That would be me. My second project of the week was due tonight at Midnight. I worked on it all night, and submitted it at exactly 11:55pm. Amazingly, I had enough time to proofread the paper as well as go over the formatting and page views of the accompanying spreadsheet, which was good because I caught quite a few careless errors. Damn, I'm good.
Next deadline: Operations Management simulation project (have to do it on a stupid windows computer, too) Due 6:55pm Monday. Oh, and I work every day before then, so I don't really know when it's gonna happen. But you know it will. I am thinking I'll just get up early Sunday and do it before work...where? Don't know. Home I guess. Have to use Mom's crappy slow Dell-but I most likely will get some free breakfast out of the deal, and that will probably include bacon, which is ALWAYS good ;)
Friday, April 28, 2006
Thursday, April 27, 2006
A Bandaid for a Larger Problem
Another link to a long but very interesting article about the world's dependence/the depleting supply of crude oil.
So the GOP put out an "energy plan" yesterday that includes a $100 rebate to all taxpayers to "help offset the rising costs of gasoline." It also proposed to stop deposits into the strategic oil reserve for 6 months, even though Bush himself says that our addiction to oil is a matter of National Security, and so we better do something about it.
Ok, so, first of all, stopping our deposits into the SOR is going to help us how when we decide to invade Iran (on matters of National Security, of course), and we no longer have as much oil available to import? Hmmmm, seems like if we are worried about the security and possible threat that the very places we import oil from pose to us, it doesn't really make sense that we are not instead bolstering our supplies in the event of a conflict. Also, "experts" liken the move to rearranging a deck chair on the doomed Titantic. Ain't gonna matter when this ship sinks. It will save us 30k gallons/day but we use something like 21m.
But I want to go back to that first thing, the $100 rebate. Let's be perfectly realistic here. The VAST majority of Americans are somewhat stretched as far as the financial condition is concerned. The reasons are neglible, but anyway, our society is also now, for the first time ever, at a NEGATIVE savings rate. That's right, we are spending every last dime we have, and then putting the rest on plastic, and not thinking at all about the future. So........... what is gonna happen when good 'ol Uncle Sam comes through with 100 spanking new dollars for everyone over the age of 16 who pays taxes? Is it going to go straight into their savings account, to be used for gas in the SUV or Ungodly Huge Pickup truck? Is it going to buy a weeks worth of groceries for the family? It's possible. But more likely, the out of control American Consumer is gonna spend that hundred bucks on "something special", or a treat because they've been so strapped, and hey, look, I didn't have to even work for this! And then what? Gee, thanks, Congress, you guys REALLY helped us out!
Maybe the dems can come up with something better....
***sidenote: IF the republican energy plan DOES pass, and I get the $100 check, it's going straight to my bicycle! And I'd also like to say thanks everyone for the advice (and warnings about drinking while biking). Elliot, I trust your judgement about the Target bike. Gerald, we will be able to eat ALL the food we want and not be fat (just look at Elliot!) if we ride! Yep, we're gonna tear up the d-town! And Kathy, I think you have the best idea (and Elliot probably knows you are right, even if it pains him!). Somewhere like REI is probably a happy medium for someone who is only gonna be using it to cruise Forest Park, and get to the metro station. I am planning on taking my bike with me on the train, and there are safely placed bike racks at school to use...plus Elliot told me about the right kind of lock to get. AND, I live on the first floor and have a nice empty room to put my bike in at home. Now I want everyone to hold me to this. I need to do it before, lets say mid-may? Thanks you guys!
So the GOP put out an "energy plan" yesterday that includes a $100 rebate to all taxpayers to "help offset the rising costs of gasoline." It also proposed to stop deposits into the strategic oil reserve for 6 months, even though Bush himself says that our addiction to oil is a matter of National Security, and so we better do something about it.
Ok, so, first of all, stopping our deposits into the SOR is going to help us how when we decide to invade Iran (on matters of National Security, of course), and we no longer have as much oil available to import? Hmmmm, seems like if we are worried about the security and possible threat that the very places we import oil from pose to us, it doesn't really make sense that we are not instead bolstering our supplies in the event of a conflict. Also, "experts" liken the move to rearranging a deck chair on the doomed Titantic. Ain't gonna matter when this ship sinks. It will save us 30k gallons/day but we use something like 21m.
But I want to go back to that first thing, the $100 rebate. Let's be perfectly realistic here. The VAST majority of Americans are somewhat stretched as far as the financial condition is concerned. The reasons are neglible, but anyway, our society is also now, for the first time ever, at a NEGATIVE savings rate. That's right, we are spending every last dime we have, and then putting the rest on plastic, and not thinking at all about the future. So........... what is gonna happen when good 'ol Uncle Sam comes through with 100 spanking new dollars for everyone over the age of 16 who pays taxes? Is it going to go straight into their savings account, to be used for gas in the SUV or Ungodly Huge Pickup truck? Is it going to buy a weeks worth of groceries for the family? It's possible. But more likely, the out of control American Consumer is gonna spend that hundred bucks on "something special", or a treat because they've been so strapped, and hey, look, I didn't have to even work for this! And then what? Gee, thanks, Congress, you guys REALLY helped us out!
Maybe the dems can come up with something better....
***sidenote: IF the republican energy plan DOES pass, and I get the $100 check, it's going straight to my bicycle! And I'd also like to say thanks everyone for the advice (and warnings about drinking while biking). Elliot, I trust your judgement about the Target bike. Gerald, we will be able to eat ALL the food we want and not be fat (just look at Elliot!) if we ride! Yep, we're gonna tear up the d-town! And Kathy, I think you have the best idea (and Elliot probably knows you are right, even if it pains him!). Somewhere like REI is probably a happy medium for someone who is only gonna be using it to cruise Forest Park, and get to the metro station. I am planning on taking my bike with me on the train, and there are safely placed bike racks at school to use...plus Elliot told me about the right kind of lock to get. AND, I live on the first floor and have a nice empty room to put my bike in at home. Now I want everyone to hold me to this. I need to do it before, lets say mid-may? Thanks you guys!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Finally!
As I sit here sipping my celebratory Bell's Amber Ale (thanks Andrew!), I would just like to reflect on the fact that for the past 5 or 6 days I have thought about little else except my 30+ page Investments Simulation Study. I have spent approximately 30 hours working on this project, most of which have occurred in the past three days. I did something I never do, "call off" from work, and I even skipped two classes as well (a first for this semester). I have drank about a half dozen pots of coffee and eaten nothing but junk food for the last 24 hours. Sleep has been sporadic, and I am pretty sure that the dark circles under my eyes aren't going anywhere for awhile. But it's finally finished. Why I procrastinate so much, I can not tell you. I think my brain only reacts to deadlines within 5 days...it doesn't matter that I have been writing it in my planner for the last month, or that it was assigned before this semester even began. Nope. I just like to wait to the last flippin' minute.
Oh well! It's not the greatest, and I can think of at least three errors right now. But it's over, I turned it in, and god-willing, Dr. Hancock thinks it's at least worthy of a C-. I am going to worry about it until we get our grades for the semester, but really that is only like two weeks away.
I suppose now would be a good time to begin my Dollar-Cost Averaging project for Retirement Planning...it IS due Friday at midnight! ;)
And thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement/covering my ass at work/dealing with my sleep-deprived and slap-happy self. I ask for your continued support in the next two weeks, and then it's gonna be party time! (oh wait, I start the summer semester the week after finals...hmmm).
Oh well! It's not the greatest, and I can think of at least three errors right now. But it's over, I turned it in, and god-willing, Dr. Hancock thinks it's at least worthy of a C-. I am going to worry about it until we get our grades for the semester, but really that is only like two weeks away.
I suppose now would be a good time to begin my Dollar-Cost Averaging project for Retirement Planning...it IS due Friday at midnight! ;)
And thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement/covering my ass at work/dealing with my sleep-deprived and slap-happy self. I ask for your continued support in the next two weeks, and then it's gonna be party time! (oh wait, I start the summer semester the week after finals...hmmm).
baseball may have just started but...
i'm getting excited for college basketball again...
mostly because i won't be taking any night classes in the fall, and then come mid-december, i'll be free of school in general which means no more missing nearly the entire season like this year.
and another one.
mostly because i won't be taking any night classes in the fall, and then come mid-december, i'll be free of school in general which means no more missing nearly the entire season like this year.
and another one.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
one more for the day...
wow. i think someone consumed a LITTLE too much coffee this morning....
things turned out ok, but the people moving didn't finish until after 2, so i didn't get as much work done as i really wanted to.
but it's ok. i'm on a roll (i think) and even though monday and tuesday are gonna be late nights, i really think i can get this all done by wednesday. that's right, all 31 or so pages!
i am still mad at myself for putting this off so long, but what can i do about it now? nothing except work my ass off.
my mom felt bad for me, even though it is all my fault, and she brought me lots of yummy snacks and stuff today- she's the best mom ever just so you know.
ok, well, back to the books, and hope you all enjoyed my brief foray into insanity there ;)
things turned out ok, but the people moving didn't finish until after 2, so i didn't get as much work done as i really wanted to.
but it's ok. i'm on a roll (i think) and even though monday and tuesday are gonna be late nights, i really think i can get this all done by wednesday. that's right, all 31 or so pages!
i am still mad at myself for putting this off so long, but what can i do about it now? nothing except work my ass off.
my mom felt bad for me, even though it is all my fault, and she brought me lots of yummy snacks and stuff today- she's the best mom ever just so you know.
ok, well, back to the books, and hope you all enjoyed my brief foray into insanity there ;)
another huge why?
why, oh why, do the fuckers upstairs have to be moving out today? i seriously just finished my breakfast and was getting my stuff together to work on my big investments portfolio project (lets see, its gonna be about 30 pages with dozens of calculations). meaning i can't f-ing concentrate while people are clammering around, banging stuff into the walls and my door as they haul shit away and slam it into the uhaul that is parked on the fucking lawn no more than 30 feet from my living room window (which is the room where my table and computer are). FUCK! I know they are probably moving out, too, because of the bitch with the kid below them who hates them and turned them in to our asshole of a landlord for having a cat. but still, i don't feel bad for them. i feel bad for me! and now there are two empty apartments here, out of 6, plus one down the block at jerry's....apparently billy doesn't need the rent money, but he is still the world's cheapest landlord.
goddammit!
***please excuse my language, but i am f-ing pissed!***
goddammit!
***please excuse my language, but i am f-ing pissed!***
gasoline prices/bicycles
i myself have wanted a bike for awhile. not some fancy-schmancy trek or anything, but just something to ride around the park, and maybe do errands. heck, i could even VERY realistically ride to and from the metrolink station in forest park and end my four mile round trip gas-wasting commute to the delmar station for school. so........what better time to buy a bike than now? there is a good entry-level bike going on sale at good 'ol target next week. i used to work near sporting goods and had to help people with bikes, and got to know the guys who build them, as well. they work for huffy, and they all agreed that these target schwinn's are a great buy...we rarely had any get returned, and they all spoke well of their frame construction and the smoothness of the gears. (elliot, feel free to chime in with any bike-related opinions!)
ANYWAY...
i'm seriosuly considering it. the cost of the bike (about $120 next week) would be paid for in gas savings in less than 6 months, depending on your driving habits as well as how much you rode, i would imagine. plus, its just another way to get in shape, and really, couldn't we all use that?
ANYWAY...
i'm seriosuly considering it. the cost of the bike (about $120 next week) would be paid for in gas savings in less than 6 months, depending on your driving habits as well as how much you rode, i would imagine. plus, its just another way to get in shape, and really, couldn't we all use that?
umsl...giving back to the stl community ;)
this is kinda funny. but somewhat infomative, as well, i suppose.
why?
-do i always procrastinate, and know that i'm gonna do it, and still not do anything about it?
-do i think i can get 7 major projects done in the next two weeks?
-do my lips hurt again?!?! what did i do to deserve this horrendous affliction?
-can't i keep my house clean, my quicken accounts updated, and my laundry done?
-can't i just be done with school and target and have a normal life? i am getting too old to be tired every day, and still have nothing to show for it!
-is it getting too hot to live in my apt. without the ac or at least a good fan, and it's still APRIL?!
blah.
ok, well, i better get crackin on these projects.
next semester better be WAY fuckin' easier than this one....i just don't care anymore about grades or anything, i only want it to be over.
***i just remembered: last night i ACTUALLY thought about planning on taking the GRE. WTF?!?! did i honestly think i wanted to CONTINUE going to school? do i ever want to be done? apparently not. who knows. jesus.
-do i think i can get 7 major projects done in the next two weeks?
-do my lips hurt again?!?! what did i do to deserve this horrendous affliction?
-can't i keep my house clean, my quicken accounts updated, and my laundry done?
-can't i just be done with school and target and have a normal life? i am getting too old to be tired every day, and still have nothing to show for it!
-is it getting too hot to live in my apt. without the ac or at least a good fan, and it's still APRIL?!
blah.
ok, well, i better get crackin on these projects.
next semester better be WAY fuckin' easier than this one....i just don't care anymore about grades or anything, i only want it to be over.
***i just remembered: last night i ACTUALLY thought about planning on taking the GRE. WTF?!?! did i honestly think i wanted to CONTINUE going to school? do i ever want to be done? apparently not. who knows. jesus.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
you know your life is somewhat out of control when...
you are drinking water from a coffee cup (whose origins remain unsure to you) from the top shelf of the cupboard, are buttering toast with plastic knives, and going out in public wearing an old man-style undershirt. also when you are tired of the taste of caffeine, and when you will strike up a conversation with your cat just to avoid doing homework.
yes, you may all be familiar with this feeling, and it's roots are deeply embedded in my total procrastination of school work for this entire semester. with the year winding down (only two weeks of class left before finals), and my most difficult semester nearing an end, i'm feeling the burn.
i am trying to get things together though-i've got a load of laundry going right now (because heaven forbid i run out of target khakis! who cares about decent clothes to wear to class, etc.), and i am gonna have to do the dishes since there is no more room in the sink to wash just one or two things on top anymore, and i am gonna really need my coffee pot and mug tomorrow morning.
if all goes as planned in the next two and a half days, though, i will be sleeping in late sunday morning and being a total bum before round two of the madness commences with another week of projects, assignments, group work and the final push for decent grades which will be aided by obscenely small amounts of sleep...my apologies for any crankiness in advance to all.
can't wait to party like it's 1999 though, at Katie and Nicole's moving out party-strategically placed the weekend after my due dates/before finals. Perfect!
yes, you may all be familiar with this feeling, and it's roots are deeply embedded in my total procrastination of school work for this entire semester. with the year winding down (only two weeks of class left before finals), and my most difficult semester nearing an end, i'm feeling the burn.
i am trying to get things together though-i've got a load of laundry going right now (because heaven forbid i run out of target khakis! who cares about decent clothes to wear to class, etc.), and i am gonna have to do the dishes since there is no more room in the sink to wash just one or two things on top anymore, and i am gonna really need my coffee pot and mug tomorrow morning.
if all goes as planned in the next two and a half days, though, i will be sleeping in late sunday morning and being a total bum before round two of the madness commences with another week of projects, assignments, group work and the final push for decent grades which will be aided by obscenely small amounts of sleep...my apologies for any crankiness in advance to all.
can't wait to party like it's 1999 though, at Katie and Nicole's moving out party-strategically placed the weekend after my due dates/before finals. Perfect!
Monday, April 17, 2006
wally-world
As part of my daily procrastination activities, I just finished watching the documentary, "Walmart: The High Cost of Low Prices." First of all, I want to recommend it to everyone...it's a very short film, about an hour and a half, and it will hold your attention the entire time. Obviously, I am not a fan of Wal-Mart to begin with, but I don't know that I ever thought this much about how horrible they are for the world as a whole. There is absolutely nothing good coming from this company, not in the way of low prices, jobs, the environment, social justice, nothing. I don't care if you can buy a fucking months worth of groceries and staples for $50 or not, the repercussions their insanely low prices have are far too great to rationalize it. The corporate bigwigs do not care one bit about the world around them, except for their own profit and well-being. The roots of so many injustices are embedded in this company, and I think watching this documentary may make people think twice about their shopping decisons.
If anyone saw the film, "Supersize Me," you may have thought twice about your fast-food eating habits. Obviously, many people did, as the "extra value meal" no longer comes with a large order of fries and drink, but rather a medium. Supersizing is also hardly mentioned on their menu boards. It would be naive to think that the film had nothing to do with these changes.
Anyway, I just had to mention that documentary, and I think my watching it was extraordinarily timely as the "axis of retail evil" is currently plotting a potential store within the city limits of St. Louis. I promise you all that I will be protesting big time if this actually starts to happen.
Oh yeah, and the skeezy and sleezy Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart reminds me ever so slightly of our fearless leader, Mr. GW Bush himself. He's a flippin' idiot who lacks all ability to form a legitimate sounding statement. He just opens his mouth and I immediately do not believe a word he says. Just something about him...maybe it's that damn fake-sounding southern accent.
If anyone saw the film, "Supersize Me," you may have thought twice about your fast-food eating habits. Obviously, many people did, as the "extra value meal" no longer comes with a large order of fries and drink, but rather a medium. Supersizing is also hardly mentioned on their menu boards. It would be naive to think that the film had nothing to do with these changes.
Anyway, I just had to mention that documentary, and I think my watching it was extraordinarily timely as the "axis of retail evil" is currently plotting a potential store within the city limits of St. Louis. I promise you all that I will be protesting big time if this actually starts to happen.
Oh yeah, and the skeezy and sleezy Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart reminds me ever so slightly of our fearless leader, Mr. GW Bush himself. He's a flippin' idiot who lacks all ability to form a legitimate sounding statement. He just opens his mouth and I immediately do not believe a word he says. Just something about him...maybe it's that damn fake-sounding southern accent.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
My One Easter Work-Related Rant
As you all may know, I work in the seasonal department in the front of the store at work now. Easter is my first holiday up there, dealing with the masses of procrastinating shoppers. I have spent the past two days telling people that we are sold out of many different items, such as chocolate bunnies, marshmallow eggs, plastic colored eggs for filling, dove chocolates, and regular jelly beans. So Target got a little cheap on the candy this year, but it's still not my fault that they couldn't find the time to make it in to the store before the last two days before the holiday. On Wednesday we were sold out of very little and they could have had all of the damn bunnies they wanted. ANYWAY...I digress. My favorite exchange out of all of these conversations was one I had today, around 4 pm:
Shopper Dude: "Do you have any more chocolate bunnies?"
Me: "No, sorry, we are sold out."
Shopper Dude: "Well, are there any more in the back?"
Me: "No, we are sold out." DUH.
Doesn't sold out mean there aren't any more to be sold? As in, the store has completely exhausted it's supply of said item? And, why would I be secretly hiding chocolate bunnies on the day before Easter? Why? My only goal up in that department is to sell everything we have at full price so that when the clearance hounds come in at 8 on the dot Monday morning, there is nothing but shitty baskets left for them.
Happy Easter ;) Hope everyone gets to eat some delicious ham tomorrow! (gotta love the pig!)
Shopper Dude: "Do you have any more chocolate bunnies?"
Me: "No, sorry, we are sold out."
Shopper Dude: "Well, are there any more in the back?"
Me: "No, we are sold out." DUH.
Doesn't sold out mean there aren't any more to be sold? As in, the store has completely exhausted it's supply of said item? And, why would I be secretly hiding chocolate bunnies on the day before Easter? Why? My only goal up in that department is to sell everything we have at full price so that when the clearance hounds come in at 8 on the dot Monday morning, there is nothing but shitty baskets left for them.
Happy Easter ;) Hope everyone gets to eat some delicious ham tomorrow! (gotta love the pig!)
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
gross!
'tis the season for the house centipedes to begin running amok here on Sanford Avenue. my first encounter with one of these creepy creatures was a truly memorable experience that came to the bloody (and stinky) conclusion upon gerald's slaying of the offending beast with a can of raid. that was nearly two years ago, and i have since become a hardened cohabitant with these guys...sometimes i just let them live, seeing how long it takes till they run away. i usually go by the three minute rule. if they are out of my sight in three minutes, i'm over it and they get to live. i think it's because i know they eat other far more offending creatures (ie spiders and silverfish).
BUT it has taken me this long to get over it, and i have to admit that when i see a really big one (we're talking three+ inches body length) quickly slivering his 30 legs over my walls, i get a little creeped out. my new neighbor amy is having a bit harder time dealing with it (which is one hundred percent justifiable) so she did the rational thing, and called the landlord about having her place sprayed. good ol' billy promptly refused, stating that it is not his fault/liability that they are there. it just happens, so he doesn't have to do anything about it. he apparently thinks it won't do any good. amy is thinking about breaking her lease over it, and i have yet to find any definitive dictates regarding pest control responsibility within the missouri state statutes and the st. louis housing authority.
however...i realize things could be worse. i could have the crazy termite infestation like katie and kate are dealing with over in D.C. compared to their drama, i'll take a couple house centipedes any day.
BUT it has taken me this long to get over it, and i have to admit that when i see a really big one (we're talking three+ inches body length) quickly slivering his 30 legs over my walls, i get a little creeped out. my new neighbor amy is having a bit harder time dealing with it (which is one hundred percent justifiable) so she did the rational thing, and called the landlord about having her place sprayed. good ol' billy promptly refused, stating that it is not his fault/liability that they are there. it just happens, so he doesn't have to do anything about it. he apparently thinks it won't do any good. amy is thinking about breaking her lease over it, and i have yet to find any definitive dictates regarding pest control responsibility within the missouri state statutes and the st. louis housing authority.
however...i realize things could be worse. i could have the crazy termite infestation like katie and kate are dealing with over in D.C. compared to their drama, i'll take a couple house centipedes any day.
and they call themselves christians?
***NOTE*** this is NOT a post encouraging/endorsing christianity. it is merely an observation of the hypocritical nature of many "christians".
having been raised in a "christian environment" (12 yrs catholic schooling, actively participating catholic parents, 4 yrs. high school youth ministry participation), i feel i have a pretty good grasp on what the roots of christianity are embedded in. jesus loved everyone, even those who were considered society's outcasts. therefore, if you call yourself a christian, thereby claiming to live as christ did, then you too should love and tolerate all human beings. how then, oh how, can any decent so-called christian think that it is ok to not tolerate homosexuals?! what the fuck? i know it would be too much to ask these people to actually accept their homosexuality as an inherent trait they are born with, but for christ's sake (pun intended) can't they at least let them be? how does it hurt them? what are they afraid of? is anyone forcing them to watch gay people have sex? no. in fact, i think it would be way more frightening to watch two members of the religious right do it, but that's just me (and those two damn well better be married!) ;)
ahh yes, i love a good controversial post.
anyone who hasn't read the comments below under the "elections" post, we've got a nice little debate about the benefits and consequences of property tax increases.
just another way for me to procrastinate about my 5 million end-of-semester projects, too! ;)
***END NOTE*** i just realized that my "diss" on christianity may have been somewhat subconciously fueled by this past week's observations at work. now that i am in charge of the seasonal department in the front of the store, i get to have a first hand look at the outrageous mass-commercialization of THE MOST IMPORTANT christian holiday- easter. this is just another example of christians picking and choosing how and when to live by their chosen religious beliefs. what does having the exact right kind of chocolate bunny and a $10 basket shaped like a soccer ball have to do with the whole point of the holiday? please.
having been raised in a "christian environment" (12 yrs catholic schooling, actively participating catholic parents, 4 yrs. high school youth ministry participation), i feel i have a pretty good grasp on what the roots of christianity are embedded in. jesus loved everyone, even those who were considered society's outcasts. therefore, if you call yourself a christian, thereby claiming to live as christ did, then you too should love and tolerate all human beings. how then, oh how, can any decent so-called christian think that it is ok to not tolerate homosexuals?! what the fuck? i know it would be too much to ask these people to actually accept their homosexuality as an inherent trait they are born with, but for christ's sake (pun intended) can't they at least let them be? how does it hurt them? what are they afraid of? is anyone forcing them to watch gay people have sex? no. in fact, i think it would be way more frightening to watch two members of the religious right do it, but that's just me (and those two damn well better be married!) ;)
ahh yes, i love a good controversial post.
anyone who hasn't read the comments below under the "elections" post, we've got a nice little debate about the benefits and consequences of property tax increases.
just another way for me to procrastinate about my 5 million end-of-semester projects, too! ;)
***END NOTE*** i just realized that my "diss" on christianity may have been somewhat subconciously fueled by this past week's observations at work. now that i am in charge of the seasonal department in the front of the store, i get to have a first hand look at the outrageous mass-commercialization of THE MOST IMPORTANT christian holiday- easter. this is just another example of christians picking and choosing how and when to live by their chosen religious beliefs. what does having the exact right kind of chocolate bunny and a $10 basket shaped like a soccer ball have to do with the whole point of the holiday? please.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
real quick rant/super long construction times
so i haven't been too good about posting stuff lately, but school is really getting down to wire and i have no less than 5 projects/papers due in the next 4 weeks (i know, i know, we've all been there!).
however, i just have to say that i CAN NOT WAIT for the construction at Skinker and Forest Park Parkway to be DONE. It doesn't matter when I leave for class, I always get stuck waiting for the stupid traffic to figure out which way the lanes are curving, or what lane is gonna be closed or where the line to stop at is, or how the wash u pedestrians are gonna cross without being killed. it's just been waaaay too long since things have been normal around there (i can remember at least since mid-2002).
and to add to the frustration, it's pretty much impossible to get a realistic view of progress from metro. both their cross-county extension website and the "monthly" report (the most current one available is on February's progress and isn't it almost the middle of April?!) do not give nearly the depth of information necessary to figure out when life might return to normal. and i am just a irritated commuter. i can't possibly think of how i would feel if i lived very close to one of the construction sites and had to deal with this nonsense constantly for the past 4 years.
and you all know how i feel about public transportation...i am one of the biggest fans of this extension and wish it could have gone even further...like veering west over to k-wood ;) however, enough is enough, and i think it's well past time for things to be done. this can't possibly help metro's image for future projects, either, because any community affected is going to be really apprehensive to the thought of years and years of disruption and chaos. i know i would.
however, i just have to say that i CAN NOT WAIT for the construction at Skinker and Forest Park Parkway to be DONE. It doesn't matter when I leave for class, I always get stuck waiting for the stupid traffic to figure out which way the lanes are curving, or what lane is gonna be closed or where the line to stop at is, or how the wash u pedestrians are gonna cross without being killed. it's just been waaaay too long since things have been normal around there (i can remember at least since mid-2002).
and to add to the frustration, it's pretty much impossible to get a realistic view of progress from metro. both their cross-county extension website and the "monthly" report (the most current one available is on February's progress and isn't it almost the middle of April?!) do not give nearly the depth of information necessary to figure out when life might return to normal. and i am just a irritated commuter. i can't possibly think of how i would feel if i lived very close to one of the construction sites and had to deal with this nonsense constantly for the past 4 years.
and you all know how i feel about public transportation...i am one of the biggest fans of this extension and wish it could have gone even further...like veering west over to k-wood ;) however, enough is enough, and i think it's well past time for things to be done. this can't possibly help metro's image for future projects, either, because any community affected is going to be really apprehensive to the thought of years and years of disruption and chaos. i know i would.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
what the f?
i don't get how this can possibly work, but um, it appears that it does.
what would we do without the internet?
what would we do without the internet?
elections
so i find it somewhat disappointing that not a single ballot item went my way today at the municipal elections.
there was the school board, which i have to admit that i didn't really do too much research into, but i DID pay attention to who campaigned in my neighborhood, as well as who sent me stuff, and i went with the two candidates that the mayor backed. neither of them made it, though.
the second ballot issue was the missouri statute that would increase property taxes (Prop. EJ) in order to fund improvements and growth within the St. Louis Community College branches. obviously, as an alumni of this fine institution, i was in favor of increased funding. however, i am not a property owner, yet, so it doesn't really affect me negatively. but still, if you do the math, the increase in property taxes for a homeowner of a house worth $150,000 would see their tax for the community college raised from $331.20/year to $511.20. This is only an increase of $180, and given that many people use an escrow account to pay their taxes, this will only increase their monthly mortgage payment by $15. not that big of a deal if people just think about how much this excellent community college does for our area. so many people take advantage of the affordable and competitive educational opportunities it provides, but i suppose even more people are still unaware.
the next issue was regarding recall elections, and the petition process required to initiate such an election. it had proposed extending the number of days to aquire the necessary signatures from 60 (i believe) to 180. however, the ballot wording made no such mention of the current procedure, so it is entirely possible that people didn't really know what the exisiting statute actually said. this is not uncommon, and i am pretty sure that most people don't really read the entire ballot, but you better believe i do. also, have just gone through a recall election within my own ward (24th), i don't think that giving people 6 months to gather signatures is fair. if you really want someone out of there, and the constituents agree, 60 days should be more than enough time for a well organized campaign to get their shit together.
and finally there was the graduated business liscence fee increase for st. louis city businesses. now, as the daughter of a small business owner in the city of st. louis, you might think i would be against this. but after thinking about it, i had to support it. apparently the cost of a business liscence in the city has not changed in nearly 20 years. and we all know how i feel about the growth of the city. so.....its simply completely necessary for all things to continue to grow to support the city's operating budget. and because i am a finance dork, i saw that even by increasing the cost of a liscence by $50, the fee hasn't nearly caught up with inflation. it's no wonder that the city hasn't been able to build revenue too quickly in the past couple decades or so. you can't possibly think that something that is worth nearly half of what it was 20 years ago could benefit the city in the same manner.
but in the end i have to say that i AM happy that i didn't have to use the stupid electronic voting machines again. apparently the one at the carpenters hall was broken (there's a shocker) cause i voted on a scantron-like paper and let this huge box suck in the ballot like a fax machine or something, and kept it locked inside. weird.
there was the school board, which i have to admit that i didn't really do too much research into, but i DID pay attention to who campaigned in my neighborhood, as well as who sent me stuff, and i went with the two candidates that the mayor backed. neither of them made it, though.
the second ballot issue was the missouri statute that would increase property taxes (Prop. EJ) in order to fund improvements and growth within the St. Louis Community College branches. obviously, as an alumni of this fine institution, i was in favor of increased funding. however, i am not a property owner, yet, so it doesn't really affect me negatively. but still, if you do the math, the increase in property taxes for a homeowner of a house worth $150,000 would see their tax for the community college raised from $331.20/year to $511.20. This is only an increase of $180, and given that many people use an escrow account to pay their taxes, this will only increase their monthly mortgage payment by $15. not that big of a deal if people just think about how much this excellent community college does for our area. so many people take advantage of the affordable and competitive educational opportunities it provides, but i suppose even more people are still unaware.
the next issue was regarding recall elections, and the petition process required to initiate such an election. it had proposed extending the number of days to aquire the necessary signatures from 60 (i believe) to 180. however, the ballot wording made no such mention of the current procedure, so it is entirely possible that people didn't really know what the exisiting statute actually said. this is not uncommon, and i am pretty sure that most people don't really read the entire ballot, but you better believe i do. also, have just gone through a recall election within my own ward (24th), i don't think that giving people 6 months to gather signatures is fair. if you really want someone out of there, and the constituents agree, 60 days should be more than enough time for a well organized campaign to get their shit together.
and finally there was the graduated business liscence fee increase for st. louis city businesses. now, as the daughter of a small business owner in the city of st. louis, you might think i would be against this. but after thinking about it, i had to support it. apparently the cost of a business liscence in the city has not changed in nearly 20 years. and we all know how i feel about the growth of the city. so.....its simply completely necessary for all things to continue to grow to support the city's operating budget. and because i am a finance dork, i saw that even by increasing the cost of a liscence by $50, the fee hasn't nearly caught up with inflation. it's no wonder that the city hasn't been able to build revenue too quickly in the past couple decades or so. you can't possibly think that something that is worth nearly half of what it was 20 years ago could benefit the city in the same manner.
but in the end i have to say that i AM happy that i didn't have to use the stupid electronic voting machines again. apparently the one at the carpenters hall was broken (there's a shocker) cause i voted on a scantron-like paper and let this huge box suck in the ballot like a fax machine or something, and kept it locked inside. weird.
Monday, April 03, 2006
what i already miss
spring break has been over for less than 24 hours.
obviously, i am going through major withdrawal.
here is a small sample of what i miss already:
1. andrew.
2. sleep.
3. eating food that didn't come from the freezers at work.
4. my cat, annoying as he can be, what with all his meowing and talking and knocking over of the water bowl.
5. my apartment (for a time there, it felt like all that rent money actually served a purpose! i got to hang out there!)
6. open windows/warm breezes.
7. not going west on 44.
8. the y (ok, i only went like 3 times, but it felt like my money was being well-spent, and maybe it was making a difference).
9. drinking (not to excess, but just being able to drink without knowing that i should really be doing homework).
10. feeling like i could blissfully live forever without going back to school or work (right, reality did hit me, and i know that paid vacations only last as long as i DO work some of the time-and if i ever want to work somewhere slightly fulfilling i'm gonna have to get through school).
i could go on, but you all get the point.
and thank you everyone for the b.day wishes, too. i don't think i could have asked for a more gorgeous, relaxing day! :)
obviously, i am going through major withdrawal.
here is a small sample of what i miss already:
1. andrew.
2. sleep.
3. eating food that didn't come from the freezers at work.
4. my cat, annoying as he can be, what with all his meowing and talking and knocking over of the water bowl.
5. my apartment (for a time there, it felt like all that rent money actually served a purpose! i got to hang out there!)
6. open windows/warm breezes.
7. not going west on 44.
8. the y (ok, i only went like 3 times, but it felt like my money was being well-spent, and maybe it was making a difference).
9. drinking (not to excess, but just being able to drink without knowing that i should really be doing homework).
10. feeling like i could blissfully live forever without going back to school or work (right, reality did hit me, and i know that paid vacations only last as long as i DO work some of the time-and if i ever want to work somewhere slightly fulfilling i'm gonna have to get through school).
i could go on, but you all get the point.
and thank you everyone for the b.day wishes, too. i don't think i could have asked for a more gorgeous, relaxing day! :)
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