Really sad. I'm sorry for the family. It looks like the dad and two other kids, also in the car, may survive. Not all the kids have the last name so perhaps the parents were driving relatives or friends.
The drunk driver, at three times the legal limit, drove over three miles on the wrong way of the freeway before hitting their minivan. The family was on their way home from Christmas.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Complicated human/tiger tragedy
Wow, really sad story about the tiger tragedy at the San Francisco Zoo this Christmas. I have a lot of thoughts but I really want to know more. But I'm not sure that's going to happen - that the two surviving boys will tell the truth. To be honest, it's not "in their best interest" to tell the truth especially if they taunted the tiger and then ran away as their friend was being killed which it looks like could be likely.
As someone who has researched tigers and becoming a tiger trainer, and has been to the SF Zoo and other zoos several times, I have a lot of things to say - based on what I know, the many many articles online about the incident and online comments I've been reading.
First, I would like to say this is a "tiger tragedy" and not a "tiger killing." The latter implies murder vs the former implies a tragic incident. A commenter from an SF Chronicle article came up with this and I'm going to copy him/her.
In no particular order:
1) Tigers can't be tamed. They're wild animals, and will and can attack. They are not social animals (vs lions) and don't run in packs. They live solitary and don't see other mammals as friends. They are dangerous. I think our GBox generation (and my gen BTW) doesn't get that; we're too distanced from the animal kingdom reality of killing.
2) The boys most likely taunted the tiger. Not sure the extent of the taunting but for the tiger to chase the two boys 300 yards into the cafe area to attack them, it appears to not be light taunting. And for the tiger to jump that barrier. Yes, the barrier might have been shorter than completely necessary but Tatiana has never jumped it before. Something must have really really provoked her to jump. Tigers aren't cold-blooded murderes, they're animals that will protect themselves. There isn't emotion like for humans.
3) Tigers are the only cats that swim in water. Lack of water in the moat does not signify negligent action by the SF ZOO; water would not have stopped the tiger from going in the moat.
4) The SF Zoo sucks tiger ass. It's small and dinky. Yes, I know nothing compares to my native San Diego Zoo but the SF Zoo is just hard to be at. Do I believe commenters online that say they worked at the zoo and there is neglect from management and it's run poorly? Yes. Should they have had cameras? Maybe but cameras 24/7 are expensive. There are reasons only newborn pandas have 24/7 cameras on them (Seriously, ppl LUV those panda cams); they cost monies, people. But... with Tatiana's history of appearing more agitated and stressed than the other tigers, cameras should have been installed. And no, I don't think Tatiana's incident last year with her trainer was entirely her fault. She acted like a tiger when the trainer put her hand into her feeding area. I'm sorry it happened but Tatiana was not being malicious.
5) Why wasn't the zoo called or notified when Tatiana got out? And who made the 911 calls? We definitely need more facts.
6) Should Tatiana have been killed by the police? Yes. Humans are always more valuable than animals, even endangered Siberian tigers. Seriously, this should not be a consideration. I love tigers and all but c'mon. There were no stun guns around and even then, they take 30 seconds to go into effect. Would you like to be mauled for 30 more seconds by one of the strongest animals in nature? Stupid question.
7) I find it unsettling that Wednesday night, the tiger exhibit at the Oakland Zoo was busier than normal.
8) If forensic evidence and honest testimony shows that the boys taunted the tiger by throwing sticks at it and crossing over the security fence and possibly dangling limbs over the edge, I believe they should be held responsible for the deaths of the boy and the tiger. They endangered other people's lives if they provoked the tiger to escape, just as if they unlatched the gate and released Tatiana that way. The SF Zoo cannot protect against idiots. Just like when someone climbs drunkenly over into the polar bear exhibit and gets ripped to shreds. Not the zoo's fault.
I wish cameras had been operating on the exhibit just so we could see what really happened. I sadly don't think the two boys, who reports appear to show them as punks and aggressive toward police, will tell the truth. Articles are saying they wouldn't give their names to police and wouldn't even give their dead friend's name. I understand not trusting police but when a tiger has just mauled you, who doesn't give all the info needed?
Should the SF Zoo be shut down? I don't know. But I don't think the zoo or tiger should be blamed for this. I will be really really angry if the families sue the zoo or city.
As someone who has researched tigers and becoming a tiger trainer, and has been to the SF Zoo and other zoos several times, I have a lot of things to say - based on what I know, the many many articles online about the incident and online comments I've been reading.
First, I would like to say this is a "tiger tragedy" and not a "tiger killing." The latter implies murder vs the former implies a tragic incident. A commenter from an SF Chronicle article came up with this and I'm going to copy him/her.
In no particular order:
1) Tigers can't be tamed. They're wild animals, and will and can attack. They are not social animals (vs lions) and don't run in packs. They live solitary and don't see other mammals as friends. They are dangerous. I think our GBox generation (and my gen BTW) doesn't get that; we're too distanced from the animal kingdom reality of killing.
2) The boys most likely taunted the tiger. Not sure the extent of the taunting but for the tiger to chase the two boys 300 yards into the cafe area to attack them, it appears to not be light taunting. And for the tiger to jump that barrier. Yes, the barrier might have been shorter than completely necessary but Tatiana has never jumped it before. Something must have really really provoked her to jump. Tigers aren't cold-blooded murderes, they're animals that will protect themselves. There isn't emotion like for humans.
3) Tigers are the only cats that swim in water. Lack of water in the moat does not signify negligent action by the SF ZOO; water would not have stopped the tiger from going in the moat.
4) The SF Zoo sucks tiger ass. It's small and dinky. Yes, I know nothing compares to my native San Diego Zoo but the SF Zoo is just hard to be at. Do I believe commenters online that say they worked at the zoo and there is neglect from management and it's run poorly? Yes. Should they have had cameras? Maybe but cameras 24/7 are expensive. There are reasons only newborn pandas have 24/7 cameras on them (Seriously, ppl LUV those panda cams); they cost monies, people. But... with Tatiana's history of appearing more agitated and stressed than the other tigers, cameras should have been installed. And no, I don't think Tatiana's incident last year with her trainer was entirely her fault. She acted like a tiger when the trainer put her hand into her feeding area. I'm sorry it happened but Tatiana was not being malicious.
5) Why wasn't the zoo called or notified when Tatiana got out? And who made the 911 calls? We definitely need more facts.
6) Should Tatiana have been killed by the police? Yes. Humans are always more valuable than animals, even endangered Siberian tigers. Seriously, this should not be a consideration. I love tigers and all but c'mon. There were no stun guns around and even then, they take 30 seconds to go into effect. Would you like to be mauled for 30 more seconds by one of the strongest animals in nature? Stupid question.
7) I find it unsettling that Wednesday night, the tiger exhibit at the Oakland Zoo was busier than normal.
8) If forensic evidence and honest testimony shows that the boys taunted the tiger by throwing sticks at it and crossing over the security fence and possibly dangling limbs over the edge, I believe they should be held responsible for the deaths of the boy and the tiger. They endangered other people's lives if they provoked the tiger to escape, just as if they unlatched the gate and released Tatiana that way. The SF Zoo cannot protect against idiots. Just like when someone climbs drunkenly over into the polar bear exhibit and gets ripped to shreds. Not the zoo's fault.
I wish cameras had been operating on the exhibit just so we could see what really happened. I sadly don't think the two boys, who reports appear to show them as punks and aggressive toward police, will tell the truth. Articles are saying they wouldn't give their names to police and wouldn't even give their dead friend's name. I understand not trusting police but when a tiger has just mauled you, who doesn't give all the info needed?
Should the SF Zoo be shut down? I don't know. But I don't think the zoo or tiger should be blamed for this. I will be really really angry if the families sue the zoo or city.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Control
I'm been thinking about control (does Janet Jackson's song instantly pop into your head? does for me) and how contradictory God's views of control is for us.
It's a big issue for me, wanting to have control over things in my life and feeling frustrated/stressed/overwhelmed when I feel out of control. Control, control, control. Wanting to know what's going to happen, with whom, when, what do I need for it... Hating when I feel out of control and like someone else is more powerful than me, making my decisions and I am powerless.
God has been saying lately two true and seemingly opposite things to me. That I am in control of my life. I make all my decisions. If I don't want to do something or be somewhere, I have the full ability to change it. Like leaving my job, for example. There isn't anything I'm not able to do or say no to, no one higher I have to answer to (well God of course but not another person) before I do something.
But also, at the same time, I cannot have control. Life is so messy and unplanned and more frustrating and inefficient than I ever thought. God telling me to let go, to be ok with how things turn out "wrong" and to have a wider margin of error. I realize I want to widen my expectations - not lower them which I think is having lower standards but widening them which is enlarging my expectation of what I think would be ok to happen.
And forgiving and letting go of what I wanted to happen.
It's a big issue for me, wanting to have control over things in my life and feeling frustrated/stressed/overwhelmed when I feel out of control. Control, control, control. Wanting to know what's going to happen, with whom, when, what do I need for it... Hating when I feel out of control and like someone else is more powerful than me, making my decisions and I am powerless.
God has been saying lately two true and seemingly opposite things to me. That I am in control of my life. I make all my decisions. If I don't want to do something or be somewhere, I have the full ability to change it. Like leaving my job, for example. There isn't anything I'm not able to do or say no to, no one higher I have to answer to (well God of course but not another person) before I do something.
But also, at the same time, I cannot have control. Life is so messy and unplanned and more frustrating and inefficient than I ever thought. God telling me to let go, to be ok with how things turn out "wrong" and to have a wider margin of error. I realize I want to widen my expectations - not lower them which I think is having lower standards but widening them which is enlarging my expectation of what I think would be ok to happen.
And forgiving and letting go of what I wanted to happen.
New Orleans housing
From ColorofChange.org
Dear Jen,
While New Orleans faces its worst housing crisis in over 100 years, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) insists on carrying out a plan to bulldoze 4,500 units of affordable public housing, much of which could be made available to residents.
If HUD is allowed to proceed, it will eliminate the majority of affordable public housing in the city1, shutting out thousands of low-income Katrina survivors who have been fighting for over two years to return home. It would be a shameful slap in the face.
Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards, and the leaders of both houses of Congress--Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Senator Harry Reid--have called on President Bush to issue a moratorium to stop the demolition. But HUD hasn't budged, even with HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson and his staff under federal investigation for corruption in their handling of the contracting for the redevelopment plan.
It's time for everyday folks to take a stand. As early as Thursday, the New Orleans City Council will vote on whether to permit HUD to carry out its demolitions. You can let them know that you expect them to reject any plan that uses federal dollars to gentrify New Orleans. And you can add your voice to the public demand that Bush hold HUD accountable and block any action until problems with the plan are addressed and the investigation of Alphonso Jackson is complete.
It takes only a moment: http://www.colorofchange.org/hudhousing/?id=2530-234965
New Orleans Housing Crisis
With New Orleans in the middle of a serious housing emergency, it just doesn't make sense to destroy housing that's in good condition.2 Rents have gone up 45% since Katrina, the city has already lost 9,000 units of affordable housing, and half of the families that want to return home make less than $20,000 a year. In the last two years, New Orleans' homeless population has more than doubled--12,000 New Orleanians have no place to live.3
Many of the units HUD plans to destroy are in very well-constructed buildings that were barely damaged by Katrina, and would require a minimum of renovation to provide quality housing, even if only temporarily.4 Rather than addressing the pressing, immediate need for affordable housing, HUD's plan threatens to make the problem worse.
HUD's flawed redevelopment plan
Whatever your views are on public housing, HUD's redevelopment plan is ill-conceived and irresponsible. The plan calls for replacing New Orleans' current public housing with mixed-income housing, which many believe is a better model for public housing. But in making the switch, HUD refuses to rebuild the same number of affordable public housing units as it destroys. HUD's plan would destroy 4,600 affordable public housing units, while the new mixed-income housing would only include 744 units of affordable housing, and building those units will take several years.5 The inevitable result will be thousands of low-income residents--most of whom are Black--pushed out of the city.
Questions have also been raised about the motivations behind HUD's plan. The head of HUD, Alphonso Jackson, and his staff are under criminal investigation – by the FBI, Department of Justice, and HUD's inspector general -- for corruption in HUD/Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO)'s process for handing out contracts related to the redevelopment plan. The contract for demolishing and rebuilding the St. Bernard housing project was given to a firm that owes Jackson at least $250,000 (and as much as $500,000). Scott Keller – Jackson's right hand man and point person for dealing with New Orleans public housing – pushed hard for that firm to receive the contract. Investigators are also focusing on the fact that HUD/HANO paid $485,000 to one of Jackson's golfing buddies for work as a construction manager over an 18-month period.6,7
No Demolition without a solution that makes sense
At best, HUD has a goal that many think is good (moving towards mixed-income housing), but a deeply flawed plan that will be disastrous to New Orleans residents who need the most help. At worst, HUD is pushing a plan that will help enrich its secretary and his cronies, while leaving working-class people out in the cold and dramatically reshaping the class makeup of New Orleans. Either way, it would be a huge mistake to let HUD push forward with demolitions until these issues are addressed and resolved.
Tomorrow, the New Orleans City Council will decide whether it's going to allow HUD to continue down this reckless path. Council members need to hear that people across the country disapprove of HUD's plan. Will you join us in calling on the city council to reject the plan, and on President Bush to stop HUD from proceeding?
http://www.colorofchange.org/hudhousing/?id=2530-234965
Thank You and Peace, -- James, Van, Gabriel, Mervyn, Clarissa, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team December 19th, 2007
References: 1. Fewer Homes for Katrina's Poorest Victims, PolicyLink, December 2007 http://www.policylink.org/documents/nola_fewerhomes.pdf
2. Condition of the Four New Orleans Housing Projects Slated for Demolition, Gulf Coast Fair Housing Network http://fairhousingnetwork.org/node/10
3. Speaker Pelosi and Reid Urge President to Halt Demolition of Public Housing in New Orleans, The Gavel, December 15, 2007 http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=1001
4. See reference 2.
5. HUD Sends New Orleans Bulldozers and $400,000 Apartments for the Holidays, Common Dreams, December 3, 2007 http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/03/5568/
6. HUD Probe Heats Up, National Journal, December 14, 2007 http://news.nationaljournal.com/articles/071214nj1.htm
7. Questionable Contracts, National Journal, December 18, 2007 http://news.nationaljournal.com/articles/071004nj2.htm
Dear Jen,
While New Orleans faces its worst housing crisis in over 100 years, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) insists on carrying out a plan to bulldoze 4,500 units of affordable public housing, much of which could be made available to residents.
If HUD is allowed to proceed, it will eliminate the majority of affordable public housing in the city1, shutting out thousands of low-income Katrina survivors who have been fighting for over two years to return home. It would be a shameful slap in the face.
Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John Edwards, and the leaders of both houses of Congress--Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Senator Harry Reid--have called on President Bush to issue a moratorium to stop the demolition. But HUD hasn't budged, even with HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson and his staff under federal investigation for corruption in their handling of the contracting for the redevelopment plan.
It's time for everyday folks to take a stand. As early as Thursday, the New Orleans City Council will vote on whether to permit HUD to carry out its demolitions. You can let them know that you expect them to reject any plan that uses federal dollars to gentrify New Orleans. And you can add your voice to the public demand that Bush hold HUD accountable and block any action until problems with the plan are addressed and the investigation of Alphonso Jackson is complete.
It takes only a moment: http://www.colorofchange.org/hudhousing/?id=2530-234965
New Orleans Housing Crisis
With New Orleans in the middle of a serious housing emergency, it just doesn't make sense to destroy housing that's in good condition.2 Rents have gone up 45% since Katrina, the city has already lost 9,000 units of affordable housing, and half of the families that want to return home make less than $20,000 a year. In the last two years, New Orleans' homeless population has more than doubled--12,000 New Orleanians have no place to live.3
Many of the units HUD plans to destroy are in very well-constructed buildings that were barely damaged by Katrina, and would require a minimum of renovation to provide quality housing, even if only temporarily.4 Rather than addressing the pressing, immediate need for affordable housing, HUD's plan threatens to make the problem worse.
HUD's flawed redevelopment plan
Whatever your views are on public housing, HUD's redevelopment plan is ill-conceived and irresponsible. The plan calls for replacing New Orleans' current public housing with mixed-income housing, which many believe is a better model for public housing. But in making the switch, HUD refuses to rebuild the same number of affordable public housing units as it destroys. HUD's plan would destroy 4,600 affordable public housing units, while the new mixed-income housing would only include 744 units of affordable housing, and building those units will take several years.5 The inevitable result will be thousands of low-income residents--most of whom are Black--pushed out of the city.
Questions have also been raised about the motivations behind HUD's plan. The head of HUD, Alphonso Jackson, and his staff are under criminal investigation – by the FBI, Department of Justice, and HUD's inspector general -- for corruption in HUD/Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO)'s process for handing out contracts related to the redevelopment plan. The contract for demolishing and rebuilding the St. Bernard housing project was given to a firm that owes Jackson at least $250,000 (and as much as $500,000). Scott Keller – Jackson's right hand man and point person for dealing with New Orleans public housing – pushed hard for that firm to receive the contract. Investigators are also focusing on the fact that HUD/HANO paid $485,000 to one of Jackson's golfing buddies for work as a construction manager over an 18-month period.6,7
No Demolition without a solution that makes sense
At best, HUD has a goal that many think is good (moving towards mixed-income housing), but a deeply flawed plan that will be disastrous to New Orleans residents who need the most help. At worst, HUD is pushing a plan that will help enrich its secretary and his cronies, while leaving working-class people out in the cold and dramatically reshaping the class makeup of New Orleans. Either way, it would be a huge mistake to let HUD push forward with demolitions until these issues are addressed and resolved.
Tomorrow, the New Orleans City Council will decide whether it's going to allow HUD to continue down this reckless path. Council members need to hear that people across the country disapprove of HUD's plan. Will you join us in calling on the city council to reject the plan, and on President Bush to stop HUD from proceeding?
http://www.colorofchange.org/hudhousing/?id=2530-234965
Thank You and Peace, -- James, Van, Gabriel, Mervyn, Clarissa, and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team December 19th, 2007
References: 1. Fewer Homes for Katrina's Poorest Victims, PolicyLink, December 2007 http://www.policylink.org/documents/nola_fewerhomes.pdf
2. Condition of the Four New Orleans Housing Projects Slated for Demolition, Gulf Coast Fair Housing Network http://fairhousingnetwork.org/node/10
3. Speaker Pelosi and Reid Urge President to Halt Demolition of Public Housing in New Orleans, The Gavel, December 15, 2007 http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=1001
4. See reference 2.
5. HUD Sends New Orleans Bulldozers and $400,000 Apartments for the Holidays, Common Dreams, December 3, 2007 http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/12/03/5568/
6. HUD Probe Heats Up, National Journal, December 14, 2007 http://news.nationaljournal.com/articles/071214nj1.htm
7. Questionable Contracts, National Journal, December 18, 2007 http://news.nationaljournal.com/articles/071004nj2.htm
Thursday, December 13, 2007
After the Funeral
I finished After the Funeral by Agatha Christie late last night after starting it earlier this week.
Wow, really good. I think one of her best written novels, up there with And Then There Were None or also called Ten Little Indians.
This one was written in 1956 and again Christie slips in her opinions of post-war England and the beginnings of the artsy, bougie generation that is growing up with little or no memory of World War II. Surprisingly, Poirot plays only a small part in most of the novel but comes in the end to unveil the murderer.
I know I say this a lot about her novels but I really didn't see this one coming. She's soooo good at laying down false clues. And the full diverse fascinating cast of characters made the plot so interesting. How she writes the characters, ordinary people, yet so right on the money as matching people we all know. It would be a great movie but could never be because the producers would cast a well-known person in the murderer role and the audience would be able to tell from the beginning who did it. Ideally A+ actors and actresses would vie for all the roles and make it a confusing wonderful mess with the murderer kept very secret until the end. As After the Funeral involves a multi-generational family meeting over several large scenes, it would be a very interesting movie.
Grateful 12.13.07
1) I am grateful for my womens' group.
2) I am grateful for Agatha Christie novels.
3) I am grateful for God speaking and His deep caring.
4) I am grateful for email and gchat that helps me keep connected.
5) I am grateful for the Bible, the words of truth which is so relevant to me.
2) I am grateful for Agatha Christie novels.
3) I am grateful for God speaking and His deep caring.
4) I am grateful for email and gchat that helps me keep connected.
5) I am grateful for the Bible, the words of truth which is so relevant to me.
It's cold out there, kiddies
This morning there was ice slush covering my windshield. Windshield wipers, spritzed cleaner and a warmed up car finally dislodged the frozen water shield. Wow, where's an ice scraper when you need one?
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
My name on google
I am not:
C) A CPA
D) "Fashion expert" and owner of a "Atlanta-based exclusive loft shopping locale and fashion event"
E) A dog therapist in New York
F) Writer/commenter/not dead zombie (?) on a horror website
It is interesting where my name (both the not-me's and me) comes up though. Very different from even a few years ago. This is all one reason I don't put my real name on this blog. I have it open so people from all over find me through searching on google or clicking on Blogspot's running name list. I know most people only click for that one post (I think only my friends are repeat readers) but still... you never know. I don't want my blog to come up in a Google search of me. When you put your name on Facebook, an Evite, LinkedIn or other sites, your name will come up in searches. FYI in case you're job searching. Recruiters are hard core part-time coders - they can find ANYTHING on the web.
C) A CPA
D) "Fashion expert" and owner of a "Atlanta-based exclusive loft shopping locale and fashion event"
E) A dog therapist in New York
F) Writer/commenter/not dead zombie (?) on a horror website
It is interesting where my name (both the not-me's and me) comes up though. Very different from even a few years ago. This is all one reason I don't put my real name on this blog. I have it open so people from all over find me through searching on google or clicking on Blogspot's running name list. I know most people only click for that one post (I think only my friends are repeat readers) but still... you never know. I don't want my blog to come up in a Google search of me. When you put your name on Facebook, an Evite, LinkedIn or other sites, your name will come up in searches. FYI in case you're job searching. Recruiters are hard core part-time coders - they can find ANYTHING on the web.
Not having a TV
People have been asking about I like not having a tv and if I've have been having any cravings. It's going even better than I expected. I feel really relieved to not have a tv in my place. Esp in Nov, the month when I was just counting down the days to move in, it was a hard month with job searching and decision-making, and I would come home and just watch tv for a long time. I didn't want to but with my life slowly getting packed into boxes, there wasn't much else to do. It was depressing and even as I gave into watching my addiction everyday, I was eager to move and be away from the temptress box. I realize my difficulty in controlling how much I watch and I just wanted a clean break. And it feels just as nice as I thought it would.
I've been so busy (as it feels like my activity level has shot up living around ppl; good but I feel a bit "needing alone time." How do introverts in our community do it?) that it's nice to not feel like I have all these tivo'd shows to watch when I get home. Like a chore. Even though I would carefully monitor the shows to not record too many and I could always delete a show without watching it, I still felt compelled to watch if it was there. It feels like a relief to not have it.
I've gone on the web twice to watch a show and I've gone over to Marjie's to watch FNL but if I hadn't, I wouldn't have missed them that much. I like how tv viewing now for me is intentional and I have to choose into it, not just simply picking up the the controller.
I do wish sometimes I had a tv to watch movies - the laptop doesn't quite do it. Perhaps in Feb when there are Super Bowl sales.
But as of now, I really like the tv absence.
I've been so busy (as it feels like my activity level has shot up living around ppl; good but I feel a bit "needing alone time." How do introverts in our community do it?) that it's nice to not feel like I have all these tivo'd shows to watch when I get home. Like a chore. Even though I would carefully monitor the shows to not record too many and I could always delete a show without watching it, I still felt compelled to watch if it was there. It feels like a relief to not have it.
I've gone on the web twice to watch a show and I've gone over to Marjie's to watch FNL but if I hadn't, I wouldn't have missed them that much. I like how tv viewing now for me is intentional and I have to choose into it, not just simply picking up the the controller.
I do wish sometimes I had a tv to watch movies - the laptop doesn't quite do it. Perhaps in Feb when there are Super Bowl sales.
But as of now, I really like the tv absence.
Grateful 12.12.07
1. I am grateful for crunchy apples.
2. I am grateful to be able to find all kinds of recipes on the web like a Moroccan apple dessert that uses (yey, finally!) my orange blossom water, which is the oddest ingredient by the way.
3. I'm grateful for my cats who make each day entertaining and warm.
4. I'm grateful for choices and dreams.
5. I'm grateful for running water and clean water.
2. I am grateful to be able to find all kinds of recipes on the web like a Moroccan apple dessert that uses (yey, finally!) my orange blossom water, which is the oddest ingredient by the way.
3. I'm grateful for my cats who make each day entertaining and warm.
4. I'm grateful for choices and dreams.
5. I'm grateful for running water and clean water.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Grateful 12.11.07
1. I'm grateful Target is taking back my purchases with no pesky questions.
2. I'm really grateful the meter at the post office already had 21 minutes on it because I had no change and Burlingame police are sticklers.
3. I'm grateful for my little cute cottage home.
4. I'm grateful that most everything is put away and that I had time to go to the gym yesterday.
5. I'm grateful my boss got called into jury duty today and I got to sleep in, lounge for a bit, then come in late.
6. I'm grateful for a washer and dryer that doesn't need quarters.
2. I'm really grateful the meter at the post office already had 21 minutes on it because I had no change and Burlingame police are sticklers.
3. I'm grateful for my little cute cottage home.
4. I'm grateful that most everything is put away and that I had time to go to the gym yesterday.
5. I'm grateful my boss got called into jury duty today and I got to sleep in, lounge for a bit, then come in late.
6. I'm grateful for a washer and dryer that doesn't need quarters.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Michael Vick - prison sentence determineed
As this SI article mentions, Michael Vick has been sentenced to 23 months in prison. The article implies the sentence is for the federal crime and that Virgina could prosecute for state crimes and he could be in prison longer than 23 months. I don't know the details.
As I''ve commented before, his crime was atrocious and worthy of being arrested for and going to prison for. His arrest revealed on a national level the ugly world of dogfighting. Yet as I heard this recent news, I thought of two things.
How arrests, prosecution, judges, jury, police, and lawyers are all subjective. There is no machine cranking out arrests and putting people behind bars - human, fragile, biased men and women are that system. Shouldn't be there a lot more arrests than just Michael Vick? If there is so much evidence to get him on so many levels of crimes (which I agree there is), then where is the punishment for his cross-state collaborators? He can't be the only one they have dirt on. Are they waiting to build a bigger case because I'm sure Vick was a big player based on how many dog pens were on his property but there have to be bigger players.
And then another thought came to mind. Thinking of how many people raised a (righteous) ruckus about the dogfighting and how horrible it all was (true) and how that finally got the NFL and sponsors' attention, seeing how much America loves their pets and hate people who abuse animals. And others wrote good pieces questioning America's love for animals and wondering if Vick had beaten or raped a woman, would he still be so hated? Or would forgiveness come quickly. Is a dog worth more than a woman? Good question to ask.
Asking myself, why is there so much public support for animals? Why do we take the time and energy to call and write letters about a case like Vick but we simply say "eh" when we see another news piece on murder or abuse on a human. Asking myself the question, too. And the first response people will say, in protest, "But the animals are helpless and innocent. They can't protect themselves and can't stop the abuse." True yet... that implies that children and women that are abused are not innocent or helpless, that they perhaps had some part in their victimization or they had some ability to stop it. Now, we don't mean that but that's what we're saying.
I think fighting for the protection of animals can feel easier. There is no way the animal was "asking" to be hit or put in a fight or hurt. We can have no doubt that we're on the right side (though of course we disagree on subjects such as hunting and other I believe cultural topics) and look down on those who are so clearly cruel. It is easy to climb on the high horse and sit confidently up there.
And defending people is not as clear. Was that woman really raped as she says she was? Who are we to tell someone how to raise their kid, even if abuse is there? What are our real motivations in helping other people - are we acting out of a race bias or arrogance? I believe these internal and sometimes voiced questions block us from acting when we need to act, from stepping in when the people would really like someone to step in. But it's not clear, it's hazy and gray and full of lawsuits and hurt feelings and miscommunications. And yet Jesus went there, to those places, and I want to go too.
Let's enlarge our love for innocent animals to include the difficult task of loving people, the ones modeled after God's image.
As I''ve commented before, his crime was atrocious and worthy of being arrested for and going to prison for. His arrest revealed on a national level the ugly world of dogfighting. Yet as I heard this recent news, I thought of two things.
How arrests, prosecution, judges, jury, police, and lawyers are all subjective. There is no machine cranking out arrests and putting people behind bars - human, fragile, biased men and women are that system. Shouldn't be there a lot more arrests than just Michael Vick? If there is so much evidence to get him on so many levels of crimes (which I agree there is), then where is the punishment for his cross-state collaborators? He can't be the only one they have dirt on. Are they waiting to build a bigger case because I'm sure Vick was a big player based on how many dog pens were on his property but there have to be bigger players.
And then another thought came to mind. Thinking of how many people raised a (righteous) ruckus about the dogfighting and how horrible it all was (true) and how that finally got the NFL and sponsors' attention, seeing how much America loves their pets and hate people who abuse animals. And others wrote good pieces questioning America's love for animals and wondering if Vick had beaten or raped a woman, would he still be so hated? Or would forgiveness come quickly. Is a dog worth more than a woman? Good question to ask.
Asking myself, why is there so much public support for animals? Why do we take the time and energy to call and write letters about a case like Vick but we simply say "eh" when we see another news piece on murder or abuse on a human. Asking myself the question, too. And the first response people will say, in protest, "But the animals are helpless and innocent. They can't protect themselves and can't stop the abuse." True yet... that implies that children and women that are abused are not innocent or helpless, that they perhaps had some part in their victimization or they had some ability to stop it. Now, we don't mean that but that's what we're saying.
I think fighting for the protection of animals can feel easier. There is no way the animal was "asking" to be hit or put in a fight or hurt. We can have no doubt that we're on the right side (though of course we disagree on subjects such as hunting and other I believe cultural topics) and look down on those who are so clearly cruel. It is easy to climb on the high horse and sit confidently up there.
And defending people is not as clear. Was that woman really raped as she says she was? Who are we to tell someone how to raise their kid, even if abuse is there? What are our real motivations in helping other people - are we acting out of a race bias or arrogance? I believe these internal and sometimes voiced questions block us from acting when we need to act, from stepping in when the people would really like someone to step in. But it's not clear, it's hazy and gray and full of lawsuits and hurt feelings and miscommunications. And yet Jesus went there, to those places, and I want to go too.
Let's enlarge our love for innocent animals to include the difficult task of loving people, the ones modeled after God's image.
Grateful
1. I'm really grateful for Pin and Esther who came over last night to help me put stuff up (Pin) and completely unpack almost all of my books and boxes (Esther). I only have a couple boxes for my desk left but my books are out and the couch is free from crap. It feels more like home now, esp to see my books. I really needed some help and support in the unpacking arena so it was really what I needed.
2. I'm grateful for my health.
3. I'm grateful for community and partnership and great fundraisers not organized by me.
4. I'm grateful for being able to laugh at life and make fun and be teased in friendship.
5. I'm grateful for hope and opportunities.
God, I'm grateful to You, for everything. For drawing me to You so many years ago and always being there and available and responsive during the hard times. I can't even put into words how much You care for me, and lead me exactly the way I need to be led. I can't imagine my life without You. I'm so so so grateful.
2. I'm grateful for my health.
3. I'm grateful for community and partnership and great fundraisers not organized by me.
4. I'm grateful for being able to laugh at life and make fun and be teased in friendship.
5. I'm grateful for hope and opportunities.
God, I'm grateful to You, for everything. For drawing me to You so many years ago and always being there and available and responsive during the hard times. I can't even put into words how much You care for me, and lead me exactly the way I need to be led. I can't imagine my life without You. I'm so so so grateful.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Designers from Appel and Frank
I got some earrings for my mom from Christmas from this designer Mediums to Masses. Dar got a necklace from her.I got chocolates from Coco-Luxe Confections; the box to the left is a Christmas gift for my mom (no worries, she doesn't read this blog). I also got a smaller box from my bro Mark, coffee flavored. I've seen their website before and always wanted to buy from them :)
I LOVE meeting the designers when I buy their pieces - love the connection and talking to them about what inspires them. And they're all Bay Area based - go buying from local artists!
I loved the cards from Motormouthpress and bought a ton for Christmas cards and presents (and of course saved a few to send out myself, hee hee). I couldn't transfer any pics from her site over unfortunately but they're really really cute. Click "Homemade Goods" at the bottom of the main page. Laurie Coughlin designs the prints - she was super sweet and cool. I'll be saving her site as a Favorite under the category "Designers." I LOVE cool original cute stationary and cards, one of my biggest weaknesses but I do mail out about 3-4 cards/letters a week so I think the splurging is usually justified :)
I got this amazing necklace from Eliza Designs. The matching earrings weren't available there so she's making and shipping them to me. I think I left most excited about this set! It matches a nice dress I got last month.
I got earrings from Peggy Li designs including some really cool purple quartz (?) see-through ones that I'm wearing today. A lot of the designers offered wholesale prices, cheaper than their website prices.
And then I got this bag from Flowie Designs - wow, a lot cheaper than her website price. The designer was there with her husband - really sweet and cool, too. Yaling Hou, the designer, creates the textile design herself.
Dar and I were at her booth forever, with me trying on her different bags and figuring out which to buy. There was another cute one but bigger for like farmer's market shopping. In the end, I just kept going back to this brown bag throughout the night and decided this was the one I'd regret not getting if I left without it. We decided it's a "library book bag." It's hanging from my front door, ready for a library adventure.
Appel and Frank
I had a great time last night at Appel and Frank's Stockings and Stilettos event in SF with Dar(lene). She's so busy with her house remodeling and projects, and church volunteering, and hubby that it's hard to see her anymore. I love our friendship and miss hanging out with my fellow artistic, crafty, book-loving, cat-loving and -owning friend. I have a few ppl leftver from college that I exchange "meows" with in emails - she is in that small group of people who love/tolerate/bond with my cat eccentricity. So it was REALLY good to spend time with her :)
And I also got some great jewelry, a bag, lovelovelove this one designer's stationary and gifts for people including deluxe chocolate. Let me see if I can rummage up some pics from the designer's sites...
I realize one way to cheer me up when I'm down or discouraged by the world is to surround/submerge myself with creative people like going to a writer's book reading or a Bay Area designer's event like Appel and Frank or go to a museum and see art or hear beautiful music. My heart becomes happy as I see creative people expressing themselves, putting their energy and vulnerable spirits out there, and even trying to make a living off of it. I feel like, "Oh, the world isn't so bad if [this beautiful creative energy and talent] exists. Look at how God has passed on His own creative spirit and ability, just a little down to us, so that we can create these things. All is well."
And I also got some great jewelry, a bag, lovelovelove this one designer's stationary and gifts for people including deluxe chocolate. Let me see if I can rummage up some pics from the designer's sites...
I realize one way to cheer me up when I'm down or discouraged by the world is to surround/submerge myself with creative people like going to a writer's book reading or a Bay Area designer's event like Appel and Frank or go to a museum and see art or hear beautiful music. My heart becomes happy as I see creative people expressing themselves, putting their energy and vulnerable spirits out there, and even trying to make a living off of it. I feel like, "Oh, the world isn't so bad if [this beautiful creative energy and talent] exists. Look at how God has passed on His own creative spirit and ability, just a little down to us, so that we can create these things. All is well."
Dark gray cat plus a new cat
The dark gray cat was sitting and staring in again to my place this morning. I went over to say hi (through the glass door) but he ran away and hid under the car.
Later I looked up and another cat was sitting on the back porch and looking in. He was bigger and white with colors on him. "He" looked like a he, and also had a collar on.
Kinda cool that all the cats are coming by but also makes me want to get a curtain up asap on that door. Beings besides cats may also be able to stare in.
Later I looked up and another cat was sitting on the back porch and looking in. He was bigger and white with colors on him. "He" looked like a he, and also had a collar on.
Kinda cool that all the cats are coming by but also makes me want to get a curtain up asap on that door. Beings besides cats may also be able to stare in.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Dark gray cat
When I came downstairs this morning, I glanced toward the back door and saw a dark gray animal staring inside. I wasn't sure if it was a small dog or an odd-looking cat. It looked kinda spooky like a ghost cat because of the dark gray fur and light blue/gray eyes. It just stood and stared at me, Mitch, and Nora. When I went over to it, I saw it was a cat with a collar of some sorts with an odd large flat nose which made it first appear non-catlike.
It was sad seeing this cat just stare at us. It felt like it was an orphan cat looking into a warm home. I thought, Nora and Mitch don't even realize how good they have it with their loving owner, full food bowl, and warm house.
I know it was just a cat, and not even a stray cat, but it made me feel grateful. And wanting to invite the cat in, but that really wouldn't work. Nor would trying to feed the strays as that becomes quickly an overwhelming task.
The cat ran away when I got close to the back door but then came back to gingerly sit and stare at us more. Nora and Mitch were curious but not going into crazy cat meow mode.
It was sad seeing this cat just stare at us. It felt like it was an orphan cat looking into a warm home. I thought, Nora and Mitch don't even realize how good they have it with their loving owner, full food bowl, and warm house.
I know it was just a cat, and not even a stray cat, but it made me feel grateful. And wanting to invite the cat in, but that really wouldn't work. Nor would trying to feed the strays as that becomes quickly an overwhelming task.
The cat ran away when I got close to the back door but then came back to gingerly sit and stare at us more. Nora and Mitch were curious but not going into crazy cat meow mode.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Funny clips
Ah, this day isn't going to be productive. Here are funny clips to pass the time and make me laugh.
Adorable pets are supporting the writers' strike by not being adorable. "meow-adorable" hee hee. I think that's David Cross as the scab cat. I may have to watch this one again.
(Did you know "The Landlord" clip has over 49 million views? crazy. Have you seen it? Totally funny. "I need to get my drink on.")
Adorable pets are supporting the writers' strike by not being adorable. "meow-adorable" hee hee. I think that's David Cross as the scab cat. I may have to watch this one again.
(Did you know "The Landlord" clip has over 49 million views? crazy. Have you seen it? Totally funny. "I need to get my drink on.")
Agh v2
Dumb me. When I went back to Bed Bath and Beyond to return the curtain rings and looked at the other rings, a light went off in my head. Ohh, you're supposed to slip the curtain through the narrow side then put it back toward the wide balled side. Ahh. Oh well. I returned them for a cheaper set that I like better.
But does anyone have a brain or 10 hours of sleep I can borrow?
But does anyone have a brain or 10 hours of sleep I can borrow?
Agh
Ok, I'm done. I'm done with new things, things needing to be improved, things needed to be unpacked or returned or purchased or cleaned up or refilled. Oh, and I'm tired of traffic and commuting. Sooo tired of commuting.
I came in this morning to Outlook 2007 which I'm glad for but it's a change, and I'm trying to get used to the new look. And I'm having to make all the little changes to make it the way I want it. Then I said, shoot, let me try Mozilla instead of IE bc I've heard it's better. But it's not set up the same and my gmail button isn't on the top and it's annoying. I closed it all and opened IE back up. I can't handle any more changes.
I feel like I'm going to Target or Bed Bath and Beyond everyday - both to purchase things but also to scout out options at various stores before buying. I went to BBB yesterday and got among other things a shower curtain liner and curtain rings. I get home, it's late, I slowly take down the old curtain to put the new one up, only to discover that the rings are too big for the liner. WTF? There's no way around it, these rings are S-shaped and end with a big silver ball. The ball doesn't go through the liner's circles. Shit. What do I return, the liner (which I just ripped the packaging for bc it wouldn't open easily) or the rings (which were a pain in the ass to get out of the box and will be an equal pain to get back in)? I am tempted to just throw the liner away and buy a new one. But no, I decide on the rings, take ten minutes to put them back in (sidenote - stupid wireless keyboard that keeps skipping letters when I type fast and makes me go back every other word), fish the old curtain out of the trash, and slowly put it back up with the old-school plastic rings. Great, nothing accomplished and 30 minutes wasted. Plus back pain.
I'm in a grouchy mood today. Fair warning.
My landlords came over last night to look at some things I brought to their attention. You know, I feel frustrated with this. Shouldn't all these things be done by the time I moved in? If I left an apt the way I got it, I would definitely not have gotten my full deposit back. I'm trying to be patient but I feel like everyone wants patience and flexibility from me. I have nothing left, and really need to be either left alone or not have all these problems.
I'm venting. I'm happy to be here but I'm now just tired. Things I want to do, but there are things every night this week. Boxes are still there, things are messy, I can't find things, I can't set the cats litter the way I want it so they're tracking litter around. There's no extra room to put anything and it's raining so the few boxes I put outside are ruined.
Can I go home now?? My back hurts and I want a massage.
I came in this morning to Outlook 2007 which I'm glad for but it's a change, and I'm trying to get used to the new look. And I'm having to make all the little changes to make it the way I want it. Then I said, shoot, let me try Mozilla instead of IE bc I've heard it's better. But it's not set up the same and my gmail button isn't on the top and it's annoying. I closed it all and opened IE back up. I can't handle any more changes.
I feel like I'm going to Target or Bed Bath and Beyond everyday - both to purchase things but also to scout out options at various stores before buying. I went to BBB yesterday and got among other things a shower curtain liner and curtain rings. I get home, it's late, I slowly take down the old curtain to put the new one up, only to discover that the rings are too big for the liner. WTF? There's no way around it, these rings are S-shaped and end with a big silver ball. The ball doesn't go through the liner's circles. Shit. What do I return, the liner (which I just ripped the packaging for bc it wouldn't open easily) or the rings (which were a pain in the ass to get out of the box and will be an equal pain to get back in)? I am tempted to just throw the liner away and buy a new one. But no, I decide on the rings, take ten minutes to put them back in (sidenote - stupid wireless keyboard that keeps skipping letters when I type fast and makes me go back every other word), fish the old curtain out of the trash, and slowly put it back up with the old-school plastic rings. Great, nothing accomplished and 30 minutes wasted. Plus back pain.
I'm in a grouchy mood today. Fair warning.
My landlords came over last night to look at some things I brought to their attention. You know, I feel frustrated with this. Shouldn't all these things be done by the time I moved in? If I left an apt the way I got it, I would definitely not have gotten my full deposit back. I'm trying to be patient but I feel like everyone wants patience and flexibility from me. I have nothing left, and really need to be either left alone or not have all these problems.
I'm venting. I'm happy to be here but I'm now just tired. Things I want to do, but there are things every night this week. Boxes are still there, things are messy, I can't find things, I can't set the cats litter the way I want it so they're tracking litter around. There's no extra room to put anything and it's raining so the few boxes I put outside are ruined.
Can I go home now?? My back hurts and I want a massage.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Contradictions
I'm a Board member who watches America's Next Top Model.
I love salads with lots of veggies, and candy.
I love to organize, but also sometimes like a messy desk/apartment.
I don't like trends, but sometimes want to be trendy.
I use coupons and send in every rebate offer, but will splurge on a dress.
I shop at Payless, but Nordstrom.
I love talking and learning about money and finance, but am still learning Excel and don't know Quickbooks.
I strongly prefer stickshift cars, but drive an automatic Civic.
I am energized by being around people, but really enjoy being alone.
I am a strong woman, but still like the guy to initiate the first move.
I love to wear heels, but will often wear flats to not appear taller than I already am.
I love to travel, but hate the annoyance and inconvenience of flying.
I love to donate money, but wish I had more.
I hate going to bed at night, but like sleeping.
I love God, but sometimes hate what religion looks like (esp in America).
I'm opposites and contradictions and both the "yes" and the "no." I'm me.
I love salads with lots of veggies, and candy.
I love to organize, but also sometimes like a messy desk/apartment.
I don't like trends, but sometimes want to be trendy.
I use coupons and send in every rebate offer, but will splurge on a dress.
I shop at Payless, but Nordstrom.
I love talking and learning about money and finance, but am still learning Excel and don't know Quickbooks.
I strongly prefer stickshift cars, but drive an automatic Civic.
I am energized by being around people, but really enjoy being alone.
I am a strong woman, but still like the guy to initiate the first move.
I love to wear heels, but will often wear flats to not appear taller than I already am.
I love to travel, but hate the annoyance and inconvenience of flying.
I love to donate money, but wish I had more.
I hate going to bed at night, but like sleeping.
I love God, but sometimes hate what religion looks like (esp in America).
I'm opposites and contradictions and both the "yes" and the "no." I'm me.
Bank accounts for low-income SFers
This article warms my heart today. Check cashing places, or predatory lenders, prey on people who aren't able to open bank accounts. The big banks partnering to make it easier to get an account for lower-income San Francisco residents - good news! And other cities are paying attention.
If this 71yr old woman in the article spends almost $200 a month on check cashing and money order fees, and that money can be saved simply by getting her a checking account... wow. And she's not having to carry around cash and being afraid of getting attacked? This makes me happy.
Expand this program ASAP!
If this 71yr old woman in the article spends almost $200 a month on check cashing and money order fees, and that money can be saved simply by getting her a checking account... wow. And she's not having to carry around cash and being afraid of getting attacked? This makes me happy.
Expand this program ASAP!
Monday, December 3, 2007
I'm in!
My email to the 10 people who awesomely helped me move on Sat:
Thank you so much for helping me move on Sat!! I know the load was not light nor easy to fit through the door or up the stairs :) but I really appreciate your coming on time and willingness to help in any way. Having so many people made it go relatively quickly. I feel like God was acting through your actions, and further confirming how community and friends make life easier and more fun. Especially when Josh walked a simple two blocks to get his power drill, I was like, wow, life is easier with friends who live close by. Nic, thanks for helping me in the morn with the Budget truck frustrations and Nhuanh, thanks so much for helping me return the truck all the way to San Leandro (esp helping me navigate the gas station by moving cones) and inviting me to dinner that night. Cheryl and house, thanks for the "welcome" cookies and soap - I love cute soaps and the cookies are yummy. Everyone, thanks for all the sweat and muscles :)
I feel happier already and keep thinking, "Finally, I'm here." Boxes are everywhere, furniture is still being rotated around, but I'm just glad to be here. Mitch and Nora are exploring their new terrain bravely, though they both feel safest hiding under the bed.
I'm looking forward to a TV-less existence, seeing what good things our faithful God has for me in this new time and neighborhood. Thank you again!!
I should add a thank you to Jill, who did the unpretty job of helping me Friday night pack and clean all the last things on my to-do list. Thanks for being so available and willing :)
Thank you so much for helping me move on Sat!! I know the load was not light nor easy to fit through the door or up the stairs :) but I really appreciate your coming on time and willingness to help in any way. Having so many people made it go relatively quickly. I feel like God was acting through your actions, and further confirming how community and friends make life easier and more fun. Especially when Josh walked a simple two blocks to get his power drill, I was like, wow, life is easier with friends who live close by. Nic, thanks for helping me in the morn with the Budget truck frustrations and Nhuanh, thanks so much for helping me return the truck all the way to San Leandro (esp helping me navigate the gas station by moving cones) and inviting me to dinner that night. Cheryl and house, thanks for the "welcome" cookies and soap - I love cute soaps and the cookies are yummy. Everyone, thanks for all the sweat and muscles :)
I feel happier already and keep thinking, "Finally, I'm here." Boxes are everywhere, furniture is still being rotated around, but I'm just glad to be here. Mitch and Nora are exploring their new terrain bravely, though they both feel safest hiding under the bed.
I'm looking forward to a TV-less existence, seeing what good things our faithful God has for me in this new time and neighborhood. Thank you again!!
I should add a thank you to Jill, who did the unpretty job of helping me Friday night pack and clean all the last things on my to-do list. Thanks for being so available and willing :)
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