Everyday that passes, especially working at an international airport, I believe I have finally seen it all.
Today, at the park, topped all visuals.
Winner of the 2010 Crazy shit of the year award.
I was on my usual run at the park.
I finished and got into my car when I noticed a gaggle of geese (ducks, whatever the dirty birds that do not fly, yet walk around the park honking and shitting everywhere) rushing towards the lake off the path. Naturally, I looked to see what was making them hurry out of the way.
What I saw was a woman getting out of her car. Next to the car was a stroller - parked, like most of the mommies at the park who bring the infants out for their morning run. She was not pulling a small child out of the car. She was holding on to a cat. A full grown, huge, maniacal cat, that was by all accounts desperately trying to get out of her arms to chase down the gaggle that was getting away.
This woman was whispering to the cat, then moved it towards the stroller. Yes, she was placing the cat into the stroller for a walk.
Have I lost my mind?
I have seen a cat on a leash.
I have seen a cat in a bike pull with a small child.
Who puts a cat in a baby stroller for a walk around the park?
And who married her crazy ass?
She is home during the day, with time to go on a walk, with her cat... in a frigging stroller.
Now, I realize I am not the pet lover everyone perhaps thinks I should be, but let me explain a couple things. Animals belong outside. We, as selfish slave owning humans, decided that we would domesticate animals and bring them into the house, feed them, bathe them, take them out of their natural habitat and own them. Fine, whatever. How cute. Let's put a sweater on it and put it in our purse.
When animals do get outside they are in heaven. Smelling the fresh air. Chasing a few ducks.
Like Darwin said, eat or be eaten.
When did we get so bored with our own lives that we decided it was ok to push around pets in strollers, not only forcing our culture on them, but preventing them from participating in their own culture?
So, I decide to look this up - see if "everyone is doing it", and I'll be damned...google "cat strollers". You won't believe it.
This woman apparently had the ultralight pet stroller, but her cat had to be at least 30 pounds, so I'm thinking she should have gone with the Jogger Pet Stroller, which looks a bit roomier.
Unbelievable.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Disappointing Stereotypes
I live downtown. Part of my agreement in living in an urban environment is parking curbside in front of my residence. Seems reasonable, yes?
Well, in order to park in front of my home, or on the street in general in downtown Denver, as in most domiciles of the city, it requires a parking permit. A free permit which you may obtain by strolling into the Department of Parking Works downtown (a mere few blocks from my house) and showing proof of residence. No big deal. The sticker is placed on the front window of your vehicle(s) and they even offer up to 2 guest permits (window hangars) for guests who wish to remain at your home for longer than 2 hours (which is the parking time limit for street parking). Every year thereafter, you may renew via mail by simply signing a form stating all previous info remains the same.
On September 3, 2010, I resubmitted info for the permit I already have and requested my two guest permits, via mail.
On September 24 (noted via mail stamp on envelope) I received this form letter:
We received your application for a Residential Parking Permit. You did not enclose the proper documentation to obtain a Residential Parking Permit. Please submit the following items that have been marked:
*to follow in the form letter, were numerous items which had no relevance to my situation, but I read diligently, wondering what could I have possibly forgotten, the small form only required drivers license number and signature - confirmation all information on record was the same.
I then reached the highlighted area, which someone duly took time to check and highlight for me, in case I wasn't intelligent enough to comprehend the marked line:
"Any outstanding parking tickets need to be paid before a residential parking permit can be issued. Please contact the Parking Cashier Office for further assistance"
AND
"Please return all required documentation including documents previously submitted"
[I highlight in bold because that's how it is highlighted in the letter]
Note: date I submitted request for new permit: September 03, 2010
Note: date letter stamped via PostMaster September 24, 2010
and
Note: date parking ticket I received (apparently in anticipation of request for parking permit):
September 21, 2010 1:13 p.m.
I can only assume, after driving downtown and being ticketed for "parking 18 inches away from curb" in front of banking structure, for 4 minutes while I used atm, the Residential Parking Office connected the license plate to the request for renewal and immediately sent out required form letter.
Here are my issues:
1) In effect, if the government is so prompt in sending out form letters to reject permits, why are they not so prompt in sending out permits... when request was sent 1 month prior to expiration and 3 weeks prior to vehicle being ticketed?
2) The definition of "outstanding"[out-stan-ding] or opposes.
B. There is an option to dispute the citation, which I fully intend on doing, for number of reasons - primarily, the one which indicates I was not parked 18 inches or more from the Goddamned curb. [Oh, you know I have photographic evidence in my favor]
3) Even if I had paid the citation the same day, placed my check in the mail on the eve of the 21st of September and it had been received on the afternoon of the 22nd or 23rd of September, there is no way in hell this letter could have been adjusted on the same day and my citation information updated to reflect payment by the afternoon of the 23rd before this mail went out on the 24th. That would lead to a massive inconsistency with the timeliness of the government and the original issue with why it took 3 weeks to produce my Permit in the 1st place.
WHAT GIVES?
This form letter, addressed to no one, is in fact an indication of everything wrong with the government and the impersonal attention given to tax paying, law abiding citizens who do indeed attempt to do the right thing all the time, pay tickets on time and choose to live on the right side of the street and are treated as common criminals with no INTENT to continue to do the right thing, even though proven historically.
I have no history of unpaid parking tickets (with Denver at least). In fact I have had only 1 parking citation in the last two years which were shown "paid" on the form letter they sent me. Yet, I am being held hostage to get a parking permit to park on the street in front of my house until I pay a parking ticket received 3 weeks after renewal application.
I don't bitch about much, but I am not appreciative.
In fact, I have composed a similar letter to the Department of Public works expressing my disgust at their offensive form letter and unfortunate display of stereotypical government "red tape" games, and indicated not only would I not be wasting my time (stamps, envelopes, etc) re-submitting application, but I would instead be parking my vehicle in my fucking garage, and expressing as powerfully as possible the ineptness of our city and state policies via word of mouth, and every social networking tool which maintains an audience.
Well, in order to park in front of my home, or on the street in general in downtown Denver, as in most domiciles of the city, it requires a parking permit. A free permit which you may obtain by strolling into the Department of Parking Works downtown (a mere few blocks from my house) and showing proof of residence. No big deal. The sticker is placed on the front window of your vehicle(s) and they even offer up to 2 guest permits (window hangars) for guests who wish to remain at your home for longer than 2 hours (which is the parking time limit for street parking). Every year thereafter, you may renew via mail by simply signing a form stating all previous info remains the same.
On September 3, 2010, I resubmitted info for the permit I already have and requested my two guest permits, via mail.
On September 24 (noted via mail stamp on envelope) I received this form letter:
We received your application for a Residential Parking Permit. You did not enclose the proper documentation to obtain a Residential Parking Permit. Please submit the following items that have been marked:
*to follow in the form letter, were numerous items which had no relevance to my situation, but I read diligently, wondering what could I have possibly forgotten, the small form only required drivers license number and signature - confirmation all information on record was the same.
I then reached the highlighted area, which someone duly took time to check and highlight for me, in case I wasn't intelligent enough to comprehend the marked line:
"Any outstanding parking tickets need to be paid before a residential parking permit can be issued. Please contact the Parking Cashier Office for further assistance"
AND
"Please return all required documentation including documents previously submitted"
[I highlight in bold because that's how it is highlighted in the letter]
Note: date I submitted request for new permit: September 03, 2010
Note: date letter stamped via PostMaster September 24, 2010
and
Note: date parking ticket I received (apparently in anticipation of request for parking permit):
September 21, 2010 1:13 p.m.
I can only assume, after driving downtown and being ticketed for "parking 18 inches away from curb" in front of banking structure, for 4 minutes while I used atm, the Residential Parking Office connected the license plate to the request for renewal and immediately sent out required form letter.
Here are my issues:
1) In effect, if the government is so prompt in sending out form letters to reject permits, why are they not so prompt in sending out permits... when request was sent 1 month prior to expiration and 3 weeks prior to vehicle being ticketed?
2) The definition of "outstanding"[out-stan-ding]
–adjective
1.
prominent; conspicuous; striking: an outstanding example of courage.
2.
marked by superiority or distinction; excellent; distinguished: an outstanding student.
3.
continuing in existence; remaining unsettled, unpaid, etc.: outstanding debts.
4.
(of securities and the like) publicly issued and sold or in circulation.
5.
standing out; projecting: a stiff, outstanding fabric.
6.
Archaic . that resists or opposes.
—Synonyms
1. eminent. 3. owing, due.
A. The ticket received on September 21, 2010 is not due until October 11, 2010 - hardly OUTSTANDING1. eminent. 3. owing, due.
B. There is an option to dispute the citation, which I fully intend on doing, for number of reasons - primarily, the one which indicates I was not parked 18 inches or more from the Goddamned curb. [Oh, you know I have photographic evidence in my favor]
3) Even if I had paid the citation the same day, placed my check in the mail on the eve of the 21st of September and it had been received on the afternoon of the 22nd or 23rd of September, there is no way in hell this letter could have been adjusted on the same day and my citation information updated to reflect payment by the afternoon of the 23rd before this mail went out on the 24th. That would lead to a massive inconsistency with the timeliness of the government and the original issue with why it took 3 weeks to produce my Permit in the 1st place.
WHAT GIVES?
This form letter, addressed to no one, is in fact an indication of everything wrong with the government and the impersonal attention given to tax paying, law abiding citizens who do indeed attempt to do the right thing all the time, pay tickets on time and choose to live on the right side of the street and are treated as common criminals with no INTENT to continue to do the right thing, even though proven historically.
I have no history of unpaid parking tickets (with Denver at least). In fact I have had only 1 parking citation in the last two years which were shown "paid" on the form letter they sent me. Yet, I am being held hostage to get a parking permit to park on the street in front of my house until I pay a parking ticket received 3 weeks after renewal application.
I don't bitch about much, but I am not appreciative.
In fact, I have composed a similar letter to the Department of Public works expressing my disgust at their offensive form letter and unfortunate display of stereotypical government "red tape" games, and indicated not only would I not be wasting my time (stamps, envelopes, etc) re-submitting application, but I would instead be parking my vehicle in my fucking garage, and expressing as powerfully as possible the ineptness of our city and state policies via word of mouth, and every social networking tool which maintains an audience.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Sexual Harassment and the English Language
"I have more than 9 years making my job..." ~ Ines Sainz
This was part of the response to the accusations of the Jets players (and coaches) by Ines Sainz this morning on the Early Show on CBS. Apparently after being hazed in the locker room while attempting to interview Jets player, Mark Sanchez, Ines tweeted her discomfort. While she did not formally charge the team, fellow reporters did. She has also since accepted a direct apology from the Jets team. She has denied her initial, "uncomfortable" feelings and is now stating it's no big deal.
Ms Sainz did state she has been in numerous locker rooms and done over 250 interviews with top athletes. She probably did not anticipate the national coverage of her statements via Twitter, and now possible repercussions of her statements. She had an invitation to the boys club and other professionals are threatening that invite with their public statements.
She wants to be viewed as a professional, as she should be, and takes her career very seriously.
That being said, in listening to her response, I was surprised by her grasp of the English language (or lack thereof). I understand she is a foreign reporter. But levels of professionalism and a basic comprehension of the language in the country where you report (or simply work for the rest of us) would seem to be necessary. I mean I've seen craigslist ads which require a grasp of the English language, why not a position which is seen and heard throughout the nation by a large percentage of Americans, on television, no less? Across the board, when you are masterminding an international media driven profession, shouldn't you be held to the same (if not higher) bar as everyone else in the country?
Maybe not.
I wish I was an international reporter, eh, English, it's just for silly Americans.
This was part of the response to the accusations of the Jets players (and coaches) by Ines Sainz this morning on the Early Show on CBS. Apparently after being hazed in the locker room while attempting to interview Jets player, Mark Sanchez, Ines tweeted her discomfort. While she did not formally charge the team, fellow reporters did. She has also since accepted a direct apology from the Jets team. She has denied her initial, "uncomfortable" feelings and is now stating it's no big deal.
Ms Sainz did state she has been in numerous locker rooms and done over 250 interviews with top athletes. She probably did not anticipate the national coverage of her statements via Twitter, and now possible repercussions of her statements. She had an invitation to the boys club and other professionals are threatening that invite with their public statements.
She wants to be viewed as a professional, as she should be, and takes her career very seriously.
That being said, in listening to her response, I was surprised by her grasp of the English language (or lack thereof). I understand she is a foreign reporter. But levels of professionalism and a basic comprehension of the language in the country where you report (or simply work for the rest of us) would seem to be necessary. I mean I've seen craigslist ads which require a grasp of the English language, why not a position which is seen and heard throughout the nation by a large percentage of Americans, on television, no less? Across the board, when you are masterminding an international media driven profession, shouldn't you be held to the same (if not higher) bar as everyone else in the country?
 |
| photo via changeinatmosphere.com |
I wish I was an international reporter, eh, English, it's just for silly Americans.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Remember...
Today marks the ninth anniversary of 9/11.
Today is my mother's birthday, *Happy Birthday Mama*.
Two weeks ago to the day, my son celebrated his 9th birthday.
Nine years ago today I watched in horror as terrorists took away our sense of security with a well planned attack against our country. With a new baby, I remember sobbing for 2 days thinking, "How could I have brought a child into such a horrible world."
Today, a new friend climbs stairs in honor (and respect) of the downed firefighters from 9/11; the men that sacrificed their lives everyday, but actually gave them for us on this day, nine years ago.
I work this afternoon at the airport. Silently, we all know what the impact of this tragic event nine years ago has had on the airline industry, but do we acknowledge the men and women who go to work in an airplane everyday to help restore America's faith in the industry?
I have been asked numerous times over the years how 9/11 affected my choice to become a flight attendant, and was that what prompted me to stop flying. Most people that know me know I did not become a flight attendant until after 9/11, and part of my choice was directly pinpointed at normal people doing normal things to do their part to keep this country (not only safe) but fearless. If women and men, no different than me (moms, students, housewives, writers) can stand up for our country, we all can.
I thought, if I can bring my smile to work everyday and make people feel better about flying... more safe... not afraid of what lurks... just enough to maybe do it one more time, I've done my part.
I would hope today every American takes at least one moment to think about 9/11, not just to remember the awful event that happened, but to recognize the impact of what each of us can do to stand strong in light of what happened. We all lost that day, but what can we gain today?
*no pictures...just memories today*
Today is my mother's birthday, *Happy Birthday Mama*.
Two weeks ago to the day, my son celebrated his 9th birthday.
Nine years ago today I watched in horror as terrorists took away our sense of security with a well planned attack against our country. With a new baby, I remember sobbing for 2 days thinking, "How could I have brought a child into such a horrible world."
Today, a new friend climbs stairs in honor (and respect) of the downed firefighters from 9/11; the men that sacrificed their lives everyday, but actually gave them for us on this day, nine years ago.
I work this afternoon at the airport. Silently, we all know what the impact of this tragic event nine years ago has had on the airline industry, but do we acknowledge the men and women who go to work in an airplane everyday to help restore America's faith in the industry?
I have been asked numerous times over the years how 9/11 affected my choice to become a flight attendant, and was that what prompted me to stop flying. Most people that know me know I did not become a flight attendant until after 9/11, and part of my choice was directly pinpointed at normal people doing normal things to do their part to keep this country (not only safe) but fearless. If women and men, no different than me (moms, students, housewives, writers) can stand up for our country, we all can.
I thought, if I can bring my smile to work everyday and make people feel better about flying... more safe... not afraid of what lurks... just enough to maybe do it one more time, I've done my part.
I would hope today every American takes at least one moment to think about 9/11, not just to remember the awful event that happened, but to recognize the impact of what each of us can do to stand strong in light of what happened. We all lost that day, but what can we gain today?
*no pictures...just memories today*
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