Posts Tagged Donna Gore
The Dogged Pursuit by Badge # 33 for Little Miss 1565
Posted by Administrator in Missing Persons, Survivors of Homicide on November 26, 2011
A recent “Time’s Up” blog jogged Ladyjustice’s memory regarding missing children and the events of the tragically famous Hartford (CT) Circus Fire of 1944 and “Little Miss 1565,” who became the symbol of the most heartfelt fire related disasters in decades. Much has been written and speculated concerning the facts of this case…and the identity of the blonde haired little girl in the white dress.
Ladyjustice has a very special reason for caring about this event more than others….. She cares because her mother was ready to go to the circus that day in July 1944 along with nearly 7,000 others in attendance. Patricia _____, was 9 years old, just shy of her 10th birthday. She was really looking forward to the circus and enjoying its many offerings with her friends. She had permission to go and there was a plan in place. A family friend was supposed to drive Patricia and her friends to the circus, as her own mother had to work. However, fate intervened… Just as they were about to go, the driver who happened to be an obstetrician, learned that a patient’s baby was due and would not wait for any circus!
As LJ’s mother has related the story, that 9 year old was mad… and disappointed! For how could she have known what would happen? She could not, nor could anyone else on that scorching hot day. Just the thought of it brings tears to this writer’s eyes when she thinks that Patricia could have been severely injured or killed….. and Ladyjustice, her first born, would never have been born! The two books referenced include A Circus Fire, A True Story of an American Tragedy” by Stewart O’Nan and “A Matter of Degree: The Hartford Circus Fire and the Mystery of Little Miss 1565 by Don Massey and (Lt. Fire Investigator) Rick Davey. Each can be purchased at Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=The+Circus+Fire&x=13&y=22. Although each author has different facts and opinions, it is interesting to note that readers rate each book equally.
Ladyjustice finds the dogged pursuit by investigators of yesteryear just as intriguing as the other aspects of the tragedy. Prior to talking about the investigators, here are a few facts concerning the fire:
It occurred on July 6th, 1944 and lasted 10 minutes;
The waterproofing method used was to apply paraffin wax dissolved in gasoline which caused the tent to collapse in minutes;
The exact number of those who died has been reported as 167 to 169. However, given the transient nature of circus performers-“drifters” the total attendance was estimated from 6,789 to 7,000;
The fire was so hot that it had the effect of cremating bodies, thus leaving no evidence behind;
Edward Hickey, a political appointee with no investigative experience, ruled the fire to be attributed to “careless smoking.” In contrast, Lieutenant Davey proved that “it is virtually impossible to start a grassfire when the humidity is above 23. Humidity levels that day were measured at 42;
At least two exits were blocked by chutes that allowed the lions and leopards to pass in and out of the arena. Some people died as exits were blocked or asphyxiated under layers of people. Others leapt from bleachers or were trampled;
Arson was concluded as the real cause after Robert Segee, a roustabout with mental illness confessed in 1950 and then recanted;
The most controversial piece of history is the actual identity of Little Miss 1565. Stewart O’Nan believes that Eleanor Cook who was identified by her brother, was actually “body number 1503.” Although facial measurements and other identification markers lead to Davey’s conclusion about Little Miss 1565 being Eleanor, Stewart O’Nan disputes this claim based on different hair color, age, height and facial shape. O’Nan felt that “the most plausible explanation was that another family mistakenly identified Eleanor Cook as their own child with Eleanor being buried under the other child’s name.
Badge #33, Sergeants Barber and Lowe
Sargent Thomas Barber and Edward Lowe were the official police investigators who spent their days and nights photographing victims, taking fingerprints, footprints and obtaining dental records in order to identify victims.
Sargent Barber, who outlived Lowe, made of ritual of putting flowers on Little Miss’s grave three times a year for 32 years until Barber passed away. They also kept the photo of her in their wallets.
Lieutenant Davey worked 10 to 12 hours on regular fire cases and was on the verge of “cracking” the big case of 1944 on his own time by 1990. Early on, it all began when he gave a speech to a local high school group in 1981… and then he was hooked! He became the expert on the case. He was a perfectionist with a department conviction rate of 100%.
He thought it strange that a little girl who died of a stress fracture to her skull and one so pretty could not positively be identified in all these years. This case kept Davey awake at night… He arrived to work two hours early each day to work in secret. His search took him to the local library, TV studios searching for old film footage and newspaper accounts. He had migraine headaches and gulped aspirin like candy.
Davey worked feverously for 18 months by the end of 1983, with 30 theories to check out. By 1984, he was ready to pack it in as the information was like Swiss cheese. Suddenly an archivist at Hartford Hospital suggested Davey check the Connecticut State Library for missing information and sure enough…. 20 new boxes were located! He settled on Eleanor Cook with some evidence pointing to her… and other evidence not.
Davey photocopied 20,000 pages with his own money at 25 cents each during his pursuit. He learned of possible political reasons not to investigate a known arsonist…after $3.9 million in settlements had been paid out and six circus officials had already served time for involuntary manslaughter.
Writer Gary Smith’s account at http://gangry,com described Davey’s final actions on behalf of Little Miss 1565 in the following way:
“At midnight on the eve of Eleanor’s birthday, March 17, 1991, Davey went to her grave for the first time. He laid a black stuffed kitten on it, just like the one he learned she once had. He laid some flowers, and a card with a note.
“Our only gift is the thing you once had-your name! How we all wish it could have been possible to correct a more terrible wrong and bring you back. You may join other loved ones and members of your family. But you’ll never be forgotten. I’ll always love you.
Badge #33”
If you are so sure, so confident, can it be so that Eleanor was the real Little Miss 1565? The dogged determination of three investigators in particular, wants to believe with all their hearts!
Written By;
Donna R. Gore, M.A.
“Ladyjustice”
Coping with Your Disability- “LadyJustice Style”
Posted by Administrator in Disabilities on November 18, 2011
Helen Jones Click here for Helen’s own story.
According to a June 2011 world report on Disabledpersons.com, previous figures on the prevalence of disability have been vastly underestimated. Currently, some report that as many as one billion people experience a “disabling condition” worldwide. However, to a large extent, it depends on how disability is defined. In general, a disability can be described as a functional limitation which affects one or more of our major activities of daily living (ADL’s) from a medical standpoint, such as walking, learning/comprehension, dressing, bathing, eating, communicating, transferring from one place to another (i.e. bed to chair) etc.
As a person ages, one’s body and skill levels begin to deteriorate if continued activity is not fostered, and in that sense, we all will be “disabled.” In addition, certain countries are more proactive regarding their inclusion or exclusion of disabling conditions for entitlement programs.
For this writer, her disability isn’t the “elephant in the room.” She tries her best to keep it at the “mouse in the room” level. Actually, for Ladyjustice, it is more a state of mind. Maybe she can’t ride a unicycle or go surfing, but she can do a heck of a lot!
Tips for a Healthier, More Manageable Disability
The following information can be considered “little pearl’s of wisdom” applicable to most any disability, realized by much trial and error… and “the glass is at least half full “mentality.
1. Don’t let your disability define you! You are much more than your vision loss, physical, learning disability etc. This is a biggie! Ladyjustice has encountered “disabled people” for over 50 years at all points on the spectrum. Those who have other interests and choose to deal with whatever it is, develop compensations for their challenges, tend to fair much better on the self adjustment scale.
For those who “wear their disability as a badge,” filled with anger as if to say, “Look at me”… whether it is for entitlement purposes or “just to get attention,” are the saddest of all examples! Please don’t lump Ladyjustice in with “those pity party people.” Your disability is just one component of your total make up… just as your nationality, sexual orientation, cultural upbringing etc., etc. If you are stuck in the rut of defining yourself as “disabled first and foremost”… get out of it by surrounding yourself with non-disabled persons (except when specialized support is needed).
2. If your disability is progressive, be ready for changes and adjust with it along the way, rather than fight it. Denial can be dangerous…
Although it may be difficult to re-adjust with each change, expecting change can be built into your preparation. With the change, a sense of loss is normal, as is grieving. Allow yourself to experience the grief. But not allowing the grief to overtake your life completely is key! Seeking and joining support groups and developing new interests can assist you in improving the quality of your life and act as distractions from the progression on your disability.
3. Down the line, share the benefit of your experience. Doing so can be a great healer for you and a motivator for others! Ladyjustice has relied heavily on this advice and made it work!
4. Don’t let your specific limitations impede what you really enjoy. For example, if you experience vision loss and love to read, try the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped with their latest digital books on tape. If your physical disability prevents you from hiking, you might locate a nature walking group with accessible trails. [Example- the Massachusetts Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is a universally accessible sensory trail. This award winning quarter mile trail is designated foe access by wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and includes 12 interpretive stops with content that is accessible via cell phone, text or Braille. Go to www.massaudobon.org.]
5. Take advantage of support groups, the opportunity to form new friendships, locating civic organizations, educational resources and adaptive aids. Life is too short…or too long without others to care about, so join! Life can be a banquet to “stuff yourself” with the kind of special interest knowledge you love. The easiest tasks for others may be the hardest for those of us with disabilities.
[Ladyjustice examples- Hardest- buttoning, putting on earrings, socks or pantyhose… especially when you’re in a rush to get to work and should have left ten minutes ago! Ha!]
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it! Others will respect you… Remember, the onus is on you as the disabled person, as you know your needs best. Don’t assume that the general public knows what to do for you. Some good samaritans will offer assistance, but don’t expect it. A pet peeve of this writer is when a person with a disability gets highly indignant when assistance isn’t offered… or is offered too frequently. [LJ’s philosophy – It’s always better to politely decline and thank them rather than be angry.]
7. If there is no help available (as frequently happens,) figure out a way to do it yourself! However, if “it” presents a danger, skip it altogether! This is also very important! This is an opportunity to get creative, particularly if the person with a disability lives alone. Had Ladyjustice waited for help over all of these years, she would virtually be sitting in a chair somewhere staring off into space without the benefit of her many accomplishments. If you give up at the first sign of a challenge, you are doomed to misery in the humble opinion of this writer!
8. Know your limits and stick to them. (Although they may change). This tip is significant! To know your limits is to know yourself. Be honest, be safe and don’t “show off for others” just to be part of your peer group. You will avoid injury, and will perhaps get to your destination a bit later…but who cares? Admittedly, LJ has difficulty with this one at times, as she believes she is Superwoman all the time! Such a fantasy! However, she is making a little progress. For instance, she no longer uses the escalator in the mall as it is too risky with the timing and balance thing. [Remember the phrase “step on the crack and break your father’s back? Well, substitute head injury in there…]
9. Don’t be complacent; “Poor me attitude” Self-advocate; If you don’t know how, learn… Two words says it all- Gabrielle Giffords!
10. If you are accustomed to being a very independent person, relish those times when you can appropriately be waited on… As disabled people, we are so often projecting our independence that we may forget that we deserve to be pampered occasionally, just like anyone else! Newsflash! There is a difference between occasional pampering (such as when you are on vacation) and having everything done for you “because you have a disability.” LadyJustice works so hard all the time that she has learned to accept what little pampering comes her way…as in a recent Carnival Cruise.
Thanks for listening!
Donna/”LadyJustice”
Life in the Cockpit at ImaginePublicity
Posted by Administrator in Reviews on October 12, 2011
(A mostly satirical look at what it must be like… from the imagination of Ladyjustice)
Now that Ladyjustice has embraced two full time jobs – one with state government to “bring home the bacon” and the other very fulfilling and time consuming task to re-inventing oneself yet again for the future, she often wonders how all this public relations -marketing , social media stuff is accomplished.
LJ knows a few things about how it’s done the “old fashioned way,” before social media. How our Administrator and Madam President, Ms. Delilah guides us through the morass to create “us” in today’s world remains a mystery to this blogger. It seems that you have to be part juggler, researcher, negotiator, voracious reader, confidant, soul sister and airplane pilot!
Ladyjustice is the exception to the rule standing among a variety of authors of another kind. But that’s okay….. This blogger is a writer just the same, a service provider and fierce advocate for many causes, most particularly WHEN IT COMES TO CRIME! This blogger can’t change anything when it comes to her disability or sexual orientation. It is what it is… So, the focus and passion is best spent on those things in which you can make a small dent, like little tiny paint chips! Ladyjustice shares the ongoing frustration of Susan Murphy Milano….. All clients of ImaginePublicity have this frustration.-just like soul sisters and brothers. You can read it in their writings, see it in their videos.
LJ is working on a “secret project “in the basement with the encouragement and endorsement of ImaginePublicity.” When it will be ready is anyone’s guess…. In the meantime, its stay the course, adjust your flaps and sail with the opportunities along the way….
This cockpit is most probably a big, big desk filled with books, sharpies, yellow stickies, press releases, client biographies, clippings, articles, ideas, phone and resource lists, an old cup of coffee or two …. And the best part – all of those gadgets – How does one update all of the LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google entities. “Delilah the pilot” has to keep track of the tweets, twitters, postings, number of hits, geographic source of hits, client requests, client reminders, billing, bookings, upcoming events, scouring search engines, marketing publications for the “latest and greatest methods in 2011 etc. etc. LJ recently had the experience of the “numbers gone crazy”- several hundred for one particular blog with no clear explanation. We tried to identify the sources, but could not…. Oh well, such things defy explanation at times…just as heinous crimes do! The pilot stayed the course and continues to monitor, as always!
Does “the pilot” have to sit at the controls all day? Apparently not… a few things are on autopilot. Yikes… it makes Ladyjustice dizzy!
The pace of client activities can be just as dizzying! Consider the esteemed author Diane Fanning. Diane was everywhere…. all the time, during the fervor and outrage days of the Caylee Anthony case. She is always working on new projects. But, at least she doesn’t have to worry as much about if she packed “the right shoes” for a TV appearance while working on her latest book.
Sandra L. Brown she has a special key to unlock the inner workings of the pathological mind… Fascinating! Anny Jacoby, Lynn Twyman and Lisa Michels – all fierce advocates for our teens against the forces of evil re domestic violence and sexual abuse; Barry Goldstein, the researcher, academic, teacher who fights against the forces of injustice that pervade the courtroom as well as the personal lives of women. Jillian Maas Backman has that special way of connecting with our spirits, our energy, and our vibration and strives to heal our tired souls…. Peter Hyatt has more to say about vocabulary, linguistics, and what isn’t said than anyone….
Susan Murphy Milano… Well, she’s indescribable in this blogger’s opinion. She is the main cheerleader for all of us. She has the phone permanently affixed to her ear in the name of communication and righting the injustices , no matter how small or large… And so it goes, on and on and on…
And there is “Pilot Delilah” at the controls…. “Tower, this is ImaginePublicity. Are we clear to land?”
Tower: “Negative, keep soaring!”
Respectfully,
Ladyjustice
Hold the Pickle, Hold the Lettuce… Plain Murder on a Bun
Posted by Administrator in Employment, Justice, Missing Persons, Victimization, Violent Crime on October 3, 2011
“Oh dear, Oh dear and a bottle of beer, if I wasn’t married, I wouldn’t be here….” Ladyjustice learned this little ditty as a child… but oh how it takes on a new meaning now!
It has been nearly a year in October since this author began her training at “ImaginePublicity University” with exposure to such fine writers….. I dare say that what LJ knew about the intricacies of domestic violence or intimate partner homicide, you could put in several thimbles…. Now it is a MUCH DIFFERENT STORY.
As LJ was surfing the web, recovering from hand surgery nearly a year ago and happened upon the fiery red inferno of Susan Murphy Milano’s website… well, the rest is history as they say…. Ladyjustice thought she knew quite a bit about particular victim issues, but oh how she has learned from others!
However, once introduced in the topic of intimate partner homicide by Susan Murphy Milano, LJ “fell hook, line and sinker” for this issue and the plight of all missing persons after learning about the life path that she has chosen as a consequence of her horrendous childhood attributed to her perpetual abuser-murdering father. To borrow a line from a Tom Cruise movie, looking back on it, “you had me from the word hello.” Let me tell you, no matter what we have all experienced in life, it isn’t hard to be a cheerleader for someone who has overcome so much and at the same time accomplished so much!
This blogger was used to “plain murder” as her personal life experience when her Dad was murdered. In comparison to the plight of others, the crime itself was relatively uncomplicated, like ordering a hamburger with nothing on it… There was much pain and grief, extenuating circumstances and unbelievable levels of incompetence and miscommunication at times. However, the solvability factor, as they say on Crimewire, was high.
Although he was robbed, set up by a female accomplice, riddled with 5 to 6 bullets, there was no kidnapping, sexual assault, personal torture, extended period in which he was missing. There was no “special sauce, pickles, onion.” There was no arson, personal restraints, ransom, or intimate partner violence. No lettuce cheese, ketchup or fries…
The expertise and gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Diane Fanning, Sandra Brown, Jillian Maas Backman, Anny Jacoby, Denny Griffin, Vitto Collucci, Lynn Twyman, Barry Goldstein, Monica Caison, Janice Smolinski, Dr. Laurie Roth….The list goes on and on… And… how to express gratitude for the person who puts it all together so well, who puts up with Ladyjustice’s whims, endless questions and ideas at all times of the day and night- Delilah Jones! Impossible to do it without her!
As I continue on with a second year in the company of such fine individuals who advocate for others, and continue to see the crime in epidemic proportions that the general public doesn’t see… as I continue to try to fight the battle in my own way on behalf of others…. As I see my dear friend, Dr. Bill Petit, Jr. tortured again beyond belief…. I am thankful for so many thinks and so many people!
Thank you everyone who is a client of ImaginePublicity for what you have offered me! Thank you God for helping me pursue my aspirations! Thank you for small blessings such as “plain hamburger homicide”.
Here’s to another great year!
LOL
“Ladyjustice”
Treasure or Trash? No… A Human Being
Posted by Administrator in Justice, Missing Persons, Violent Crime on September 30, 2011
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Ladyjustice is often fascinated by the unique finds on shows such as PBS’ Antique Roadshow and the like. There is something special when an unusual item is closely linked to history. If only such respect was paid to persons who go missing and ultimately murdered as they do to their precious potential antiques!
It occurred to LJ while listening to the case of Danielle Hill Alvarado on a radio episode of Crimewire recently, that there have been far too many cases in which a person died and was literally discarded as garbage- that tragic ultimate resting place was a dumpster and/or landfill. This blogger is compelled to “shine a light” on such cases, in hopes that in some small way, others may have answers to those currently unsolved cases. These sociopaths think nothing of others… They are skilled at “playing the game of life” without really participating. Their true talents lie in masquerade.
The Case of Danielle Hill Alvarado:
Danielle, age 21, came from a small town (15 miles south of the Texas/Oklahoma border). She lived a small town life and was married to Jonathan Alvarado with a 5 year old daughter, Nicki. Danielle went missing on January 24, 2010. It appears this man was an abuser from the get go and had a “history behind closed doors.” (i.e. Danielle’s statements like “It will be far worse punishment if I disobey/ don’t do X.”) In addition, Jonathan had a history of drug abuse was a serial intimate partner abuser and was arrested for aggravated assault two months prior to Danielle’s disappearance. As told on Crimewiresire.org, Belinda’s mother is currently the guardian for her granddaughter. Belinda learned from her son-in-law’s employer -property owner that Danielle was choked to death, dumped and ultimately put in a city landfill bordering the two states!
Power and control was the status quo with Jonathan. What harm would come to the relationship for Danielle to attend church and a baby shower with family members? Absolutely none… However, this is the “big event” that sent Jonathan over the edge? Danielle’s family reportedly pleaded with her not to return home after the shower. But, as they so often do, Danielle may have had a false sense of: She’d rather tolerate a “lesser beating for disobedience rather than a severe beating later…” Such a sad story…
The rest of the story to date is that Jonathan’s “employer-protector” seems to have divulged the vile truth to Belinda, like “dropping a bomb” and thinking nothing of it as he was her handyman and “such a nice guy!” As Susan Murphy Milano so aptly pointed out, this woman was aiding and abetting a criminal. Where is her conscience? Where is her sense of right and wrong? What circumstances would ever justify a man disposing of a woman like a Kleenex tissue? ‘Disobedience over going to church and a baby shower? This was her husband…not a military officer.
Jonathan also made 22 cell phone calls during the baby shower and then nothing. Jonathan’s mother lied about Danielle’s whereabouts. Immediately after her disappearance, Jonathan and his father used borrowed funds and left for Florida although there was no reason for their destination. Police and parole officers were less than zealous about Jonathan’s unlawful exit. Danielle was branded as a “street person”, based on the behaviors of Jonathan alone, and the police did not speak to Belinda or investigate in any meaningful way.
Good riddance to bad rubbish …wherever you are Jonathan Alvarado! Let’s bring Danielle home.
A YouTube tribute video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j3KO0_N1YY. For further details on this story, please go to the Crimewire link at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/crimewire/2011/09/14/crime-wire-investigates-tuesdays-900-pm-eastern-time.
The Mysterious Case of John Wheeler:
According to CNN News sources and Daniel Bates, a British reporter for www.dailymail.co.uk, the bizarre case of Washington government official, John Wheeler was shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions prior to his untimely death on December 31, 2010.
This 66 year old man, resident of Wilmington, Delaware, served under three Presidential Administrations including Reagan and George W. Bush. Wheeler is credited with being the impetus behind the approval and funding for the Vietnam War Memorial. At 3:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, a garbage truck released his body from a truck at the Cherry Island landfill in Delaware. Prior to the discovery of his body, the facts as reported are:
- Forty-eight hours before his body was located, John Wheeler was wandering around a parking lot looking for a car and appearing disoriented, coatless and with one shoe in the freezing weather adjacent to the New Castle County Courthouse;
- The parking lot attendant noted that he was disoriented. When asked about his welfare, but she failed to report his unusual behavior in a timely manner;
- The next morning Wheeler was observed walking in downtown Wilmington;
- No evidence was located during searches of his home in Wilmington and Manhattan apartment. Although the floor boards were removed, it “wasn’t considered it a crime scene;”
- Background checks revealed that Wheeler’s current wife had a wealthy sister-socialite, Emily Klyce Fisher who was stabbed to death in her home in 1995. It is questionable whether this murder was ever solved;
- The most promising lead as of January 2011, was that John Wheeler and a neighbor were having an ongoing argument concerning the neighbor building a house on an adjacent property. Evidently, a legal battle ensued as the addition would have restricted Wheeler’s view and Wheeler’s claim that the house was “too big for the area.” In fact, police confirmed that a smoke bomb was placed under the neighbor’s house a week before John’s murder;
- Police refused to comment on the manner of death but later reports indicated it was blunt force trauma;
- Another possible motive was speculated by a blogger concerning Wheeler’s views on biological warfare. Sources at the Washington Post revealed that Wheeler wrote a manual on the effectiveness [LJ- Or lack of effectiveness] of biological and chemical weapons. Supposedly, Wheeler was against the use of such warfare. [LJ- Could he have been in the midst of blowing the whistle re pesticides? Were there classified documents in his briefcase that others wanted?]
- Still another speculative theory is that Wheeler had a form of dementia [LJ- Sudden onset disorientation would be more representative of a head injury, brain tumors, hematoma (clotted blood due to a break in a blood vessel, encephalopathy(lesions in the brain sometimes caused by prolonged alcohol abuse) and not a dementia which is typically a more gradual onset of symptoms;
Status of the Wheeler Case as of September 2011:
New information is limited… However more is known about the
Timeline:
- Two days prior to his murder, Newark police learned that Wheeler walked into a pharmacy in which he was a customer and “asked for a ride,” The pharmacist offered to call him a cab. Wheeler declined the offer;
- The parking lot attendant was assured by Wheeler that “I’m not drunk.” “I’m not drunk” despite his disorientation and unkempt look, lack of a coat in 30 degree weather;
- Wheeler told Imen Goldsborough, the attendant that his briefcase had been stolen;
- Wheeler was seen the next day on December 30th in another office building in downtown Wilmington via security cameras as late as 8:30 p.m.;
- During the afternoon between 2:30 and 3;30 p.m. John came in contact with several people who offered to help, but he declined;
- Wheeler was reported to be wearing similar clothes as the previous day as well as a sweatshirt;
- Police and the FBI are searching for the crime scene and the missing briefcase which could provide a link to the murder;
- The dispute with the neighbor is only “one facet of the investigation.” Wheeler’s attorney said “it was not contentious, but within normal bounds;
- Wheeler’s biographical history includes being the first Chairman of “Mothers Against Drunk Driving.”
Was this an organized crime killing? Denny Griffin, we need your expertise!
The Tragic Case of Lori Hacking:
Many readers may be familiar with this shocking case, as it appears to have occurred around the same time as the Chandra Levy, the Washington D.C. aide slain while jogging…
As per an article by Rebecca Leung who interviewed Maureen Maher, a CBS, 48 Hours Correspondent in February, 2009. Mark Hacking was a “goofy looking dude,” who got lucky and attracted a cute woman… Lori Hacking referred to Mark as “my big old teddy bear.” ‘Trouble is… his actions were those of a pathological liar who weaved a pack of lies more intricate and lengthy than anyone could have imagined!
[LJ- I’ll bet Sandra L. Brown of the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education would have a thing or two to say about this guy…http://saferelationshipsmagazine.com.]
Lori and Mark lived in Salt Lake City Utah and had plans to move to North Carolina where Mark intended to begin medical school. It appears that while Mark “charmed his way entertaining children at a psychiatric hospital…and bamboozled his wife and in-laws for five years, he was no closer to enrolling in medical school than a kindergartener! His elaborate ruse included “pretending to be psychotic-walking around naked, but with shoes on.” He also pretended to take a trip to Manhattan to interview at Columbia University-ultimately staying with a cousin. In fact, he never graduated college. He stopped attending classes after three years.
Mark’s deceptions were revealed when his mother called the Hacking’s answering machine, asking why he wasn’t on the enrollment list at the North Carolina medical school. (Mom being Mom, had attempted to pay his tuition.)
Lori learned the news, confronted “the teddy bear,” they argued, he took off to a hotel. The next day… so the story goes, Lori told friends she and Mark “reconciled things and made up.” (At this point, Lori was five weeks pregnant with their first child.) Hacking went through the motions (Similar to Scott Peterson) reporting his wife missing and lying about the circumstances. Hacking claimed Lori went jogging and never returned. Next, he made his public thank yous for search efforts and actually went mattress shopping when he was supposed to be searching. Mark allegedly confessed that he killed Lori while she slept in bed and then… “put her in the trash” where her body (and soiled mattress) was found under more than 2,000 tons of garbage.
Douglas Hacking, Mark’s father stated that Mark confessed he felt pressure to achieve, as his brothers were high achievers… and when he “couldn’t make the grade” and knew he would disappoint his family, he began lying and subsequently eliminated his wife and child.
The Ultimate Irony: Paul Soares, Lori’s brother, related that Lori would have continued to love Mark anyway as long as he was trying his best.
[LJ-He tried his best at the wrong thing, the most dastardly thing on earth. Mark Hacking put his wife and unborn child in the earth. He played God when no one has such a right!]
Little Somer Thompson:
Nearly two years ago, on or about October 22, 2009, Somer Thompson from Orange Park Florida went missing on her way home from school. She was seven years old and a twin who assumed it was safe to walk home from school. Sheriff Rick Bessler reported that he had to report the tragic news that her body was discovered in a landfill. This was a first time crime for the small town of Orange Park.
According to a Camembert County publication as of October 22, 2009, police, “rounded up known sex offenders and garbage pickers,” but initially had no prime suspect. Investigators were trying to determine the time of death before or after the disposal of her body.
Update as of March 26, 2010: Twenty four year old John Harrell was charged with the kidnapping and murder of Somer Thompson after long delays in the processing of forensic computer analysis with a “no rush status” by Clay County Florida investigators, which finally resulted in 55 counts of child pornography. As told by Dr. Clint Van Zandt, former FBI profiler and founder of www.livesecure.org, Harrell maintained a “secret stockpile” of child porn labeled, “Don’t lose music.” This stash was discovered by his former roommates. Evidently Harrell had been ousted from his apartment after they suspected that he had stolen an I-Pod. [LJ thinks Harrell wasn’t the smartest of criminals as he left behind his computer and many incriminating CDs. No doubt he was thrown out with little time to prepare. Luckily, the 20 something roommates had a collective conscience and turned over the evidence to police two months prior to Somer’s murder.]
The Likelihood of the Crime: Pattern of Conduct & Jarred Harrell’s Culpability:
Dr. Van Zandt provides the likely scenario-factors that contributed to young Somer’s death.
- Somer wasn’t merely snatched away from her group of friends. She argued with her friend, ran ahead of the group and was kidnapped after her separation;
- Previous history of child pornography viewing as evidenced by his computer files;
- Apprehension in Meridian Mississippi and arrest for child molestation and child pornography;
- History of suspected theft;
- Harrell’s former residence on Gano Avenue was located near a school and near Somer Thompson’s Orange Park home. [LJ- Where were the police and Federal officials requiring Harrell to register as a sex offender? Nowhere… because the evidence wasn’t processed soon enough, nor did an arrest occur until November prior to Somer’s murder in order to save her life! Timing and opportunity is everything -especially concerning sexual predators and murderers!]
- As Harrell lived en route to an elementary school, he had access to groups of children and the opportunity to observe them daily. He also no doubt observed them in the neighborhood playing.
- Harrell may have seized the moment as Somer ran ahead from the group and easily overpowered her without being seen;
- Harrell was in the construction trade, assisted in building a restaurant and offered to be a cook. [LJ- This makes him a “hanger-on” in my opinion, an opportunist who “changes with the wind.”]
- Ladyjustice speculates that as a cook, Harrell would have easy access to a commercial dumpster, whose dumpsite would have been the Georgia landfill reported to be 60 miles from where Somer was kidnapped;
Somer’s mother, Diena Thompson reported on March 29, 2010, that Jarred Harrell is…“A monster. That’s all this person is,” at “Somer Jam,” a fundraising concert she organized in Jacksonville to benefit the Somer Thompson Foundation. “I’d like to take this opportunity to say, ‘Jarred Harrell, we got you, and you ain’t gettin away.”
He is now in prison facing his 50 sexual abuse charges, child pornography and creation charges, and now kidnapping, assault of a minor and first degree murder in the death of Somer Thompson.
Please view the moving YouTube video of Diena’s comments: http://pysih.com/2010/03/29/jared-mitchell-harrell/
The Case of Marta Jimenez:
Marta was a 44 year old hard working convenience store clerk in East Montgomery County, Conroe Texas.
As of April 20, 2011 her husband, Luis Hernandez Jimenez argued with his wife during the previous weekend. Accounts from www.khou.com and www.yourhoustonnews.com reported that Luis worked for the local landfill near Cleveland for the past for years. [LJ- ‘How convenient!]. Marta’s 18 year old daughter reported her missing the day after she did not return home from work.
Police found “irrefutable evidence” that Marta was killed. Eight Texas Equusearch cadaver dogs were used in addition to a very organized and methodical trash distribution and grid search system. Police were given false information that Marta had gone to Mexico with a friend. Luis Jimenez was charged with tampering with evidence and submitting false statements and was being held in the Montgomery County jail pending further charges.
In the end, can we say that John Wheeler and Marta Jimenez or Lori Hacking, Danielle Alverado and little Somer Thompson had anything in common in life?
It doesn’t appear so… They all lived separate and distinct lives. However, it is in death and their manner of death that they share much in common. They were people, not trash! I’ll bet they are best friends in heaven now. Let us never forget them!
Respectfully told,
Ladyjustice
“The Billboard Queen” – Desperation City U.S.A.
Posted by Administrator in Advocacy, Disabilities, Employment on September 26, 2011
Ladyjustice has been fortunate to have a consistent work history for more than 30 years with very few gaps. However, the two gaps that occurred, can take a toll on a person’s psyche.
If you will, consider the fact that a person with a physical disability can, over time, see the remnants of middle age catching up. If that person is consistently running the halls of the nursing homes and hospitals from morning ‘til night, trying to see all of her patients who also need to be seen by other therapists, the days are hectic and tiresome. A “verbal tug of war” ensues to have access to each patient. It is not so much the elderly patient who makes one tired, but the fact that the therapist has to change her schedule “36 times a day.”
Ladyjustice was known in all of her assigned settings as the “swallowing therapist” with her metal cart filled with paraphernalia to assess those with swallowing difficulties… tongue depressor, laryngeal mirror, flashlight, gloves, various types of sample foods and beverages and the horrid “Thick-It,” (a powdery substance used to thicken thin liquids such as coffee, various juices etc.)
At that point in time, as a “40 something lady”, Ladyjustice had no assistive devices (canes or crutches), but she did have designs on moving to Phoenix to embrace the warm weather climate year ‘round. (Which she ultimately did, FYI…)
Truth Time:
One Saturday, LJ was consulting at a local nursing home, rushing around and prepping for another bedside swallowing assessment. Incidentally, have you ever noticed that the typical floors in a nursing home or hospital are not only clean…but highly polished/waxed? Those floors have a sheen that could reveal every facial flaw if you look closely! And, for someone with cerebral palsy, these floors have always been a hazard due to their tendency to be slippery.
On that Saturday, this blogger was nearly ready to do her assessment, but forgot to retrieve a liquid – orange juice. As this was not one of LJ’s regular nursing homes, she went back and forth, back and forth in front of the nurse’s station, getting needed supplies.
If readers are unfamiliar with the likes of a small, understaffed nursing facility, often, the most cognitively impaired patients are “lined up” in front of the nurse’s station desk for purposes of observation.
LJ’s final trip was to retrieve a large pitcher of orange juice. Suddenly, LJ slipped on the “overly glossy floor,” down went Ladyjustice and the OJ…all over the floor!
LJ looked up… and not a muscle moved. Not one of the patient’s facial expressions changed! (Dementia at work.) If it weren’t so tragic… it would be funny, LJ thought! LJ was not injured physically… She knows how to fall after all these years… But, the scene was surreal and tragic LJ felt a myriad of emotions for the dementia patients and for herself!
Ladies and gentleman, that episode was the pinnacle point at which this blogger said to herself, “Donna, you can’t do this anymore!” LJ had her sights set on Phoenix…
FYI…Ultimately, that is what she did!
The Next Chapter:
After a 13 month “valiant try” to switch careers in Phoenix, this blogger returned to Southern New England a somewhat defeated woman and took a temporary job in a large nursing home once again! After being laid off, there was a vast dry spell of 14 months and another huge effort to “re-invent oneself,” this time with the goal of victim advocacy for state government…. Easier said than done!
The long days on the phone, at the local library doing research and creating resumes were the norm. Even with a couple of mentors who were good connections within state government, it actually took LJ nearly two years to secure a position in state government from the first level of interest to the actual hiring. ‘Such an exclusive club!
The Billboard Queen in the Making:
As the unemployment funds dwindled, massive networking, calling and resume mailing continued. However, Ladyjustice decided to take a bold step…where no astronaut or unemployed person had ever ventured… at least in Connecticut history. This author decided to re-invent the public relations vehicle for herself
(Not unlike what Imagine Publicity does now!)
Well before the appearance of social media, Ladyjustice chose to research and market herself on a strategically placed billboard. This blogger did not want to rely solely on the billboard alone, for WHAT IF: The billboard was not in a high traffic area? What if the location site she chose was too expensive? What if the billboard was not viewed by enough people due to road construction or some unforeseen circumstance? What if it didn’t work? What if…? What if…?
Never fear….LJ was determined to market herself uniquely using radio, newspaper and TV interviews in combination with the billboard. And… that’s just what occurred!
1) Ladyjustice was able to be a guest on a popular AM radio talks how format with a large market share…interviewed by a high profile CT news anchorwoman (Diane Smith);
2) Ladyjustice arranged newspaper interviews with “the oldest published newspaper in the country” – the Hartford Courant and the New Haven Register. Billboard company staff, a disability expert, and former colleague and longtime friend/former President of Survivors of Homicide, Inc., Mr. Gary Merton was also interviewed to provide depth of information.
3) A quirky TV human interest reporter, named Dan Kane for our CBS affiliate, as well as a Fox station reporter stood with Ladyjustice in the weeds (literally) in front of the forthcoming “person-advertisement” location in the dead of January winter, year 2000.
Ladyjustice was definitely “thinking out of the employment box” and taking a gamble. Nearly 12 years ago, this large double billboard, positioned on a secondary road with 18,000 cars passing per day was quite a sight to behold! This blogger was hoping and praying that her $700 investment and $150 digital photo would get the most bang for her buck!
At that point in time, a billboard could be rented from the New Haven company for a two week interval and essentially get another two weeks for free if it was not previously reserved. LJ was lucky wand was able to obtain a four week time period. The billboard company even contributed a vinyl sign that said
“Good Luck, Donna! How Sweet…. (Or, as they say today… Sweet!)
During the year 2000, should a customer want a billboard on one of the major Connecticut highways of say, I-91, I-84 or I -95, be prepared to spend $5,000 for the same time period with many more cars traveling past. This was too rich for the blood of Ladyjustice during her unemployment period. And, even now, common sense would prevail, as an employed person; LJ would not venture to spend such an amount as “a mere private citizen”…even in Desperation City, “Anywhere U.S. A.”
The Focus: The Unemployed Disabled & Crime Victim Advocacy:
Melissa Marshall is a Connecticut resident, JD, legal consultant, ADA expert and a person who happens to have two disabilities – multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
She is now the Executive Director of the Connecticut Business Leadership Network.
She, like Ladyjustice, is undeterred when it comes to her missions in life and her passions. For the billboard article, her comments put things in perspective regarding the employment outlook at the time for those with disabilities. She was quoted as saying, “The unemployment rate for people with disabilities is around 75%,” part of which she blames on discrimination. “It’s even higher for women with disabilities… Discrimination is hard to prove, but it’s easier with the disabled, because some people blatantly say it.”
In June 2011, a Labor Force Summary for Persons with Disabilities revealed that nationally, the overall job rate data for 2010 for non-disabled persons was 9.4 as compared to 14.8 (for those disabled actively looking for a job and looking four weeks prior to the survey.)
Within the same summary, the ratio of disabled employed compared to the overall population was 18.6% as compared to the non-disabled employed at 63.5%. People who did not fit their criteria, “had given up looking” for a job, and those disabled persons who prefer to remain unemployed were not included.
[Note-LJ- The percentage of persons who are unemployed and legally blind/visually impaired or totally blind, remains at 70% over several years despite numerous advances in technology, skilled trainers and motivated disabled clients willing to work.]
For more details regarding the former Economic Labor Force Survey concerning persons with disabilities, go to: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/disabl.nr0.htm.
Crime Victim Advocacy:
Ladyjustice’s goal was to begin a paid position working as a crime victim advocate exclusively. The billboard content, limited though it was, yielded several calls and curiosities… Once hired into state government service, this blogger took several written exams over the years and scored high, and interviewed well. However, whatever the forces at play, and despite the skills and passion, such a position in
Connecticut remains elusive. And so… LJ has other plans in other locations where she will be appreciated.
Calls and Other Benefits:
When the big bold word “Advocate” was seen by one caller, she sounded so forlorn and needy, that LJ thought she really wanted to speak to Dr. Laura…. Despite this, LJ tried to assist the caller with disability related issues. [In LJ’s opinion, Dr. Laura is RUDE, RUDE, RUDE, irrespective of her advice or views on life issues.]
Another benefit was that the DRG Billboard yielded an increased awareness of the plight of some very employable disabled via use of the radio, TV and newspaper exposure.
Ladyjustice was able to establish a relationship with a financial services company and subsequent financial counselor for her personal needs. Although this well known company tried to persuade LJ to become a financial sales person as well, and “make a very good living,” it was not her cup of tea… In fact, boring, boring, boring…. This blogger would rather be interested, engaged in helping others in the special interest areas she loves versus being rich any day!
Rumors…
Once this author was well established at her current job setting within state government, a Human Resources Specialist related that our former Governor saw the infamous billboard of LJ, was embarrassed and stated, “Let’s get that women a job …and off a billboard.” The truth is… this never happened. This was a fairy tale story. Everything that Ladyjustice received was through her own hard work and considerable efforts based on qualifications. Few people have the ability as a private citizen to embarrass a Governor. However, it is a good story for cocktail parties!
So long for now…. And remember to “think out of the box!”
Ladyjustice
“Fairy Tales” – Failed Relationships Gone Terribly Wrong… (The Prophetic Words of Anita Baker)
Posted by Administrator in Advocacy, Victimization, Violent Crime on September 22, 2011
When a man and woman, woman and woman, man and man enter into the supposedly sacred state of matrimony, civil union or serious relationship, they think and hope with all of their collective hearts and souls it is forever… The couple is in love, in lust, and may give themselves permission to “wear rose colored glasses” should they have any nagging doubts for as long as that state of euphoria lasts.
Whether we are talking about a chemical, biological or psychological process…. It appears to Ladyjustice to be an evolutionary tale…. One that grows and changes with time. If you are not up for the bumps in the road due to immaturity, your own insecurities, family history or lack of ability to persevere, it can be a recipe for disaster….. Granted, certainly not all broken marriages end in homicide, but…. we might speculate a few theories, such as:
A) Is it perception or fact that intimate partner homicide is becoming more common? According to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence, current data, there are 16,800 homicides (reported) attributed to intimate partner homicide per year and $2.2 million in medically treated injuries costing $37 billion per year!
73% of family violence victims are female;
84% of female victims were spousal abuse victims;
86% of abuse victims are at the hands of a boyfriend;
Females between the ages of 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk for intimate partner violence;
The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds 5.8 billion dollars each year; $4.1 billion of which is for medical and mental health services.
B) Is the media reporting Intimate Partner Homicide more frequently?
According to experts such as Susan Murphy Milano and others…. The answer is “emphatically no…” A qualification is needed. National news organizations that have turned into “entertainment news” as a mainstay versus hard news, and tabloid journalists do their best to portray cases on two ends of the spectrum – those families who in some way have acclaim by virtue of accomplishment, politics, Hollywood or wealth…or those that are so dysfunctional as to be considered freakish.
This leaves the rest of the world, who may be of minority status, poor, perhaps under-educated, living in rural areas, those lacking in technological devices and lacking savvy, knowledgeable law enforcement at a loss and in a state of virtual limbo.
C) Is obtaining a divorce easier than it used to be? If so, why do intimate partners kill?
There is a good article by Wall Street CEO and Author, Natalie Pace of the Huffington Post regarding the considerations of divorce at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natalie-pace/should-you-get-a-divorce-_b_847095.html.
According to Natalie, in some countries you can divorce simply by saying, “I divorce you” three times.
[LJ- ‘Reminds me of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when she clicks her heels together three times! If only the abused could escape by going to Kansas! ‘Don’t think this step is in Susan Murphy Milano’s Time’s Up book!]
When discussing the eight considerations, of which domestic violence is #1, it is not too much of a stretch to say that some abusers may be aware of the:
The 10-Year Rule:
If your marriage is long-term, defined by many states as 10 years or longer, then the spouse that earns more money might end up paying alimony for life, or until the ex re-marries. If your spouse is itching for a divorce after 9 ½ years of marriage, it could be the 10-year rule they are trying to duck under, to minimize or eliminate paying alimony. So, be aware of what the laws are in your state because divorce laws vary widely across the nation.
Another consideration is Financial Infidelity: The sad truth is that single mothers are the biggest group living in poverty in the United States, and too many abused women are afraid to leave because they feel that they can’t afford to. Community property is handled differently state to state, but at minimum, it is very important to have a bank account in your own name, to have your name on the family real estate, to have your own Individual Retirement Account (s) and 401Ks and to approve all of the investments that your spouse is plunking down money for. It is also important that each of you has money of your own that you can spend (within reason) without getting approval from the other.
- According to statistics provided by DivorceMag.com,
The divorce rate in 2005 (per 1,000 people) was 3.6 — the lowest rate since 1970,
- 8.1% of coupled households consist of unmarried heterosexual partners, according to The State of Our Unions 2005, a report issued by the National Marriage Project at Rutgers University.
- The same study said that only 63% of American children grow up with both biological parents — the lowest figure in the Western world.
- As of 2003, 43.7% of custodial mothers and 56.2% of custodial fathers were either separated or divorced. And in 2002, 7.8 million Americans paid about $40 billion in child and/or spousal support (84% of the payers were male).
[LJ- We can infer that as the 2010 Census data is still being tabulated, divorce numbers are no doubt higher, given the fast paced lifestyles of families in general and the severe economic conditions which appear to be sustaining.
D) What about the motivator-murder for the payout of life insurance?
Although specific data could not be located with certainty on line, it is interesting to this blogger that her home state of Connecticut, (which used to be known as the insurance capital of the world…) has taken the lead with the “Slayer Statutes”:
Killing someone for life insurance money is not only a heinous criminal act, its insurance fraud. Jack Dolan of the American Council of Life Insurers, an industry trade group, says that "as a general rule" anyone who is convicted in court or remains under investigation for killing someone in order to collect a life insurance benefit will not receive the payout.
"The fact that a beneficiary is not charged with a crime or is not convicted in a criminal proceeding of wrongfully killing the insured, does not mean that the beneficiary is automatically entitled to receive the policy proceeds," Dolan says.
Many states, such as Connecticut, have specific "slayer statutes" that prevent life insurance beneficiaries from receiving payouts if they "intentionally caused" the insured's death. Some of these states also allow the court to bar payouts if the beneficiary isn't convicted of murder or manslaughter but may have been involved in the insured's demise, such as by hiring someone to kill the insured. The type of conduct that prevents a beneficiary from receiving a death benefit varies from state to state.
Slayer statutes have been enacted in 42 states, and, according to legal experts in Connecticut, some states' statutes allow a court to consider proof other than a criminal conviction to show that a person should not receive their victim's life insurance death benefits. Eleven of those states will allow an "interested person" to ask a court to determine whether a beneficiary who hasn't been convicted of anything could nevertheless be found "criminally accountable" either by "clear and convincing" evidence or by "a preponderance of evidence." So, in these states a beneficiary could avoid a murder rap but still lose out on the death benefit. [LJ- Wow! Let’s get these experts on the radio!]
E) Musical Considerations: Yes… That’s what LJ said…. Who would have thought that the skilled writer and jazz-soul singer, Anita Baker would have captured the essence of what coupled marriages often are not- (especially those in abusive and violent relationships) made in heaven? Our mothers may have filled our heads with the fairy tale ideas that your prince charming is just around the corner, if you look for him….
See lyrics and Ladyjustice’s comments below.
(Written By: Anita Baker, Vernon Fails & Michael Powell)
Mmmm-Hmmm
I can remember stories, those things my mother said
She told me fairy tales, before I went to bed
She spoke of happy endings, then tucked me in real tight
She turned my night light on, and kissed my face good night
My mind would fill with visions, of perfect paradise
She told me everything, she said he’d be so nice
He’d ride up on his horse and, take me away one night
I’d be so happy with him, we’d ride clean out of sight
She never said that we would, curse, cry and scream and lie
She never said that maybe, someday he’d say goodbye
[LJ- or you’d intentionally make me say goodbye]
The story ends, as stories do
Reality steps into view
No longer living life in paradise-or fairy tales-uh
No, uh-huh-mmm-mmm
She spoke about happy endings, of stories not like this
She said he’d slay all dragons, defeat the evil prince
She said he’d come to save me, swim through the stormy seas
I’d understand the story, it would be good for me
You never came to save me, you let me stand alone
[LJ-Realization-Confrontation]
Out in the wilderness, alone in the cold
My story ends, as stories do
Reality steps into view
No longer living life in paradise-or fairy tales-yes
I don’t look for pie up in the sky, baby
Need reality, now, said I
Don’t feel the need to be pacified,
Don’t cha try
Honey, I know you lied
You never came to save me, you let me stand alone
Out in the wilderness, alone in the cold
I found no magic potion, no horse with wings to fly
I found the poison apple, my destiny to die [LJ - Death Threats]
No royal kiss could save me, no magic spell to spin
My fantasy is over, my life must now begin [LJ- Enter Intimate Partner
Prevention Program]
My story ends, as stories do[ LJ- without IPPP]
Reality steps into view
No longer living life in paradise-or fairy tales-
Eh, hey, hey-ee-mmm, mmm
(laugh-laugh-laugh) Lord have mercy
(laugh) ooo
Mmm, mmm (laugh) ooo-mmm-oh Lord
END
If women take the time to examine those maternal messages, we note that they are part of the American dream. “Someday my prince will come” (to the rescue) …and all that crap!
Well, women are in general, very capable and resilient beings unto themselves, in the opinion of Ladyjustice. However, with only 17,000 reported homicides attributed to intimate partner homicide annually, 73 to 86% of said females do need to be rescued from their abuse by being proactive before its too late!
Ladyjustice recommends that readers listen to Anita Baker’s lyrics again…. As they are prophetic indeed!
And the ultimate irony is…. According to internet news sources, Ms. Baker has been involved in a very messy divorce with her husband, apparently suing her for 50% of her song royalties… and threatening to take away her teenaged sons if she does not comply. A Detroit news video interview indicated that she has signed every document asked of her.
[LJ is not an attorney, However, is this not emotional-psychological abuse and blackmail or extortion at minimum?]
Watch out Anita! Who’s got your back?
[Does anyone have Peter Hyatt’s phone number?? -Statement Analysis Expert]
Pass it on….
Respectfully yours,
Ladyjustice
Discrimination on the High Seas
Posted by Administrator in Disabilities, LGBT on September 2, 2011
Ladyjustice is a veteran of cruising…on the ocean – not a troller of the bar scene. This coming October, God willing, LJ will make her 9th voyage as a cruise line passenger with Denny Griffin’s “Mystery Cruise” group out of Long Beach, California.
In some ways, oh how things have changed in 30+ years since LJ was in her 20’s and on her maiden voyage with three Chicago girls (previously unknown to her).
Although there are still those cruise lines that cater to seniors, many cruise lines have had to “reinvent the ship’s wheel” to keep pace with current interests and technology. Virtually gone are the days of “flowing evening gowns,” midnight buffets every night, and long receiving lines to shake the captain’s hand. Instead, we have rock climbing walls, elaborate slides, full service health and wellness spas and glass blowing demonstrations…to name a few.
The original Queen Elizabeth II has elegant décor in an old world way but is somewhat “stodgy” regarding activities in LJ’s opinion. It appears to Ladyjustice that the Brit’s idea of real entertainment is karaoke with lots of Tom Jones (Yes… the same lingerie receiving Tom Jones from the 1960’s); a British soap opera, Benny Hill reruns or maybe, if you’re lucky, an English style variety show as the big feature of the week.
And, did Ladyjustice happen to mention that this trip which was gay-friendly, and included a group of approximately 60 gay men and LJ as their only female in the group?? Yes, they lied about other women participating. What a shock when it came to the meet and greet cocktail party. No, matter, this blogger made the best of it and still had a good time! In addition, LJ possesses a great group photo of the event!
This writer has also experienced women’s cruises and family cruises (with the former couple, Rosie and Kelli O’Donnell). To be honest, these were LJ’s favorites. Ladyjustice loves all people. However, to be in the company of interesting women from all walks of life… is heaven!
With all of the good features offered, LJ has encountered discrimination travelling as a single/solo traveller and as a person with a disability! In fact, a former dream of this writer was to create a full-service travel service exclusively for single travellers. The U.S. vacationer is no longer a “couples only” experience. We have all kinds of singles – single professionals, divorcees, widows, singles with children etc. For years, LJ has been minimally successful in locating a cabin mate with whom to travel. They’re married with kids, they have no money, they have no vacation time, they have never been on a cruise ship and buy into the idea that they will be seasick etc. etc. And… despite her penchant for neatness, LJ can be reasonably flexible and compromise for the sake of a suitable/compatible person for seven days. Not so easy! Be aware that as a single, with few exceptions, you are obligated to pay a full double occupancy rate (Occasionally, you may find a 1.5 rate).
The usual excuses for not reducing the rates for single occupancy have been…. That they claim to lose too much money in lack of food and liquor consumption if a room isn’t double occupied.
[LJ’s response – You’ve got to be kidding… Do you know how much food is discarded on a cruise ship daily? As for alcohol consumption, that is bologna too, as others more than make up for LJ’s very minimal drinking.]
[Note: If you could see the “sticker shock” and utter disbelief LJ has seen at the termination of cruises when a party-hardy cruiser takes inventory of their “charge it and worry later” mentality! What a waste of brain cells and money to be in a constant state of intoxication… ] LJ believes that any cruise line would recoup their investment with solo/single passengers if such a service was offered.
A caveat: With the severe prolonged economic drought, all cruise companies are hurting for business. All the more reason to offer single occupancy rates that are fair!
The last time this blogger chose to challenge this ruling, she was told, the double occupancy rule is “an industry standard.” (i.e. You can’t fight City Hall). There are exceptions…An industry wide Congressional investigation was initiated by former Connecticut Congressman Christopher Shays, after honeymoon cruiser George Allen Smith IV mysteriously went missing on July 5, 2005 and is presumed murdered to this day…. But, this dear readers, is the exception to the rule… and that case would make a good blog for another time…
Thus far, the immoveable object (cruise line industry) had not met the irresistible force of Ladyjustice with all of her resources at hand!
Blatant Discrimination Due to Disability:
Back in 2002, this writer was a force to be reckoned with after the President of Olivia (Women’s) Cruises allowed her staff to abruptly ban this seasoned cruiser from travelling with them a third time as a single unless “someone accompanied LJ to watch over her 24 hours a day.” Say, what??
One would think that with the Americans with Disabilities Act in force, no problems would be encountered… in addition to the fact that LJ was and is a very low maintenance traveller. However, Sadly this was not the case.
Is the ADA Enforceable on Cruise Ships?
There is an ongoing legal argument that in which LJ became well versed. When and where is the Federal ADA regulations observed and enforced? Some legal experts say that it applies anywhere a ship docks in the US, because they dock at U.S. ports. Others say that as they fly under foreign flags- countries, and therefore they are not subject to such “potentially architecturally expensive” anti-discrimination regulations.
A third school of thought is that they are not subject to US rules once they are 12 miles out to sea ….This did not help LJ build her case. However, discrimination is discrimination!
The “Oh, No” Experience with Olivia Cruises
The following narratives are excerpts taken from a detailed letter written by this blogger, to “plead her case” to Judy D’lugacz, founder and President of Olivia Records and Cruses. (There was also a nightmare of a problem with an airline ticket which was excluded from this material). Never fear, should Judy read this blog in 2011, she might just cower in the corner in embarrassment!
“Hopefully, you will recall me as a two-time customer, prior to my communications with Olivia. I had been your company’s biggest fan in New England and had thoroughly enjoyed my pervious experiences….
Believe me when I say that if this situation were just a matter of forsaking one vacation option, I would leave it at that and move on. However, since Olivia Cruises is the type of vacation I can partake in fully and the only women’s cruise of it’s kind, it has far reaching ramifications for any and all vacations for me in the future!
“About eight years ago, I went on my second of two Olivia cruises, as the only travel company specifically for gay women. At that time, they had a staff member walk with me on a couple of the walking tours in France and Italy. I am ambulatory, but now use a cane for balance and have joint contractures making it slower /more difficult to bend. I require a handrail on stairs. Otherwise, I manage quite well. I live independently, own my own condo, drive extensively and am very involved in selected community activities.
I looked into going on a European tour recently, destination to Scandinavia in August. (The Club Med tours are too young and athletically oriented.) The very first comment made by your general manager was “On the previous cruise, they thought I had taken time away from the staff person who could have been working elsewhere and that her assistance cost your company between $2,000 to $4,000!”
In the first place, I don’t believe such a dollar amount …and how totally insensitive of her to make such a statement to a former good and enthusiastic customer! Such a statement speaks volumes to any bright and enlightened person. Everyone to whom I related this story was aghast at such insensitivity. Although you say you have downsized your staff, I would recommend some much needed training on disability issues and sensitivity training!
However, ignorance aside, she offered me a 2 for 1 package deal if I could find a travel companion. After considerable effort through friends, I did find someone from the Boston area who was interested in being my travel mate. We were booked etc… when I discovered that this same general manager failed to inform us of an extra $350+ for gratuities and port charges, which as a consequence excluded my new friend financially.
Had I not received a large tax refund, I too would not have been able to afford it.
After relating my story about my friend having to drop out, Ms. Cruz
(General Manager) then offered me a time extension until the end of May, for which I was appreciative and told her so. ….The final irony is that, after the deadline expired, through my postings and selective advertising, I have two others who would have also been interested in joining me.
I feel I am going to encounter such struggles as a solo traveller again if I want to enjoy the company of other lesbians in the future…
I’ve found case law within the past year (Case #011-0244-CIV-King/O’Sullivan, USA vs. Norwegian Cruise Line Limited) in which a small group of blind persons were prohibited from travelling solo or coupled in which NCL imposed “a laundry list” of extra requirements not asked of other passengers. They violated Title III of the ADA by denying the group fair and equal enjoyment of the cruise ship offerings. My point is that NCL doesn’t care that they are breaking the Federal law! From a corporate standpoint, you are probably more concerned about your contract with NCL versus compliance with the Federal ADA Laws.
I have been told by more than one attorney that this case would be relevant to my situation. I have also called the Department of Justice and could not get past the initial clerks. After another phone call, I was told that “Someone checked with NCL” and that even if I was allowed to solicit help from among other passengers on the rare occasion that I needed it, I’d need someone to “be responsible for me 24 hours a day.”
I guess cruise lines view all people with disabilities as invalids ready for the nursing home….. or potential lawsuits. How sad!
[Note: There are actually cruises specifically equipped for terminally ill passengers and those with severe physical disabilities requiring full time care assistants and all manner of adaptive equipment] However, LJ has to be “monitored 24/7??
My manager at work who is also an attorney was irate and stated that your company should have provided the extra $400 each to enable us to go since Ms. Cruz failed to sufficiently explain the two for one . He also suggested that I sue you. I have no intention of doing so, as I prefer to choose my battles. Being an Advocate for the gay and lesbian community, the families of homicide and the disabled is enough advocacies for one person to carry, isn’t it?
By reputation and personal exposure, I have found you to be a reasonable person. I certainly do not wish to totally alienate the only company that can provide me with a satisfying vacation.
You advertise diversity, the ability for women to be free. I submit that after nearly 30 years experience as a voice and pillar in the lesbian community, your definition of diversity appears very narrow. What about thinking out of the “purple lesbian box” to market to others who are disabled and represent other minorities? (Blah, Blah, Blah……)
Judy’s eventual response to this letter is… and was a bit of a blur… You see, when she did respond by phone, it was a bad night. It was a Friday evening after work, eastern standard time. There had been torrential rains that afternoon… and someone hit my car. Ladyjustice was not at her best that night, and even cried a little…
Pardon me for not extolling the efforts of a Company President who installed a necessary and mandated ramp for her employee who was wheelchair bound… Equality is much more than infrastructure and physical access. It is just as much about how a person with a disability is treated. (i.e., attitudes, words, and actions pertaining to their circumstances.
A few months ago, this blogger sent an e-mail message to “the powers that be” to the Olivia website inquiring about current cruises, and essentially saying, let’s give this another try. No response was received from Olivia Cruises.
Have any lessons been learned in nine years? You are welcome to draw your own conclusions. Is it the fault of Ladyjustice that the parade of eligible dates is not at the door?? LJ says absolutely not! (Please refer to previous blog – July 2011-Dating & Damaged Goods)
The Good Stuff: A Few Points to Consider As a Disabled or Solo Passenger
(Especially if this is your first cruise…)
- Do your homework regarding the type of vacation you choose.
- Do you want to focus on specific ports of call and tourist attractions or mainly stay on the ship and enjoy all of the amenities?
[LJ prefers the latter if ports are inaccessible for whatever reason.]
- When travelling solo/and or disabled give yourself an extra day to make connections. i.e. Stay overnight in the city where the ship docks prior to departure. This is to ensure that if an airline connection is missed, you won’t miss your cruise. This measure also helps to decrease stress and fatigue.
- When researching shore excursions, don’t rely on website descriptions only. What is characterized by “lift exertion” for one person may be “moderate or a greater challenge” for your abilities. Rather, call the cruise line and /or speak to staff once onboard concerning which trips to book.
- There are different types of “disabled cabins.” Some offer roll in showers whereas others are modified with less assistive devices such as grab bars.
- Be sure to book these “little details” in advance…
Shuttle bus connections to airports, hotels and ship ports. If you have connecting flights, and are ambulatory, book wheelchair assistance at the airport. (You may be taken off the plane faster and this assistance ensures that you get to the proper gate on time. Book any dietary restrictions, travel insurance, adaptive equipment needs well in advance with the cruise line.
- Learning your way around a cruise ship can take the entire length of the cruise. So, once you find preferred locations, look for landmarks and…Don’t be afraid to ask! Everyone is there to help. They are the hospitality business!
- Be aware that there are different dining options. There are two seatings. If you have a choice verses being assigned, chose the dining style and time you prefer. If you like to eat at a reasonable earlier dining hour and attend the early show chose the first seating.
If you prefer to spend more time on your excursions and don’t want to be obligated to “rush back” to get ready for dinner, choose the late seating.
If you like to meet others, you might choose the “dine around” program and eat with new people each night. Or, if you like to eat with alone without other couples or with the same group, that’s fine.
Dud Alert: If you are placed with a couple at a table for four who “don’t say two word” or are “a real bore,” you can make your exit and ask to be assigned to another table for the next meal.
[As a single/solo traveller, LJ prefers large tables so that she can always find a few people to befriend, just in case some are “duds.”
As a single, if you are gregarious, like, LJ, chances are, you can “fit right in” anywhere.
- Just because you see a set of elevators, don’t assume it will take you to your destination. Cruise ships have several sets of elevators throughout which don’t always “lead you to the “main floor”
- The safety drill donning orange life preservers at the start of the cruise can be disorienting and a little scary if you have a disability.
It used to be, “all hands on deck” in which you have to report to a specific station -designated spot on a designated deck of the ship, read and listen to specific procedures… just in case “an unlikely event occurs.” However, it seems like lately, they have taken “the lazy way out” and “Everyone Report to the Auditorium” and watch a video. In LJ’s opinion, this is not true to life if a real emergency occurs…. Return to the “old way of doing things.”
- Oh yes…. You cannot use the elevators. Well, this blogger can do the multiple sets of stairs, especially with the help of gravity.
Should Ladyjustice lose her balance, there are many people around to “catch her” Ha! It only hurts of embarrassment for a minute!
However, there are certain designated safe areas for the disabled in which to report via the “air traffic controllers” nowadays.
- As a person with a disability, don’t forget to relish the things you can do on your vacation! Don’t fret that you can’t climb mountains.
For example, Ladyjustice loves to spend time in the warm whirlpools… They are very therapeutic physically and a great way to meet people from all walks of life. Coffee bars, retail shops, ice cream nooks, music venues, glass blowing demonstrations and any activity on the water are all favorites for this writer!
- Those of us who may need assistance to carry baggage, get from one place to another etc… carry a wad of one dollar bills. This helps tremendously at the airport, hotel and prior to boarding the ship.
“If you are a girl,” this saves so much time not to be fishing in your purse for a tip every five minutes.
Bon Voyage!
Ladyjustice
“Little Girl Justice”… Aren’t 55 Surgeries Enough?
Posted by Administrator in Disabilities, Support on July 31, 2011
How many people can say that their adult age nearly matches the number of surgeries they have had over their lifetime? Well… it’s true. As Bill Cosby used to say, “I’m as serious as a heart attack.” For Ladyjustice, the number used to be exact, but alas, LJ is behind on surgeries. LJ is 56 years young with a “resume” of 55 surgeries. And… just as if LJ had cracked open a great fortune cookie message, it was during that last surgery in 2010 for carpel tunnel of the dominant hand (#55), LJ would never have discovered ImaginePublicity and Susan Murphy Milano! Now that was truly fortuitous!
Before you gasp in wonder or start to feel sorry, this blogger requests that you save your sorrow for others. For the record, let’s clarify the difference between a permanent disability and a chronic illness, as there is a major difference when it comes to this writer.
A permanent disability is a disability that is with you for the balance of your life, whether acquired from birth or as a result of life circumstance as in a sudden trauma or accident.
A chronic illness is a condition that can be disabling, whose symptoms are recurring, can happen intermittently or frequently and causes one to feel sick or unwell.
As a child Ladyjustice vaguely remembered the “March of Dimes Telethon” against birth defects” featuring among others, the “Schnozzola” Jimmy Durante. However the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy was a staple for Lady justice’s growing up years. After the Telethon aired, invariably, upon returning to school, children and adults would think or verbalize something like, “Oh, you’re one of those”… (Jerry’s kids.) to which LJ would respond, “No, that’s not what I have.”
LJ would “get her revenge” and created this little response: “I’m not one of Jerry’s kids. I’m not going to turn into tissue paper and die in five years. I have cerebral palsy and I’m going to live until I’m 95!” (Well said, Littlegirl justice!)
(Not a replica of LJ’s former braces…. But you get the idea)
Many people, including “learned adults” tend to lump all physical disabilities together as if they were indistinguishable. As a little girl, Ladyjustice did not really have “something wrong with her legs” as it appears to the naked eye, but rather damage to the motor area of the brain, and a two month premature birth of unknown etiology (about 30%). Other causes may include lack of oxygen or birth trauma.
“Little girl Justice” needed to make her entrance sooner! LJ’s Mom used to tell people, “Donna got her holidays mixed up… She was supposed to be born on Lincoln’s birthday, but arrived on Christmas Eve instead.” Yes… Christmas Eve is special. Me and Baby Jesus Ha! It is usually overlooked, but LJ doesn’t care at this age.
In case anyone has interest, below are some basic facts regarding the “misunderstood/lumped together” disabilities. As it pertains to cerebral palsy, there are various types of associated impairments which can be present or not, varying in severity from mild to severe depending upon the part of the brain that is damaged.
(See possible associated impairments below).
[There is no chronic pain, weakness or “illness” associated with Ladyjustice’s spastic cerebral palsy….Maybe a little arthritis, occasional balance issues and difficulty bending at the hips or knees known as “contractures”- [a shortening of a muscle due to spasm, or paralysis of opposing muscles]. However, when the normal aging process is overlaid on the developmental disability of CP, it can feel as if the aging process progresses more rapidly. Other than these minor inconveniences, LJ is unaffected in terms of everyday living.
Cerebral Palsy: Literally, cerebral refers to the brain and palsy refers to movement or posture and is a neurologically based impairment. It is characterized by an inability to control motor function, especially muscle control and coordination. There are three major types and a mixed type. It is not degenerative or progressive.
Spastic- inability of the muscles to move in pairs. [One contracts while the other relaxes.] The muscles are always active (high tone) causing rigid, stiff or jerky movement , abnormal muscle growth and deformed joints. ‘Difficulty moving from one position to another, holding or letting go of objects.- Mobility is decreased in colder climates. 80% prevalence
Athetoid- Characterized by involuntary purposeless movements of the extremities grimacing, tongue thrusting. ’Difficulty maintaining posture and sitting (Low tone – similar to a “floppy rag doll).” Other associated problems can be seizures, intellectual impairment, speech, hearing vision swallowing and eating problems. 10% prevalence
Ataxic- Characterized by low muscle tone and poor motor coordination, balance and depth perception. Walking is noted to be a wide gait with feet far apart , and tremors “shakiness” particularly when holding small objects.. 5-10% prevalence
(Actor John Ritter, Host of the UCP Telethon)
Muscular Dystrophy- Best known as a result of the long-standing Jerry Lewis Telethon) Is characterized by a group of genetically transmitted diseases with progressive atrophy “wasting away” of skeletal muscles with loss of strength, increasing disability and deformity. The basic cause is unknown, but thought to be an inborn metabolism error. Different types are seen depending upon age of onset, types of muscles affected, mode of genetic inheritance and rate of the disease progression. The most common type is known as Duchene’s involving the X chromosome and characterized by muscle degeneration, difficulty walking, breathing and eventual death. Life expectancy is in the late teens to mid-twenties. Incidence = 1 in 3,000
Multiple Sclerosis: Is a progressive disease caused by the attacks on the body’s own immune system. Nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord lack the insulating sheath (myelin). Those afflicted have periods of exacerbations and remissions. Symptoms include weakness, abnormal sensations in the limbs, vertigo and vision problems. As MS progresses, other symptoms appear such as tremors, decreased motor coordination, pain, extreme emotional liability, speech & swallowing problems, fatigue, loss of bowel & bladder control, changes in memory and cognitive abilities. MS symptoms are worsened by heat. Incidence ranges between 2 and 150 per 100,000. Prognosis is difficult to predict, depending upon many factors. However, in general, the life expectancy of patients is 5 to 10 years lower than those without MS.
Photo of Jennifer Hawke-Petit & Daughters MS Survivor and Homicide victim
The reader can now see that there is wide variability among these disabilities including causes, symptoms, types and progression. (Not to mention treatments not included in this blog). However, to the casual observer, is it any wonder that all of these physical (and more) conditions are “just disabilities” if you do not happen to have a family member or friend with one of the aforementioned disabilities? Ladyjustice can forgive ignorance to a point…. However, once enlightened, there is no excuse!
Now We Return to the Story of 55 Surgeries…..
Can you imagine a young mother in the 1950’s getting up to speed on the previously unknown disability called cerebral palsy in which:
Her fragile, premature daughter had a 50-50 chance of living (before technology and neonatal centers); Her family moves from a first home in the woods (constructed by her carpenter father) to the city in order to access “handicapped classes” and a renowned Children’s Hospital; “Little girl justice” being diagnosed with still another medical problem totally separate and distinct from cerebral palsy that would continue to involve the lives of her and her family members for at least another three years, at another medical facility….and added 33 surgeries to the list.
Juvenile Papilloma of the Larynx involves the growth of numerous warty growths on the vocal cords in children and young adults. The human papilloma virus (HPV) occurs at birth in approximately 300 infants. These growths cover the vocal cords and effectively block off the airway and normal respiration. Therefore, a tracheostomy is performed [construction of an artificial opening through the neck into the trachea/windpipe to allow the person to breath and speak.]
During those three years from approximately 9 to 12 years old, “Little girl justice” was required to put her finger over the opening/stoma to allow her to talk each and every time she had something to say!
(A similar model to the type of tracheostomy tube worn by LJ)
These growths required surgical removal every 3 to 6 weeks (under anesthesia) involving a hospital stay of a day and a half in which the vocal cords were “scraped” with instruments to clear the masses. Consequently a hoarse voice quality results and maintenance of the metal equipment inserted into the neck. Typically, these masses discontinue their growth until puberty, allowing surgical closure of the opening and normal breathing and talking. What a joyous time for “Little girl justice!”
A little postscript… Apparently LJ’s growths were so prolific and unusual that her case was written up in a Boston medical journal… probably Otolaryngology and now collecting cobwebs and dust somewhere…
In the 1990’s while working as a speech-language pathologist. Ladyjustice learned from an ear nose and throat physician that …. Had laser surgery been available at the time, the number of surgeries might have been reduced from 33 to perhaps 6!
Wow! In some ways, Ladyjustice would not have traded her “hospital childhood” for there were positives. Her parents indeed tried to provide as much normalcy and fun times as possible… in between surgeries. There were positives… Hartford Hospital and Newington Children’s Hospital staff became “a second family.”
It was a very unique existence and a good story…
Frequent hospitalizations was a visceral experience engrained in a little girl’s memory with all of the familiar sights sounds and smells LJ was a little girl who had to grow up fast and “be a brave little soldier.” God only knows how this blogger’s mother and family “held it all together, “still raised a family with two other children.
LJ has visited each hospital years later and the memories come flowing back…
What specifically was it like? A snapshot follows:
Likes:
The familiarity of the routine, expectations, and nursing staff at each institution; If “Little girl justice” had to be there for yet another surgery, it was better to “make the best of it.”
- Having many visitors who cared… and the anticipation of going home again;
- Choosing meals following the NPO (nothing by mouth) status after the surgery;
- Playing board games with Mom like Candy land and Chutes & Ladders;
- Going to physical therapy to have muscles stretched. The therapist felt like a “second mother;”
- Receiving comfort/asking to hold the hand of the operating room nurse prior to receiving the anesthesia mask;
- The warm feeling of a plaster cast being wrapped on LJ’s legs after certain surgeries;
- Ice cream and movie night at Newington Children’s Hospital. They rolled the old steel beds into the auditorium on Friday nights. Heaven!
Dislikes:
- A steady diet of ginger ale and jello to settle the effects of the awful and formerly used anesthetic–ether- Yuck! We used to say “Little girl justice” was “allergic” rather than suffer the vomiting;
- Plaster casts being removed- Ouch!
- Sadness felt for other kids who never had any visitors – ever!
- Cold temperatures and anesthetic smells while waiting in the ‘holding room” prior to laryngeal surgeries; LJ always asked for a towel to cover her nose…
- Missing out on school and family outings due to being hospitalized so much
- Skimpy hospital gowns;
- “Being on parade” for curious orthopedic doctors wanting to gauge the progress of or need for another surgery. “Walk for us” they used to say… (in the hall in those skimpy nightgowns);
- Having to use heavy metal orthopedic braces that locked and unlocked at the knees.
Sad, but True….. One Hospital Story
A memorable, but somewhat horrific tale speaks to the sickness of a little boy (unlike “Little girl justice”) and the compassion and emotional effect felt by LJ’s father.
During one of LJ’s many hospital stays in recovery, she had a roommate, a very sick little boy. This boy, unbeknownst to his parents, got into the kitchen cupboards and removed a household cleaner (either Comet or Draino- ‘can’t recall) and consumed a considerable amount. This boy sustained severe burns to his mouth throat and internal organs. [This occurred many years before the invention of safety locks].
When LJ’s father saw the grave condition of this little boy, he was so horrified and sad that he went home and immediately inquired about our household products. Although LJ’s mother assured him that they were well secured in high cupboards, he insisted that henceforth, she buy the Comet or whatever, use it once and immediately discard and buy new for the next single use. At the time, such products cost about 39 cents each.
The little boy was not expected to live long and did pass away, LJ thinks… “Little girl justice” may have been told this story as one of life hard lessons. Indeed it has struck with her all of these years…
And so it goes…the sterile medical and eventful childhood of ‘Little girl justice.” She paid a price in more ways than one. However, such valuable lessons could never be taught from a textbook or classroom. Despite it all, Ladyjustice has “survived it all” and doesn’t ask much of life going forward…
Donna R. Gore, "LadyJustice"
Her main objective is to help crime victims’ full time! [From God’s ear to the right employer, please!]
EL VALIENTE- THE BRAVE ONE!
Posted by Administrator in Support, Upward Bound on February 22, 2011
(A Tribute to Daniel Hernandez, Jr. and the Upward Bound Program)
We can find heroes in every walk of life, every group, and every geographic location. But a hero, by its very nature, tends to be “unsung” or at the least camera shy.
Typically we think of a hero as one who performs a risky job or selfless act.
No one sets out to “be a hero today” when the morning alarm clock rings…. It is situational and spur of the moment. On the continuum of heroes, you might have saving a cat caught in a tree at one end… and at the opposite end, a rescue worker in the Twin Towers of New York City. Heroes, according to my definition, are heroes because of unforeseen circumstances, thrust into situations that created “extraordinary heroic acts.” Although I have much admiration and respect for police and firefighters, heroic acts comes with the job and becomes their calling.
When it comes to crime, the true measure of a hero may be anyone who responds to a grave risk, saves others in the commission of a crime and survives… or ultimately does not survive. Who immediately comes to your mind? Could it be a member of the military in a war torn country or a police officer in an inner city neighborhood? I say “no” on both counts.
My new favorite hero is a most unlikely hero. His name is Daniel Hernandez, Jr., a political intern for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Just five short days earlier he had begun his assignment to assist Gabby.
This junior at the University of Arizona acted quickly and remained collected under a barrage of bullets! Why is this feat so remarkable?
1) He acted without hesitation.
2) He used triage methods commonly enforced in emergency situations to quickly assess who needed help most.
3) Using his hand, he applied pressure to the entry wound on her forehead, pulling her into his lap and holding her upright so she wouldn’t choke on her own blood.
4) He used a clean smock from Safeway’s meat department on the entrance wound, unaware that there was an exit wound.
5) He never left her during the ordeal…
Daniel waited at the hospital while she was undergoing surgery. He reportedly heard on National Public Radio and comments from others that Gabby had died. Later, he learned she was alive in body and in spirit…
Arizona State Representative, Matt Heinz, who is also a physician, told the Arizona Republic newspaper, “The fact that Hernandez was nearby and was able to react quickly probably saved Giffords life.”
Daniel’s comments included: “Of course you’re afraid. You just have to stay calm and collected. You do no good to anyone if you have a breakdown…. It was probably not a good idea to run toward the gunshots, but people needed help.”
The impetus for such a selfless act, for such character, caring and strength may, at least in part, be attributed to Mr. Hernandez’ days as an Upward Bound student in Tucson.
A Little History…
Upward Bound, the oldest of a series of programs known as Trio, was created as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty”. Specific legislation for the program was initially authorized under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and later moved to be included under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This legislation which authorized the TRIO programs sought to provide educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance.
Currently, there are approximately 950 to 1,000 Upward Bound Programs in the United States, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. A pilot program began in 18 colleges and universities throughout the country in the summer of 1965.
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a college degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
Types of Projects
Upward Bound projects provide academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages. Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, work-study programs, education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students; Non traditional and underserved populations such as students with limited English proficiency, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students from migrant families and those in foster care are but a few examples.
Quick Fact:
Students in the Upward Bound program are 4 times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than students from similar backgrounds that did not have Upward Bound’s support and resources.
Although I was to travel 3,000 miles from Connecticut, as well as create and carry out a multi-modality presentation, any inconvenience was far overshadowed by the rewards I received. This writer spent five months in intensive preparation creating visual display boards, props, bilingual music, illustrations and handout packets chronicling my personal, professional and educational experiences.
I used my own brand of “Keys to Success” and demographic data comparing the states of California and Connecticut. Topics included personal experiences relating to education and job discrimination, personal tragedies and challenges overcome, the power of positive thought and discussion of several minority affiliations and tolerance issues with which this blogger is intimately familiar.
This was a summer “boot camp” of sorts where I got to re-live the dormitory experience again for a few days with staff and the students.
It was my friend, Rosalie Lopez; Upward Bound Program Director at Imperial Valley College, whom I met by chance on a cruise vacation that afforded me this great opportunity! Dedicated counselor- teacher extraordinaire, anticipator of students’ needs, problem solver, substitute mother, master coordinator and van driver… all rolled into one. She was, and is, among the best of the best…
As a guest speaker, I was treated with respect, kindness and personal attention. I have no doubt that other speakers following me were treated in the same manner.
I was also touched that Imperial Valley staff members willingly shared their personal stories with me regarding how they achieved self-respect and hard fought academic success in spite of their struggle as migrant farm families.
With regard to the Upward Bound Program itself, I will forever sing its praises. The experience created such a positive impact on me!
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it takes a very holistic approach, versus solely academic drill.
In my professional life, I have worked with many similar populations and strongly feel that experiential learning “beyond academics” is just as vital to success. Their emphasis on ending the cycle of poverty; academic focus on mathematics, science and language proficiency; promotion of self-esteem; the introduction of independent living and survival skills; social etiquette, adequate nutrition, exposure to cultural and recreational activities and timely career trends via use of a variety of guest speakers tied everything together quite nicely!
Personally the experience paid off in ways I can’t quite describe. Although my efforts might not have reached every single student, I feel confident that I gave them a lot of information in an hour, and they, in turn, participated and provided feedback that was often quite compelling and very touching. I am so proud of that!
Speaking of Teaching Moments….
1) It really struck me one morning while standing in front of the dorm bathroom mirror one sunny morning. It was yet another difference between them and I that brought it down to basics. … Although I was to stay but a few days, I typically brought approximately a dozen personal hygiene products for use, neatly lined up on the shelf. (And I don’t even wear makeup except lipstick!) I casually looked over to the shelf where two student interns were sharing space. There was only two items on their shelf! I always remember that moment!)
2) One morning during camp, my new friend Rosie and I were having breakfast in the cafeteria at UCSD. A situation arose in which a particular student’s family requested help. The family in question was unable to fund an upcoming recreational activity. Given the constraints of the program, all allowable monies had been offered. Ms. Lopez called the Student Council President (whose name I believe, was Eric) over to the table and presented the problem. She suggested that the Council might possibly do some fundraising by asking others to contribute 50 cents or a dollar so that the student could attend.
Council President Eric looked directly at me and said, “Perhaps the guest speakers can get involved.” I smiled to myself and applauded the student’s business acumen. I enthusiastically offered to assist and remarked to Ms. Lopez that he was indeed shrewd, thus the reason for his position.
Ultimately, I was happy to cover the fee and a bit extra. However, I recommended that we not divulge such information in order that they continue the good practice of fundraising, as new needs were bound to arise.
Imperial Valley and the New York Times…
Friday, June 18, 2010
Imperial County, California: Unemployment Epicenter
The Wall Street Journal reports that California’s Imperial County has the nation’s highest unemployment rate.
Cities here in Imperial County, a vast swath of desert wedged against the borders of Arizona and Mexico, are stuck in a deep malaise. A few years ago, California’s housing boom promised to transform the largely agricultural region. But now, the county’s unemployment rate is 28%, making Imperial the metropolitan
area with the highest unemployment rate in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Food banks are overwhelmed. Families splinter as members leave to find work in San Diego or Los Angeles, more than 100 miles away.
“It’s just bad and doesn’t seem to be getting better,” said Guadelupe L. Ponce, a community-services director for Campesinos Unidos, a social-services agency in Brawley, a farm town not far from the U.S.-Mexico border. “Sometimes I have sleepless nights thinking about it.”
The Census Bureau reports the following statistics for Imperial County, which is located in California’s southeast corner, bordering San Diego and Riverside counties, Arizona, and Mexico.
Population, percent change, April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2009: 17.2%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2008: 76.8%
Foreign born persons, percent, 2000: 32.2%
The WSJ indicates that until the housing bubble, the region was chronically depressed, but once the free money started flowing in, it boomed. Now that lending standards have tightened and the world
has gone into the diversity depression, Imperial is headed back to its normal state, that of being an outpost of Mexico.
This writer witnessed first hand how these students can successfully broaden their horizons, be a contributor to society and to their future destiny ….and break the cycle of poverty.
Postscript from the Past
In 1968, Dr, Thomas A. Billings of Western Washington University, National Director of the Upward Bound and Community Action Program in the Office of Economic Opportunity, stated his philosophy of Upward Bound as follows:
“…Upward Bound is not, and should not become a national conveyor belt mindlessly processing youngsters for the nation’s workforce as if they were so many carrots to be canned, so many units to be programmed.
Hopefully, our programs will assist youngsters to be competent and effective participants in the American social and economic order. Beyond that, we should assist Upward Bound youngsters to bec
ome sensitive human beings, free, informed and committed to the human struggle for excellence.”
Daniel Hernandez, Jr, My Hero, Survivors of Crime’s Hero, Society’s Hero, El Valiente…….. and definitely so much more than canned carrots!
Anyone interested in making a student donation to the Upward Bound program in Imperial Valley, California, (or elsewhere) Contact:rosalie.lopez@imperial.edu.
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