The Finest, The Bravest and The Poorest - FDNY EMTS/PARAMEDICS

Hi All,


How many of us has needed the emergency services of Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics? An article in the New York Daily News entitled "EMTs drive home plea for more pay" by Kathleen Lucadamo touches base on how 2,700 FDNY EMTs/Paramedics are poorly compensated. Often called the step children of the FDNY, EMT/Paramedics are getting the word out one way or another.

The article reports that EMS employees are sporting silver visors that read "EMTs and Paramedics - New York's Poorest", "Saving Lives at Work, Living in Poverty at Home" or CPR: "Can't Pay Rent at Home."

It is a shame that the people we entrust our lives with are treated this way. Saving lives and facing danger is the equal every day job of emergency responders of the NYPD, FDNY Firefighters and FDNY EMTs/Paramedics. There is no difference in responsibility only in PAY and uniformed service status.

This story hits home for me. My husband is a FDNY Paramedic on the job for 17 years. He has faced dangerous life threatening situations. And, I'm not only talking about the many diseases he comes in contact with either. He has had guns pulled on him. Worked on patients in horrific places and has seen things that civilians will never comprehend. All in all, my caring, compassionate very knowledgeable husband has saved many lives and sadly watched many people take their last breaths. He has delivered babies and has cared for and comforted the terminally ill young and old.

Do FDNY EMS responders deserve better pay, respect and acknowledged as uniformed service.....YES! Without Emergency Service responders like my husband and the other 2,700 EMTs and paramedics, where would the people of this city and our VISITORS be?

Two Way Mirror or Not!!!!! Warning

Hi All,

Whenever I use a dressing room or go into a public restroom, I always think to myself, is there a camera or two way mirror here? How would I know? Well, this morning I received one of those warning emails for women. Although, I hardly read all warning e-mails, this one caught my attention. In the e-mail, a policewoman taught business women the following:

How to determine if a mirror is 2-way or not?

Just conduct this simple test: Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is GENUINE mirror. However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail, then BEWARE! IT IS A 2-WAY MIRROR!

"No Space, Leave the Place" ~ So remember, every time you see a mirror, do the "fingernail test." It doesn't cost you anything.

PROJECT PINSTRIPE - HELP YOUNG MEN DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Hi All,

Today, I read in the NY Daily News about an organization called Project Pinstripe. This organization provides, for free, new or gently worn clothes to outstanding young men between the ages of 18 and 24. The organization understands the need to dress for success and understands that most young men cannot afford to buy suits and accessories.

Project Pinstripe is based in Manhattan and founded by Viktoria Horvath three years ago. The program has helped so far 350 young men in New York, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Miami and Orlando.

If you would like to donate, please contact the organization at http://www.projectpinstripe.org/.

The Mary J. Blige & Jay-Z Concert Was the BOMB!

Hi All,

It's Monday morning...I know but life goes on.

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, my husband and I went to Atlantic City, New Jersey to see Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z perform. It was the best concert that I've been to so far. The Dream and his dancers opened and moved the crowd with his songs from his Love Hate album like Shawty is a ten, I luv your girl and Falsetto. His performance was OK. I think the dancers excited the crowd more than his performance. Let's just say that I was trying to record his performance and my husband told me to get the dancers....:) It was like seeing clothed exotic dancers.

Anyway, I love Mary's music. She was so energetic and involved with her audience. Her connection with the audience, especially the women, was unbelievable. The crowd roared for each song she performed. We all sang along with the exception of the song I'm Going Down. The women sang it. She was ecstatic. She talked to the crowd and even sent a message to the men urging them to be fathers to their children and congratulating those who are fathers to their children. Mary's performance was uplifting and sacred. The feelings women hold were released through her. You can feel it in the air. The live band, string orchestra and back up singers were exhilarating.

Jay-Z and Mary together controlled the crowd. Each one taking turns to shine when they performed together. When it was Jay's turn, he rocked the house, literally. The booming sounds of the live band was incredible. The crowd conformed to Jay's music right away. They rapped along with him. Memphis Bleek surprised us with his presence and performance with Jay. I was surprised that I even knew the lyrics to several of his songs. I'm not a regular follower of Jay's music but it's funny how quickly you can get sucked up into the beats. He made a reference to politics. All I can say here is that he is not happy with President Bush. (Who is?) He had the crowd point their middle fingers at a picture of Bush. At that point, the lights went on and the crowd was at a standstill with their middle fingers pointed to the picture. He held the crowd like that for a couple of seconds. After, the crowd roared and supported it. He also called out Obama for president. He is a very talented and confident person.

The audience was great. The crowd consisted of a diverse group of people. No fighting, no hassles just plain ole camaraderie and fun! I had such a great time! My husband had a great time too. I want to see it again. I don't know why we waited so long to see Mary J. Blige and/or Jay-Z in concert. I recommend anyone looking to see a great show to see this one.

Shave Eyebrows Off or Else No School -- Huh!

Hi All,

Happy Friday!

I read a short story in the AM New York newspaper yesterday about how High School boys are shaving vertical lines into their eyebrows like the Rapper Soulja Boy.

School administrators at Centennial High School in Portland, Oregon has told all students who have shaved vertical lines into their eyebrows to shave off their eyebrows or they will not be allowed back in school. School administrators believe that the vertical lines represent gang symbols. However, one of the boys said that he just does it to look cool and get girls.

OK. I have to first say that this is not something new. Maybe new to them. Second, I don't think it would phase the boys any if they are not allowed back in school. Third, the boys don't have to shave off their eyebrows. Mothers/Fathers all you have to do is pencil in the shaved areas with an eyebrow make-up pencil until the hair grows back. Imagine half of the boys in school with no eyebrows or with one eyebrow. What a way to boost the confidence and self-esteem of kids, especially high school boys!

Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day

Hi All,

Today is Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day. I brought along with me my son Quentin. He's 12 years old. When I told him I was bringing him to work with me, he was very excited. We started the morning off by walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. At first, he was not too enthusiastic about it, but as we walked along, he started to enjoy the view, the weather and the time we had talking together.

My firm is really good with preparing an agenda for the children, who are between the ages 8 and 12. They are taught the ins and outs of our business, which involves Intellectual Property Law. The children are given breakfast, bags, business cards, pads and pens. At the end of the day, they are given an ice cream party with lots of extras and gift bags with lots of goodies.

Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day is good experience for children. They not only get to see what their parents do all day, the work that they are involved in, but they get to spend time with their parents.

So, if you have children/child, nephews, or nieces, please think about taking them to work on this day.

Enjoy!

Beautiful Day

Hi All,

I just had to write to express what a beautiful day it turned out to be. It's 71 degrees. The sun is shining bright. There is not a cloud in the sky and the slight breeze tickles your skin. Beautiful. The flowers in bloom compliments the weather. The joys of spring is in the air. Enjoy it.

How to cut Grocery Bills in half?

Hi All,

I read an article this morning on CNN.com "Moms' new battle: The food price bulge" that women across America are doing everything possible to cut those grocery monthly bills by half.

The rising prices on food and gas have our families struggling. The price of milk and cereal are over $4.00. These prices have prompted women to start making thier own food. One mom started growing herbs, making soap and baby food. If this is a little too extreme for those working moms, you can budget your grocery bills by purchasing no frill, discounted groceries or clipping coupons, as another woman did in the article. Also, staying away from restaurants and having left overs for dinner helped save these families money.

Personally, I shop once a week and purchase only items I really need. I also by in bulk. For example, I buy a 20 lb bag of rice which will usually last for about a month and a half, and it is one less item for me to purchase on my next shopping trip. Also, if its on sale, then I'll pick it up and store it. I always look for bargains at my local supermarkets. If one market has half the things I need on sale and another has the other half, I'll buy from both markets. I also make enough food during the week to have left overs for dinner. My shopping tactics does save me a lot of time and money.

The best way to save money when it comes to food is not to be wasteful and get what you really need.

Downtown Brooklyn - What Happened to Affordable Housing?

I've been a Brooklynite for 33 years. I live in Coney Island. I pay $1,700 in rent. My husband and I make modest salaries and wish we could afford to move our big family downtown. Whatever happened to affordable housing and keeping families living in Brooklyn? I mean, most of us are not celebrities, attorneys, doctors, etc...

In search of maybe one day purchasing property in downtown Brooklyn, is laughable. I mean, a million dollars? What normal family can afford that? Also, I noticed that property being sold with more than two bedrooms there are scarce. I guess big families are not wanted there.

I love Brooklyn. I love downtown Brooklyn because the atmosphere is welcoming. The architecture of the properties are beautiful. I really do wish that developers will keep normal, modest salaried and big families in mind for their next projects.

Earth Day - Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Hi All,

I am writing to ask you all to Go Green for Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, 2008.

If you are like me and really don't know much about Earth Day but would like to get involved, here are 10 ways for you to get started and *Go Green:

10. Plant Trees.
9. No Toxins - man made chemicals.
8. Conserve Energy - use surge protectors and switch off all appliances.
7. Solar Power.
6. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
5. Produce - purchasing from the farmer's market will not only give you fresh organic fruits and vegetables but will save the earth and atmosphere from pollution.
4. No Junk Mail - saves trees, paper and pollution.
3. No plastic bags - use your own reusable bags for groceries.
2. Purchase Energy Saving Appliances.
1. Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs).
*http://www.livescience.com/environment/top10_ways_green_home-1.html

I know I will do my best to research and help save our Earth and Atmosphere.

I would like to end this blog post with a quote by Chief Seattle:

“You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of your grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin. Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves.”

Citibank - No Signature Required

Hi All,

I just wanted to pass this around. About two weeks ago, my co-worker noticed, while she was viewing her checking account summary online, that a check in the amount of $29.95 was cashed. The catch is that the check was a fake, her name was spelled wrong, her last name was first and the signature line read No Signature Required.

As soon as she saw that, she called Citibank and informed them of the fraudulent check. They said that they could not do anything about it because it was passed the 15 day grace period to point out any errors in statements. To make a long story short. They told her to take them to court. She made a complaint but knows that nothing will be done.

Ironically, a week after my co-worker's experience with Citibank, Fox News placed Citibank in there Hall of Shame. The story highlighted a man who recently WON a lawsuit against Citibank for the very same thing. Luckily, his son is a lawyer. However, it took him $8,000 and five years.
During my online research, I noticed that there are numerous complaints about Citibank and fraud scams with credit cards and checks. Lesson to be learned here. Check all your statements and make your complaints fast. HA!

Pass this around to all those who may have or want to open Citibank accounts.

P.S. One more gripe about Citibank. They are now charging $3.00 freaking dollars to withdraw money from their ATM machines. We should all boycott them. Just a thought.

Mega Millions is now $135,000,000 - NYC

Hi All,

Today is Mega Millions day. The jackpot is now $135,000,000. Should you play? Yes. It only takes a dollar and a dream according to the commercial. But at a 1 in 175,711,536 chance, will you be the lucky one? Maybe. The chance of winning the second prize which is $250,000 is 1 in 3,904,701. Big wins, small chance, small price.

Well, if I am the lucky one, I would first hyperventilate and then pass out...LOL. Then as soon as I come to my senses and really believe truly that I won any of the first or second prizes, the first thing I would do is pay all debt. No question. Debt would be paid first and gone forever. Hopefully. Second, give money to charity. Third, put money away for my children. Fourth, take care of my family members. Fifth, purchase a nice comfortable home for me and my family and last but not least, go on a nice vacation with my family.

So play and good luck!

Tell me what you would do with the money?

Gas Station Vacuum sucked up cell phone!

Hi All,

The funniest thing happened to me yesterday.

I took my car for a car wash. They did a lousy job vacuuming so I decided to vacuum it myself. My daughter and I were at each side and were taking turns vacuuming in the back and then we started with the front. I decided that the console need to be vacuumed because my husband eats sunflower seeds and although we have a cup so that he can dispose the seed shells in it, all the seed shells end up all over the place. Anyway, I'm sucking up seed shells, while my cell phone was in the cup holder, I hoovered the vacuum hose over the cell phone and up it went. I was so suprised. I gasped and tried to get the phone. The vacuum was still on. I even went along the hose and tried to feel if it was still in the hose. My daughter was laughing her head off! She IM'd her boyfriend using her SideKick 3 and told him my embarrasing moment.

So, I had to go inside and let the On The Run employees know that my cell phone was sucked up by their vacuum. Luckily there wasn't any customers inside so it was a little easier to tell them what happened. I approached the guy like this "um, um, my cell phone was just sucked up in the vacuum" he looked at me with half a smirk and said "that's hard to believe" and I said "well, it's true." He stood in amazement for half a minute and then walked into the back room to talk to another employee. Now, three of the employees are talking. The first guy comes back out and says "was your cell phone skinny" and I said "yes it's kinda small" and the guy that was in the room walks out and over to me. I explained what happened again he was smiling from ear to ear. We walked over to the vacuum. I told him that the vacuum hose did not have the front connection on it and the hose was exposed. Then he understood why my cell phone was able to get sucked up. I thought I was going to get my phone back several days later but the vacuum container did not have a lock on it and the guy was able to get my cell phone out. What a moment!

Was Mugged!

Hi All and TGIF,

This morning at 6:56 a.m., my daughter was mugged. The creep took her SideKick Slide cell phone. Thank God she is ok. No force or weapons were used. She's just a little shaken up.

She left our home this morning for school and called her friend she rides the bus with to let her know she was outside. During their conversation, the guy snuck up behind her, took the phone and ran off. My daughter is a track runner and instinctly wanted to chase the guy but thought about her safety. We called the phone company to suspend service and called the police to make a police report. What else can we do?

To the mugger. (I know he isn't going to read this but it feels good just to write it down)

Get a freakin job so that you can buy the things you desire just like all of us law abiding citizens. Situations like this really makes me angry. To know that my innocent daughter became victim to your lazy, greedy, selfish, and criminal tactics. I hope the police catch you or what you did to my daughter hits you ten fold!

Keep safe everyone!

Hump Day!

Hi All,

Happy Hump Day!

Hump Day for those of you who doesn't know what the saying means, and no it doesn't mean what you think it means. It's a saying to describe Wednesday. The middle of the week. Getting over the hump of the first half of the week and getting closer to the weekend.

Yes. For me, knowing its hump day makes me happy! The week is almost over. I know that it seems like time is being rushed but I can't help it. I would rather be doing something I like. Even if its laying around watching tv all day, going to the park, taking in some sun or just taking a nap in the middle of the afternoon. These are things you can't do during the week when you are at work for eight to ten hours.

Anyway, I got to get back to work!

Happy Hump Day!

Teenagers. A Prayer.

Hi All,

Teenagers. God help them. Help them view the world in a different and good light. Help them understand that parents, adults and people of authority don't restrict them from certain things to hurt them. We wish them all the best. We try to guide them into the right path. A path into adulthood of responsibility, morality, decency, patience, and righteousness. We all know that along that path is a world of corruption -- whispers of irresponsibility, immorality, impatience and indecency fill the air.

We applaud those who ignore the whispers and stay in the right path. We pray for those who listen to the whispers and stumble upon the crooked path. We pray for those who stumbled to get back on the right path.

Teenagers. Fun, love, money along with responsibility is right around the corner. Take your time. Make the right choices. Make the right moves. Listen to your parents. Listen to the adults in your life. Listen to your conscience. If it feels wrong, don't do it. Your mini you. Your conscience is your guide.

Teenagers. God bless you.

Pathetic - Ode to Alice

Hi All,

The state of being Pathetic are for those people who wants someone who doesn't want them back. If he or she doesn't want you anymore, let them go! Time and time again I hear the same story from different people. The story of loving or wanting someone who doesn't feel the same about you. It's pathetic. The games, the hurt, the lies, the embarrassment that the unwanted person goes through is crazy.

For example, I know a woman who believes her husband who had left her 12 years ago, will one day return home. Since his departure, he has filed for a divorce three times. The first two times, she refused to sign the documents and he was too broke to pursue the matter with the attorneys and courts. Although, he pays child support, visits with his children and provides for them, she calls him a dead beat father. So unfair for those fathers who actually want to take care of their children. Anyway, she drags him into court. She wants more money. She writes stories to people asking for money. She cheats the state out of money. She gets government money for her son. She steals. She works off the books. She tells lies to mutual friends. She walks into bars where her ex has hanged out with cans and begged for money for her children. Meanwhile, she lives in a house, she has a car, her children are dressed well. She believes all the steps she has taken so far will destroy his life. She has done the opposite to it. Instead of being a woman about the whole situation for her children's sake and get on with her life, she drags them through it. I don't know if she realizes that shen makes herself look PATHETIC.

Get over it already. Stop using your children as one of the many excuses to continue a relationship. Stop using your children as a paycheck. Take charge of your own life. Stop living in the past. Make yourself look and feel good (if that's possible). Find someone else!

I Wish I Could Wear Jeans to Work!

Hello All,

Like every morning commute, I take a cab to the train station, buy a newspaper and wait patiently during my travels to get to work. If I'm not reading, I tend to look around and gather thoughts on whatever it is I see.

On the train this morning, I saw a woman dressed nicely in a pair of blue jeans matched up perfectly with a beige sweater that fell slightly above her thigh. She ended her ensemble with a pair of suede beige flats. I was jealous. I did not know the woman nor did I know if she was even going to work, but she looked comfortable and decent. Her hair and nails were nicely groomed which complimented her outfit.

After I scoped her from head to toe, a bubble popped in my head, "I wish I could wear jeans to work."

A pair of blue, dark blue or black jeans matched up with a nice top along with some fashionable shoes is worth getting up in the morning for a fulls day of work.