hgf

Thinking of all my coastal and pacific friends today.  Stay safe.

The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief.

I have to wonder if apathy is stronger than outrage.

Is it enough to be outraged over what happened in Wisconsin today?  Will it make enough of a difference for people tor rise up and change the government so this not only won't stand, but can't be done again?

I have my doubts. 

Up and out this morning before 6am.  Just shows how easy it si for handsome young men to talk me into just about anything.

and so it goes:

Such as we are made of, such we be.

Identifying a problem is said to be half the battle.  Well, at least we now know what the problem is.  Stupid people are in charge of things they shouldn't be in charge of. 

The unrelated Schiller's who were in charge of NPR yet are no more, were apparently stupid.  Vivian for hiring Ron apparently. 

At a time when the very existence of NPR is in doubt one might want to be politic in their speech, particularly to new acquaintances.  BUT NO! 

Mr. Schiller expresses some of the most moronic simple minded notions painting the very people who would eliminate NPR and PBS funding in the worst possible light. Thus making enemies not only more determined, but providing them with all the ammunition they could possibly need to accomplish their mission.

And people who know how to behave intelligently in times of crisis are likely unemployed right now, wishing they could have such an opportunity as Schiller et al.

On yet another sour note I see Chuck Colson late of the Watergate seven, has managed to get himself catapulted onto youtube, where apparently all taped stupidity resides opining about Obama and the decision not to defend DOMA. 

Had I been convicted of a felony my opinion would be less than significant to...well, anyone.  Yet someone who manages to attain and maintain the public eye in some sick perverse way, even and especially after he's committed some of the biggest crimes against the Constitution of the past century, THAT guy get's attention.  People apparently want to hear his ideas.

I work with the public, I see every single day of my life how stupid America is.  It's military might that saves us because if we had to go up against a nation utilizing only our wits we'd be done for.

 And so it goes:

 

There is no darkness but ignorance

if Americans didn't rely on misinformation, they likely wouldn't know anything at all.

Today I read an article speaking to Government workers and their exorbitant benefits.  Really?

Let's take a look at a few cases I know of personally.

First, we have a man who started his working life at HHS as a benefits authorizer. He left after a few years in order to work a job as a pharmaceutical rep so he could pay for his mother's nursing home, which he couldn't afford on his government salary. After ten years of that he returned to HHS and though he resumed his position he was forced into early retirement by a new regime that thought him as a man in his late 50's as disposable.  He was awarded as government employees can be with a 12k lump sum, which he used to purchase a new car.  His monthly pension?  $950.  He gets no social security as a government employee.

Second, we have a woman who after a selection of jobs with the state found herself in a position to retire with a combined 30 years of employment.  Her retirement?  $1200.  $650 of which goes to pay for health insurance for her and her husband.  She isn't eligible for Social security yet.

Third, let's look at what my own benefits would have been had I been allowed to stay at the library.  I intended to retire at 62 at which time I would have received $750 per month in pension, as well as an additional $1000 in Social Security.  This does not count what it would have cost me for health insurance, which likely would have been approx $450. per month.  So my income would have been $1300 per month.  This is living like a king?

Now let's take a look at my benefits as an adjunct associate professor at the community college.


$0
(p.s. the salary is laughable, and I have to threaten them with legal action to get it)

So this article in which misinformed Americans tell tales about government workers that are getting astronomical pensions and retiring with outrageous benefits is misinformation. Pure and simple.  What we can't afford is to believe a word any politician tells us. THAT'S what's so expensive.

Yet they lap it up like dogs.

And so it goes:

In a false quarrel there is no true valour.

I'll be very unhappy about this for several reasons.

First, it's less than a week before my birfday and I plan to take myself to Hawaii this year.  Second, it's less than a week before the distribution of my adoptive father's estate, and that bastard owes me.  Third, I'm attempting to formulate some plans that will start to take root this summer, and this will be just before they do.

So this would suck.

Besides, it's the opinion of nutjobs, so how can I put any stock in it.

Just read an article about the demise of the 30 year mortgage.  Yet another bastion the middle-class was founded on.  They're coming for it all folks.  They're after the houses, the money, the freedoms, the unions, all of it.

We'd better start paying attention and save what little there is left to save, because we're bound for grass huts and dung heating if we're not careful. Well, at least our descendants are.

 It may take a while to get it, but we're assisting in our own demise and have been for some time now.

There are fewer true arguments than " We get the government we deserve."

We have created a society that relies on two incomes to have material things and in the end it's our downfall.  Our politics are taught us by fear, our morals are taught us by the religious who teach hate and divisiveness, and all the while those who would have us be their slaves are convincing more and more of us that they're the good guys,and we believe.Yet no one seems to be struggling with the question of what is the right thing to do.  We're a nation of Narcissists, and we all know what happened to him.

(side note: Funny headline this morning- "Remember when Charlie Sheen was an actor?"  Well, frankly, no, I don't.)

And so it goes:

hgf

Why so many choices?

Found a local house I realy like.  Waiting for the bank which holds it to come down on the price.  BUT!  There's now a place in New Mexico, along with an available studio.  Not impossible to find adjunct jobs there, but it means starting over...again.

And then this week there's a job in CA, an area I love, and very close to ground zero when it comes to foreclosures.  This is not to mention the job which is made to order for me.

So, there are choices.  Always choices.

I'm wondering if my dissatisfaction with the current state of things, are my unconscious way of making it easier to go should the opportunity arise.    Then maybe not.  In truth they're not that great, I could make substantial changes here and probably be fine, and still hold onto my support system.

I could also go.  One never can tell what may happen.

And so it goes:

ho boy

You know those days when before you';re barely awake you can tell things aren't going to go well?

This is apparently one of mine.  last November when my adoptive father died i sat my brother down and gave him a list of what needed to be done.  Insurance companies to contact, brokers to notify, property to liquidate, etc.

Yesterday I got a letter from an insurance company asking me to call them regarding Dad's estate.  (sigh)

Today I called first thing. My diligence was rewarded with a snippy bitchy woman on the other line who apparently had to write everything down as opposed to using a computer.  She asked "What was your relation to Mr. H****?"  "He was my father, I said."  "So, you're his son?"

"Yes, it stands to reason that if he was my father, I was his son."  We stopped getting along after that.

I referred her to the attorneys handling the estate.

Then my excessive sense of duty took over and prompted me to send the letter to the executor.  I am fully prepared at this time to throw my printer out the fucking window.

Had I the choice I'd cancel the damn day and go back to bed.  I do not feel like playing well with others today.
And so it goes:

 

 

here we go again

Too  busy today.

Overdosed on the Oscars, good wine, and certainly James Franco.

i don't get it.  He's handsome and talented and all,. but lord he's everyfuckingwhere I look.
And he wasn't the right choice for the Oscars.

Interesting encounter on the way home from the party.  Noticed an acquaintances car in front of the house.  She was in it.  I believe here might be a problem with alcohol.  Not good.

And True Grit was the best picture.

But at least they didn't give it to The Social Network, that would have been too much to bear.

And so it goes:

hgf wtf?

I was convinced I posted yesterday. 

Well, at least I remembered this morning. 

Looking at a very promising house this afternoon.  still undecided about staying here though. 

The pro list is longer than the con list.  Besides, starting over yet again at my age doesn't have much appeal. Then again that job in Northern California is very appealing. Maybe I should apply...

Oh well I'd rather gawk. 

So let's do that shall we?

And so it goes:

Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't

so, no more defense of DOMA.

Well a step in the right direction, and it's certainly got the right up in arms.

which is always good.

Still cannot figure out why I feel like hell.  I can't sleep enough cant   eat enough, can't think for more than a couple of minutes at a time.

It's very confusing.

Slept nine hrs last night and this afternoon two more.

WTF?

Well i woke to Obama choosing not to defend DOMA, nice surprise.

Let's see what they do about repeal.

And so it goes:

Who steals my purse steals trash

Wisconsin of all places seems to be the most recent proving ground for what the Republicans have in store for us should they prevail in 2012.

I just read an AP story regarding the protests and refusals by the government to negotiate. This is of course, union busting at it's finest.

The story neglected to mention that the state created this 137 million budget shortfall by ramming a tax cut down the throats of the people last year.

details details.

The real question is, will the people of Wisconsin have the fortitude to hold the line? They're all charged up now, and they're in the streets railing against he machine, but will they understand at some point that this fight will be hard won? Will they sit down in the streets of Madison and hold out for real change?

My sense that America has been taken over by apathy says no.

But my heart says they must. It's the only way.

let's hope the Gods bestow upon them not only the stamina to do such a thing, but the intelligence to know it's necessity.

And so it goes:

the alma mater

For all the straight southern white guys I loved in grad school.

(still do, truth be told)

hgf

People are funny about money

Sorry about yesterday, the battle over money continued. It was very nearly a battle royale, but in the end a cooler head prevailed and handed me a check that existed all along.

There'll be different arrangements in the future.

Anyhoo.

Today is already full, how did that happen? i was supposed to have a relaxing morning?

And so it goes:

Oy ye! Oy ye! Oy ye!

Be it known, that my employer the ********** Commmunity College officially sucks!

After putting me through the paces of a contract, and requiring that I be in attendance every single day this weekend even though I was running a temp and likely, had i the funds to be examined, had the flu, guess what they have gone and done this time?

Oh come on!  You can guess I know it. I'll give you a clue, THEY'VE DONE IT BEFORE!

Yes! They haven't paid me!  And after throwing a hissy fit in the Dean's office, they STILL haven't bothered to call me with an answer as to exactly when I will get paid.  Mind you the contract says they're to pay me Feb 10, opening day.  They decided it'll be Feb 15, but now apparently not!  Which means they're in breach!  I cannot wait to call an attorney in the morning. 

Let me take this opportunity to assure you that Master Card, my Landlord, Chrysler financial, not to mention the IRS were OH SO UNDERSTANDING, when I called to explain my dilemma and why THEY WILL NOT BE GETTING PAID IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE!!!

Their reaction? It warmed the cockles of my heart I tell you!

So, though I have grown accustomed to eating and living indoors, the ********* Community College apparently doesn't give a damn whether I can keep doing that or not.

They seem not to be aware that THIS is exactly the sort of thing that inspires teachers to ORGANIZE!  and to FORM UNIONS!

But shortly they will be.

So to express my warm and kind feelings toward the administration at the college I so love I offer you this graphic expression of my feelings:

Seriously, what're they gonna do, not pay me?
and so it goes:

Finishing touches

Today is largely devoted to getting the last of the details handled for he opening tonight,  then I drink...possibly heavily. 

j/k,  it's actually fine, and though I'm moving on to other projects soon, this one was a nice treat. 

And the weather promises to start getting warmer too!  Last night I was on the way to the theatre and I looked off to the west, it was still a bit light at almost 7pm,  woohoo!  There is hope of this winter coming to an end. 

And so it goes:

The party's over

Final Dress is done.  I'm sitting her with a gin and tonic glad it's over, and tomorrow's opening. 

The show will be fine I think,  the actor;s were late learning their lines and that's their responsibility not mine.

But tonight I saw things I'd never seen before, they're discovering what a beautiful little show this is.  They found several little moments tonight I never saw before that got me, and if you can get to me you've done it right.


So on to the next project I guess.  Well perhaps I'll rest a while and enjoy the fruits of this one first. 

And so it goes:

oy

14 hour days in the interest of putting up a show for which the actors have apparently not learned their lines. 

i did my job...pay me.

and so it goes:

These whippersnappers!

Got the show tech'd in 5 hrs.  record time, very happy.

The actors fell apart when they tried to do it with lights, but maybe it's a good  lesson to them to really learn your lines BEFORE the show opens.They got a lecture, what else can I do?

But the show looks lovely. The new LD is a nice guy and did a really good job.  In fact was way ahead of me on the lighting for the end of the show.    I tried to stay out of it, it's not easy for me.

Why do you suppose Christine Aguilera is regarded as a singer?  She sucks!  And that's certainly not because I'm such a huge fan of the National Anthem of the United States, it's because SHE sucks!  All that wahahahahahahahahah-ing,  STOP IT!  That is NOT singing!

I just wish people would stop thinking of her as a singer, she makes noise, that's all.



And apparetnly we're  celebrating the 100th birthday of the biggest mass murderer since Hitler.

Ronnie, (the senile) Reagan.  we celebrate the strangest things here in America.

The discovery of the Indies, which we decided was the discovery of America, by a brutal despot.  The pretend birthday of our "savior." President's Day, most of whom ordered thousands killed in the name of "right." The 4th of July on which we established the right to persecute others for their beliefs. and on and on ad nauseum.

Ronald Reagan never once mentioned the word AIDS until he was almost finished his second term.  Tens of thousands of people had died by that time.  He allowed it.  Even encouraged it.

The only appropriate punishment for that miserable bastard wold be for him to remember for all eternity what he did, and to have to listen to Christine Aguilare sing the national anthem over and over and over.

and so it goes:

hgf

Howard Stern/ Al Sharpton

Howard Stern's recent revelations about his feelings regarding gay and lesbian men and women in this country were almost as depressing to me as the day I agreed with Al Sharpton.

Howard says something to the effect that he's given this subject a lot of thought and we're "downtrodden."

Ok, well I can't disagree with him there, however, it makes me feel the same way I did when I ran into an old friend I'd been thinking about and then remembered why I stopped seeing him.  He felt I was this poor wretch who needed him and his ilk to reach out to save me from the rigors of being...well, me.

And though I admire that kind of compassion I really don't want nor need to be thought of as something/someone who needs to be helped through this life.  I'm quite capable thank you, and I find it more than a little insulting that you think I'm not.

Howard was right when he said we're citizens of the U.S. and we should (do) have the same rights as everyone else, I've been saying so for years.

It's just that even if you're on the side of right, it's not necessary to pity me because i exist.  It shouldn't be a big deal at all, I guess that's my point.

Off to work where I assure someone will mention the fact that the gay guy at work is so much fun.  Argh!

and so it goes:

Hoist with his own petard

Ok, so now I'm impressed.

There was snow...lots of it.  Then there was more.  and I, at home for the third straight day am getting cabin fever. 

So much so that I've stopped having the vapors over the lack of rehearsal my show is getting, and turned to daydreaming about new cars. 

My current favorite:

Wouldn't it be funny if I bought a house and a car and spent the same amount on each one?  I mean honestly it's way past time for a mid-life crisis car, so this I guess would be, what the senior rocket?  Oh! I've got it, the Lechmobile.  It's so me.


Alas, today it's yet another day stuck in the house.  AAAARgh!

Maybe I'll cook.  Just what my waistline needs, food.

And so it goes:

Nope no shadow, must be an early spring.

True is it that we have seen better days

A little more snow than I expected. (like a foot)

No troubles traveling thankfully, but the winds, oh my.

I parked my car and turned to walk from the garage and there were drifts everywhere knee deep. I tried several routes and then went "fuck it" and waded in.

Now I'm 7 days short of rehearsal. And tomorrow I'm snowed in. FUUUUCK!

And so it goes:

I am as constant as the northern star

At least our weather people think they are.

For the last three days they've been shouting from the rooftops that we will be literally buried to our necks soon in a layer of ice followed by epic snow.

Nothing.

I got nothing.

The radar doesn't even indicate that this storm exists!  Argh!

I was just out looking at a house and talking with my stage manager about he fact that rehearsals were canceled when they closed the college today, and nothing, it's not slick, it's not very cold, it's...nothing.

I like the house, not sure about the neighborhood. Big lot, detached garage with a studio, nice remodeled house, fenced, on a corner, neighbors a respectable distance away, it's possible.  The boss at the college is making noise about how nice it is that I may buy a house.  Maybe he wants me to stay.  Fuck!

So here I am trapped in my house, nothing to do since I should be standing in front of a classroom right now preparing to teach and then attend rehearsal, and I'm subjected to the vagaries of network television all evening.

I am getting weary of Chicken Little.

And so it goes: