Last night, after watching the news all day on the Petit family in CT and going to the Hartford Courant and seeing over 700 posts in regards to this terrible tragedy, I took my "Harry Potter, Deathly Hallows" and decided to finish the book. I had stopped the night before at page 362, so I figured to get to page 759, I would either read all night or stop an start again today. NO WAY!!
Once you really get into the book there is no way to put it down, it is a roller coaster, up, down ready to cry, shout and cheer. For those who have not finished the book as of yet, I will keep the secrets of the book. All week, people who read it over the weekend wanted to talk about it, and tell me, an of course the spoilers on the Internet, I have been careful not to read any of those. It is well worth the wait. JK Rowlings, is amazing she gives us just enough to think we know what is going to happen then blows it out of the water.
I will admit reading the book took me into the story as all great stories do, as soon as I finished around 12:15am, I could not fall asleep thinking of the book. Then after my mind stopped going, all I could think of was that poor family in CT an how close to home it hit everyone. Because, if you are not safe in your home where is it safe? I told my husband last night, I would consider getting a gun if we can take classes on safety and how to shoot it. I don't want one an not know how to use it, if I had to or worse have the intruder take it out of my hands an use it against us. I have taken self-defense courses but any woman who has taken them, they are on how to protect yourself if you are jumped not if someone breaks into your home. Who will hear you in your own home if you scream?
I think that is why so many people are angry and upset over this case, it can be anyone! How safe is your home really? The state of CT corrections in the next few weeks will be having I am sure alot of time to think about how they can better serve the state. There are alot of angry people out there, finding out these two men were on parole and considered, "Not a threat" or there crimes were "victimless crimes" , I am sorry, when you are robbed, burglarized in your own home, how can you describe that as victimless? You are violated in your safe place. I am sure those people who Josh ( 26year old) burglarized did not consider it a victimless crime, especially knowing anyone could get into your house.
The judge who considered him manipulative and not in anyway remorseful for what he had done in these burglaries, why should he, he knew how to manipulate the system at a young age. At one of the post, I mentioned yesterday there were (2) people defending Josh on the Comment section of the Hartford Courant, One guy actually said, he was a good father. He has a 5 year old daughter, well now she will grow up knowing her father raped an 11 year old girl and then set her on fire, what a great role model he is, did you also rape your own daughter Josh is that why you lashed out, or the fact you poor baby your girlfriend dumped you an moved south. That does happen that often so lets go terrorize innocent people and kill them.
Steve Hayes 44 years old, HELLO! These two met in jail an a halfway house why not make sure they can work together for the greater good. Where is the system in CT? We all know I am from CT an right now I am appalled by my home state, GOVERNOR RELL please consider a 3 strikes your out law like California or 3 strikes out law for violent crimes like Washington State, something has to change or what happened to the Petit family may not be the last crime.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
These two men should be put on the capital steps and shot like the animals they are because this poor family. The father is the only survivor, how do you think he must feel to learn his whole family was wiped out because of nothing other than GREED, from (2) Animals who have long rap sheets.
CHESHIRE, Conn. — A quiet Connecticut community woke up on Tuesday to more details behind a home invasion that ended with a prominent doctor injured, his wife and two daughters killed and their house up in flames.
Joshua Komisarjevsky, 26, of Cheshire and Steve Hayes, 44, of Winsted, were charged with assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, burglary, robbery and arson. Bail was set at $15 million each, and state police have said that additional charges are likely.
The suspects, both parolees with long rap sheets, were caught Monday in the family's SUV as they fled the burning home, which they apparently had torched to cover their tracks, authorities said.
CHESHIRE, Conn. — A quiet Connecticut community woke up on Tuesday to more details behind a home invasion that ended with a prominent doctor injured, his wife and two daughters killed and their house up in flames.
Joshua Komisarjevsky, 26, of Cheshire and Steve Hayes, 44, of Winsted, were charged with assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, burglary, robbery and arson. Bail was set at $15 million each, and state police have said that additional charges are likely.
The suspects, both parolees with long rap sheets, were caught Monday in the family's SUV as they fled the burning home, which they apparently had torched to cover their tracks, authorities said.
Is the world just going crazy or what? I am so UPSET about the Petite family in Cheshire, CT. People break into their home demand (1) of the household goes to the bank an then kills them and sets fire to their house. This poor family did not deserve this, they were working, enjoying their lives and these scumbuckets come in their home and in one morning destroy a family forever, what for, a little money?
My family lives in CT and I admit to me CT has always been a safe place to be with your family. Now, I am worried about my family, these scums have taken away security from people, wake up world no matter where you, there are awful people, who feel they do not have to work for anything and would rather hurt innocent people and take their money. I am angry beyond belief and want these scums killed!! Fire squad if that was possible, and if their families say, oh they were nice Boys/Girls, and just got into trouble shoot show them pictures of this wonderful family who's lives were cut short because of "these nice kids" who only just got into trouble. Get a life..
In Groton, CT a few years ago, a young man broke into the Diary Queen, and tried to rob it, an also hit the owner upside the head with a pipe, the owner fought back an killed this young boy. When this boy was in high school he was a star athelete then everything went wrong. His mother did not understand why the owner was not prosecuted, it was self defense one was going to die that night and obviously the right one did. I know this sounds cold, but the world is going crazy and part of me feels as if we are all living and episode of "Law & Order", (my favorite is CI), an watching these horrible things happen an realize so many people have died for no reason other than "greed".
Where is it safe anymore?
Here is the story from FOX NEWS:
CHESHIRE, Conn. — Three people were killed after thieves broke into their home, held them hostage for several hours and ultimately set the house ablaze before being nabbed by police while trying to flee the scene.
Authorities surrounded the home after a woman was taken by one of the suspects to a bank and somehow alerted an employee that her family was being held hostage, The Hartford Courant reported on its Web site. Connecticut State Police said in a statement issued Monday that officers went to the residence after bank officials notified them of a "suspicious withdrawal."
A man inside the house was able to escape with severe injuries and provide authorities with some information, state police said in the statement. The man is currently hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
Two suspects tried to escape after apparently setting the home on fire, but were quickly arrested at gunpoint when the car they were driving crashed into two police cruisers, according to state authorities.
The Cheshire Fire Department responded to the scene, extinguished the fire and discovered three bodies inside the house, state police said.
Neighbors said the home belonged to the Petit family — William Petit Jr. and his wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and their two daughters.
Petit, 50, is the medical director of the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, and his wife of 22 years worked at the Cheshire Academy, a boarding school.
Staff at Cheshire Academy were trying to confirm the news Monday afternoon, said spokeswoman Colleen Reilly.
"Everyone here is devastated. So we are still in shock," Reilly said.
"It's just a very difficult day here. We are just finding about it now," said Philip Moore, director of communications for the school.
Hawke-Petit, 48, worked at the boarding and day school as co-director of its health center, taking care of students and faculty there, Moore said.
"She was very good at educating kids about good health, not just taking care of them when they are not feeling well," Moore said.
Police said there was one male survivor, and two of those who died were female. Additional information on the third victim was not available, and it wasn't known whether arson was the cause of death or whether the victims were killed before the fire was set.
The Rev. Ronald A. Rising, a neighbor, said he has known the family for more than 10 years.
"They're just a lovely family," he said. "It's just awful to think it would happen to a family like that in this community. You don't think about those things happening."
The upper-middle class neighborhood includes colonial homes with well-kept lawns.
Cheshire, a suburb with a population of more than 29,000, is just east of Waterbury and about 15 miles north of New Haven.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
My family lives in CT and I admit to me CT has always been a safe place to be with your family. Now, I am worried about my family, these scums have taken away security from people, wake up world no matter where you, there are awful people, who feel they do not have to work for anything and would rather hurt innocent people and take their money. I am angry beyond belief and want these scums killed!! Fire squad if that was possible, and if their families say, oh they were nice Boys/Girls, and just got into trouble shoot show them pictures of this wonderful family who's lives were cut short because of "these nice kids" who only just got into trouble. Get a life..
In Groton, CT a few years ago, a young man broke into the Diary Queen, and tried to rob it, an also hit the owner upside the head with a pipe, the owner fought back an killed this young boy. When this boy was in high school he was a star athelete then everything went wrong. His mother did not understand why the owner was not prosecuted, it was self defense one was going to die that night and obviously the right one did. I know this sounds cold, but the world is going crazy and part of me feels as if we are all living and episode of "Law & Order", (my favorite is CI), an watching these horrible things happen an realize so many people have died for no reason other than "greed".
Where is it safe anymore?
Here is the story from FOX NEWS:
CHESHIRE, Conn. — Three people were killed after thieves broke into their home, held them hostage for several hours and ultimately set the house ablaze before being nabbed by police while trying to flee the scene.
Authorities surrounded the home after a woman was taken by one of the suspects to a bank and somehow alerted an employee that her family was being held hostage, The Hartford Courant reported on its Web site. Connecticut State Police said in a statement issued Monday that officers went to the residence after bank officials notified them of a "suspicious withdrawal."
A man inside the house was able to escape with severe injuries and provide authorities with some information, state police said in the statement. The man is currently hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
Two suspects tried to escape after apparently setting the home on fire, but were quickly arrested at gunpoint when the car they were driving crashed into two police cruisers, according to state authorities.
The Cheshire Fire Department responded to the scene, extinguished the fire and discovered three bodies inside the house, state police said.
Neighbors said the home belonged to the Petit family — William Petit Jr. and his wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and their two daughters.
Petit, 50, is the medical director of the Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, and his wife of 22 years worked at the Cheshire Academy, a boarding school.
Staff at Cheshire Academy were trying to confirm the news Monday afternoon, said spokeswoman Colleen Reilly.
"Everyone here is devastated. So we are still in shock," Reilly said.
"It's just a very difficult day here. We are just finding about it now," said Philip Moore, director of communications for the school.
Hawke-Petit, 48, worked at the boarding and day school as co-director of its health center, taking care of students and faculty there, Moore said.
"She was very good at educating kids about good health, not just taking care of them when they are not feeling well," Moore said.
Police said there was one male survivor, and two of those who died were female. Additional information on the third victim was not available, and it wasn't known whether arson was the cause of death or whether the victims were killed before the fire was set.
The Rev. Ronald A. Rising, a neighbor, said he has known the family for more than 10 years.
"They're just a lovely family," he said. "It's just awful to think it would happen to a family like that in this community. You don't think about those things happening."
The upper-middle class neighborhood includes colonial homes with well-kept lawns.
Cheshire, a suburb with a population of more than 29,000, is just east of Waterbury and about 15 miles north of New Haven.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
This weekend has been movie time for my husband an I on Friday night, we rented "Casino Royal" now, I am a HUGE James Bond fan an my favorite has always Sean Connery, I think Mr.Craig could give Sir Sean a run for his money. In the books James Bond is not great looking, an some of the men who have played "007" have been pretty boys.
I have always liked Sir Sean Connery's arrogance, an bad boy version. Daniel Craig has taken that one step further an we get to see why he has become the best in the business, and one more thing, Daniel Craigs eyes are so blue an expressive, along with one of the most amazing upper body that more nude scenes are fine with this fan.
Next I watched a Chick Flick - " Because I said so", I did call my mom and tell her she needs to watch this film, Diane Keaton always plays a great neurotic, Mandy Moore was great in this and we got to see her flaws which made you route for her even more, they did not use Lauren Graham or Piper Perabo enough these were 4 wonderful actresses. It is not a film for men but as the youngest daughter with 2 older sister's I can relate to this movie very much.
Last night, we watched, "Pride and Prejudice" on TCM this is 1940 with Greer Garson as Elizabeth Bennett and Laurence Olivier as Mr. Darcy. It was fun to watch and the dialogue I am a huge fan of the A& E production with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy but this was amazing to watch and the great actors who brought each character to life my favorite was the actress who played Lady Catherine de Bourgh - Edna May Oliver, her faces told her thoughts without her speaking
them. This was worth watching, just to see the chemistry between Greer and Laurence and Edmond Gwenn as Mr. Bennett his comments alone were worth it.
Then on TCM came Oscar Wilde's "Importance of Being Earnest' in 1952, which even though the play has been on stage for 57 years this was the first movie adaption, done in England with amazing actors, Earnest ( Jack) was played by Michael Redgrave (father of Vanessa an Lynn), my husband loved the dialogue and he enjoyed it, I love to turn him on to these old movies because to me that is when people knew how to make films .
If you have seen another great film please let me know
I have always liked Sir Sean Connery's arrogance, an bad boy version. Daniel Craig has taken that one step further an we get to see why he has become the best in the business, and one more thing, Daniel Craigs eyes are so blue an expressive, along with one of the most amazing upper body that more nude scenes are fine with this fan.
Next I watched a Chick Flick - " Because I said so", I did call my mom and tell her she needs to watch this film, Diane Keaton always plays a great neurotic, Mandy Moore was great in this and we got to see her flaws which made you route for her even more, they did not use Lauren Graham or Piper Perabo enough these were 4 wonderful actresses. It is not a film for men but as the youngest daughter with 2 older sister's I can relate to this movie very much.
Last night, we watched, "Pride and Prejudice" on TCM this is 1940 with Greer Garson as Elizabeth Bennett and Laurence Olivier as Mr. Darcy. It was fun to watch and the dialogue I am a huge fan of the A& E production with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy but this was amazing to watch and the great actors who brought each character to life my favorite was the actress who played Lady Catherine de Bourgh - Edna May Oliver, her faces told her thoughts without her speaking
them. This was worth watching, just to see the chemistry between Greer and Laurence and Edmond Gwenn as Mr. Bennett his comments alone were worth it.
Then on TCM came Oscar Wilde's "Importance of Being Earnest' in 1952, which even though the play has been on stage for 57 years this was the first movie adaption, done in England with amazing actors, Earnest ( Jack) was played by Michael Redgrave (father of Vanessa an Lynn), my husband loved the dialogue and he enjoyed it, I love to turn him on to these old movies because to me that is when people knew how to make films .
If you have seen another great film please let me know
Friday, July 20, 2007
Today, I got up at 4:45am to be at work at 5:45am to model Wedding Dresses. The reason is there is a wonderful organization called " Brides Against Breast Cancer", which started in Portland Oregan where all the proceeds go to Make a wish for Terminally Ill men and women suffering from Breast Cancer.
This is a worthy cause, and here is the webpage to look more into it. They will be here in Winston Salem tonight until 8pm and tomorrow Saturday 10am-6pm, the dresses are beautiful, we were on the news this morning on Fox News 8, WXII 12 and North Carolina Channel 14, if you want to see some of the dresses on the models. I was one of the models this morning and it was fun to try on dresses, an to hear how this organzation started and what they do to help people. Come on out and buy your wedding dress to give to such a wonderful cause.
http://www.makingmemories.org/about_us.html
Mission Statement:
“To provide an opportunity for metastatic breast cancer patients’ dream or wish to be fulfilled by providing a special time of 'Making Memories' together with their families, a chance that might not have become a reality without the assistance of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation."
"To advance the awareness of breast cancer and to educate the public about the vast resources and support available to breast cancer patients and their families."
“FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND MAKE A WISH COME TRUE”
“Brides Against Breast Cancer” continues to be the Making Memories Foundation’s number one fund-raising event across the nation. Over 32 shows every year enable brides-to-be to find the gown of their dreams (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.
This popular “nationwide tour of gowns” is made possible by women around the world as they continue to donate one of their most treasured and prized possessions, their wedding gown, to simply make a difference in someone’s life. Bridal shops and manufacturers also donate hundreds of beautiful new, designer gowns every month.
More about the “Nationwide Tour of Gowns”According to Fran Hansen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Making Memories, “Thanks to incredible nationwide media coverage, including appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, MSNBC, Ananda Lewis and over 200 television interviews, the organization has received over 35,000 gown donations with an estimated resale value of over 4 million dollars. In addition, hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles have shared the Making Memories story, including mention in Redbook Magazine, Family Circle, Martha Stewart’s Winter Wedding Magazine, Time Magazine, Philanthropy World and Modern Bride Magazine. Best selling author, Geralyn Dawson also wrote a women’s friendship novel portraying the foundation. Her book, “The Pink Magnolia Club” can be found on bookshelves or may be purchased directly from Making Memories Foundation.”www.geralyndawson.com
Prices for the gowns range from $89 to $799*, including hundreds of beautiful, new, name brand and designer gowns valued up to $4,000. *A few designer and couture gowns priced slightly higher range from 25% to 75% off. “This is a very unique opportunity for brides-to-be to find one-of-a-kind gowns at fabulous prices and help grant a wish for a woman or man with terminal breast cancer.”
We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and debit cards.
REMEMBER – over half of the gowns available during each event are NEW designer gowns that have come directly from bridal shops and manufacturers. We have sizes 4 to 24 in a wide range of styles and fabrics. Slips, veils, shoes and other accessories are available in some cities.
This is a worthy cause, and here is the webpage to look more into it. They will be here in Winston Salem tonight until 8pm and tomorrow Saturday 10am-6pm, the dresses are beautiful, we were on the news this morning on Fox News 8, WXII 12 and North Carolina Channel 14, if you want to see some of the dresses on the models. I was one of the models this morning and it was fun to try on dresses, an to hear how this organzation started and what they do to help people. Come on out and buy your wedding dress to give to such a wonderful cause.
http://www.makingmemories.org/about_us.html
Mission Statement:
“To provide an opportunity for metastatic breast cancer patients’ dream or wish to be fulfilled by providing a special time of 'Making Memories' together with their families, a chance that might not have become a reality without the assistance of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation."
"To advance the awareness of breast cancer and to educate the public about the vast resources and support available to breast cancer patients and their families."
“FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND MAKE A WISH COME TRUE”
“Brides Against Breast Cancer” continues to be the Making Memories Foundation’s number one fund-raising event across the nation. Over 32 shows every year enable brides-to-be to find the gown of their dreams (at an incredible savings) while making wishes and dreams come true for women and men diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.
This popular “nationwide tour of gowns” is made possible by women around the world as they continue to donate one of their most treasured and prized possessions, their wedding gown, to simply make a difference in someone’s life. Bridal shops and manufacturers also donate hundreds of beautiful new, designer gowns every month.
More about the “Nationwide Tour of Gowns”According to Fran Hansen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Making Memories, “Thanks to incredible nationwide media coverage, including appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, MSNBC, Ananda Lewis and over 200 television interviews, the organization has received over 35,000 gown donations with an estimated resale value of over 4 million dollars. In addition, hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles have shared the Making Memories story, including mention in Redbook Magazine, Family Circle, Martha Stewart’s Winter Wedding Magazine, Time Magazine, Philanthropy World and Modern Bride Magazine. Best selling author, Geralyn Dawson also wrote a women’s friendship novel portraying the foundation. Her book, “The Pink Magnolia Club” can be found on bookshelves or may be purchased directly from Making Memories Foundation.”www.geralyndawson.com
Prices for the gowns range from $89 to $799*, including hundreds of beautiful, new, name brand and designer gowns valued up to $4,000. *A few designer and couture gowns priced slightly higher range from 25% to 75% off. “This is a very unique opportunity for brides-to-be to find one-of-a-kind gowns at fabulous prices and help grant a wish for a woman or man with terminal breast cancer.”
We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and debit cards.
REMEMBER – over half of the gowns available during each event are NEW designer gowns that have come directly from bridal shops and manufacturers. We have sizes 4 to 24 in a wide range of styles and fabrics. Slips, veils, shoes and other accessories are available in some cities.
Author Wally Lamb is one of my favorite writers, he has written, "She's come undone" and " I know this much is true" , an another book which was from Women in Yorks Correctional Center in Niantic, CT.
Wally Lamb was a English Teacher at my old High School NFA in Norwich CT when I was there, I did not have him so many of my friends did and loved him. I met him later in life during his nephew's (2) weddings. The 2nd time was after his 2nd appearance on Oprah's show, yes, he has appeared on the show twice for his books. GO WALLY LAMB!!
I love his books for the way he writes about women an of course, trying to guess what city he is talking about in Southeastern CT with his changing names. If you have not read his books please go out and buy them well worth it.
He gives back to the community as you can see by the following article from the New London Day.
East Lyme — Author Wally Lamb quoted Michelangelo, who once said he could see the angel inside each block of marble he carved — until he set her free.
“Take chisel and hammer in hand and free the graceful angel you are from this graceless gray cement that encompasses you,” Lamb told the high school and vocational graduates of York Correctional Institution at Thursday's “celebration of achievement.”
Bonnie Foreshaw, 59, is one of Lamb's angels. For the eight years Lamb has taught a weekly writing workshop at York, Foreshaw has been carving words from a violent history of both sexual and physical abuse. Her story was one of several anthologized in Lamb's book “Couldn't Keep It to Myself.” In September, some of her happier memories of growing up in Miami will be featured in Lamb's second installment, “I'll Fly Away.”
Foreshaw — sentenced to 45 years for killing a pregnant woman during a dispute with a stalker — hopes it will be her last story from inside York as she attempts to persuade a parole board to modify her sentence in this, her 21st year in prison.
“He's giving us a voice,” Foreshaw said. “We trust him. We talk about things we never verbalized about. They're buried so deep. ... He cries right along with us. He speaks for us when we don't have a voice to speak.”
Thursday's commencement was, for many, a celebration of the voice they'd found through education.
The whoops and hollers resounded from the rafters as 22 graduates in blue caps and gowns received their high school diplomas. Listed in the program were 26 others who have since left York, where they'd passed their GED tests. Inmates dressed in the standard maroon T-shirts required at York received certificates in writing, culinary arts, computer science, commercial cleaning and computer repair.
“You've got to take it one day at a time,” said Latasha Dixon, 26, as she stood in cap and gown among her aunts and nieces following the graduation. “Try to stay focused. There's more to life than these walls.”
Dixon's 2-year-old niece, Armanee, wearing a bright green dress, stood tippy-toed on her aunt's lap to watch Dixon receive her diploma.
Before coming to York three years ago for a shooting in Hartford, Dixon was helping to raise her 15-year-old niece, said her aunt, Janet Rice. Dixon, whose sentence runs through 2011, was angry, Rice said, but education and religion humbled her. Rice said life has been difficult with Dixon in prison.
“I can't wait until she comes home,” Rice said. “I miss her. I miss her so much.”
The Department of Correction's Unified School District awarded 682 diplomas last year at its 18 correctional facilities. This year, says Director of External Affairs Brian Garnett, Commissioner Theresa Lantz has challenged the department to reach 1,000.
“Multiple studies have shown that education is extremely beneficial in redirecting a person's life,” Garnett said.
Lamb said the department has come a long way since the DOC sued the inmates whose stories were featured in “Couldn't Keep It to Myself” for the cost of their incarceration. The department nearly shut down the writing program, and Lamb and the DOC had a public dispute over the inmates' royalties.
“There's been a sort of shift in the wind here, and we feel that the DOC has shifted toward rehabilitation,” Lamb said.
Careen Jennings and Susan Cole, who volunteer to teach the workshop with Lamb, said the writing program is a way to teach the inmates how to communicate and solve problems. There's a code of confidentiality in the group, they said, and all stories are to be treated as if they were fiction.
“It's a way of reaching back into their past and understanding themselves,” Jennings said.
Jessica Dancy, 21, student speaker at the graduation, said her family was the only positive thing in her life before she came to York. She is scheduled for release in 2010, she said, and hopes to open her own restaurant now that she's earned her culinary arts certificate.
“She can focus all her energies and talents,” said Culinary Arts Instructor Tom Prince-Warinsky. “She'll be fine. I feel that she will not be part of the recidivism rate.”
According to DOC statistics, 88 percent of the prison population enters with a drug addiction. Lamb told the women at York that 70 percent of incarcerated women have been the victims of incest or sexual violence.
“Some women are here for having committed single acts of violence after years — lifetimes, in some cases — of horrific, predatory abuse,” Lamb said. “Within the confines of this prison, their writing begins to give them wings with which to hover above the baffling maze of their lives, and from that perspective they begin to see the repeating patterns, dead ends and blind alleys of their pasts, and, more importantly, a way out.”
High school diploma recipients are: Jasmine Ahmad, Alicia Cobas, Jessica Dancy, Latasha Dixon, Alissa Figueroa, Diana Garces, Kelly Gondolfi, Christy Gorman, SueAnn Gorman, Julia Harper, Jennifer Kos, Amanda McDonald, Gina Montagna, Sharenna Morris, Fidarije Nieva, Kelley Rafaklo, Vondella Riddick, Julie-Ann Robichaud, Tysheka Robinson, Sabrina Samson, Tracy Shumaker, Sarah Taylor, Elizabeth Arbour, Anna Arces, Heather Burke, Shannon Clark, Allison Costello, Katherine Czajka, Lindsey Delgado, Debra DeMartin, Alexa Furlow, Yajaira Garcia, Amy Giordano, Hudel Gordon, Tiffany Hairston, Stephanie Hill, Mary Homa, Stephanie Kelley, Dawn Maher, Donna Melendez, Kemeshon Mills, Tiffany Organ, Rebecca Rakuza, Nicole Somers, Tara Spaulding, Jasmine Turner, Jenee Williams and Kennia Yung Krasselt.
Wally Lamb was a English Teacher at my old High School NFA in Norwich CT when I was there, I did not have him so many of my friends did and loved him. I met him later in life during his nephew's (2) weddings. The 2nd time was after his 2nd appearance on Oprah's show, yes, he has appeared on the show twice for his books. GO WALLY LAMB!!
I love his books for the way he writes about women an of course, trying to guess what city he is talking about in Southeastern CT with his changing names. If you have not read his books please go out and buy them well worth it.
He gives back to the community as you can see by the following article from the New London Day.
East Lyme — Author Wally Lamb quoted Michelangelo, who once said he could see the angel inside each block of marble he carved — until he set her free.
“Take chisel and hammer in hand and free the graceful angel you are from this graceless gray cement that encompasses you,” Lamb told the high school and vocational graduates of York Correctional Institution at Thursday's “celebration of achievement.”
Bonnie Foreshaw, 59, is one of Lamb's angels. For the eight years Lamb has taught a weekly writing workshop at York, Foreshaw has been carving words from a violent history of both sexual and physical abuse. Her story was one of several anthologized in Lamb's book “Couldn't Keep It to Myself.” In September, some of her happier memories of growing up in Miami will be featured in Lamb's second installment, “I'll Fly Away.”
Foreshaw — sentenced to 45 years for killing a pregnant woman during a dispute with a stalker — hopes it will be her last story from inside York as she attempts to persuade a parole board to modify her sentence in this, her 21st year in prison.
“He's giving us a voice,” Foreshaw said. “We trust him. We talk about things we never verbalized about. They're buried so deep. ... He cries right along with us. He speaks for us when we don't have a voice to speak.”
Thursday's commencement was, for many, a celebration of the voice they'd found through education.
The whoops and hollers resounded from the rafters as 22 graduates in blue caps and gowns received their high school diplomas. Listed in the program were 26 others who have since left York, where they'd passed their GED tests. Inmates dressed in the standard maroon T-shirts required at York received certificates in writing, culinary arts, computer science, commercial cleaning and computer repair.
“You've got to take it one day at a time,” said Latasha Dixon, 26, as she stood in cap and gown among her aunts and nieces following the graduation. “Try to stay focused. There's more to life than these walls.”
Dixon's 2-year-old niece, Armanee, wearing a bright green dress, stood tippy-toed on her aunt's lap to watch Dixon receive her diploma.
Before coming to York three years ago for a shooting in Hartford, Dixon was helping to raise her 15-year-old niece, said her aunt, Janet Rice. Dixon, whose sentence runs through 2011, was angry, Rice said, but education and religion humbled her. Rice said life has been difficult with Dixon in prison.
“I can't wait until she comes home,” Rice said. “I miss her. I miss her so much.”
The Department of Correction's Unified School District awarded 682 diplomas last year at its 18 correctional facilities. This year, says Director of External Affairs Brian Garnett, Commissioner Theresa Lantz has challenged the department to reach 1,000.
“Multiple studies have shown that education is extremely beneficial in redirecting a person's life,” Garnett said.
Lamb said the department has come a long way since the DOC sued the inmates whose stories were featured in “Couldn't Keep It to Myself” for the cost of their incarceration. The department nearly shut down the writing program, and Lamb and the DOC had a public dispute over the inmates' royalties.
“There's been a sort of shift in the wind here, and we feel that the DOC has shifted toward rehabilitation,” Lamb said.
Careen Jennings and Susan Cole, who volunteer to teach the workshop with Lamb, said the writing program is a way to teach the inmates how to communicate and solve problems. There's a code of confidentiality in the group, they said, and all stories are to be treated as if they were fiction.
“It's a way of reaching back into their past and understanding themselves,” Jennings said.
Jessica Dancy, 21, student speaker at the graduation, said her family was the only positive thing in her life before she came to York. She is scheduled for release in 2010, she said, and hopes to open her own restaurant now that she's earned her culinary arts certificate.
“She can focus all her energies and talents,” said Culinary Arts Instructor Tom Prince-Warinsky. “She'll be fine. I feel that she will not be part of the recidivism rate.”
According to DOC statistics, 88 percent of the prison population enters with a drug addiction. Lamb told the women at York that 70 percent of incarcerated women have been the victims of incest or sexual violence.
“Some women are here for having committed single acts of violence after years — lifetimes, in some cases — of horrific, predatory abuse,” Lamb said. “Within the confines of this prison, their writing begins to give them wings with which to hover above the baffling maze of their lives, and from that perspective they begin to see the repeating patterns, dead ends and blind alleys of their pasts, and, more importantly, a way out.”
High school diploma recipients are: Jasmine Ahmad, Alicia Cobas, Jessica Dancy, Latasha Dixon, Alissa Figueroa, Diana Garces, Kelly Gondolfi, Christy Gorman, SueAnn Gorman, Julia Harper, Jennifer Kos, Amanda McDonald, Gina Montagna, Sharenna Morris, Fidarije Nieva, Kelley Rafaklo, Vondella Riddick, Julie-Ann Robichaud, Tysheka Robinson, Sabrina Samson, Tracy Shumaker, Sarah Taylor, Elizabeth Arbour, Anna Arces, Heather Burke, Shannon Clark, Allison Costello, Katherine Czajka, Lindsey Delgado, Debra DeMartin, Alexa Furlow, Yajaira Garcia, Amy Giordano, Hudel Gordon, Tiffany Hairston, Stephanie Hill, Mary Homa, Stephanie Kelley, Dawn Maher, Donna Melendez, Kemeshon Mills, Tiffany Organ, Rebecca Rakuza, Nicole Somers, Tara Spaulding, Jasmine Turner, Jenee Williams and Kennia Yung Krasselt.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
WHY???
Do not look, it is up to each person who is into these books to read it without knowing the outcome. We have waited so long for the last book, so why would you ruin it before you actually read it. DONT GO TO THE WEBSIGHTS..
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the seventh and presumably last novel in the J.K. Rowling series, has hit the Internet. A purloined copy of the book was photographed and put on peer-to-peer file share networks. The pages are apparently legible enough to determine which characters live and die.
Of course, this is outrageous. "Potter" fans waiting for Saturday's release don't want to know the outcome of their faves before they have read every single last page in order. There will be those who read the last chapter first, of course, and then try to spoil the fun.
Personally, I don't have much emotion invested in this. Harry is nice enough. If he dies, it will be sad, but I doubt he meets his maker. Harry Potter is a hero, and J.K. Rowling is young enough that she may want to write another installment somewhere down the road. Also, there are two more movies still to be made. A dead Harry would take the air out of more films.
So, yes, my guess is Harry and his pals all live, while the villains come to grisly ends. Rowling said she cried writing the last chapters, but I'm sure it was because she has an emotional — if not financial attachment — even to the villains. Voldemort is as much one of her children as Hermione.
So, close your ears and eyes. Stay away from sites where "Potter" info is available. If you don't, I'll be forced to tell you what happens to Anna Karenina once you are halfway through that book.
Do not look, it is up to each person who is into these books to read it without knowing the outcome. We have waited so long for the last book, so why would you ruin it before you actually read it. DONT GO TO THE WEBSIGHTS..
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the seventh and presumably last novel in the J.K. Rowling series, has hit the Internet. A purloined copy of the book was photographed and put on peer-to-peer file share networks. The pages are apparently legible enough to determine which characters live and die.
Of course, this is outrageous. "Potter" fans waiting for Saturday's release don't want to know the outcome of their faves before they have read every single last page in order. There will be those who read the last chapter first, of course, and then try to spoil the fun.
Personally, I don't have much emotion invested in this. Harry is nice enough. If he dies, it will be sad, but I doubt he meets his maker. Harry Potter is a hero, and J.K. Rowling is young enough that she may want to write another installment somewhere down the road. Also, there are two more movies still to be made. A dead Harry would take the air out of more films.
So, yes, my guess is Harry and his pals all live, while the villains come to grisly ends. Rowling said she cried writing the last chapters, but I'm sure it was because she has an emotional — if not financial attachment — even to the villains. Voldemort is as much one of her children as Hermione.
So, close your ears and eyes. Stay away from sites where "Potter" info is available. If you don't, I'll be forced to tell you what happens to Anna Karenina once you are halfway through that book.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
I am a huge Harry Potter fan!! This weekend my husband an I rented "Goblet of Fire" an then went an saw "Order of the Phoenix" on top of re-reading the last 3 books to get ready for the Final book that comes out this Saturday. As if anyone on the planet does not know it already.
I have always been a big reader and was not even going to read these books when they first started until my sister told me they are not just for children, read it you will be happy you did. She is so right, these books keep you interested and invested in the characters, you want to know what is going to happen next. Then seeing the books come to life on screen, especially when you have imagined the scenes in your head, it is fabolous to watch. My favorite book and my favorite movie is the Prisoner of Alazaban. The movie definately did the book justice, and the books and the movies have gotten darker as we progress.
My husband's has a theory that Siris Black did not die at the end of "Order of Phoenix" an will return for the final battle in the final book. Myself, I have toss up of what is going to happen, part of me thinks Harry must die himself to kill Voldemort, but another part of me thinks Dumbledore has come up with something to save Harry and still end Voldemort's reign of terror. I know what happens to Dumbledore in The Half-Blood Prince but does he really die or is it like Star Wars, if he dies more power becomes on Harry?
If you have not read these books, I am sorry for devulging anything get out there an read them they are addictive. JK Rowlings, is amazing what an imagination an to capture that feeling of a child is just incredible to me.
I have always been a big reader and was not even going to read these books when they first started until my sister told me they are not just for children, read it you will be happy you did. She is so right, these books keep you interested and invested in the characters, you want to know what is going to happen next. Then seeing the books come to life on screen, especially when you have imagined the scenes in your head, it is fabolous to watch. My favorite book and my favorite movie is the Prisoner of Alazaban. The movie definately did the book justice, and the books and the movies have gotten darker as we progress.
My husband's has a theory that Siris Black did not die at the end of "Order of Phoenix" an will return for the final battle in the final book. Myself, I have toss up of what is going to happen, part of me thinks Harry must die himself to kill Voldemort, but another part of me thinks Dumbledore has come up with something to save Harry and still end Voldemort's reign of terror. I know what happens to Dumbledore in The Half-Blood Prince but does he really die or is it like Star Wars, if he dies more power becomes on Harry?
If you have not read these books, I am sorry for devulging anything get out there an read them they are addictive. JK Rowlings, is amazing what an imagination an to capture that feeling of a child is just incredible to me.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Last night, we went to "Wild Wings Cafe" in Winston Salem, and heard the band Peace and Love who are from Charlotte, NC. The crowd was huge and when we left at Midnight there was still a line outside. The band was incredible and being a former girlfriend of a band person, I was watching how they worked together and the playing. The guitar player is a genius, the bass player seemed to be having the most fun. The singer what a voice and great harmonies.
If you are from Southeastern CT, this band is like 'Sugardaddy' with Graham Thompson as the Lead Singer, bringing the crowd in an able to sing anything. I had a wonderful time last night, an if I closed my eyes I would of thought I was watching, Sugardaddy. Peace and love is a wonderful show, I recommend anyone that sees them playing go, you will have a great time. The crowd last night was so diverse which made it even more fun.
You had the young 20's the stupid girls, girly girls and of course the self-conscience girls who you could tell wanted to dance but didn't want to be watched so stood in the corner dancing by themselves. We did get to watch a little drama which with young 20' girls is expected. Then you had the late 20's who are now professionals during the week, going crazy because it was Friday night.
You also, had the hip-hoppers, bikers, married, still singles an definitely enjoying it. That is what made it fun the fact so many different people all enjoying the music an getting something different out of the whole experience. I have to mention the die hard music people, who are either musicians themselves, or just love live music an for them it is like a religious experience, I love watching these people the most, they seem to get into the music more than anyone else in the place. Myself, I love live music to me outside with a good band, good company there is nothing better. Live music is so much better than a DJ, for our wedding it was the most important in the world to me. I walked down the aisle to "Unforgettable" with my band singing it for me the only thing that could of been better would of been if Nat King Cole was singing to me.
Music is for the Soul, an is so personally for each person, so when you go see a great band tell people so that they can experience the magic like you did, pass it on.
If you are from Southeastern CT, this band is like 'Sugardaddy' with Graham Thompson as the Lead Singer, bringing the crowd in an able to sing anything. I had a wonderful time last night, an if I closed my eyes I would of thought I was watching, Sugardaddy. Peace and love is a wonderful show, I recommend anyone that sees them playing go, you will have a great time. The crowd last night was so diverse which made it even more fun.
You had the young 20's the stupid girls, girly girls and of course the self-conscience girls who you could tell wanted to dance but didn't want to be watched so stood in the corner dancing by themselves. We did get to watch a little drama which with young 20' girls is expected. Then you had the late 20's who are now professionals during the week, going crazy because it was Friday night.
You also, had the hip-hoppers, bikers, married, still singles an definitely enjoying it. That is what made it fun the fact so many different people all enjoying the music an getting something different out of the whole experience. I have to mention the die hard music people, who are either musicians themselves, or just love live music an for them it is like a religious experience, I love watching these people the most, they seem to get into the music more than anyone else in the place. Myself, I love live music to me outside with a good band, good company there is nothing better. Live music is so much better than a DJ, for our wedding it was the most important in the world to me. I walked down the aisle to "Unforgettable" with my band singing it for me the only thing that could of been better would of been if Nat King Cole was singing to me.
Music is for the Soul, an is so personally for each person, so when you go see a great band tell people so that they can experience the magic like you did, pass it on.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Have you ever been to New London CT during Sailfest? Well, it is this weekend up in Connecticut and I have gone off an on for years, the highlight of the whole weekend for myself was on Saturday night it the most incredible Fireworks by the Grucci Brothers out of New York.
The most amazing ones were the summer after 9/11/01. They went all out with the fireworks and the songs to go along with them. I will miss the Sailfest this year and am a bit sadden. To me the sailfest was for great music free all day on Friday and Saturday, the food from local restaurants, so if you have not been to them as of yet, you can try the food without breaking any bank an then of course the Fireworks. It is done over the water, so people on the Groton side can watch from Fort Griswold or anywhere on the Thames River. One year, I lived on Thames Street, so we walked a block up from our apartment and had the most amazing view without too much of crowd. Then of course, at the end of the fireworks is the contest between the Groton Side and the New London side on who is louder.
New London has come a long way and seems to be moving in the right direction to becoming a great little city. People need to give New London a chance, you have the places that have been there forever (or it seems that way), Marcus's for jeans. I remember for going back to school shopping, we always made a trip to Marcus's to get our Levi jeans, an tee shirts. We would go to lunch somewhere downtown usually the deli which is no longer there, but you have other options now. As, I grew up, I would go out in New London because my boyfriend at one time was a musician so we had to hear the music, to me live music is incredible. Bank Street Cafe, Stash's, Roadhouse all still open even under new owners names remain the same, and most have remained true to the original with some new twists. Bank Street used to be a big biker bar, and dark, dingy an the best Rock music around. It has cleaned up the place new floors, new bar an fresh coat of paint can do wonders. ( Done about 10 years ago). Has Pool Tables and even an outside patio ( which is good since CT is non-smoking inside anywhere).
Stash's was bought two years ago by Graham Thompson, who if you live in Southeastern CT you know who he is, he was the front man for the band "SugarDaddy" for many years. He kept the place virtually the same even with the same employees. He updated the Bar menu with some of his own creativity. I have known Graham for many years, he is an amazing cook an enjoys pleasing people. Being a musician himself he loves live music and gets some of the best bands around to fill his place. It looks like on the Web sight, Sugar Daddy played under Sugar with Marci as the lead singer on June 29, at Stash's, I am sure that was quite the show to watch.
Besides bars in New London, you have restaurants, shops, art galleries, the Hygenic and of course boating. There is Yacht clubs close to Mitchell College- which has a Sailing Class on Pequot Street, the beautiful houses on the water an on the way to Ocean Beach.
Museum and so much more, if you have never been to New London or have but not for many years, you need to go back and give it a second look, one of my favorite places is Brie and Bleu, right next store to Thames River Wine & Spirits, get a bottle of wine there or go for the wine tastings and get some great ideas for which wines to serve. Then go next door for some cheese and conversation. The same owner of Thames River Greenery my favorite florist ever!! She is amazing and has done so much for New London. Greene Book & Beanery has great couches to sit and read and have coffee and meet people.
Give New London a chance!!! Southeastern CT has a gem there and people should realize it.
The most amazing ones were the summer after 9/11/01. They went all out with the fireworks and the songs to go along with them. I will miss the Sailfest this year and am a bit sadden. To me the sailfest was for great music free all day on Friday and Saturday, the food from local restaurants, so if you have not been to them as of yet, you can try the food without breaking any bank an then of course the Fireworks. It is done over the water, so people on the Groton side can watch from Fort Griswold or anywhere on the Thames River. One year, I lived on Thames Street, so we walked a block up from our apartment and had the most amazing view without too much of crowd. Then of course, at the end of the fireworks is the contest between the Groton Side and the New London side on who is louder.
New London has come a long way and seems to be moving in the right direction to becoming a great little city. People need to give New London a chance, you have the places that have been there forever (or it seems that way), Marcus's for jeans. I remember for going back to school shopping, we always made a trip to Marcus's to get our Levi jeans, an tee shirts. We would go to lunch somewhere downtown usually the deli which is no longer there, but you have other options now. As, I grew up, I would go out in New London because my boyfriend at one time was a musician so we had to hear the music, to me live music is incredible. Bank Street Cafe, Stash's, Roadhouse all still open even under new owners names remain the same, and most have remained true to the original with some new twists. Bank Street used to be a big biker bar, and dark, dingy an the best Rock music around. It has cleaned up the place new floors, new bar an fresh coat of paint can do wonders. ( Done about 10 years ago). Has Pool Tables and even an outside patio ( which is good since CT is non-smoking inside anywhere).
Stash's was bought two years ago by Graham Thompson, who if you live in Southeastern CT you know who he is, he was the front man for the band "SugarDaddy" for many years. He kept the place virtually the same even with the same employees. He updated the Bar menu with some of his own creativity. I have known Graham for many years, he is an amazing cook an enjoys pleasing people. Being a musician himself he loves live music and gets some of the best bands around to fill his place. It looks like on the Web sight, Sugar Daddy played under Sugar with Marci as the lead singer on June 29, at Stash's, I am sure that was quite the show to watch.
Besides bars in New London, you have restaurants, shops, art galleries, the Hygenic and of course boating. There is Yacht clubs close to Mitchell College- which has a Sailing Class on Pequot Street, the beautiful houses on the water an on the way to Ocean Beach.
Museum and so much more, if you have never been to New London or have but not for many years, you need to go back and give it a second look, one of my favorite places is Brie and Bleu, right next store to Thames River Wine & Spirits, get a bottle of wine there or go for the wine tastings and get some great ideas for which wines to serve. Then go next door for some cheese and conversation. The same owner of Thames River Greenery my favorite florist ever!! She is amazing and has done so much for New London. Greene Book & Beanery has great couches to sit and read and have coffee and meet people.
Give New London a chance!!! Southeastern CT has a gem there and people should realize it.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I hate War, let me start there, I remember watching in 1970's the service men returning from Vietnam, after watching the first war on TV. In 1990, watching all the news coverage on Dessert Storm since my baby brother was in it with the Marines.
The war on Terror is something else, do we really know who all our enemies are? After watching last week in London England I am a bit afraid. I know in my heart we have not seen the last of attacks on American Soil. It is easy to put out of our minds when the war is not on our soil and it seems so far away in Iraq, but it really isn't we have our military over there doing their jobs an our politicans over here debating, yelling, screaming at each other to be heard on what their stance is on the War.
What ever your opinion is, the fact remains they are not done attacking us, 9/11 was just the beginning and it scares me to think what they have next in store. Part of me, thinks these attacks in London were only tests and the big one is coming the other part likes to think that the Homeland Security is doing their jobs very well and keep stopping these acts before they get out of hand. Am I being naive or just plan hopeful?
Then to find out a Medical Doctor is the man who went through the Glasgow airport terminal, which 1 puts a face on the act of terrorism but a educated man believes this is the way to solve problems, they can reach anyone at anytime. Which makes you look at the person sitting next t you on the bus, in the airport or train station and wonder in your mind are they here for themselves or to hurt us?
I have no idea what is going to happen an have chosen to not live in terror an to live but never forget 9/11, it will forever be in my mind. I wish my family an I lived closer, I know and so does my husband if anything happens I will be driving up North to be with my family. I don't care but I will get to them no matter what. Terrorism is scary than anything and if anyone truly believes they are done with the US they are sadly naive. Homeland Security has done some wonderful things in the past few years to make sure we as Americans are safe along with all the military people we need to show them our support no matter what your beliefs are of the war, they are out there on the front lines protecting our lifestyle and choices.
We do not want our men an women coming home from the war to experience what the Vietnam Vets did do we?
The war on Terror is something else, do we really know who all our enemies are? After watching last week in London England I am a bit afraid. I know in my heart we have not seen the last of attacks on American Soil. It is easy to put out of our minds when the war is not on our soil and it seems so far away in Iraq, but it really isn't we have our military over there doing their jobs an our politicans over here debating, yelling, screaming at each other to be heard on what their stance is on the War.
What ever your opinion is, the fact remains they are not done attacking us, 9/11 was just the beginning and it scares me to think what they have next in store. Part of me, thinks these attacks in London were only tests and the big one is coming the other part likes to think that the Homeland Security is doing their jobs very well and keep stopping these acts before they get out of hand. Am I being naive or just plan hopeful?
Then to find out a Medical Doctor is the man who went through the Glasgow airport terminal, which 1 puts a face on the act of terrorism but a educated man believes this is the way to solve problems, they can reach anyone at anytime. Which makes you look at the person sitting next t you on the bus, in the airport or train station and wonder in your mind are they here for themselves or to hurt us?
I have no idea what is going to happen an have chosen to not live in terror an to live but never forget 9/11, it will forever be in my mind. I wish my family an I lived closer, I know and so does my husband if anything happens I will be driving up North to be with my family. I don't care but I will get to them no matter what. Terrorism is scary than anything and if anyone truly believes they are done with the US they are sadly naive. Homeland Security has done some wonderful things in the past few years to make sure we as Americans are safe along with all the military people we need to show them our support no matter what your beliefs are of the war, they are out there on the front lines protecting our lifestyle and choices.
We do not want our men an women coming home from the war to experience what the Vietnam Vets did do we?
Did you ever notice when someone in the south is s****ing on you they are doing it with a smile on their face?
Most of the people I work with our from the South, born an raised right here in Greensboro/High Point/Winston Salem the Triad area. If not from this area have moved here from other parts of the south because they went to college here. I have heard all about southern hospitality my whole life, an to be honest, I think the people from the North are getting a bad rap. Down here, yes they will "sugar, sweetie anything for you" to death, then the minute you turn your back they will put a knife in it.
I believe the North won the war because of the arrogance of the South. If you look at the Civil War, the South was pretty much winning until Gettysburg, then the tides turned, but even in the beginning of that 3 day battle the South was winning. Can you imagine what life would be like now if the South did win? Would we be a country of 2 instead of 1? I never been back stabbed more even in High School the essential time to be back stabbed by your peers was not as cut throat as it is here in the South.
Now, I have been in the Hospitality business for well over 20 years, and learned early on to CYA (cover your a**). If my boss lets me give something to a client, I make sure it is in writing via email and I put in the file, or if a client is demanding something an says, She said, I also have all correspondence by email. I trust no one, an luckily that was ingrained in me early on in my career because since I have been at this job for the last 9 months 3x it has come up someone saying, I never said that, or you promised me this and I had back up.
These 3x were from my co-workers not even from clients, get over yourselves no one is perfect and yes, you promised me that price (chef) or you told me to give the client that room. I know people think I am awful for doing most of my business via email, because I trust no one. I never realized how much the south thinks and truly believes they are so much better than the North.
EXCUSE ME WE WON THE WAR!! Get over yourselves.
Most of the people I work with our from the South, born an raised right here in Greensboro/High Point/Winston Salem the Triad area. If not from this area have moved here from other parts of the south because they went to college here. I have heard all about southern hospitality my whole life, an to be honest, I think the people from the North are getting a bad rap. Down here, yes they will "sugar, sweetie anything for you" to death, then the minute you turn your back they will put a knife in it.
I believe the North won the war because of the arrogance of the South. If you look at the Civil War, the South was pretty much winning until Gettysburg, then the tides turned, but even in the beginning of that 3 day battle the South was winning. Can you imagine what life would be like now if the South did win? Would we be a country of 2 instead of 1? I never been back stabbed more even in High School the essential time to be back stabbed by your peers was not as cut throat as it is here in the South.
Now, I have been in the Hospitality business for well over 20 years, and learned early on to CYA (cover your a**). If my boss lets me give something to a client, I make sure it is in writing via email and I put in the file, or if a client is demanding something an says, She said, I also have all correspondence by email. I trust no one, an luckily that was ingrained in me early on in my career because since I have been at this job for the last 9 months 3x it has come up someone saying, I never said that, or you promised me this and I had back up.
These 3x were from my co-workers not even from clients, get over yourselves no one is perfect and yes, you promised me that price (chef) or you told me to give the client that room. I know people think I am awful for doing most of my business via email, because I trust no one. I never realized how much the south thinks and truly believes they are so much better than the North.
EXCUSE ME WE WON THE WAR!! Get over yourselves.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Do you ever get blue days? I do, and today is one of them. This weekend was boring, my husband and I were both sick so we were in our house for two full days together, we watched, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, all 3 movies that were on the Family Channel and a few Chick flicks. Read, slept and ate, it was quite boring.
It was a beautiful weekend about 90-95' everyday, we just wanted to be able to work on Monday. My husband was out sick on Friday and Saturday from work, due to his "sick" seemed to be worse than mine or the fact he is a man an they seem to be more babies about these things. Not all men, just the ones I have been in relationships with anyway.
I woke up this morning pissed at the world, at the way my life is stalled, how antsy I am to find the right place for us to settle for good, even though I realize and we are not moving before October 2008. Where will be go? Back to New England? Further south? I love New England but I really do not want to go back to shoveling snow if at all possible. We are looking in Maine to be close to my mom, but that is definitely going to be LONG, LONG WINTERS!!
My position at work bores me and my friends are all up north. I miss them so much, an when I lived up there an would get into a Blue Mood, I would only have to call them to either cheer myself up or they would set me straight. My husband this morning was so cute when I was spilling what was upsetting me, he was trying to figure out how to fix all my issues. I had to tell him, do not try to solve my problems let me get them out because most of them are stupid an I will snap out of this, it is just a blue mood.
Since, I have been back from my weekend my work outs have dwindled down to 2 or 3 days a week, I can not motivate myself to get back into working out 5 days a week, which makes me wonder what I was doing wrong, I never got that "High" people would say comes after a few weeks of working out, in the 6 months I was working out hard, it was a struggle every morning. I know my health needs to lose 50 more lbs, but that is not helping, I am still dieting and not eating after 8pm or drinking wine during the week.
Which is probably why I have not gained anything back yet, but I have to get my butt out of bed in the morning and work out, I did ask my husband to go back to working out with me, he keeps me motivated because I do not want to disappoint him an my competetive nature takes over that women can do it as good as a man.
My biggest issue today, was the fact I need a job that stimulates me, and this doesn't. My clients irate to me with the fact they think hotels are a charity and not a business with how much they want for free as if they deserve it for some reason. I am going to shoot for my ideal job in a few weeks with a presentation to fund it through my company, we will see how that goes at least I feel better about trying to get ahead.
It was a beautiful weekend about 90-95' everyday, we just wanted to be able to work on Monday. My husband was out sick on Friday and Saturday from work, due to his "sick" seemed to be worse than mine or the fact he is a man an they seem to be more babies about these things. Not all men, just the ones I have been in relationships with anyway.
I woke up this morning pissed at the world, at the way my life is stalled, how antsy I am to find the right place for us to settle for good, even though I realize and we are not moving before October 2008. Where will be go? Back to New England? Further south? I love New England but I really do not want to go back to shoveling snow if at all possible. We are looking in Maine to be close to my mom, but that is definitely going to be LONG, LONG WINTERS!!
My position at work bores me and my friends are all up north. I miss them so much, an when I lived up there an would get into a Blue Mood, I would only have to call them to either cheer myself up or they would set me straight. My husband this morning was so cute when I was spilling what was upsetting me, he was trying to figure out how to fix all my issues. I had to tell him, do not try to solve my problems let me get them out because most of them are stupid an I will snap out of this, it is just a blue mood.
Since, I have been back from my weekend my work outs have dwindled down to 2 or 3 days a week, I can not motivate myself to get back into working out 5 days a week, which makes me wonder what I was doing wrong, I never got that "High" people would say comes after a few weeks of working out, in the 6 months I was working out hard, it was a struggle every morning. I know my health needs to lose 50 more lbs, but that is not helping, I am still dieting and not eating after 8pm or drinking wine during the week.
Which is probably why I have not gained anything back yet, but I have to get my butt out of bed in the morning and work out, I did ask my husband to go back to working out with me, he keeps me motivated because I do not want to disappoint him an my competetive nature takes over that women can do it as good as a man.
My biggest issue today, was the fact I need a job that stimulates me, and this doesn't. My clients irate to me with the fact they think hotels are a charity and not a business with how much they want for free as if they deserve it for some reason. I am going to shoot for my ideal job in a few weeks with a presentation to fund it through my company, we will see how that goes at least I feel better about trying to get ahead.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Today, July 7, 2007 is seems the day for weddings. According to the knot.com 38,000 weddings will take place today across the world, according to another study that number is closer to 60,000 weddings.
Las Vegas is breaking records on what is being considered the most popular wedding day in history. Both Flamingo Las Vegas and Venetian Resort Hotel Casino are hosting a record 77 weddings today. Can you imagine waiting for your wedding to begin an seeing other brides? We all pick dates that are important to us when we get married but for the reason of 777, is that a good reason?
Here are some reasons if you are a superstition person:
I wish all these couples the best of luck, but believe you make your own luck.
Las Vegas is breaking records on what is being considered the most popular wedding day in history. Both Flamingo Las Vegas and Venetian Resort Hotel Casino are hosting a record 77 weddings today. Can you imagine waiting for your wedding to begin an seeing other brides? We all pick dates that are important to us when we get married but for the reason of 777, is that a good reason?
Here are some reasons if you are a superstition person:
• In ancient astronomy the sun, moon and five visible planets were considered the seven heavenly objects.
• The number seven in the Bible means completion: The Earth was created in six days and God rested on the seventh, which He blessed. It also symbolically represents the union of man, according to biblical historians, because the number for woman is four and the number for man is three.
• Christianity has the seven virtues, seven deadly sins, seven levels of purgatory and seven sacraments in Roman Catholicism.
• In Buddhism, Buddha is believed to have walked seven steps at his birth.
• In Chinese culture, the seventh day of the first moon of the lunar year is known as Human's Day and is considered to be the universal birthday of all human beings.
These are from my home paper the New London Day. Even a friend of mine who's daughter is getting married today. According to one article I was reading on this date, stated that due to people think of marriage as a gamble so if a date is suppose to give you luck why not? Marriage is hard work so why not give it a bit of luck? These are very interesting to me, I can tell you when 9/11 was a Saturday years afterwards it was hard to sell that date for a wedding, people were just scared of the date and what it represended, I did sell the date to a wonderful couple who said, we make our own luck an why not take the date back? I thought that was incredible.
I wish all these couples the best of luck, but believe you make your own luck.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Aging gracefully is hard as h***, especially if you watch TV ( my addiction), most of it is full of young 20's annoying me. I was watching "Age of Love" the other night, my first time and was appalled at how the 20's girls were talking an acting about the 40's ladies. Who do they think they are?
40 women are still fabulous and yes, some of us may still be single or single again. We all want to think when we marry it is for life, or that the relationship you are in is going to last forever, reality does not always work that way. I did not get married until I was 40 years old an now being 42, I feel better and look better than I did in my 20's. When I watch these girls be disrespectful an think they are all that and the 40's ladies are pathetic, need to get a reality check, someday you will be in your 40's and what happens if you are still single?
Then I think back, was I like that in my 20's? I know how insecure I was and most likely was not the nicest person all the time, but seriously, I can not remember. Selective I know, but when I look back on my 20's it was not the happiest time for me. My relationships in that time, not all great. My college boyfriend Todd was wonderful, but we were more good friends then a romantic relationship, we went to London and Ireland together it was a great adventure. In pictures and in my stories to people, in reality I missed my family terribly, I missed the normal ketchup of America, I missed celebrating Thanksgiving ( not big over there shocker huh?).
We had to get live in jobs because we could not afford anything else. Our first flat was 1 room an a bathroom, with twin beds. A Crazy lady lived across the hall and to get heat you had to put coins in a machine outside your door. So, in the middle of the night you would wake up freezing you would have to get up and open the door to the cold hallway an put coins in a machine that never really gave much heat. No shower only a tub, hard to keep warm and take a bath YUKO!!
One phone in the place on the bottom floor we were on the top floor 5th by the way. A Hurricane hit one night no preparations, no announcements, we heard the sky light go off the building and we thought, the crazy lady jumped out. She keep cat cans outside her door and would have full conversations with her self in different voices, because of course, the walls were paper thin. We did meet about 5 Australian guys who lived on the bottom floor, who were traveling around they were alot of fun, like to party.
Our first job was in a Pub, called the Lamb across from the London Hospital. It was us, another live in couple Australian, two guys from New Zealand and we worked for an English Couple. That lasted two weeks, it was hard work, not alot of money and the clients were strange to say the least. If I was people do not go for social medicine. The pubs at that time were open 11am-2pm, closed until 6pm then open until 11pm. The people from the hospital would come over for lunch an drink like fishes for an hour or two an then go back to work an then come back over at 6pm and get drunk. Every day, nurses, doctors, interns, makes you feel really good about the care over there right?
There was an old man who had a cane and he would sit right by the entrance to the bar, and use his cane to lift girls skirts, he made the little slit in my dress rip almost every day. Pervert. Then the older couples would come in the evenings and the woman would order 1/2 pints the men pints, I asked them why since she drank quickly. Women don't drink Pints it doesnt look good, basically, we can get drunk like a man but we have to look Feminine.
Also, in 1987 women in a bar couple were expected to work the food and the til, men the bar and lift the kegs an dirty work. I can not cook and my sandwich ability not so good especially in England where they put butter on all sandwichs.
Our next job was in a Bed an Breakfast, luckily, I was not required to cook Todd was, for me it was making the beds an cleaning the bathrooms. Todd got hit by a car in Tafalgaher Square and the hospital was a mess, took an x-rays and told him to go down the hall (no wheelchair) an find out what the doctor says an then bring them back to me. Then gave him crutches two different sizes that was all they had. He ended up just using an ace bandage and wrapped his foot tight into his boot. He fainted and I had to do both our jobs for a week until he recovered in order for us to get paid, nice people right? Then even told us that they would of preferred an Austrialian couple but we were the only ones who applied.
Then at Christmas they kicked us out because they were going on Holiday, did let us stay in one of the apartments they rented out and it came out of our paychecks. AWFUL PEOPLE!! I could not stand them. We were with them for about 4 months then we came home. It was suppose to be a year, lastest 6 months. I still love London but want to see it with money. I can tell you on my free time, I saw "Dirty Dancing" at least 20 x because it made me feel like home.
I would never pass up the adventure, but it was hard as h***, we stayed in only 1 hostel disqusting never again!! I was in my 20's and was alot tougher than I ever thought I would of been, so I am not sure if I was as self centered and down right mean as the girls in their 20's are on TV. I work with 20's something girls and all of them amaze me at their confidence and their drive for what they want, why are these 20 something girls not represented on TV like the superficial ones are, on Reality TV?
So, you 20 something girls realize one day you will be in your 40's and what will you be like?
40 women are still fabulous and yes, some of us may still be single or single again. We all want to think when we marry it is for life, or that the relationship you are in is going to last forever, reality does not always work that way. I did not get married until I was 40 years old an now being 42, I feel better and look better than I did in my 20's. When I watch these girls be disrespectful an think they are all that and the 40's ladies are pathetic, need to get a reality check, someday you will be in your 40's and what happens if you are still single?
Then I think back, was I like that in my 20's? I know how insecure I was and most likely was not the nicest person all the time, but seriously, I can not remember. Selective I know, but when I look back on my 20's it was not the happiest time for me. My relationships in that time, not all great. My college boyfriend Todd was wonderful, but we were more good friends then a romantic relationship, we went to London and Ireland together it was a great adventure. In pictures and in my stories to people, in reality I missed my family terribly, I missed the normal ketchup of America, I missed celebrating Thanksgiving ( not big over there shocker huh?).
We had to get live in jobs because we could not afford anything else. Our first flat was 1 room an a bathroom, with twin beds. A Crazy lady lived across the hall and to get heat you had to put coins in a machine outside your door. So, in the middle of the night you would wake up freezing you would have to get up and open the door to the cold hallway an put coins in a machine that never really gave much heat. No shower only a tub, hard to keep warm and take a bath YUKO!!
One phone in the place on the bottom floor we were on the top floor 5th by the way. A Hurricane hit one night no preparations, no announcements, we heard the sky light go off the building and we thought, the crazy lady jumped out. She keep cat cans outside her door and would have full conversations with her self in different voices, because of course, the walls were paper thin. We did meet about 5 Australian guys who lived on the bottom floor, who were traveling around they were alot of fun, like to party.
Our first job was in a Pub, called the Lamb across from the London Hospital. It was us, another live in couple Australian, two guys from New Zealand and we worked for an English Couple. That lasted two weeks, it was hard work, not alot of money and the clients were strange to say the least. If I was people do not go for social medicine. The pubs at that time were open 11am-2pm, closed until 6pm then open until 11pm. The people from the hospital would come over for lunch an drink like fishes for an hour or two an then go back to work an then come back over at 6pm and get drunk. Every day, nurses, doctors, interns, makes you feel really good about the care over there right?
There was an old man who had a cane and he would sit right by the entrance to the bar, and use his cane to lift girls skirts, he made the little slit in my dress rip almost every day. Pervert. Then the older couples would come in the evenings and the woman would order 1/2 pints the men pints, I asked them why since she drank quickly. Women don't drink Pints it doesnt look good, basically, we can get drunk like a man but we have to look Feminine.
Also, in 1987 women in a bar couple were expected to work the food and the til, men the bar and lift the kegs an dirty work. I can not cook and my sandwich ability not so good especially in England where they put butter on all sandwichs.
Our next job was in a Bed an Breakfast, luckily, I was not required to cook Todd was, for me it was making the beds an cleaning the bathrooms. Todd got hit by a car in Tafalgaher Square and the hospital was a mess, took an x-rays and told him to go down the hall (no wheelchair) an find out what the doctor says an then bring them back to me. Then gave him crutches two different sizes that was all they had. He ended up just using an ace bandage and wrapped his foot tight into his boot. He fainted and I had to do both our jobs for a week until he recovered in order for us to get paid, nice people right? Then even told us that they would of preferred an Austrialian couple but we were the only ones who applied.
Then at Christmas they kicked us out because they were going on Holiday, did let us stay in one of the apartments they rented out and it came out of our paychecks. AWFUL PEOPLE!! I could not stand them. We were with them for about 4 months then we came home. It was suppose to be a year, lastest 6 months. I still love London but want to see it with money. I can tell you on my free time, I saw "Dirty Dancing" at least 20 x because it made me feel like home.
I would never pass up the adventure, but it was hard as h***, we stayed in only 1 hostel disqusting never again!! I was in my 20's and was alot tougher than I ever thought I would of been, so I am not sure if I was as self centered and down right mean as the girls in their 20's are on TV. I work with 20's something girls and all of them amaze me at their confidence and their drive for what they want, why are these 20 something girls not represented on TV like the superficial ones are, on Reality TV?
So, you 20 something girls realize one day you will be in your 40's and what will you be like?
Big Brother 8 started last night, so far the only one that is on my nerves is Joe. He is over the top and obviously mean as h***, he admitted to the fact he ruined his ex's Dustin's life. Then of course, Dustin comes down the stairs hopefully they will stay in the house for awhile because even though Joe is on my nerves, it will make interesting Television. The other one between Daniele and her dad Dick who she has not spoken to in 2 years, should be quite interesting. Then you have to think are they just acting this way or are they really estranged?
It could be another twist, I do love the fact that America has a player "Eric" and we are to make all his decisions for him, this season is off to a great start. I love this show, I loved Season 7 not the Allstar season, even though I watched it because of Bogie an Dr. Will were a great team the fact the girls knew they were in it together played right into their hands. I think they better watch out for Kali the mother of 3, she is in it to win, and I believe she will do what ever she can to make it happen.
On the Reality Watch, did you see who won "Charm School"? I was so happy for Saaphyri, an Leilen even got a bonus, I did like Becky but was not surprised to see her leave. Brooke should of gone after the "prom" Charm School I believe was to make you respect yourself and doing what she did is not respectful an no man will respect you if you do not respect yourself. Believe me, I liked Brooke during Flavor of Love, especially when she spit at New York, Tiffany, who by the way looks like she had some work done.
Larissa needs to get her butt kicked, that girl is vicious, mean spirited and for some reason thinks she is better than everyone else, you are a hair dresser get over yourself. I was proud of Shay for coming clean on the picture incident, she came a long way on the show an kind of wished she got more out of it. Sad, that I watch that show but I find human nature so interesting.
Now, something you should know I have been a HUGE Scott Baio fan as far back as I can remember and I just saw on VH1 he is doing a "Scott Baio 45 and still Single" show, my husband better watch out. I am kidding, besides the fact I am happily married, there is a reason Scott Baio is still single what it is, not quite sure, but on one of trailers it showed him apologizing to one his ex's, if he is doing that, what did he do to her? She was a former playmate, that is who he dates blonde, beautiful, buxom women. I believe he dated Pamela Anderson an Nicole Eggert , also Nicolette Sheriden who just a bit of trivia had a long relationship with Leif Garrett, I always wondered if they were friends, since they were both huge at the same time.
I will be watching the show of course, whenever he had a guest spot on shows in the past years, I would watch them just because of him. I started my obsession with him when he was in Bugsy Malone in 1976, he was so cute as a young gangster.
My other obsession was Leif Garrett, not as much but I admit when he came to New London, CT with his band I went to see him, it was Leif Garrett after all, he was good, but did not look all that great.
It could be another twist, I do love the fact that America has a player "Eric" and we are to make all his decisions for him, this season is off to a great start. I love this show, I loved Season 7 not the Allstar season, even though I watched it because of Bogie an Dr. Will were a great team the fact the girls knew they were in it together played right into their hands. I think they better watch out for Kali the mother of 3, she is in it to win, and I believe she will do what ever she can to make it happen.
On the Reality Watch, did you see who won "Charm School"? I was so happy for Saaphyri, an Leilen even got a bonus, I did like Becky but was not surprised to see her leave. Brooke should of gone after the "prom" Charm School I believe was to make you respect yourself and doing what she did is not respectful an no man will respect you if you do not respect yourself. Believe me, I liked Brooke during Flavor of Love, especially when she spit at New York, Tiffany, who by the way looks like she had some work done.
Larissa needs to get her butt kicked, that girl is vicious, mean spirited and for some reason thinks she is better than everyone else, you are a hair dresser get over yourself. I was proud of Shay for coming clean on the picture incident, she came a long way on the show an kind of wished she got more out of it. Sad, that I watch that show but I find human nature so interesting.
Now, something you should know I have been a HUGE Scott Baio fan as far back as I can remember and I just saw on VH1 he is doing a "Scott Baio 45 and still Single" show, my husband better watch out. I am kidding, besides the fact I am happily married, there is a reason Scott Baio is still single what it is, not quite sure, but on one of trailers it showed him apologizing to one his ex's, if he is doing that, what did he do to her? She was a former playmate, that is who he dates blonde, beautiful, buxom women. I believe he dated Pamela Anderson an Nicole Eggert , also Nicolette Sheriden who just a bit of trivia had a long relationship with Leif Garrett, I always wondered if they were friends, since they were both huge at the same time.
I will be watching the show of course, whenever he had a guest spot on shows in the past years, I would watch them just because of him. I started my obsession with him when he was in Bugsy Malone in 1976, he was so cute as a young gangster.
My other obsession was Leif Garrett, not as much but I admit when he came to New London, CT with his band I went to see him, it was Leif Garrett after all, he was good, but did not look all that great.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Presidental Pardons- This week President Bush pardoned Lewis "Scooter" Libby, convicted of obstruction of Justice, Perjury :
He resigned from his senior White House position hours after he was indicted in federal court on five felony counts of obstruction of justice, making false statements, and perjury in the CIA leak grand jury investigation into the "Plame affair".[3][4] In United States v. Libby, Libby was found guilty on four of the five counts and sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and two years of supervised release.[5][6]
President Bush commuted Libby's sentence, eliminating the prison term while not changing the other parts and their conditions.
Former President Bill Clinton criticized President Bush on Tuesday for commuting the prison sentence of I. Lewis Libby Jr. and tried to draw a distinction from his own controversial pardons.
In Iowa to promote the presidential candidacy of his wife, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Mr. Clinton was asked by a radio host, David Yepsen, “You had some controversial pardons during your presidency; what’s your reaction to what President Bush did?”
“Yeah, but I think the facts were different,” Mr. Clinton said. “I think there are guidelines for what happens when somebody is convicted. You’ve got to understand, this is consistent with their philosophy; they believe that they should be able to do what they want to do, and that the law is a minor obstacle.”
Now isn't that amazing that he thinks the facts were different, on January 20, 2001, he pardoned 140 people High-profile people who have received presidential pardons include:
-- Roger Clinton, who was convicted of drug-related charges in the 1980s. He was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in 1985 to conspiring to distribute cocaine. He cooperated with authorities and testified against other drug defendants. ( His Brother)
-- Susan McDougal, a former real estate business partner of the Clintons. She was sentenced in 1996 and released from prison in 1998. She was convicted of four felonies related to a fraudulent $300,000 federally backed loan that she and her husband, James McDougal, never repaid. One tenth of the loan amount was placed briefly in the name of Whitewater Development, the Arkansas real estate venture of the Clintons and the McDougals. Her attorney, Mark Geragos, said he remains hopeful that she would be pardoned, refusing to say whether he has received any indication from the White House that she would be pardoned. She was incarcerated for 21 months.
-- Henry Cisneros, who served as secretary of Housing and Urban Development during Clinton's first term in office. He was convicted of making false statements to FBI agents conducting a background investigation of him when he was nominated to the Cabinet post in 1993. They included misleading investigators about cash payments he made to a former mistress.
-- Former CIA Director John Deutch. The one-time spy chief and top Pentagon official was facing criminal charges in connection with his mishandling of national secrets on a home computer.
-- Patty Hearst, the 19-year-old newspaper heiress who made headlines in 1974 after she was kidnapped by the radical Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). She was later photographed, machine gun in hand, helping the SLA in a bank robbery attempt. Although Hearst would later maintain she was brainwashed, she was convicted and sentenced to seven years in jail for the robbery. President Carter commuted the sentence after she served two years.
-- Former Navaho Nation chief Peter MacDonald. He has been in a Fort Worth, Texas, medical prison as part of a 14-year sentence for inciting a deadly riot. He was convicted of inciting in Window Riot, Arizona in 1989 after he was removed as Navaho chief amid charges of bribery. Two of his supporters were killed.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
So, I would like to know what is the difference between what Ex-President Clinton did and President Bush did? Except for the fact it was Clinton not Bush, he of course, he thinks he is above the law and Morality so why shouldn't what he did not compare to what President Bush did?
I am pointing this out because some people Al Gore are getting on the Clinton Band wagon saying, it is different, how? Dealing drugs and doing drugs does not deserve a prison sentence, inciting a riot that killed 2 people does not deserve a prison sentence? Just a thought.
He resigned from his senior White House position hours after he was indicted in federal court on five felony counts of obstruction of justice, making false statements, and perjury in the CIA leak grand jury investigation into the "Plame affair".[3][4] In United States v. Libby, Libby was found guilty on four of the five counts and sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and two years of supervised release.[5][6]
President Bush commuted Libby's sentence, eliminating the prison term while not changing the other parts and their conditions.
Former President Bill Clinton criticized President Bush on Tuesday for commuting the prison sentence of I. Lewis Libby Jr. and tried to draw a distinction from his own controversial pardons.
In Iowa to promote the presidential candidacy of his wife, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Mr. Clinton was asked by a radio host, David Yepsen, “You had some controversial pardons during your presidency; what’s your reaction to what President Bush did?”
“Yeah, but I think the facts were different,” Mr. Clinton said. “I think there are guidelines for what happens when somebody is convicted. You’ve got to understand, this is consistent with their philosophy; they believe that they should be able to do what they want to do, and that the law is a minor obstacle.”
Now isn't that amazing that he thinks the facts were different, on January 20, 2001, he pardoned 140 people High-profile people who have received presidential pardons include:
-- Roger Clinton, who was convicted of drug-related charges in the 1980s. He was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in 1985 to conspiring to distribute cocaine. He cooperated with authorities and testified against other drug defendants. ( His Brother)
-- Susan McDougal, a former real estate business partner of the Clintons. She was sentenced in 1996 and released from prison in 1998. She was convicted of four felonies related to a fraudulent $300,000 federally backed loan that she and her husband, James McDougal, never repaid. One tenth of the loan amount was placed briefly in the name of Whitewater Development, the Arkansas real estate venture of the Clintons and the McDougals. Her attorney, Mark Geragos, said he remains hopeful that she would be pardoned, refusing to say whether he has received any indication from the White House that she would be pardoned. She was incarcerated for 21 months.
-- Henry Cisneros, who served as secretary of Housing and Urban Development during Clinton's first term in office. He was convicted of making false statements to FBI agents conducting a background investigation of him when he was nominated to the Cabinet post in 1993. They included misleading investigators about cash payments he made to a former mistress.
-- Former CIA Director John Deutch. The one-time spy chief and top Pentagon official was facing criminal charges in connection with his mishandling of national secrets on a home computer.
-- Patty Hearst, the 19-year-old newspaper heiress who made headlines in 1974 after she was kidnapped by the radical Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). She was later photographed, machine gun in hand, helping the SLA in a bank robbery attempt. Although Hearst would later maintain she was brainwashed, she was convicted and sentenced to seven years in jail for the robbery. President Carter commuted the sentence after she served two years.
-- Former Navaho Nation chief Peter MacDonald. He has been in a Fort Worth, Texas, medical prison as part of a 14-year sentence for inciting a deadly riot. He was convicted of inciting in Window Riot, Arizona in 1989 after he was removed as Navaho chief amid charges of bribery. Two of his supporters were killed.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
So, I would like to know what is the difference between what Ex-President Clinton did and President Bush did? Except for the fact it was Clinton not Bush, he of course, he thinks he is above the law and Morality so why shouldn't what he did not compare to what President Bush did?
I am pointing this out because some people Al Gore are getting on the Clinton Band wagon saying, it is different, how? Dealing drugs and doing drugs does not deserve a prison sentence, inciting a riot that killed 2 people does not deserve a prison sentence? Just a thought.
I hope everyone had a nice and safe, July 4, 2007 celebration. I am back at work today, feeling better than I did the earlier part of the week.
My husband an I had a very lazy, relaxing 4th, we went to the pool until about 1pm then left went home an had traditional food, hotdogs, coleslaw, baked beans for lunch then took a nap an then watched "Independence Day", it was a good day. My family at home were all going to my cousins for a big Picnic, I bet that was fun. Then after watching the news and seeing all the lines for the airport, I am glad I came home when I did.
Shocker, at Charlotte Airport today, a study came out that USAirways is 67% of ontime arrivals. Is anyone shocked who happened to be in the airport last Friday? United Airlines were at least 71% not much better, but an improvement. So, my question is why? I do understand about overselling airplane seats, I am in the hotel business but why can't you atleast be on time? My flight from Charlotte to Providence was delayed 2 hours going up to Connecticut, my flight going from Providence to DCA was delayed by 45 minutes which would of made me miss my connection, and no announcement was made, the only reason I knew was my husband told me and I switched an went through PHL, then in PHL, I heard one flight was delayed by 3 hours, mine only 1 hour. What is the problem? Also, why can't they announce it? The lady in PVD who helped me was wonderful but her co-worker was complaining an bitching the whole time we were all there waiting. He basically said, we have no idea what we are doing so why do people fly with us? Good customer relations don't you think?
My husband an I had a very lazy, relaxing 4th, we went to the pool until about 1pm then left went home an had traditional food, hotdogs, coleslaw, baked beans for lunch then took a nap an then watched "Independence Day", it was a good day. My family at home were all going to my cousins for a big Picnic, I bet that was fun. Then after watching the news and seeing all the lines for the airport, I am glad I came home when I did.
Shocker, at Charlotte Airport today, a study came out that USAirways is 67% of ontime arrivals. Is anyone shocked who happened to be in the airport last Friday? United Airlines were at least 71% not much better, but an improvement. So, my question is why? I do understand about overselling airplane seats, I am in the hotel business but why can't you atleast be on time? My flight from Charlotte to Providence was delayed 2 hours going up to Connecticut, my flight going from Providence to DCA was delayed by 45 minutes which would of made me miss my connection, and no announcement was made, the only reason I knew was my husband told me and I switched an went through PHL, then in PHL, I heard one flight was delayed by 3 hours, mine only 1 hour. What is the problem? Also, why can't they announce it? The lady in PVD who helped me was wonderful but her co-worker was complaining an bitching the whole time we were all there waiting. He basically said, we have no idea what we are doing so why do people fly with us? Good customer relations don't you think?
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
I am so sick with a summer cold. Can you believe it? I thought it was just a hangover, because I abused my body with wine all weekend. I don't do that anymore, and I am no longer 20 it takes a good two full days for my body to feel back to normal. Now, I know it is because I have gotten a cold, I started to feel down before I got on the plane on Friday, with a sore throat, but kind of pushed it aside because I had been looking forward to this weekend.
I am home sick today from work an watching, "Gone with the Wind", the part where Scarlett walks into the bbq and flirts with every man an every woman hate her. That was me in high school an I admit when I walked into the reunion and the girls were still the same toward me, I flirted with their husbands and dates it was a sense of power. I love my husband dearly and we have such a fun and truthful relationship it w
I am home sick today from work an watching, "Gone with the Wind", the part where Scarlett walks into the bbq and flirts with every man an every woman hate her. That was me in high school an I admit when I walked into the reunion and the girls were still the same toward me, I flirted with their husbands and dates it was a sense of power. I love my husband dearly and we have such a fun and truthful relationship it w
Monday, July 02, 2007
Good Morning!!
OK, the reunion was this weekend let me tell you about my weekend so much fun!! I am so paying for it now, I have no voice and when I worked out this morning my body was like, excuse me you abuse me all weekend with food and drink and now you want to work out. I finished my workout and felt like I did when I first started working out.
Friday, my flight got delayed in Charlotte by about 2 hours, I was quite social in the terminal an we all started talking about why we were traveling or how long we have been at the airport, I was lucky, I had a seat on the plane. Some people had a boarding pass but no seat and others were on stand by, when they announced anyone want to give up their seat an you can get a free round trip ticket, I thought maybe then the catch the next flight to get out on is 945pm on Saturday night. So, no I will keep my seat. If it was necessary, there was 1 man in the terminal I would of given my seat up for, but luckily he had a seat. He was flying from Phoenix to go to his mom's funeral, which was at 5pm on Friday, I would of given up my seat for him if need be that was definitely more important then my reunion.
I finally got into Providence and my friend Claudette picked me up she is so great. She was there for me all weekend and I appreciate it that very much. I am going to send her a little basket from here, mostly to thank her and then to convince her to come visit me. We met up with Thomas and went to lunch at "Costello's" an picnic table fresh fish place, where you bring your own wine. Which we did, an that started Friday, we drank 1 bottle of white there, then went to my sisters to see family an had another bottle, we were also sitting outside in the sun.
Then we went to dinner an met up with Tom and had a great dinner at AZU in Mystic, CT with drinks and wine. Then a bit of bar hopping, a long night and day since I had gotten up at 430am for my early morning flight. Saturday morning, we picked up the BMW from my dad and then went to breakfast at the Whistle Stop in Pawcatuck, a small little place inexpensive and very good. If you are in the Westerly/Pawcatuck area, I so recommend highly.
Then Claudette and I basically, sat around her apartment took naps, watched TV until I had to go up to The Spa at Norwich to get my makeup done, yes I had it professionally done why not? I wanted to look my best, so glad I did too.
My dad dropped me off at my reunion, Claudette picked me up around 10pm that night. I first ran into my friend John M. ( My first crush) he was with his wife, I talked to them for awhile then went to the bar, and started that right away most likely not the smartest but who cares if I go to my 30Th it will have been at least 5 years since I have seen any of these people. A few remember from our 20Th my make out session with someone, who was there, an were snickering and laughing at me. It is so funny now, he is a nice guy but besides that one night that was it.
I saw some great people, so many looked so different granted it was 25 years ago. It was fun trying to figure out who was who, we had a few crashers who just took name tags even though they were not with our group, always makes it interesting. It was nice to see alot of people came alone and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. One person, who I had gone to grade school with made the comment, I don't remember you being so outgoing as you are tonight. I was quite flirty, an loud somethings my friends know is so me now, but in High School I was always a flirt, my gosh, I got "Class Flirt" and Obviously, some of the girls who hated me in high school are still holding a grudge. Get over it, it was 25 years ago. That is one thing that has never changed the cliches are still the same. When you walked in you could still point out the different groups, still trying to be so Cool by themselves...
Going by myself made me realize I am such a different person then I was back then, I walked right up to the people who were my arch enemies and sat down and started talking. Why not? We are not in the lunch room and I am not going to cower because you didn't like me back then for whatever stupid reason. There were a few people who stand out and I am glad I got to talk to them Rob H. he an I were on Swim Team together, it was so much fun hanging out with him. His significan other could not make it, an I am sure we would of had even more fun. An I lost his card which is upsetting me, but surprisely I remembered where he worked so I am going to
contact him. Sorrell congratalations on the career, always an ambition girl an so down to earth.
Even Anne S. an Editor in California for Reality TV how much fun is that? It was nice to see who was still in the area, who had moved away. Rachel J. living in Boston with her husband Keith, Michelle F. Beautiful as you were in 8th grade. Denise our class Most Beautiful still the one to stand out in a crowd love the blonde hair!! There were many more too, Veroncia, Marcie, Lisa B.. Debbie and Cindy did another wonderful job for our reunion and I for one appreciate it very much. I will see you all in 5 years to see what else has changed in our lives as we all approach the big 50...
OK, the reunion was this weekend let me tell you about my weekend so much fun!! I am so paying for it now, I have no voice and when I worked out this morning my body was like, excuse me you abuse me all weekend with food and drink and now you want to work out. I finished my workout and felt like I did when I first started working out.
Friday, my flight got delayed in Charlotte by about 2 hours, I was quite social in the terminal an we all started talking about why we were traveling or how long we have been at the airport, I was lucky, I had a seat on the plane. Some people had a boarding pass but no seat and others were on stand by, when they announced anyone want to give up their seat an you can get a free round trip ticket, I thought maybe then the catch the next flight to get out on is 945pm on Saturday night. So, no I will keep my seat. If it was necessary, there was 1 man in the terminal I would of given my seat up for, but luckily he had a seat. He was flying from Phoenix to go to his mom's funeral, which was at 5pm on Friday, I would of given up my seat for him if need be that was definitely more important then my reunion.
I finally got into Providence and my friend Claudette picked me up she is so great. She was there for me all weekend and I appreciate it that very much. I am going to send her a little basket from here, mostly to thank her and then to convince her to come visit me. We met up with Thomas and went to lunch at "Costello's" an picnic table fresh fish place, where you bring your own wine. Which we did, an that started Friday, we drank 1 bottle of white there, then went to my sisters to see family an had another bottle, we were also sitting outside in the sun.
Then we went to dinner an met up with Tom and had a great dinner at AZU in Mystic, CT with drinks and wine. Then a bit of bar hopping, a long night and day since I had gotten up at 430am for my early morning flight. Saturday morning, we picked up the BMW from my dad and then went to breakfast at the Whistle Stop in Pawcatuck, a small little place inexpensive and very good. If you are in the Westerly/Pawcatuck area, I so recommend highly.
Then Claudette and I basically, sat around her apartment took naps, watched TV until I had to go up to The Spa at Norwich to get my makeup done, yes I had it professionally done why not? I wanted to look my best, so glad I did too.
My dad dropped me off at my reunion, Claudette picked me up around 10pm that night. I first ran into my friend John M. ( My first crush) he was with his wife, I talked to them for awhile then went to the bar, and started that right away most likely not the smartest but who cares if I go to my 30Th it will have been at least 5 years since I have seen any of these people. A few remember from our 20Th my make out session with someone, who was there, an were snickering and laughing at me. It is so funny now, he is a nice guy but besides that one night that was it.
I saw some great people, so many looked so different granted it was 25 years ago. It was fun trying to figure out who was who, we had a few crashers who just took name tags even though they were not with our group, always makes it interesting. It was nice to see alot of people came alone and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. One person, who I had gone to grade school with made the comment, I don't remember you being so outgoing as you are tonight. I was quite flirty, an loud somethings my friends know is so me now, but in High School I was always a flirt, my gosh, I got "Class Flirt" and Obviously, some of the girls who hated me in high school are still holding a grudge. Get over it, it was 25 years ago. That is one thing that has never changed the cliches are still the same. When you walked in you could still point out the different groups, still trying to be so Cool by themselves...
Going by myself made me realize I am such a different person then I was back then, I walked right up to the people who were my arch enemies and sat down and started talking. Why not? We are not in the lunch room and I am not going to cower because you didn't like me back then for whatever stupid reason. There were a few people who stand out and I am glad I got to talk to them Rob H. he an I were on Swim Team together, it was so much fun hanging out with him. His significan other could not make it, an I am sure we would of had even more fun. An I lost his card which is upsetting me, but surprisely I remembered where he worked so I am going to
contact him. Sorrell congratalations on the career, always an ambition girl an so down to earth.
Even Anne S. an Editor in California for Reality TV how much fun is that? It was nice to see who was still in the area, who had moved away. Rachel J. living in Boston with her husband Keith, Michelle F. Beautiful as you were in 8th grade. Denise our class Most Beautiful still the one to stand out in a crowd love the blonde hair!! There were many more too, Veroncia, Marcie, Lisa B.. Debbie and Cindy did another wonderful job for our reunion and I for one appreciate it very much. I will see you all in 5 years to see what else has changed in our lives as we all approach the big 50...
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