I am saddened today as I read, again, about poor Phoebe Prince. I can say that I don't really know what it is like to be bullied. Not like this. There are those moments when your friends are mad at you or something and gang up on you and say mean things to you all the way home from school causing you to cry incessantly and plug your ears so their harsh words are, at least, muffled. Sounds bad enough, right? But this, what I went through maybe a couple of days here and there throughout my 12 years in school, is nothing compared with what this girl (and so many others) went through. It is complete and absolute torture that these kids go through each and every single day. And, of course, the teachers and parents of the bullies do nothing. It is no wonder we have situations like these with Phoebe and those like Columbine. Hello, people, get a clue!
My brother was one of these kids that was tortured in middle school and through a good amount of high school and I can tell you that it still effects him today. I don't know if some of these kids don't have a very stable family life so they resort to these types of solutions or what but think about it. Whether they do or not, the teachers need to step up and be vigilant. These parents that think their kid is perfect and can do no harm, need to wake up and give their kids a talking to (or what my dad used to say, "A good, swift kick in the ass). Seriously parents, get off your high horse and take off your blinders...no one wants to believe their kid is a complete shit but if you notice signs and your kid happens to be a complete shit, deal and make it right. Don't give in to your kids and not invite the one or two kids that are "different" to the birthday party because "no one" likes them. Even when my brother would resort to retaliation (read: have to retaliate) from getting shoved into a corner and just to stop the constant, horrible stream of really nasty words flowing into his ears, my parents were vigilant on punishment for my brother. Do you think that the boys that were tormenting him got even one bit of talking to by the teachers or their parents? I think you know the answer to this question.
Bullying is one of the most toxic goings on in the school system (there are others but that is another post, another day). And if people do not wake up and start taking more severe action against these bullies, we will continue to have situations like Phoebe's and Columbine. I am glad that they seem to be going in the right direction with Phoebe's case. To quote Michael Hartman (I listen to his progressive political talk radio show on Air America on the way home from work every day), "Tag, [parents and teachers]. You're it!"
(Note: he tags America in his talk radio show.)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Justice Before My Own Eyes
I just saw one of the coolest things happen. I was on First Street about to take a left onto East Wash. I look across East Wash and see two cars, one silver one in the lane for going straight across East Wash and one maroon one in the right lane about to take a right onto East Wash. The guys in the maroon car get out, move towards the silver and I see the driver with his hands up in the air like "What? You wanna go?". The guy in the passenger car comes around the back of the car, I notice he has a bat in his hand and he hauls off and hits the silver car on its side with the bat. The girls in the silver car speed across East Wash, the other guys jump in their car and speed off down East Wash towards the East side.
"What the fuck!?" is what goes through my mind, although I must say I am a bit disturbed by how much it did not really effect my emotions as much as it should have. Anyway, I see them up a bit on East Wash so I speed up a bit so I can take down their license plate. Now, I should have called the cops immediately but my thought process was that I was going to stay out of it unless I read or heard that they were looking for information about this incident. So, I know, not entirely performing my civil duty in this case but I just really wasn't in the mood to get in the middle of this when no one was injured.
But...
As I continue to drive down East Wash, I see the guys in front of me going towards the mall. We are in the right lane and there is this cop at an intersection on the right. The cop pulls out behind the maroon car. The maroon car turns on the next street. So, does the cop. And so does Maggi. The maroon car takes a left into the mall area. So, does the cop. And so does Maggi (ok, I actually had to go to the mall to pick up my engagement ring at Kay Jewelers - A prong had broken on one of the diamonds and so I had them send it out to get fixed). The maroon car pulls into the Culver's parking lot (yeah, now you piece of shit punks are going to involve innocent families, ok). So, does the cop...and puts his lights on. I watch as I walk into the mall and another cop pulls up. Yay!
When I get out of the mall, they have the driver out of the car and they put him in the back of one of the cop cars. He was not handcuffed. A third cop pulls up and they pull the buddy with the bat out of the car and they handcuff him and put in the back of another cop car.
Justice has definitely been served in this case...well, we'll see. Hey, at least they have to go sit in jail for a bit.
"What the fuck!?" is what goes through my mind, although I must say I am a bit disturbed by how much it did not really effect my emotions as much as it should have. Anyway, I see them up a bit on East Wash so I speed up a bit so I can take down their license plate. Now, I should have called the cops immediately but my thought process was that I was going to stay out of it unless I read or heard that they were looking for information about this incident. So, I know, not entirely performing my civil duty in this case but I just really wasn't in the mood to get in the middle of this when no one was injured.
But...
As I continue to drive down East Wash, I see the guys in front of me going towards the mall. We are in the right lane and there is this cop at an intersection on the right. The cop pulls out behind the maroon car. The maroon car turns on the next street. So, does the cop. And so does Maggi. The maroon car takes a left into the mall area. So, does the cop. And so does Maggi (ok, I actually had to go to the mall to pick up my engagement ring at Kay Jewelers - A prong had broken on one of the diamonds and so I had them send it out to get fixed). The maroon car pulls into the Culver's parking lot (yeah, now you piece of shit punks are going to involve innocent families, ok). So, does the cop...and puts his lights on. I watch as I walk into the mall and another cop pulls up. Yay!
When I get out of the mall, they have the driver out of the car and they put him in the back of one of the cop cars. He was not handcuffed. A third cop pulls up and they pull the buddy with the bat out of the car and they handcuff him and put in the back of another cop car.
Justice has definitely been served in this case...well, we'll see. Hey, at least they have to go sit in jail for a bit.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Why Can't Money Grow On Trees?
My favorite apartment ever (!!!) is back on the market folks. This is the apartment I lived in with my great friend, Mariah when Mike moved away to Eau Claire and I had to stay in Madison one more year to finish school. This apartment is fabulous and huge, right in the neighborhood we love and cherish and did I mention, huge?! Anyway, we would probably still be in this apartment had I not moved up to Eau Claire just to hear 2 months later that we were going to be moving back to Madison. Not only did I move all of my stuff when I kind of really didn't need to, I lost that apartment. Now it is back and I want it. This would be mean having two rents until we, at least, subleased our current apartment. Unless, I can talk Apex into letting us sign a lease for August and continuing to find a sublet from now until August which is something I am willing to beg for as a tenant that has been loyal to Apex since they purchased our apartment building on Ingersoll approximately 5 years ago. I can be pretty persuasive when I want to be. Let's hope they take that bait, otherwise, there will be no extra-curricular anything except the wedding stuffs until we get rid of our current apartment. Anyone looking to move into a place soon or know someone who will need an apartment. They can have mine.
Why Can't It Be St. Patrick's Day Every Day?
I ask this because I want to only eat corned beef and cabbage every day. We went to Dexter's last night and had the traditional Irish feast along with some very yummy Irish beer, Smithwicks. Green beer is fun but, alas, not Irish. All was extremely delicious. Luckily,
I have some leftovers saved for tonight. I got to see Mr. T-Man Trevor and Mr. Blues Eyes Alex...both adorable as ever. I filled out my NCAA bracket (I will win. Oh, yes. I will win.) and got to have another fine conversation with my favorite UW English professor, Larry (he was not my actual English professor when I was in college). All around, it was a fabulous night. I unfortunately just missed being able to have a drink with Laura but I got out of there just as the Tullamore Dew girls were coming in. I am Irish but I can take or leave the whiskey...most of the time leaving it.
Tonight I intend to be lazy on my couch and watch my stupid reality shows...oh, and find a website where I can watch Gossip Girl and America's Next Top Model for free. Once again, stupid Charter Communications has screwed me right up the you-know-what. The digital cable keeps pixelating so there is no possible way to watch the show. Keep your fingers crossed for me...or better yet, you better keep them crossed for Charter cause they are not going to know what hit them if this continues.
Tonight I intend to be lazy on my couch and watch my stupid reality shows...oh, and find a website where I can watch Gossip Girl and America's Next Top Model for free. Once again, stupid Charter Communications has screwed me right up the you-know-what. The digital cable keeps pixelating so there is no possible way to watch the show. Keep your fingers crossed for me...or better yet, you better keep them crossed for Charter cause they are not going to know what hit them if this continues.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
words and music
Chauncey
Olcott & George Graff, Jr.
There's a tear in your eye, And I'm wondering why,
For it never should be there at all.
With such pow'r in your smile, Sure a stone you'd beguile,
So there's never a teardrop should fall.
When your sweet lilting laughter's Like some fairy song,
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be;
You should laugh all the while And all other times smile,
And now, smile a smile for me.
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.
For your smile is a part Of the love in your heart,
And it makes even sunshine more bright.
Like the linnet's sweet song, Crooning all the day long,
Comes your laughter and light.
For the springtime of life Is the sweetest of all
There is ne'er a real care or regret;
And while springtime is ours Throughout all of youth's hours,
Let us smile each chance we get.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
There's a tear in your eye, And I'm wondering why,
For it never should be there at all.
With such pow'r in your smile, Sure a stone you'd beguile,
So there's never a teardrop should fall.
When your sweet lilting laughter's Like some fairy song,
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be;
You should laugh all the while And all other times smile,
And now, smile a smile for me.
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.
For your smile is a part Of the love in your heart,
And it makes even sunshine more bright.
Like the linnet's sweet song, Crooning all the day long,
Comes your laughter and light.
For the springtime of life Is the sweetest of all
There is ne'er a real care or regret;
And while springtime is ours Throughout all of youth's hours,
Let us smile each chance we get.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
The First of the Three Weddings
I would like to announce, as husband and wife, Mrs. Claire DalleMolle and Mr. Jeff Gaie!
Yes, I would have to say that the shining nuptials this past March 13 went off pretty much without a hitch and any mishap was bowled over pretty smoothly and calmly by the bride (or she just didn't know it even happened...that is how good those around her were).
The bride looked beautiful and those standing up were right behind her. Purple and black were the colors and, man, did we all look classy! I will get some pics up when I can steal them from my friends on Facebook (my camera fell in the toilet at Kari and Brent's Ugly Sweater Party, so, needless to say, I really need to go get a new one).
We danced to our heart's content. So much so that it was hard to get a buzz and keep it, which doesn't usually bode well with this crowd...luckily we took care of that right after the dance at Dexter's and kept it going into Sunday. Yep, definitely have to make sure I keep enough PTO to take off the Monday after my wedding.
After this past weekend, I am now even more anxious for mine...in a good way. I just can't wait to have a superbly fun time with this crew again. Love to love you, folks.
Congratulations, again, Claire and Jeff!
Yes, I would have to say that the shining nuptials this past March 13 went off pretty much without a hitch and any mishap was bowled over pretty smoothly and calmly by the bride (or she just didn't know it even happened...that is how good those around her were).
The bride looked beautiful and those standing up were right behind her. Purple and black were the colors and, man, did we all look classy! I will get some pics up when I can steal them from my friends on Facebook (my camera fell in the toilet at Kari and Brent's Ugly Sweater Party, so, needless to say, I really need to go get a new one).
We danced to our heart's content. So much so that it was hard to get a buzz and keep it, which doesn't usually bode well with this crowd...luckily we took care of that right after the dance at Dexter's and kept it going into Sunday. Yep, definitely have to make sure I keep enough PTO to take off the Monday after my wedding.
After this past weekend, I am now even more anxious for mine...in a good way. I just can't wait to have a superbly fun time with this crew again. Love to love you, folks.
Congratulations, again, Claire and Jeff!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Where The Blog Have You Been?!
I know, I know. I have been MIA. I have been so busy lately with wedding stuffs and what not that I have had to devote the work time I should be devoting to work to that instead of my blog. It has slowed down (with wedding stuff and work stuff) a bit recently so I can continue to ignore my work with blogging.
I believe that we have everything done for the wedding. We just bought our wedding rings this Tuesday. They are great! We love them. They are simple. Take a look:
We knew that we were in the right place and had the right salesperson when she, Denise, when asked by us how she was doing, responded with "Fellin' sassy!". Yep, will pretty much be buying all real jewelry from her for the rest of our lives. She was hysterical!
Now, we just need the invites from my aunt Bonnie to get those out and then it is just the last little detail stuff until the wedding in June. I cannot wait! I just want the party to happen already!
We will have the first of our three weddings this season (Claire this Saturday, mine in June and Kari's in August) happening this weekend. We are all very excited for these nuptials. Claire and Jeffrey are such great people and I am so happy that they are getting married. Claire is very happy because not only is she getting married, she will be trying soon for their first little bundle of joy. I can't wait to see that kid. Gorgeous I am sure.
Well, my brain is not functioning at the level I need it to to keep going with this blog post. I will be back shortly, however, with some funny stories from this weekend. Ciao!
I believe that we have everything done for the wedding. We just bought our wedding rings this Tuesday. They are great! We love them. They are simple. Take a look:
Now, we just need the invites from my aunt Bonnie to get those out and then it is just the last little detail stuff until the wedding in June. I cannot wait! I just want the party to happen already!
We will have the first of our three weddings this season (Claire this Saturday, mine in June and Kari's in August) happening this weekend. We are all very excited for these nuptials. Claire and Jeffrey are such great people and I am so happy that they are getting married. Claire is very happy because not only is she getting married, she will be trying soon for their first little bundle of joy. I can't wait to see that kid. Gorgeous I am sure.
Well, my brain is not functioning at the level I need it to to keep going with this blog post. I will be back shortly, however, with some funny stories from this weekend. Ciao!
In Memorium
Corey Haim of "The Lost Boys" and "License to Drive" fame died yesterday morning.
Corey has battled various addictions to drugs throughout his life to which some are saying may be the cause for his death. Corey Feldman, the Ying to Corey Haim's Yang, stated in the above clip that Corey Haim has been the best he has been in a long time.
I am saddened by this loss and I agree with what Corey Feldman says in the clip above related to how the entertainment industry all too often leaves and forgets about child actors. Thanks for the fun movies, Corey!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)