Happiness and Tragedy

Last month we welcomed 2 new additions to the family. Two of my cousins had baby boys. Here's their pics!








The one on the left is Jonathan and the one with all the hair (amazing amount!) is named Malik. Atara, Malik's mom has had a very tough life, but despite all the hardships she has endured she finally found Malik who truly loves and cares for her, and as a result we have this little cutie! All of us are very happy for her and Malik Sr. and are excited about their futures.

The same could be said for Kimmy as well. She and Steve have been together for about 8 years and had 3 kids together. While life has been tough and they aren't where they want to be yet, they have it pretty good as a family. Everyone knows how good a mother Kimmy is and how she lives for these kids. Today however, everything changed for Kimmy, Steve and the kids. I don't know all the details yet, but at some point Kimmy found Jonathan had passed away this morning. It's looking like SIDS right now, but the authorities in MA will be doing an autopsy to determine what may have happened.

In the meantime, the family has been devastated in more than one way today. DCS removed the other two boys from the home today. They are ages 4 and 2. No one understands why this happened as it makes no sense at all. So, Kimmy's Mom went about trying to gain custody of the boys during the investigation period so they would be with family. She was able to do so, but with some limitations. Kimmy and Steve are not allowed anywhere near them for the next 72 hours. So neither of them can go to the family home with the rest of the family for support. In fact, neither are allowed in their home right now either. To add a whole new level of ridiculous to the situation Joe (Kim's Dad) is not allowed in his own home with the family until he clears up a case from when he was 10 yrs. old. Joe is about 42 years old.

When he was 10, there was some altercation where a kid wouldn't get off a bike and Joe shot a BB gun at him. Since then, model citizen and no repeats of the BB affair. Apparently, the case was never closed and so DCS says until it is he can't go home. So, he goes to court in the morning to get it closed.

It's bad enough that this happened in the first place, but without any evidence of homicide whatsoever, a family is torn apart during the darkest hours of their lives. It is shameful, cruel, and unconscionable. What about the other two boys...? How do they feel with strangers taking them away... not being able to see their parents and now not understanding why everything has been turned upside down?

I know some may say this is a reaction to so many high profile cases where the system failed other kids. And in my head I can understand that response. However, there were signs in those cases where kids were at risk. None in this situation. While resources are being expended on a case where at this point I know of no evidence to support any allegation of risk, other kids at risk aren't getting the support. I just don't know. It doesn't seem right to me.

Please say a prayer for Jonathan, Kimmy, Steve and the boys. They really need it right now.

Maine 2009

Okay, so here's a few shots from our recent return to home in Bangor, Maine. We did the traditional annual lobster quest down in Trenton at Lunt's Lobster Pound. Aunnie and I each had a 2 lb. lobster, and it was GOOD! I made it back to my church on a visit and got a nice shot of the glass as you enter the church on your left. The house you see is the one I grew up in before we moved to Norfolk St.. It is still the one I dream about when I dream about being home. The coastal pictures were taken down in Bar Harbor on my iPhone. In fact, all the pictures were taken on my iPhone.

The table is one my dad made by hand, sanding by hand for hours. It is made out of various parts of a wooden pallet. I've got some more pictures of other things he's made to show you later.

Of course, on the way up we had to stop at LL Bean's in Freeport, ME. Always a nice break from the road. Got a windbreaker there and we got a cooler for our road trips. Would have loved to get yet another bag, but I think Aunnie would have killed me. LOL. Since we were there close to dinner time, we stopped at McGritty's Pub down the road from L.L. Bean's. It's actually closer the end where you get on the interstate. Anyhow, if you find yourself up in that neck of the woods, make sure you stop by. I had the lobster mac n' cheese with fried jalapenos on top. While that may sound counter-intuitive I have to tell you it was fabulous. Big chunks of lobster, and the jalapenos were not hot, but more tangy. It was really a treat. Then of course that was followed by the strawberry rhubarb crisp. Yummy. It was really nice to get home again.

Fighting the Cancer Battle- Courageous Choices

Just in case anyone thinks I mean myself with this title, I don't. As far as I am aware, I do not have cancer. Okay, now that that is straight, let's move on. (My Mom should feel a lot better now.)

I don't normally post things about Celebrities' and their health issues, but this one strikes home a bit. Years ago, when I first saw "Red Dawn" I had an instant crush on Patrick Swayze. Later when we all saw him and Jennifer Grey in "Dirty Dancing" well, that was also crush inspiring. So what does that have to do with posting an article on Swayze nowadays? Well, the man is made of steel.

Over the almost 20 years of my being a nurse (yikes!) I have had the privilege of taking care of many stricken with cancer. In my opinion some of the worst cancers are the head and neck cancers. If you survive the cancers with therapy, people are often left very disfigured and altered for life. Not too mention there is a high rate of relapse with these cancers. And most of those I saw literally lost their voice to laryngeal cancer. Cancer is painful at several points along the way, and in many ways.

There is much discussion out there about the alternative modalities that can help people survive cancer. In my head, I keep thinking he is in the beginning stages of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's stages of dying. His sheer determination to stick with the fight and not go further is really quite amazing. Filming without taking pain medication for what I am sure is absolutely excruciating pain makes this even more impressive. What we are seeing now is some recognition that he may actually not live much longer. But what is impressive about this is that instead of looking at a win as beating cancer, he is looking at how he isn't going to let the cancer beat his quality of life.

So many times over the years not too mention currently, I have seen family members and patients when faced with almost certain death due to disease, make choices to keep fighting despite what that means to the quality of life they may have in the time that they have. Everyone has to decide what is right for them, so I am not judging these choices. However, I do find it especially courageous when someone continues to fight, but, also considers what kind of time they want left not just how much time.

I have seen this in my own family. In the past few years, we have lost two of my uncles to cancer. One was the eldest and the other the youngest in a family of 5 kids. My uncle Hilton lived with what he was told was a "slow cancer of the colon" for quite a while. And he and my aunt Laurie had a wonderful life together until the end. My uncle Jimmy the youngest, died at 57 of Melanoma. He found out at the beginning of the year he had it, and then did everything he could to beat it but was dead only a few months later. However, due to the aggressive treatments (and it my mind too aggressive) he died in a lot of pain despite so-called pain management, and unable to really enjoy what time he had left. But if you knew my uncle Jimmy, this was much like his time on this earth. He had more ups and downs then most people I know. But I digress.

So what's the point in all of the previous? What has inspired me to write today? Well, I'm not entirely sure. It is inspiring to see people make courageous choices. I'm fortunate to be in a profession where we see that a lot. Okay, so maybe it's a lingering crush from my adolescent years. More than likely though, it's the hopeless romantic in me that sees the romance between Swayze and his wife and it reminds me of my uncles and their loves. Either way, it is an epic story of life, love, and a courageous battle in the face of certain defeat. Who couldn't go for that?

Be inspired. Live your own epic story. Be courageous in your choices. Your example can make the difference for others.

"We are not here to see through one another, but to see one another through"--Unk.

Patrick Swayze Dispels 'Reckless Reports' of Death By Radio Station - ABC News

Patrick Swayze Dispels 'Reckless Reports' of Death By Radio Station - ABC News

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Ayuh...Mainers Stand Their Ground!

Here's the story link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090717/ap_on_re_us/us_disappearing_mailboxes


I have to give kudos to my fellow Mainers in Otisfield, ME for taking on the "tyranny" of the USPS. Here's a small town of a few thousand people who have a singular mailbox for the town's use and the USPS wants to take it away. This town doesn't have its own zip code, nor does it have a Post Office. The nearest mailbox is miles away.

There is a town mailbox a few feet away from the standard public mailbox. Residents of Otisfield don't want the mailbox removed because curbside mailboxes are often taken out by snowplows and vandals so it is an unreliable route at best, to get mail out.

People were prepared to chain themselves to the box to keep it. The road commissioner even put heavy machinery around it at night to prevent a late night removal. That brings a whole new meaning to the old phrase... "you can't there from here".

Kudos, Otisfield!

Prisoner Not Allowed to read Obama's books

Here's the story link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090709/ap_on_re_us/us_supermax_obama_s_books

What I don't understand is this: if there is a national security threat by allowing this convicted Al Queda member to read the books, then is there not a national security threat for anyone else to read them on the open market? I mean if they cite a national security threat as a reason for their banning the books, should we not be concerned about what is stated in the books for anyone and their brother to read?

I'm all for protecting the country and everything, but this seems odd. And now, because of the press on this story, everyone knows about the concerns with national security. Shouldn't that be concerning to national security? I mean anyone can go into a book store and buy books, but this one guy shouldn't read it?

On the completely idealistic and naive side, maybe if he read the books he'd like what he saw and wouldn't be so anti-American. And if he doesn't, well, he's in jail for life so what does it matter?

The AIG Mess

No one would confuse me as a financial genius in my life. But somehow, I think I would understand the difference between "bonuses" and "compensation". This current mess at AIG is not totally surprising. After all, the media has characterized the company as greedy and selfish. Why are all of us surprised that these "bonuses" are being paid?

I do feel a bit bad for Mr. Liddy the CEO as this was all agreed to before he came on board. Imagine having taken the helm during this firestorm. Not fun! But I do feel that now that he is, he needs to find other lawyers for the company, not too mention Sr. Executives. Certainly, in the world of finance there are other "qualified" people. Because these people are unbelievable. If I understand the press correctly, this was done because they were really concerned that they would "lose their best people". Okay, reality check... you needed a $170 billion dollar federal buyot. What makes you think you have the best people?

I understand the concern about shortages of qualified people. As a Clinical Nurse Educator, I see the effects of the nursing shortage daily. But I have to say, that despite this, we as professionals are not willing to hire and maintain people unable to perform to a standard, in my neck of the woods. If we did, people could be hurt. How is the business AIG is in any different?

Now we have a very large company who the government deemed important to save. I am also upset with lawmakers for just handing out that kind of cash without further investigation as to how the company got there in the first place, and how the money would be used. Further, I think any further bailouts for any company should be accompanied with serious strings attached. Any "bonuses" should be under review in a company receiving federal aid and prevented or barred from paying if it would require federal dollars to pay. If the current laws do not support this, well, they are the lawmakers for crying out loud...write new law.

Again, I would never be confused as a burgeoning or experienced economist, but someone somewhere needs to make more sense then there is right now. I have no idea how much each individual is getting as a bonus, whether it's a few thousand or multi-millions. If I understand the press correctly, the bonuses are being paid to approximately 450 financial product division personnel. There has already been $450 million dollars in bonuses given out, $165 million additional due this past Sunday. The base salary for a lot of these folks is $270,000 according the media. Doesn't sound like anyone in this bunch can cry about being poor. As for the suggestion that if they take the bonuses they make a choice between keeping their job or not, ... well let's see... Assuming that I would be facing a choice between multiple millions vs. my $270,000 salary..I'm thinking take the bonus and get out. Apparently no one in a position to get a bonus such as this thinks more about their work than they do about their pocket, if you believe the press.

I say, start fresh. Do what we can to stop the bonuses, for those that we can't stop, review performance and fire as needed. Find new blood and get it in there. Change the paradigm of the company to include a different management philosophy that includes accountability, altruism, and sound financial decision-making, and rewards based on that, not on the fear of losing "good" people, and actually find good people!

New year, New Look - Long post

Well, here we are staunchly into 2009, and I realized that I have not posted a blog in a loooooong time! I simply must get rolling again.

My Aunt (who lives with me now) and I had yet another opportunity to contemplate the benefits of home ownership at the beginning of this month. I came home after attending a Skin conference in Arlington, VA on the 27th of February, only to find my entire Apartment complex in a complete lockdown. I didn't realize it at first simply because the usual exit I take off of 29 North seemed to be blocked with what I initially assumed was a car accident at the corner where I normally turn off. This is not totally unusual for this stretch of the road, so I didn't think much about it and elected to get off at the next exit and go into the other entrance. Well, I got off the exit to find that the gate was locked and cars were parked with their hazards on outside. This is highly unusual, so I started to get concerned. I called my Aunt and asked her what was going on. She told me that the complex is apparently on lockdown because a young girl was on the roof of one of the buildings threatening to jump.

We live in a complex with three 20-story buildings. There are over 3,000 people who live here. And, if you have ever lived in the Washington, DC metro you know how bad the commuting traffic can be. It was already 5:30PM, and no way into the complex to park, and no one directing anyone about anything. Although, Montgomery County Police were there. I could tell at the outset, this was going to be a "lovely" experience. I got into the "queue" of cars going down our street. I have put quotations around queue because it appeared for quite sometime that we actually were in a queue. However, after about an hour and about 50 feet's worth of progress to check it out. So I parked, put hazards on and went to check with the Police Officer standing at one of the entrances. He informed me that no vehicular traffic was allowed on the property. When queried, he gave me no further information as to why. I asked if my disabled Aunt was at any risk inside the complex and he actually stated "Only if she doesn't come outside". When I asked him what that meant, thinking with this that perhaps the girl had a weapon of some sort, he declined to answer. I protested at this. He basically told me to go park my car and walk in on foot, but once in I couldn't come out until it was over. I asked to speak to a shift commander since I really didn't like the attitude and lack of information. He referred me to Montgomery County 3rd District to speak with someone there. I went back to my car and called. Naturally, I discovered that there was no Supervisor there at all. There was also no Public information officer or anyone there I could address my concerns to. In fact in response to one of my queries I was told "It will end with her jumping, or not". To her credit, she was very polite and apologetic. I gave her the picture of what was happening outside the gate and encouraged her to let someone in command know that they literally now had hundreds of people outside the gates all around the block and I am sure they would be an angry mob if no one did anything to alleviate it, or give any information, or come up with a plan better than "go park your car, and walk in".

So, I parked my car hoping that it would not become one of those reported in the www.crimereports.com as a larceny, or as an assault as I had to go back out and down to VA early in the AM. By the time I got all the way to the one gate that was open, there were a lot of disgruntled people. I asked another officer about the situation, and he was very polite...he informed me he was helping from the Park Police. While we were talking a Police Sergeant from Montgomery County barged in and started asking/telling him how and who could drive in. She mentioned about being sure they didn't go beyond a certain point. I tried to let her know that if they wanted to be sure who was allowed in they could check the stickers on the cars, and those of us with a garage spot would have tags on the rearviews. Instead, she just yelled at me and pulled the Officer to the side. They decided that those living in my area could drive in. So I made the trek back to my car, and went to park it in the garage. He let me in, and I finally made it in the door 2 hours after my arrival.

I have decided that this event really requires a letter to the Chief of Police with Montgomery County, the Management, and our locally elected official. I have not in this posting included all the details (by now I am sure you are thanking your lucky stars) but it is a synopsis. There are many questions I have about the failure to plan for the return of so many residents, the lack of information available to the public, and the behavior displayed by the Officers. It is my understanding that all persons including the entire management team, were held in the building and not allowed to leave once the incident began at about 11:30AM. It didn't end until sometime about 10:00 PM. I've heard the excuse was that they didn't want people taunting the girl on the roof. The Management team is going to taunt her, right. Give me a break.

I have real questions about the authority of the Police in a situation like this to come on to private property and impose martial law. I understand the need to limit traffic and problems at the site of the incident. However, I do expect that in a time of crisis like this that better planning and support should occur for the community. It's not like they didn't have several hours before people would have been returning home, and to prepare for it, and coordinate support. Just the night before there was an Officer injured just up the road and we counted over 30 police cars responding. When I was outside, there were only 3 marked cars that I could see. In this area of the country where we do see large scale incidents fairly often, I certainly expected the response of the Montgomery County Police to be better than it was.

As a footnote, the girl was successfully talked down off the roof (the most important thing) and is receiving the help she needs. What we also discovered is that the girl didn't even live here, and she got into the supposedly secure building and managed to make it to the roof. But that might be a story for another day.

Did They Win After All?

I consider myself a Patriotic American. It's not something I wear on my shirt sleeve or even openly espouse on a routine basis. But as far as I can tell through genealogic records I am one of a long line of American Patriots. So, perhaps it's in my blood.

I have worn the uniform of the United States Army. And while my time in service was not spent deployed overseas, I was part of the Nurse Corps and was able to serve in a different capacity.

In 2001, I was working as a civilian at the Pentagon. While I was actually on leave that fateful day in September I do know what it's like to have actual terrorism parked on your doorstep. I cannot begin to explain the mixture of feelings I felt when I went back to work on the 12th and saw that gaping hole in the Pentagon. With many people I had encountered during my workday as a nurse now dead, and innocent people on the plane who had surely lived through something beyond horrible, and were also dead, I resolved to return to duty and not let terrorism sway me from my mission.

Almost 5 years to the day, I finally decided it was okay to move on and that everything I could possibly do in my capacity there was done. So I left, but not without mixed feelings.

Today, I was perusing Yahoo news and discovered that at least in Maryland those thugs might have had some degree of victory after all. It seems that the Maryland State Police under the authority of the previous state administration investigated nonviolent activists in the state who for all intents and purposes were acting within the lawful confines of protest, were added to a federal watch list as terrorists. The investigations took place over 14 months between 2005 and 2006. There were undercover operations and infiltrations for intelligence gathering purposes. Nothing according to the article was ever found to suggest any link to actual terrorism. Just people with a conviction for their cause who lawfully protested what they felt was injustice. Here's the link to the story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/07/AR2008100703245.html?sid=ST2008100703347&s_pos=list

There are other links attached where you can see the letter that this administration is sending to the people who were tagged. Gov. O'Malley's administration decided that these folks should be made aware that this had happened in case there are future ramifications. They plan to imminently purge this information from the databases and are giving the affected persons an opportunity to view the information prior to its destruction.

However, they are not permitted to bring an attorney or keep copies of these records in case there is a future time that could cause a problem. Imagine getting a letter from the Maryland State Police that says that because of your lawful protest you have been targeted as a terrorist against your own country! Now, I do have to give kudos to the Maryland State Police and Gov. O'Malley's administration for being honest about this whole situation and telling people about their situation. They could have just done the purging without acknowledging anything to anyone.

But, now that they have I am sure that there is more than a little concern about the ramifications of these investigations and their fallout. I am sure this won't be the last we've heard of this issue. However, I do think it unwise to deny people the right to an attorney's advocacy if they want it, or the ability to have copies of these records for their own use before the database is purged.

I realize the State probably doesn't want these files to be copied or lawyers to be involved for the simple reason they don't want to get sued. However, it would seem to me that in a country founded with the unique concept of Democracy that the State should not be allowed to now withhold or destroy information from people who have been mistargeted as terrorists "because it's the best thing to do". What if there are future ramifications? What if the law has been truly violated? Should we the people not get to hold the State or those specifically responsible accountable? How does the State plan to protect those they have targeted from future problems if they have no records to demonstrate they were targeted in the first place?

Doing the right thing here is not limited to acknowledging the mistake alone. It's one thing to have real information about a threat to the State or country, but it's another to decide that any lawful, nonviolent group with an issue is a potential terrorist cell and investigate them to this extent.

This was a 14 month investigation that infiltrated these protest groups and found nothing of worth according to the story. The letter these folks were sent (you can find it on one of the links) states that the new Superintendent of the State Police hopes to prevent future investigations of this nature. Well obviously that's great, but what if the damage has already been done? Destroying the records won't help entirely. And it does not allow people to hold the responsible parties accountable within our justice system if need be. People have a right to confront those alleging they committed or are planning to commit crimes. They have a right to defend themselves. How do they know the information erroneously entered in these databases has not been put elsewhere in other databases? Destroying the original source for the information is no guarantee that these folks are free and clear of the title of "terrorist".

The real terrorists sought to undermine our way of life and cause chaos within our government. While our country, its government, policies, and culture are not always stellar examples of good judgment or even of being right, it is still supposedly a place where you can exercise your right to free speech. I don't always agree with what is said under that right, but it is still a fundamental in our country. Everybody has a right to an opinion and has a right to express it within the confines of the law. These people did nothing more according to the story, yet they were labeled essentially as enemies to the State. How is this kind of thing not playing exactly into the hands of the real terrorists? The State has acknowledged the wrongdoing, but is not going far enough to ensure that the rights of the people it once trampled aren't being walked all over again.

Okay, I'm getting off the soapbox now....

The Second American Revolution

For those who feel strongly about what is happening in our country, check out this YouTube video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKFKGrmsBDk

It's pretty clever, and makes some good points.


Here's an additional link in case you need it: http://www.lawatchdog.com/SecondRevolution071108.html

7 Years Ago Today

Everyone knows what today's date marks. But you might not know some of the inside story, so I'm here to relay what some heroes did that day. In February of 1999 I started working at the Pentagon. I was part of the emergency response team and I ran the allergy/immunization & travel medicine clinic. On 9/11/2001, as fate would have it I was at home in Annapolis on vacation with my Mom and Aunt who were visiting. We had plans to go to Rosslyn to the Newseum that day, but my Aunt's car developed a problem so we brought it to the local dealer for assistance. On the way, we heard about the towers. With the first one it sounded like a freak accident. When the second one hit, well I think we knew all hell was breaking loose and this was no accident.

I called my clinic to talk to my Sergeant to see if they knew. She said they were watching it on TV. While I was talking to her, she said they had the call to evacuate the building and I told her to go and I would talk to her later, with a sinking feeling in my gut.

This is one of those times in life where you are eternally grateful you weren't somewhere at the time of a bad event, but also unhappy that you weren't there to help. Having worn the uniform of the US Army myself, I felt a strong sense of duty to be at work. However, my Mom had other ideas and physically barred the door to prevent me from trying to go. We discovered that a threat had been called in to the statehouse (about 5 or so miles from my house at the time) and that all roads in and out of the city were being closed. Not too mention that bridges and roads to the Capitol and the Pentagon were also being closed. So, I acquiesced and stayed home that day. I sat glued to the TV watching to figure where the building was hit, and if I could see anyone I knew to know if they were okay or not. Fortunately for us, they hit the side 3 corridors away from us in the building. The blast took out our contingency clinic (for this type of emergency) and the library and as everyone knows, many offices. Also fortunate that they were just being moved into so not the full cadre of personnel were there. Or, we would have had much more massive casualty numbers.

As it was, the clinic itself did not immediately know the building had been bombed. That building was so well constructed that they never felt it or heard it only 3 corridors away! It wasn't until someone ran into the clinic and told them they must evacuate as something terrible had happened that they called the Pentagon Police and confirmed it.

So, the entire clinic grabbed emergency equipment and evacuated. They were in the North parking lot and could see the smoke and fire on the other side. There is no easy or fast way to get around the building believe it or not. It's not as simple as trudging around the corner. So, the Chief Nurse Major Brown made the decision to move them into place in the inner courtyard and also to the outside where they could help evacuate and triage victims. So that's what they did. The entire clinic walked back through a burning building and set up in the courtyard and outside at the bomb site and started to work.

Several of the Medics went to offices just adjacent to the exit to help get people out. Several had be trapped by debris and it was cleared and they were moved out. The Medics did this without fire gear or a second thought for themselves.

Most people have heard of LTC Birdwell who was so badly burned. He was one of the first victims our clinic treated. Everyone hears about Arlington Rescue and what a job they did, and no one talks about the job my clinic did that day. The clinic was the first, of the first responders.

Several other people from the clinic risked their lives by standing in the bombed section in thick smoke and water up to their knees calling to people to help guide them out. The smoke was so thick you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. Due to their efforts, many people were saved.

At one point while everyone was out in the courtyard with victims, another plane flew overhead. They paused momentarily and went back to work. This time it was an F-16. (Go Air Force!) People worked and stayed until very late that day.

One thing I have to say... on that day it didn't matter what uniform you wore. Everyone was working shoulder to shoulder to take care of patients. Generally, there is some friction between the branches and with the civilians. But not on that day. They were a well-oiled machine.

It is virtually unheard of to have soldier's medals awarded to a soldier in peacetime. It has to be a pretty big show of valor, courage and heroism AND has to be verifiable. There were 7 people who got soldier's medals from their actions on that day alone. Several of the civilians also got medals (didn't know we could get 'em did you?). This is not the end of the story, but for now I have to go to work!

What is going on in the world today?

It seems like when I was growing up if you needed help all you had to do was ask for it. I remember when I was just a little kid about 5ish and I was on the bus coming home from camp and I got off at the wrong stop. I was supposed to get off at St. Joe's Hospital, but I got off a little closer to home. So, being the independent soul I am, I walked home. Thought it was no big deal. Until I got home and no one was there because my Mom was waiting for me at St. Joe's. So again I proceeded to walk there myself. (We're up in Maine it's really not that far) I got back to where I started and then realized I couldn't remember exactly where St Joe's is. So thinking I could figure it out I walked to Little City Park thinking also that one of the park staff could help me.

Well, I got there and no staff. So, naturally, I started to cry. I was lost, couldn't find my Mommy and couldn't find St. Joe's. So one of the guys-- some rough looking dude with tattoos - asked me if I was okay. I said I couldn't find my Mommy and I got off at the wrong bus stop and was supposed to be at St. Joe's. So, he said he would bring me to my Mommy. So he very nicely held my hand and walked me to St. Joe's. My Mom was very happy to see me, but very surprised to see me with this guy. I'm sure he was just a teenager from around the neighborhood, but to me at the time he was just a big dude. In the end though, he recognized someone in need and got me to my Mom. He got involved and helped.

Obviously, I have always remembered that kindness of a stranger. I was a scared, lost kid and he helped. So I guess I am just becoming more and more shocked about the indifference of people today to those who need help. Take this for example:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26637867#26637867

Here's a guy who is just minding his own business and sleeping on the Philly train. On the other side of the partition in front of the door, this big guy on the video parks his 6 yr old son on the seat next to another big guy. He then reaches into his backpack, pulls out a hammer and then... starts beating the guy who was asleep! There are about 10 people on the train with them at the time. Do you think any of the other "big guys" stepped in to help? No! Do you see anyone calling for help? NO! Granted, a 6 ft something couple of hundred pounds size guy wielding a hammer would give me pause to get involved. But I am a 5'2" female. I can at least alert the conductor. The attack takes place over a 5 minute period in front of the assailant's 6 yr old son. The guy eventually drags the victim off of the train onto the platform and flees after assaulting him some more. And yes, leaves his son behind. The victim while I am sure traumatized, basically okay physically. Shocking when you consider the force under which the attack took place... and it was no small hammer!

After the guy is dragged off of the train one of the other guys reaches over and hits the emergency button. When the attacker flees, a WOMAN grabs the attacker's backpack and goes to help the victim and gets him to a hospital for treatment. The victim is 20 yrs old. The attacker as it turns out is about 37, and a career criminal with a violent crime history. (Assault, rape, etc.) He was identified after police showed the video on TV to ask for help in identifying the attacker. Not sure why you couldn't get that from the kid, or whomever came to get the kid (assuming it was family). Poor little guy is probably quite traumatized. What is even more shocking is that there were 10 people on that train and not one lifted a finger to help the guy until after the danger had passed. (including calling for help) And, the police commissioner in Philly, our former Chief of Police in D.C., Charles Ramsey even points out that while the guy is being attacked and drops his cell phone one of the passengers picks it up and yes... puts it in his pocket. What is with people these days?! What is really scary is that the attacker and victim never met and don't know each other at all. It was just a random, violent attack.

As part of the video package you can also see where people ignore the plight of one of our elderly citizens who is the victim of a hit and run x2. (This one is truly heinous because there is very little risk to self in trying to help someone.) He's been grazed by one car who never stops, hit by another in a dramatic fashion as he is thrown over the hood and lands on the ground. This driver never stops either. Amazingly, neither does anybody else!!!!! Other drivers, pedestrians..... no one helps the guy! He's lying in the middle of the street and no one pays any attention. It's simply incredible, and totally disgusting.

I'm beginning to understand why God sent the big flood.

It's amazing to me that we can all rally around with our patriotism and think we're fighting terrorism and preventing attacks here, when we allow this kind of domestic terrorism to occur amongst us without batting an eye. What does an attack on a train have to do with terrorism? Ask yourself, how scared would you be if you saw that? Would you feel safe on the train again...how about the next day if you had to ride, would you? This kind of terrorism affects all of us, and has wide-reaching effects within communities.

Terrorism isn't limited to the people who hate our country and it's ideals. It happens everyday in places around the country. If we as Americans do not intervene in some fashion to help others when they need it, we've already abandoned the ideals we supposedly cherish. Granted, some situations have higher stakes than others. I didn't say it would be easy. The act of "I don't want to get involved" with situations that simply involve stopping traffic, and calling an ambulance should be met with some sort of culpability that put the victim there in the first place. We are all citizens in the communities in which we live. We should be there to see one another through, not see through one another (forgot who quoted this...but I liked it).

And for those of you who disagree, I certainly hope you don't find yourself on the wrong end of a hammer on a train somewhere. Or on the asphalt after getting hit by two cars. It's gonna be a long wait until you get help; at least in the world you want to see!

Gotta question?

Check out the new Jib Jab on the very bottom!

Howdy All,

Check out the new Jib Jab on this year's election at the very bottom of the blog!

Fantastic email I got today!

I opened my email tonight and found this from my Mom:

E-Mail of the Year!!

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S.PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

'My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has been completed.Since Congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days.

It is now time to begin the reckoning.Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short . The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. THEN EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER IT'll GO TO OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SO IT WONT GO BROKE IN 20 YEARS.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.Need help with a famine ? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe China.

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.

A special note to our neighbors: Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. Its president and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple thousand extra tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put 'em? Yep, border security.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.We are tired of the one-way highway.

Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska-which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, 'darn tootin.'

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet.

It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America.

To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thank you guys. We owe you and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.

God bless America.. Thank you and good night.'If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.(Please forward this to at least ten friends and see what happens! Let's get this to every USA computer!)

Lightning strike!

While in Minneapolis, we had a really bad storm roll through. It had generated a Tornado about 50 miles west of the city about an hour before it hit the city. I decided to take several photos of it and post them to http://www.webshots.com/ under my user name baileyscrn. It was a really powerful storm and it was quite eerie because of the glowing as it rolled over us. It had a very well defined shelf cloud and because it was so narrow a storm, the sun made the sky glow. Quite impressive on Mother Nature's part. Some of the shots show the building that is getting struck by lightning appearing to be glowing. But it is in fact reflecting the blue sky behind my hotel while the storm moves through. You can see how the white part of the building actually gets darker as the storm moves through. There was a LOT of lightning with the storm and I have to tell you I was more than a little nervous to be standing in the window taking pictures on the 14th floor! But, I got some great shots for the effort!

By the way, I have not done any touch-ups on this photo... isn't the sky gorgeous?!

The Running of the Bulls

Okay, so here I am in Minneapolis this morning trying to wake up.  Last night we had a really loud bunch of storms pass by and it woke me up.  I managed to go back to sleep, but I am minus a few hours.  So, I decided to check out the news this morning as a way of waking up.  

Over in Pamplona Italy it is that time of year when they board up the shops and have these celebratory days that I like to refer to as "The Influx of Mass Insanity", otherwise known as the "Running of the Bulls".  Now, I don't wish to trample (no pun intended) on a cultural tradition that has been around since 1591, but I have to ask myself who in their right mind would be on the same street as a herd of fighting bulls runs down it? (Thus the influx of insanity) I always seem magnetically drawn to the pictures of the running and the aftermath, and always wonder why people find it so enticing to be trampled by or gored by a bull?  I am sure you get quite the adrenalin rush.  Although I am not sure risking a horn through one's chest is worth it. Not too mention getting your vertebrae squashed as the bulls run over you.   There's just something about that injury potential that really isn't all that alluring. 

I have to say that this is the first year I have seen women in the pictures.  While I am all for equality,  I have to ask my sisters "What are you thinking??!!"  It's bad enough for the guys to be out there being trampled... but on average women are even smaller than men in stature.  This leads me to believe that when a bulls gores or tramples that perhaps the damage factor is ratcheted up a lot more.  So I will take the controversial stand to state "Women should not participate in the Running of the Bulls."  There, I said it.  Some might think I should turn in my independent girl card but I think someone has to take a stand in all that insanity.  There are just some events that women should not take part in.  We as a gender have enough to contend with during our lives (some more than others ---childbearing for example...similarly as painful I am sure) that we don't need to add running from a herd of really pissed off cows.  

There were several participants being taken to the hospital after the run.  One guy seemed to be in bad shape, and looked a bit pasty if you ask me.  They had a C-collar on him and put him on a back board. I hope he's okay.  But if not,  how does one explain one's paralysis as a badge of honor? This is why I refer to it as insanity.  Certainly there has to be other ways to prove one's maleness factor that are less fraught with pending death or dismemberment.  I mean there are variables that you can't control here.  That guy who pushes you down, or that girl who distracts you and then you find yourself at the wrong place at definitely the wrong time.  Why not jump off a tall building instead?  At least then most people take reasonable steps to prevent the injuries associated with deceleration, and there is no one else there sabotaging your exit. Except for maybe the guy driving the car you land in front of.  Well okay, perhaps not the best alternate example. But you get my point.  

If I ever make to Italy, I can assure you I will enjoy other aspects of Italian culture and history to the fullest without risking paralysis or death.  I wonder what makes tourists think this is a good idea? We remind travelers to be careful of things like ferries and such while abroad because as we all know and have heard about ferries overturning due to overcrowding.  However, I don't think it occurs to most Travel Medicine practitioners to warn people about their own feet as a conveyance in Italy.  I can only imagine the teaching session...

TM practitioner:

"Okay...ah..you are going to Italy.  Well, while there and amongst all that wonderful food, wine and history, please keep in mind that your feet will not convey you any faster than normal if you are running from a really large herd of pissed off cows."   

Patient:

"Why would I run from a large herd of pissed off cows?"

TM practitioner:

"Well it is easy to get up in the moment over there especially after the food and wine, especially.  I just want you to know that your feet are not imbued with magical running or leaping powers should you decide to participate in the festival that way."

Patient:  "Ah...okay.  Thanks. " (Walks away wondering what is wrong that person)

Over in Italy however, it's a different story.   "I'll show you who doesn't have magic feet!" And thus, the insanity begins. 

Well, now that I am fully awake, I suppose I'd better get ready for the conference this morning!

Guess where I went for lunch?

Minneapolis has a Hard Rock so naturally I had to go. Ever since I
went to Lisbon and saw one there and got a pin, I have been picking
them up wherever I go. Today I found a fabulous one. It also seems
that Minneapolis is one of the best stocked stores for pins that I
have found. Atlanta, Chicago and DC have nothing compared to here.
Gonna do some more exploring this afternoon... Nice place here in
Minneapolis.

Off on another adventure!

Today I am heading to Minneapolis. My purpose for going is to attend
an NNSDO conference.
It looks like I'll be the only one going from Holy Cross. I guess not
everyone was enthused about going to MN for a conference. Not having
been there myself I don't know if that'll ring true or not. I hear
it's very pretty this time of year though. And I definitely plan to
check out the Mall of America. I hear it's quite the shopping Mecca.
So if anyone has been there and has suggestions of things I should see
let me know!

More later!

Sue Bailey
Sent from my iPhone

More on Vt.

Not usually an advocate of Fox News... but here's a good video feed.

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=1991410&maven_referralPlaylistId=&sRevUrl=http://www.foxnews.com/national/crime/index.html


Here's a link to the Perp's federal charging affadavit:
http://www.zimbio.com/pilot?ID=RerTq6nmSuz&ZURL=%2FMichael%2BJacques%2Fnews&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.burlingtonfreepress.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F20080703%2FNEWS%2F80703026

It is nauseating to think how he could manipulate these kids. Okay..I'm done for now. Can't stand another second of this filth!!