...yawn....
It's no mystery to anybody with ties to the intel community what's going on. While the DNC may be upset at Russia for hacking and crying foul play with election results, please PLEASE point out to me:
1. How did Russians actually cast their election day ballots? In what tangible, ACCOUNTABLE way were the elections swayed? How were the Russians allowed to actually VOTE? Ooops I guess they actually didn't vote at all. Unless Russians by the millions were actually sneaking into voting booths, I have no idea how they "swayed" the elections. They only exposed the DNC for the lying hypocrites they actually are and we acted on it. The truth was revealed. Sorry about the timing.
2. Whatever you write, type, email, text, Facebook, Instagram, whatever lives PERMANENTLY in cyberworld. I don't care if you got a new phone or new computer or new email address. Everything leaves a digital trail. Forever. Everything is hackable. If the DNC is too stupid to know that they are not fit to rule.
3. Please don't take this as an agreeing nod to he-who-shall-not-be-named. He is a complete narcissistic sack of $&;@*# who is all fluff and no substance. He surrounds himself with women less than half his age because he can't get it up anymore and needs his pathetic ego stroked. He has an empty soul and no sincerity. I'm just sorry it took somebody like him to capture the collective force and energy of the American population to fuel change -- even if the change is going to do us more harm than good.
4. I told you that Washington DC is running scared. We all should be. I also told you that our real work would come AFTER the elections. I have not wavered on that. Do not sit around and think that your vote does not matter. It does.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Child Porn and Exploitation?????
OK... here's your brain twister for the day. At what point (no pun intended) do we draw the line for child porn and exploitation? Think about it. This child is having his genitals photographed without his knowledge or consent for the sole gratification of adults. Grandma-to-be is squealing in ecstasy. What is the definition of child pornography? Here ya go... taken verbatim off the Department of Justice website:
"Images of child pornography are not protected under First Amendment rights, and are illegal contraband under federal law. Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code, defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (someone under 18 years of age). Visual depictions include photographs, videos, digital or computer generated images indistinguishable from an actual minor, and images created, adapted, or modified, but appear to depict an identifiable, actual minor. Undeveloped film, undeveloped videotape, and electronically stored data that can be converted into a visual image of child pornography are also deemed illegal visual depictions under federal law. Notably, the legal definition of sexually explicit conduct does not require that an image depict a child engaging in sexual activity."
I know I'm being cheeky with this scenario, but the point is that there is waaaaaaaaaaay too much oversharing on social media. Somebody else might take the child porn/exploitation in this instance and run with it. I never put anything past attorneys who do nothing but look for opportunities like this. We've had settlements over hot coffee at McDonald's for goodness sake. My point is that people have litigated over much trivial, frivolous matters....and won.
"Images of child pornography are not protected under First Amendment rights, and are illegal contraband under federal law. Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code, defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (someone under 18 years of age). Visual depictions include photographs, videos, digital or computer generated images indistinguishable from an actual minor, and images created, adapted, or modified, but appear to depict an identifiable, actual minor. Undeveloped film, undeveloped videotape, and electronically stored data that can be converted into a visual image of child pornography are also deemed illegal visual depictions under federal law. Notably, the legal definition of sexually explicit conduct does not require that an image depict a child engaging in sexual activity."
I know I'm being cheeky with this scenario, but the point is that there is waaaaaaaaaaay too much oversharing on social media. Somebody else might take the child porn/exploitation in this instance and run with it. I never put anything past attorneys who do nothing but look for opportunities like this. We've had settlements over hot coffee at McDonald's for goodness sake. My point is that people have litigated over much trivial, frivolous matters....and won.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Year End
I was supposed to have this week off. I kind of do. I have the type of job that there really is no such thing as vacation. It's just postponement. Actually, I'm PUNISHED if I take time away from the office as the work load piles up and there isn't anybody who actually cares enough to deal with insurance, taxes, and month-end financial cut-offs in addition to year-end cutoffs updating and reconciling all the tax withholding accounts and the new minimum/maximum withholding amounts for the never-ending taxes and regulations Washington DC and Sacramento think we need. Plus, we need to issue W2's and 1099's by January 31st.
Attention Washington DC and Sacramento: We don't need anything else to TRACK or DO!!!!! We've reached chaotic gridlock on everything because everything depends on something else that the lower tiers have either screwed up or haven't done at all. Don't get upset with me because it's taking me so long to get you your numbers. I have to make rhyme and reason of the piles of incorrect, sloppy, and incomplete information I'm handed. The lack of detail I see from banks, title companies, insurance companies, and even the county recorder is utterly appalling.
There has yet to be a computer program that can deal with the intricacies and details/plan rules I administer. Much of it has to be done by hand because, like I said, each pile of money has different reporting requirements, deadlines, and rules that are bound to it. When it all comes to one source it needs to be sorted, sifted, transferred, and applied to specific people who may or may not be eligible. It's one thing for politicians to open up their mouths and put "laws" into place. It's another thing to deal with it. Most of the time the politicians give me a blank stare when they themselves have put in place conflicting rules of money and I ask how they want me to handle it. I've learned LONG ago not to go by anything verbal. Eventually, a political rival with question what was done and the politician who treated you like a trusted advisor will suddenly get amnesia. Everything needs to be not only in writing, but signed by the appropriate people. Copies are not acceptable. This can take months, my friends. Bottom line: Politicians have NO clue what goes on to make this machine run. Most of the time they can't get out of their own way and we are all held hostage in the process.
Attention Washington DC and Sacramento: We don't need anything else to TRACK or DO!!!!! We've reached chaotic gridlock on everything because everything depends on something else that the lower tiers have either screwed up or haven't done at all. Don't get upset with me because it's taking me so long to get you your numbers. I have to make rhyme and reason of the piles of incorrect, sloppy, and incomplete information I'm handed. The lack of detail I see from banks, title companies, insurance companies, and even the county recorder is utterly appalling.
There has yet to be a computer program that can deal with the intricacies and details/plan rules I administer. Much of it has to be done by hand because, like I said, each pile of money has different reporting requirements, deadlines, and rules that are bound to it. When it all comes to one source it needs to be sorted, sifted, transferred, and applied to specific people who may or may not be eligible. It's one thing for politicians to open up their mouths and put "laws" into place. It's another thing to deal with it. Most of the time the politicians give me a blank stare when they themselves have put in place conflicting rules of money and I ask how they want me to handle it. I've learned LONG ago not to go by anything verbal. Eventually, a political rival with question what was done and the politician who treated you like a trusted advisor will suddenly get amnesia. Everything needs to be not only in writing, but signed by the appropriate people. Copies are not acceptable. This can take months, my friends. Bottom line: Politicians have NO clue what goes on to make this machine run. Most of the time they can't get out of their own way and we are all held hostage in the process.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Popping the Zit
It's the most wonderful time of the year!!! I LOVE the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Why? Because the pre Christmas hype and pressure builds like a huge, infectious zit beginning the day after Thanksgiving that pops on Christmas Day. After the zit pops on Christmas Day oozing disgusting puss (relatives and inlaws) the healing process begins after it has had a chance to come to the surface and make a mess.
Now the world calms itself down and we can actually take a moment to BREATHE. What ever it was that did not get done on your to-do list will wait until next year. I bet nobody even noticed that not all items on your list were checked off. Miraculously, everybody survived unscathed and the world did not stop spinning on its axis.
Many businesses are closed this week as it should be. It's nice that the business world takes an unofficial, coordinated week off where it's expected that emails go unanswered and phone calls not returned. No other week of the year gives us that.
Now the world calms itself down and we can actually take a moment to BREATHE. What ever it was that did not get done on your to-do list will wait until next year. I bet nobody even noticed that not all items on your list were checked off. Miraculously, everybody survived unscathed and the world did not stop spinning on its axis.
Many businesses are closed this week as it should be. It's nice that the business world takes an unofficial, coordinated week off where it's expected that emails go unanswered and phone calls not returned. No other week of the year gives us that.
Underfunded Pensions
Underfunded pensions. Underfunded social security (yawn). How did we get to this mess? Because this is the biggest ponzi scheme ever, that's why. Sure. There was the harsh reality of the 1930's that brought forth social security and the establishment of Taft-Hartley funds that were supposed to protect us plebeians from poverty in old age after we have slaved away for 'the company' all of our lives.
Just as everything else, the programs put in place to help us eventually screw us. Why? Those managing large pools of money can't help but give the decision makers of such policies only the facts and investment options that in reality just line their own pockets. Politicians tell the people what they want to hear. Money managers of public funds are only too happy to oblige the politicians on the scam. Both politicians and money managers bail when their term is up and have no skin in the game after they leave their post. There's no long-term accountability. It's the old cut and run. What do they care now that they have served a term or two in public office and now secured a government pension for themselves and need to keep the scam going for another generation.
Sure. We had the ERISA act of 1974 that was supposed to protect pensions and what not. Again, it's just a bunch of toothless jargon written by some lawyers who also helped themselves to the money trough at taxpayer expense.
Does anybody see a pattern? Greed, exploitation, actions trying to correct greed and exploitation that only end up with repackaged greed and exploitation....all the while people in suits and ties telling us that they are the esteemed "experts" in their field and will steer us all out of this mess and collecting wads of money along the way essentially doing nothing except rearranging the deck chairs on the sinking Titanic wanting us to believe that they are saving us.
It's time we hold the politicians' feet to the fire along with the financial advisors and institutions who fueled this mess....and continue to fuel this mess... Here's what we can do on our part. Don't believe that politicians and the government is there to 'take care of you.' They are not and they won't.
Just as everything else, the programs put in place to help us eventually screw us. Why? Those managing large pools of money can't help but give the decision makers of such policies only the facts and investment options that in reality just line their own pockets. Politicians tell the people what they want to hear. Money managers of public funds are only too happy to oblige the politicians on the scam. Both politicians and money managers bail when their term is up and have no skin in the game after they leave their post. There's no long-term accountability. It's the old cut and run. What do they care now that they have served a term or two in public office and now secured a government pension for themselves and need to keep the scam going for another generation.
Sure. We had the ERISA act of 1974 that was supposed to protect pensions and what not. Again, it's just a bunch of toothless jargon written by some lawyers who also helped themselves to the money trough at taxpayer expense.
Does anybody see a pattern? Greed, exploitation, actions trying to correct greed and exploitation that only end up with repackaged greed and exploitation....all the while people in suits and ties telling us that they are the esteemed "experts" in their field and will steer us all out of this mess and collecting wads of money along the way essentially doing nothing except rearranging the deck chairs on the sinking Titanic wanting us to believe that they are saving us.
It's time we hold the politicians' feet to the fire along with the financial advisors and institutions who fueled this mess....and continue to fuel this mess... Here's what we can do on our part. Don't believe that politicians and the government is there to 'take care of you.' They are not and they won't.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Bacon Grease and Jesus Christ
Yup. It's been busy at Casa de Quiet Rage. I'va had a houseful. My sister is here visiting from Minnesota along with one of her daughters. It was nice to have her here for Christmas. She's been through her own hell of losing her husband in a car accident and piecing her life back together.
With that being said, I was anticipating the usual wave of people and a nut house of activity for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I don't know WHAT it is about this house, but everybody likes being here. In preparation for that, I decided to prep my 15 pounds of Sonoma County ham, bacon, and sausage for the company I was expecting. That's when it happened.
I decided, against my better judgement, to cook my bacon and sausage on a new cast iron griddle that was LARGE. I was being lazy and wanted to cook a lot at once. We all know the rules with cast iron. Season it before you cook with it even if it says it's pre-seasoned. Manufacturers lie. Whatever. I like to think I'm a veteran at this stuff. I begin the process of frying up half a hog.
About half way through the frying process I needed to dump the grease that has accumulated. I get the 'fat can' ready and strategically place it in the sink. I've done this a thousand times. I take the hot cast iron griddle off the stove and bring it over to the sink to dump the hot bacon grease into the fat can. I tilt the griddle. The hot grease jumps over the sides of the griddle pours over my bare left hand. I dropped the griddle with a loud THUD and cried in pain. I ran cold water over it trying to ease the pain. No matter. My hand was red, hot, throbbing, and I was in misery. My sister was in the shower and had no idea was was going on in the kitchen. When she emerged she came to the kitchen to find me crying in pain and shaking. We got it wrapped up and contemplated on going to the hospital as infections from burns are usually worse than the burns themselves.
Fast forward a few hours. A friend of mine just recovered from breast cancer. She knew my sister was going to be here and all she wanted was for all of us to be together at the Christmas Eve church service to celebrate just being alive. Great. My hand is throbbing and I'm in misery. I've got a house full of people coming for both Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. I decided that I'm going to wrap up my hand in a cool freezer pack and head off to the church service. I figured that the least I could do was to respect my friend's wishes by being there as she was just happy to be alive this Christmas Eve after what's she's been through. Fair enough.
We head to the church. We get settled. My hand starts to throb. I'm in pain. I think to myself, "Jesus Christ was beat to shit, tortured, and nailed to the cross to die...just for losers like me. In comparison all I have to do is sit here for an hour even though I'm in a lot of pain, I'm not going to die. I can do this."
About half way through the service my hand stopped throbbing. When I got home I removed the bandage from my hand and there was no redness, blisters, or anything. I did not hurt any longer as it was healed. I showed my sister and family and they were perplexed as well as just a few hours earlier they were ready to take me to the emergency room. Weird.
Take from it what you will, but that's my own little Christmas miracle story. It won't make headlines or be the plot of a movie. All I know is that I was certainly happy to not have my hand a throbbing, blistered mess.
With that being said, I was anticipating the usual wave of people and a nut house of activity for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I don't know WHAT it is about this house, but everybody likes being here. In preparation for that, I decided to prep my 15 pounds of Sonoma County ham, bacon, and sausage for the company I was expecting. That's when it happened.
I decided, against my better judgement, to cook my bacon and sausage on a new cast iron griddle that was LARGE. I was being lazy and wanted to cook a lot at once. We all know the rules with cast iron. Season it before you cook with it even if it says it's pre-seasoned. Manufacturers lie. Whatever. I like to think I'm a veteran at this stuff. I begin the process of frying up half a hog.
About half way through the frying process I needed to dump the grease that has accumulated. I get the 'fat can' ready and strategically place it in the sink. I've done this a thousand times. I take the hot cast iron griddle off the stove and bring it over to the sink to dump the hot bacon grease into the fat can. I tilt the griddle. The hot grease jumps over the sides of the griddle pours over my bare left hand. I dropped the griddle with a loud THUD and cried in pain. I ran cold water over it trying to ease the pain. No matter. My hand was red, hot, throbbing, and I was in misery. My sister was in the shower and had no idea was was going on in the kitchen. When she emerged she came to the kitchen to find me crying in pain and shaking. We got it wrapped up and contemplated on going to the hospital as infections from burns are usually worse than the burns themselves.
Fast forward a few hours. A friend of mine just recovered from breast cancer. She knew my sister was going to be here and all she wanted was for all of us to be together at the Christmas Eve church service to celebrate just being alive. Great. My hand is throbbing and I'm in misery. I've got a house full of people coming for both Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. I decided that I'm going to wrap up my hand in a cool freezer pack and head off to the church service. I figured that the least I could do was to respect my friend's wishes by being there as she was just happy to be alive this Christmas Eve after what's she's been through. Fair enough.
We head to the church. We get settled. My hand starts to throb. I'm in pain. I think to myself, "Jesus Christ was beat to shit, tortured, and nailed to the cross to die...just for losers like me. In comparison all I have to do is sit here for an hour even though I'm in a lot of pain, I'm not going to die. I can do this."
About half way through the service my hand stopped throbbing. When I got home I removed the bandage from my hand and there was no redness, blisters, or anything. I did not hurt any longer as it was healed. I showed my sister and family and they were perplexed as well as just a few hours earlier they were ready to take me to the emergency room. Weird.
Take from it what you will, but that's my own little Christmas miracle story. It won't make headlines or be the plot of a movie. All I know is that I was certainly happy to not have my hand a throbbing, blistered mess.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Putin in U.S. Politics
..,I told all you morons about a year ago that Snowden seeking refuge in Russia was no accident. And NOW the press and intel agencies are figuring out that Russia is hacking? DUH!!!! I'm STILL waiting for the press to put that together. Nobody has the guts to publish it.
Jesus Christ. Stupid is as stupid does. told you so.
Let's boil this down. Russia hacked. So what. What did they find? That Clinton and the DNC tried to fuck over Sanders and that the Clinton Foundation was nothing more than a money laundering mill. We all found out the truth. Sorry about the timing.
Foul play? Really? Disclosing the truth should not be timed to an election. Clinton et al fucked themselves.
...and NO... I do not like he-who-shall-not-be-named. He is just a side circus act detracting from what is truly the main act.
Jesus Christ. Stupid is as stupid does. told you so.
Let's boil this down. Russia hacked. So what. What did they find? That Clinton and the DNC tried to fuck over Sanders and that the Clinton Foundation was nothing more than a money laundering mill. We all found out the truth. Sorry about the timing.
Foul play? Really? Disclosing the truth should not be timed to an election. Clinton et al fucked themselves.
...and NO... I do not like he-who-shall-not-be-named. He is just a side circus act detracting from what is truly the main act.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Artists as Slave Labor
Of course I did not coin the term 'starving artist.' I did not coin the term 'real musicians have day jobs' either. Believe it or not, I'm sticking up for musicians and artists because their talents are taken advantage of and exploited. Everybody expects them to work for free. It's ironic that the biggest offenders of the exploitation are usually Tesla driving, tree-hugging, fair trade, hairy armpit, McMansion owning, Bernie Sanders loving fraudulent socialists (cough, cough, people from Marin or....relocated to Marin).
Here's the dialogue.
SCUMMI (Socially Conscious Until My Money Involved): Hey, I started a Save the Whales and Kids non-profit organization (in reality just needed a tax loophole to launder money). We are coordinating our fundraiser. In order to woo donations I'm going to pitch at people I think super rich and important to puff my ego and climb some rungs on the social ladder making it took like I care about the environment and starving tots in Micronesia while I drive my $100,000 automobile and lop off a hillside for my obnoxiously large, grandiose house for my family of 3, I need some REALLY cool artwork done on the brochure and advertising bits. You are a talented artist. Can you help out?
ARTIST: Ummmmm... I dunno. I'm working three jobs to make ends meet while looking for a roommate who is not a complete psycho to share my 400 square foot closet-converted-into-apartment, and my time is kind of limited at the moment.
SCUMMI: Really? This could be awesome for you! Think of the EXPOSURE you will get when Big Shot sees your name on the pieces as the creator. This could be a BIG BREAK for you.
ARTIST: I just don't know if I'd find the resources to do a good job. My art supplies are lacking as I have not had money to replenish them due to car issues. I had to plunk down a wad of money for repairs. Also, my health insurance has doubled this past year. I've had to choose between art and survival.
SCUMMI: Wow. Bummer (looks over shoulder at his shiney $100,000 car parked in front of organic-fair trade coffee house where they are meeting). Tell you what, Artist. I can throw a couple of tickets to the event in for yourself and a friend to attend. Does that sweeten the pot for you?
ARTIST: (thought bubble - why would I want tickets to event where I would have to spend money I don't have to buy clothes just to attend? I'd also have to pay bridge tolls and parking -- assuming my car that is barley clunking along and held together with duct tape can whether the trip. They already want me to do this for free). Yeah, I know getting in front of Big Shot could be an opportunity, but in reality it just doesn't pay the rent and the eviction notice is coming because I'm already behind.
SCUMMI: (of course - does not offer to buy art supplies or chip in a months rent but silently sits and stews that ARTIST could POSSIBLY turn up his nose at what SCUMMI thinks is the opportunity of a lifetime). Well, I was hoping to draw on your talent to make the world a better place -- no pun intended (gets up and gives ARTIST a jolly chuckle with an almost slap on the back. It's foreshadowing to the knife in the back that is sure to come should ARTIST take SCUMMI up on his offer).
ARTIST: (finally has had enough) Listen here, SCUMMI. You would not dream of asking your mechanic to work on your car for free, a painter to paint your house for free, or a neighborhood kid to even mow your lawn for free. Why do you think it's ok to ask ME to work for FREE? Oh, I get it. You're a user!!!!! Go exploit somebody else. Want to make the world a better place? Put YOUR money where your MOUTH is and actually PAY people a dignified fee for the services they provide for you instead of milling it though your bullshit non-profit so YOU can claim a tax deduction because your income already measures on the obnoxious scale.
Here's the dialogue.
SCUMMI (Socially Conscious Until My Money Involved): Hey, I started a Save the Whales and Kids non-profit organization (in reality just needed a tax loophole to launder money). We are coordinating our fundraiser. In order to woo donations I'm going to pitch at people I think super rich and important to puff my ego and climb some rungs on the social ladder making it took like I care about the environment and starving tots in Micronesia while I drive my $100,000 automobile and lop off a hillside for my obnoxiously large, grandiose house for my family of 3, I need some REALLY cool artwork done on the brochure and advertising bits. You are a talented artist. Can you help out?
ARTIST: Ummmmm... I dunno. I'm working three jobs to make ends meet while looking for a roommate who is not a complete psycho to share my 400 square foot closet-converted-into-apartment, and my time is kind of limited at the moment.
SCUMMI: Really? This could be awesome for you! Think of the EXPOSURE you will get when Big Shot sees your name on the pieces as the creator. This could be a BIG BREAK for you.
ARTIST: I just don't know if I'd find the resources to do a good job. My art supplies are lacking as I have not had money to replenish them due to car issues. I had to plunk down a wad of money for repairs. Also, my health insurance has doubled this past year. I've had to choose between art and survival.
SCUMMI: Wow. Bummer (looks over shoulder at his shiney $100,000 car parked in front of organic-fair trade coffee house where they are meeting). Tell you what, Artist. I can throw a couple of tickets to the event in for yourself and a friend to attend. Does that sweeten the pot for you?
ARTIST: (thought bubble - why would I want tickets to event where I would have to spend money I don't have to buy clothes just to attend? I'd also have to pay bridge tolls and parking -- assuming my car that is barley clunking along and held together with duct tape can whether the trip. They already want me to do this for free). Yeah, I know getting in front of Big Shot could be an opportunity, but in reality it just doesn't pay the rent and the eviction notice is coming because I'm already behind.
SCUMMI: (of course - does not offer to buy art supplies or chip in a months rent but silently sits and stews that ARTIST could POSSIBLY turn up his nose at what SCUMMI thinks is the opportunity of a lifetime). Well, I was hoping to draw on your talent to make the world a better place -- no pun intended (gets up and gives ARTIST a jolly chuckle with an almost slap on the back. It's foreshadowing to the knife in the back that is sure to come should ARTIST take SCUMMI up on his offer).
ARTIST: (finally has had enough) Listen here, SCUMMI. You would not dream of asking your mechanic to work on your car for free, a painter to paint your house for free, or a neighborhood kid to even mow your lawn for free. Why do you think it's ok to ask ME to work for FREE? Oh, I get it. You're a user!!!!! Go exploit somebody else. Want to make the world a better place? Put YOUR money where your MOUTH is and actually PAY people a dignified fee for the services they provide for you instead of milling it though your bullshit non-profit so YOU can claim a tax deduction because your income already measures on the obnoxious scale.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Loser Magnet
...no, I don't mean my previous dating days...although there could certainly be a case made for my attracting losers with uncanny ability.
I'm talking about job losers. This week's interviews registered above average on the freak-o-meter scale. Here's my lineup:
Applicant #1: has a felony record for soliciting sex with an underage girl. Great. We will make sure to put this one on a school job. Not. buh-BYE. NEXT!!!!!!
Applicant #2: Ex-criminal justice government employment worker who has a felony on record for child porn. His job was in the services designed to protect kids from sick predators. I suppose bank robbers rob banks because that's where the money is...same applies to child porn protection services. What better source to feed the sickness? Getting fired from a government job is pretty tough. Now he wants to come to US???? See Applicant #1 and what we did with him. NEXT!!!!!
Applicant #3: has a bachelor of arts in English. He has spent most of his adult life building houses for Habitat for Humanity. Volunteer work does not pay much nor contribute to the retirement fund and age 40 is creeping up quickly. Let's see how many people he's aided over the years will now come to HIS aid. I'm not holding my breath.
Applicant #4: had a bachelor of science in environmental engineering...and now he's applying for an entry level construction job? This one just did not add up. It's the cart before the horse.
Applicant #5: A woman with a masters in psychology with a career in family services/counseling wants to start over at age 44 with an entry level construction job. Really? She struck me as the type who would want to play female discrimination lawsuit lottery with us (predominately male occupation) to try to fund her retirement account which is wanting.
Applicant #6: Felony record
Applicant #7: Yet another felony record.
Applicant #8: Has a bachelor of science in information technology. He should be able to write his own ticket. Well, just goes to show that you can have a so-called GREAT, education but if you're a creepy weirdo and creep people out......well....good luck to ya.
I've been doing interviews for almost 30 years. I liken doing interviews to a box of chocolates as in you never know what you're gonna get. Many times it's what people DON'T say that determines my scoring of them. I have credibility in that department and my opinion carries weight. Just ask the other people who also do the interviews with me. At one point I interviewed them as well.
I'm talking about job losers. This week's interviews registered above average on the freak-o-meter scale. Here's my lineup:
Applicant #1: has a felony record for soliciting sex with an underage girl. Great. We will make sure to put this one on a school job. Not. buh-BYE. NEXT!!!!!!
Applicant #2: Ex-criminal justice government employment worker who has a felony on record for child porn. His job was in the services designed to protect kids from sick predators. I suppose bank robbers rob banks because that's where the money is...same applies to child porn protection services. What better source to feed the sickness? Getting fired from a government job is pretty tough. Now he wants to come to US???? See Applicant #1 and what we did with him. NEXT!!!!!
Applicant #3: has a bachelor of arts in English. He has spent most of his adult life building houses for Habitat for Humanity. Volunteer work does not pay much nor contribute to the retirement fund and age 40 is creeping up quickly. Let's see how many people he's aided over the years will now come to HIS aid. I'm not holding my breath.
Applicant #4: had a bachelor of science in environmental engineering...and now he's applying for an entry level construction job? This one just did not add up. It's the cart before the horse.
Applicant #5: A woman with a masters in psychology with a career in family services/counseling wants to start over at age 44 with an entry level construction job. Really? She struck me as the type who would want to play female discrimination lawsuit lottery with us (predominately male occupation) to try to fund her retirement account which is wanting.
Applicant #6: Felony record
Applicant #7: Yet another felony record.
Applicant #8: Has a bachelor of science in information technology. He should be able to write his own ticket. Well, just goes to show that you can have a so-called GREAT, education but if you're a creepy weirdo and creep people out......well....good luck to ya.
I've been doing interviews for almost 30 years. I liken doing interviews to a box of chocolates as in you never know what you're gonna get. Many times it's what people DON'T say that determines my scoring of them. I have credibility in that department and my opinion carries weight. Just ask the other people who also do the interviews with me. At one point I interviewed them as well.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Why??
Everybody gets all wadded up about WHAT people believe in (or not believe in). Religious nuts jobs, political fascists, tree huggers, hairy armpits... everybody has an opinion and viewpoint to sell. I can only speak for myself, but I am far more intrigued by WHY people believe as opposed to WHAT they believe.
Two totally different things.
Two totally different things.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Fake News is News
What is with all the uproar about Facebook's fake news? There is concern now that the "facts" are not being reported on certain people, events, and stories and we must CENSOR Facebook. The do-gooders want to force Facebook to vet stories prior to them being published on the social media site. Here's my question. Vetted by whom? Fact checkers? Who is going to fact check the fact checkers? Who is going to appoint them? In the case of a tie, which set of "facts" will win? How will that be decided? There will always be arguments and counter-arguments. They will start with Facebook, then the internet. Pretty soon everything will be monitored and we will have about as much personal freedom as a Chinese or North Korean citizen. Think it can't happen here? Just look at who we elected as president? Or, maybe we really didn't elect him. The fact checkers are still out on that one, too. We will never get a straight answer.
This is all the beginning of fascist censorship, my friends. I have news for you. ALL NEWS IS BIASED and FAKE. Everything you read and view has the author's bias built in whether the author is conscience of it or not. When you boil it all down nobody can prove anything. We can't even prove we are here. Everything is somebody's opinion. Sure, you can puff up the piece citing important sounding words and statistics to appear more credible, but that's just smoke and mirrors. Anybody who took a statistics course knows that there are lies, damn lies, and statistics. Everything is slanted to a biased viewpoint. Nothing is truly objective.
If people are so dumb to get what they think is credible news off a social media site, I don't know what to tell you. We have an abundance of ego laden idiots on Facebook and in society in general. However, I don't think censorship it the answer. It's all meant to control us even if they claim the intent is pure. In the meantime I will take stories on Facebook about Brad Pitt moving to my town with a grain of salt, and also cures for cancer deriving from orange peels and coffee grinds, and also stories of Anthony Weiner masturbating on his phone with a 12 year old girl. Only the last one is true LOL.
Here's the truth. We are lied to.
This is all the beginning of fascist censorship, my friends. I have news for you. ALL NEWS IS BIASED and FAKE. Everything you read and view has the author's bias built in whether the author is conscience of it or not. When you boil it all down nobody can prove anything. We can't even prove we are here. Everything is somebody's opinion. Sure, you can puff up the piece citing important sounding words and statistics to appear more credible, but that's just smoke and mirrors. Anybody who took a statistics course knows that there are lies, damn lies, and statistics. Everything is slanted to a biased viewpoint. Nothing is truly objective.
If people are so dumb to get what they think is credible news off a social media site, I don't know what to tell you. We have an abundance of ego laden idiots on Facebook and in society in general. However, I don't think censorship it the answer. It's all meant to control us even if they claim the intent is pure. In the meantime I will take stories on Facebook about Brad Pitt moving to my town with a grain of salt, and also cures for cancer deriving from orange peels and coffee grinds, and also stories of Anthony Weiner masturbating on his phone with a 12 year old girl. Only the last one is true LOL.
Here's the truth. We are lied to.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
M's Boyfriend...from Bad to Worse
I'm *REALLY* trying to like M's boyfriend for M's sake. I love my CA BFF. We have been friends for a long, long time. I'm also struggling with my initial dislike of the energy I felt when I met him and his a**h*** personality when he gets to drinking. I keep trying to pick up on something otherwise to prove myself wrong. Still waiting.
Here's the latest.
No wonder M's boyfriend wants to get married to M. He needs her. His credit score is in the toilet. He has not filed taxes in years and the IRS is after him. He can't have a bank account or a credit card because of it. Everything is in cash with him -- including his latest business practices so it can't be traced. He was left a sizable inheritance of which he has completely squandered on the dumbest of dumb things. He does not have health insurance. He does not have auto insurance. He is driving on a suspended license. His favorite pass time is being passed out on somebody's front lawn trying to walk home from his latest drunk fest (which is nightly). He's a complete train wreck.
M finally told me tonight she wants to break up with him.
It takes a LOT for M to come to this. She is such a giving lady and really wants to be in a relationship with a guy. However, this guy she is currently with is downright toxic and she has finally figured it out. I have kept my mouth shut for well over a year as sometimes things just need to play out. If I would have said something I just would have jeopardized our friendship, and I'm not the all-knowing sage. I could have been wrong and I would have felt awful if I opened up my mouth in disagreement of her taste in men.
Which brings me back to the guy M was dating when she met TrainWreck. That guy was stable, consistent, loyal and to this day still loves M. I know. I bump into him from time to time running about my errands and he ALWAYS asks about M with that smile of unconditional caring for a woman who dumped him for a raging alcoholic ladled with anger and financial issues.
Here's the latest.
No wonder M's boyfriend wants to get married to M. He needs her. His credit score is in the toilet. He has not filed taxes in years and the IRS is after him. He can't have a bank account or a credit card because of it. Everything is in cash with him -- including his latest business practices so it can't be traced. He was left a sizable inheritance of which he has completely squandered on the dumbest of dumb things. He does not have health insurance. He does not have auto insurance. He is driving on a suspended license. His favorite pass time is being passed out on somebody's front lawn trying to walk home from his latest drunk fest (which is nightly). He's a complete train wreck.
M finally told me tonight she wants to break up with him.
It takes a LOT for M to come to this. She is such a giving lady and really wants to be in a relationship with a guy. However, this guy she is currently with is downright toxic and she has finally figured it out. I have kept my mouth shut for well over a year as sometimes things just need to play out. If I would have said something I just would have jeopardized our friendship, and I'm not the all-knowing sage. I could have been wrong and I would have felt awful if I opened up my mouth in disagreement of her taste in men.
Which brings me back to the guy M was dating when she met TrainWreck. That guy was stable, consistent, loyal and to this day still loves M. I know. I bump into him from time to time running about my errands and he ALWAYS asks about M with that smile of unconditional caring for a woman who dumped him for a raging alcoholic ladled with anger and financial issues.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Tim Minchin: Storm
Let the clash of viewpoints be brilliantly illustrated by Tim Minchin. Sigh. I deal with this mentality day in and day out. I pray Tim Minchin has that personal 'experience' he can't explain away through known conventional means of measurement and currently available technology. Just wait. Science will catch up. No hard feelings, Tim. Until then.....
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Company "holiday" Parties
We can't call them Christmas parties anymore or the pc do-gooder police will tell you that we must embrace all traditions and religions - as long as THEY approve of them. The irony is not lost on me. Whatever. Ho Ho HO!!
There is a tradition lingering from the 50's that needs to be abolished immediately, and that is the company Christmas (ooops holiday) party - during nights and weekends, no doubt. I never understood why management would sponsor such a torturous event. Even the lure of a raffle giving away electronic gadgets isn't enough to endure your annoying co-workers on what is supposed to be your time away from the morons.
Ahhhhhhhh... compulsory parties, coupled with unpaid overtime. The joy. We are expected to give up a Saturday night during the busiest, most stressful time of the year to endure the company of people we loathe and act like we are having a good time. We are expected to pay for a sitter from our already paltry salaries and to pay for a hotel room to 'sleep off' anything we may have over imbibed on. Sorry, but the company group rate for the hotel room is still not a steep enough discount to lure us to stay longer than necessary. However, the over imbibing is necessary to keep us all from wanting to kill our coworkers we already spend too much time with. The irony is that The Company thinks they are doing us this huge favor by sponsoring all of this.
It's a human resource manager's worst nightmare. Come Monday morning we will hear about how John approached Jane on the dance floor after a few too many and whispered, "There is always something I wanted to tell you........"
After 30 years experience, I can attest that nothing good ever comes from a dialogue that begins with those words. Now we are on damage control. He said, she said.
I've said it once and I'll say it again.....the BEST morale booster on the planet for your employees is unexpected *PAID* time off away from work people and duties. In the long run it's more cost effective and does not spawn lawsuits.
There is a tradition lingering from the 50's that needs to be abolished immediately, and that is the company Christmas (ooops holiday) party - during nights and weekends, no doubt. I never understood why management would sponsor such a torturous event. Even the lure of a raffle giving away electronic gadgets isn't enough to endure your annoying co-workers on what is supposed to be your time away from the morons.
Ahhhhhhhh... compulsory parties, coupled with unpaid overtime. The joy. We are expected to give up a Saturday night during the busiest, most stressful time of the year to endure the company of people we loathe and act like we are having a good time. We are expected to pay for a sitter from our already paltry salaries and to pay for a hotel room to 'sleep off' anything we may have over imbibed on. Sorry, but the company group rate for the hotel room is still not a steep enough discount to lure us to stay longer than necessary. However, the over imbibing is necessary to keep us all from wanting to kill our coworkers we already spend too much time with. The irony is that The Company thinks they are doing us this huge favor by sponsoring all of this.
It's a human resource manager's worst nightmare. Come Monday morning we will hear about how John approached Jane on the dance floor after a few too many and whispered, "There is always something I wanted to tell you........"
After 30 years experience, I can attest that nothing good ever comes from a dialogue that begins with those words. Now we are on damage control. He said, she said.
I've said it once and I'll say it again.....the BEST morale booster on the planet for your employees is unexpected *PAID* time off away from work people and duties. In the long run it's more cost effective and does not spawn lawsuits.
The Strung Out Phamacist
I know I'm getting older and that AARP membership along with the senior discount is just around the corner. Everybody looks like a kid to me now. Policemen, firemen, doctors, financial planners, all look like they just graduated from high school.
Not too long ago I had to take my young adult daughter to the pharmacy. We approach the counter. The pharmacist was immediately smitten with my daughter and he looked to be a young whipper snapper. However, as he fumbled around looking for a form I could not help but notice he had that "loook" of somebody who was high on something.
We waited. He looked around for a form. We waited some more. He fumbled around some more. Finally, my daughter pointed to a pad of forms about a foot away from the customer window. Basically, they were right in front of him the entire time. He hands us the form to complete.
After we completed the form we waited longer so he could find the medication needed and process it. This seemed to take an eternity. The young pharmacist kept looking at my daughter.
My daughter leaned over to me and said, "Check out the pharmacist, mom. He's strung out and high on something and he wants to ask me out. I can tell."
No kidding.
We finally completed the transaction and as we were leaving my daughter said, "What kind of a pharmacist is stoned on the job? He looked like he just smoked a big, fat one coming from the skate park to report to work."
Yup. This is our new workforce. We are drug testing the wrong work pool.
Not too long ago I had to take my young adult daughter to the pharmacy. We approach the counter. The pharmacist was immediately smitten with my daughter and he looked to be a young whipper snapper. However, as he fumbled around looking for a form I could not help but notice he had that "loook" of somebody who was high on something.
We waited. He looked around for a form. We waited some more. He fumbled around some more. Finally, my daughter pointed to a pad of forms about a foot away from the customer window. Basically, they were right in front of him the entire time. He hands us the form to complete.
After we completed the form we waited longer so he could find the medication needed and process it. This seemed to take an eternity. The young pharmacist kept looking at my daughter.
My daughter leaned over to me and said, "Check out the pharmacist, mom. He's strung out and high on something and he wants to ask me out. I can tell."
No kidding.
We finally completed the transaction and as we were leaving my daughter said, "What kind of a pharmacist is stoned on the job? He looked like he just smoked a big, fat one coming from the skate park to report to work."
Yup. This is our new workforce. We are drug testing the wrong work pool.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Monterey
I've been heading south these days down to the Monterey Peninsula and whatnot. It's changed. Just ask anybody who grew up there in the 60's and 70's. It's now Hollywood North and that is not a complement.
The hotel we are assigned to is one of the 'old staples' of Monterey. It's been bombarded with pretentious people with pretentious kids and pets. Please don't get me wrong, I love kids and pets. I have kids and pets myself. Here is what NOT to do traveling with pets and kids....and PLEASE go back to southern CA where the superficial belong:
1. Do NOT allow your dog to walk all over the reception desk area. It's not cute. It's just plain unsanitary. Gross. It's the same concept as if somebody put their dirty feet up on your desk/table;
2. Your dog is not a human, please stop trying to place human attributes on him;
3. Your little, yappy teacup dog is NOT a service animal. We are not fooled. Stop ruining it for those who legitimately have a disability;
4. Taking pictures of your dog entering the hotel like he is royalty is also overboard. Having hotel staff people stop assisting other guests only for you to shove your iPhone in their hand to capture it for a social medial blast is also gross;
5. Your kids are your responsibility -- not the other guests nor the hotel staff. Please instill basic manners on them like not running noisily through the lobby nor restaurant area on wheels. It's a disaster waiting to happen with a staff person carrying a large load of hot food and drink. We see you parents tucked into the corner enjoying your dinner while your brats are at large. Knowing the type of people you are, you would sue the hotel if one of your kids tripped up a waiter and a platter filled with hot coffee hit precious snowflake Declan on the head;
6. You drive a Maserati. Get over it. We have. Stop being an ass and taking up two parking places. If your car means that much to you where you can't take it out in public for fear of a ding or scratch...just don't....please put it on display elsewhere....like in a museum if you think your car is that great. I hope you know that taking up two parking places only invites people to 'accidentally' key the side of it;
7. Reality Check: You are NOT the center of the universe. Stop acting like it.
The hotel we are assigned to is one of the 'old staples' of Monterey. It's been bombarded with pretentious people with pretentious kids and pets. Please don't get me wrong, I love kids and pets. I have kids and pets myself. Here is what NOT to do traveling with pets and kids....and PLEASE go back to southern CA where the superficial belong:
1. Do NOT allow your dog to walk all over the reception desk area. It's not cute. It's just plain unsanitary. Gross. It's the same concept as if somebody put their dirty feet up on your desk/table;
2. Your dog is not a human, please stop trying to place human attributes on him;
3. Your little, yappy teacup dog is NOT a service animal. We are not fooled. Stop ruining it for those who legitimately have a disability;
4. Taking pictures of your dog entering the hotel like he is royalty is also overboard. Having hotel staff people stop assisting other guests only for you to shove your iPhone in their hand to capture it for a social medial blast is also gross;
5. Your kids are your responsibility -- not the other guests nor the hotel staff. Please instill basic manners on them like not running noisily through the lobby nor restaurant area on wheels. It's a disaster waiting to happen with a staff person carrying a large load of hot food and drink. We see you parents tucked into the corner enjoying your dinner while your brats are at large. Knowing the type of people you are, you would sue the hotel if one of your kids tripped up a waiter and a platter filled with hot coffee hit precious snowflake Declan on the head;
6. You drive a Maserati. Get over it. We have. Stop being an ass and taking up two parking places. If your car means that much to you where you can't take it out in public for fear of a ding or scratch...just don't....please put it on display elsewhere....like in a museum if you think your car is that great. I hope you know that taking up two parking places only invites people to 'accidentally' key the side of it;
7. Reality Check: You are NOT the center of the universe. Stop acting like it.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Havin' a Good Time: My Roots are Showing Part II
When I was a kid I was subject to country music from the time I was in the womb. Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash (along with June Carter-Cash), Kitty Wells, etc. The Grand Ol' Opry was a staple in my house growing up. I should also mention the Lawrence Welk Show where I would try to catch the bubbles through the television set as the orchestra played. I suppose that was my first clue I was someday going to be a cat lover.
Of course, that means the moment I could assert independence I HATED country music as that was something old farts listed to and it was sooooooooo lame.
I went full circle on this one, folks. Come to find out that my parents have a lot of innate wisdom that only growing up in the 30's and 40's that the Depression and WWII could teach on a Midwest prairie. Wisdom is different than knowledge -- they are not the same. A lot of people have knowledge. That is something you get from a classroom or studying. Wisdom goes waaaaaaaay deeper than that. My dad is extremely WISE. He does not say a lot, but when he does it's potent and powerful...and you better listen up... cuz he won't repeat it. He's not one for small talk as that's just useless noise to him.
As much as my parents have completely messed me up with our dysfunctional dynamics, I've come to a place of acceptance and peace about it all rather than anger, hurt, and blame. I'm lucky I still have both of my parents around to talk to -- with their quirks and all. Believe me, I'm going to write a book someday. I would not be the person I am today without them. I suppose that's reason enough for the world to come after me with pitchforks in hand. ha ha ha
Which now brings me back to country music. I left it for a long, long time. Only recently I have discovered country line dancing. This one is my favorite at the moment...and I'm having a good time. I can shimmi my shoulders like no other and get the attention;) Good Time.
Of course, that means the moment I could assert independence I HATED country music as that was something old farts listed to and it was sooooooooo lame.
I went full circle on this one, folks. Come to find out that my parents have a lot of innate wisdom that only growing up in the 30's and 40's that the Depression and WWII could teach on a Midwest prairie. Wisdom is different than knowledge -- they are not the same. A lot of people have knowledge. That is something you get from a classroom or studying. Wisdom goes waaaaaaaay deeper than that. My dad is extremely WISE. He does not say a lot, but when he does it's potent and powerful...and you better listen up... cuz he won't repeat it. He's not one for small talk as that's just useless noise to him.
As much as my parents have completely messed me up with our dysfunctional dynamics, I've come to a place of acceptance and peace about it all rather than anger, hurt, and blame. I'm lucky I still have both of my parents around to talk to -- with their quirks and all. Believe me, I'm going to write a book someday. I would not be the person I am today without them. I suppose that's reason enough for the world to come after me with pitchforks in hand. ha ha ha
Which now brings me back to country music. I left it for a long, long time. Only recently I have discovered country line dancing. This one is my favorite at the moment...and I'm having a good time. I can shimmi my shoulders like no other and get the attention;) Good Time.
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