Small Talk: Out of Genoa

[boes]

14 minutes ago, Petunia13 said:

I have no idea what he planned for me if I had drove to where he wanted. I stopped off at an all night gas station where there’s usually other people. And said I needed to pee. I got out of the car w him and mouthed “I need help call 911” to a man near and he said he wouldn’t help me and didn’t care. Another man in a night security guard uniform pulled up and I told him I was being car jacked and the guy told him I’m lying and his girlfriend. The ladies inside the station were already on the phone w 911. The security guard was separating me from the man and he ran off.

When he got into the car he was restraining my arms and hands and I have 2 cuts and when I was driving he was stroking my face.  The whole time George was in my lap and thank god he wasn’t harmed and didn’t panic. I worked today but when I think about it I’m sick and shaky. Apparently car jackings aren’t uncommon in Chicago and the burbs. I’m not sure what this guys intention was though cuz he really wanted me to drive him somewhere and never said the address. I wanted to humanize myself to him so told him I work a lot 2 jobs struggling and I have heart aneurysm which is true. He said he’s never known anyone who’s died. 

I had to wait hours doing the reports and while the witnesses wrote reports. They had camera footage of him and caught him in a long chase on foot and I had to identify him. Then I changed and walked George and went to work. It really is that easy and random for someone to grab you. 

Is there any way for you not to be alone for a while?  What happened is sickening and terrifying and awful beyond words but what you must be feeling or will be feeling ........ I wish I was closer, I know we all do ......  Thank God for the people who helped and damnation to those who didn't.

I so hope you can have someone with you for a while.

[valleycliffe]

holy crap petunia13...so glad you are safe and those who turned their backs on you and wouldn't help deserve to get a severe case of crabs. especially that security guard.

so very scary.  i live in nanaimo but when i get in my car to go anywhere i lock the doors (especially at night) cause i am a worrier.  about everything.  and if there is nothing to worry about i will dig around to find something.

[bannana]

@Petunia13 that is an unbelievably terrifying experience you endured.  You are probably in shock.  I know the inclination is to just put it behind you and get back to doing normal things, but you definitely need to think about talking to someone.  I was assaulted by a random stranger and it was terrifying.  But I didn't want to talk about it.  Then I began having night terrors, and I realized I had to talk to victims services.  The police who took your report should be able to connect you with someone.  These are people who are there to help victims of crime and in my case, they were all victims of crimes themselves, but trained to help others.  It made a big difference for me.

And you are right, going through something like this, you realize just how vulnerable you are and how  easily this can happen even though you would never expect it to.

I am so glad those people helped you and I am relieved that they caught the guy.

[peacheslatour]

31 minutes ago, Petunia13 said:

I have no idea what he planned for me if I had drove to where he wanted. I stopped off at an all night gas station where there’s usually other people. And said I needed to pee. I got out of the car w him and mouthed “I need help call 911” to a man near and he said he wouldn’t help me and didn’t care. Another man in a night security guard uniform pulled up and I told him I was being car jacked and the guy told him I’m lying and his girlfriend. The ladies inside the station were already on the phone w 911. The security guard was separating me from the man and he ran off.

When he got into the car he was restraining my arms and hands and I have 2 cuts and when I was driving he was stroking my face.  The whole time George was in my lap and thank god he wasn’t harmed and didn’t panic. I worked today but when I think about it I’m sick and shaky. Apparently car jackings aren’t uncommon in Chicago and the burbs. I’m not sure what this guys intention was though cuz he really wanted me to drive him somewhere and never said the address. I wanted to humanize myself to him so told him I work a lot 2 jobs struggling and I have heart aneurysm which is true. He said he’s never known anyone who’s died. 

I had to wait hours doing the reports and while the witnesses wrote reports. They had camera footage of him and caught him in a long chase on foot and I had to identify him. Then I changed and walked George and went to work. It really is that easy and random for someone to grab you. 

Holy shit. I am so glad you're ok, you certainly did everything right. I'm proud of you, you're amazingly level headed and smart.

[OhioSongbird]

So hey Petunia13....how's by you?  Anything exciting happen lately? 

Damn, that's some scary stuff.  Ditto to all said above and I'm glad you're OK.  And then you went to work?!?

You're made of sterner stuff than I

Brava.

[lovemesomejoolery]

2 hours ago, Petunia13 said:

I have no idea what he planned for me if I had drove to where he wanted. I stopped off at an all night gas station where there’s usually other people. And said I needed to pee. I got out of the car w him and mouthed “I need help call 911” to a man near and he said he wouldn’t help me and didn’t care. Another man in a night security guard uniform pulled up and I told him I was being car jacked and the guy told him I’m lying and his girlfriend. The ladies inside the station were already on the phone w 911. The security guard was separating me from the man and he ran off.

When he got into the car he was restraining my arms and hands and I have 2 cuts and when I was driving he was stroking my face.  The whole time George was in my lap and thank god he wasn’t harmed and didn’t panic. I worked today but when I think about it I’m sick and shaky. Apparently car jackings aren’t uncommon in Chicago and the burbs. I’m not sure what this guys intention was though cuz he really wanted me to drive him somewhere and never said the address. I wanted to humanize myself to him so told him I work a lot 2 jobs struggling and I have heart aneurysm which is true. He said he’s never known anyone who’s died. 

I had to wait hours doing the reports and while the witnesses wrote reports. They had camera footage of him and caught him in a long chase on foot and I had to identify him. Then I changed and walked George and went to work. It really is that easy and random for someone to grab you. 

Hugs to you, Petunia.  

[jpagan05]

I'm so sorry that happened to you @Petunia13. That is absolutely terrifying. I'm really glad you are physically okay but I agree about trying to get some mental closure for yourself.❤️ Hugs to you.

[jpagan05]

This really sucks:

https://pitchfork.com/news/silver-jews-david-berman-died-by-suicide-medical-examiner-rules/

[Snaporaz]

So relieved you and George are ok, Petunia.  What a week it's been...

[Petunia13]

I talked to the Sergeant on the phone while I was at work. He’s in county jail away charged w unlawful entering a vehicle, battery, attempt to carjack, and resisting arrest. He didn’t/want able to post bond. If he does he has to keep 50 feet from me.  The funny thing was how much he insisted I go somewhere w him. In not even sure he was after my car. I live in a neighborhood w Tesla’s, Mercedes, Lamborghini, Porsche’s, ect and my car is old and rusty. But the officer said maybe he tried other people and my door was unlocked while I was in the car, I don’t know. The entire time he insisted I take him somewhere he only treated to take my keys and was striking me when I refused. When I agreed ok I’ll drive him and I do what hell say, he was very insistent I drive w him to someplace and he’ll let me know when to get there. I was lucky I was able to convince him to stop at the gas station. 

[Cupid Stunt]

Lord, You who are steadfast, guide Petunia's steps. We humbly ask You restore her peace of self and bring justice to her. Protect her to do Your will. The future we put into Your hands, and follow You. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen

Edited August 10, 2019 by Cupid Stunt

[OhioSongbird]

Amen

[Cupid Stunt]

On 8/8/2019 at 8:57 PM, lovemesomejoolery said:

And no one should forget.  Ever.

I've been busy with work and have been too tired and not able to come here for awhile.  I finally had a chance to catch up and just want to tell you that as I'm reading these news posts of yours, I thoroughly enjoy them and didn't realize until now how much I missed them!  Thank you for taking time to do this.

You're welcome lovemesomejoolery.

The posts get grim, but that's because we are living in grim times.

My hope is that the information inspires us to make things better, to call out rampant graft and corruption, be wary of needless commercialism, protect the weak and sick, and know we are all in this together.

[lovemesomejoolery]

24 minutes ago, Cupid Stunt said:

You're welcome lovemesomejoolery.

The posts get grim, but that's because we are living in grim times.

My hope is that the information inspires us to make things better, to call out rampant graft and corruption, be wary of needless commercialism, protect the weak and sick, and know we are all in this together.

Indeed, it's grim. 

As I'm typing, I just got a text that Jeffrey Epstein has died - he hanged himself in his jail cell.  Not good enough for that asshole scumbag, although I don't know what would be punishment enough for all the damage he did to young women. 

But with him goes all the information on the who, what, where and when.  That part upsets me.   

Edited August 10, 2019 by lovemesomejoolery

[boes]

6 minutes ago, lovemesomejoolery said:

Indeed, it's grim. 

As I'm typing, I just got a text that Jeffrey Epstein has died - he hanged himself in his jail cell.  Not good enough for that asshole scumbag, although I don't know what would be punishment enough for all the damage he did to young women. 

But with him goes all the information on the who, what, where and when.  That part upsets me.   

I'm wondering, considering all the famous people involved, if he didn't have a bit of help with that........

[OhioSongbird]

Oh I hope/pray there'll be victims coming out of everywhere now.  Sue his estate for every penny in damages.  The discovery evidence alone should start criminal charges.  His fellow perps won't be talking....yet.  If there is true karma they will be outed, too.

Including the one who shall not be named here....

[AngelKitty]

This doesn't surprise me. He would not have liked jail and I'm pretty sure he knew that's where he was headed for the rest of his life. I'm sure I'll be hearing plenty about it since it'll be covered on my local news here in Palm Beach County.

[valleycliffe]

50 minutes ago, lovemesomejoolery said:

Indeed, it's grim. 

As I'm typing, I just got a text that Jeffrey Epstein has died - he hanged himself in his jail cell.  Not good enough for that asshole scumbag, although I don't know what would be punishment enough for all the damage he did to young women. 

But with him goes all the information on the who, what, where and when.  That part upsets me.   

not necessarily.  i have read he had cctv tapes and recordings..it was said that his mansion in nyc had video cameras in every room of it.

wonder if they will pursue charges against others.

[Cupid Stunt]

1 hour ago, lovemesomejoolery said:

Indeed, it's grim. 

As I'm typing, I just got a text that Jeffrey Epstein has died - he hanged himself in his jail cell.  Not good enough for that asshole scumbag, although I don't know what would be punishment enough for all the damage he did to young women.   

So much for Suicide Watch in the jail he was being held … I'm not entirely surprised after the previous Florida case was reopened and financial disclosure made by the NYC DA office and the separate FBI investigation.

Quote

But with him goes all the information on the who, what, where and when.  That part upsets me. 

Epstein's former Florida prosecutor, household help, social contacts and enablers are talking to avoid charges or to hide their involvement. Some, not all will be made public. 

The little we know is horrifying enough.

1 hour ago, boes said:

I'm wondering, considering all the famous people involved, if he didn't have a bit of help with that........

His original Florida prosecution scared a lot of people, but it faded away as Epstein hand was slapped and he picked up where he left off.

This arrest has loads of Bold Face Names shaking in their sex lairs.

Did someone help Jeffrey Epstein hang himself or gave him the time and opportunity to finish the job? Maybe. Enough money can buy you anything you want. 

56 minutes ago, OhioSongbird said:

Oh I hope/pray there'll be victims coming out of everywhere now.  Sue his estate for every penny in damages.  The discovery evidence alone should start criminal charges.  His fellow perps won't be talking....yet.  If there is true karma they will be outed, too.

Including the one who shall not be named here....

Unfortunately, some of Epstein's estate is off-shore account, ill-gotten gains and money stolen from 'clients.'

I hope this will allow these women to get the help they need. His death alone won't bring closure for many, and they will continue walk the long road of degradation Epstein paved with their abused bodies and stolen futures.

[jpagan05]

Here is Kemosabe dressed as corn to lighten the mood. Happy Caturday!

[OhioSongbird]

His face says it all....

"kill me now"     😉           

[valleycliffe]

so excited.  my daughter called me from maryland.  she will be going on tdy to seattle in september and  decided to come a couple of days early to visit with us.  she is going to see about flying from seattle to nanaimo but if not then she will take the clipper and her dad and i will go to victoria to pick her up.  she would be coming on a thursday then would have to travel back to seattle on the sunday..

[peacheslatour]

19 minutes ago, jpagan05 said:

Here is Kemosabe dressed as corn to lighten the mood. Happy Caturday!

Look at that face. "I will pee in your shoe while you sleep."

[jpagan05]

18 minutes ago, OhioSongbird said:

His face says it all....

"kill me now"     😉           

2 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

Look at that face. "I will pee in your shoe while you sleep."

Yup. He's so sweet to let me dress him up. But he will get me back.

[lovemesomejoolery]

12 minutes ago, valleycliffe said:

so excited.  my daughter called me from maryland.  she will be going on tdy to seattle in september and  decided to come a couple of days early to visit with us.  she is going to see about flying from seattle to nanaimo but if not then she will take the clipper and her dad and i will go to victoria to pick her up.  she would be coming on a thursday then would have to travel back to seattle on the sunday..

Yay! How long has it been since you've seen her?

** I'm in Maryland!  Columbia, in Howard County!

Edited August 10, 2019 by lovemesomejoolery

[valleycliffe]

8 minutes ago, lovemesomejoolery said:

Yay! How long has it been since you've seen her?

** I'm in Maryland!  Columbia, in Howard County!

it's been about 1 1/2 yrs. since last time.   she came with my grand for christmas.

she lives in aberdeen .  she works in hr.

[lovemesomejoolery]

Just now, valleycliffe said:

it's been about 1 1/2 yrs. since last time.   she came with my grand for christmas.

she lives in aberdeen .  she works in hr.

She's about an hour north of me, depending on traffic....

Glad she'll be able to spend some time with you!

[valleycliffe]

tmi

Edited August 10, 2019 by valleycliffe
changed my mind

[Cupid Stunt]

• Families gather to remember victims of El Paso shooting

• Families mourn as funerals begin for Dayton shooting victims

• The Media Erased Latinos From the Story -- It was the deadliest attack targeting Latinos in recent U.S. history. Why wasn’t that the headline?

[lovemesomejoolery]

I saw this and, in keeping with what was posted here earlier this morning, about being present and knowing that knowledge is power, I'm posting it here.

Not just about the earth and its resources, but we can do something about EVERYTHING.  Each of us, in either a big or small way, can do something.

Edited August 11, 2019 by lovemesomejoolery

[bannana]

10 hours ago, valleycliffe said:

so excited.  my daughter called me from maryland.  she will be going on tdy to seattle in september and  decided to come a couple of days early to visit with us.  she is going to see about flying from seattle to nanaimo but if not then she will take the clipper and her dad and i will go to victoria to pick her up.  she would be coming on a thursday then would have to travel back to seattle on the sunday..

The Victoria Clipper?

Happy for you @valleycliffe!

[pearlite]

16 hours ago, jpagan05 said:

Here is Kemosabe dressed as corn to lighten the mood. Happy Caturday!

What a sweetheart! I miss having an orange cat.

[OhioSongbird]

We had an orange tabby years ago....we're cat/dog people...and he was a pistol.

[Capricasix]

18 hours ago, jpagan05 said:

Here is Kemosabe dressed as corn to lighten the mood. Happy Caturday!

He is going to murder you in your sleep 😳 👀 🤣

[valleycliffe]

34 minutes ago, Capricasix said:

He is going to murder you in your sleep 😳 👀 🤣

kitty of the corn?

[Cupid Stunt]

Maximo Rosa, Linda Duarte and Alvaro Antuna share an emotional moment at the burial of Juan Velazquez after a mass shooting at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, August 9, 2019. REUTERS/Callaghan O'Hare

• Mourning after back-to-back shootings

[Cupid Stunt]

Four radio stations in my division prepared backpacks and distributed new/used school uniforms for students last weekend --

• What does it cost to send a kid back to school?

• 10 challenges poor students and teachers face

• Back to School: You can help the Boys & Girls Club of America build great futures -- As kids go back to school, not all of them have equal access to the school supplies they need to learn and prepare for the future.

Just picking music I heard today. Enjoy Mississippi Fred McDowell.

Edited August 12, 2019 by Cupid Stunt

[peacheslatour]

What's the deal with avocados? I haven't had a decent one all summer.

[lovemesomejoolery]

1 hour ago, peacheslatour said:

What's the deal with avocados? I haven't had a decent one all summer.

There's a national shortage and I know that the few avocados that are in my store are not that great.  I saw something two weeks ago on the news about how restaurants are serving "mockamole" because they can't lay hands on an avocado or they've become too expensive.

Here's an article about some reasons why - seems to be supply versus demand, grower's strike in Mexico, drought in California.  Other articles I see online say that tensions at our border have contributed, but I'm not reading how, so maybe it was the threat of tariffs or something.

https://time.com/4544631/national-avocado-shortage/

[Cupid Stunt]

It could have to do with the extended time it takes for Mexican produce to cross the border while we live in interesting times. The growers have to factor in the additional time to get through the new regulations at commercial customs to avoid loads rotting in the trucks or delivering already-ripe fruit at the wholesaler (can only be sold to local buyers at discounted prices). They pick and ship their produce a week short of growing time, losing out on valuable maturation to develop the lipids (fatty acids that give the creamy mouth-feel and flavor that develops in ripe avocados). 

Florida and California growers have cultivated "Haas"-type varietals that are more amenable to those northern latitudes. They're like Mexican "Haas," but different, in that they're genetically-altered. Does that change the texture and flavor of the ripened fruit? Maybe. What I do know is that the majority of avocados are grown for food-service/pre-made point-of-sale purposes, and those commercial manufacturers add flavors to create the universal taste and shelf-life of their products.

[OhioSongbird]

I can still find them at my grocery but they are hard as a rock and kinda tasteless...  😞 

Fellow Preverts I need some prayer support.  My good friend and bandmate was on his way to his usual Breakfast Club (that's what I call them...6-7 guy friends of ours who meet every Sunday morning at our local coffee shop) on his motorcycle...he's a long time rider and restorer of classic bikes...when someone pulled out in front of him and he had to lay it down.  Broke several ribs and fractured his T3 vertebrae.  Still don't know how bad it is.  Thank God he always wears a helmet or it could have been a lot worse.  Please send good thoughts and prayers his way.  His name is Pat.

[bannana]

2 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

What's the deal with avocados? I haven't had a decent one all summer.

At my market, where they make their own guac, they said the avocados have been rock hard.  So no guac for me. 😢

[boes]

22 minutes ago, OhioSongbird said:

I can still find them at my grocery but they are hard as a rock and kinda tasteless...  😞 

Fellow Preverts I need some prayer support.  My good friend and bandmate was on his way to his usual Breakfast Club (that's what I call them...6-7 guy friends of ours who meet every Sunday morning at our local coffee shop) on his motorcycle...he's a long time rider and restorer of classic bikes...when someone pulled out in front of him and he had to lay it down.  Broke several ribs and fractured his T3 vertebrae.  Still don't know how bad it is.  Thank God he always wears a helmet or it could have been a lot worse.  Please send good thoughts and prayers his way.  His name is Pat.

You've got it, OhioSongbird.  Poor man.   Keep us posted.  He's done more than a few things right to have a friend like you in his corner.  Keep the faith.

Regarding the avocados.........

I know the folks at our farmers market have told us they're only going to be harvesting about half of what they did last year.  The high temps last year and the fires, as well as the heat spikes we've had in the Central Valley has affected the harvest rather severely, at least up in the northern part of the state.

We've had some good ones from the farmer's market, but there's not much quantity and the prices are higher.

Edited August 12, 2019 by boes

[OhioSongbird]

Thank you boes.  He's an amazing guy.  Plays awesome guitar (and drums), we write songs together, he can fix anything and I wrote a somewhat naughty blues song about him called "Hey, Mr Maintenance Man", will do anything for anybody (except help us move...he said he draws the line at lifting furniture  😉 )  He inherited his Dad's vintage gun collection and has some wonderful and historic pieces (some Civil War rifles) but doesn't hunt....on and on.

Can't say enough about him.....known him for 25+ yrs.

[jpagan05]

2 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

What's the deal with avocados? I haven't had a decent one all summer.

@peacheslatour and the other horror obsessed, there's a series starting tonight called "The Terror" https://www.amc.com/shows/the-terror

It's actually season 2 but I think it's an anthology like AHS. I'm going to check it out. I've been jonesing for some horror.

[peacheslatour]

19 minutes ago, jpagan05 said:

@peacheslatour and the other horror obsessed, there's a series starting tonight called "The Terror" https://www.amc.com/shows/the-terror

It's actually season 2 but I think it's an anthology like AHS. I'm going to check it out. I've been jonesing for some horror.

Me too. Why is there such an abomination as Christmas in July but no Halloween in August?

[OhioSongbird]

When I was doing costume rental at my old shop (my current one is much smaller so I sold those off) I always thought April Fool's Day was the perfect time for a second costume occasion.

[Cupid Stunt]

8 hours ago, OhioSongbird said:

I can still find them at my grocery but they are hard as a rock and kinda tasteless...  😞 

Fellow Preverts I need some prayer support.  My good friend and bandmate was on his way to his usual Breakfast Club (that's what I call them...6-7 guy friends of ours who meet every Sunday morning at our local coffee shop) on his motorcycle...he's a long time rider and restorer of classic bikes...when someone pulled out in front of him and he had to lay it down.  Broke several ribs and fractured his T3 vertebrae.  Still don't know how bad it is.  Thank God he always wears a helmet or it could have been a lot worse.  Please send good thoughts and prayers his way.  His name is Pat.

Heavenly Father, grant Pat strength to bear his injuries with patience, submission to Your will and trust in Your loving care. Guide the hands of his doctors and nurses, asking that You will bless the means used for his recovery. Grant that his healing may be to his spiritual benefit and to live more faithfully to Your word. For You are the source of life and healing and to You we give praise and glory, now and forever. Amen.

[OhioSongbird]

Amen

[Cupid Stunt]

The leatherback is an endangered species in the United States. Just look at that face! -- Mark Conlin/VW PICS/UIG via Getty Image

• See a different endangered animal in every U.S. state -- With this interactive map highlights lesser-known endangered species across America.

• The Endangered Species Act is incredibly popular and effective. The act is being weakened anyway. -- A million species are threatened worldwide.

• Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg will bring her message to the U.S.

• This Stray Cat Is a Fashion Runway Icon

• The fish tube is more than a meme. It could help save ecosystems.

• Is Grass-Fed Beef Really Better For The Planet? Here's The Science

• How the Jet Stream Is Changing Your Weather -- Scientists are increasingly focusing on the North Atlantic jet stream as an indicator of future climate change trends.

• 'Ecological grief': Greenland residents traumatized by climate emergency -- Islanders are struggling to reconcile impact of global heating with traditional way of life, survey finds 

• Methane in the atmosphere is surging, and that's got scientists worried

• Why Renewable Energy Is Not as Clean as You Think -- Because we shouldn’t kid ourselves when the future of the planet is at stake. 

• 'Coal is over': the miners rooting for the Green New Deal -- Appalachia’s main industry is dying and some workers are looking toward a new economic promise.

• Deadly Legionnaires' outbreak at Atlanta hotel a "nationwide problem," attorney says

• "Fix it!": Newark residents concerned over lead in water supply

• Church Rock, America’s Forgotten Nuclear Disaster, Is Still Poisoning Navajo Lands 40 Years Later -- Residents say they've been ignored even as they struggle with contaminated water and worry about having children.

• He's Creating a New Fuel Out of Thin Air — for 85 Cents per Gallon -- Roger Gordon’s plans for ammonia could be a central component of a carbon-free future.

Edited August 13, 2019 by Cupid Stunt