance rates. This in the face of significant infra structure problems.
The problems are enormous, even without the corruption and self-interest. Crime is serious. Even though we stayed in a "good" neighborhood, we were cautioned not to walk alone. Often, gas stations close at 6 PM due to risk of robbery. Homes being newly built are scavenged for tools and copper. Air conditioning units are not being installed until the owner is occupying the home because thieves steal the motors for the copper wire - seriously damaging the system in the process. Never the less, we didn't really feel at risk.
So why did I go to rebuild and why do I plan to go again? Some reasons are difficult to express here. It is easy to say why build when there is the risk of another hurricane destroying the city? I think the best answer I can give is because it is their home. New Orleans has a very rich historical heritage that provides its citizens a unusual sense of community, a unique culture and savoir faire. Some residents trace back their New Orleans roots for generations and centuries.
I mentioned that many of the remaining citizens are older. Those were the folks we were helping during our trip. They had lived their entire lives in New Orleans. If they left, they would never be able to afford a home. With the help of Road Home Funds and the generosity of The New Orleans Episcopal Diocese, they could rebuild what they have, often I suspect a little better then before the hurricane.
We were rushing to complete one home so the couple could move out of their FEMA trailer before he died from stage four cancer, his wife would at least have a home. The other home belonged to a retired school teacher struggling with depression. She had lost a home 26 years ago due to flooding, this home was sitting on higher ground but still had a foot of water inside. Enough to require demolition and rebuild. New Orleans has been and still is there home.
The Episcopal program under which we worked is not associated with any government programs. The folks I described above received money from the church for the electrical/plumbing work on the understanding they would repay those funds once they received Road Home money. Last spring, when the diocese prepared their budget, they didn't anticipate having to pay for the electrical and plumbing (at least temporarily) and only allocated money toward the work volunteers do such as, drywall, flooring, hanging doors, windows, painting, etc. This budget was $6000 per house. Thus the funds were depleted faster then planned and fewer homes are being rebuilt right now. Some people have received their Road Home money and have repaid the Diocese, one owner felt so grateful that he wanted to pay much more then had been spent and had to be dissuaded (these are NOT wealthy people.)
One fear the Diocese has is that they will not get volunteers because people think they do not have the skills needed to rebuild. We met some very fine young adults (interns) - recently graduated from college that have volunteered months of time out of their careers. They came not knowing how to tile or any of the other skills, but quickly learned and can quickly train others. I saw a volunteer working that used a cane to get around and a woman in her 80's keeping the job site clean and organized. The volunteers were able to use them and I was surprised at how much they could contribute.
So why did I go and why will I return? Because these are simply people in need and I can help. It really has nothing to do with politics, New Orleans, or anything else.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
New Orleans Again
We arrived earlier this afternoon for another work week in New Orleans. Early impression is that the city continues to return to normal...sort of. So far I haven't seen the multitude of "We Are Open" signs as seen in April. That's a good sign, business has progressed from announcing they are back in operation to the routine assumption that people now know they are back.
We met briefly with the rector here at Carrolton House. She told us that crime is serious, even in this "better" part of town, we need to avoid walking alone and should avoid leaving our cell phones, laptops, etc., in plain view in our rooms. Even though we are in a church facility, there is no guarantee of security. That is as I expected.
The other rather shocking news is that the churches are meeting this coming week to discuss the homeless problem. Rents have tripled and, most residents rented their accommodations. That has resulted in a large contingent of working homeless that simply cannot afford a place to live. Further, only recently did a homeless shelter open downtown, men only. There is no place for women or children.
To end on a good note, the weather is gorgeous, lows at night in the upper 50's or low 60's, highs in the mid to upper 70's in the daytime. A good time to come.
We met briefly with the rector here at Carrolton House. She told us that crime is serious, even in this "better" part of town, we need to avoid walking alone and should avoid leaving our cell phones, laptops, etc., in plain view in our rooms. Even though we are in a church facility, there is no guarantee of security. That is as I expected.
The other rather shocking news is that the churches are meeting this coming week to discuss the homeless problem. Rents have tripled and, most residents rented their accommodations. That has resulted in a large contingent of working homeless that simply cannot afford a place to live. Further, only recently did a homeless shelter open downtown, men only. There is no place for women or children.
To end on a good note, the weather is gorgeous, lows at night in the upper 50's or low 60's, highs in the mid to upper 70's in the daytime. A good time to come.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Today's Fire Call
I am a member of the local fire department as a volunteer fire police. Most times we assist emergency vehicles in reaching the scene - sometimes the ambulance personnel or outside fire responders, for example, do not know there way around St. James. The devlopment is confusing, so we post ourselves strategically to accelerate their reaching the scene. We also exercise traffic control around the scene.
I had a call today and sped in my car, red light flashing, to the scene and set up for traffic control. A contractor was hurt, probable back injury, on the second story of a house under construction. Since I was first on scene I had set up at the intersection to the short cul-de-sac where the house was located. The call was not a routine EMS emergency. The fire department was also called because they needed to get the person off the second story, no stairs had been built yet.
Soft ground and other issues ment the first two trucks, including our ladder truck, couldn't reach far enough for safe removal. A nearby town was called for their specialized equipment - whatever it was - and they couldn't do it. Another town responded but didn't have what was needed so we ended up calling a nearby facility that had an even bigger ladder rig. That did the job.
Now we had about 10 or more emergency vehicles spread around so a fire captain called me over to assist in moving one of the BRT's (that's fire department officialese for a fire truck and it means "big red truck"). He directed me to jump in the cab and to my surprise the siren started to wail. Now you have to understand that we seldom use sirens in the development as they can confuse and disrupt as much as help (check out insurance company stats). So I had to wonder where our BRT was headed that needed a siren. Turns out it was me! you know what? They have these buttons on the floor of the truck and all you have to do is step on one to sound the siren. Whoops.
Well we got the truck moved without further incident (the routine is to always have someone outside directing the driver when they back up). That was my particular job in the BRT.
The call took over two hours (usually around 25 minutes for medical) and no further problems, in fact I guess the way I handled the rest of the traffic was good because the fire captain sought me out after the call and complimented me. He probably did it though because it gave them a chance to laugh about the siren. Another day in the life of a fire policeman.
I had a call today and sped in my car, red light flashing, to the scene and set up for traffic control. A contractor was hurt, probable back injury, on the second story of a house under construction. Since I was first on scene I had set up at the intersection to the short cul-de-sac where the house was located. The call was not a routine EMS emergency. The fire department was also called because they needed to get the person off the second story, no stairs had been built yet.
Soft ground and other issues ment the first two trucks, including our ladder truck, couldn't reach far enough for safe removal. A nearby town was called for their specialized equipment - whatever it was - and they couldn't do it. Another town responded but didn't have what was needed so we ended up calling a nearby facility that had an even bigger ladder rig. That did the job.
Now we had about 10 or more emergency vehicles spread around so a fire captain called me over to assist in moving one of the BRT's (that's fire department officialese for a fire truck and it means "big red truck"). He directed me to jump in the cab and to my surprise the siren started to wail. Now you have to understand that we seldom use sirens in the development as they can confuse and disrupt as much as help (check out insurance company stats). So I had to wonder where our BRT was headed that needed a siren. Turns out it was me! you know what? They have these buttons on the floor of the truck and all you have to do is step on one to sound the siren. Whoops.
Well we got the truck moved without further incident (the routine is to always have someone outside directing the driver when they back up). That was my particular job in the BRT.
The call took over two hours (usually around 25 minutes for medical) and no further problems, in fact I guess the way I handled the rest of the traffic was good because the fire captain sought me out after the call and complimented me. He probably did it though because it gave them a chance to laugh about the siren. Another day in the life of a fire policeman.
My blog
I haven't posted much lately and have wondered whether it is because I have grown tired of blogging or some other reason. Perhaps it is because I have drifted from its purpose. I started writing because it has become sort of a personal journal and like those I've written before, I am the audience and the contents are written for me.
I became stalled when I felt I needed to blog about Tyler and Maya's visit last month. Not that I mind writing about them but the process is a bit more onerous then simply throwing some words onto the screen. A blog about grand children should always contain pictures. My pictures, however, require substantial editing because I shoot in raw format. Blogspot gags if I attempt to load a 40 MB file so it has to be reduced in Photoshop, re sized, etc. The process takes time and then, of course I want to post the better photos. So I procrastinate and also postpone any other blogs until I get the pictures finished.
I know how much I enjoy seeing Maya's and Tyler's pictures so feel I need to do the same...but don't.
So I get blog constipation. Nothing comes out. I guess that is better then diarrhea of the mouth. Still.
I think I have to remember that I write this for my pleasure, if you like to read it, fine. If not, fine too. And most likely somewhere along the way I'll get those pictures posted. I hope the kids won't mind my posting their baby pictures when they are 13 or 14 years old.
I became stalled when I felt I needed to blog about Tyler and Maya's visit last month. Not that I mind writing about them but the process is a bit more onerous then simply throwing some words onto the screen. A blog about grand children should always contain pictures. My pictures, however, require substantial editing because I shoot in raw format. Blogspot gags if I attempt to load a 40 MB file so it has to be reduced in Photoshop, re sized, etc. The process takes time and then, of course I want to post the better photos. So I procrastinate and also postpone any other blogs until I get the pictures finished.
I know how much I enjoy seeing Maya's and Tyler's pictures so feel I need to do the same...but don't.
So I get blog constipation. Nothing comes out. I guess that is better then diarrhea of the mouth. Still.
I think I have to remember that I write this for my pleasure, if you like to read it, fine. If not, fine too. And most likely somewhere along the way I'll get those pictures posted. I hope the kids won't mind my posting their baby pictures when they are 13 or 14 years old.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Our Servicemen
Here is a moving video which I hope you will watch.
Recently US Marine Colonel Simcock foolishly asked for 6000 emails to share with his troops in Iraq. See this for details.
I say he is foolish because I believe he will be inundated with emails far far beyond the 6000. As word spreads across the Internet I suspect he may have to do something to turn off the tap on an over burdened Internet - and due to the "timeless" nature of the Internet, they will continue for years to come. Never the less, I'll feel better by sending an email.
And there is this web site that also provides a means of support.
I also want to extend my thanks to Stephanie Coyote. Without patriotic Americans like her we would have no reality checks. It is easy to get complacent until we are reminded that there are people in this country that not only oppose our being in Iraq but literally hate our servicemen. Stephanie is a fringe element thank God. As such she does us a service. Lets keep her fringe.
This is an interesting interview with the San Francisco Capt. Greg Corrales. Many people tend to condemn the entire city for attitudes such as the Coyotes.. I think Capt. Corrales says it well in his interview I've provided above. It will be interesting to see if Gavin Newsom reappoints her to the film commission. It is also amusing to see her cowardice when asked why she banned Marines from a Marine commercial.
Recently US Marine Colonel Simcock foolishly asked for 6000 emails to share with his troops in Iraq. See this for details.
I say he is foolish because I believe he will be inundated with emails far far beyond the 6000. As word spreads across the Internet I suspect he may have to do something to turn off the tap on an over burdened Internet - and due to the "timeless" nature of the Internet, they will continue for years to come. Never the less, I'll feel better by sending an email.
And there is this web site that also provides a means of support.
I also want to extend my thanks to Stephanie Coyote. Without patriotic Americans like her we would have no reality checks. It is easy to get complacent until we are reminded that there are people in this country that not only oppose our being in Iraq but literally hate our servicemen. Stephanie is a fringe element thank God. As such she does us a service. Lets keep her fringe.
This is an interesting interview with the San Francisco Capt. Greg Corrales. Many people tend to condemn the entire city for attitudes such as the Coyotes.. I think Capt. Corrales says it well in his interview I've provided above. It will be interesting to see if Gavin Newsom reappoints her to the film commission. It is also amusing to see her cowardice when asked why she banned Marines from a Marine commercial.
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