5.31.2005
Put them Wagons in a Circle, Maw! Injuns!!
This Manifesto was written by guest host Wolf
Every Memorial Day Weekend, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy Earth Band hosts a Pow Wow at Temple University’s Ambler Campus.
The Grand Entry involves all the dancers and also includes the formal posting of the Colors by the Color Guard. You can photograph the Grand Entry and the competition and exhibition dancing, but not the prayers.
This is the Color Guard. In addition to the US Native Flag they carry the POW/MIA Flag and two Tribal Flags.
The Chief, Buffy Redfeather Brown enters the circle after the color guard. Behind her are the principal dancers.
You will see many different styles of dancing, from the stately steps of the Elder Women, to the extremely high energy of the Fancy Dancers
The Women’s Traditional Dancers can wear a variety of styles of clothing.
Here is some more whirling by the Fancy Dancers. I think the youngest was about 8.
The Pow Wow is a big social event in the tribe. Folks that see each other once a year do so at Pow Wow. I’ve been going for most of the 12 years it’s been run, and have a good time every time. It’s also an opportunity for the tribe to teach others about their culture, and to raise money for their Scholarship fund.
I missed out on buffalo burgers this year (they must have sold out over the weekend), but did get my fry bread! There used to be a couple more pow wows in the Philadelphia area, but this is the only one left … Willow Grove Naval Air Station and Fairmount Park have both disappeared.
I tried to go on Saturday, but arrived just in time for a massive rainstorm to break out. Tents and stuff when flying across the field and I ended up getting soaked while helping a vendor whose tent had overturned rescue his wares.
Every Memorial Day Weekend, the Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy Earth Band hosts a Pow Wow at Temple University’s Ambler Campus.
The Grand Entry involves all the dancers and also includes the formal posting of the Colors by the Color Guard. You can photograph the Grand Entry and the competition and exhibition dancing, but not the prayers.
This is the Color Guard. In addition to the US Native Flag they carry the POW/MIA Flag and two Tribal Flags.
The Chief, Buffy Redfeather Brown enters the circle after the color guard. Behind her are the principal dancers.
You will see many different styles of dancing, from the stately steps of the Elder Women, to the extremely high energy of the Fancy Dancers
The Women’s Traditional Dancers can wear a variety of styles of clothing.
Here is some more whirling by the Fancy Dancers. I think the youngest was about 8.
The Pow Wow is a big social event in the tribe. Folks that see each other once a year do so at Pow Wow. I’ve been going for most of the 12 years it’s been run, and have a good time every time. It’s also an opportunity for the tribe to teach others about their culture, and to raise money for their Scholarship fund.
I missed out on buffalo burgers this year (they must have sold out over the weekend), but did get my fry bread! There used to be a couple more pow wows in the Philadelphia area, but this is the only one left … Willow Grove Naval Air Station and Fairmount Park have both disappeared.
I tried to go on Saturday, but arrived just in time for a massive rainstorm to break out. Tents and stuff when flying across the field and I ended up getting soaked while helping a vendor whose tent had overturned rescue his wares.
5.30.2005
Memorial Day
This Manifesto was written by guest host Wolf
As it happens, this year we are celebrating Memorial Day on the right day … the 30th day of May.
We’re kicking back, reveling in not working (or in getting Holiday Overtime), celebrating the unofficial start of Summer (the official start is, of course, Plastic Forks), essentially making the most of a three day weekend.
Why, though?
Like so many of the Federal Holidays, lots of folks just look at the day off, and don’t spend time considering why we have the day off, what it represents, why it was put in to begin with.
The first Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30, 1868, on the order of General John Logan, who had flags placed at the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers at Arlington. Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day” because of the decoration of the graves. Most Northern states were celebrating Memorial Day by the 1890s, but it took the South a little longer to come on board … they had different days for memorializing the Confederate War Dead … and since the Memorial was for Civil War Dead they resisted joining the North until after WWI, when Memorial Day was expanded to honor all who die in war … much like Armistice Day morphed into Veterans Day. The National Holiday Act of 1971 moved Memorial Day to the last Monday of May, but there was a bill entered before congress in 1999 to put it back to May 30, but there has been no action on that bill.
Today, the “Old Guard” places flags at every grave at Arlington National Cemetery, and monitors them to make sure that none of them fall over or become damaged. Boy Scout troops repeat this in many parts of the country.
So, while you’re on your way to a picnic, or whatever it is that you are going to do or not do today, take a few moments to think about why you have the time off.
As it happens, this year we are celebrating Memorial Day on the right day … the 30th day of May.
We’re kicking back, reveling in not working (or in getting Holiday Overtime), celebrating the unofficial start of Summer (the official start is, of course, Plastic Forks), essentially making the most of a three day weekend.
Why, though?
Like so many of the Federal Holidays, lots of folks just look at the day off, and don’t spend time considering why we have the day off, what it represents, why it was put in to begin with.
The first Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30, 1868, on the order of General John Logan, who had flags placed at the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers at Arlington. Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day” because of the decoration of the graves. Most Northern states were celebrating Memorial Day by the 1890s, but it took the South a little longer to come on board … they had different days for memorializing the Confederate War Dead … and since the Memorial was for Civil War Dead they resisted joining the North until after WWI, when Memorial Day was expanded to honor all who die in war … much like Armistice Day morphed into Veterans Day. The National Holiday Act of 1971 moved Memorial Day to the last Monday of May, but there was a bill entered before congress in 1999 to put it back to May 30, but there has been no action on that bill.
Today, the “Old Guard” places flags at every grave at Arlington National Cemetery, and monitors them to make sure that none of them fall over or become damaged. Boy Scout troops repeat this in many parts of the country.
So, while you’re on your way to a picnic, or whatever it is that you are going to do or not do today, take a few moments to think about why you have the time off.
5.29.2005
There's nothing like buying beer/alcohol...
Construction time again
The old Nordyne plant up the street from the house is being turned into a strip mall, which will have a Lowe's, a Schnucks (the biggest grocery chain in St. Louis) and, apparently, an Applebee's.
This is going to be interesting. When the plant was open, we had problems with people flying down our street to get to the plant (our street was the easiest connection between the plant and one of the main thoroughfares). The plant's been closed for a few years now, I think, so it's been relatively quiet since. Apparently, the folks on our street (our street is only one block long) unsuccessfully lobbied to have it made one-way back in the late 90s. But with a hella lot more traffic coming, a campaign this time might work.
The main building, which is at the north end of the property:
The main gate, which is at the southern end of the property:
Looking southeast from the north end...the plant property is 3 blocks long and a block wide.
Looking southeast from the main gate:
4 blocks of houses are being razed to add to the strip mall's size...it will be 5 blocks long by 1 1/2 blocks wide. Most of the houses are now empty and boarded up.
This is one of the houses, on S. Grand Ave.:
Apparently, the former residents were so choked up with emotion, they forgot how to spell:
More photos as construction progresses...
This is going to be interesting. When the plant was open, we had problems with people flying down our street to get to the plant (our street was the easiest connection between the plant and one of the main thoroughfares). The plant's been closed for a few years now, I think, so it's been relatively quiet since. Apparently, the folks on our street (our street is only one block long) unsuccessfully lobbied to have it made one-way back in the late 90s. But with a hella lot more traffic coming, a campaign this time might work.
The main building, which is at the north end of the property:
The main gate, which is at the southern end of the property:
Looking southeast from the north end...the plant property is 3 blocks long and a block wide.
Looking southeast from the main gate:
4 blocks of houses are being razed to add to the strip mall's size...it will be 5 blocks long by 1 1/2 blocks wide. Most of the houses are now empty and boarded up.
This is one of the houses, on S. Grand Ave.:
Apparently, the former residents were so choked up with emotion, they forgot how to spell:
More photos as construction progresses...
5.28.2005
The greatest DVD created thus far...
...was just released this past Tuesday. I highly recommend buying it.
Or, at the very least, click on the link, then buy something else. Sycamore's Amazon Store would greatly appreciate your purchase. :)
Or, at the very least, click on the link, then buy something else. Sycamore's Amazon Store would greatly appreciate your purchase. :)
The new pimpin phone
Pimpin phone and I have had a great time together over the past 2 years. But our days were coming to an end--the phone is 2 years old now, which is ancient in the mobile world; and the phone is on Rho's account, so it was going to be shut off in June or July.
Originally, I was going to go with Virgin Mobile, since I don't use a cell phone all that often. But my parents offered to put me on their plan with Cingular, which would only cost me $20 per month. That's about how much I would have spent with Virgin, so...cool.
The phone I bought is the Nokia 6230. Among its features:
--camera/camcorder
--digital music player
--FM stereo
--speakerphone
--bluetooth technology
--internet browser
The only reason I bought it is because the guy at the Cingular store said it was the most bang for the buck. For $150, it works for me.
Here are some photos taken thus far...
Me:
My brother:
This should keep me occupied for at least a few days.
Originally, I was going to go with Virgin Mobile, since I don't use a cell phone all that often. But my parents offered to put me on their plan with Cingular, which would only cost me $20 per month. That's about how much I would have spent with Virgin, so...cool.
The phone I bought is the Nokia 6230. Among its features:
--camera/camcorder
--digital music player
--FM stereo
--speakerphone
--bluetooth technology
--internet browser
The only reason I bought it is because the guy at the Cingular store said it was the most bang for the buck. For $150, it works for me.
Here are some photos taken thus far...
Me:
My brother:
This should keep me occupied for at least a few days.
5.27.2005
My Secret and Forbidden Love
This Manifesto was written by guest host Wolf
No, not my secret and forbidden love for xoxoxoBruce. It’s not a secret, and as near as I am able to determine by a careful reading of the laws of the Commonwealth, it’s not forbidden.
You know them too.
You’ve seen them.
You probably have a few yourself.
Chick Tracts.
Yes, those Chick tracts.
Somewhere, lurking in a box that hasn’t been opened since the last time I moved (at least 10 years ago) there are a number of small pamphlets. Little comic books. Little comic books that teach simple moral lessons, like “Allah Had no Son” and Catholics and Mormons are spiritually misguided. And, of course, that Dungeons and Dragons is just the first step on an inevitable path to becoming one of Satan’s Handmaidens. Masonry also receives special attention, appearing in more than one tract, The Curse of Baphomet and Good Ol’ Boys.
Jack Chick works to bring everyone to Christ through his comic book ministry … even Jews who can play along in a kind of religious Where’s Waldo in “Where’s Rabbi Waxman?”
Wicca and Witchcraft have been a special focus of attention for the Chick Ministry. In addition to the above-mentioned “Dark Dungeons,” he lets us know that Satan Created Sitcoms and Being the child in a single parent family and being bad at sports leads you into temptation. And of course, Halloween is evil and Trick or Treating can be fatal.
Jack apparently found his life’s calling with the help of Chinese Communists who learned that a message can be presented more palatably through comic books.
And so, an industry was born.
And with the technological wonder of the internet, you can read the tracts any time you want to.
You don’t have to find them in a phone booth anymore. Which is good, because I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw an actual phone booth.
No, not my secret and forbidden love for xoxoxoBruce. It’s not a secret, and as near as I am able to determine by a careful reading of the laws of the Commonwealth, it’s not forbidden.
You know them too.
You’ve seen them.
You probably have a few yourself.
Chick Tracts.
Yes, those Chick tracts.
Somewhere, lurking in a box that hasn’t been opened since the last time I moved (at least 10 years ago) there are a number of small pamphlets. Little comic books. Little comic books that teach simple moral lessons, like “Allah Had no Son” and Catholics and Mormons are spiritually misguided. And, of course, that Dungeons and Dragons is just the first step on an inevitable path to becoming one of Satan’s Handmaidens. Masonry also receives special attention, appearing in more than one tract, The Curse of Baphomet and Good Ol’ Boys.
Jack Chick works to bring everyone to Christ through his comic book ministry … even Jews who can play along in a kind of religious Where’s Waldo in “Where’s Rabbi Waxman?”
Wicca and Witchcraft have been a special focus of attention for the Chick Ministry. In addition to the above-mentioned “Dark Dungeons,” he lets us know that Satan Created Sitcoms and Being the child in a single parent family and being bad at sports leads you into temptation. And of course, Halloween is evil and Trick or Treating can be fatal.
Jack apparently found his life’s calling with the help of Chinese Communists who learned that a message can be presented more palatably through comic books.
And so, an industry was born.
And with the technological wonder of the internet, you can read the tracts any time you want to.
You don’t have to find them in a phone booth anymore. Which is good, because I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw an actual phone booth.
5.26.2005
Without Teeth
My teeth are a source of irritation to me...they're not hillbilly or British, but they're a bit jacked up. As a child, my parents were not able to take me to a dentist regularly. In addition, I have an underbite that will require my jaw being broken and reset to truly fix. And I haven't been that good about seeing a dentist as an adult...the last time I went was in 1998.
About a year ago, I noticed that one of my back teeth had a chip in it...right on the gumline. I said I'd go see a dentist, but kept putting it off. 6 months ago, while eating one morning, a quarter of the tooth broke off. As a result, my mouth has been in incredible pain at times. Add to this my two upper wisdom teeth, of which pieces have broken off periodically, and are also a source of incredible pain at times.
Generally, I've been fending off the pain with a combination of peroxide swigs and Orajel/Anbesol. But this past weekend, the pain finally became too much. I went through a tube of Anbesol on the drive back to St. Louis. Since I'm about to lose my dental insurance in July, and since my dental insurance covers me anywhere, I decided to see my old dentist here in St. Louis yesterday.
The news wasn't good: the back tooth has decayed to the point where a root canal might not save it. And my wisdom teeth have to come out. So...next Tuesday, I get to have oral surgery! Whoohoo...NOT!
My mother thinks I'm insane for having 5 teeth taken out at one time. I know it's gonna suck, and that I'll be in quite a bit of pain next week, but who knows when I'll have dental insurance again? And my mouth will be happier in the end.
In the meantime, the dentist gave me some penicillin and...*drum roll*...Lorcet! Whoohoo! Narcotics, baby! I'm not gonna take that one if I don't have to, though. I didn't like what Percocet (a similar drug) did to me earlier this year, and the pain hasn't been that bad in the past 2 days to warrant me using the Lorcet. We'll see...
And with the visit to the dentist, I'm finally caught up on the wellness side of things: rehab is done, weight is coming off, heart is doing okay, I'm feeling better, HIV test was negative, I got new glasses and my teeth will be in better shape come next week. Now I just need to maintain...
About a year ago, I noticed that one of my back teeth had a chip in it...right on the gumline. I said I'd go see a dentist, but kept putting it off. 6 months ago, while eating one morning, a quarter of the tooth broke off. As a result, my mouth has been in incredible pain at times. Add to this my two upper wisdom teeth, of which pieces have broken off periodically, and are also a source of incredible pain at times.
Generally, I've been fending off the pain with a combination of peroxide swigs and Orajel/Anbesol. But this past weekend, the pain finally became too much. I went through a tube of Anbesol on the drive back to St. Louis. Since I'm about to lose my dental insurance in July, and since my dental insurance covers me anywhere, I decided to see my old dentist here in St. Louis yesterday.
The news wasn't good: the back tooth has decayed to the point where a root canal might not save it. And my wisdom teeth have to come out. So...next Tuesday, I get to have oral surgery! Whoohoo...NOT!
My mother thinks I'm insane for having 5 teeth taken out at one time. I know it's gonna suck, and that I'll be in quite a bit of pain next week, but who knows when I'll have dental insurance again? And my mouth will be happier in the end.
In the meantime, the dentist gave me some penicillin and...*drum roll*...Lorcet! Whoohoo! Narcotics, baby! I'm not gonna take that one if I don't have to, though. I didn't like what Percocet (a similar drug) did to me earlier this year, and the pain hasn't been that bad in the past 2 days to warrant me using the Lorcet. We'll see...
And with the visit to the dentist, I'm finally caught up on the wellness side of things: rehab is done, weight is coming off, heart is doing okay, I'm feeling better, HIV test was negative, I got new glasses and my teeth will be in better shape come next week. Now I just need to maintain...
5.24.2005
The return of the real voice
The folks at Universal Music have been pushing Mariah Carey's new CD as "The return of the voice." And I've wondered why, given that she just released a CD two and change years ago, and it was not Glitter. But anyway...
As many of you might know, I took the name Sycamore from a band of the same name that I was in back in the mid-90s. I was the singer, and my main influence at the time was Chris Cornell (at the time, of Soundgarden, now of Audioslave). The guy can sing...I highly recommend checking out the song "Slaves & Bulldozers" by Soundgarden, which represents his entire range pretty well. And I could pretty much hit every note he sang. Of course, my mom is a great singer, and used to be the Assistant Choir Director in our church, so I come by it honest.
Unfortunately, by the late 90s, I could no longer hit high notes...I was an awful baritone at best. I didn't lament it too much, though...I haven't sang in a band since 1995.
As I was driving back to St. Louis Monday night, a radio station was playing Soundgarden's "Outshined," which primarily captures Chris Cornell's upper range. For whatever reason, I tried singing in the same key he was...
And I could. No cracking. No fading. I then turned the sound down on the stereo, to make sure that I really could hit the same notes.
And I could.
I've always suspected that smoking was the main culprit of the loss of my singing voice...and it would appear that I was correct. Or maybe it was stress. Maybe my voice has returned because I have less stress in my life than I used to.
I don't know what happened, but this fucking rules!
As many of you might know, I took the name Sycamore from a band of the same name that I was in back in the mid-90s. I was the singer, and my main influence at the time was Chris Cornell (at the time, of Soundgarden, now of Audioslave). The guy can sing...I highly recommend checking out the song "Slaves & Bulldozers" by Soundgarden, which represents his entire range pretty well. And I could pretty much hit every note he sang. Of course, my mom is a great singer, and used to be the Assistant Choir Director in our church, so I come by it honest.
Unfortunately, by the late 90s, I could no longer hit high notes...I was an awful baritone at best. I didn't lament it too much, though...I haven't sang in a band since 1995.
As I was driving back to St. Louis Monday night, a radio station was playing Soundgarden's "Outshined," which primarily captures Chris Cornell's upper range. For whatever reason, I tried singing in the same key he was...
And I could. No cracking. No fading. I then turned the sound down on the stereo, to make sure that I really could hit the same notes.
And I could.
I've always suspected that smoking was the main culprit of the loss of my singing voice...and it would appear that I was correct. Or maybe it was stress. Maybe my voice has returned because I have less stress in my life than I used to.
I don't know what happened, but this fucking rules!
14:30
14 hours and 30 minutes to cover 900 or so miles, which includes the six potty breaks I took (unfortunately, I drank too much soda today). That's pretty good...broke the old standard by at least an hour.
I left just before 9 EDT yesterday morning, avoiding Philadelphia rush hour (the PA Turnpike in the Phila. suburbs can get pretty crazy). Most of the drive in PA was smooth sailing. Driving west, the Turnpike isn't that bad of a road...and they're doing a lot of construction on it right now to make it even better. And IIRC, going east is better than it used to be. I'll know for certain when I drive back next week.
(See, slang...Ed Rendell isn't such a bad governor. I don't think the GOP has a chance next year, unless Rendell does something incredibly stupid.)
It only takes 10 minutes to drive through West Virginia, if that. Whoosh...
Driving through Ohio takes 3 1/2-4 hours. The eastern portion of the state is beautiful...mountains, hills and valleys much like WV and PA. Once you get past Columbus, though, the land becomes mind-numbingly flat.
Drove through Columbus during rush hour...if you can call it that. It was a breeze, though it was early (about 5).
I flew through Indiana and Illinois, other than making a few pit stops. When you cross into Indiana or Illinois, the states should have reminders up that tell you to adjust your watch to the appropriate time. And the entire State of Indiana should finally adopt Daylight Savings Time.
Drove through Indianapolis during rush hour...if you can call it that. It was a breeze, though it was late (just after 6).
Other observations and events whilst tooling along I-70:
--I saw lots of vehicles from Ontario today...mostly big rigs and trucks.
--I had a Stuckey's pecan log roll for the first time in several years tonight...mmmm!
--At this Stuckey's, I saw a trucker's hat for sale, with an illustration of (I assume) an important Confederate leader on the front, and the words "Southern Heritage" next to the illustration. On the bill of the hat were the initials "CSA." Oy vey...
--I heard Rush Limbaugh for the first time on FM today (he's on FM in Pittsburgh)...that was interesting. It was like listening to those CBS stations online this past weekend.
--At one point, I could only pick up country stations on FM...I believe I was between Indianapolis and Terre Haute at the time.
--The sports teams at Indiana State University (in Terre Haute) are called the Sycamores. I already knew that, but I thought I'd throw it in because it involved sycamore.
--I have discovered that I can sing like Chris Cornell again...more on that in another Manifesto.
TS, thanks for trying. Wolf, good looking out. I'm going to make you Official Bosque Heavy later this week. Make sure you go out and get the new Amy Ray CD tomorrow, okay? :)
I left just before 9 EDT yesterday morning, avoiding Philadelphia rush hour (the PA Turnpike in the Phila. suburbs can get pretty crazy). Most of the drive in PA was smooth sailing. Driving west, the Turnpike isn't that bad of a road...and they're doing a lot of construction on it right now to make it even better. And IIRC, going east is better than it used to be. I'll know for certain when I drive back next week.
(See, slang...Ed Rendell isn't such a bad governor. I don't think the GOP has a chance next year, unless Rendell does something incredibly stupid.)
It only takes 10 minutes to drive through West Virginia, if that. Whoosh...
Driving through Ohio takes 3 1/2-4 hours. The eastern portion of the state is beautiful...mountains, hills and valleys much like WV and PA. Once you get past Columbus, though, the land becomes mind-numbingly flat.
Drove through Columbus during rush hour...if you can call it that. It was a breeze, though it was early (about 5).
I flew through Indiana and Illinois, other than making a few pit stops. When you cross into Indiana or Illinois, the states should have reminders up that tell you to adjust your watch to the appropriate time. And the entire State of Indiana should finally adopt Daylight Savings Time.
Drove through Indianapolis during rush hour...if you can call it that. It was a breeze, though it was late (just after 6).
Other observations and events whilst tooling along I-70:
--I saw lots of vehicles from Ontario today...mostly big rigs and trucks.
--I had a Stuckey's pecan log roll for the first time in several years tonight...mmmm!
--At this Stuckey's, I saw a trucker's hat for sale, with an illustration of (I assume) an important Confederate leader on the front, and the words "Southern Heritage" next to the illustration. On the bill of the hat were the initials "CSA." Oy vey...
--I heard Rush Limbaugh for the first time on FM today (he's on FM in Pittsburgh)...that was interesting. It was like listening to those CBS stations online this past weekend.
--At one point, I could only pick up country stations on FM...I believe I was between Indianapolis and Terre Haute at the time.
--The sports teams at Indiana State University (in Terre Haute) are called the Sycamores. I already knew that, but I thought I'd throw it in because it involved sycamore.
--I have discovered that I can sing like Chris Cornell again...more on that in another Manifesto.
TS, thanks for trying. Wolf, good looking out. I'm going to make you Official Bosque Heavy later this week. Make sure you go out and get the new Amy Ray CD tomorrow, okay? :)
5.23.2005
Cognitive Dissonance, Double-Think, or...
This Manifesto written by guest host Troubleshooter
...How To Hit The Bottom of The Credibility Well
Something I've been keeping a passing eye on has been how Presidential administrations have managed to confuse the shit out of the citizens of the US. Whether it is the definition of "is" or trying to decide what exactly we're going to do about the Geneva Convention they've done some damage to our ability to clearly define where we are as a country.
Unfortunately domestic ...difficulties.. prevent me from fulfilling the possibilities of this idea and the honor of a guest manifesto.
My apologies.
...How To Hit The Bottom of The Credibility Well
Something I've been keeping a passing eye on has been how Presidential administrations have managed to confuse the shit out of the citizens of the US. Whether it is the definition of "is" or trying to decide what exactly we're going to do about the Geneva Convention they've done some damage to our ability to clearly define where we are as a country.
Unfortunately domestic ...difficulties.. prevent me from fulfilling the possibilities of this idea and the honor of a guest manifesto.
My apologies.
I am Such A Geek
This Manifesto written by guest host wolf
or Troubleshooter is a major slacker, but Sycamore is a belt and suspenders kind of guy.
I got a call from a friend yesterday, asking if I wanted to see Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith ... Well, Duh! You betcha.
You may not have guessed it, being as I am cooler than cool, but I am a major league Star Wars Geek™.
And I have a major leage baseball jersey with the Star Wars Logo across the front to prove it.
So, given that I was going to see the final installment of the series, what else would one wear?? A quick, panicked search of my room yielded a Darth Vader button that I've had since what we now know to be Episode #4 came out. I found it because it was pinned to my going to a SciFi Convention headgear ... a (trucker) baseball cap with the Team Banzai logo on it. I know I have a Star Wars ballcap somewhere, but you know how you can never ever find something in a hurry when you need it?
So, properly attired, I ventured forth with my intrepid friends, one who really loves Star Wars, her husband who puts up with it but has pretty much lost interest, and two ladies who know Darth Vader Bad, Yoda Good and talks funny.
You know you've scored in geekdom when some other geek, in this case, one of the concession stand guys at the theater, thought my shirt was the coolest thing ever, and started telling me about his lightsaber collection.
I'm guessing his whole concession stand paycheck is going to the lightsabers right now ...
But hey, someone I don't know noticed.
I honestly don't know what the reviewers or other fans are saying, but I thought the movie was cool. Not Empire Strikes Back cool, but way up there. The loose ends are no longer loose, and a few things that I'd made guesses about that I won't discuss because of spoiler potential. But take heart, true fans, bases were covered, things make sense, and Jar-Jar doesn't have any lines.
The lightsaber battles are plentiful, cool, and well worth the admission price, although some of the moves are so fast, and the lighting so dark and shadowy you do miss some of the coolness.
Get yourself a ticket, some greasy popcorn with extra golden topping, and have fun with the latest installment of the old time serial.
And, as an extra little bonus ... you'll probably get to see a trailer for Narnia. It's rare that you get those kind of chills of anticipation from a trailer. I can't wait to see the movie.
*********
TS, you're not off the hook ... I spoke with Sycamore earlier tonight and he has no qualms about coming down there to bust some ass.
or Troubleshooter is a major slacker, but Sycamore is a belt and suspenders kind of guy.
I got a call from a friend yesterday, asking if I wanted to see Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith ... Well, Duh! You betcha.
You may not have guessed it, being as I am cooler than cool, but I am a major league Star Wars Geek™.
And I have a major leage baseball jersey with the Star Wars Logo across the front to prove it.
So, given that I was going to see the final installment of the series, what else would one wear?? A quick, panicked search of my room yielded a Darth Vader button that I've had since what we now know to be Episode #4 came out. I found it because it was pinned to my going to a SciFi Convention headgear ... a (trucker) baseball cap with the Team Banzai logo on it. I know I have a Star Wars ballcap somewhere, but you know how you can never ever find something in a hurry when you need it?
So, properly attired, I ventured forth with my intrepid friends, one who really loves Star Wars, her husband who puts up with it but has pretty much lost interest, and two ladies who know Darth Vader Bad, Yoda Good and talks funny.
You know you've scored in geekdom when some other geek, in this case, one of the concession stand guys at the theater, thought my shirt was the coolest thing ever, and started telling me about his lightsaber collection.
I'm guessing his whole concession stand paycheck is going to the lightsabers right now ...
But hey, someone I don't know noticed.
I honestly don't know what the reviewers or other fans are saying, but I thought the movie was cool. Not Empire Strikes Back cool, but way up there. The loose ends are no longer loose, and a few things that I'd made guesses about that I won't discuss because of spoiler potential. But take heart, true fans, bases were covered, things make sense, and Jar-Jar doesn't have any lines.
The lightsaber battles are plentiful, cool, and well worth the admission price, although some of the moves are so fast, and the lighting so dark and shadowy you do miss some of the coolness.
Get yourself a ticket, some greasy popcorn with extra golden topping, and have fun with the latest installment of the old time serial.
And, as an extra little bonus ... you'll probably get to see a trailer for Narnia. It's rare that you get those kind of chills of anticipation from a trailer. I can't wait to see the movie.
*********
TS, you're not off the hook ... I spoke with Sycamore earlier tonight and he has no qualms about coming down there to bust some ass.
5.22.2005
Why I love spring (possibly NSFW)
--Trees and flowers bloom.
--The weather is warmer.
--I can wear shorts and sandals w/o looking too ridiculous.
--Beautiful women wear less clothing.
(I want to thank the woman I saw running to her car on Midvale Ave. yesterday afternoon. Her boobs bouncing up and down as she ran across Midvale were the inspiration for this Manifesto. And I mean this in the most sincere way. Thank you!)
--The weather is warmer.
--I can wear shorts and sandals w/o looking too ridiculous.
--Beautiful women wear less clothing.
(I want to thank the woman I saw running to her car on Midvale Ave. yesterday afternoon. Her boobs bouncing up and down as she ran across Midvale were the inspiration for this Manifesto. And I mean this in the most sincere way. Thank you!)
5.21.2005
Something doesn't sound right
Recently, CBS/Infinity put some of its news/talk radio stations online (among them, KYW in Philadelphia, WINS in New York City and WBBM in Chicago). This is great...I like to keep up on the local news, so it'll be nice to listen to KYW or KMOX in St. Louis right online, instead of messing with a radio.
But I've found that listening online takes some getting used to...because the quality is so good. I know why this is case, but I'm so used to hearing so-so quality on the AM dial...I'm hearing things that I apparently didn't hear or couldn't distinguish before. For example, on WINS, there's almost always a news ticker playing in the background when the anchor is reading the news...I thought I had heard that when listening to the station in the car, but wasn't sure.
Now that I think about it...WDEL in Wilmington (another station I listen to online) always sounds better online than on air. I wonder why it has just become so obvious to me...maybe because CBS/Infinity has a better streaming setup than Delmarva Broadcasting (the owner of WDEL).
Click on the above link, and check out some of the stations. Not only is the quality good, but it's interesting to hear what's going on in other cities.
But I've found that listening online takes some getting used to...because the quality is so good. I know why this is case, but I'm so used to hearing so-so quality on the AM dial...I'm hearing things that I apparently didn't hear or couldn't distinguish before. For example, on WINS, there's almost always a news ticker playing in the background when the anchor is reading the news...I thought I had heard that when listening to the station in the car, but wasn't sure.
Now that I think about it...WDEL in Wilmington (another station I listen to online) always sounds better online than on air. I wonder why it has just become so obvious to me...maybe because CBS/Infinity has a better streaming setup than Delmarva Broadcasting (the owner of WDEL).
Click on the above link, and check out some of the stations. Not only is the quality good, but it's interesting to hear what's going on in other cities.
5.20.2005
Graduate school just got cheaper for me...
From Wednesday's St. Louis Post-Dispatch: About 104,000 undergraduate students at the University of Missouri's four campuses, their spouses and their children may be eligible for university scholarships over the next 25 years.
...
The 104,000 students are undergraduates who attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, Rolla, St. Louis or Kansas City between January 1995 and August 2001.
I attended UM-St. Louis from January 1996 to December 1998. :)
...
The 104,000 students are undergraduates who attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, Rolla, St. Louis or Kansas City between January 1995 and August 2001.
I attended UM-St. Louis from January 1996 to December 1998. :)
5.18.2005
And in other news, water is wet...
From The AP/philly.com: Anti-American feelings are widespread in the Muslim world and extend to U.S. consumer brands, according to a report released Wednesday. It suggested the U.S. burnish its image with a change in tone and by publicizing aid programs.
Why am I not surprised? Though the study was only conducted in 3 Muslim countries. Perhaps the people interviewed were from all over the Muslim world.
Why am I not surprised? Though the study was only conducted in 3 Muslim countries. Perhaps the people interviewed were from all over the Muslim world.
Aaaaaaah! My eyes!
Prior to this past Monday, the last time I was at the eye doctor was in the summer of 1998. For the most part, it's about sheer laziness. I've had vision insurance off and on since then, and have had it continuously for 2 years.
Late last week, my left eye began twitching. It happens periodically, usually when I'm stressed. But this time, I suspected it was due to the fact that I've not seen an eye doctor in years. Since I'm not working right now, I figured that now was as good of a time as any to head to the eye doctor. So Monday afternoon, I headed to a Pearle Vision center in nearby Jenkintown.
The eye doctor was a character. But he was thorough...explained everything in language that I could easily understand. After the exam, I took a look at the frames, and found a pair that I liked. Nothing super fancy...a pair of lightweight Marc Eckos. But including the anti-glare coating, after insurance covered their part, I spent $205. Fuck!
Driving home from Pearle was one of the craziest things that I've ever had to do. The eye doc had dilated my pupils, and I could barely keep one of my eyes open. And they hurt like hell. And the drops didn't wear off until early evening. Thank God I don't live that far away from the store.
The new specs came in today, and I went up there to pick them up tonight.
Old:
New:
It might be hard to tell, but the new ones are smaller, rounder and way lighter. And the lenses are plastic...my old ones were glass. I donated my old pair to charity...though the frames are pretty much fucked.
Hopefully, it won't take too long for me to get used to these new ones. It's crazy...I feel like I upgraded from a 19" to a 60" plasma TV. It's amazing how different things look. Damn...I'm retarded for waiting so long.
Now I just need to make a dentist appointment. I haven't been to see one of them in 7 years, either.
Late last week, my left eye began twitching. It happens periodically, usually when I'm stressed. But this time, I suspected it was due to the fact that I've not seen an eye doctor in years. Since I'm not working right now, I figured that now was as good of a time as any to head to the eye doctor. So Monday afternoon, I headed to a Pearle Vision center in nearby Jenkintown.
The eye doctor was a character. But he was thorough...explained everything in language that I could easily understand. After the exam, I took a look at the frames, and found a pair that I liked. Nothing super fancy...a pair of lightweight Marc Eckos. But including the anti-glare coating, after insurance covered their part, I spent $205. Fuck!
Driving home from Pearle was one of the craziest things that I've ever had to do. The eye doc had dilated my pupils, and I could barely keep one of my eyes open. And they hurt like hell. And the drops didn't wear off until early evening. Thank God I don't live that far away from the store.
The new specs came in today, and I went up there to pick them up tonight.
Old:
New:
It might be hard to tell, but the new ones are smaller, rounder and way lighter. And the lenses are plastic...my old ones were glass. I donated my old pair to charity...though the frames are pretty much fucked.
Hopefully, it won't take too long for me to get used to these new ones. It's crazy...I feel like I upgraded from a 19" to a 60" plasma TV. It's amazing how different things look. Damn...I'm retarded for waiting so long.
Now I just need to make a dentist appointment. I haven't been to see one of them in 7 years, either.
5.17.2005
If you're ever in a car accident...
...be careful if you hit a car full of old ladies:
http://www.wvrv.com/media/audio/voicemail.mp3
(Not sure whether this is true or not...if it is, it's damned funny.)
http://www.wvrv.com/media/audio/voicemail.mp3
(Not sure whether this is true or not...if it is, it's damned funny.)
5.16.2005
Negativity
Now that the Sycamore is single, on the prowl and ridiculously sexy, I got to thinking...it's time for an HIV test. I've been with a few ladies in my day, and unfortunately have engaged in some risky behaviors. And now that I'm a little older and a little wiser, I don't want to put someone I love at risk.
So, I made an appointment with the Mazzoni Center in Center City Philadelphia. They specialize in health and wellness services for LGBT folks, but they offer the Rapid HIV test, they have to take pretty much anyone because they get United Way funding and they seem like a good outfit doing good work.
I made the appointment last Wednesday for today, so the wait for one isn't too long. Once I arrived, I spoke with an HIV counselor and filled out some simple paperwork. I chose the anonymous test, so I didn't have to give my name at all (just initialed a consent form), and the questions asked on the info form are standard questions you would expect (IMO) for an HIV test:
--How many sex partners have you had in the past 3/6/12 months?
--Have you ever had anal sex?
--Have you ever used IV drugs?
--Have you ever used crystal meth/tina?
The test itself is super simple: it's like a home pregnancy test, only it uses blood instead of urine (though there is another one that uses oral fluid). The blood is placed into a developer solution, and 20 minutes later, the results are available via two indicators. If the two indicators appear, HIV antibodies have been detected, and a standard HIV test is then done. If the indicators don't appear, no HIV.
No indicators for me.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go celebrate by banging the first hot broad I see...using protection, of course...
So, I made an appointment with the Mazzoni Center in Center City Philadelphia. They specialize in health and wellness services for LGBT folks, but they offer the Rapid HIV test, they have to take pretty much anyone because they get United Way funding and they seem like a good outfit doing good work.
I made the appointment last Wednesday for today, so the wait for one isn't too long. Once I arrived, I spoke with an HIV counselor and filled out some simple paperwork. I chose the anonymous test, so I didn't have to give my name at all (just initialed a consent form), and the questions asked on the info form are standard questions you would expect (IMO) for an HIV test:
--How many sex partners have you had in the past 3/6/12 months?
--Have you ever had anal sex?
--Have you ever used IV drugs?
--Have you ever used crystal meth/tina?
The test itself is super simple: it's like a home pregnancy test, only it uses blood instead of urine (though there is another one that uses oral fluid). The blood is placed into a developer solution, and 20 minutes later, the results are available via two indicators. If the two indicators appear, HIV antibodies have been detected, and a standard HIV test is then done. If the indicators don't appear, no HIV.
No indicators for me.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go celebrate by banging the first hot broad I see...using protection, of course...
5.14.2005
Those wacky left-wing kook Democrats!
If you were listening to Sean Hannity Friday (or almost any day for that matter), you would have sworn that liberals were trying to take America out. One of the arguments I heard on Friday was that Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is pandering to the moveon.org and Michael Moore types. This seems to fall under the cry I've heard on right-wing talk radio...the Dems are caving into the far left.
Huh?
No, wait a minute...somebody help me here. The Democratic Party is kowtowing to the far left?
Please tell me that you Republicans and conservatives out there don't believe that bullshit.
If the Democrats were pandering to the far left fringes, where's universal health care, which I didn't hear about in the past election? Where is gay marriage, which I didn't hear the Dems touting in the last election? And who has been expanding the government and curbing civil liberties over the past 4 years?
If someone could help me figure out what the hell Hannity, Limbaugh, etc. are talking about when it comes to this subject, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Huh?
No, wait a minute...somebody help me here. The Democratic Party is kowtowing to the far left?
Please tell me that you Republicans and conservatives out there don't believe that bullshit.
If the Democrats were pandering to the far left fringes, where's universal health care, which I didn't hear about in the past election? Where is gay marriage, which I didn't hear the Dems touting in the last election? And who has been expanding the government and curbing civil liberties over the past 4 years?
If someone could help me figure out what the hell Hannity, Limbaugh, etc. are talking about when it comes to this subject, I'd greatly appreciate it.
56 days until the move
My last move was such a disaster that I started earlier this time around--about 3 weeks ago.
This move is a bit different, though. Rho's going back to Baltimore in 5 weeks, and I'm off to St. Louis 3 weeks later. Right now, I'm tackling the mess called the living room, making sure that everything is separated.
As you can see, it doesn't look much different than it did in January:
I moved some of my stuff into my storage space yesterday. My brother and his friend are coming out here in late June to take a good chunk of my stuff back.
(They both might be here for Forks...now THAT would be interesting. They both like to drink, but Forks would not really be their sort of thing. We'll see...)
It's not like I have a lot of stuff going back, really. Mostly boxes, a 13" TV and a computer sans monitor (it's about to go out, so it's going in the dumpster when I leave). The only pieces of furniture I'll have are my flip chair (which is currently my bed) and my card table set.
Originally, Rho and I were going to go down to Baltimore today, so that we could rent a storage space. However, yesterday, Rho's parents told her that they found an apartment for her, ready to be moved into on June 15. That saves me $180 (as I offered to pay for a storage space for 2 months...now I don't have to...whoohoo!).
I wish I could go home now. To be honest, the only reason I'm staying until July 9 is because I didn't want to quit my job until July 1. Given how unstable my job history has been over the past 6 years, the fact that I had a job from July 2003 to July 2005 will look better on a resume, IMO. And with all my bills pretty much paid off until August, any money I make at work next month will be play money (though most of it will be socked away for a rainy day). I want to enjoy it while I can, since my next job will probably not pay what I make now. Based on the International Salary Calculator, I should ideally make 82 percent of what I do now. That makes sense...St. Louis's cost of living is somewhat lower than Philadelphia's. I'll probably start looking for a job towards the end of next month. And worst case scenario, I already have at least one job lined up--delivering pizzas. It could be worse...
More to come in the following weeks...
This move is a bit different, though. Rho's going back to Baltimore in 5 weeks, and I'm off to St. Louis 3 weeks later. Right now, I'm tackling the mess called the living room, making sure that everything is separated.
As you can see, it doesn't look much different than it did in January:
I moved some of my stuff into my storage space yesterday. My brother and his friend are coming out here in late June to take a good chunk of my stuff back.
(They both might be here for Forks...now THAT would be interesting. They both like to drink, but Forks would not really be their sort of thing. We'll see...)
It's not like I have a lot of stuff going back, really. Mostly boxes, a 13" TV and a computer sans monitor (it's about to go out, so it's going in the dumpster when I leave). The only pieces of furniture I'll have are my flip chair (which is currently my bed) and my card table set.
Originally, Rho and I were going to go down to Baltimore today, so that we could rent a storage space. However, yesterday, Rho's parents told her that they found an apartment for her, ready to be moved into on June 15. That saves me $180 (as I offered to pay for a storage space for 2 months...now I don't have to...whoohoo!).
I wish I could go home now. To be honest, the only reason I'm staying until July 9 is because I didn't want to quit my job until July 1. Given how unstable my job history has been over the past 6 years, the fact that I had a job from July 2003 to July 2005 will look better on a resume, IMO. And with all my bills pretty much paid off until August, any money I make at work next month will be play money (though most of it will be socked away for a rainy day). I want to enjoy it while I can, since my next job will probably not pay what I make now. Based on the International Salary Calculator, I should ideally make 82 percent of what I do now. That makes sense...St. Louis's cost of living is somewhat lower than Philadelphia's. I'll probably start looking for a job towards the end of next month. And worst case scenario, I already have at least one job lined up--delivering pizzas. It could be worse...
More to come in the following weeks...
5.13.2005
Look! I'm a pumpkin!
The shirt was so loud, it had to be purchased. Unfortunately, my web cam does not do it justice.
5.12.2005
Make sure that all parts are in working order
From MSNBC: An impotent Italian man who kept his problem a secret from his wife until after their wedding must pay her damages for "eroding" her right to have a family, Italy's Supreme Court has ruled.
This sorta thing is why premarital sex is a good thing, IMO.
This sorta thing is why premarital sex is a good thing, IMO.
5.11.2005
I pity the fool!
5.10.2005
The predators
My attorney e-mailed me last Thursday to let me know that my bankruptcy had been discharged. But the first paper notice I got was not from the bankruptcy court or my attorney...it was from a car dealership that wanted to sell me a car. It arrived in the mail Friday.
My bankruptcy is public record, which is fine. I have no problem with that.
What I do have a problem with are financing companies and/or car dealerships that are trying to entice me to come in and buy a new car.
Ever since I filed, I've been getting offers from various car dealerships in the Philadelphia area. "You're approved up to (insert dollar amount here)!" They were periodic at first...one a week or every other week. Now I'm getting a couple each week...maybe more.
Now granted, anyone who has filed for bankruptcy needs to make sure that their financial house is in order...mine is. And you can't fix stupid. But this shit is predatory, IMO. People are just coming out of a bad financial situation, and the car folks want to try and put them into debt again by dangling a shiny new car in front of them. I wonder what the interest rate is on the loan, or what kind of down payment is required...my guess is that both are high. And I wonder if sluggish sales are causing an increase in these offers.
I'm gonna do some research on this...I'm curious if this is a "common" thing. If so, I'd like to do something about it in terms of consumer education. Might as well put my celebrity to use. ;-)
My bankruptcy is public record, which is fine. I have no problem with that.
What I do have a problem with are financing companies and/or car dealerships that are trying to entice me to come in and buy a new car.
Ever since I filed, I've been getting offers from various car dealerships in the Philadelphia area. "You're approved up to (insert dollar amount here)!" They were periodic at first...one a week or every other week. Now I'm getting a couple each week...maybe more.
Now granted, anyone who has filed for bankruptcy needs to make sure that their financial house is in order...mine is. And you can't fix stupid. But this shit is predatory, IMO. People are just coming out of a bad financial situation, and the car folks want to try and put them into debt again by dangling a shiny new car in front of them. I wonder what the interest rate is on the loan, or what kind of down payment is required...my guess is that both are high. And I wonder if sluggish sales are causing an increase in these offers.
I'm gonna do some research on this...I'm curious if this is a "common" thing. If so, I'd like to do something about it in terms of consumer education. Might as well put my celebrity to use. ;-)
5.09.2005
The hospital and I are getting too familiar
Thursday, I was having some issues with my right ankle. It didn't hurt too badly, but it felt like I might have sprained it. I tried to take it easy, and iced it up occasionally.
Friday, it seemed to get worse. So, I rested it more and iced it up more frequently, and continued this into Saturday. And it seemed to be getting better.
But last night, the pain just got worse. Concerned that I might have broken or torn something, I headed to the ER...my third trip there in 6 months (sprained finger in February, panic attack in November).
I sat around for about 3 hours or so, and it went pretty much as I expected: We don't know what exactly is wrong. It could be a sprain. It might be arthritis. It might be a gout attack. Rest, ice, compression, elevation. 2-3 days. Follow up with your doctor. Take anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen). Blah. Blah. Blah blah.
I did get a snazzy pair of crutches to use. They're actually kinda pimp-like, if I do say so:
Like I said, this is my third trip to the ER in the past 6 months. I also go to this hospital 3 days a week for my cardiac rehab. This hospital (Frankford-Torresdale) happens to be next door to our old apartment complex in the Far Northeast section of Philadelphia (about a half-hour NE of my current apartment).
Perhaps God is trying to tell me something, along with the appearance of the whale penis...
Friday, it seemed to get worse. So, I rested it more and iced it up more frequently, and continued this into Saturday. And it seemed to be getting better.
But last night, the pain just got worse. Concerned that I might have broken or torn something, I headed to the ER...my third trip there in 6 months (sprained finger in February, panic attack in November).
I sat around for about 3 hours or so, and it went pretty much as I expected: We don't know what exactly is wrong. It could be a sprain. It might be arthritis. It might be a gout attack. Rest, ice, compression, elevation. 2-3 days. Follow up with your doctor. Take anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen). Blah. Blah. Blah blah.
I did get a snazzy pair of crutches to use. They're actually kinda pimp-like, if I do say so:
Like I said, this is my third trip to the ER in the past 6 months. I also go to this hospital 3 days a week for my cardiac rehab. This hospital (Frankford-Torresdale) happens to be next door to our old apartment complex in the Far Northeast section of Philadelphia (about a half-hour NE of my current apartment).
Perhaps God is trying to tell me something, along with the appearance of the whale penis...
5.08.2005
Discharged
As of this past Wednesday, my bankruptcy was discharged. Don't mind that big black mark that you see...
When I filed for Chapter 7 in December, I was about $36,000 in the hole to MBNA, Bank One/Chase and Citi. I racked up the majority of it ($26,000) after moving out East in 1999.
I think the biggest reason for my bankruptcy was poor budget planning and saving. I wasn't much of a spender per se...I think the biggest thing I bought on a credit card was my PS2 2 years ago. Seriously.
It all started when I moved back home at the end of 1995. I only had a partial scholarship to go to UM-St. Louis, and had to pay for the rest out of pocket--about $1100, plus $400 for books. At the time, I was dead broke.
"Fuck it...I'll put in on my credit card."
I then repeated this at least 2 more times while in college. By the time I graduated in early 1999, I was at $9000. But later in the year, I consolidated everything, and was actually paying my debt down.
Then I decided to move on 3 weeks notice to Washington, DC in August 1999...and I had no savings at all. By the time Rho and I were finally settled in our apartment, I was up to $12,000.
Things were alright for a while. Then I decided to job-hop after moving to Philadelphia. And my attitude each time I did it was, "Well, we have the overdraft account to fall back on." In 3 years, I used up the entire overdraft account--$20,000. Add to this the fact that Rho has not worked full-time since the summer of 2002, and that we relied on her to have a steady income.
By last summer, I knew things were not good financially. I wasn't missing any payments at all--in fact, in 10 years, I made one late payment--in 1998. But the debt payments were taking up a good chunk of our budget...about 40%. There were simple things that needed to be done--taking the coats to the dry cleaners, routine maintenance work on the cars, etc.--that we had to put off because we never had any extra cash.
Then there were the little things contributed further to the problem. We spent way too much on food--groceries and eating out. Still do now, though we can afford to. Rho would take money from the ATM and not give me the receipts. I'd forget to write auto debits down, and make math errors in the checkbook (because I preferred to add and subtract manually). It was a fucking mess.
I talked with an attorney in November and weighed my options. Based on the amount of debt I had and the little amount of property that I owned, I decided to file Chapter 7, which would eliminate all my debt except for my student loan. The paperwork was filed in December, my hearing was last month (having been pushed back twice by my attorney), and as of Wednesday May 4, it's all over.
Now, did I learn anything from all this? Absolutely!
--Save some money.
--Try to factor in the unexpected when planning a budget.
--Never quit a job w/o having a new one unless it's absolutely necessary.
--Eating out adds up quickly, but so does buying a lot of crap at the grocery store.
--If you can't afford to live on your own, you really shouldn't live with a roommate/significant other.
I'm still young, so I have time to fix my credit and keep it excellent. I still have my student loan to pay on, plus my Mobil gas card and a department store credit card that weren't subject to the bankruptcy (zero balances), so I'll be rebuilding it right away. My car is actually owned by my parents, and I have a credit card through them for emergencies. And I didn't lose any property. I'm very fortunate...and lucky...and stupid. I think I've learned my lesson though...I don't ever want to be in such a hole again.
Now I just have to watch out for "the predators," which I'll talk about tomorrow...
When I filed for Chapter 7 in December, I was about $36,000 in the hole to MBNA, Bank One/Chase and Citi. I racked up the majority of it ($26,000) after moving out East in 1999.
I think the biggest reason for my bankruptcy was poor budget planning and saving. I wasn't much of a spender per se...I think the biggest thing I bought on a credit card was my PS2 2 years ago. Seriously.
It all started when I moved back home at the end of 1995. I only had a partial scholarship to go to UM-St. Louis, and had to pay for the rest out of pocket--about $1100, plus $400 for books. At the time, I was dead broke.
"Fuck it...I'll put in on my credit card."
I then repeated this at least 2 more times while in college. By the time I graduated in early 1999, I was at $9000. But later in the year, I consolidated everything, and was actually paying my debt down.
Then I decided to move on 3 weeks notice to Washington, DC in August 1999...and I had no savings at all. By the time Rho and I were finally settled in our apartment, I was up to $12,000.
Things were alright for a while. Then I decided to job-hop after moving to Philadelphia. And my attitude each time I did it was, "Well, we have the overdraft account to fall back on." In 3 years, I used up the entire overdraft account--$20,000. Add to this the fact that Rho has not worked full-time since the summer of 2002, and that we relied on her to have a steady income.
By last summer, I knew things were not good financially. I wasn't missing any payments at all--in fact, in 10 years, I made one late payment--in 1998. But the debt payments were taking up a good chunk of our budget...about 40%. There were simple things that needed to be done--taking the coats to the dry cleaners, routine maintenance work on the cars, etc.--that we had to put off because we never had any extra cash.
Then there were the little things contributed further to the problem. We spent way too much on food--groceries and eating out. Still do now, though we can afford to. Rho would take money from the ATM and not give me the receipts. I'd forget to write auto debits down, and make math errors in the checkbook (because I preferred to add and subtract manually). It was a fucking mess.
I talked with an attorney in November and weighed my options. Based on the amount of debt I had and the little amount of property that I owned, I decided to file Chapter 7, which would eliminate all my debt except for my student loan. The paperwork was filed in December, my hearing was last month (having been pushed back twice by my attorney), and as of Wednesday May 4, it's all over.
Now, did I learn anything from all this? Absolutely!
--Save some money.
--Try to factor in the unexpected when planning a budget.
--Never quit a job w/o having a new one unless it's absolutely necessary.
--Eating out adds up quickly, but so does buying a lot of crap at the grocery store.
--If you can't afford to live on your own, you really shouldn't live with a roommate/significant other.
I'm still young, so I have time to fix my credit and keep it excellent. I still have my student loan to pay on, plus my Mobil gas card and a department store credit card that weren't subject to the bankruptcy (zero balances), so I'll be rebuilding it right away. My car is actually owned by my parents, and I have a credit card through them for emergencies. And I didn't lose any property. I'm very fortunate...and lucky...and stupid. I think I've learned my lesson though...I don't ever want to be in such a hole again.
Now I just have to watch out for "the predators," which I'll talk about tomorrow...
5.06.2005
Dear mom...
...we've had a hell of a life together, haven't we?
Sperm donor walked out the door, not giving two shits about us. You struggled and scraped to get us by during those lean years when it was just you and I. Those times were tough, but I never really knew that...I was a pretty happy child. Things were just fine, as far as I was concerned.
When Ken came into our lives, things got better, though there were still a lot of struggles. Things weren't easy, but I always felt loved. You might have hemmed and hawed a lot, and I might have been bull-headed a lot, but you were just looking out for me more often than not. You always encouraged me to follow my dreams and were always supportive. And I think I turned out pretty damned good. And you were right more often than I gave you credit for.
I know how much you hated it when I decided to move east, but you let me do my thing...b/c you knew you had to let me.
The last few years have been rather sucky, but even though you're over 900 miles away, you've still been there...the Escort, the loan to move to my current apartment, etc. Now, with all the current craziness, you're there again. I think you're more worried about my health than I am right now.
Sometimes, you drive me up a freakin' wall, and make me want to scream. But it's a small price to pay for all the love and support you've given me over the past 30 years.
Happy Birthday and Mother's Day, Mom! You're the best!
Love,
Terry
xoxo
Sperm donor walked out the door, not giving two shits about us. You struggled and scraped to get us by during those lean years when it was just you and I. Those times were tough, but I never really knew that...I was a pretty happy child. Things were just fine, as far as I was concerned.
When Ken came into our lives, things got better, though there were still a lot of struggles. Things weren't easy, but I always felt loved. You might have hemmed and hawed a lot, and I might have been bull-headed a lot, but you were just looking out for me more often than not. You always encouraged me to follow my dreams and were always supportive. And I think I turned out pretty damned good. And you were right more often than I gave you credit for.
I know how much you hated it when I decided to move east, but you let me do my thing...b/c you knew you had to let me.
The last few years have been rather sucky, but even though you're over 900 miles away, you've still been there...the Escort, the loan to move to my current apartment, etc. Now, with all the current craziness, you're there again. I think you're more worried about my health than I am right now.
Sometimes, you drive me up a freakin' wall, and make me want to scream. But it's a small price to pay for all the love and support you've given me over the past 30 years.
Happy Birthday and Mother's Day, Mom! You're the best!
Love,
Terry
xoxo
5.05.2005
Research study idea
Since I'm considering going back to school for my Masters in January...
I'm thinking of doing a study involving pimps. I would measure their hands against a control group, to see if pimps have one hand bigger than the other. My hypothesis is that they do.
I'm sure that some group out there would fund such a study.
I'm thinking of doing a study involving pimps. I would measure their hands against a control group, to see if pimps have one hand bigger than the other. My hypothesis is that they do.
I'm sure that some group out there would fund such a study.
Baby! C'mon and knock me a kiss!
Happiness is like a kiss. In order to get any good out of it, you have to give it to someone else.
--Courtesy of Mind/Body Connection in King of Prussia
Exactly what kind of kiss are we talking about here? A blown one? With tongue? Or any kind of kiss?
--Courtesy of Mind/Body Connection in King of Prussia
Exactly what kind of kiss are we talking about here? A blown one? With tongue? Or any kind of kiss?
5.04.2005
So, Syc, how's rehab going?
I thought you'd never ask! :)
I guess it's going okay...I mean, I'm losing weight, my doctor says my compliance is excellent, and I'm feeling a bit better. But as a whole, I still feel like hell, which is why I'm still out on disability. And I don't go back to see my cardiologist until June, so I won't know if my heart is actually doing better until then.
Here's what my weight looks like since starting rehab (thanks to our friends at The United States of America, Inc. for the graphing program):
2 months, 23 pounds.
I know that I'm going to be better off carrying less weight, but I just wonder if I'm ever going to feel "normal" again. I try not to think about it too much, but when your physical health is affecting you mentally every day, it's hard not to. But, as much as all this sucks, I'll be damned if I'm going to let this illness get the best of me. One of these days, I'll either feel better or die trying to.
Now if you'll excuse me, it's time for my nap...see! This is what I'm talking about! Regular naps...what a crock of shit! Hopefully, they are only temporary.
I guess it's going okay...I mean, I'm losing weight, my doctor says my compliance is excellent, and I'm feeling a bit better. But as a whole, I still feel like hell, which is why I'm still out on disability. And I don't go back to see my cardiologist until June, so I won't know if my heart is actually doing better until then.
Here's what my weight looks like since starting rehab (thanks to our friends at The United States of America, Inc. for the graphing program):
2 months, 23 pounds.
I know that I'm going to be better off carrying less weight, but I just wonder if I'm ever going to feel "normal" again. I try not to think about it too much, but when your physical health is affecting you mentally every day, it's hard not to. But, as much as all this sucks, I'll be damned if I'm going to let this illness get the best of me. One of these days, I'll either feel better or die trying to.
Now if you'll excuse me, it's time for my nap...see! This is what I'm talking about! Regular naps...what a crock of shit! Hopefully, they are only temporary.
5.03.2005
I take pictures...photographic pictures...
I didn't snap as many photos as I would have liked while I was home (including one of the elusive April), but I did take some.
Here's a photo of the 'rents house from 1998:
And here it is today:
Of course, you all want to see pics of the new car:
My parents actually live in the Boulevard Heights neighborhood, but it's also thrown in with Carondelet sometimes. Carondelet used to be its own town until being annexed by St. Louis 130+ years ago...it has history, unlike Boulevard Heights, which is a relatively new neighborhood.
It's kinda hard to see, but if you look directly on the left side of the street and further down on the right side in the next photo, you'll see green space. Businesses were originally there, but they were taken out by the Great Flood of '93. If you drive down some of the streets east of Alabama Ave. (the street you're looking at in the photo), you'll see some totally empty blocks and some with "missing teeth."
Here's another creation of the '93 floods: Alaska Park:
The area in green on the below image is the actual park. The red line is what used to be Alaskan Court, a street in Carondelet. The floods took out the entire street and the east side of Alaska Ave. (the western border of the park). Rather than rebuild, the City turned the land into a park.
You can see where Alaskan Court used to be in the following photo (notice the older curb on the right and the newer curb on the left):
More photos on my next trip back, which should be later this month.
Here's a photo of the 'rents house from 1998:
And here it is today:
Of course, you all want to see pics of the new car:
My parents actually live in the Boulevard Heights neighborhood, but it's also thrown in with Carondelet sometimes. Carondelet used to be its own town until being annexed by St. Louis 130+ years ago...it has history, unlike Boulevard Heights, which is a relatively new neighborhood.
It's kinda hard to see, but if you look directly on the left side of the street and further down on the right side in the next photo, you'll see green space. Businesses were originally there, but they were taken out by the Great Flood of '93. If you drive down some of the streets east of Alabama Ave. (the street you're looking at in the photo), you'll see some totally empty blocks and some with "missing teeth."
Here's another creation of the '93 floods: Alaska Park:
The area in green on the below image is the actual park. The red line is what used to be Alaskan Court, a street in Carondelet. The floods took out the entire street and the east side of Alaska Ave. (the western border of the park). Rather than rebuild, the City turned the land into a park.
You can see where Alaskan Court used to be in the following photo (notice the older curb on the right and the newer curb on the left):
More photos on my next trip back, which should be later this month.
5.02.2005
4 more weeks!
As I mentioned Saturday, I was supposed to go back to work tomorrow. I went to the doctor's office this morning, he did some checking, we talked for a bit and decided on 4 more weeks of disability. So, my return to work date is now Thursday June 9th.
Now...this is where things get interesting. I go back to work on the 9th. I have 2 vacation days scheduled later in June. And then, my last day is July 1st. So once I go back to work, I'll work a whopping 3 1/2 weeks, and that's it.
In an ideal world, they would call me, tell me not to bother coming back, pay me through July 1st and call it a day. We'll see...this is the same company that let someone go, gave them 2 weeks notice, but didn't let them actually work. So, they came to work and surfed the 'net. This is also the same company that told someone to pack their desk up when they gave a month's notice.
*crosses fingers*
Now...this is where things get interesting. I go back to work on the 9th. I have 2 vacation days scheduled later in June. And then, my last day is July 1st. So once I go back to work, I'll work a whopping 3 1/2 weeks, and that's it.
In an ideal world, they would call me, tell me not to bother coming back, pay me through July 1st and call it a day. We'll see...this is the same company that let someone go, gave them 2 weeks notice, but didn't let them actually work. So, they came to work and surfed the 'net. This is also the same company that told someone to pack their desk up when they gave a month's notice.
*crosses fingers*
5.01.2005
Up in smoke
I just realized a little while ago that last Monday the 25th was my one-year anniversary of being smoke-free.
Do I feel better? Hmmm...well, I can certainly breathe better, though that's compromised by my heart condition. And I gained almost 30 lbs. after I quit, part of which I still have on me.
Financially, I know I'm better off...at $40 a carton, I've saved over $2000 in the past year. Well...maybe not...that money probably went towards food.
I have been incredibly tempted at times to light one up over the past year, but have not done so. At least I can claim victory there, given all the shit I've been through/put myself through in the past year. The addiction to nicotine is a son-of-a-bitch...sometimes, I have no desire for one. Other times, like right now, I wouldn't mind having one. And then there are times when I really really want one. But though the temptations have been there, saying "no" hasn't been that hard for me, really. And it seems to have become easier to say "no" as the months have passed.
Oh...and I smell better...well, I hope I do. I should...I don't smell like smoke anymore. And I have more time...it's amazing how much time smoking can take up.
It's been said that there's nothing worse than a reformed smoker. Well, a handful of people here can attest to the fact that I don't say anything to them about their smoking. And I don't plan to...unless I find out that they have severe health conditions that would be helped by quitting. And even then, I probably wouldn't badger the hell out of them about it. IMO, with any addiction, the person has to WANT to quit. You can do interventions and throw people into detox, but unless that person realizes that they have a problem and wants to fix that problem, they really can't be helped. It took a health scare to convince me to quit. I knew how dangerous smoking was, and what it was doing/could do to me, but I just liked smoking and wasn't ready to quit until that occurred.
If any of you smokers need support or help in quitting, you know where to find me.
Do I feel better? Hmmm...well, I can certainly breathe better, though that's compromised by my heart condition. And I gained almost 30 lbs. after I quit, part of which I still have on me.
Financially, I know I'm better off...at $40 a carton, I've saved over $2000 in the past year. Well...maybe not...that money probably went towards food.
I have been incredibly tempted at times to light one up over the past year, but have not done so. At least I can claim victory there, given all the shit I've been through/put myself through in the past year. The addiction to nicotine is a son-of-a-bitch...sometimes, I have no desire for one. Other times, like right now, I wouldn't mind having one. And then there are times when I really really want one. But though the temptations have been there, saying "no" hasn't been that hard for me, really. And it seems to have become easier to say "no" as the months have passed.
Oh...and I smell better...well, I hope I do. I should...I don't smell like smoke anymore. And I have more time...it's amazing how much time smoking can take up.
It's been said that there's nothing worse than a reformed smoker. Well, a handful of people here can attest to the fact that I don't say anything to them about their smoking. And I don't plan to...unless I find out that they have severe health conditions that would be helped by quitting. And even then, I probably wouldn't badger the hell out of them about it. IMO, with any addiction, the person has to WANT to quit. You can do interventions and throw people into detox, but unless that person realizes that they have a problem and wants to fix that problem, they really can't be helped. It took a health scare to convince me to quit. I knew how dangerous smoking was, and what it was doing/could do to me, but I just liked smoking and wasn't ready to quit until that occurred.
If any of you smokers need support or help in quitting, you know where to find me.
