I’ve been doing a lot of reminiscing lately, back to 2 points of my life, relatively recent times for some reason, and I’m not sure why.
For a while now, I’ve spoken to some people about the summer of 2001, particularly the days leading up to September 11th. For some reason, I don’t remember much, if anything about them. A lot of people said “Well, you can’t remember every part of every day.” I realize this, I just find it odd that almost that whole summer is missing. I saw a documentary on the 2001 World Series and it mentioned that the night before the 11th, the Yankee game was rained out, but I honestly don’t remember that. I think one of the things that really set these thoughts into motion is when, a few months back I was looking through my Amazon.com wishlist. On September 10th, 2001, I put a book about the World Trade Center on the list.
Its probably just an eerie coincidence. I was watching another documentary(Yea, I watch a lot of them.) where they showed the towers at night, a few days before the attacks, and life just seemed simpler back then and I miss it. I miss those buildings.
There was a brief snippet in the documentary that showed a saxophone player on a city street at night, and you can tell it was one of those hot city days. Not brutal hot, but still steamy, and I miss that too. That’s probably due to the fact the temperature around here has averaged about 10 degrees the past couple of weeks.
But when I look back at “that time” it seems almost bizarre that it was only 7 years ago. In the grand scheme of things to me at least, 7 years shouldn’t be that long ago. But when I see these images, it just seems like centuries ago.
There is another delay with the Freedom Tower, which now seems as if it will never really get built. A lot of outsiders, not all, but a lot, seem to think that all of the delays are meaningless, and I’ll admit, sometimes I did too. But when you look at the big picture, you’re looking at a piece of land that is more then that. It is not a piece of land, it is a grave site, a crime scene and holy ground all in one, and no one answer will solve all the problems…and yet no one can seem to find any answer to any of the problems.
The other “time” I’ve been thinking about is when I worked in Manhattan at Hanley’s and again, I don’t know why.
I suppose part of me misses my daily commute into the city on the ferry, working across the street from the Empire State Building and though I’ll probably regret saying this, part of me misses Hanley’s? Not the store so much as the people…and not all the people, hell not even the whole time I was there, just for some reason the spring of 2003. It is immensely bizarre, but I can’t seem to get past it for some reason.
I think I need a vacation.
A Fan On A Soapbox. Thoughts And Photos? They're Mine Unless Otherwise Noted. If You Have An Opinion, Let's Hear It...But Be Polite.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Saturday will be the culmination of years and years of studying and practice for me. It is on this saturday, January 20th, 2007 that I will take the written entrance exam to become a New York City firefighter. My dream will finally, after years of painstaking preparation start to take shape. It has not always been an easy time, some times I have felt completely lost and desperate. During those times, i'm reminded of what Captain Timothy Stackpole once said.
Captain Stackpole was a firefighter in FDNY Division 11. In 1998 he was fighting a fire in Brooklyn when the floor gave way and he plunged 10 feet below, and was covered with burning debris. He was burned over 30 percent of his body, to the point where just the act of bending his legs caused extreme pain. His rehab was hard and long, and he could have easily retired with full benefits and then some.
He didn't. He came back to work, and when then fire commissioner Thomas Von Essen asked him why, Timmy simply said; "This is where I want to be." Captain Stackpole returned to work a few days before September 11th, and was killed that day.
If someone who suffered way more then they needed to can come back to the job because they love it that much, I damn well can get this job. Timothy's is one of hundreds of stories of the guys who didn't make it that day, and many of them have pushed through all sorts of adversity to reach their dream, and you better fucking believe I will too.
There's a sticker i've seen on a lot of the trucks and in the houses, and it says "FDNY: Still the greatest job on earth!" And I can't wait to be a part of that job. I know for a fact that it is not easy, and not always glorious, and there will be moments of absolute horror, but with them come moments of unimaginable pride. I want this more then anything I've ever wanted before, and nothing worth wanting ever came easy.
Tomorrow would have been my mom's birthday, and I know she would have wanted me to have this and i'm not just doing it to honor everyone in the city or in the FDNY, i'm doing this because I know how much she would want me to have it. And I know she would be proud of me.
Today I found out that NASCAR legend Benny Parsons lost his battle with lung cancer. I had the immense pleasure of meeting "BP", as he was affectionately called. I knew him, he, obviously didn't know me, yet he took the time to sit with me and just talk cars and racing for an hour. Me, a complete stranger, and him, a legend in his field. He treated me like he knew me, and I admired that, he was a down to earth man who kept true to his roots and what he loved. And to be honest, i will really miss him. He kept fighting till the very end, and I will too.
Captain Stackpole was a firefighter in FDNY Division 11. In 1998 he was fighting a fire in Brooklyn when the floor gave way and he plunged 10 feet below, and was covered with burning debris. He was burned over 30 percent of his body, to the point where just the act of bending his legs caused extreme pain. His rehab was hard and long, and he could have easily retired with full benefits and then some.
He didn't. He came back to work, and when then fire commissioner Thomas Von Essen asked him why, Timmy simply said; "This is where I want to be." Captain Stackpole returned to work a few days before September 11th, and was killed that day.
If someone who suffered way more then they needed to can come back to the job because they love it that much, I damn well can get this job. Timothy's is one of hundreds of stories of the guys who didn't make it that day, and many of them have pushed through all sorts of adversity to reach their dream, and you better fucking believe I will too.
There's a sticker i've seen on a lot of the trucks and in the houses, and it says "FDNY: Still the greatest job on earth!" And I can't wait to be a part of that job. I know for a fact that it is not easy, and not always glorious, and there will be moments of absolute horror, but with them come moments of unimaginable pride. I want this more then anything I've ever wanted before, and nothing worth wanting ever came easy.
Tomorrow would have been my mom's birthday, and I know she would have wanted me to have this and i'm not just doing it to honor everyone in the city or in the FDNY, i'm doing this because I know how much she would want me to have it. And I know she would be proud of me.
Today I found out that NASCAR legend Benny Parsons lost his battle with lung cancer. I had the immense pleasure of meeting "BP", as he was affectionately called. I knew him, he, obviously didn't know me, yet he took the time to sit with me and just talk cars and racing for an hour. Me, a complete stranger, and him, a legend in his field. He treated me like he knew me, and I admired that, he was a down to earth man who kept true to his roots and what he loved. And to be honest, i will really miss him. He kept fighting till the very end, and I will too.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Normally I don't talk about issues such as the ones I'm about to talk about, either because I don't know enough about them and don't want to sound foolish, or because everyone else has already done so and I don't want to "beat a dead horse" so to speak.
In 2004, Christopher Reeve, known the world over as Superman succumbed to injuries he sustained in a 1994 horse riding accident. He fought a long and hard battle, much like the hero he portrayed. He became a symbol of hope and courage not only on the silver screen, but in real life. His determination to do something as simple as walk, something we all take for granted made us all believe that there are better things in this world. He proved to truly be a Superman.
In 1991, fellow actor Michael J. Fox, probably best known to us as Marty McFly from the "Back To The Future" movies, was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease. This disease is crippling. It causes Tremors, speech disturbances, fatigue, just to name a few symptoms. Fox didn't come public with his condition until the late 90's. At first, he appeared to be doing OK, at least from what we can tell. Tonight, however, a friend sent me this brief clip of him in a recent commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9WB_PXjTBo
Now you see just how bad this disease can be. You may be asking just how this ties into Christopher Reeve. You will notice that Mr. Fox spoke about Stem Cell Research. This research could have potentially saved Christopher Reeves life, and it can also potentially save Michael's.
Now I know a little something about this after doing a paper on it for a college writing class last semester. I also know about the "controversy" behind it.
First, a stem-cell line is created from a group of other cells, these cells can replicate for a long time. This line is then given nutrients to help it continue to divide. The process of which this is done may embryonic cells, which can be done through something called Therapeutic Cloning. Now, I know that word "Cloning" sounds scary, but we are not talking cloning of actual people, we are talking cloning of cells. Cells that can and will save countless lives.
A team of Korean doctors transplanted cells into a paralyzed woman who had not been able to walk for nearly 20 years. This woman can now walk on her own without difficulty. While her condition was not as bad as Mr. Reeve's, this shows how amazing this process can be.
A procedure with healthy stem cells could potentially cure Michael J. Fox.
Stem Cell Research can also potentially lead to cures for everything from Lou Gehrigs disease, to blindness, to even baldness.
Then why do so many in this country suffer and die due to diseases that could be cured through this amazing science?
president bush chose not to permit funding on the research, citing the fact that it was "unethical" and against the catholic church. Well Mr. President, isn't allowing someone to die when they have the right to live unethical? And don't give me that religion bull. I'm tired of all these religious freaks deeming what is good and what isn't. Just because some book tells you it isn't right doesn't make it so. Now i'm not saying everyone should just go and listen to me, your beliefs are all yours. I am merely presenting my opinion on the subject.
Frankly, I don't want to have to see another person die when a cure could have been created but wasn't because commander coo-coo bananas is too busy deciding what country to invade next. Unethical my ass, georgie. I've said it before, and i'll say it again, religion is being exploited by far to many people for the wrong reasons. That is why I have a hole in my city.
Which leads me to my next topic.
In the spring of 2002, the mayor brought cleanup and recovery efforts at Ground Zero officially to an end. Everything cleaned up, no places left to dig, no more Bodies to recovery he said.
However, Across from where the towers once stood, at 130 Liberty Street, things were different. The building was ravaged so badly by the collapsing towers that it was declared a total loss and the process of demolishing it began. But, in September of last year, they began finding body parts on the roof of the building. Then this past March, workers removing now toxic materials began finding human bone fragments.
Naturally, families and friends of the victims were notably upset. These were their loved ones, almost thrown out with the trash. A complete and through examination of the building was done again and over 300 more bone fragments were found.
This past Thursday, October 19th, more then 5 YEARS later, on the western edge of the World Trade Center Site, electrical crews doing work on the "Freedom Tower" found more remains, in a manhole on the site. 5 years and they are still finding remains. This is not a criticism of the rescue crew that toiled non stop at that site for months and months on end. They were not trained in this type of work. That is the work of a professional anthropological team.
This team offered their assistance in the recovery efforts in 2002, while the recovery was still in an active state. The mayor, however, turned them down. No one is quite sure why he did that. One would easily think that now, after more then 90 bone fragments have been discovered in the past 6 days, the mayor would call in the experts.
Wrong. The mayor continues to show his thoughtlessness to the victims families and friends, and to the city. The mayor also refuses to stop "work" at the site while some crews do look for more remains. I used quotations because, 5 years later, nothing is being done down there. Its a political photo-op and nothing more. No memorial, no rebuilding, just a lot of back and forth. The mayor argues that shutting down the site to search for remains would set back the "timetable" of rebuilding. Well lemme ask you this mikey...how many times did you set back the timetable? This nonsense has to stop.
2,749 people didn't make it out that day. 1,151 of them have never been found. Now that more can be identified, the mayor shuns the notion of helping those who have been dealt an unbelievable tragedy. These people can be given at least some comfort in knowing that finally, there loved ones are at peace.
President and Mayor. These guys are supposed to be our leaders??
In 2004, Christopher Reeve, known the world over as Superman succumbed to injuries he sustained in a 1994 horse riding accident. He fought a long and hard battle, much like the hero he portrayed. He became a symbol of hope and courage not only on the silver screen, but in real life. His determination to do something as simple as walk, something we all take for granted made us all believe that there are better things in this world. He proved to truly be a Superman.
In 1991, fellow actor Michael J. Fox, probably best known to us as Marty McFly from the "Back To The Future" movies, was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease. This disease is crippling. It causes Tremors, speech disturbances, fatigue, just to name a few symptoms. Fox didn't come public with his condition until the late 90's. At first, he appeared to be doing OK, at least from what we can tell. Tonight, however, a friend sent me this brief clip of him in a recent commercial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9WB_PXjTBo
Now you see just how bad this disease can be. You may be asking just how this ties into Christopher Reeve. You will notice that Mr. Fox spoke about Stem Cell Research. This research could have potentially saved Christopher Reeves life, and it can also potentially save Michael's.
Now I know a little something about this after doing a paper on it for a college writing class last semester. I also know about the "controversy" behind it.
First, a stem-cell line is created from a group of other cells, these cells can replicate for a long time. This line is then given nutrients to help it continue to divide. The process of which this is done may embryonic cells, which can be done through something called Therapeutic Cloning. Now, I know that word "Cloning" sounds scary, but we are not talking cloning of actual people, we are talking cloning of cells. Cells that can and will save countless lives.
A team of Korean doctors transplanted cells into a paralyzed woman who had not been able to walk for nearly 20 years. This woman can now walk on her own without difficulty. While her condition was not as bad as Mr. Reeve's, this shows how amazing this process can be.
A procedure with healthy stem cells could potentially cure Michael J. Fox.
Stem Cell Research can also potentially lead to cures for everything from Lou Gehrigs disease, to blindness, to even baldness.
Then why do so many in this country suffer and die due to diseases that could be cured through this amazing science?
president bush chose not to permit funding on the research, citing the fact that it was "unethical" and against the catholic church. Well Mr. President, isn't allowing someone to die when they have the right to live unethical? And don't give me that religion bull. I'm tired of all these religious freaks deeming what is good and what isn't. Just because some book tells you it isn't right doesn't make it so. Now i'm not saying everyone should just go and listen to me, your beliefs are all yours. I am merely presenting my opinion on the subject.
Frankly, I don't want to have to see another person die when a cure could have been created but wasn't because commander coo-coo bananas is too busy deciding what country to invade next. Unethical my ass, georgie. I've said it before, and i'll say it again, religion is being exploited by far to many people for the wrong reasons. That is why I have a hole in my city.
Which leads me to my next topic.
In the spring of 2002, the mayor brought cleanup and recovery efforts at Ground Zero officially to an end. Everything cleaned up, no places left to dig, no more Bodies to recovery he said.
However, Across from where the towers once stood, at 130 Liberty Street, things were different. The building was ravaged so badly by the collapsing towers that it was declared a total loss and the process of demolishing it began. But, in September of last year, they began finding body parts on the roof of the building. Then this past March, workers removing now toxic materials began finding human bone fragments.
Naturally, families and friends of the victims were notably upset. These were their loved ones, almost thrown out with the trash. A complete and through examination of the building was done again and over 300 more bone fragments were found.
This past Thursday, October 19th, more then 5 YEARS later, on the western edge of the World Trade Center Site, electrical crews doing work on the "Freedom Tower" found more remains, in a manhole on the site. 5 years and they are still finding remains. This is not a criticism of the rescue crew that toiled non stop at that site for months and months on end. They were not trained in this type of work. That is the work of a professional anthropological team.
This team offered their assistance in the recovery efforts in 2002, while the recovery was still in an active state. The mayor, however, turned them down. No one is quite sure why he did that. One would easily think that now, after more then 90 bone fragments have been discovered in the past 6 days, the mayor would call in the experts.
Wrong. The mayor continues to show his thoughtlessness to the victims families and friends, and to the city. The mayor also refuses to stop "work" at the site while some crews do look for more remains. I used quotations because, 5 years later, nothing is being done down there. Its a political photo-op and nothing more. No memorial, no rebuilding, just a lot of back and forth. The mayor argues that shutting down the site to search for remains would set back the "timetable" of rebuilding. Well lemme ask you this mikey...how many times did you set back the timetable? This nonsense has to stop.
2,749 people didn't make it out that day. 1,151 of them have never been found. Now that more can be identified, the mayor shuns the notion of helping those who have been dealt an unbelievable tragedy. These people can be given at least some comfort in knowing that finally, there loved ones are at peace.
President and Mayor. These guys are supposed to be our leaders??
Monday, September 11, 2006
5 years. Has it really been that long? I started writing this at 1:47am. 5 years ago at this time, who knows what I was doing? Do many people, if any, really remember September 10th, 2001? It all seems almost non-existent to me. I’m pretty sure it was just a normal night, nothing out of the ordinary, nothing spectacular.
9 hours later everything was totally different. People were struggling, people were dying, people were helping others. In the face of absolute horror, an alarm bell rang out in peoples heads that told them “others need my help.” These people didn’t care if the person they were helping was black, white, Hindu, Jewish or anything like that. They cared because of compassion for a fellow being. Some of these people wore a suit and tie, some a t-shirt and jeans, and some a helmet and bunker coat. Some of these people helped with merely a window washing tool, others with a heavy axe.
Some had only the will and determination and a simple saying of “Let’s roll.”
For the past 5 years, many have called these acts heroic. To me, they are legendary. Heroes wear capes and jerseys. Those people, while heroic, do not posses the characteristics of legends who, despite facing certain death, pushed forward to give all of something to hope for. They gave us the hope that despite the horror we were facing at that moment, we would see another day. They gave us that chance.
Their sacrifice cannot be forgotten.
Many people heeded a call then. Many did not. They could have simply turned and walked away. But they didn’t. They rose up to the greatest challenge many would ever face, and not only succeeded, they far surpassed, perhaps even their own expectations. They showed us the power of will can be stronger then even physical strength. Many selfless acts were performed that day, and the days after.
These are people we probably wouldn’t have given a second glance to before. In this one day, a city and a nation stood up to a challenge of horrific proportions that no one could ever have imagined and selflessly persevered.
5 years ago right now it was 2:11am, September 11th, 2001. The last hours of “normal.” New York City was then the greatest city on earth, and since then has become even greater.
I love this town.
-Luke
9 hours later everything was totally different. People were struggling, people were dying, people were helping others. In the face of absolute horror, an alarm bell rang out in peoples heads that told them “others need my help.” These people didn’t care if the person they were helping was black, white, Hindu, Jewish or anything like that. They cared because of compassion for a fellow being. Some of these people wore a suit and tie, some a t-shirt and jeans, and some a helmet and bunker coat. Some of these people helped with merely a window washing tool, others with a heavy axe.
Some had only the will and determination and a simple saying of “Let’s roll.”
For the past 5 years, many have called these acts heroic. To me, they are legendary. Heroes wear capes and jerseys. Those people, while heroic, do not posses the characteristics of legends who, despite facing certain death, pushed forward to give all of something to hope for. They gave us the hope that despite the horror we were facing at that moment, we would see another day. They gave us that chance.
Their sacrifice cannot be forgotten.
Many people heeded a call then. Many did not. They could have simply turned and walked away. But they didn’t. They rose up to the greatest challenge many would ever face, and not only succeeded, they far surpassed, perhaps even their own expectations. They showed us the power of will can be stronger then even physical strength. Many selfless acts were performed that day, and the days after.
These are people we probably wouldn’t have given a second glance to before. In this one day, a city and a nation stood up to a challenge of horrific proportions that no one could ever have imagined and selflessly persevered.
5 years ago right now it was 2:11am, September 11th, 2001. The last hours of “normal.” New York City was then the greatest city on earth, and since then has become even greater.
I love this town.
-Luke
Monday, August 28, 2006
Yesterday there was a fire in the Bronx. A Bad one. Before it was all said and done, A rookie, or probationary firefighter, Micheal Reilly was killed. Today, Lt. Howard Carpluk succumbed to his injuries received while fighting the same fire.
It has been told to me that the job is dangerous and these things, sad as they may be, happen. This is something I know and have known since deciding to chose this career path. I know its dangerous. I know its hard, and I know its sad. That does not make this or any other incident in which a firefighter or any emergency worker is killed any easier to take.
A few minutes ago I heard someone saying "ohh the fashion at the Emmy's last night was so horrid." I immediately had to think to myself "how fucking shallow are these people?" People in this world are fighting for their lives and our lives, hell...one year ago, a hurricane caused people to live in rags for months, and shallow fucktards like these are bitching about fucking $700 dresses and tuxes?!? How about you send a lil bit of that money or a lil bit of those thoughts to people who actually deserve it?? Huh? Is that to much to ask?!
This world is becoming increasingly shallow and its really getting to get to me.
Where are the values and sense of truth in this world? What happened to the day when people would care about real things and actually try and solve problems? What happened to the good? Why does everyone care what stupid-ass celebrity is wearing or eating? What the hell is wrong with people?
It has been told to me that the job is dangerous and these things, sad as they may be, happen. This is something I know and have known since deciding to chose this career path. I know its dangerous. I know its hard, and I know its sad. That does not make this or any other incident in which a firefighter or any emergency worker is killed any easier to take.
A few minutes ago I heard someone saying "ohh the fashion at the Emmy's last night was so horrid." I immediately had to think to myself "how fucking shallow are these people?" People in this world are fighting for their lives and our lives, hell...one year ago, a hurricane caused people to live in rags for months, and shallow fucktards like these are bitching about fucking $700 dresses and tuxes?!? How about you send a lil bit of that money or a lil bit of those thoughts to people who actually deserve it?? Huh? Is that to much to ask?!
This world is becoming increasingly shallow and its really getting to get to me.
Where are the values and sense of truth in this world? What happened to the day when people would care about real things and actually try and solve problems? What happened to the good? Why does everyone care what stupid-ass celebrity is wearing or eating? What the hell is wrong with people?
Friday, February 10, 2006
So today the NYPD announced that theyre going to be purchasing some of the new Dodge "Chargers" as part of a pilot program to see what they can use to replace the Ford Crown Victoria and Chevy Impalas that theyre presently using.
http://assets.cobaltnitra.com/teams/repository/export/0c2/1c13855c0100487be0003ba703341/0c21c13855c0100487be0003ba703341_355x0.jpg
For starters, that P.O.S....ain't a charger. It's a glorified Chrysler 300 and lucky to be called that much. The real humor for me is the idea of NYPD using a car that was made famous by "The Dukes Of Hazzard." So this means that all the cops are gonna start sliding across their hoods, and "Pull the vehicle over" will now be replaced with "Ya'll pull the car over now ya hear?" But perhaps the one good thing to come outta this will be the possibilty of seeing some of the NYPD female officers wearing Daisy Duke Shorts...
http://www.apparelsearch.com/Definitions/DEFINITION%20IMAGES/Daisy_Dukes_Catherine_Bach_as_Daisy_Duke..jpg
Now to the FDNY...oh boy...Here, we have the Hazmat 1 unit, almost finished:
http://www.emtbravo.lunarpages.com/SpyShots/FDNYHazmat.html
And here we have the secondary piece to Hazmat 1:
http://www.emtbravo.com/SpecFeat/FDNYHazmat.jpg
Now you'll notice both of them have "Chrome" or "Silver" rims, or wheels. So could Hazmat 1 be switching their nickname from "Better living through chemistry" to "The Bling Boyz"? While they're at it, why not have jewel encrusted Hazmat suits? Install some hydruallics so the rigs can bounce to the scene? Have Sean John design some bunker gear? Maybe we can replace the chemical retardent foam with "Cristal"? (Yea I don't know exactly how its spelled either.)
To me this is just more proof the doomberg really is out of touch with...well...everything.
By the way...we have 211 athletes in the Olympics, which is more then the host country, Italy's 170 something. So should they just give us our medals now or have us wipe out almost everyone on international tv?
http://assets.cobaltnitra.com/teams/repository/export/0c2/1c13855c0100487be0003ba703341/0c21c13855c0100487be0003ba703341_355x0.jpg
For starters, that P.O.S....ain't a charger. It's a glorified Chrysler 300 and lucky to be called that much. The real humor for me is the idea of NYPD using a car that was made famous by "The Dukes Of Hazzard." So this means that all the cops are gonna start sliding across their hoods, and "Pull the vehicle over" will now be replaced with "Ya'll pull the car over now ya hear?" But perhaps the one good thing to come outta this will be the possibilty of seeing some of the NYPD female officers wearing Daisy Duke Shorts...
http://www.apparelsearch.com/Definitions/DEFINITION%20IMAGES/Daisy_Dukes_Catherine_Bach_as_Daisy_Duke..jpg
Now to the FDNY...oh boy...Here, we have the Hazmat 1 unit, almost finished:
http://www.emtbravo.lunarpages.com/SpyShots/FDNYHazmat.html
And here we have the secondary piece to Hazmat 1:
http://www.emtbravo.com/SpecFeat/FDNYHazmat.jpg
Now you'll notice both of them have "Chrome" or "Silver" rims, or wheels. So could Hazmat 1 be switching their nickname from "Better living through chemistry" to "The Bling Boyz"? While they're at it, why not have jewel encrusted Hazmat suits? Install some hydruallics so the rigs can bounce to the scene? Have Sean John design some bunker gear? Maybe we can replace the chemical retardent foam with "Cristal"? (Yea I don't know exactly how its spelled either.)
To me this is just more proof the doomberg really is out of touch with...well...everything.
By the way...we have 211 athletes in the Olympics, which is more then the host country, Italy's 170 something. So should they just give us our medals now or have us wipe out almost everyone on international tv?
Monday, January 23, 2006
One year ago today, three New York City legends went to work not knowing that they wouldn't return home. They did a job not everyone would do, they were New York City firefighters. There names were John Bellew, Curtis Meyran and Richard Sclafani. One year ago today they were killed in 2 seperate fires, one in Brooklyn and one in the Bronx. These men had families and friends.
4 other firefighters, Brendan Cawley, Eugene Stolowski, Jeffery Cool and Joseph DiBernado were seriously injured. Some to the point of having to leave the job.
Aristotle is quoted as saying; "We become just by performing just actions, temperate by performing temperate actions, and brave by performing brave actions."
What these men did and continue to do is not only brave, but legendary. To do what they do in a city like this is not at all the easiest task, but since the 1800's they have done this job, not for the glory or the fame, but for the love of the job. The camaraderie of the job is something not everyone can understand, for you have to expeirece it firsthand. In what other job do you sit down to dinner with the rest of the crew?
Many years from now, hopefully people will look back and remember these men as not only heroes, but as the legends they truly are.
4 other firefighters, Brendan Cawley, Eugene Stolowski, Jeffery Cool and Joseph DiBernado were seriously injured. Some to the point of having to leave the job.
Aristotle is quoted as saying; "We become just by performing just actions, temperate by performing temperate actions, and brave by performing brave actions."
What these men did and continue to do is not only brave, but legendary. To do what they do in a city like this is not at all the easiest task, but since the 1800's they have done this job, not for the glory or the fame, but for the love of the job. The camaraderie of the job is something not everyone can understand, for you have to expeirece it firsthand. In what other job do you sit down to dinner with the rest of the crew?
Many years from now, hopefully people will look back and remember these men as not only heroes, but as the legends they truly are.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Watching the news on the Mine...tragedy I guess you can call it now...it makes me actually sick to the stomach that a company can cover up the fact that 12 people didn't make it....not only that but have the nerve to make the families believe that they were alive...I feel sick...its not even anger that I feel...it's just shock...these are peoples lives and families that...just....i'm at a loss.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Well here it is....the end of 2005. It was an interesting year. Mother Nature showed she can be as fickle as a Hollywood marriage, she first gave us an endlessly freezing and snowy winter, followed by a warm and surprisingly super-stormy summer. We were also given the new "It couple" of Bush and Clinton following the Asian Tsunami. Frankly...that couple seems a lot more normal then Cruise and Holmes.
The Terri Schavio thing was a big deal for a few weeks here...then replaced by "mayor" Doombergs stadium debacle as he tried to get the Olympics for NYC...but surprise...no one here really wanted them! We got enough crowds. Thankfully the International Olympic Committee chose London, who subsequently suffered devastating terror attacks in July, further proving that the war on terror needs to be led by a true leader...RAMBO!...who will actually get another movie in which he not only fights osama, but also Old Sal who took Mr.Rambos fruit cup at the old folks home....not funny? gimmie a break, it's 3:30am.
Hollywood was big this year and I’m not just talking about the size of Star Jones Ass. Yes I know who Star Jones is. Sad I know. 2005 saw the return of "The Dukes Of Hazard"...yea...another remake, which in true remake fashion blew more then Tara Reid in a locker room. But wait! Peter Jackson’s "King Kong" gives us proof that maybe some remakes can be good...I say maybe because I haven't actually seen it yet for fear that it may make me wanna act like a monkey and throw poop at people.
The Space Shuttle finally returned to orbit and successfully to Earth...and was quickly re-grounded after having the same problem that ended Columbia's mission in tragedy. This re-grounding thus brought about a wave of criticism directed at NASA. But to the nay Sayers I say this; Have you any idea how difficult it is to put together and fly a piece of machinery such as the shuttle? It is the most sophisticated piece of machinery on Earth, and things can go wrong. Sometimes this ends tragically and sometimes it doesn't but you cannot fault an organization for its entire existence based on a few incidences.
The whole Scooter Libby thing confused me a tad. I get the general jist of the story...releasing a CIA agents name...not good. I mean if you're gonna be on the VP's staff, one would think you'd be a bit smarter, but his name is Scooter...Personally I think Cheney picked him just so he could have someone to make fun of when Dubya wasn't around. That’s what I’d do if I knew someone named Scooter.
April saw the flight of the worlds largest plane, The Airbus A380. The planes designers said that not only was it the safest plane, but that it would also never crash. I think I smell sequel for James Cameron and Leo!!!
And of course there was Katrina. Originally a Hurricane, it slowly built into a massive government screw up that could be saved by only one person...Sean Penn. That’s right, the humorless and smile less actor, sickened by the images of violence and overbearing press coverage quickly flew to New Orleans....with a shotgun and a photographer (Not me.). Katrina taught us many things. For instance, we learned that "Doin a heckuva job" is actually a coded way of saying "You're fucked." It also taught us that the Coast Guard does more then FEMA. It showed that the Weather Channel has an audience other then....well....me.
Death reared its head in more forms then Katrina and Turkey Flavored soda. The Pope died...and was then laid out like a display at Macys for a few days. Sam Anderson, the inventor of the Crash test dummy, finally slammed into that big Volvo in the sky. Johnnie Cochran passed away, much to the joy of L.A. District attorneys.
The years sports stories were also somethin to take note of this year. Though the Yankees didn't win it all, They still provoked Boston’s suicide rate to increase with the winter signing of "Caveman lawyer" Johnny Damon, the self professed "Idiot." Well said Johnnie.
Rafael Palmerio pointed his finger and congress and stated he didn't use performance enhancing drugs. Then he proceeded to make more commercials for Viagra until he was caught with his pants down and hand up Sammy Sosa’s ass.
Tiger Woods hit a tiny ball with a crooked stick and walked after it. Does anyone really care? I don't.
Philadelphia Eagles player Terrel Owens started talking. And wouldn't shut up. Much like me. Unlike him however, I don't have a jersey to burn.
The NHL had a work stoppage, leaving fans who wanted to see mindless morons wail on each other having to watch other sports such as boxing and everyone vs. Tom Cruise.
Nascar driver Tony Stewart gave what I think might be one of the better quotes of the year. After winning the Pepsi 400 at Daytona in July, Stewart proceeded to climb the 30 foot protection fence on the track and then huffed his way back to victory lane where he proclaimed "I'm too damn old and too damn fat to be climbing fences."
Nascar also furthered its attempt at landing a spot in NYC by continuing to move forward with its plans to build a track right here in Staten Island. I may be a Nascar fan, but I’d rather not see Carl Edwards doing back flips here. Move it to Queens.
Speaking of local news...anyone else find the transit strike kind of neat? I mean other then the sheer inconvenience of having to huff over the Manhattan bridge in Decembers -23 degree weather...it was good to see some people stand up to the evil empire known as the MTA. They even got to add to their slogan; "MTA, going your way....if your way is standing still." Granted the strike did little to benefit the workers, its further proof that New Yorkers can band together despite whatever faces us.
Personally for me, 2005 was a better year then previous. I met some pretty spiffy folks, from an immensely large man who can barely fit into a car, to a blonde Texan known for singing songs about Iodine. I learned things about some others...like Joeys solution to a missing car registration, or the fact that Speedy can make good use outta sweat pants.
I learned that when one door slams in your face, another 4 open, all with hands helping you up.
I learned that despite the fact I can be a total ass sometimes, I will always have friends who mean more then I ever knew. Friends that will put their life on the line, even when they don't have too.
I learned that you can find a friend in sometimes the unlikeliest of places, be it a radio station, or even Idaho.
You all kept me strong and gave me a new belief in the kindness of humanity, and I hope that will continue for years to come.
I learned that in some ways, you can go home again. But you must do so with caution.
I look forward to 2006. I hope to build on the momentum of 2005.
I may still be single and jobless, but I can at least say that I have a room that is really, really green.
I hope everyone has a safe, happy and fun 2006!
The Terri Schavio thing was a big deal for a few weeks here...then replaced by "mayor" Doombergs stadium debacle as he tried to get the Olympics for NYC...but surprise...no one here really wanted them! We got enough crowds. Thankfully the International Olympic Committee chose London, who subsequently suffered devastating terror attacks in July, further proving that the war on terror needs to be led by a true leader...RAMBO!...who will actually get another movie in which he not only fights osama, but also Old Sal who took Mr.Rambos fruit cup at the old folks home....not funny? gimmie a break, it's 3:30am.
Hollywood was big this year and I’m not just talking about the size of Star Jones Ass. Yes I know who Star Jones is. Sad I know. 2005 saw the return of "The Dukes Of Hazard"...yea...another remake, which in true remake fashion blew more then Tara Reid in a locker room. But wait! Peter Jackson’s "King Kong" gives us proof that maybe some remakes can be good...I say maybe because I haven't actually seen it yet for fear that it may make me wanna act like a monkey and throw poop at people.
The Space Shuttle finally returned to orbit and successfully to Earth...and was quickly re-grounded after having the same problem that ended Columbia's mission in tragedy. This re-grounding thus brought about a wave of criticism directed at NASA. But to the nay Sayers I say this; Have you any idea how difficult it is to put together and fly a piece of machinery such as the shuttle? It is the most sophisticated piece of machinery on Earth, and things can go wrong. Sometimes this ends tragically and sometimes it doesn't but you cannot fault an organization for its entire existence based on a few incidences.
The whole Scooter Libby thing confused me a tad. I get the general jist of the story...releasing a CIA agents name...not good. I mean if you're gonna be on the VP's staff, one would think you'd be a bit smarter, but his name is Scooter...Personally I think Cheney picked him just so he could have someone to make fun of when Dubya wasn't around. That’s what I’d do if I knew someone named Scooter.
April saw the flight of the worlds largest plane, The Airbus A380. The planes designers said that not only was it the safest plane, but that it would also never crash. I think I smell sequel for James Cameron and Leo!!!
And of course there was Katrina. Originally a Hurricane, it slowly built into a massive government screw up that could be saved by only one person...Sean Penn. That’s right, the humorless and smile less actor, sickened by the images of violence and overbearing press coverage quickly flew to New Orleans....with a shotgun and a photographer (Not me.). Katrina taught us many things. For instance, we learned that "Doin a heckuva job" is actually a coded way of saying "You're fucked." It also taught us that the Coast Guard does more then FEMA. It showed that the Weather Channel has an audience other then....well....me.
Death reared its head in more forms then Katrina and Turkey Flavored soda. The Pope died...and was then laid out like a display at Macys for a few days. Sam Anderson, the inventor of the Crash test dummy, finally slammed into that big Volvo in the sky. Johnnie Cochran passed away, much to the joy of L.A. District attorneys.
The years sports stories were also somethin to take note of this year. Though the Yankees didn't win it all, They still provoked Boston’s suicide rate to increase with the winter signing of "Caveman lawyer" Johnny Damon, the self professed "Idiot." Well said Johnnie.
Rafael Palmerio pointed his finger and congress and stated he didn't use performance enhancing drugs. Then he proceeded to make more commercials for Viagra until he was caught with his pants down and hand up Sammy Sosa’s ass.
Tiger Woods hit a tiny ball with a crooked stick and walked after it. Does anyone really care? I don't.
Philadelphia Eagles player Terrel Owens started talking. And wouldn't shut up. Much like me. Unlike him however, I don't have a jersey to burn.
The NHL had a work stoppage, leaving fans who wanted to see mindless morons wail on each other having to watch other sports such as boxing and everyone vs. Tom Cruise.
Nascar driver Tony Stewart gave what I think might be one of the better quotes of the year. After winning the Pepsi 400 at Daytona in July, Stewart proceeded to climb the 30 foot protection fence on the track and then huffed his way back to victory lane where he proclaimed "I'm too damn old and too damn fat to be climbing fences."
Nascar also furthered its attempt at landing a spot in NYC by continuing to move forward with its plans to build a track right here in Staten Island. I may be a Nascar fan, but I’d rather not see Carl Edwards doing back flips here. Move it to Queens.
Speaking of local news...anyone else find the transit strike kind of neat? I mean other then the sheer inconvenience of having to huff over the Manhattan bridge in Decembers -23 degree weather...it was good to see some people stand up to the evil empire known as the MTA. They even got to add to their slogan; "MTA, going your way....if your way is standing still." Granted the strike did little to benefit the workers, its further proof that New Yorkers can band together despite whatever faces us.
Personally for me, 2005 was a better year then previous. I met some pretty spiffy folks, from an immensely large man who can barely fit into a car, to a blonde Texan known for singing songs about Iodine. I learned things about some others...like Joeys solution to a missing car registration, or the fact that Speedy can make good use outta sweat pants.
I learned that when one door slams in your face, another 4 open, all with hands helping you up.
I learned that despite the fact I can be a total ass sometimes, I will always have friends who mean more then I ever knew. Friends that will put their life on the line, even when they don't have too.
I learned that you can find a friend in sometimes the unlikeliest of places, be it a radio station, or even Idaho.
You all kept me strong and gave me a new belief in the kindness of humanity, and I hope that will continue for years to come.
I learned that in some ways, you can go home again. But you must do so with caution.
I look forward to 2006. I hope to build on the momentum of 2005.
I may still be single and jobless, but I can at least say that I have a room that is really, really green.
I hope everyone has a safe, happy and fun 2006!
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Its 3am on Christmas and i'm dog tired but can't sleep for some reason so bear with me here...
Christmas. "Most wonderful time of the year" they say. Well who is "they" excatly? Is it the greedy corporations that will do anything and everything to cash in an extra buck? Is it the people who write the overly sappy holiday songs just becase they think it will cement them? Is it the sidewalk Santas who will no doubt ring their bell in your ear to get a few pennies for the red cross? No one really seems to know whos idea it is that this is the "most wonderful time of year." Is it really wonderful though?
Think of it this way, more stress, accidents, suicides, foreclosures and just genreal bad luck events take place this time of year. Now before you say to yourself "oh great another holiday downer.", I offer you the information that I don't intend for this to be a "down" writing.
Many people, myself included seem to have lost the christmas spirt as its affectionately called. I suppose this happens whence you hit a certian age or have a specific major life event occour. Whatever it may be, something inside you takes away that wonder and magic that you had before. Its not fair that it happens but it does. Yet, you know that deep down inside, tucked away...its still there, waiting for something amazing to happen to awaken it....or just maybe waiting for something tinily good to awaken it.
People complain and moan about traffic and crowds and say they'd be better off without them. Not nessacarilly true. Those crowds and that traffic is all going to, in some way put those extra few bucks for that christmas present in your pocket. That person who just cut you off might be rushing to their job at the mall to better serve you. Someone in that crowd will have enough kindness in their heart to help guide your lost little brother or sister back to you. In some way, everyone of the things you find troublesome will help you or someone you care about.
That hidden christmas spirit shows it self in weird, little ways sometimes. That little spark inside you that wants to be a kid again can be re-lit, you just have to beleive in the goodness of humankind.
Lots of people claim they are alone. This is not true, everyone has a friend, espeically this time of year, and as it was so excellently put in the classic, "Its a Wonderful Life", "No man[or woman] is a failure who has friends." You are not alone, especially at christmas.
For those of you who are thinking i've lost it...like I said, its 3am on christmas and I havent slept well lately. Good night and Merry Christmas.
Christmas. "Most wonderful time of the year" they say. Well who is "they" excatly? Is it the greedy corporations that will do anything and everything to cash in an extra buck? Is it the people who write the overly sappy holiday songs just becase they think it will cement them? Is it the sidewalk Santas who will no doubt ring their bell in your ear to get a few pennies for the red cross? No one really seems to know whos idea it is that this is the "most wonderful time of year." Is it really wonderful though?
Think of it this way, more stress, accidents, suicides, foreclosures and just genreal bad luck events take place this time of year. Now before you say to yourself "oh great another holiday downer.", I offer you the information that I don't intend for this to be a "down" writing.
Many people, myself included seem to have lost the christmas spirt as its affectionately called. I suppose this happens whence you hit a certian age or have a specific major life event occour. Whatever it may be, something inside you takes away that wonder and magic that you had before. Its not fair that it happens but it does. Yet, you know that deep down inside, tucked away...its still there, waiting for something amazing to happen to awaken it....or just maybe waiting for something tinily good to awaken it.
People complain and moan about traffic and crowds and say they'd be better off without them. Not nessacarilly true. Those crowds and that traffic is all going to, in some way put those extra few bucks for that christmas present in your pocket. That person who just cut you off might be rushing to their job at the mall to better serve you. Someone in that crowd will have enough kindness in their heart to help guide your lost little brother or sister back to you. In some way, everyone of the things you find troublesome will help you or someone you care about.
That hidden christmas spirit shows it self in weird, little ways sometimes. That little spark inside you that wants to be a kid again can be re-lit, you just have to beleive in the goodness of humankind.
Lots of people claim they are alone. This is not true, everyone has a friend, espeically this time of year, and as it was so excellently put in the classic, "Its a Wonderful Life", "No man[or woman] is a failure who has friends." You are not alone, especially at christmas.
For those of you who are thinking i've lost it...like I said, its 3am on christmas and I havent slept well lately. Good night and Merry Christmas.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Ok, this is gettin a wee bit...well...odd. For the second time in 2 months, people all over the city have called 911 reporting a sweet smell, very much like maple syrup or butterscotch all over town. The first time it happened at the end of October, FDNY, NYPD and OEM(Office of emergency managment) dispatched crews all over the city...and no source was ever found, and the smell disappeared within a few hours. People weren't complaining about it...but it was noticable enough that everyone had to find a source. Well yesterday at around 3:30 in the afternoon, the smell apparently returned. Personally I haven't smelled anything...other the the usual Staten Island smells. This is getting a little strange though I must admit...and when the OEM says that the smell is not dangerous, you gotta worry at least a little bit. Since the smell is pleasanat, we can definately eliminate it coming from jersey. Some people joke that IHOP is taking their marketing a little too far. Could be. If the smell can be smelled in Manhattan, The Bronx and Queens(Staten Island left out again...goodie), one would have to think that whatever the source is...it is most liekly mobile...or at least emmited from a few spots, carefully placed. It'd be kinda keen however, to have it continue in its mysterious ways for a while...If its not dangerous, and some people seem to enjoy it, I say let it smell.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
It's 3:18am and i'm sitting here with a bowl of rocky road topped with a lil bit of Cranberry syrup...cause...well...this time of year theres an abundence of Cranberry stuff (I don't care how abundence is spelled, it's 3am like I said).
The holidays are coming up, and they're supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year as the song goes. Well...not for me. Not for a lot of people. I don't know why, but I seem to have lost my holiday spirit. I want it back. When I was a kid, hell up till a few years ago, the weeks leading up to and following christmas were somethin else. There was this excitment and anticipation in the air. There was a crisp...joy to it.
Now it's gone...just up and left. Don't know where or why. Christmas comes now, and even though I try my best to put a happy spin on it...it doesn't work. When I see scenes of people rioting on "Black friday" and getting arrested...it just makes me wonder where it went wrong. It seems like almost everyone else is having a good time or at least superbly masking the bad time they're having.
People ask me what I want for Christmas...I tell them to donate to charities i've picked out. They laugh in my face...not all, but some. And it bugs me. Maybe the reason I want that is for others to be happy, which in turn makes me happy. I guess thats selfish? I dunno. All I know is that I think it's time for me to get my good christmas break. I wanna enjoy it this year and I don't know how.
I'm not saying I wanna go carrolling or drink 32 cartons of eggnog, but I want to have a christmas where I can genuinely smile and enjoy it again. I don't think it's too much to ask. I just wanna have a good time again and not feel alone. I want to feel like George Bailey did at the end of "It's a Wonderful Life"
The holidays are coming up, and they're supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year as the song goes. Well...not for me. Not for a lot of people. I don't know why, but I seem to have lost my holiday spirit. I want it back. When I was a kid, hell up till a few years ago, the weeks leading up to and following christmas were somethin else. There was this excitment and anticipation in the air. There was a crisp...joy to it.
Now it's gone...just up and left. Don't know where or why. Christmas comes now, and even though I try my best to put a happy spin on it...it doesn't work. When I see scenes of people rioting on "Black friday" and getting arrested...it just makes me wonder where it went wrong. It seems like almost everyone else is having a good time or at least superbly masking the bad time they're having.
People ask me what I want for Christmas...I tell them to donate to charities i've picked out. They laugh in my face...not all, but some. And it bugs me. Maybe the reason I want that is for others to be happy, which in turn makes me happy. I guess thats selfish? I dunno. All I know is that I think it's time for me to get my good christmas break. I wanna enjoy it this year and I don't know how.
I'm not saying I wanna go carrolling or drink 32 cartons of eggnog, but I want to have a christmas where I can genuinely smile and enjoy it again. I don't think it's too much to ask. I just wanna have a good time again and not feel alone. I want to feel like George Bailey did at the end of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Saturday, October 22, 2005
I need to clean. This house is a wreck. Actually what I need is more space. I have a lot of stuff in a tiny amount of space. This doesn't work out well.
I've noticed some of the comments on this blog are ad's. I don't like that. Any ad folks reading this...please stop. No one is interested in your lame ass product. Pick up your corny ad revenue and stick it some place else.
I've noticed some of the comments on this blog are ad's. I don't like that. Any ad folks reading this...please stop. No one is interested in your lame ass product. Pick up your corny ad revenue and stick it some place else.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
So here in NYC, we got a billionare "Mayor", mike bloomberg.(yes I know its not capitalized; he doesn't deserve that honor.)
Said Mayor and Governer Pataki last 4th of July laid the cornerstone for the freedom tower at Ground Zero. The tower to replace the World Trade Center towers. The Freedom Tower, planned height of 1776 symolibc feet would be the tallest building in the world.
Many buildings take at least a year to complete, skyscrapers obviously longer. One would think that the foundation and basement for the tower would be completed by this point right? Guess again. Absolutely NOTHING HAS BEEN BUILT. Security concerns that were brought up and ignored in the inital design process meant that the building had to be completely redesigned.
This is both a blessing and a "curse" as the saying goes. The following is the original design. Look it over and use the vomit bag at your left.
Now, i've spent a lot of time in lower Manhattan, and in this time i've had the chance to talk to a few construction workers who are rebuilding the subways and the now nearly completed World Trade Building 7. These are your hardcore, all out American steelworkers. These are the guys who walk on beams 10 inches wide, 900 feet off the ground. They know what they're doing. Imagine my shock to hear them say that the desgin could not be built! "physically impossible to build something like that." they said. IF these guys can't build it, no one can.
So, after finally caving into security concerns, the city, architectural firms, and state finally went about redesigning the tower and moving it further back from the street. The new design is this:
It's at least a little bit better. Not by much. They estimate that the project will be completed in 2010. 2010. Right. Sure. This proves even more how completely out of touch bloomberg is with the common citizen, the one who voted for him, the ones who make this city run, who make it what it is.
They say 2010...yet still nothing has been done. The new plans were released in June and nothing has been started. Whats the excuse this time mikey? trying to fit a stadium in there too? It shouldn't be to much of a surprise that nothing is done however, becuase we can't even get a mile of highway paved in under 3 years, let alone build a tower.
I, personally do not want anything built on this site. I say leave the hole as a reminder. You don't build on a gravesite. Plain and simple. Others say you need to replace lost commerical and retail space. Ok, if its that important, consider this. Much of lower Manhattan, especially the site of the World Trade Center sits on landfill. Not garbage, just land dug up and place there to extend what was already there. If this precious office space is so damn important, why not do the same thing uptown or in another, larger borough?
Why? Because the mayor is completely out of touch. Teachers just recently recieved a contract after working without one for 2 years. The Police officers recently recieved a new contract, yet firefighers remain without one, another clear sign of how little bloomberg cares about the citys bravest. The mayor concerns himself only with building stadiums, of which the city already has pleanty of and needs no more. He goes about on mindless quests attempting to get these stadiums approved.
One could look to the citys thankfully failed bid at getting the Olympics and a west side stadium. An overwhelming majority of New Yorkers did not want the stadium or the Olympics. Did the mayor hear the concerns of the citizens? NO. Why? Because he is a rich, arrogant man who does not know how to run a city. Money can only get you so far. The respect of the people is a far greater gain. You need to boost morale and make the city liveable for people who don't drive 12 cars and live in 4 story appartments. This man has failed to do that. And now he wants to continue doing it. Four more years of this headstrong jagoff is not going to help New York.
I point to the South Bronx. Yankee stadium. An American Insitution. A landmark. A place where countless memories have taken place. Now scheduled to be replaced by a more modern stadium The reasoning? "It's an 80+ year old building." That, I suppose is old, but lets move a little south, to Queens, and Shea Stadium, home of the Mets. Built in the 60's, Shea is in good shape. Yet, this to is scheduled to be replaced, with the same reason cited.
These were built in the 20th century and you mean to tell me that jsut because they're old they need to be replaced? They still function a hell of a lot better then most buildings, and sentimentally hold far greater value then any ballpark built within the past 10 years. But they're "old" says the Mayor. The I guess he's going to start razing the buildings in lower Manhattan that have been around since colonial times, such as Fraunces Tavern and Delmonico's resturant? Perhaps he'd like to update the Statue of Liberty with one of Jessica Alba? Wiping out historical places simply because of the fact your ass is to lazy to renovate and repair them is not a good excuse. If you're rich enough to have you're own tv station, spring for some crack sealer for Castle Clinton. It's about $8 down at Lowes.
Instead of spending all this money flooding my TV with lame re-election ads, bloomberg should using the money to create low income housing for people who need it. He should be cutting tuition for CUNY students...although I beleive he claimed thats the states deal...Really? then why is it called the CITY university of New York? If the Mayor would stop patting himself on the back so god damned much, he'd realize how bad he is for New York and take his private jet elsewhere. He is not a real New Yorker. A real New Yorker would have fixed this problem already.
Said Mayor and Governer Pataki last 4th of July laid the cornerstone for the freedom tower at Ground Zero. The tower to replace the World Trade Center towers. The Freedom Tower, planned height of 1776 symolibc feet would be the tallest building in the world.
Many buildings take at least a year to complete, skyscrapers obviously longer. One would think that the foundation and basement for the tower would be completed by this point right? Guess again. Absolutely NOTHING HAS BEEN BUILT. Security concerns that were brought up and ignored in the inital design process meant that the building had to be completely redesigned.
This is both a blessing and a "curse" as the saying goes. The following is the original design. Look it over and use the vomit bag at your left.
Now, i've spent a lot of time in lower Manhattan, and in this time i've had the chance to talk to a few construction workers who are rebuilding the subways and the now nearly completed World Trade Building 7. These are your hardcore, all out American steelworkers. These are the guys who walk on beams 10 inches wide, 900 feet off the ground. They know what they're doing. Imagine my shock to hear them say that the desgin could not be built! "physically impossible to build something like that." they said. IF these guys can't build it, no one can.
So, after finally caving into security concerns, the city, architectural firms, and state finally went about redesigning the tower and moving it further back from the street. The new design is this:
It's at least a little bit better. Not by much. They estimate that the project will be completed in 2010. 2010. Right. Sure. This proves even more how completely out of touch bloomberg is with the common citizen, the one who voted for him, the ones who make this city run, who make it what it is.
They say 2010...yet still nothing has been done. The new plans were released in June and nothing has been started. Whats the excuse this time mikey? trying to fit a stadium in there too? It shouldn't be to much of a surprise that nothing is done however, becuase we can't even get a mile of highway paved in under 3 years, let alone build a tower.
I, personally do not want anything built on this site. I say leave the hole as a reminder. You don't build on a gravesite. Plain and simple. Others say you need to replace lost commerical and retail space. Ok, if its that important, consider this. Much of lower Manhattan, especially the site of the World Trade Center sits on landfill. Not garbage, just land dug up and place there to extend what was already there. If this precious office space is so damn important, why not do the same thing uptown or in another, larger borough?
Why? Because the mayor is completely out of touch. Teachers just recently recieved a contract after working without one for 2 years. The Police officers recently recieved a new contract, yet firefighers remain without one, another clear sign of how little bloomberg cares about the citys bravest. The mayor concerns himself only with building stadiums, of which the city already has pleanty of and needs no more. He goes about on mindless quests attempting to get these stadiums approved.
One could look to the citys thankfully failed bid at getting the Olympics and a west side stadium. An overwhelming majority of New Yorkers did not want the stadium or the Olympics. Did the mayor hear the concerns of the citizens? NO. Why? Because he is a rich, arrogant man who does not know how to run a city. Money can only get you so far. The respect of the people is a far greater gain. You need to boost morale and make the city liveable for people who don't drive 12 cars and live in 4 story appartments. This man has failed to do that. And now he wants to continue doing it. Four more years of this headstrong jagoff is not going to help New York.
I point to the South Bronx. Yankee stadium. An American Insitution. A landmark. A place where countless memories have taken place. Now scheduled to be replaced by a more modern stadium The reasoning? "It's an 80+ year old building." That, I suppose is old, but lets move a little south, to Queens, and Shea Stadium, home of the Mets. Built in the 60's, Shea is in good shape. Yet, this to is scheduled to be replaced, with the same reason cited.
These were built in the 20th century and you mean to tell me that jsut because they're old they need to be replaced? They still function a hell of a lot better then most buildings, and sentimentally hold far greater value then any ballpark built within the past 10 years. But they're "old" says the Mayor. The I guess he's going to start razing the buildings in lower Manhattan that have been around since colonial times, such as Fraunces Tavern and Delmonico's resturant? Perhaps he'd like to update the Statue of Liberty with one of Jessica Alba? Wiping out historical places simply because of the fact your ass is to lazy to renovate and repair them is not a good excuse. If you're rich enough to have you're own tv station, spring for some crack sealer for Castle Clinton. It's about $8 down at Lowes.
Instead of spending all this money flooding my TV with lame re-election ads, bloomberg should using the money to create low income housing for people who need it. He should be cutting tuition for CUNY students...although I beleive he claimed thats the states deal...Really? then why is it called the CITY university of New York? If the Mayor would stop patting himself on the back so god damned much, he'd realize how bad he is for New York and take his private jet elsewhere. He is not a real New Yorker. A real New Yorker would have fixed this problem already.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Ok...racists...fuck off. It's getting old. So you don't like Black people, you don't get along with Jewish people. It's the 21st fucking century. There is nothing wrong with them, you're the ones who are screwed up and wrong. DEAL WITH IT. Be a normal respectable human like the rest of us. You'd be surprised what you can learn from forigen cultures too, some of that stuff is good, you should get on it. Use that part of your brain that lets you have a heart. It's there for a specific purpose. USE IT.
You moody bipolar whiny overly emotional crybabies. I have zero, I repeat zero sympathy for you. So what if it's cloudy out? It's not a reason to be sad and whiny. If you really hate the world and your life that much, do us all a favor and kill yourself. Matter of fact, do it on national TV. It'll make TV fun for us all again, because frankly no one really gives a shit which celebrity is fat and what a bum from Nebraska is doin on a tropical island. We really don't care. We, as a people like the ambient noise that this shit creates.
The people who refuse to talk to others because of their political affiliation need to be beaten in the back of the head with a sharpened basbeball bat dipped in Arsneic. So I don't like republicans...BIG FUCKING DEAL. In the course of our friend,realtion, or family ship, it's not goint to matter as much as you all think it will who I support. Unless of course the next president decides to put us all on a rocket to Neptune...you shouldn't care what bureaucratic blowhard signs a bill that will give a 90 year old medication to get laid. If you don't want to talk to someone because they have a different political opnion then yours, or if you want to dislike that person I want you to find the nearest gabage disposer, shove your leg in it and turn it on.
All of you oeverly hyped up, stressed out people are annoying. So you can't afford to get more bling on your hummer...I hope you and your hummer go rolling down a hill in a big ball of flame. There are people in the gulf section of America who don'ty even have a home. Yes, thats right, America. Not Iraq, not South Africa, AMERICA. Helping others is indeed nice, but we need to help us right now. Sitting on our asses and disscussing things in committees...surprise...gets jack shit done. So put the pen down, stop gassing up your BMW and roll up your sleeves and do something.
If you have a job, or a title, you need to fufill said position and lead with a stong, firm, but respectful hand. You need people on your said and a diplomatic soloution to 95% of the problems you could face. If you can't do this you need to be tossed into a vat of sulfuric acid in front of your family.
Oh, and we live in a day in age where we have cell phones, regualr phones, email, IM, text messaging, snail mail, smoke signals, and cans with string. So when it comes to contacting someone...if you don't want to talk to someone, simply say that. Don't leave them hanging. It really makes you look like a complete and utter idiot. The "to busy excuse" doesn't fly any more either. AS noted just a few short words ago, we have many forms of communication nowadays. USE THEM.
This being said, Fuck all.
You moody bipolar whiny overly emotional crybabies. I have zero, I repeat zero sympathy for you. So what if it's cloudy out? It's not a reason to be sad and whiny. If you really hate the world and your life that much, do us all a favor and kill yourself. Matter of fact, do it on national TV. It'll make TV fun for us all again, because frankly no one really gives a shit which celebrity is fat and what a bum from Nebraska is doin on a tropical island. We really don't care. We, as a people like the ambient noise that this shit creates.
The people who refuse to talk to others because of their political affiliation need to be beaten in the back of the head with a sharpened basbeball bat dipped in Arsneic. So I don't like republicans...BIG FUCKING DEAL. In the course of our friend,realtion, or family ship, it's not goint to matter as much as you all think it will who I support. Unless of course the next president decides to put us all on a rocket to Neptune...you shouldn't care what bureaucratic blowhard signs a bill that will give a 90 year old medication to get laid. If you don't want to talk to someone because they have a different political opnion then yours, or if you want to dislike that person I want you to find the nearest gabage disposer, shove your leg in it and turn it on.
All of you oeverly hyped up, stressed out people are annoying. So you can't afford to get more bling on your hummer...I hope you and your hummer go rolling down a hill in a big ball of flame. There are people in the gulf section of America who don'ty even have a home. Yes, thats right, America. Not Iraq, not South Africa, AMERICA. Helping others is indeed nice, but we need to help us right now. Sitting on our asses and disscussing things in committees...surprise...gets jack shit done. So put the pen down, stop gassing up your BMW and roll up your sleeves and do something.
If you have a job, or a title, you need to fufill said position and lead with a stong, firm, but respectful hand. You need people on your said and a diplomatic soloution to 95% of the problems you could face. If you can't do this you need to be tossed into a vat of sulfuric acid in front of your family.
Oh, and we live in a day in age where we have cell phones, regualr phones, email, IM, text messaging, snail mail, smoke signals, and cans with string. So when it comes to contacting someone...if you don't want to talk to someone, simply say that. Don't leave them hanging. It really makes you look like a complete and utter idiot. The "to busy excuse" doesn't fly any more either. AS noted just a few short words ago, we have many forms of communication nowadays. USE THEM.
This being said, Fuck all.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Here we are again. 4 years past now. 4 years and a lot has changed, but in many ways, a lot has not. 4 years I’ve been doing emails and rants and speeches with responses ranging from people telling me it's best to forget to people thankful that I still among those who care to remember. I do not dwell on this day, I merely seek to remind those who seem to have forgotten.
I won't stop doing these, and i'll tell you why. First of all, I am a creature of habit. I'm loyal to many things. And to me, this day is sacred. I feel it is important for people to remember and reflect. It shouldn't be shunned, avoided or forgotten. To many people, the day means many things. I don't plan what I write when I do these. This comes out of whatever is in my head, my heart, whatever. This is pure and raw. Laugh if you chose, cry if you chose, but all I ask when you see these is that you read, listen and think about it.
The day September 11th 2001 was much like the day today is supposed to be...weather wise anyway. Clear, warm, beautiful. Indian summer some call it.
If you've ever been to the World Trade Center site, or Ground Zero as it is now known, you'll see a variety of things. In an odd way, nothing has changed. Tourists flock to the site at the corner of Liberty and Church Streets and take pictures. Street peddlers offer various knockoff knickknacks that are overpriced. Businessmen and women rush to work and jab on their cell phones. New York City at its most normal.
Step a few feet more and you encounter a tall steel gate that appears to go on forever. Imagine if you will that this gate was not there. You find yourself in the heart of it. The spot where 2,749 people were lost. Right now, it seems to be a construction site. But if you move up a bit to the corner of Church and Vesey, You'll see what remains of a concrete stairwell, maybe 15 or 16 stairs left, battered and broken but still standing. Still standing after facing unimaginable heat, immense pressure from the tons and tons of steel that lay upon it. But still, it stands.
It stands as a solemn reminder of that day. Of the pain and of the heroism and of the hope. People, scared, terrified ran down those stairs and into the relative safety of the streets. People, scared, terrified ran up those stairs to get others out. These stairs may be gone in time, removed to move on with the rebuilding process, but these stairs will mean something, to me at least. Running to achieve the dream that is living your life to the fullest.
Running is something else that brings the day closer to home for me. Last September, I competed in my first Tunnel to Towers run. The run is in honor of Firefighter Stephen Siller. Stephen was a husband and father of 5. On September 11th, Stephen had just gotten off duty when he heard the news. He then ran from the through the Brooklyn Battery tunnel to the towers. He wasn't seen again. The run retraces his steps and benefits many children’s charities that Stephen supported and was a part of.
As you continue along Vesey Street, you’ll walk up a set of newly created steps along a walkway that is alongside the newly rebuilt World Trade Building 7. It is a very quiet area, something difficult to find among all the tourists and construction. If you stop about midway on this staircase, you will have a clear, unobstructed view of pretty much the entire site.
It's at this spot that it hits me. How much we have lost. Lost over the senseless teachings of a madman. But after the anger, I remember the hours and days following. The courage and hope and overwhelming will to not let this beat us. And it is then I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and hope. There was a spot on the West Side Highway, a little north of the site, where thousands of regular people camped out throughout the recovery process. They cheered and high fived every rescue worker who left that site. The spot was named "Point Thank You."
When I think of things like that, and the overwhelming generosity following that day, I get a sense of pride unlike any other. Pride in my city, pride in my country.
Those of you who know me at least a little, know how much I am looking forward to taking the written exam for the New York City Fire Department next year, and working for the department. Every firehouse in New York City has thier own indvidual logo, each one meaning something different, from an inside joke to something that honors a fallen member, every house has something different. These logos are displayed on everything from the sides of the trucks, to the Patches that the members wear on their gear.
There is a firehouse here on Staten Island, Ladder Company 79/Battalion 22. Their Patch features a bald eagle on it. The reason the eagle is a symbol for this nation, and perhaps that firehouse is that it is the bird least afraid of a storm, the bird strong enough to soar through and above it.
It is that kind of determination and courage that makes life good for all of us again. And it is with the word courage that I will end this rant. John Wayne once said, "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."
I won't stop doing these, and i'll tell you why. First of all, I am a creature of habit. I'm loyal to many things. And to me, this day is sacred. I feel it is important for people to remember and reflect. It shouldn't be shunned, avoided or forgotten. To many people, the day means many things. I don't plan what I write when I do these. This comes out of whatever is in my head, my heart, whatever. This is pure and raw. Laugh if you chose, cry if you chose, but all I ask when you see these is that you read, listen and think about it.
The day September 11th 2001 was much like the day today is supposed to be...weather wise anyway. Clear, warm, beautiful. Indian summer some call it.
If you've ever been to the World Trade Center site, or Ground Zero as it is now known, you'll see a variety of things. In an odd way, nothing has changed. Tourists flock to the site at the corner of Liberty and Church Streets and take pictures. Street peddlers offer various knockoff knickknacks that are overpriced. Businessmen and women rush to work and jab on their cell phones. New York City at its most normal.
Step a few feet more and you encounter a tall steel gate that appears to go on forever. Imagine if you will that this gate was not there. You find yourself in the heart of it. The spot where 2,749 people were lost. Right now, it seems to be a construction site. But if you move up a bit to the corner of Church and Vesey, You'll see what remains of a concrete stairwell, maybe 15 or 16 stairs left, battered and broken but still standing. Still standing after facing unimaginable heat, immense pressure from the tons and tons of steel that lay upon it. But still, it stands.
It stands as a solemn reminder of that day. Of the pain and of the heroism and of the hope. People, scared, terrified ran down those stairs and into the relative safety of the streets. People, scared, terrified ran up those stairs to get others out. These stairs may be gone in time, removed to move on with the rebuilding process, but these stairs will mean something, to me at least. Running to achieve the dream that is living your life to the fullest.
Running is something else that brings the day closer to home for me. Last September, I competed in my first Tunnel to Towers run. The run is in honor of Firefighter Stephen Siller. Stephen was a husband and father of 5. On September 11th, Stephen had just gotten off duty when he heard the news. He then ran from the through the Brooklyn Battery tunnel to the towers. He wasn't seen again. The run retraces his steps and benefits many children’s charities that Stephen supported and was a part of.
As you continue along Vesey Street, you’ll walk up a set of newly created steps along a walkway that is alongside the newly rebuilt World Trade Building 7. It is a very quiet area, something difficult to find among all the tourists and construction. If you stop about midway on this staircase, you will have a clear, unobstructed view of pretty much the entire site.
It's at this spot that it hits me. How much we have lost. Lost over the senseless teachings of a madman. But after the anger, I remember the hours and days following. The courage and hope and overwhelming will to not let this beat us. And it is then I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and hope. There was a spot on the West Side Highway, a little north of the site, where thousands of regular people camped out throughout the recovery process. They cheered and high fived every rescue worker who left that site. The spot was named "Point Thank You."
When I think of things like that, and the overwhelming generosity following that day, I get a sense of pride unlike any other. Pride in my city, pride in my country.
Those of you who know me at least a little, know how much I am looking forward to taking the written exam for the New York City Fire Department next year, and working for the department. Every firehouse in New York City has thier own indvidual logo, each one meaning something different, from an inside joke to something that honors a fallen member, every house has something different. These logos are displayed on everything from the sides of the trucks, to the Patches that the members wear on their gear.
There is a firehouse here on Staten Island, Ladder Company 79/Battalion 22. Their Patch features a bald eagle on it. The reason the eagle is a symbol for this nation, and perhaps that firehouse is that it is the bird least afraid of a storm, the bird strong enough to soar through and above it.
It is that kind of determination and courage that makes life good for all of us again. And it is with the word courage that I will end this rant. John Wayne once said, "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."
Friday, September 09, 2005
I'm beyond exhuasted and i've written 3 Banner articles in the past week, so why am I writing now? Becasue I need to fill up time while i'm waiting to be appointed next FEMA boss. People seem to be either happy with the way the government is handiling the situation or blasting them. I'm not thrilled with the way people are being treated down there. Ya really gotta wonder what the deal is when we can send shitloads of aid to anywhere in the world but when parts of our own country get flooded, the government moesys in a week later with the help. But it's ok, because Micheal Brown is in charge of FEMA. Whats that? He got removed? Oh...well, i'm sure he's taking it well. Oh...he's drinking Margaritas you say? Hm...wonder what the people in Biloxi are drinking...oh thats right...NOTHING! because they died waiting for lard ass to get crews down there.
I remember seeing a story somwehere about a couple from New Mexico who drove to New Orleans with their swamp boat to rescue people. Then of course there is the New York contingent of FDNY and NYPD who went down there with "The Spirit of Louisiana", a rig donated by their residents after 9/11. This type of help in the fire service is commonly reffered to as mutual aid. In times like this, this is the best mutual aid imaginable.
Another good thing to come out of this is the shockingly excellent news coverage. As Jon Stewart said... "it's amazing to see that these people have legs." Be it Geraldo Rivera tearing up while holding a baby, Shepard Smith essentially telling Sean Hannity to fuck himself, Anderson Cooper giving a senator an ass whipping of a speech or my personal favorite, Channel 2's Lou Young helping people out of the water, the fact that the press is helping out more then certain other agencies is nothing short of amazing.
It's going to take years, perhaps even decades, but I have no doubt in my mind that New Orleans and the gulf coast will rise once again with a spirit only the United States of America can muster. And i'll gladly take a vacation down there.(I'll take a vacation damn near anywhere at this point.)
Lance Armstrong. People need to lay the fuck off the man. Someone tried suing him today cause he wouldn't help them open a bike shop. Then the steroid allegations. Listen to me, everyone. The man is amazing. He beat an illness in a way that no one else could. He did the unimaginable and won that race 7 times. 7 times. You know how hard it is to win it once? or even win a stage of it? 90% of the earths population couldn't do it and hes done it 7 times. He's been scrutinized and tested more times then I can count and people still send accusations his way. "He's doping." "He is using performance enhancing drugs." Fuck you. Admit that the man is great and is doing great things worldwide and be graceful in defeat you whiny stuck up fucktards. I'm fucking sick of it. Leave him alone.
I remember seeing a story somwehere about a couple from New Mexico who drove to New Orleans with their swamp boat to rescue people. Then of course there is the New York contingent of FDNY and NYPD who went down there with "The Spirit of Louisiana", a rig donated by their residents after 9/11. This type of help in the fire service is commonly reffered to as mutual aid. In times like this, this is the best mutual aid imaginable.
Another good thing to come out of this is the shockingly excellent news coverage. As Jon Stewart said... "it's amazing to see that these people have legs." Be it Geraldo Rivera tearing up while holding a baby, Shepard Smith essentially telling Sean Hannity to fuck himself, Anderson Cooper giving a senator an ass whipping of a speech or my personal favorite, Channel 2's Lou Young helping people out of the water, the fact that the press is helping out more then certain other agencies is nothing short of amazing.
It's going to take years, perhaps even decades, but I have no doubt in my mind that New Orleans and the gulf coast will rise once again with a spirit only the United States of America can muster. And i'll gladly take a vacation down there.(I'll take a vacation damn near anywhere at this point.)
Lance Armstrong. People need to lay the fuck off the man. Someone tried suing him today cause he wouldn't help them open a bike shop. Then the steroid allegations. Listen to me, everyone. The man is amazing. He beat an illness in a way that no one else could. He did the unimaginable and won that race 7 times. 7 times. You know how hard it is to win it once? or even win a stage of it? 90% of the earths population couldn't do it and hes done it 7 times. He's been scrutinized and tested more times then I can count and people still send accusations his way. "He's doping." "He is using performance enhancing drugs." Fuck you. Admit that the man is great and is doing great things worldwide and be graceful in defeat you whiny stuck up fucktards. I'm fucking sick of it. Leave him alone.
Monday, August 08, 2005
On April 5th 2005, ABC News anchor Peter Jennings announced to the world that he was battling lung cancer. It had been specualted for weeks that something was indeed amiss in regards to Jennings, who had missed covering the Pope's passing. When he announced his battle, he stated with strong will that he would be back. Everyone, myself included knew that he would be. Over his 50+ years of journalism, he had exhibited a tenacity unlike any other. It is that tenacity that made it much more shocking to hear that Mr. Jennings had passed away yesterday at the age of 67.
I had always been a news buff and had a great deal of respect for Mr. Jennings and his ability to throw himself headlong into a story. Not many journalists can do what he did, and many of todays journalists will have a lot to live up to to even approach the level of professionalism and compassion that he exhibited almost nightly.
He stayed ont the air for 60 hours during the September 11th attacks. He covered the civil rights movement and gained the respect of minorities when few could. He covered wars and tragadies, elections and scandals and did it exemplaryly.
He will be sorely missed.
I had always been a news buff and had a great deal of respect for Mr. Jennings and his ability to throw himself headlong into a story. Not many journalists can do what he did, and many of todays journalists will have a lot to live up to to even approach the level of professionalism and compassion that he exhibited almost nightly.
He stayed ont the air for 60 hours during the September 11th attacks. He covered the civil rights movement and gained the respect of minorities when few could. He covered wars and tragadies, elections and scandals and did it exemplaryly.
He will be sorely missed.
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