"If there was enough money for somebody to steal, there was too much money."

I don't have anything against Alvarado, necessarily... but I'm one of those weird people who watches the council meetings, from time to time, on television. IMHO, and from my sporadic witness, she has a tendency to be disruptive, egocentric, pushy, and self-righteous.

I also heard, through the grapevine, that in the context of a public forum she audibly referred to Councilwoman Shelley Sekula-Gibbs as a "bitch". I've got my quibbles with SSG, but I think it's "elected official ettiquette 101"... you don't mutter, much less pronounce such things publically. I didn't hear it myself... but I have to say, having watched council meetings... I don't doubt it a bit.

I've never understood why Mayor White, of all the (admitted, very limited) choices, appointed Alvarado mayor pro tem when he took office in 2004. He DID acknowledge in the midst of this scandal, however, that it appears that the pro tem office's $320,000 budget in this fiscal year, up 25 percent over 2005, is too high.

"If there was enough money for somebody to steal, there was too much money," Mayor White said.

(As an aside, The Chronicle reported that city officials and Alvarado hadn't fully detailed the $66,000 budget increase, which the council cut almost in half from the pro tem office's original request of $122,0000).

Alvarado would like to come out on the other side of this scandal completely unscathed. IMHO, however, she is at the very least, extremely too irresponsible to hold both a council chair and oversee the pro tem office.

She is either generous to a fault, lining her employees pockets (to the neglect of our policemen and women and our firefighters)... or she is neglectful in her duty to the citizens of Houston, to personally review and account for her employees. Shall the voters... or courts decide which?

Interesting facts from the Chronicle article...

1. The Chronicle published figures from City of Houston Personnel Records, and the four employees in the Mayor Pro Tem's Office got raises ranging from 11 percent to 64 percent during the same period in which they split $135,000 in what city officials say were unauthorized bonuses. The raises increased the employees' combined annual pay rates by $60,000 during Councilwoman Carol Alvarado's two-year tenure as Mayor Pro Tem.
2. Alvarado says she didn't approve the raises, either, which makes me wonder exactly what she IS doing.
3. The two highest-paid employees, who also got most of the bonus money, signed forms authorizing each others' raises. And they're all still drawing salaries while out on suspension.
4. Rosita Hernandez, the pro tem office manager and second in command, Florence Watkins, signed approval forms for all the raises, and both had Alvarado's permission to approve paperwork on her behalf. A February 2005 form raising Hernandez's salary, for example, was signed "Florence Watkins for Carol Alvarado."
5. The councilwoman said Wednesday that she never authorized anything higher than a 2 percent salary increase approved in 2004.
6. Hernandez received two raises in 2005, increasing her base annual salary 37 percent to $78,000. Watkins' salary rose 55 percent during Alvarado's tenure, from $33,000 to $52,000. Two other employees in the office, Christopher Mays and Theresa Orta, received raises of 64 percent and 10 percent respectively.
7. The bonuses began in late 2004. After a brief lull in January and February 2005 when, incidentally, Hernandez, Mays and Watkins received two raises apiece — the monthly bonuses continued through this year. Orta got a raise even after the bonuses resumed.
8. The $47,500 in bonuses Hernandez recievedput her total pay among the city's highest at $126,000.
9. Watkins nearly doubled her $52,000 salary with $46,500 in bonuses.

It's public record, so I don't feel bad about listing the following:

Rosita Hernandez Salary: Increased from $57,200 to $78,416 Bonuses: $47,500

Florence Watkins Salary: $33,384 to $51,896 Bonuses: $46,500

Christopher Mays Salary: $26,936 to $44,148 Bonuses: $20,000

Theresa Orta Salary: $26,884 to $29,952 Bonuses: $16,500

City of Houston $130,000 Payroll Scandal

Amid all of the talk about creating a "security tax" to bring the number of policemen on the street to a number equal to a few years ago, much less to bring us up 1 full officer per 1000 residents to meet the national average...

Comes this story! Four employees of the Office of the Mayor ProTem managed to swindle the taxpayers out of $130,000 of illegal bonuses.

I won't lie. This makes my blood boil every time I think about it.

1. It's the Mayor ProTem's office! This is a largely ceremonial appointment, and I hardly find the need for four employees... much less bonuses!
2. To learn that the pro tem office manager received $47,500 in extra pay in 2005, putting her total pay among the city's highest at $126,000 is an OUTRAGE.
3. To learn that the pro tem office manager makes $78,500 annually is an EVEN BIGGER OUTRAGE!
4. To learn that the pro tem office has a budget for fiscal 2006 of $320,000 is RIDICULOUS.
5. To learn that unspent payroll monies are routinely doled out in bonuses for managerial and clerical employees is an INSULT, when our firefighters and police officers live as paupers.

I can't comment any further. I might burst an artery.

Joran Van Der Sloot and Family get Served with lawsuit.

Spending a little more time catching up with my thoughts for the week:

In documents filed with the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Joran van der Sloot, a Dutch national, is accused of "malicious, wanton and willful disregard of the rights, safety and well-being of the plaintiffs and their daughter, Natalee Holloway."

Click here for the actual court documents.

My thoughts:

1. I think we would all be amazed, if we knew how many people were in on this process.
2. It's not about money. It's about discovery. It's about access to records. It's about depositions. It's an effort to find the truth.
3. I read countless blogs and forums, including RWV, SM, SHCB, CTVR and FOB. I don't have a home with any of them. I think too freely to align myself in any camp. I take away from them bits and pieces of information that I find accurate, and I process it for myself. I'm amazed at how this tragedy has driven so many people into extreme fanaticism, anger and negativity. Tragedy aside, it's an interesting study of people and psychology.

Bryant Gumbel's Opinion

“Because the Winter Games are so trying, maybe over the next three weeks we should all try too. Like try not to be incredulous when someone tries to link these games to those of the ancient Greeks who never heard of skating or skiing. So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world’s greatest athletes, despite a paucity of Blacks that makes the Winter Games look like a GOP convention. Try not to point out that something’s not really a sport if a pseudo-athlete waits in what’s called a “kiss and cry area” while some panel of subjective judges decides who won. And try to blot out all logic when announcers and sports writers pretend to care about the luge, the skeleton, the biathlon, and all those other events they don’t understand and totally ignore for all but three weeks every four years. Face it, these Olympics are little more than a marketing plan to fill space and sell time during the dreary days of February. So, if only to hasten the arrival of the day they’re done, and we can move on to March Madness, for God’s sake, let the Games begin.”

My thoughts:

1. Come on, this guy hosts a Sports Program on HBO! Isn't he paid to market the program and sports in general? Or is he paid to condone and rank the validity and popularity of sports and games, in general. I'm not professing to know. I don't watch the show, nor will I ever, after this enticing quote!
2. This weekend, the NBA All-Star Game and Festivities is being held here in Houston. A very small percentage of the athletes selected to participate are white, but there will plenty of white folks buying tickets and filling the arena!
3. How stupid would I be... and how much would I miss... if I elected not to renew my WNBA season tickets, because there were no short, chubby white female athletes!
4. I think of them as the Cold and Hot Olympics. I think the sports and events are popular, according to their ready availability. The fact is, different countries and cultures will have different sports available to them. I heard today, on talk radio, someone describe them as the Expensive and Inexpensive Olympics. That has some validity that I had never considered. Whatever... different strokes for different folks. If you had to have the ability to participate in a sport to enjoy it, there would be very few sports fans!
5. I'm going to date myself, but I remember when snowboarding was first introduced on the slopes! I was a one-week-a-year skier, skiing blues... and those snowboarders were the bain of my existence during that one week! They were unpredictable and they ALWAYS fell in my path! I resented them, and I might have even cursed them once or twice. And now the snowboarding events are some of my favorite to watch! Personal growth... what a concept!
6. I've never liked Bryant because he doesn't ever seem to get along with anyone else, including co-hosts who he's paid (well) to act like he likes and respects.
7. Is his last name Gumbel? Or GRUMBLE???
8. I don't think Bryant is a racist, necessarily. I just think he's a PUTZ!

The Bushes and their Quayle (errrr Quail!)

And as I sit here, reviewing the week in my mind... there is just so much to blog about:

Poor Cheney and the Quail Hunting Incident.

First, I "come from" a bloodline of hunters. Now don't misunderstand, I could not and would not participate. But I understand that hunting is more about camaradery than killing. And I know he feels absolutely terrible. He said it was one of the worst days of his life, and I don't doubt it.

My thoughts:

1. Since when was it the responsibility of the newsmaker to report the news to the media? Are they getting too lazy to do their own jobs? I know I can't count on anyone to do my work for me!
2. Are politicians and other public figures not allowed to have hobbies and interests, or fun, for that matter? There seems to be a lot of discussion about that. I've heard people express concern that the Vice President would take part in such a dangerous activity, given that it could have been HIM that was shot. But then... these comments were made by people who don't find any redeamable quality in him. What's their point?
3. What is it with the Bushes and their Quayle... errrr Quail Incidents?

Friday Night, Star Pizza and Hornitos

It's been a while since I've had a Friday night at home. In some respects, I think... wow, that's sad... no plans on a Friday night! But, having given it a tiny bit of thought... it's kinda nice! I've got yummy Star Pizza leftovers in the frige, and a bottle of Hornitos that, if I'm not mistaken, is calling my name!

Hard Night's Day!

That's right. I goofed around on Wednesday, so I had to shift into overdrive last night. I got a LOT done, I'm happy to report, but facing the day this morning was a little hard.

No worries, though! It's FRIDAY!!!! I've got a little work to do this weekend, but mostly I've got "me" time!

Flame Warriors Home

Anyone who spends time scouring multiple (and oppositional) forums, and finds themselves assembling mental profiles for the associated posters... will find THIS hilarious!!!!

Holloway Investigation and Aruba Clarification

Irregardless of media representation, or public persuasion on either side, here's my take as of today:

What do I think about Aruba, the island?

The island is absolutely beautiful... from the beaches to the wilderness to the native architecture. I love it's rich history, and I very likely would never have known about it, otherwise. I love the expressions of cultural influence that are displayed in the colors and architectural styles. I love the juxtapositions of cacti, tropicals, white sand and clear water. I love what I have learned about the wildlife, including the rescued donkeys (what can I say... I have an affinity for donkeys and burros!). I HATE that the natural bridge collapsed before I had the opportunity to see it for myself.

And on the other hand, I'm not a fan of what a dependency on tourism does to a beautiful little island like Aruba, or Cozumel. The wealthy prey on opportunity, and non-contextual development booms. The local people prosper in small measure in relation to the outside developer, but become economically dependent, none-the-less. While the draw was once a wondrously remote, naturally beautiful and sleepy little island, it quickly becomes a party destination with bountiful casinos and international bar chains, like Carlos & Charlies and Hard Rock Cafes. Before long, you become unaware of the differences in Cozumel, Cabo... and Aruba.

What do I think about the people?

I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people via internet. I've, innately, always known that the world is full of people just like me... and Aruba is no different. The people I have come to know are JUST like me! They take pride in their communities. They work hard. They believe right is right and wrong is wrong. And their government does not always speak for them!

And they take it personally when their homeland is verbally attacked. How could they not?

This ordeal has been wrecklessly played out in the media. MSM has asked questions, when they knew there were no answers, leaving good and honorable folks to say more than they should. And yet, untold thousands of us have planned our days around the next evening's round of "news" programs, hoping to gain a single tidbit of information. We are ALL responsible, in varying amounts, for the road we traveled to get here.

What do I think of the boycott?

I think it's senseless.

First, what business is it of a state government to issue a boycott?

Second, it presumes that people are too ignorant to evaluate their own feelings and make decisions on their own.

Third, greater than 1% of Mountain Brook students (alone) that left on the trip, returned without incident. That's no excuse and as a percentage is STILL WAY not acceptable!!! It is just a sad state of affairs that this world has become such a place of predatory unpredictability. And it is not intended to pin any blame on Natalee. It is just that, in this day and age, we must review the odds for survival in all of our actions. Whether it is simply backing out of the driveway in the morning. using the walk-up ATM, or going to the grocery store after dark. These are odds we must all weigh, and decisions we all must make.

And fourth, there are far more scarey and evil countries in this world to which we, as a nation, fail to publically and certainly not by proclomation, discourage travel.

A simple resolution could have been passed by any state that felt so moved, to state support of the Holloway and Twitty families. These types of resolutions are passed daily. They mean a great deal to the people who are recognized, and they validate the feelings of their constituencies. There was absolutely no reason to suggest an action that has the potential to adversely affect a nation of people who have had no involvement in the matter.

I know that the intention was to pressure the 'common folk' who are most economically affected, so that they would, in turn, put pressure on local government. Would it have worked that way in the United States? If a foreign country threatened us, or boycott us in some way... what would be the common man's reaction? It would have pissed us off. Period. Why would you assume that the Arubans would feel any differently?

All of that said, I HAVE and DO boycott certain businesses and organizations, as a matter of personal principle. The difference is that it is not a response to a 'legislated resolution', but a matter of the free will to allocate my hard-earned dollars in a way that MY conscience will allow. Such matters should always be left to the judgment of individuals.

What do I think about the LE?

At this point, I'll have to leave it at... there were either mistakes made or a monstrous cover-up. I have no way of knowing which. And let me point out that either way, this is not the first or only LE to have committed either. I don't fool myself... I am totally aware that these things happen in communities around our nation, probably daily.

Do I think a crime was committed?

Yes, absolutely without a doubt, I do. I'm uncertain whether it was a crime of passion, or a crime of (in)convenience, but I DO believe a crime was committed. Call it intuition, or just look at probabilities. This girl did NOT commit suicide and she did NOT run away. There is NO reasonable argument or theory, and I have read umpteen thousand far-fetched suppositions, that anything but a crime resulted in her disappearance.

Do I think the Natalee Holloway case will ever be solved?

I do. I don't know when, but I believe it will be solved. Let's face it... someone knows something. And people can't and don't hold onto their secrets forever.

Do I think justice will ever be served?

Through my faith in God, I believe that justice is already being served. It's my opinion that Hell's punishment is sometimes delivered and served right here on earth.

My only reservation is if the perpitrator suffers from that sort of psychopathic and narcisstic mental illness that upon each (vast or narrow) escape, builds confidence and invincibility.

I'm speaking of no one in particular. Anyone who follows missing persons and sexual predator cases knows that, more often than not, the offender repeats his or her crime. My hope is that no one else will have to pay a price, great or small, in the hands of these/this perpetrator(s).

Conclusion

Time will tell. People of both countries must be patient, particularly with each other. This case aside, let us not rush to judge each other. We have far more in common than allegiances might reflect.

As the Crow flies

I don't know how I feel about Lance and Sheryl breaking up... Just when you think you have a celebrity couple figured out, you don't. I guess that's no different than ordinary folk.

Arubanopoly, courtesy of Scared Monkeys

And this from Scared Monkeys, Arubanopoly:

"Gamesmanship Trumps Investigation"
(image courtesy of Vanderbilt 06)
Too much maneuvering by those with hidden agendas and purposes.
The game is incomplete and the rules are unclear and elastic, tho they favor the persons of interest more than the victim of a potential crime and cover up. "

To Blog or Not to Blog

My friend JAGG and I had a long conversation today about blogging. We agreed to get back on the horse, so to speak.

It's hard to blog without a participatory audience. We have many mutual friends, who read our blogs and email or CALL us on the phone to laugh or share, or in my case, to debate sentiments. But it's hard to maintain the daily grind without written comment.

My problem is direction. I'm a news and talk radio hound... and I always have a retort or something to add. And yet, my life is insane and there is a silly and light-hearted side of me that just wants to share a laugh.

I remember a time, last summer, when I listed one of my favorite sites (blogroller) as a link to this blog. And the next day, this fairly well-known blogger waxed poetic about the reasons that every blog that rolled him, could not be endorsed. Of course, I took it personally... and yet, I had no idea at that time that he would even know I listed him!!!

Whatever!

I still read his blog, almost, if not every day. But everytime I read, I think... what nerve... to presume I wanted to follow in his genre, much less to think I was listing him to be listed myself! What a ---k!

Cindy Sheehan: Playing out the Sympathy Card

Of all the people they could have thrown out of the gallery... why Sheehan? Do they not realize this is just fodder for her own self promotion? This played right into her hand.

To the left, continue to support your pawn, your joker.

To the right and center, ignore the bluff. It IS just that.