Wow, the year is already almost a third over. WHERE IS ME LIFE GOING?
Celine Dion, who I already can't stand, has given me another reason to not like her: she's turning her son into a mini Imelda Marcos. Well, she's no better, and even if it's her son wearing her heels, it's still nuts. Or am I just bias against Dion?
The New York Times has this article on haute hostels. Backpacking through Europe no longer seems as creepy as it once did. I might consider this when I have kids and take them to Europe. Or not. I don't think hostels are yet family friendly.
If there's one thing that makes me proud to be a millennial, it's the fact that our generation is more accepting in so many big ways than our parents. I just wish our generation were also better educated too, as in at the same level as our European counterparts. But this story reinforces the reason why I am so proud of my generation: this high school in Georgia just held it's first integrated prom, and it's because the graduating class thought having two separate proms was ridiculous. Of course, the way they do prom in the South is a little different, as it's not a school-sanctioned event.
My heart goes out to the family of Jeff Cintro, who passed away during his senior trip. I'm ashamed to admit the only reason I know of what Marfan syndrome was before reading this story was because of an episode of Maury.
I might be a critic of the Mormon church and the residents of the state of Utah, no to mention Republicans, but granted, us folks from the Northeast could learn something from our more religious peers: we could be a little more generous. And although I believe in rational taxation to pay for generous government services, I also
And finally, Rick Perry confuses me on his political leanings. Is he a libertarian-anarchist-populist conservative? In the case of the legislators, I'll side with them. Texas schools could use some work.
Monday, April 29, 2013
The Adventures of Sasha's Lucky Potsdam Sweatshirt
It's definitely a lucky sweatshirt.
A week ago Saturday, I visited my friend Alexandra (Alex) in Philly and while at 30th Street Station waiting for Amtrak's northbound Northeast Regional train, a girl noticed my sweatshirt and she must have though I went to Fordham University, which also has a maroon color Fordh(AM) and Potsd(AM), so not hard to miss. Sadly, I regrettably never asked to sit with her on the train, although I did sit across from her on the train, in the row back. She was cute though, but she ended up sleeping on the train.
The following morning, Perry LaRoque, the founder of Mansfield Hall, Dr. LaRoque was a Potsdam assistant professor a few years back before starting Mansfield Hall. It was a privilege making his acquaintance. I would probably not have had my chat with him had it not been for my luck Potsdam sweatshirt. Sadly, I'm past my undergrad years. And of course, I miss those years.
The third was this past Wednesday, after a long bus ride from New York City to Albany. I was waiting to board a near-empty coach bus when a girl asked:
"Wait, you go to Potsdam"
I said "No, but I used to. Graduated last year."
She said "Ah", before I asked "Since you don't seem familiar, I'll assume you're a freshman."
The young lady confirmed that she was indeed a first year and we made a few comments with this couple I was also on the bus with. The couple, who were in the back of the first bus I took, were heading to a funeral. They had traveled from Connecticut. The Potsdam girl had been on buses all morning and was coming from Long Island.
Unlike Saturday, I was smarter. I drummed up the courage and asked if I could sit with the girl, and she accepted. Her name is Cara, short for Caroline, and she's a dancer. At first, it was awkward, as I read, and she made some phone calls, but it wasn't until our stop in Schroon Lake where I broke some more ice over peanuts, and I drummed up more courage to get her internet footprint (Facebook, Twitter). I'm glad that she told me I made her bus ride to Potsdam a little more pleasant, and I'm glad I met someone new. I hope the two of us can hang out one of these days. As far as I can tell, she seems like a sweetheart.
UPDATE: I've spoken to Cara a little since that bus ride. Now to drum up the courage to speak to her more. It shouldn't be stepping on eggshells to ask a girl if she would like to hang out with you, whether it be the city or the beach.
And what sweatshirt is responsible for all this?
Yeap, that one. And I'm glad I have it.
A week ago Saturday, I visited my friend Alexandra (Alex) in Philly and while at 30th Street Station waiting for Amtrak's northbound Northeast Regional train, a girl noticed my sweatshirt and she must have though I went to Fordham University, which also has a maroon color Fordh(AM) and Potsd(AM), so not hard to miss. Sadly, I regrettably never asked to sit with her on the train, although I did sit across from her on the train, in the row back. She was cute though, but she ended up sleeping on the train.
The following morning, Perry LaRoque, the founder of Mansfield Hall, Dr. LaRoque was a Potsdam assistant professor a few years back before starting Mansfield Hall. It was a privilege making his acquaintance. I would probably not have had my chat with him had it not been for my luck Potsdam sweatshirt. Sadly, I'm past my undergrad years. And of course, I miss those years.
The third was this past Wednesday, after a long bus ride from New York City to Albany. I was waiting to board a near-empty coach bus when a girl asked:
"Wait, you go to Potsdam"
I said "No, but I used to. Graduated last year."
She said "Ah", before I asked "Since you don't seem familiar, I'll assume you're a freshman."
The young lady confirmed that she was indeed a first year and we made a few comments with this couple I was also on the bus with. The couple, who were in the back of the first bus I took, were heading to a funeral. They had traveled from Connecticut. The Potsdam girl had been on buses all morning and was coming from Long Island.
Unlike Saturday, I was smarter. I drummed up the courage and asked if I could sit with the girl, and she accepted. Her name is Cara, short for Caroline, and she's a dancer. At first, it was awkward, as I read, and she made some phone calls, but it wasn't until our stop in Schroon Lake where I broke some more ice over peanuts, and I drummed up more courage to get her internet footprint (Facebook, Twitter). I'm glad that she told me I made her bus ride to Potsdam a little more pleasant, and I'm glad I met someone new. I hope the two of us can hang out one of these days. As far as I can tell, she seems like a sweetheart.
UPDATE: I've spoken to Cara a little since that bus ride. Now to drum up the courage to speak to her more. It shouldn't be stepping on eggshells to ask a girl if she would like to hang out with you, whether it be the city or the beach.
And what sweatshirt is responsible for all this?
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Sasha's commentary for April 18, 2013
Let me settle this one:
Yes, the USPS is bleeding money. I also don't believe that any government agency should be required to make a profit. Government isn't a business. Sure, government should cover operating costs and if a profit ensues, then so be it as a little cushion is always a good thing. But in general, does the American political public (the pundits, die-hards, Sarah Palins, politicians, etc) believe that government should make a profit at all costs?
The North Country made the news again, thanks to Sophia Stevens, an eighth grader from Saranac, New York. Funny, the Press-Republican, hers (and mine) local newspaper has been mum on the issue. She designed a funny passage on the eighth grade ELA test that New York gives. Sure, it's a parody, but a convincing one. I would have done some of the questions differently, but kudos to Sophia. As many of you are aware, I am in favor of standardized testing (it ensures all schools are on the same wavelength, ensures teachers are doing their jobs,
I will be, in the next few weeks, drafting a letter to Governor Cuomo about my opinions on how the state should be run, a la backseat governor. Yes, tacky, but . Yes, New York has some of the highest taxes in the nation, and the Governor's addressing that. New York is fighting issues right now, just like an individual would, and is taking time to adjust. If he can get Sheldon Silver out of his position as Assembly Speaker, I'd be happy. Very happy. Silver has put his own interests ahead of the interests of the state and New York City. He's partly the reason why New York didn't host the Olympics last year. It didn't help that the venues were spread through the tri-state area and the transportation logistics would have been a nightmare. Have you seen the Lexington Avenue subway line at rush hour? Forget about getting a seat! But this organization, Upstate NY Taxpayers Association, has made a stink about lengthening the runway at the Warren County (Floyd Bennett Memorial) Airport in Glens Falls. This group has compared Key West Airport to Warren County Airport. Let's see though: Key West International (ICAO: KEYW) is a towered field (meaning their is an air traffic control tower), has a runway that can handle aircraft weighing up to 195,000 pounds, roughly the weight of a Boeing 737. Sullivan County International Airport (ICAO: KMSV) has a longer runway than both Warren County and Key West's and wider runway (in Key West International's case) but look here: Sullivan County's runway is not designed for heavy jets. No two runways are alike. Sometimes, you need to spend money to make money. But I forgot to note something on my post on the Post-Star's webstie: the apron at Warren County Airport is TINY for even a forty seat turboprop. I wrote the comments yesterday. Turns out the baby boomers hate me for it. Some parts of the past were ACTUALLY good.
And finally, let me openly criticize the SUNY Potsdam Student Government Association, for turning the Racquette, the student-run newspaper, into a felon, and for using SES (Student Entertainment Services) as an example of what every SUNY Potsdam club should be. Well, then how come I've had current students tell me that Springfest this year was poorly organized and that they are unhappy with the choices of the entertainment they chose? It's like taking a kid accustomed to living in the suburbs and force him to live in the country. An adjustment period will be required. I believe the Racquette should be also exempt from the wage rule, just like SGA. I never was paid for serving as an Assemblymember, other than two days of free lunch when I served on Budget committee, a weekend which combined with personal issues involving a girlfriend leading to a breakup and family, caused me to have a near nervous breakdown. I did it because I love politics. I love representing people, speaking up for people who would otherwise feel frightened/feel uncomfortable/unable/unwilling/that it is not in their place to do so. I did it because I could make a difference in a way I know how. Of course, the novelty of being America's first elected official on the autism spectrum is part of the reason why I yearn for elected office, but the main reason is because it is the best way that I can serve people, as I am not eligible to serve in the military for specific health reasons. Furthermore, people listen to celebrities (performing artist of any sort) more than they do elected officials. I believe that a politician needs to shape their image as much as a celebrity would. Politicians have been screwing up on this one. Of course, position and service comes first, but you also need to find a way to get people to listen to what YOU have to say, of course.
Jenny Sanford is doing Elizabeth Colbert Busch a HUGE favor: by being an agitator in her ex-husband's run for the congressional seat in South Carolina. Turns out that Mark Sanford likes to stop by unannounced. If you don't want your child watching the Super Bowl alone, take him back to your place.
As I've and many others have said, Andrew Cuomo is a steamroller. He gets stuff done though, so all the power to him. And that's why we have legislators and amendments to previously passed laws. I'm going to leave Cuomo for another day, since the article is LONG. Cuomo's effect on NY is a blog entry in itself, just like gun control.
Well, it turns out that Kate Upton turned down Jake Davidson's invite to the high school senior's prom, due to actual "scheduling conflicts". I give him credit for at least trying. Why New York Magazine needs to be so mean about it is beyond me. We've been living in a society where we're all scared to ask people we are, in any capacity, romantically attached to, out on a date. And I think Davidson knew he had no shot, but at the same time, for her to even respond? That's significant. Why New York is making Davidson look like a spoiled brat is beyond me. He's just a teenager making a daring move.
And while we're on the dating topic, let me make mention of something on Reddit. I wish I had known about how to stay out of the friend zone ages ago. I can do oh so much, and still get sent to it. But that gives me an ideer. Go all daredevil in regards to dating.
I honestly don't care that the Queen attended the funeral of Margaret Thatcher. Both women were born around the same time, were mothers, both staunchly against change, etc.
Verizon iPhone activations fall 33%, a whole ONE-THIRD. I know why? Sure, Androids can sometimes be problematic, but with an Android (Robot phone), you get CHOICE. They're an Android phone for every need, even for someone who only needs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and adequate specs (only basic hardware, no fancy features, granted my Pantech does have two features I like: an SD card slot AND a removable battery). It's no long 2007, Apple. Steve Jobs has no longer been with us since October of 2011.
Has a privledged generation become a screwed generation? I hope so! The Baby Boomers have done a lot to eff over America. A tiny part of it is not their fault. Of course, their parents had them in plentiful numbers, raised them in the suburbs, so it's the teenagers of the Great Depression we really need to blame, as they led the Baby Boomers down the slippery slope. I'd say of any generation of Americans, the Baby Boomers have been the most selfish. (Not all of them, but many). The Baby Boomers gave us the hippies, who couldn't shower, smoked pot, caused trouble (but redeemed themselves with lowering the voting age to 18, and then turned against that). And then they gave us the go-go 1980s, a troubled decade where we had a man whose only redeeming quality as president is he made a nation feel good about itself. Sorry Mr. Reagan, but you were a useless president. I know goddam well my kids will be spending their childhood living under the roof of one set of their grandparents, unless circumstances do not allow for it or are generous enough that it is not necessary. I'm not sure if I'll be making a living wage until I'm thirty, unless I make it lucky. I hope to see America return to its industrial roots, with a strong labor movement, public transit in Nowheresville, USA and a strong sense of community. Every city with a population of over 100,000 should have commuter rail and an emphasis on mass transit. I'll be lucky if I do better off financially than my parents. I know that I'm going to need to start saving now if I plan to have a retirement. A revolution is coming? Something's going to have to give. The world cannot sustain the population we have now comfortably for long. So for all my friends and family not having children, I thank you on behalf of us who want families of our own. Another sign the boomers have effed this nation nicely? There are more jobs in the suburbs now than ever. If that's not class warfare, I don't know what is.
I might have voted Obama for a second term (okay, I did), and yes, I know, it's early to judge, but it's going to take another three presidents to straighten out the messes he's made AND continue the repairs Obama's made. With Obama, we've made three steps forward, but we've also gone back two steps.
Alright. I have a mystery girl to let know tomorrow I'm making a trip to see her at the same college that I graduated from/know her from.
Yes, the USPS is bleeding money. I also don't believe that any government agency should be required to make a profit. Government isn't a business. Sure, government should cover operating costs and if a profit ensues, then so be it as a little cushion is always a good thing. But in general, does the American political public (the pundits, die-hards, Sarah Palins, politicians, etc) believe that government should make a profit at all costs?
The North Country made the news again, thanks to Sophia Stevens, an eighth grader from Saranac, New York. Funny, the Press-Republican, hers (and mine) local newspaper has been mum on the issue. She designed a funny passage on the eighth grade ELA test that New York gives. Sure, it's a parody, but a convincing one. I would have done some of the questions differently, but kudos to Sophia. As many of you are aware, I am in favor of standardized testing (it ensures all schools are on the same wavelength, ensures teachers are doing their jobs,
I will be, in the next few weeks, drafting a letter to Governor Cuomo about my opinions on how the state should be run, a la backseat governor. Yes, tacky, but . Yes, New York has some of the highest taxes in the nation, and the Governor's addressing that. New York is fighting issues right now, just like an individual would, and is taking time to adjust. If he can get Sheldon Silver out of his position as Assembly Speaker, I'd be happy. Very happy. Silver has put his own interests ahead of the interests of the state and New York City. He's partly the reason why New York didn't host the Olympics last year. It didn't help that the venues were spread through the tri-state area and the transportation logistics would have been a nightmare. Have you seen the Lexington Avenue subway line at rush hour? Forget about getting a seat! But this organization, Upstate NY Taxpayers Association, has made a stink about lengthening the runway at the Warren County (Floyd Bennett Memorial) Airport in Glens Falls. This group has compared Key West Airport to Warren County Airport. Let's see though: Key West International (ICAO: KEYW) is a towered field (meaning their is an air traffic control tower), has a runway that can handle aircraft weighing up to 195,000 pounds, roughly the weight of a Boeing 737. Sullivan County International Airport (ICAO: KMSV) has a longer runway than both Warren County and Key West's and wider runway (in Key West International's case) but look here: Sullivan County's runway is not designed for heavy jets. No two runways are alike. Sometimes, you need to spend money to make money. But I forgot to note something on my post on the Post-Star's webstie: the apron at Warren County Airport is TINY for even a forty seat turboprop. I wrote the comments yesterday. Turns out the baby boomers hate me for it. Some parts of the past were ACTUALLY good.
And finally, let me openly criticize the SUNY Potsdam Student Government Association, for turning the Racquette, the student-run newspaper, into a felon, and for using SES (Student Entertainment Services) as an example of what every SUNY Potsdam club should be. Well, then how come I've had current students tell me that Springfest this year was poorly organized and that they are unhappy with the choices of the entertainment they chose? It's like taking a kid accustomed to living in the suburbs and force him to live in the country. An adjustment period will be required. I believe the Racquette should be also exempt from the wage rule, just like SGA. I never was paid for serving as an Assemblymember, other than two days of free lunch when I served on Budget committee, a weekend which combined with personal issues involving a girlfriend leading to a breakup and family, caused me to have a near nervous breakdown. I did it because I love politics. I love representing people, speaking up for people who would otherwise feel frightened/feel uncomfortable/unable/unwilling/that it is not in their place to do so. I did it because I could make a difference in a way I know how. Of course, the novelty of being America's first elected official on the autism spectrum is part of the reason why I yearn for elected office, but the main reason is because it is the best way that I can serve people, as I am not eligible to serve in the military for specific health reasons. Furthermore, people listen to celebrities (performing artist of any sort) more than they do elected officials. I believe that a politician needs to shape their image as much as a celebrity would. Politicians have been screwing up on this one. Of course, position and service comes first, but you also need to find a way to get people to listen to what YOU have to say, of course.
Jenny Sanford is doing Elizabeth Colbert Busch a HUGE favor: by being an agitator in her ex-husband's run for the congressional seat in South Carolina. Turns out that Mark Sanford likes to stop by unannounced. If you don't want your child watching the Super Bowl alone, take him back to your place.
Well, it turns out that Kate Upton turned down Jake Davidson's invite to the high school senior's prom, due to actual "scheduling conflicts". I give him credit for at least trying. Why New York Magazine needs to be so mean about it is beyond me. We've been living in a society where we're all scared to ask people we are, in any capacity, romantically attached to, out on a date. And I think Davidson knew he had no shot, but at the same time, for her to even respond? That's significant. Why New York is making Davidson look like a spoiled brat is beyond me. He's just a teenager making a daring move.
And while we're on the dating topic, let me make mention of something on Reddit. I wish I had known about how to stay out of the friend zone ages ago. I can do oh so much, and still get sent to it. But that gives me an ideer. Go all daredevil in regards to dating.
I honestly don't care that the Queen attended the funeral of Margaret Thatcher. Both women were born around the same time, were mothers, both staunchly against change, etc.
Verizon iPhone activations fall 33%, a whole ONE-THIRD. I know why? Sure, Androids can sometimes be problematic, but with an Android (Robot phone), you get CHOICE. They're an Android phone for every need, even for someone who only needs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and adequate specs (only basic hardware, no fancy features, granted my Pantech does have two features I like: an SD card slot AND a removable battery). It's no long 2007, Apple. Steve Jobs has no longer been with us since October of 2011.
Has a privledged generation become a screwed generation? I hope so! The Baby Boomers have done a lot to eff over America. A tiny part of it is not their fault. Of course, their parents had them in plentiful numbers, raised them in the suburbs, so it's the teenagers of the Great Depression we really need to blame, as they led the Baby Boomers down the slippery slope. I'd say of any generation of Americans, the Baby Boomers have been the most selfish. (Not all of them, but many). The Baby Boomers gave us the hippies, who couldn't shower, smoked pot, caused trouble (but redeemed themselves with lowering the voting age to 18, and then turned against that). And then they gave us the go-go 1980s, a troubled decade where we had a man whose only redeeming quality as president is he made a nation feel good about itself. Sorry Mr. Reagan, but you were a useless president. I know goddam well my kids will be spending their childhood living under the roof of one set of their grandparents, unless circumstances do not allow for it or are generous enough that it is not necessary. I'm not sure if I'll be making a living wage until I'm thirty, unless I make it lucky. I hope to see America return to its industrial roots, with a strong labor movement, public transit in Nowheresville, USA and a strong sense of community. Every city with a population of over 100,000 should have commuter rail and an emphasis on mass transit. I'll be lucky if I do better off financially than my parents. I know that I'm going to need to start saving now if I plan to have a retirement. A revolution is coming? Something's going to have to give. The world cannot sustain the population we have now comfortably for long. So for all my friends and family not having children, I thank you on behalf of us who want families of our own. Another sign the boomers have effed this nation nicely? There are more jobs in the suburbs now than ever. If that's not class warfare, I don't know what is.
I might have voted Obama for a second term (okay, I did), and yes, I know, it's early to judge, but it's going to take another three presidents to straighten out the messes he's made AND continue the repairs Obama's made. With Obama, we've made three steps forward, but we've also gone back two steps.
Alright. I have a mystery girl to let know tomorrow I'm making a trip to see her at the same college that I graduated from/know her from.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Sasha's Commentary for April 16, 2013: Bombs in Beantown
Yesterday, a senseless act occurred in Boston when bombs exploded at the end of the Boston Marathon. Three people have lost their lives, many more have been wounded, some might be having amputations because of the severity of their injuries. An eight year old saw his life end while waiting for his father at the finish line. Two brothers have each lost a leg. ABC's website is suffering from bugs because of all the traffic, I'm assuming. No more bombs. No more pranks or practical jokes that hurt people. No more war. It's senseless and serves no purpose in this world. Let me make this clear: I am now AGAINST all weapons. A pacifist? A world without conflict, war, violence, is just not possible, but I aim for a world that is close to that as possible.
Since I'm one for pouporie on my blog, I'm going to post some stuff that I haz found across the Interwebs:
1) Everyone now knows of the stories of Rehtaeh Parsons and Audrie Pott. Lately, I'm losing more and more faith in humanity.
2) A few days ago, a Lion Air plane crashed on landing at the airport in Bali. No one died, thank the good Lord, but what a sad end to a Boeing 737 that has just started teething. It was a baby 737, not much long in this world. Lion Air is banned from flying in US and European airspace, but I wouldn't blame the airline completely on this one. Or maybe. Lion Air's fleet is pretty young. The blog that I read about this after reading a news report had me thinking that all these airlines are placing 200+ aircraft orders. Boeing and Airbus need international regulators putting a kabash on these mega orders. I'll make myself clear: Charles de Gaulle was a JERK. He's part of the reason why Airbus exists, and McDonnell Douglas doesn't.
This is my favorite quote from here, by one Patrick M: "This airline has such a dismal safety record, if I were Boeing and Airbus, I would not count on those mega-orders placed ever coming to full fruition. I just cannot imagine them ever being allowed to continue to expand at the rate they are, at the apparent expense of safety. They will eventually run out of nations that will allow them to land."
I know some of you are saying "Are you against free markets?" No, I'm just for realistic business practices. Do we even have a worldwide fuel supply that can handle another 2500+ commercial aircraft the size of a 737 or A320 series jet? They get what, like a half mile a gallon? Any airline that order over 300+ aircraft in one year is nuts. Or maybe not.
Since I'm one for pouporie on my blog, I'm going to post some stuff that I haz found across the Interwebs:
1) Everyone now knows of the stories of Rehtaeh Parsons and Audrie Pott. Lately, I'm losing more and more faith in humanity.
2) A few days ago, a Lion Air plane crashed on landing at the airport in Bali. No one died, thank the good Lord, but what a sad end to a Boeing 737 that has just started teething. It was a baby 737, not much long in this world. Lion Air is banned from flying in US and European airspace, but I wouldn't blame the airline completely on this one. Or maybe. Lion Air's fleet is pretty young. The blog that I read about this after reading a news report had me thinking that all these airlines are placing 200+ aircraft orders. Boeing and Airbus need international regulators putting a kabash on these mega orders. I'll make myself clear: Charles de Gaulle was a JERK. He's part of the reason why Airbus exists, and McDonnell Douglas doesn't.
This is my favorite quote from here, by one Patrick M: "This airline has such a dismal safety record, if I were Boeing and Airbus, I would not count on those mega-orders placed ever coming to full fruition. I just cannot imagine them ever being allowed to continue to expand at the rate they are, at the apparent expense of safety. They will eventually run out of nations that will allow them to land."
I know some of you are saying "Are you against free markets?" No, I'm just for realistic business practices. Do we even have a worldwide fuel supply that can handle another 2500+ commercial aircraft the size of a 737 or A320 series jet? They get what, like a half mile a gallon? Any airline that order over 300+ aircraft in one year is nuts. Or maybe not.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Sasha's commentary for April 15, 2013: Mixed Emotions
...now when did I become such a Rolling Stones fan? I love ALL their works!!!
It was nine years ago to this day that I got off the school bus, on anice sunny day, and walked into my house to my a next-door neighbor, my mom, my stepdad (I believe) and my brothers, especially my younger brother, all in the kitchen, and I was told one thing:
"Dad's dead."
I simply walked into my bedroom, in a daze of confusion. And metaphorically, that is how I have been for the last nine years.
I went to school the following day, just like Dad would have wanted. Surprisingly, my dad was a man teachers and school administrators probably bashed behind his back. I told my teachers that my dad died, and had my mom call later that Friday (he died on a Thursday) to confirm the news that, no I was not lying. But when a forty-five year old man dies in his home under unusual circumstances, it does not stay silent, and my teachers found out thanks to the tabloid artists at the Journal News, so a call was kind of useless. (Actually, my dislike for any Gannett newspaper is pretty universal). It reads more like the Malone Telegram than the major cosmopolitan newspapers of the world.
But I should have it seen it coming. If psychiatric conditions were terminal illnesses (disregarding suicide), my dad was ground zero. For the majority of his forty-five years on our planet, he fought serious depression. Some of those details I will leave for a tell-all autobiography. Disappointments in his academics, personal life, dissatisfaction, . I could blame it all of my cold grandparents (who never treated me cold, but did so their children, although my uncle and family friends could (and should, if I am incorrect), take issue with that), as my dad had a painfully strict childhood. He couldn't watch TV, heck, have a life outside of the Russian Orthodox Church/Russian emigre community in NYC. My dad embraced his Russian/Ukrainian background but I think at the same time hated it with a passion. He was more a blue-blooded American, one who watched Fox News, drank Jack Daniels (that and Smirnoff killed him) and loved the NRA. If he was a liberal he sure didn't show it at all. I don't think my dad knew what he wanted in his life.
I will admit that I will always, no matter how much I miss my deceased father, have a resentment against him. He treated me like a child with severe developmental disabilities, almost as if I was going to spend my life in a group home or something (which with the way he was going with me, might have happened). The cruel irony is despite the fact my father loved me to pieces (sometimes neglecting my own younger brother) he was not the right parent to raise a child like me.
The fear of ending up just like Alex Ivanoff has really screwed me up. I don't drink, I drove myself nearly insane to graduate college. I thought the death of my paternal grandmother would be the metaphysical force that would enable me to finally enter a relationship longer than three months, but as of today, I'm still waiting.
But to entirely trash my old man isn't right either. He was the main force behind why I have excessive intellectual curiosity today. He's why I pay attention to social issues and stay informed, because that's what he tried to do. My dad encouraged me to look outside the box, and I still do to this day. My dad, along with my mom and great uncle, are why I am a Mac owner, and still have one in my bedroom (it's as slow as shit though, but it runs!) I wish he'd seen me come to terms with my own developmental issues, my high school and college graduation, my romantic relationships (he would have been horrified of my girlfriends!)
I'm an Ivanoff and a Charczenko. And for that, I will never no what "typical" is.
REVISION: 4/15/13: Me and him had PLENTY of squabbles. It's been hard to forgive him in death of some of the choices he made for me in my childhood, but it's been easier as I've found out more about him in death. Eery, isn't it?
*By the way folks, I tells it as it is. Trust me, if I know you, chances are even if you are someone I am in love with (a girlfriend, hypothetically), family, other friends, etc, I probably have some criticism of you. I am critical of every single person I know to some extent, so don't take it personally. And you're in good company: the most person I am critical of out of everyone I know, is, yes, myself. Me taking prisoners? Mostly on exceptions.*
It was nine years ago to this day that I got off the school bus, on a
"Dad's dead."
I simply walked into my bedroom, in a daze of confusion. And metaphorically, that is how I have been for the last nine years.
I went to school the following day, just like Dad would have wanted. Surprisingly, my dad was a man teachers and school administrators probably bashed behind his back. I told my teachers that my dad died, and had my mom call later that Friday (he died on a Thursday) to confirm the news that, no I was not lying. But when a forty-five year old man dies in his home under unusual circumstances, it does not stay silent, and my teachers found out thanks to the tabloid artists at the Journal News, so a call was kind of useless. (Actually, my dislike for any Gannett newspaper is pretty universal). It reads more like the Malone Telegram than the major cosmopolitan newspapers of the world.
But I should have it seen it coming. If psychiatric conditions were terminal illnesses (disregarding suicide), my dad was ground zero. For the majority of his forty-five years on our planet, he fought serious depression. Some of those details I will leave for a tell-all autobiography. Disappointments in his academics, personal life, dissatisfaction, . I could blame it all of my cold grandparents (who never treated me cold, but did so their children, although my uncle and family friends could (and should, if I am incorrect), take issue with that), as my dad had a painfully strict childhood. He couldn't watch TV, heck, have a life outside of the Russian Orthodox Church/Russian emigre community in NYC. My dad embraced his Russian/Ukrainian background but I think at the same time hated it with a passion. He was more a blue-blooded American, one who watched Fox News, drank Jack Daniels (that and Smirnoff killed him) and loved the NRA. If he was a liberal he sure didn't show it at all. I don't think my dad knew what he wanted in his life.
I will admit that I will always, no matter how much I miss my deceased father, have a resentment against him. He treated me like a child with severe developmental disabilities, almost as if I was going to spend my life in a group home or something (which with the way he was going with me, might have happened). The cruel irony is despite the fact my father loved me to pieces (sometimes neglecting my own younger brother) he was not the right parent to raise a child like me.
The fear of ending up just like Alex Ivanoff has really screwed me up. I don't drink, I drove myself nearly insane to graduate college. I thought the death of my paternal grandmother would be the metaphysical force that would enable me to finally enter a relationship longer than three months, but as of today, I'm still waiting.
But to entirely trash my old man isn't right either. He was the main force behind why I have excessive intellectual curiosity today. He's why I pay attention to social issues and stay informed, because that's what he tried to do. My dad encouraged me to look outside the box, and I still do to this day. My dad, along with my mom and great uncle, are why I am a Mac owner, and still have one in my bedroom (it's as slow as shit though, but it runs!) I wish he'd seen me come to terms with my own developmental issues, my high school and college graduation, my romantic relationships (he would have been horrified of my girlfriends!)
I'm an Ivanoff and a Charczenko. And for that, I will never no what "typical" is.
REVISION: 4/15/13: Me and him had PLENTY of squabbles. It's been hard to forgive him in death of some of the choices he made for me in my childhood, but it's been easier as I've found out more about him in death. Eery, isn't it?
*By the way folks, I tells it as it is. Trust me, if I know you, chances are even if you are someone I am in love with (a girlfriend, hypothetically), family, other friends, etc, I probably have some criticism of you. I am critical of every single person I know to some extent, so don't take it personally. And you're in good company: the most person I am critical of out of everyone I know, is, yes, myself. Me taking prisoners? Mostly on exceptions.*
Friday, April 12, 2013
The Hot Topic of Guns
Gun control. And honestly, it's so
posted on the news that the economy has taken a back seat to that.
We've been arguing about this for years with no sense of resolution
on the issue.
And why I don't think we'll
ever see true gun control in the United States? We're a nation that plays
by our own rules. It doesn't mean that we take off our pants and run
around like a bunch of hooligans, it more means that we don't use the
metric system, we don't sign international treaties, we don't have
socialized medicine, we seem to disregard high speed rail in the
political arena, we believe in isolationism while at the same time
invading other nations. This is my take on gun
control: why do we need guns other than recreational hunting?
Honestly, if we are that scared of our federal government, then
something needs to change. Not government itself (even though some
elected officials should have the luck of getting defeated for
reelection) but the fact that we're the only country I can think of
where the citizens have a fear of government, other than nations that
are brutal dictatorships.
When my brother was home
for Easter break, I found out that fear of government was why he
owned a gun, and reasoned that the reason there are so few murders in
Vermont is because everyone has a gun. And that had me thinking: are
we a desensitized nation, where things that should make us sick to
our stomach we're completely comfortable with?
But then again, I think
everyone is bats--- crazy. AND WHERE DID THE ECONOMY GO???
*** NOTE: This is just my opinion on the issue, no facts are implied here.***
Sasha's commentary for April 12, 2013
-Jeff Smisek, the United Airlines CEO,
believs the industry is now profitable thanks to higher fares, lessflights, and the industry loves this one: LESS COMPETITION. Why did
we get rid of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in the first place,
when all it would do is lead to three/four big airlines in the United
States? We're back to where we were in the '70! Bring back the local
service airlines like Piedmont, Ozark, Southern, North Central and
others. All I know is that for many, like myself, frequent airline
travel is just not possible, especially with the fact that you need
to book way in advance to get a low fare, and guess what? If you
don't make the flight you booked, well, there goes your money. I
still have a feeling that the “friendly skies” are going to
become “less friendly”. Everyone, back on the train! Travel I
feel for the majority of Americans, will become impossible.
-Thomas Prendergast is going to be running the MTA full time. The questions still linger: first, why did
it take Governor Cuomo forever to find a replacement and second,
whose going to take Prendergast's job? If the job is getting to you
Andy, ask Bob Duffy to help out a little. New York's government is
extremely complex
-This article, by the New York Times,
has exposed a contractor that provides special needs services and is
turning it into the largest education fraud operation I've seen in
probably my entire life. How fun is that? Cheon Park's operation is
more reason why everyone is so up in arms against New York State, and
why the federal government is trying to de-fund New York, because
we're a state that can't get our shit straight. I'm starting to
believe if there should be an auditor for state government. Maybe
even an auditor general for the entire state.
-I was hoping that Autism Speaks was going to be a little more helpful in this article. Most of it is
stuff I already know, and it's more geared for parents, so I'm a
little let down. However, my mom should have read this when I bwas in
high school, and I shoud have been a little more open-minded. But in
high school, my social skills were severely lacking, and dating would
have been near-impossible. To this day I still lack very good social
skills required for dating. Maybe the next autism conference after
the one I'm attending this spring should focus on dating and the
autism spectrum
-I would love to work for an airline,
Southwest, jetBlue, you name it. But at the same time, I wouldn't
mind having an 8-4 or 9-5 job. I'd love flexible hours, but at the
same time, I'd like a job where I would have enough time to pursue my
interests. And the problem is I have so many of them.
-Of course, this is from yesterday, but
it appears the left and right wings of the GOP are at war again. Ann Coulter used these words:
Obama has been draping himself in families of the children murdered in Newtown.MSNBC's Martin Bashir suggested that Republican senators need to have a member of their families killed for them to support the Democrats' gun proposals. (Let's start with Meghan McCain!)
Of course, Meghan
McCain has long been Ann Coulter's favorite punching bag, but I
admire the junior McCain. She's not afraid to speak her mind on this,
she keeps a fairly open mind, she doesn't treat us liberals like
we're the scum of the earth and I don't know too many center-right
Republican women who would go on Rachel Maddow's program. But then
again, Maddow is one of the biggest speakers for the LGBT community
and McCain is one of the biggest GOP supporters of LGBT rights. And the two are both very rational individuals.
-Cablevision, although looking more and more like the lesser of two evils compared to Time Warner Cable, is still evil. We would have had a better shot at hosting the Olympics had the Dolan family and Sheldon Silver not interveined. Granted, it turns out that the Olympics in New York City would have been tough and the Hudson Yards are much better suited for other ventures. But still, the capital of the world should still one day have the opportunity. But New York City also lacks decent infrastructure in some ways. We have three airports not well suited for jets. New York City would properly need an airport the size of Denver's to handle all the air traffic.
-Cablevision, although looking more and more like the lesser of two evils compared to Time Warner Cable, is still evil. We would have had a better shot at hosting the Olympics had the Dolan family and Sheldon Silver not interveined. Granted, it turns out that the Olympics in New York City would have been tough and the Hudson Yards are much better suited for other ventures. But still, the capital of the world should still one day have the opportunity. But New York City also lacks decent infrastructure in some ways. We have three airports not well suited for jets. New York City would properly need an airport the size of Denver's to handle all the air traffic.
Finally, the internet stinks where I am. Need I say more? I should have brought down the beefier card.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
World Autism Awareness Day
I still remember last year to this day as a day Dr. Youngblood gave me (almost) free reign of his interpersonal communications class. He had his reasons for doing so, but I'll just say that it was another opportunity to do what I like to do best: share my wild ride of a story. I could best describe it as one of my days where I was at my best, where I showed my true colors.
World Autism Awareness Day is that one day of the year where I feel like no matter what, I can achieve anything I put my mind to, that I am bigger than myself. Sadly, I didn't really do much to party/celebrate WAAD this year, but in spirit I did. And I have a whole month to celebrate, in fact, on the 21st, I head to the ASPEN conference in New Jersey for a day which I hope for me will be a day of networking and learning. I hope to meet some like-minded people.
World Autism Awareness Day is that one day of the year where I feel like no matter what, I can achieve anything I put my mind to, that I am bigger than myself. Sadly, I didn't really do much to party/celebrate WAAD this year, but in spirit I did. And I have a whole month to celebrate, in fact, on the 21st, I head to the ASPEN conference in New Jersey for a day which I hope for me will be a day of networking and learning. I hope to meet some like-minded people.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Sasha's Commentary for April Fool's Day
I would have done one of those fake pregnancy pranks, but alas, I lack a girlfriend for that. Spring is truly almost here, and I'm looking forward to the events coming up this month that I am attending and people I am visiting.
Congressman Matt Salmon, a Republican from Arizona, despite having a gay son, still is flat out against same-sex marriage. I now believe that being against same-sex marriage is not only a religious issue, but for many, an issue that I could easily say is comparable to a mental road block.
Note to self, I hope that there's a special place in Hell for Michael Barone's career. There's a heckload of reasons why Amtrak isn't profitable. The airline industry has only recently become profitable, and that's after jacking up prices ONLY after realizing that you can't make money on cheap fares. Ivanoff's Fourth Law of Human Nature specifies that the transportation of humans is at best, with rare exceptions, a break-even enterprise, unless it is done passionately. And next person who bashes Amtrak will hear my rants for good. The transportation of freight and passengers are ENTIRELY different, and through history, companies have constantly lost money on transporting passengers.
But then again, the Washington Examiner is a right-wing rag. Read their shit, but remember it's as bias as you (I) are.
Tomorrow's agenda for World Autism Awareness Day? Write, write, write until my hands hurt from typing and then proceed on to read the backload of books I need to read.
Congressman Matt Salmon, a Republican from Arizona, despite having a gay son, still is flat out against same-sex marriage. I now believe that being against same-sex marriage is not only a religious issue, but for many, an issue that I could easily say is comparable to a mental road block.
Note to self, I hope that there's a special place in Hell for Michael Barone's career. There's a heckload of reasons why Amtrak isn't profitable. The airline industry has only recently become profitable, and that's after jacking up prices ONLY after realizing that you can't make money on cheap fares. Ivanoff's Fourth Law of Human Nature specifies that the transportation of humans is at best, with rare exceptions, a break-even enterprise, unless it is done passionately. And next person who bashes Amtrak will hear my rants for good. The transportation of freight and passengers are ENTIRELY different, and through history, companies have constantly lost money on transporting passengers.
But then again, the Washington Examiner is a right-wing rag. Read their shit, but remember it's as bias as you (I) are.
Tomorrow's agenda for World Autism Awareness Day? Write, write, write until my hands hurt from typing and then proceed on to read the backload of books I need to read.
The Loyal Opposition
In British Commonwealth nations, the opposing political party to the one in power is known as Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, also known as the Official Opposition. I would say that I am a member of Autism Speaks' loyal opposition, as I show loyalty towards the organization despite my criticisms of theirs. Whether it be the way they have portrayed autistics to being fixated on a cure, Autism Speaks has done much to alienate the people they fight for: autistic individuals.
But does that mean I'm totally up in arms against Autism Speaks? Hell no! They've given me a reason to do what I do best: advocate for those who are more severely autistic than I am. And autism advocacy is something that I just so happen to be good at. I'm honestly not good at many things, so to find something I'm good at and to run with it is quite simply excellent.
And for celebrating the successful person that I am (and my infectious enthusiasm), I'm going all out this month with autism awareness. I'm planning to write a few blogs a day, work on my bloody novel, etc. As that stupid song goes, something tells me I'm in for something good.
Now why can't I get "Angie" by the Rolling Stones out of my head???
But does that mean I'm totally up in arms against Autism Speaks? Hell no! They've given me a reason to do what I do best: advocate for those who are more severely autistic than I am. And autism advocacy is something that I just so happen to be good at. I'm honestly not good at many things, so to find something I'm good at and to run with it is quite simply excellent.
And for celebrating the successful person that I am (and my infectious enthusiasm), I'm going all out this month with autism awareness. I'm planning to write a few blogs a day, work on my bloody novel, etc. As that stupid song goes, something tells me I'm in for something good.
Now why can't I get "Angie" by the Rolling Stones out of my head???
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