tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217117322024-03-07T17:42:30.449-05:00Peter's PlaceRandom Thoughts, musings, and interests of independent journalist Peter C. Frank: Perpetually single, activist and advocate, gay, disabled, brainiac, tech geek, social media influencer, conversationalist, influencer, shopaholic, gadget freak, progressive Republican, politically aware, woke, technologist, futurist, positivity, life, mindfulness, coach, intellectual, human being. #TeamNightOwl #TeamGeek #TeamGay #TeamHuman #TeamBernie #FeelTheBernPeter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.comBlogger567125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-91112476366905305432023-03-27T18:15:00.001-04:002023-03-27T23:14:38.711-04:00Rest In Peace, Goldie Faye Solomon of Port Chester, NY<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxe48D0Wznf6ZefqfvGzkJ12YTXUd73R7Gw_gajnX6YTXmTTy5Nm9A1x3FYgn1h-lJeMUQAyGhEr2ntKr5Vt0hzwGL1rwXUWYZl1Hg__XvzIyNwS8WmnLrLd54g4btx64cdsfLxlWv5ptCsMczlFP8piBA5kmubYcekYYslX4XPCcmNIHpw/s700/Goldie%20Faye%20Solomon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxe48D0Wznf6ZefqfvGzkJ12YTXUd73R7Gw_gajnX6YTXmTTy5Nm9A1x3FYgn1h-lJeMUQAyGhEr2ntKr5Vt0hzwGL1rwXUWYZl1Hg__XvzIyNwS8WmnLrLd54g4btx64cdsfLxlWv5ptCsMczlFP8piBA5kmubYcekYYslX4XPCcmNIHpw/w300-h400/Goldie%20Faye%20Solomon.jpg" width="300"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldie Faye Solomon<br><span style="font-size: xx-small;">May 19, 1926 - March 26, 2023</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I was just notified that one of the persons responsible for shaping me into the person I am today has passed away. If this seems like a long obituary, it's because <a href="https://www.craftmemorialhome.com/obituary/Goldie-Solomon?fbclid=IwAR0Bp3TErtst4YJrxF8IdqlbUyiKttlxx7uB0IHzJMPxnyuDNM_NzHkVjRo" target="_blank">Goldie Faye Solomon</a> was the epitome of a community hero.</p><br>Goldie taught me what it means to be part of a community, to care for the community you live in, to have respect and care for others, and to have pride in your community. Most importantly, she taught me the value of being involved in your community, attending public meetings, going to community events, to school events open to the public, of supporting our young students in their endeavors as she supported me those many years ago.<br><br>Goldie lived to the ripe age of 96, even at that age she was out there marching with the local<span class="xv78j7m" spellcheck="false"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2226027987" target="_blank">Port Chester High School Marching Band</a></span>, attending government meetings, going to the high school's dramatic performances, attending the school's athletic events, and cheering our young students on. She was a community and government watchdog, calling out government officials when they were want to take a turn down the wrong path.<br><br>She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and didn't care what people thought of her. Some called her the unofficial mayor of Port Chester. Me, I simply called her Goldie. And whether you liked, disliked, disagreed, or agreed with her, if you are from Port Chester, NY, then you know that she will be deeply missed.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div><br></div><div><i>Reprinted From the Port Chester Beautification Commission:</i></div><div><br></div><div>Question: Who in Port Chester knows Goldie Solomon?</div><div>Answer: Everyone. </div><div><br></div><div>Many people would say Goldie is Port Chester. You don’t have to search far to find Goldie because she is everywhere, wearing her signature buttons at every board meeting, band competition, musical production or community event. Her legacy here is well known, and we celebrate her as a beautiful person. </div><div><br></div><div>Originally from the Bronx, Goldie came to Port Chester just after WWII, where she served as a United States Cadet nurse. “I served at Mount Sinai Hospital in 12 hour shifts, caring for as many as 50 soldiers at a time. We nurses are veterans too! I’ve gone to Albany and Washington many times to fight for the benefits that cadet nurses have been denied for too long.”</div><div><br></div><div>Goldie’s nursing career stretches across decades. Many Port Chester students will fondly remember her as a nurse for the all the Port Chester elementary schools for 17 and a one half years. The Red Cross also had the benefit of Goldie’s nursing for 49 years but won’t call her anymore because at 90, “I’m too old. Well, I’m NOT too old! What are they trying to do, throw me out to the pasture?” You gotta love Goldie.</div><div><br></div><div>Aside from nursing and raising her children, Goldie also developed a great love for her adopted village’s rich history. She was President of the Port Chester Historical Society for 8 years. In partnership with the Port Chester Post office, Goldie was successful in creating 49 hand cancellation stamps commemorating local and American History. Other important volunteer roles include the Bicentennial chair for the Constitution, Head of the 4th of July Committee, Entertainment committee, Commemoration of WWII, and as a chaplain for the American Legion. If you frequented the Port Chester Library over the years, you probably noticed the display case that Goldie filled every month with historical memorabilia. “I love talking about history. We must honor our history. Very, very important. Ok?”</div><div><br></div><div>A major highlight in Goldie’s life was receiving the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award from the NAACP. “We are all God’s children. We are all Americans! We may not all be citizens but we are all Americans. The Statue of Liberty says, give me your tired, your poor……..We are an immigrant society.” The Latino community in Port Chester adores Goldie Solomon, and enjoys her company at a many a music concert at St. Peter’s Church. She loves going to the Don Bosco Center every morning to talk to the immigrants. (Where this interview took place). In fact, we were interrupted many times by people coming over to our table, hugging Goldie, chatting, laughing and serenading her with Spanish songs. As we left the center, Goldie reminded a group of young men in Spanish about an event at St. Peters they should attend. One very tall teenager listening to his ipod looked down at the white haired 90 year and responded, “Word.” Like we said, everyone knows Goldie. </div><div><br></div><div>Port Chester residents may best know Goldie for her years holding mayors and trustees accountable at every board meeting. “I speak for the people. Our taxes are too high! When Goldie waves her hands and speaks her convictions, the people at Don Bosco Center who are listening in clap and cheer. Another classic Goldie moment. </div><div><br></div><div>The PCBC asked Goldie why she gives so much to her community, and she didn’t hesitate to answer. “When I give back, I feel great. I give back to God for the gift of life. When I wake up in the morning, I always say the same thing. Thank you for the gift of life. Guide me thru the day in your way, so I can help those that need help at all levels.” Who inspires Goldie Solomon? Again, the response was steadfast and heartfelt. “I’m inspired by our saviors. Our police, our fire dept, DPW, our EMTs and military. They put their lives on the line every day! They deserve to be honored!” We couldn’t agree more.</div><div><br></div><div>We can go on and on about Goldie, but we’ll stop here. After all, you all know her. Still, the next time you see her dressed in red, white and blue, waving an American flag, cheering on the High School Band, or holding someone’s feet to the fire, make sure you thank her. Better yet, you can do it on her Facebook page! “I <3 Goldie” Yes, Goldie has a Facebook page. And why not? We all know her……and love her.<br><div><br><br><i>Reprinted from <a href="https://bit.ly/3TQ6fqF" target="_blank">Craft Memorial Funeral Home:</a></i><div><h3 style="text-align: center;">Obituary</h3><div><b>Goldie Faye Solomon</b>, 96, of Port Chester, New York passed away peacefully on March 26, 2023 after a long illness. Goldie was born on May 19, 1926 to the late Bella Leff and Meyer Rubenstien and they immigrated to this country from Romania in 1916. As a child, Goldie was always taught to salute the American Flag and sing the National Anthem with pride and to support the Country that she calls home. Goldie has lived her life following those words whole-heartedly until her death at 96.</div><div><br></div><div>Goldie grew up in the Bronx, NY and graduated from Walton High School in 1944 and Mount Sinai School of Nursing in 1947. She honorably served as a Cadet Nurse in World War II and was extremely proud of her service and the service of her fellow nurses in arms. After serving, she advocated for Veteran Status for all Cadet Nurses that served their Country in World War II. The New York Times wrote a front-page article about the Cadet Nurses of WWII including Goldie’s work in the November 11, 2000 issue of the paper.</div><div><br></div><div>Goldie moved to Port Chester in 1948 and raised her two children Bonnie (Lenny) Sorbara and Randy (Barbara) Solomon in the Port Chester School System. She continued to serve her community as a volunteer and a passionate supporter of Port Chester’s schools. Goldie was a nurse for years at United Hospital before becoming a beloved school nurse at Corpus Christi School and other schools within Port Chester. Goldie’s love of Port Chester, her fellow neighbors and its youth was truly a part of her “core being”.</div><div><br></div><div>Goldie was an honorary member of the Port Chester High School Band and an enthusiastic supporter of all the athletic teams. You would always see her dancing and clapping in the audience when the band played or cheering in the stands at all the home games. Being present for any Port Chester event brought her a joy and happiness that absolutely radiated from her; it was contagious. Goldie did not always watch on the sidelines with the audience, she also participated in numerous plays for the Council of the Arts and the Port Chester Recreational Group and she truly loved being a part of everything within her community.</div><div><br></div><div>Goldie was a proud Port Chester resident and never missed an opportunity to tell everyone she met. She was a well-known community figure who never shied away from an opportunity to celebrate her town or speak up for its constituents. Goldie was a renowned local historian celebrated for her patriotism as well as her love of Country and Community. She received numerous accolades from local officials, national officials and various organizations for her service, leadership and volunteer work. She was honored for her 43 years of service as a disaster nurse with the American Red Cross and numerous hours on the 911 Disaster Team.</div><div><br></div><div>She was so proud to receive the Port Chester Community Service Award, Rye Town Woman of the Year Award, the honor of being named Grand Marshall of the Columbus Day Parade, the Dr. Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award and the DAR Community Service Award. She served countless hours as a member of the Independence Day Committee, the Port Chester Historical Society, the Port Chester Yacht Club, the NAACP, the Don Bosco Center as well as the US Postal Service where she was responsible for 100’s of hand cancellations representing over 37 historical events. She was also a proud member of the American Legion Post 93 and ran for Mayor two times on her own ticket, the Common Sense Party. Goldie was a huge supporter of the Port Chester Police and Fire Departments.</div><div><br></div><div>Goldie was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Miriam Moriarity. Besides her children, she is survived by her Grandchildren Matt (Erika) Valentine, Holly (Bob) Slavin, Kerry (Nick) Zarnin, Brandi (Allie) Solomon, Ryan Solomon, Casey Sorbara and one Great Grandchild Vega Valentine. Her family, her community and all the people who were lucky enough to have known her will sorely miss Goldie.</div><div><br></div><div>At this time, the family would also like to thank the numerous people for their kindness and compassion in aiding and befriending Goldie in her elder years including Hope Vespia, Dom Neri, Fritz Falanka, Vita Sileo, Ruben Alzate, Nella & Lou Larizza, the Port Chester Police, Fire Department and Paramedics and Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino and the Port Chester Board of Trustees. In addition, we want to thank her wonderful aids, Joan Barnes, Beatrice Amponsah, Beverly Rhame and her Hospice Nurse Ann Brady who gave her exceptional care.</div><div><br></div><div>Visitation will be 4-8PM on Thursday March 30, 2023 at Craft Memorial Home, Inc. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM on Friday March 31, 2023 at Corpus Christi Church 136 South Regent St. Port Chester, NY. Interment is Private</div><div><br></div><div>In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the Port Chester High School Band as it brought Goldie such pure joy and happiness all these years. Please send donations to </div><div><br></div><div>Port Chester High School Band Association</div><div>PO Box 826</div><div>Port Chester, NY 10573</div></div></div></div>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-88413861979527740132023-02-03T09:36:00.000-05:002023-02-03T09:36:36.317-05:00In Loving Memory of Ralph "King Ralphy" Iken<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I don't know where to begin, which sometimes happens to journalists and writers. I've lost a dear friend and my emotions are overwhelming, which makes writing difficult. This isn't like when I wrote the first published obituary for Stormé DeLarvarie, someone I'd met once or twice but didn't know very well. It's much more difficult to write about someone who was close to you and whom you will miss a great deal.</span></p><h1 id="obit-name" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a3c31; font-family: MrsEaves-Italic, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 70px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1em; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px 10px; text-align: center;">Ralph Iken</h1><h6 class="header-subtitle" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a3c31; font-family: Lato-Bold, Arial, Helvetica, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: 2.4px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span itemprop="birthDate" style="box-sizing: border-box;">APRIL 2, 1987</span> – <span itemprop="deathDate" style="box-sizing: border-box;">JANUARY 30, 2023</span></h6><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchGdCYrRulsDV7Ly5KfI97VM2b-7ghWLPgFEKJW9beaqcJfFu1DKIhu0hDvNwC_TKD1QGfoawj-b9FbeE050kpAMDFimIi2WSXtpBHFA9m4KX-zYd_Hx33BWkBOEyimQFhQdv5SaBFsb-vargUYzs-lvH1RvTeQyJvMqBueHZpqWhLjVxYQ/s1218/King%20Ralphy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchGdCYrRulsDV7Ly5KfI97VM2b-7ghWLPgFEKJW9beaqcJfFu1DKIhu0hDvNwC_TKD1QGfoawj-b9FbeE050kpAMDFimIi2WSXtpBHFA9m4KX-zYd_Hx33BWkBOEyimQFhQdv5SaBFsb-vargUYzs-lvH1RvTeQyJvMqBueHZpqWhLjVxYQ/s320/King%20Ralphy.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">a/k/a "<a href="http://www.kingralphy.com/" target="_blank">King Ralphy</a>"</span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Known simply as Ralphy to his friends, he was born in New York City's Brooklyn borough. According to multiple posts on Facebook, Ralphy was struck and killed by a car on the New Jersey Turnpike on January 30, 2023, bringing an abrupt and all-too-short end to the life of a fellow activist and dear friend. No further details are available as to the cause of death.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ralphy was a staple of New York City's gay nightlife scene as well as a promoter, party host, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kingralphy" target="_blank">rapper</a>, DJ, publicist, and social networking and marketing professional. A protégé of sorts of the late <a href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/9580-Peter-Rauhofer" target="_blank">DJ Peter Rauhofer</a>, he both worked and lived with Rauhofer for many years until Rauhofer's death in 2013.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Why should you care that someone from NYC's gay nightlife scene has died? Because Ralphy was so much more than a mere icon in the club scene. He was a person of great depth, beloved by many. There are numerous posts on Facebook testifying about how he will be missed and how great a legend he was. It's important to know why he was such a beloved member of the LGBTQ community, why he became such a legend, and why he will be missed by so many.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvZ9G_dSzmVVfsPiXNLiYlzNibHcAkJyrF_-VXLLy5OhwMmdhLec7cr5fnCGP4CLqv4o1fTD29BUG_99wnXeCxfQXXCUb9d6pbry1XyUi2o9WrL7ZqFWLqE7gCDz3Jqm7_Iop4V5W8dKWWowdPvW-NYu7p2_oA-ydjDTOaK63VPIdwgzq9A/s650/ralph-iken-manalapan-nj-obituary.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="431" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvZ9G_dSzmVVfsPiXNLiYlzNibHcAkJyrF_-VXLLy5OhwMmdhLec7cr5fnCGP4CLqv4o1fTD29BUG_99wnXeCxfQXXCUb9d6pbry1XyUi2o9WrL7ZqFWLqE7gCDz3Jqm7_Iop4V5W8dKWWowdPvW-NYu7p2_oA-ydjDTOaK63VPIdwgzq9A/w133-h200/ralph-iken-manalapan-nj-obituary.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ralphy, like so many of us, was damaged goods. He'd been through a lot in the short span of 35 years he lived on this planet. He probably had more than his share of troubles, trials, and tribulations. Yet, he persevered. He survived an attempted sexual assault and became an advocate for those who suffered from sexual abuse, showing tremendous courage. His voice was strong and loud, yet full of compassion and love.</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sexual abuse and sexual assault survivors weren't the only causes Ralphy espoused. He spoke out often on mental health issues. <a href="https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2Rlofu-NGtRPBKiXNpiGgyGYsULCv_IaijCK2Pv6uhfu1Oc_0ci4JuIaArxQEALw_wcB" target="_blank">#breakingcodesilence</a>, which exposes and helps prevent institutional child abuse, was another cause that Ralphy was greatly involved in. He cared greatly for our youth and other vulnerable members of society. To know Ralphy was to see how much he cared for and loved others. He shared his own vulnerabilities to help support the causes he championed.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ralphy gave so much of himself and asked nothing in return. Many LGBTQ artists owe their careers to him. The GaySocialites brand probably wouldn't exist without all the work he did for them. And Ralphy didn't just work his butt off for money, he did quite a bit for LGBTQ charities in NYC, as well. He did this without asking for anything in return--not even recognition (although he didn't mind being recognized for his efforts). In fact, he often approached nonprofit organizations and asked if he could do anything to help them. That's what he did when my fabulous friend Appolonia Cruz and I rescued Bronx Pride in 2013.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ralphy's vulnerability made you just want to hug him--if he let you in. He exhibited kindness, compassion, and respect in all that he did, whether for profit, for charity, or for friendship. He cared about the people he worked with and for whom he advocated. He was about as real as you can get (some call it Brooklyn real).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What I will miss most about Ralphy is all the love he brought into this world. Rest In Peace, King Ralphy. You are missed.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT5_NMBtmXFDMbsoZ49mqd58bCWywyRJlbrIsmQvrcUdnoG42NXno51PLe-vufG9s5jrHJ8vcrU3pQujGVND2IQ-MYsF5jUUNnTTfL0-b5a2TKHil__TqlM87AWrOmpbS97dEM3rDpWY_lz2jG5xzWIbBuGsgyU0MfA6F5qM59AF6FO6DOA/s1233/Ralph%20Iken%20with%20Hildy%20(his%20mom).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1233" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT5_NMBtmXFDMbsoZ49mqd58bCWywyRJlbrIsmQvrcUdnoG42NXno51PLe-vufG9s5jrHJ8vcrU3pQujGVND2IQ-MYsF5jUUNnTTfL0-b5a2TKHil__TqlM87AWrOmpbS97dEM3rDpWY_lz2jG5xzWIbBuGsgyU0MfA6F5qM59AF6FO6DOA/w400-h400/Ralph%20Iken%20with%20Hildy%20(his%20mom).jpg" title="King Ralphy with his mother, Hildy" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Ralphy with his mother, Hildy</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p></div>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-58699586994393987852022-02-18T14:22:00.004-05:002022-02-18T14:27:54.681-05:00Bronchitis vs. COVID-19 vs. URI vs. Colds<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvaL9AiWXT0ncyb7flmDmWDh-XyTLN2BnKWomtI39dEXook5WWzE2yDqkKs-1i7-OGnciW8Oea1fXi-9BGo5doJXwfMdrL35_gRn6mMg94YAz7rQa5pyKdBYI-nKk3vyrwWc_LlO5KK4wyikVjh-uMrh4Eos5rFfKpT8Bw_k8P5_2zBPzA3Q=s976" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="976" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvaL9AiWXT0ncyb7flmDmWDh-XyTLN2BnKWomtI39dEXook5WWzE2yDqkKs-1i7-OGnciW8Oea1fXi-9BGo5doJXwfMdrL35_gRn6mMg94YAz7rQa5pyKdBYI-nKk3vyrwWc_LlO5KK4wyikVjh-uMrh4Eos5rFfKpT8Bw_k8P5_2zBPzA3Q=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br />I'm sick. I've been sick since Wednesday evening. I think it's my annual bout of bronchitis. Or it could be COVID. But I doubt it. But with all the anxiety over COVID, IDK anymore.<p></p><p>I think all the anxiety <b>they</b> have given us over COVID has left us unable to determine when we have a simple cold or the flu, or something like bronchitis, or something worse--like COVID--or some other sort of infection. </p><p>More likely than not this either is my annual bronchitis or a URI (upper respiratory infection). But I'm sick and miserable. Oh. I'm being redundant. But I'm sick so I'm allowed a bit of redundancy.</p><p>I'm certain I'm not the only one who feels this way. That is, that one little sniffle--or in my case, a single cough--sends off alarm bells and trips to CVS buying out every single possible home COVID test there is on the shelves. Because I've already had COVID-19. And not the trimmed-down Delta or Omicron variants but the OG one that first came out, when it first came out, when everybody was running around like chickens with their heads cut off because nobody knew what the hell <b>they</b> were doing.</p><p>And it was rough. Like, for reals rough. Like, stranded on an Antarctic island without a mobile or satellite signal kind of rough (and no cute penguins to keep ya company, only the menacing glare of that polar bear...). But I digress...</p><p>So I'm sick. And I'm watching the seconds go by as I wait for the appointed hour of my telehealth visit with my new PCP (primary care physician) who will tell me I don't have COVID-19. Because I know I don't. It's just my annual bout with bronchitis, right? But I'm still freaking out because what if it IS COVID-19. I mean, I'm vaxed and boosted and what are the chances I would catch it <b>again</b>? Seriously?</p><p> Because this is what <b>they</b> have done to us. Any time we get a little sniffle. Or sneeze. Or cough. This is now the road we take ourselves down.</p><p>And I'm pretty certain that it's a road <b>they</b> built.</p>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com01800 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, USA41.6771991 -72.649651915.683443647592163 -107.8059019 67.670954552407835 -37.493401899999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-62635424194059093672022-01-13T13:15:00.007-05:002022-01-13T14:24:55.278-05:00Connecticut Hospitals Must Do Better!<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDp1DBwV5UP80c3WDZlQJyLgwcPS95Cwc-ziTcTr48cAn-svBBAKU9Pv3-haDAaERixnY7EzJzaYWI7l1tvEviz7DLd8lTfMNDD09rXqtuyaM9-VeoAc69X7inqeqMR96lcm65IuihVz9AHruc8LbLpXRd5_alqDMvtbyhehc8mr-0HxQEUA=s2441" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1922" data-original-width="2441" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDp1DBwV5UP80c3WDZlQJyLgwcPS95Cwc-ziTcTr48cAn-svBBAKU9Pv3-haDAaERixnY7EzJzaYWI7l1tvEviz7DLd8lTfMNDD09rXqtuyaM9-VeoAc69X7inqeqMR96lcm65IuihVz9AHruc8LbLpXRd5_alqDMvtbyhehc8mr-0HxQEUA=w400-h315" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bridgeport Hospital¹</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I currently have a few family members and close friends who either have been hospitalized or visited the emergency departments (ED) of hospitals across the State of Connecticut due to suspected COVID-19 infections. The following are a few observations and opinions I'd like to share about these experiences:<p></p><p>I understand that Governor Lamont is not doing much of anything to help with the COVID-19 Omicron surge. However, the state of affairs at some of the hospitals in Connecticut is indefensible.</p><p>Keeping patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the ED waiting room because there isn't enough room in the ED, near other patients, is inexcusable. Not having basic medications in stock, such as to aid with breathing is impermissible. Sending patients home who are too weak to care for themselves must carry some sort of liability.</p><p>Arguing with patients over their preferred method of care is not supposed to happen. Telling family members that they will be called and then never calling them is unforgivable.</p><p>This isn't even an issue of insurance but of basic quality of care. And when you call to complain about it, the people who are supposed to be there to receive these calls are never there to answer the phones.</p><p>All of the above I would imagine goes against the Hippocratic Oath and combined could be construed as gross negligence. Hospitals cannot be allowed to get away with such a poor quality of care!</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ3ikCAuMb1cOSLnce3YwrTbucrCw2XiHC7xzDBwkAcfL1n_h7qI02B97GoIxkjwmQ7dfvgf-RZM2-hbJdd03C75299ychzs1MkfB3tIl1wWPpSC6DxfBSXtRmAsTi_PQ31HJ2RLbHVXsW58ZPD8k3PS-Bapd1Y7yxpQpeKpI8YLHySmrr3g=s3888" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, CT" border="0" data-original-height="2430" data-original-width="3888" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ3ikCAuMb1cOSLnce3YwrTbucrCw2XiHC7xzDBwkAcfL1n_h7qI02B97GoIxkjwmQ7dfvgf-RZM2-hbJdd03C75299ychzs1MkfB3tIl1wWPpSC6DxfBSXtRmAsTi_PQ31HJ2RLbHVXsW58ZPD8k3PS-Bapd1Y7yxpQpeKpI8YLHySmrr3g=w320-h200" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, CT</span>¹</td></tr></tbody></table>We deserve better care than this for ourselves and our loved ones! Such an inexcusably poor level of care cannot be blamed on a "surge" of infections during the pandemic. We've been dealing with the pandemic for over two years now. Hospitals, especially, and our government, should have had things under much better control than they currently are. My family members and friends do not deserve the treatment they have been given.<p></p><p>I can only imagine the poor level of care others are receiving who do not have such vocal advocates. To all of them, I send my deepest apologies that I cannot be there for you. This article will have to suffice.</p><p><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">¹ Image </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">used with permission from <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Bridgeport_Hospital_2015.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a> under a </span><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">(CC BY-SA 4.0)</a><span style="font-size: small;"> license</span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></p>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-25733405011755465912021-10-21T13:11:00.004-04:002021-12-13T02:53:57.915-05:00Personal Update: On turning 48<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n8H7YqDYp7U-f-iL1v32yCH_eBef2pMyAwoLccQm_ppXPHuml4sT4KJ6OUeizYJ6gIF0qE7n_yT1JB-vhOYvT_InBqAJrFAZeijCipVFNDcIZcB5zXwkW3qhs4Fj7g69U4DL/s1600/e74db868-c64d-4d26-a53c-dbe444d4bdcc.tmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1600" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n8H7YqDYp7U-f-iL1v32yCH_eBef2pMyAwoLccQm_ppXPHuml4sT4KJ6OUeizYJ6gIF0qE7n_yT1JB-vhOYvT_InBqAJrFAZeijCipVFNDcIZcB5zXwkW3qhs4Fj7g69U4DL/w400-h135/e74db868-c64d-4d26-a53c-dbe444d4bdcc.tmp" width="400" /></a></div><br />Today marks the completion of the 48th revolution of my corporeal existence on this ball of rock flooded with a substance we call water (chemical composition <b style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">H<span style="position: relative; top: 0.4em; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span>O</b>) around a gaseous body whose core is a continuous fusion reaction primarily fueled by hydrogen and helium (i.e., our "sun," which we classify as a yellow star). In other words, it's my 48th birthday today.<p></p><p>And. I'm. Terrified. . . No. Make that petrified, immobilized by a foreboding sense of impending...change?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT2g-Rl8wSsOSYnqW5EB_dxYuBCHBTSNJM1BTelIzmm0VfAXGtl_rFxH1ptacKkTzM7L-txVshE3WvdFd6AwE3Q6C1J5QL6NmWmhFg8PMMvZNWEpDDBq-Z5SsEuAn0lrrCBih/s600/6fe58fff-aad4-43be-9925-b67740ee1713.tmp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT2g-Rl8wSsOSYnqW5EB_dxYuBCHBTSNJM1BTelIzmm0VfAXGtl_rFxH1ptacKkTzM7L-txVshE3WvdFd6AwE3Q6C1J5QL6NmWmhFg8PMMvZNWEpDDBq-Z5SsEuAn0lrrCBih/w200-h133/6fe58fff-aad4-43be-9925-b67740ee1713.tmp" width="200" /></a></div>It's not that I haven't faced change before--I have, on numerous occasions and yet, I'm still here (despite more than a few attempts to the contrary but, I digress). <b>NOTE: If you are having thoughts of not wanting to be here any longer, please--PLEASE--call someone and ask for help. Call your local mobile crisis hotline number, call 911, call your local <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines">Suicide Prevention Hotline</a>.</b><p></p><p>Yet this time, something is different. I don't know if it's the times we're living in or the fact that I've completed four major zodiac laps around the sun. That is four groups of one full zodiac (take your pick, western or eastern zodiac, it's still four sets of 12).</p><p>I sense a great shift in the universe. And perhaps it's not so much that there's a change coming but rather that it's what's coming is going to be big. I mean really, really big. Ginorrrrrmous, even. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZxmmBnv9o_QxtisrJAAOVLjRQTBTMOGmmYJ8IN8WO40oRrnnYVufjNsL55HJMe7lzd5BzVLyPgX4OrImR5oGwPsIk8IG0a9OmqOnwO-fvScvsZeQFKHVxhG0mNknEsyLlj5s/s1136/e736c23e-947a-4d43-aca8-116375fbe30e.tmp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1136" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZxmmBnv9o_QxtisrJAAOVLjRQTBTMOGmmYJ8IN8WO40oRrnnYVufjNsL55HJMe7lzd5BzVLyPgX4OrImR5oGwPsIk8IG0a9OmqOnwO-fvScvsZeQFKHVxhG0mNknEsyLlj5s/w200-h174/e736c23e-947a-4d43-aca8-116375fbe30e.tmp" width="200" /></a></div>Either that or I'm beginning to have one of those stereotypically male mid-life crises. Except, I don't have the means to change jobs and buy a fancy, new sports car or do any of the stereotypical things that go along with the stereotypically male mid-life crisis. I'm barely surviving here, y'know?<p></p><p>This brings me back to the deep, dark, foreboding, petrifying fear that something big is coming down the pipeline, and it scares the bejeezus out of me.</p><p>The past decade certainly hasn't been very kind to me. I've experienced traumatic losses. At the drop of a hat, I packed up and left everything behind in New York and moved to Connecticut. My mother's cancer returned for the fourth time so I moved in with her to take better care of her. A few years later that dastardly beast took her from me and I haven't even begun to process her loss a little over two years ago.</p><p>Since then, I've been homeless. And the homeless system is designed to keep people out of shelters and prevent individuals from utilizing what few resources there are. It's all designed to make it look like there isn't really a homelessness problem. Looks good on paper? Great! No problem here. Next! But I digress.</p><p>Perhaps it's not a mid-life crisis but rather the culmination of one? But that can't be, can it? Men well into their 50s have mid-life crises. So it must be something else.</p><p>Of course, men aren't the only ones who have mid-life crises. But I know very little of the mid-life crises that women have, other than "the change of life." And of course that it can, at times and in some instances, drive them completely doolally. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRDfFdesBtt1BUsar7PASDctiCUVIJQEFkCYuzYRQHf0nyb6587I8Fz2I8ZauTCYnfPisCPjFkh571GsoqcHDrePout3b794z_SSS8adgNoV8oC_augYPMRxRLY1EuGbeB7W4/s1024/0a392dc2-6742-48a3-a5f2-8f7a305ac00a.tmp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRDfFdesBtt1BUsar7PASDctiCUVIJQEFkCYuzYRQHf0nyb6587I8Fz2I8ZauTCYnfPisCPjFkh571GsoqcHDrePout3b794z_SSS8adgNoV8oC_augYPMRxRLY1EuGbeB7W4/s320/0a392dc2-6742-48a3-a5f2-8f7a305ac00a.tmp" width="267" /></a></div>It could just be my anxiety rearing its ugly head, the "not knowing what's coming down the road" bit. But I've been dealing with anxiety for nearly 30 years and I've done the breathing exercises. They're. Not. Working. In fact, if anything, they're making it worse.<p></p><p>I feel this shift in the Universe even stronger because I'm more in touch with the energies floating all around me. Oh sure, let's become mindful so we can get more in touch with how I"m connected to the Universe and the Big. Impending. Huge. Dramatic. Change. Like that's not dodgy at all! I'd best have Agathe Christie take a gander at it than try being any more mindful of meself. But once again, I digress.</p><p>It could be that since I've struggled so much with the past zodiac cycle, this next one is going to be glorious. But with my luck, I can't count on that. In fact, I've learned not to. But maybe that's the huge change that's coming, learning to think more positively? It couldn't be that simple though, could it? Expecting not to be disappointed? Not preparing for failure? </p><p>That would be an extremely frightening new frontier. One I've yet to venture through. I'd have to learn how to navigate such waters from scratch. And charting the unknown can be truly treacherous times, indeed. No wonder the hairs on the back of my neck have been standing at attention.</p><p>I don't know if others who aren't in my age group are feeling this Universal shift. I haven't asked them--dare not lest they think I'm totally bonkers. And those who are in my age group? Well, I just assume, don't I? It comes with the territory, part of the aging process.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiTgG1uuLy53Ap1ROJRzzSVpDsSYtlT_k5ui5R8EOI5n1AJfebla_0ZmenEiBORw45HQJl2g83wQGWNWLEWN-cyu85g4qCnoL8SlAInbd19OnX7r9djKfddLwKfPwCDYaiNVz/s554/352d69f9-4935-4f23-a137-113a00b240ba.tmp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="554" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiTgG1uuLy53Ap1ROJRzzSVpDsSYtlT_k5ui5R8EOI5n1AJfebla_0ZmenEiBORw45HQJl2g83wQGWNWLEWN-cyu85g4qCnoL8SlAInbd19OnX7r9djKfddLwKfPwCDYaiNVz/w200-h200/352d69f9-4935-4f23-a137-113a00b240ba.tmp" width="200" /></a></div>Speaking of aging, I need to speak with the person who sold me my aging kit. Mine's defective. I need a refund. Oh, the problems I've been having with mine lately, I could go on! I have more medical professionals in my life than friends these days!<p></p><p>So what's a poor gay boy to do (pa rum pa pum pum pum)? The only real choice I have is to wait, scared witless, for this Universal shift to take hold. Until then, I will continue to work on getting into my new home before the ticking clock runs out. And with your support, I just may make it in time.</p><p><i>(</i><b style="font-style: italic;">Please visit the <a href="https://gofund.me/cda21bbe" target="_blank">GoFundMe Fundraiser</a> I set up</b> <i>if you can help me get into my new home for the holidays. I need help coming up with the security deposit and the first month's rent. After that, the Section 8 housing choice voucher I received will help me pay the rent.</i><i> Thanks so much!)</i></p><p><br /></p>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0Hartford, CT, USA41.7658043 -72.673372313.455570463821154 -107.8296223 70.076038136178852 -37.5171223tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-78787273004799917512021-06-15T17:15:00.026-04:002021-07-04T13:38:32.818-04:00Personal Update: Summer Assistance Needed<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMSKiSfi_5_tvdfabaIZ5QBViSdVbe5OiMWrWlirqBH8mTD0tcF8qLAYdfu5ka2g9RWpHPKj_Rs2GQB1H3r7vrHCdDnJG1iMsrmvSwuSavhEMUoAG0nDaBs9oLwoppasgyoNf/s2640/20210524_152830.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMSKiSfi_5_tvdfabaIZ5QBViSdVbe5OiMWrWlirqBH8mTD0tcF8qLAYdfu5ka2g9RWpHPKj_Rs2GQB1H3r7vrHCdDnJG1iMsrmvSwuSavhEMUoAG0nDaBs9oLwoppasgyoNf/w300-h400/20210524_152830.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Wow, so it's been a while since I've posted a personal update. Let me fill you in.<p></p><p>First of all, to all of you who have <a href="https://gofundme.com/f/pcfstartlife20" target="_blank">given to me</a> in the past, <b>a huge thank you and much gratitude</b> for your generosity and assistance. I could not have gotten through these past few months without your support and kindness. </p><p>I know that I've asked for assistance in the past. My <a href="https://gofundme.com/f/pcfstartlife20" target="_blank">GoFundMe page</a> states I've raised some money but the vast majority of that money was from last year. As explained below, the shelter either "lost" or threw out my summer clothes (and denies all responsibility). As such, I have very little to wear for the coming months. Additionally, I have other needs as I lay out below.</p><p>Since the last time I've posted an update, I wound up back on the funny farm. That is, my depression sunk to a level that led me to "bad thoughts," i.e., I became despondent and suicidal.</p><p>Essentially, I went to <a href="https://www.hartfordct.gov/Home" target="_blank">City Hall in Hartford, CT</a> seeking help with my housing situation (or lack thereof, as I've been homeless since my mother lost her fourth battle against breast cancer in September 2019). I also was feeling down due to having had my phone service suspended as I didn't have the money to keep paying the bill as I'd been thrown out of the homeless shelter I was staying in and essentially living on the streets, which meant having to go to restaurants to eat (living on the streets is pretty damned expensive, don't let anyone tell you otherwise!).</p><p>When I arrived at City Hall, there was no one there. And by no one, I mean literally no workers from the City except maintenance and security staff. I encountered other citizens from Hartford wandering about the hallowed halls of City Hall looking for assistance. Like myself, they were unable to find a single worker from the City of Hartford to assist them with their needs.</p><p>I finally came across a security guard who advised me to call <a href="https://www.211ct.org/" target="_blank">211</a> for assistance with housing issues. I told her that if I did that, all they would do is give me an appointment for 211 to ring me back, and I didn't have a telephone where they could reach me as my service had been temporarily disconnected due to late payment of my bill. The worker offered no other support or assistance, only repeating that I should ring 211 from the courtesy phone at the empty welcome desk. I walked all around City Hall, knocking on office doors and ringing bells in an attempt to find someone—anyone—who would be able to help me but to no avail. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wDFFrUdQgo8" width="461" youtube-src-id="wDFFrUdQgo8"></iframe></div><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RosadoMaly/" target="_blank">Mally Rosado</a>, the <a href="https://www.hartfordct.gov/Government/City-Council" target="_blank">Hartford City Council</a> President, had stopped communicating with me, despite her promise to keep in touch. I was evicted from the homeless shelter I had been staying in for the past year after being thrown out on the streets and having all of my possessions—including the last of my dearly departed mother's mementos and keepsakes—purloined from me by a vile and vicious woman who also defrauded me out of most of my mother's insurance money by charging me rent for an apartment that didn't exist, and then tossing me out onto the street, keeping all of my possessions with her (the Hartford Police Department weren't interested in pursuing a case against her, one Rose Mary (aka Gypsy) Gordon formerly of 67 Sterling Street, Hartford, CT).<div><br /></div><div>In any event, when I completed my tour of City Hall I realized that there was nobody who would be able to help me. I felt completely helpless and despondent and thought that perhaps if I killed myself at City Hall I might garner some attention there. I walked out of City Hall and down the street a few feet to a small park and sat on the wall to catch my breath, as both COVID-19 and pulmonary/cardiac issues are such that I can't walk more than a few hundred feet without getting completely winded. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDc4tvbYZtjZoVXs3SMGH_Cq5J5CCtJFQoRvBP1vsEyGUDwXFeIVes71JBMl_raW1IVJsaYOEtRjSMnOsOOl8RWmgR-v7hoQpgZYh3GLuuApkK3EwkyindTCANT5lgXMi85VP/s1397/screenshot+of+423+Main+St+-+Google+Maps+at+https_www.google.com_maps_place_MUNICIPAL%252BBUILDING%252C%252B550%252BMain%252BSt%252C%252BHartford%252C%252BCT%252B06103_%254041.761059%252C-72.6747905%252C3a%252C30y%252C152.5h%252C95.25t_data%253D%25213m6%25211e1%25213m4%25211s1U-s1ZFsgYXOrrYgucu9Cw%2521.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1397" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDc4tvbYZtjZoVXs3SMGH_Cq5J5CCtJFQoRvBP1vsEyGUDwXFeIVes71JBMl_raW1IVJsaYOEtRjSMnOsOOl8RWmgR-v7hoQpgZYh3GLuuApkK3EwkyindTCANT5lgXMi85VP/w320-h242/screenshot+of+423+Main+St+-+Google+Maps+at+https_www.google.com_maps_place_MUNICIPAL%252BBUILDING%252C%252B550%252BMain%252BSt%252C%252BHartford%252C%252BCT%252B06103_%254041.761059%252C-72.6747905%252C3a%252C30y%252C152.5h%252C95.25t_data%253D%25213m6%25211e1%25213m4%25211s1U-s1ZFsgYXOrrYgucu9Cw%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>I sat down on the brick/concrete wall and realized that if I didn't dial 911 and ask to be taken to the Emergency Department to be admitted to hospital, that when I got up I would step in front of the next express bus that was speeding down the road. I began sobbing uncontrollably. I just felt so completely hopeless, that no one could help me with any of my problems, and that nobody cared about me. All I wanted to do was to step in front of the next speeding bus. Eventually, I managed to gather myself together enough to dial 911 through my sobs (obviously, as I'm sitting here writing this) and was admitted for a two-week inpatient stay at the <a href="https://instituteofliving.org/" target="_blank">Institute of Living</a>, one of the nation's oldest mental health hospitals, where I received very rudimentary treatment for my suicidal thoughts and depression and was then discharged.<br /><p></p><p>Since emerging from my last psychiatric hospitalization I have been hanging on by a thread. To get by I have been <a href="https://amzn.to/3vn2Bqp" target="_blank">watching streaming content</a> and playing <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps" target="_blank">games</a> and using other <a href="https://play.google.com/store/search?q=mental%20health&c=apps" target="_blank">apps</a> on my smartphone to keep my mind distracted and away from "bad thoughts." Some of the apps I have been using cost money and require in-app purchases. Thus, I have been known to lose track of exactly how much money I've been spending with those in-app purchases. A $5, $8, or $10 purchase one day may not seem like much but when I forget that I've just made such a purchase the other day, it adds up fairly quickly and my bank account becomes overdrawn. Add to that the overdraft fees and one can begin to form a picture of how my finances can become a mess.</p><p>Currently, I receive around $1500 per month from my <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/" target="_blank">SSDI</a> check. Out of that, I must pay about $200 for my prescription co-pays for the medication I need to survive. Another $225 goes to my Medicare insurance premiums, so about one-third of my income goes toward medical expenses every month. I'm now paying about $750 per month on bills, most of which are credit card payments. I'm only paying the minimum payment, which means I'm barely paying those bills down. I only have one credit card that's currently active--the rest have been closed by the banks. If I don't pay the other bills they immediately go into collections, which will further damage my already poor credit score, making it more difficult for me to eventually find housing.</p><p>That leaves me with around $300 per month for food and other expenses like travel to medical appointments. The good news is that I did manage to get approved for food stamps. The not-so-good news? I'm approved to receive a whopping $16 per month in <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program" target="_blank">SNAP</a> benefits (fka food stamps), which is enough to purchase about one day's worth of food.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOm83tXcBL9Cp6is9IuprEopT3uH1d3ipIvvShH9IKZv2g8E7BcW-64Xwh6ys7bNp-xov8-EOT2kuPLvJynXO1ZHYmPlOYoElEtTuUvP6nEs7nrEEGG1AMgy9XFSuuav-cFU8/s382/summertime+air+quality+graphic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOm83tXcBL9Cp6is9IuprEopT3uH1d3ipIvvShH9IKZv2g8E7BcW-64Xwh6ys7bNp-xov8-EOT2kuPLvJynXO1ZHYmPlOYoElEtTuUvP6nEs7nrEEGG1AMgy9XFSuuav-cFU8/s320/summertime+air+quality+graphic.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />We're approaching the peak of summertime and I have a very difficult time breathing in the hot, humid air that we get here in Connecticut and the Northeast. I need an air conditioner to help me breathe (it's a need, not a luxury) but the cheapest models that will cool the room where I've been staying start at around $225 (that's for a 6,000 BTW unit). Plus, I'll have to give the friend I've been staying with some money (he said about $100 per month) to help with the increased electric bill.<p></p><p>If I purchase an A/C unit, I'm going to get a decent one, as I'd take it with me when I leave my friend's room where I've been staying ever since the shelter threw me out onto the streets (for being a few minutes late for their curfew, but we all know the real reason I was thrown out was that I began complaining about the living conditions there, e.g., 50 men sharing one toilet and one shower, etc.).</p><p>Speaking of that, before I went into the hospital, I was thrown out of the shelter and had been staying on the streets. When I came out of hospital, a good friend was kind enough to let me stay in a spare room that he has in his condo. I've been here ever since being thrown out of the shelter in November. It's about 1½ blocks from Hartford Hospital (and two blocks from the medical office building where some of my specialist doctors are located). So I can sometimes walk to a few of the specialist doctor's appointments that I'm now getting.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS721v5I2x5kh3XpYBFMwjRu-Vkb7FWHF7WhZRu4apUOgFPNz6Spm-ZyeYR7dUcqyinT_UqBZNZxDm6GY4LSoDDRsd-oLGl97dGiZ8d5jIk9d4ZSirzVSyO_-vDEQ4-_ZZn0Nl/s240/physical+health.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS721v5I2x5kh3XpYBFMwjRu-Vkb7FWHF7WhZRu4apUOgFPNz6Spm-ZyeYR7dUcqyinT_UqBZNZxDm6GY4LSoDDRsd-oLGl97dGiZ8d5jIk9d4ZSirzVSyO_-vDEQ4-_ZZn0Nl/s0/physical+health.png" /></a></div>That's another thing, I'm beginning to take care of my physical health, as well. Those years of putting off taking care of myself to look after mum have taken a bit of a toll on me. I've developed some cardiac issues, and I also have been diagnosed with kidney disease. Contracting <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> last year appears to have had some lasting effects on me as well, particularly with my respiratory and digestive functions. Plus there are the previous issues I've been dealing with for some time, morbid obesity, mental health (severe <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/major-depressive-disorder-vs-persistent-depressive-disorder#summary" target="_blank">chronic depression</a> & <a href="https://adaa.org/" target="_blank">anxiety</a>), respiratory, migraine, limited mobility, <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/depression-and-pain" target="_blank">chronic pain</a>, and a list of other issues as long as one's arm that I've been dealing with for nearly two decades since my automobile accident in 2002.<p></p><p>Add to my apparently declining physical health issues my housing issue that, as I'm not physically on the streets, I'm no longer considered homeless—can you imagine that? Even though I don't have a home of my own, I'm not homeless, simply because I'm not physically on the street. But like many homeless individuals who live in hotels, are couch surfing, or are staying with friends or relatives, I'm not considered homeless. Thus, I'm not eligible for any of the services that exist for homeless individuals or families.</p><p><b>Let me repeat. Because I'm not physically on the streets, <i>even though I am homeless</i>, I cannot get any sort of housing assistance for being homeless. The only way to get help for being homeless in Connecticut is to call 211 and go through their system. But when you call 211 and tell them that you're staying at a friend's, they don't consider you as being homeless. It's absolutely bonkers!</b></p><p>The worst part of this is that many agencies actually don't want this to change. They want things to remain the way they are because it would make things look bad. That's right. If we changed the definition of homelessness to reflect the actual reality, then it would make the government look bad. You know, sort of how the way the government deals with unemployment (the government doesn't count even remotely close to everyone unemployed in its statistics, to make it look like it's doing a much better job of—excuse the pun—managing the jobs in the nation than it actually is).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eNT0wZxaOUfc6z6hyWdFBthWqdkQvarwNqspfaIpxFe9hc6a8JmkvoKv0sMRt38pJMfATGOIxh7_XLJMHHBvUaFOjVFwlNVeKcdZBnerBpEXYRGIdQerB88MEWmne41HMx2u/s900/33aa7bc5-de57-479d-a7f8-0a081273aca2.tmp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eNT0wZxaOUfc6z6hyWdFBthWqdkQvarwNqspfaIpxFe9hc6a8JmkvoKv0sMRt38pJMfATGOIxh7_XLJMHHBvUaFOjVFwlNVeKcdZBnerBpEXYRGIdQerB88MEWmne41HMx2u/w200-h200/33aa7bc5-de57-479d-a7f8-0a081273aca2.tmp" width="200" /></a></div>It's the same thing with homelessness. The government doesn't count anywhere close to the actual number of individuals, youth, and truly homeless families. If it did that, then some fear the actual number being reported <a href="https://www.neoch.org/cleveland-homeless-blog/2015/1/29/bill-introduced-to-change-the-definition-of-homelessness.html" target="_blank">might triple</a>, according to homeless advocacy agency the <a href="https://www.neoch.org/" target="_blank">Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless</a>. And of course, this also means that the government doesn't have to actually help anyone, or admit to needing to help anyone, which is another thing entirely. Because heaven forbid that the government admits there are people out there who are in actual need of assistance. But I digress...<p></p><p>There is some good news. I managed to get on the waiting list for disabled housing in a major city in Connecticut. Of course, I'm #1418 out of 1500 on that waiting list. And I just received notification that I have been accepted onto the waiting list for a Section 8 program of another city in Connecticut but they haven't given me a position. That waiting list has 4,000 people on it and they've said that as they have no funding, the only way for anyone to advance in the list is for someone currently holding a Section 8 certificate in the city to either die or move out of the State. But at least I've managed to get onto two housing waiting lists, this year, which is more progress than I made last year, right?</p><p>I need some summer clothes, as the shelter somehow managed to "lose" the few summer clothes I had purchased last year during the few weeks they were storing my belongings after I'd been thrown out. I now have only a handful of clothes, as everything else I'd owned was stolen by that woman. I've gone from having a month's worth of clothes down to a few day's worths. Some may consider that to be sufficient but considering the difficulty I have getting to laundry facilities, it isn't nearly enough for me to get by.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31U1IR2QHH0ZG?ref_=wl_share" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="580" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-76jJPU1SdCL9jJsUbBX69VcEWiTDZdKdYD4xKRQni2rr7hUOjL_EDxC3zbruWVmDX4d5fNoVdyrI_AYFuQcDudLpIrtk73K_C6SGcSWCV83M_yHuCzVWzqvaDAt48EKQLMvE/w200-h96/amazon-wish-list-button-5.png.crdownload" width="200" /></a></div>I also need some personal and household items. I have a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31U1IR2QHH0ZG?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">wishlist on Amazon.com</a> if you'd like to purchase some of them for me directly (shipping information is already contained when you purchase from this list). I need about $3,000 to get my phone service restored (due to fees they've charged for contract cancellations, I've already managed to pay the past due amounts).<p></p><p>I could also do with stocking up on some basic food items in the pantry, as well as some cooking utilities and gadgets and what-not. I'm beginning to flex my cooking muscles again. It's fun, for the most part. The cleaning up, well, not so much. But such is life, right? 😝</p><p>At the moment, my bank account balance stands at $<b>-</b>300 (that's negative three hundred dollars). So I'll need to overcome that before I'm able to purchase anything. If just 100 of my friends each donated $20, that should be enough to get me through the summer. Of course, if 1,000 of you each donated $10, I'd be able to pay off a few bills and get through the summer. If 10,000 people could each donate $10, I might even be able to purchase a condo for myself!</p><p>If you can help out with my <a href="https://gofundme.com/f/pcfstartlife20" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a>, I'd greatly appreciate it and be ever so grateful. Even a $5 contribution helps a great deal, especially if you share this with your friends. And if you can't contribute now but will share my story, that's a huge help as well.</p><p>Thanks for taking the time to read my update. For now, I'm still hanging on by a thread. I'll continue to keep my mind occupied and away from "bad thoughts" as best I can. Now that the COVID-19 restrictions are easing up, I hope to find some new, real friends who will take me out and explore my new home region. And hopefully, I'll be able to find ways to increase and supplement my income.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://gofundme.com/f/pcfstartlife20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiva7vLYjV7r_LOgM_7Xr95Iatq7hmZeHIYKiG-hJDiP08Nz5P9huNxGR9nXzj9uTj1gURQvnXsWBkYypXpD1lACqRCH12f4g00Rt7DtjHPs-13UpLEGa2XIqrenB1Lqpu2dgCg/s320/c44cba98-30b0-49bf-a785-8210ef5bfef6.tmp" width="320" /></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://gofundme.com/f/pcfstartlife20">Please help me out and donate now</a>.</span></b></b></div><p></p><p>Thank you so much!</p><p>Cheers,<br />-Peter</p><p>P.S. If you'd like to help out and don't wish to use <a href="gf.me/u/ytiqwr" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a>, here are some other ways you can provide assistance:</p><div><ul><li>I could use gift cards, especially to Amazon, BJ's Wholesale Club, Starbucks, Lyft, and CVS Pharmacy (use my <a href="mailto:pcfrank73@gmail.com">email address</a>)</li><li>Support me on <a href="https://patreon.com/NiteStar" target="_blank">Patreon</a> to help me continue my journalistic work and personal writing experiences on <a href="https://petercfrank.blogspot.com/">my blog</a></li><li>You can send money to me via Zelle (bank-to-bank transfer using my <a href="mailto:pcfrank73@gmail.com">email address</a>), <a href="https://cash.app/$petercfrank" target="_blank">CashApp</a> (<a href="https://cash.app/$petercfrank" target="_blank">$petercfrank</a>), <a href="https://www.venmo.com/NiteStar" target="_blank">Venmo</a>, or BitCoin (ask me for <a href="https://www.coinbase.com/join/frank_8ni?src=android-link" target="_blank">my Bitcoin wallet</a> address, use my <a href="mailto:pcfrank73@gmail.com">email address</a>, or <a href="https://www.coinbase.com/join/frank_8ni?src=android-link" target="_blank">sign up</a> for a Coinbase wallet and <a href="https://www.coinbase.com/join/frank_8ni?src=android-link" target="_blank">receive $10 worth of Bitcoin</a> for free!)</li><li>I have an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31U1IR2QHH0ZG?" target="_blank">Amazon Wish List</a> that you can order items I need and send directly to me but bear in mind that I currently stay in a shelter and have no space to keep or store items beyond bare essentials.</li><li>I love receiving gifts (who doesn't?), especially handmade items and baked goods (what can I say, I have such a sweet tooth!). Did somebody say chocolate? Please contact me directly for a mailing address.</li><li>More importantly, I love being able to give gifts. So even though I may not be able to do so now, please share your <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/262OSB3HNX4TP?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">Amazon Wish Lists</a> with me, or just leave a comment and let me know what sort of things make you happy and brighten your day!</li><li>If you're in or passing through the greater <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hartford,+CT/@41.7656821,-72.7151064,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e65311f21151a5:0xcc8e4aa8e97d5999!8m2!3d41.7658043!4d-72.6733723" target="_blank">Hartford, CT</a> area, I'd love to meet up with you for a cuppa (especially a <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/466/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-teas%2Fchai-teas" target="_blank">Chai latte</a> at SBUX) or some other tea house. Perhaps a short stroll through Elizabeth Park or West Farm Mall. Something to just get out, stretch my legs, mind, and be with positive people. If you can provide transportation, I can provide some great company and conversation. Contact me to arrange an adult play date. It would mean the world to me (and yes, of course, I'll wear a mask!).</li></ul></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com1125 N Main Ave, Hartford, SD 57033, USA43.6227763 -96.94597669999998915.312540415197578 -132.102229382209 71.933012184802422 -61.789724017790974tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-73610092770063592322021-03-20T10:10:00.018-04:002021-03-20T22:02:05.526-04:00Hartford CT Introduces Third Plan to Redesign Its Highways But Still Lacks Foresight or Vision<p>Let's be clear--the nation's entire transportation system is deteriorating. While Hartford certainly could do with a restructuring of its disastrous and abysmal transportation options, one certainly could do a lot better than the currently proposed $15 billion plan set forth by the Bronins' cronies, as reported recently in the CT Mirror: <i><a href="https://ctmirror.org/2021/03/17/theres-a-new-plan-for-realigning-hartfords-highways-is-the-third-time-the-charm/" target="_blank">There’s a new plan for realigning Hartford’s highways. Is the third time the charm?</a></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALRN-bM8b9M9bzQ9t-udLaIReE1DpUSm_4Yv-q0cNrbzRRgJD2yVqzvX3g1bg1vkzyhKBdQNBl3948V6TLKbH2LMATl4aUzjQ2pyXaOI4iEr_81gNil3Gs8E5wW3HiW4n7h1u/s1250/Hartford+3rd+Transportation+Plan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1250" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALRN-bM8b9M9bzQ9t-udLaIReE1DpUSm_4Yv-q0cNrbzRRgJD2yVqzvX3g1bg1vkzyhKBdQNBl3948V6TLKbH2LMATl4aUzjQ2pyXaOI4iEr_81gNil3Gs8E5wW3HiW4n7h1u/w400-h225/Hartford+3rd+Transportation+Plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>If one is serious about fixing Hartford's convoluted, broken road system, then it should be replaced with a better system, not one that's equally broken, or worse, and one that also looks to the future, not just one that seeks to keep current problems at bay.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJQsNcfStq0S3e-xfgnC7F6dEuDeJ2TaRDxS954rvwZzeivX-KxLpirr8dPKoCVnCAJMzks90CUdCt5hJsMH6IjEirF-YaBgs9fxbH1q76avyVKDnXMAP9lnD71M8ppIeWnjA/s680/67b76717-aef3-4f54-b74f-0db5c6090298.tmp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJQsNcfStq0S3e-xfgnC7F6dEuDeJ2TaRDxS954rvwZzeivX-KxLpirr8dPKoCVnCAJMzks90CUdCt5hJsMH6IjEirF-YaBgs9fxbH1q76avyVKDnXMAP9lnD71M8ppIeWnjA/w159-h200/67b76717-aef3-4f54-b74f-0db5c6090298.tmp" width="159" /></a></div>Such a road plan should consider using new materials such as compressed styrofoam, foam glass aggregates such as <a href="https://www.glavel.com/" target="_blank">Glavel</a>, or other new technologies and include the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/solar-road-us-georgia-electric-car-charging-stations/" target="_blank">embedding of solar panels</a> (like those employed by <a href="https://solarroadways.com/" target="_blank">SolarRoadways</a>). It should allow for pedestrian, bicycle, and other eco-friendly modes of transit, as well as provide wireless charging for electric vehicles and other such devices. <p></p><p>Modular construction techniques like the European Union's new <a href="https://plasticroad.com/en/" target="_blank">plastic road</a> initiative should be considered and modular traffic control systems that can quickly alter traffic routes in the event of emergencies or accidents, autonomously, should be thought about. Of course, 3D printing of roads should also be considered--something that should cut construction costs considerably.</p><p>Our roads and highways should pave a path forward that brings Hartford into the 22nd century, not one that keeps us stuck where we are. Thought should be put into autonomously-driven vehicle-only lanes for all sorts of vehicles to utilize in a rapid transit system where AI systems would be able to safely navigate entry and exit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7Z67IhUy41t-2UliT8BAr9GZKkPHFkXExS-Zk11KxylolZKMpNmdMGBUbH92khB3TVlOso_3OjaB_cNmlzgqXAgEvrq7Balp9O5yfc5HXwQLWhTzRTwLeOIZQODJsCyFXoJo/s768/3f2ad638-b959-4735-becf-96776ed59a87.tmp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="768" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7Z67IhUy41t-2UliT8BAr9GZKkPHFkXExS-Zk11KxylolZKMpNmdMGBUbH92khB3TVlOso_3OjaB_cNmlzgqXAgEvrq7Balp9O5yfc5HXwQLWhTzRTwLeOIZQODJsCyFXoJo/w320-h213/3f2ad638-b959-4735-becf-96776ed59a87.tmp" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Many of these features would be more cost-effective (especially over the long-term) than the nonsensical flapdoodle proposed by the current $15 billion plan. And nearly all of the technologies I've mentioned either are in use today or in the final stages of testing.</p><p>Apparently, nobody in planning has the wisdom or the foresight to think in such logical terms or with any sort of vision for the future; rather, their only flights of fancy and imagination come in the form of creating ingenious ways of how to further enrich their and/or their friends' coffers, offshore bank accounts, and other tax havens.</p><p>Don't think Mayor Bronin and his wife don't have their hands in the pot. We all know they're the white monied Democratic-powered machine that oils gentrified development in Hartford these days. With the Mayor's wife heading this Hartford 400 project's development plans, well, it's all but a shoo-in, isn't it, folks? </p><p>Is your town or city planning to repair or upgrade its roadways? If so, what new and visionary means are they taking into account in the planning process? Let us know in the comments below. Let's begin sharing great ideas and moving our villages, towns, and cities forward!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_AseXWKXVRfk6QBqCA8HFcg-ErnQdyPtmY9hFkP-0fn75mRrCKqY_lUmy0d1B983lbdl9T5m8ii-HPDGtiFdsOR_yYIzwMmVdzBhPY7z31TkSkCI6F62wNZ8xDJDDTypmreO/s480/29e2f238-4446-4de4-8c42-b352be53aee0.tmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="480" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_AseXWKXVRfk6QBqCA8HFcg-ErnQdyPtmY9hFkP-0fn75mRrCKqY_lUmy0d1B983lbdl9T5m8ii-HPDGtiFdsOR_yYIzwMmVdzBhPY7z31TkSkCI6F62wNZ8xDJDDTypmreO/w400-h181/29e2f238-4446-4de4-8c42-b352be53aee0.tmp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0Hartford, CT, USA41.7658043 -72.673372313.455568415197579 -107.82962498220901 70.076040184802423 -37.517119617790982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-9095077183366976132020-11-06T19:39:00.005-05:002020-11-06T20:00:34.357-05:00Rally Against Homelessness 2pm November 7 2020 at 75 Main Street, Hartford, CT<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MEDIA ALERT</span></h1><h2 style="text-align: center;">ACTIVIST EVICTED FROM HOMELESS SHELTER WHILE UNDERGOING MEDICAL TESTS, CALLS FOR COMMUNITY TO RALLY AGAINST HOMELESSNESS</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</h3><h4 style="text-align: left;">CONTACT:<span> PETER C. FRANK<br /></span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>(914) 417-9579<br /><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>PCFRANK73@GMAIL.COM</h4><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8MiBMuOTvTEYtSlmO-zcahKzrwnS9OYcGyNBSWjEZ-oiUNJTlZXzpQ1MM7xjoZwoU8rGj0Af23v8-r50eGISx3voWlcNgiEYdzO5m9_j6Np7mgw4r8bP5f6Txtrmkv1p10dn/s4032/20201017_161426.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8MiBMuOTvTEYtSlmO-zcahKzrwnS9OYcGyNBSWjEZ-oiUNJTlZXzpQ1MM7xjoZwoU8rGj0Af23v8-r50eGISx3voWlcNgiEYdzO5m9_j6Np7mgw4r8bP5f6Txtrmkv1p10dn/w400-h225/20201017_161426.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Park Inn<br />75 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06106</td></tr></tbody></table><br />HARTFORD, CT—Earlier today, I was evicted from <a href="https://southparkinn.org" target="_blank">South Park Inn (SPI)</a>, which is the homeless shelter I've been staying in, for doing nothing other than receiving healthcare that I was forced to postpone from last month due to not having the funds for medical transportation. I am now, literally, on the streets.<p></p><p>Specifically, during my annual wellness examination the day before my birthday last month, my doctor ordered a series of diagnostic tests to be performed. Among them was a sleep study, which takes 2-3 days to perform. Or more accurately stated, it takes 2-3 nights. My PCP (primary care physician) wished to have these tests performed as soon as possible but when I got to the checkout to schedule them, I embarrassedly had to inform my doctor's office that I could not afford to return to the office due to insufficient funds to transportation. I then scheduled all of the testings for the beginning of November 2020.</p><p>I even had to borrow money from a few different friends to pay for my Lyft (an Uber competitor) ride back to the shelter, that's how broke I was.</p><p>When I returned to the shelter I made a huge fuss about the entire situation and the fact that SPI was not providing medical transportation for me. The reason they've given is that I have a "significant income."</p><p>The only income I receive is Social Security Disability Income. I have extremely poor credit due to significant personal debts that I owe. In fact, my credit and debt are so bad that I was turned down on a housing application due to "significant personal debt." Yet somehow, SPI has this image of me that I earn thousands of dollars per month when nothing could be further from the truth.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWclRuhZeA4dCh60m5RmRQH4NselGgO69h7SzX60FQrqJaPldSQGxq_a2Wj8FiH_EeTLULtTqHkOt29CMaeAWFnDDQO8R5IM9Ik1pYBAVzROwmD9Eo1IASp7UfxMV3vwfZNll/s2640/20201106_193118.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWclRuhZeA4dCh60m5RmRQH4NselGgO69h7SzX60FQrqJaPldSQGxq_a2Wj8FiH_EeTLULtTqHkOt29CMaeAWFnDDQO8R5IM9Ik1pYBAVzROwmD9Eo1IASp7UfxMV3vwfZNll/s320/20201106_193118.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, with the halter monitor that was<br />installed at today's appointment.<br />I have to wear it for the next 30 days.</td></tr></tbody></table>To make matters worse, my case manager SPI claims that I never told them about my medical appointments, even though the scene I made upon my return was witnessed by many of the other residents at the shelter, and I continued to raise the issue with staff, in front of other residents, for the remainder of the week. This is the excuse they are using to kick me out of the shelter. They claim that I never told them about the appointments, which simply isn't true.<p></p><p>SPI further claims that I should have called to let them know that I would be staying out overnight. But why should I do that if I already told them about my appointments? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that a sleep study would be conducted at night (the sleep study was to determine whether or not I have sleep apnea).</p><p>I have attempted to reach my doctor to get a "doctor's sick note" but my doc is an extremely busy, and successful woman—the sort of doctor who has a nine-month waiting list for annual wellness examinations and a three-month waiting list for follow-up exams. I'm hoping that she'll return my phone call on Monday and will then be able to send such a letter to me but in the interim, I'm literally on the streets.</p><p>This isn't the first time I've had issues with SPI, though. I've been very vocal about the inhumane living conditions we've been forced to live under, and I feel that this action is retribution for me speaking up and advocating not only for myself but for all of the residents living at SPI. For example, the 50 some-odd med living at the shelter are forced to share one toilet and one shower. The women are roused from their beds before 7am and cannot return to them, at times, until 8pm--and many of the women have health conditions that make it extremely difficult for them to be on their feet for such an extended period of time.</p><p>There have been numerous other issues with SPI I have encountered in the eight or so months I've been staying with them, and that doesn't even get into the systemic issues of homelessness.</p><p>SPI touts itself as a caring, safe space organization. However, in my experience and the experience of many of my friends and fellow homeless here, it has been anything but that. I invite other members of the media to come and listen to our stories as human beings. We demand to be treated with respect and not mollycoddled or demeaned in other ways.</p><p>I am thus calling upon the entire homeless community in the Greater Hartford Regions to rally with me in front of SPI tomorrow, Saturday, November 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. to raise awareness about the issues we face as we struggle to find housing and survive from day to day in the homelessness system, which is controlled by corrupt individuals.</p><p>I have started a GoFundMe to help with all of my expenses, including paying down my significant personal debts. With all of the personal health issues I have, my bills only continue to grow and right now, I really need to get glasses. I'll need three pairs of glasses and with the examinations and testing, that will come to about $2,000 alone.</p><p>To contribute to my GoFundMe, visit <a href="https://gofundme.com/f/pcfstartlife20">https://gofundme.com/f/pcfstartlife20</a>.</p><div>If you'd like to help out and don't wish to use <a href="gf.me/u/ytiqwr" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a>, here are some other ways you can provide assistance:<br /></div><div><ul><li>I could use gift cards, especially to Amazon, BJ's Wholesale Club, Starbucks, Lyft, and CVS Pharmacy (use my <a href="mailto:pcfrank73@gmail.com">email address</a>)</li><li>Support me on <a href="https://patreon.com/NiteStar" target="_blank">Patreon</a> to help me continue my journalistic work and personal writing experiences on <a href="https://petercfrank.blogspot.com/">my blog</a></li><li>I need help getting to my medical appointments so if you can help provide transportation I would be very, very grateful for that.</li><li>You can send money to me via Zelle (bank-to-bank transfer using my <a href="mailto:pcfrank73@gmail.com">email address</a>), <a href="https://cash.app/$petercfrank" target="_blank">CashApp</a> (<a href="https://cash.app/$petercfrank" target="_blank">$petercfrank</a>), <a href="https://www.venmo.com/NiteStar" target="_blank">Venmo</a>, or <a href="https://paypal.me/NiteStar" target="_blank">PayPal</a>, BitCoin (ask me for my Bitcoin wallet address or use my <a href="mailto:pcfrank73@gmail.com">email address</a>, which you can also use for <a href="https://paypal.me/NiteStar" target="_blank">PayPal</a>)</li><li>I have an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31U1IR2QHH0ZG?" target="_blank">Amazon Wish List</a> that you can order items I need and send directly to me but bear in mind that I currently stay in a shelter and have no space to keep or store items beyond bare essentials.</li><li>I love being able to give gifts. So even though I may not be able to do so now, please share your <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/262OSB3HNX4TP?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">Amazon Wish Lists</a> with me, or just leave a comment and let me know what sort of things make you happy and brighten your day!</li><li>If you're in or passing through the greater <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hartford,+CT/@41.7656821,-72.7151064,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e65311f21151a5:0xcc8e4aa8e97d5999!8m2!3d41.7658043!4d-72.6733723" target="_blank">Hartford, CT</a> area, I'd love to meet up with you for a cuppa (especially a <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/466/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-teas%2Fchai-teas" target="_blank">Chai latte</a> at SBUX) or some other tea house. Perhaps a short stroll through Elizabeth Park or Westfarms Mall. Something to just get out, stretch my legs, mind, and be with positive people. If you can provide transportation, I can provide some great company and conversation. Contact me to arrange an adult play date. It would mean the world to me (and yes, of course, I'll wear a mask!).</li></ul></div>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-64712786895061246702020-11-02T13:41:00.001-05:002020-11-03T18:38:39.717-05:00Hartford Registrar of Voters Colluding to Suppress Republican Votes?Voters going to the polls for tomorrow's elections should be aware of a story of great importance regarding potential corruption and unethical practices in the Registrar of Voters office that city officials such as Mayor Bronin and the council would rather be kept quiet.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2_XXMpT3-k3do_zrDsBnHA2CRNFLiFO-GV-gvalED6jNyz6lqSGOQfwvK9t5gq_eoPIn1BQGi0hhyphenhyphenRl9E6oi3VRzLIO9Jgbbl2z54wVYX5mFWTlpeD0VANOmao4Z5NRiJ3Ga/s701/058bae16-d67a-4dda-8f00-c111e8437bef.tmp" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vanessa Garay-Jackson" border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="587" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2_XXMpT3-k3do_zrDsBnHA2CRNFLiFO-GV-gvalED6jNyz6lqSGOQfwvK9t5gq_eoPIn1BQGi0hhyphenhyphenRl9E6oi3VRzLIO9Jgbbl2z54wVYX5mFWTlpeD0VANOmao4Z5NRiJ3Ga/w268-h320/058bae16-d67a-4dda-8f00-c111e8437bef.tmp" title="Vanessa Garay-Jackson" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanessa Garay-Jackson<br />(fmr) Deputy Republican Registrar of Voters<br />City of Hartford, CT</td></tr></tbody></table>Early last month, the Deputy Republican Registrar of Voters, Vanessa Garay-Jackson, was terminated from her position by the Republican Registrar of Voters, Sheila N. Hall, for no discernable reason other than what appears to be retribution for Garay-Jackson's successful bid against Hall to become the Republican Registrar of Voters.<br /><br />Upon reviewing documents I obtained regarding the termination, Garay-Jackson was initially dismissed from her position by Hall without notice on Friday, September 25, 2020 "effective the close of business today." No reason was provided in the termination notice, signed by Hall.<br /><br />A subsequent letter was given to Garay-Jackson dated Friday, October 2 stating, "As we discussed, your service as Deputy Registrar of Voters for the City of Hartford is terminated, effected October 2, 2020." The letter further states that Garay-Jackson is not entitled to any sort of termination compensation other than accrued vacation time, and advises her to contact human resources regarding health insurance and other benefits.<br /><br />When reached for comment Garay-Jackson expressed her shock at the termination and lack of notice, "I was taken completely aback, especially given that I was the one who did most of the grunt work in the office to prepare for the elections. Sheila [Hall] always saw herself as being above that sort of work and preferred to remain in her office rather than get her hands dirty. What she did in her office, I can't comment on. I was busy preparing for the elections and doing the actual work of the Registrar, which is one of the reasons why I ran in the first place."<br /><br />Earlier this year, Garay-Jackson ran against Hall in the Republican primary election to become the Republican Registrar of Voters and handily defeated Hall in the primary election, which was held in September. "After the election, Sheila took a few weeks off. When she returned, I was fired," Garay-Jackson related.<br /><br />"After I was given the initial notice on the 25th I met with Sheila and she told me the reason for my termination was lack of work. In other words, she's saying that there isn't any work in the office that can justify my position, which is ridiculous because I've always been the one to do pretty much everything. Seriously, what has she done, the budget? She always says she's working on the budget and paying the bills but how long can that take, a week, at most? What does she do with the rest of her time? She doesn't even show up to the office most days."<br /><br />Indeed, other sources inside City Hall, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution, confirmed that Hall does not usually appear in her office. This leaves open the question as to what, exactly, taxpayers in the City of Hartford have been shelling out over $60,000 per year for her to be doing. The exact amount of Hall's salary could not be confirmed, despite numerous requests to City Hall, including the offices of certain city council members. Garay-Jackson advised that she believed the current salary was $62,000.<br /><br />To further complicate matters, however, Hall is running on a third party (that has herself as the sole member of this third party) to become a third party registrar of voters. According to the by-laws of Registrar of Voters by the Secretary of State's office, which governs all city and town registrar of voters offices, the City of Hartford could end up with three Registrar of Voters (and three deputies), adding an additional $111,000 in salaries to the Registrar of Voters's budget, putting a further dent in the City's failing finances.<br /><br />None of the members of the city council whom I contacted were aware of this situation. Joshua Michtom was shocked by the situation and promised to look into it but in over two weeks was unable to uncover any additional information, including the actual salary of the Registrar of Voters. According to Garay-Jackson, the Deputy Registrar of Voters made $49,000 per year and the Registrars themselves make $62,000, although the Registrars used to make more in the past but their salaries were drastically reduced, and only recently were they granted a raise. Exactly salary information could not be found online or through the City's website, and numerous requests for this information have gone unanswered.<br /><br />It took nearly three weeks of constant phone calls to reach Hall, adding fuel to the fire of questions regarding her whereabouts and what she is being paid to do. Additional, unconfirmed rumors arose that Hall has campaigned from her office at City Hall for her third-party candidacy (I did speak with a number of individuals who confirmed the rumors but none who were willing to go on the record, even if their names were withheld).<br /><br />When finally reached on the phone, Hall was gruff and short, responding that the reason she's running as a third party candidate Registrar of Voters is that she's been a Registrar of Voters for the past ten years--public records show Hall has been elected as Registrar twice for a total of 8 years--and then quickly had to hang up before any additional questions could be asked of her. Hall's response to follow-up email attempts to schedule an interview with her was, "We are in the middle of a very contentious election for many reasons and for that reason I feel that at this time I am unable to set up interviews with Freelance Journalist such as yourself."<br /><br />This response directly contradicts Hall's reasons for terminating Garay-Jackson, further supporting the notion that Garay-Jackson's termination is nothing other than direct retaliation for Garay-Jackson exercising her First Amendment rights to run for political office. In response to how Garay-Jackson was forced in a primary election, Hall qualified by gathering enough signatures on petitions to enter the primary race. Garay-Jackson explained further why she ran to become the Republican Registrar of Voters:<div><blockquote><i>This is a dream, a goal that I've had and I was determined to accomplish it with or without [Hall's] help. This is not the route I wanted to take. I've been doing my best to work with her but the conditions have become untenable, especially over the last year. Why does she want to stay on, because of the money? What exactly has she been doing for the people in this City? She's never around, never reachable. She takes forever to respond to anyone, and she always leaves the work to me to do. So if I'm doing most of the work, why not run for the full position? She's refused to teach me anything about the office. Rather than growing and learning I just feel as though I've been languishing here in my position and being used. It's not the most conducive environment to conduct business and engage with citizens.</i></blockquote>Asked what changes Garay-Jackson will implement when installed in January, she responded "Greater technological automation would greatly help maintain the voter rolls but the main system is run by the Secretary of State so we can't do anything to it without their permission." Garay-Jackson suggested increasing connectivity among various government agencies to help maintain voter registration records as an example of this, for example linking their system with the post office when people submit mail forwarding requests due to moving. "Of course, we'd have to get their permission but perhaps it could be done like the DMV, where there would be a box and people could check the box to have their new info sent to us so their records could be updated," she explained.<br /><br />"We need to abolish the annual canvas. It's too costly and doesn't really help. As such, it only adds to the problem, creating more work. People either don't respond or respond too late. Another problem is that people think if they respond they're going to be summoned for jury duty, and that simply isn't true. There is no connection between registering to vote or updating your voter registration information and being polled for jury duty," Garay-Jackson informed.<br /><br />She further advised, "Perhaps switching to an online canvassing system would be a solution, although getting and maintaining people's accurate email addresses or SMS phone numbers could be onerous, and there are privacy issues. But it would take far fewer resources--especially human resources--to do it electronically."<br /><br />Ken Lerman, Hartford Republican Town Chairman, added, "Vanessa Garay-Jackson is running for Registrar on the Republican line. Vanessa served as the deputy registrar for a number of years and has been a significant help to the Republican party. Her experience, outlook, and proactive efforts will greatly assist Hartford’s voters in the fair and efficient election process. Voting for Vanessa will defeat third-party candidates which will save Hartford taxpayer dollars of over $110,000 per year in registrar office costs."<br /><br />Due to the by-laws of the Registrar of Voters, Garay-Jackson will be serving at least one term. The only question is whether Hall will be elected as a third-party registrar. That will happen if Hall receives more votes than either the Republican or the Democratic Registrar, in which case a third registrar will be added to the city's Registrar of Voters office, with the additional expenses associated with it. Given the questions already surrounding Hall's performance and current actions, which could have opened the City to exposure of immense financial liability due to Hall's potentially unethical and/or illegal termination of Garay-Jackson, one must question the wisdom of voting in and creating such a new office in the City's government.<br /><br />Attempts to reach the Secretary of State and State Attorney General's offices for comment on the ethical and legal questions regarding Hall's actions went unanswered. The numerous unanswered questions by elected officials raise further questions regarding the appropriateness and ethicality of this situation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even more alarming is the potential impact on Hartford's Republican voters, who are in the minority. One might wonder what impact Hall's actions may have on the Republican vote, either intentionally or unintentionally, perhaps to the extent that it may even result in a suppression of votes. The timing of Garay-Jackson's termination could not have been worse. Dismissing the Deputy Republican Registrar of Voters without cause, especially without appointing a replacement, leaves the office at a severe disadvantage in an election where accusations of voter manipulation, fraud, and other acts of malfeasance are frequent flyers in the news. </div><div><br /></div><div>How Hall intends to deal with all of these issues is unknown, especially as she is refusing to be interviewed. And as Garay-Jackson has stated, Hall never got her hands dirty doing any of the real work of the Registrar's office. This leaves open even more questions as to the ability of the office of the Registrar of Voters to effectively carry out its mission and ensure that all votes are counted accurately.</div><div><br /></div><div>Given the level of obfuscation and obstruction encountered by this reporter in attempting to obtain basic, publicly-available information from the City in assembling this report, such a theory may not be far from the truth.</div><div><br />When reached for additional comment, Garay-Jackson responded that she was in discussions with legal counsel and advised to refrain from providing any further comment to the press in light of potential action she may be taking against the City for wrongful termination.</div>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com2550 Main St #1, Hartford, CT 06103, USA41.7625317 -72.673481413.452297863821151 -107.8297314 70.072765536178849 -37.5172314tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-56994524812142334372020-10-11T16:21:00.000-04:002020-10-11T16:21:27.996-04:00Coming Out In 2020: Truth and Pride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbypwcJq1CZcztH0ZrDWoxgohk6eaLHz1Py3HSnHhiAoSbmAWsN9DJKeG7v1vzMMCE6A0BgrL4JOhoB_6vWHROSdYx7RxQKysGQhyphenhyphengg9XQKD9zDnA3uWRSS4o80RGmianjg0f/s600/1248f12e-1653-4cce-ba50-fb8aee6f4120.tmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbypwcJq1CZcztH0ZrDWoxgohk6eaLHz1Py3HSnHhiAoSbmAWsN9DJKeG7v1vzMMCE6A0BgrL4JOhoB_6vWHROSdYx7RxQKysGQhyphenhyphengg9XQKD9zDnA3uWRSS4o80RGmianjg0f/s320/1248f12e-1653-4cce-ba50-fb8aee6f4120.tmp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>There is nothing more important to #PRIDE than the Truth and that means even when it may not be very convenient. The #LGBTQ+ community is uniquely situated to handle this quandary because, after the self-realization of identifying as LGBTQIA2S++, one is then faced with perhaps the greatest inconvenient truth of all: the great, big LGBTQ closet.<div><br /></div><div>It's quite unfortunate that I've seen a rise in other such inconvenient truths (and no, not that <a href="https://amzn.to/2Zg587T" target="_blank"><i>Inconvenient Truth</i></a>) since my return to the social web after a hiatus of a few years while I cared for, and then lost my mother as she battled breast cancer for the fourth time. We have come so far in the past 50 years yet have much further to go, especially as a community. I believe that is because we have been fighting for equality when in fact we should be demanding <a href="https://medium.com/@sandeepkumar_52041/equality-equity-and-justice-5f71ebe31245" target="_blank">equity and justice</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>One needn't look far from the gayborhoods to see the self-harm that staying in the closet does to us. And that's why today, on this <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/national-coming-out-day/" target="_blank">32nd anniversary</a> of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Coming_Out_Day" target="_blank">National Coming Out Day</a>, I'm going to come out of a few closets that folks may not know I'm in:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqdPcAa44g65XuMtUH8c_d_WvMmm-YuqnX5IhpX9aEtvDzgymzbTT0Wwns8qfGMqyIpXfWRQgQqhmQxNyOTL-dLR6JhA11blpVlhGjbQlBoOn9a5hSO5EXKLCHNaDA_KpUcJT/s720/out_and_proud_graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="720" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqdPcAa44g65XuMtUH8c_d_WvMmm-YuqnX5IhpX9aEtvDzgymzbTT0Wwns8qfGMqyIpXfWRQgQqhmQxNyOTL-dLR6JhA11blpVlhGjbQlBoOn9a5hSO5EXKLCHNaDA_KpUcJT/w200-h89/out_and_proud_graphic.png" width="200" /></a></div>1. As if you didn't already know, I'm gay and queer as fuck. If you don't like it or if it's a problem for you, that's your problem. Deal with it. I've done the work on my end. Go get a therapist. Talk it through. You'll feel a lot better.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2. I'm disabled. But not only am I physically disabled due to the injuries I sustained in an automobile accident in 2002 I also am disabled due to mental health issues. I suffer from severe, chronic depression and anxiety disorders. In fact, my depression gets so bad that I can end up in psychiatric hospitalization, often with suicidal thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the 1990s when I first began experiencing symptoms of depression, I didn't know what was going on. I was in my early 20s, attempting to be one of the youngest graduates of the law school I was attending, and experiencing difficulties. Except, I couldn't put a finger on exactly what those difficulties were. Eventually, I was dismissed by my law school for "poor academic performance" (I was maintaining a "C" average simply by showing up to half the classes and taking the final exam).</div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn't read the case law being assigned. I could barely concentrate to write the answers on the final exams. I struggled but didn't know why I was struggling or what was causing it. It was the 1990s. Mental health was not a topic of discussion. Thankfully, that has changed.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, there are still far too many individuals who are struggling with mental health and may not realize it, and then there are those who struggle because of the system. Here's a great list of <a href="https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools" target="_blank">mental health screening tools</a> you can take online to see if you may need to speak with a doctor or seek further assistance.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. I'm homeless. I left everything behind in New York, including my subsidized housing for disabled individuals, and permanently moved to Hartford, CT to take care of my mother when her breast cancer came back for the fourth time. When she lost that battle last year, I lost my housing. The system is so screwed up, though, that even though I've been homeless for nearly a year, I've only been "officially homeless" for about five months. I'll be <a href="https://bit.ly/2EsK3AF " target="_blank">writing more</a> about homelessness and my journey in the coming days and weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. I'm an addict. I'm addicted to technology, the Internet, and gaming--and there's a slight possibility that I might be a foodaholic and a shopaholic. Everyone needs a smartphone today, but I <i>have</i> to have the latest, greatest phone (form Samsung, of course). If I don't, I feel less than, and it affects my mental health. </div><div><br /></div><div>My hands twitch in anticipation of getting a new phone. I can't wait. I yearn (as I am right now for the Note 20 Ultra, which I can't currently afford).</div><div><br /></div><div>Most of all, I'm addicted to social media, and all of the love from my friends that I've made over the decades in coming out to them about who I am through my own version of storytelling.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I was reminded this past week, coming out is a process. It is never-ending, and it changes as we grow. And as we grow there are different aspects of us that need to come out of the closet. As can be seen, coming out isn't something that's relegated solely to the LGBTQ community even though it was started by and is still owned by us.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are individuals right now who are hiding in various closets. It may be someone very close to you, someone you think you might know very well. But they're living in a closet, afraid to come out.</div><div><br /></div><div>The best thing to do for folks, for everyone, is to let them know that no matter what sort of closet they're living in, it's ok to come out. It's ok to be who you are, and that no matter who you are and what sort of closet you're living in, you'll be accepted and loved.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's what all of my friends and family have done for me over the years. And it hasn't been until now that I've had the courage to come out of all of my closets.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that this gives you the courage to come out of yours.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please support my <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/pcfstartlife20" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a>. Thank you!</div>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-30690057116554954092020-09-22T16:46:00.006-04:002020-10-21T15:25:53.231-04:00Homeless, Disabled, and Distraught: Starting Life 2.0<br /><br />Greetings and salutations. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about my situation and need for assistance. I'm launching the first chapter in what essentially is a new book in my life, so I've dubbed it <b>Life 2.0</b>.<br /><br />In a nutshell, I'm homeless, disabled, have a plethora of health issues (numerous physical health issues plus severe chronic depression and anxiety), lost my mother to breast cancer a year ago and her sister just passed away in Thailand, successfully fought off a COVID-19 infection, and have only a limited support system. I need help to get back on my feet and make a new start of things, and I'd appreciate your assistance with that.<div><br /><div>That being said, I truly appreciate and am grateful to you just for finding and supporting this post and hopefully contributing to my <a href="http://gf.me/u/ytiqwr" target="_blank"><b>GoFundMe campaign</b></a> (which you can do right now simply by clicking <a href="http://gf.me/u/ytiqwr" target="_blank">this link</a>). <b>For other ways to help out, scroll down to the bullet points at the end of this article.</b><br /><br /><b>A Bit More About Me...</b><div><br /></div><div>As I mentioned, I'm a disabled gay man who dropped everything and left my life behind in New York to move to Hartford, CT when my mother's breast cancer came back for the fourth time in order to help take care of her. Previously I'd spent years traveling back and forth to help mom out with a bunch of things. As an immigrant with little education, mom struggled to make a life for herself, and I was happy to form a more solid relationship with her in adulthood, especially as I wasn't raised by her.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1gxi1foA7klIW7E2mjFfQm6DByPKGM4cnctBtiEVf7D0Xnt323tGWKQoDXno7O_rsPaAWPHM0OIU2tI4cpK7Dm2E1iN7_Gbu4CXCGXuzb4AG6uKSR70OhKojj9V6DL8hE1SP/w400-h225/Mom+20150823_121829.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mother, Kalaya</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />Late last year, mom lost her battle against breast cancer exactly one day after her 70th birthday. I was devastated, and it's only been within the past few weeks that I've managed to come out of the shock I've experienced from her loss. I've managed to resurface in life, both online and off, after a nearly three- to four-year hiatus of devoting most of my time and energy to her.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I also mentioned, mom's only sister just passed away. It was exactly two weeks before the one-year anniversary of mom's passing. I'd really like to be able to send some money to my cousins over in Thailand to help with the funeral expenses as well as mom's anniversary celebration that they do in the Buddhist temple and tradition there in Thailand.</div><div><br /></div><div>After mom's passing last year I had to move out of her apartment and eventually became homeless. The multiple contingency plans I'd made all fell through for one reason or another. My chronic depression combined with grief over mom's loss sent me on another trip to the fun factory (aka a psychiatric hospitalization) as my suicidality went from passive to active. When I was discharged from the hospital, I was sent to a homeless shelter to continue my "recovery."</div><div><br /></div><div>While at the shelter I contracted COVID-19 and was placed in quarantine for two weeks. When I emerged from quarantine, still with COVID-19 symptoms, I was evicted from the shelter because I had overstayed the 30-day time limit for the recovery program that placed me there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Along with a few others, I spent a week in the shelter's lobby in a state of homelessness limbo, literally sleeping on chairs. It wasn't until I began "making noise" (as we activists say) that I was re-housed with the homeless population of Hartford, CT in a hotel, else I'd still be in that lobby. We stayed in the hotel from mid-April until the end of August when we moved back to the homeless shelter as the COVID-19 funding ran out. Here at the shelter, I have the delightful privilege of sharing one toilet and one shower with over 50 men, but I do have my own cubicle and lumpy mattress, which does wonders for my back that has been diagnosed with severe spondylosis, among other issues arising from the car accident I was in.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those wondering, I do receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), which I began receiving in 2002 when I became disabled from an automobile accident that kept me in the hospital for nearly a year, in a wheelchair for two years, and on crutches for seven years. I now hobble around for short distances with the aid of a cane. I am unable to walk long distances due to pain and other issues. SSDI is not enough to live on, especially in the northeast region of our country.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're truly curious, of the monthly SSDI income I receive, 12.5% goes to pay for my prescription medication (even though I do have insurance that covers the majority of those costs, I still have co-insurance payments), 7.5% to medical insurance premiums, 35% to paying off debt agreements I cannot get out of, and 20% to paying for technology and health aides. That leaves me with 25% of my $1500 monthly disability income--or just $375--to pay for rent, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, household supplies, and other expenses. Suffice it to say, it's not enough, especially when the rent alone for a one-bedroom apartment in this area averages $1341 per month. So exactly how is one expected to be able to survive (let alone live) when the average market rate for rent is more than the average social security payment—insane, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to some form of subsidized housing (which, unlike in other parts of the nation, take years if not decades to obtain here), I obviously need to supplement my income. To do this I'm working on re-opening and expanding <a href="https://facebook.com/frankprofessionalservices" target="_blank">my business</a> to offer a number of professional services ranging from consulting, coaching, event planning, fundraising, business development, marketing, social media, writing, journalism, decorating, and as I'm a Justice of the Peace, performing weddings in the State of Connecticut. Additionally, I can offer savings on the energy distribution portion of utility bills in over 17 markets and zero-down home solar panel installation in over 10 markets.</div><div><br /></div><div>For all of this to happen, I'll need to get and furnish a home, take better care of my health (both physical and mental), pay off all my past debts (not just some as I'm doing now), replenish my important possessions, and pay for a number of business expenses (including a web site as well as recurring social media tools and monthly app fees).</div><div><br /></div><div>That's where you come in: I'm asking for your help to get my life back, to start a new chapter, to turn the page. In reality, though, it's more like starting a new book. I will be eternally grateful to everyone who contributes, and of course, if I can offer any of my services to you, let's have a conversation about that!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEx0dZIFfzYXEp1bVy0cEe1j139JkD9eOafQRY381rGn56_0tLnVxHxIyKPvR-onbb33uzIhYqe2n1RbFqaOwaLkAcIc__kwrFdamtZCbi7aCr9telVshUQ3MSyd3e98sm42z/s2640/20200831_164946.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="2640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEx0dZIFfzYXEp1bVy0cEe1j139JkD9eOafQRY381rGn56_0tLnVxHxIyKPvR-onbb33uzIhYqe2n1RbFqaOwaLkAcIc__kwrFdamtZCbi7aCr9telVshUQ3MSyd3e98sm42z/s320/20200831_164946.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, being homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />Please know that this is no easy thing for me to do, asking others for help. Like most men, I have great difficulty in asking for help for myself. However, unlike most men, this doesn't come from a sense of ego. Rather, it's because, for most of my life, I've derived such immense pleasure from helping others that it is a primary source of joy and gratitude and thus, a way of life for me. So I truly enjoy helping others and have no problems when it comes to asking for help for others, just when it comes to asking for help when it's me who is the person needing the help.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the coming days and weeks I'll be writing more about what's happened that's caused me to be in a human "incognito mode," as well as chronicling my journey into homelessness and hopefully the return therefrom. I'll also be detailing a bit more about what the money I'm asking for will be going towards. Finally, I'll be answering any questions I receive about this funding campaign for everyone to read, probably in the form of a FAQ. Please follow my writings on <a href="https://petercfrank.blogspot.com/">my blog here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once again, thank you for staying with me this far. I do hope you'll stick with me for the rest of my journey. I look forward to hearing from friends old and new and to meeting some great, new folks who can support me on this journey I'm calling Life 2.0.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to help out and don't wish to use <a href="gf.me/u/ytiqwr" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a>, here are some other ways you can provide assistance:<br /><br /></div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I could use gift cards, especially to Amazon, BJ's Wholesale Club, Starbucks, Lyft, and CVS Pharmacy (use my <a href="mailto:pcfrank73@gmail.com">email address</a>)</li><li>Support me on <a href="https://patreon.com/NiteStar" target="_blank">Patreon</a> to help me continue my journalistic work and personal writing experiences on <a href="https://petercfrank.blogspot.com/">my blog</a></li><li>You can send money to me via Zelle (bank-to-bank transfer using my <a href="mailto:pcfrank73@gmail.com">email address</a>), <a href="https://cash.app/$petercfrank" target="_blank">CashApp</a> (<a href="https://cash.app/$petercfrank" target="_blank">$petercfrank</a>), <a href="https://www.venmo.com/NiteStar" target="_blank">Venmo</a>, or <a href="https://paypal.me/NiteStar" target="_blank">PayPal</a>, BitCoin (ask me for my Bitcoin wallet address or use my <a href="mailto:pcfrank73@gmail.com">email address</a>, which you can also use for <a href="https://paypal.me/NiteStar" target="_blank">PayPal</a>)</li><li>I have an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31U1IR2QHH0ZG?" target="_blank">Amazon Wish List</a> that you can order items I need and send directly to me but bear in mind that I currently stay in a shelter and have no space to keep or store items beyond bare essentials.</li><li>I love receiving gifts (who doesn't?), especially of handmade items and baked goods (what can I say, I have such the sweet tooth!). Did somebody say chocolate? Please contact me directly for a mailing address. But note that due to the fact that I currently am in staying in a homeless shelter, I am very limited in what I am able to receive here.</li><li>More importantly, I love being able to give gifts. So even though I may not be able to do so now, please share your <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/262OSB3HNX4TP?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">Amazon Wish Lists</a> with me, or just leave a comment and let me know what sort of things make you happy and brighten your day!</li><li>If you're in or passing through the greater <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hartford,+CT/@41.7656821,-72.7151064,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e65311f21151a5:0xcc8e4aa8e97d5999!8m2!3d41.7658043!4d-72.6733723" target="_blank">Hartford, CT</a> area, I'd love to meet up with you for a cuppa (especially a <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/466/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-teas%2Fchai-teas" target="_blank">Chai latte</a> at SBUX) or some other tea house. Perhaps a short stroll through Elizabeth Park or West Farm Mall. Something to just get out, stretch my legs, mind, and be with positive people. If you can provide transportation, I can provide some great company and conversation. Contact me to arrange an adult play date. It would mean the world to me (and yes, of course, I'll wear a mask!).</li></ul><div><br /></div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6_z0IQkTPqjjR7dcLZePhtiKTYig1-Hak3yF868kS3Hnj3aHB62c-w73cCbRdyxpSnVPU-T9UHDAZ3edKIUq9ZKCQLX6cwdwWsWolmY-9exeMVHqQ04Tp_MnQaJPzgIDGZWA/s950/a+grateful+heart+is+a+magnet+for+miracles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6_z0IQkTPqjjR7dcLZePhtiKTYig1-Hak3yF868kS3Hnj3aHB62c-w73cCbRdyxpSnVPU-T9UHDAZ3edKIUq9ZKCQLX6cwdwWsWolmY-9exeMVHqQ04Tp_MnQaJPzgIDGZWA/s320/a+grateful+heart+is+a+magnet+for+miracles.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am ever so grateful that you are<br />with me on this journey into Life 2.0.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0Hartford, CT, USA41.7658043 -72.673372313.455570463821154 -107.8296223 70.076038136178852 -37.5171223tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-57805288133998715772020-08-08T10:10:00.019-04:002020-08-11T15:50:19.798-04:00Top 10 Religious Movies for Atheists<div>A tweet came into my stream asking atheists what their favorite religious movie was.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSlL2ruy15hbILnsW3C6nd23I98uC1j2HKMVtCctzU87Y-cIOhYa1R8rSAnrRf8vzJ60EkpAncGyJl6rVW-28Wdwmqb26ojQDP5lElYuR9d_FJtkanbkvE_jFQI2hGX3s8gt7/s1600/1596889171208977-0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSlL2ruy15hbILnsW3C6nd23I98uC1j2HKMVtCctzU87Y-cIOhYa1R8rSAnrRf8vzJ60EkpAncGyJl6rVW-28Wdwmqb26ojQDP5lElYuR9d_FJtkanbkvE_jFQI2hGX3s8gt7/s1600/1596889171208977-0.png" width="400" />
</a>
</div><br /></div><div>I began thinking about it and came up with a <a href="https://listverse.com/" target="_blank">Top 10</a> list of my favorites (because we Libras have difficulty choosing).</div><div><br /></div><div>So for the record, I was raised Roman Catholic and as I've completed five of the seven sacraments and have yet to be excommunicated by The Church, I still am one. <b>However,</b> in terms of my belief system, I consider myself a spiritual atheist with my spirituality based on energy--somewhat of a scientific take on religion, if you will (the theory of everything, string theory, e=mc², etc.).</div><div><br /></div><div>The being said, here are my Top 10 religious movies of all time, that I strongly recommend you watch.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2XG2RD2" target="_blank">1. The Magdelene Sisters</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2XG2RD2" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcgjAkw-5i_eWCDFI1LJY1sCgHfU3Qn7E_tIkY6bwa12Gu9Wo53IX0_IWU4L1_SVYsBXHyjwx1lOcmXfS_i7RV-6_k_PeBLmCBhyphenhyphenp7phFitmqg8MshX_XYMES1CF-JPwVJ92H/w154-h205/the+magdelene+sisters+movie+poster.jpg" width="154" /></a></span></div></div><div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2DBrkCq" target="_blank">2. Its A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World </a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2DBrkCq" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDImYZ4YpkTj4aL3yx-NW3JjifNeanHVZoBlidrYNnRMlzZMwZ2NTI6V_fFm-CtjlGkFDM1NM03MdPeQiVPgaDBxIHjF7eYfqCyBXkhDPClI9IjWlOdtv6r3mhO7n6dTTY8QfQ/s0/70405783-f6c0-4ea2-9876-d7263bd5db22.tmp" /></a></span></div></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2PNMArr" target="_blank">3. The Matrix Trilogy</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2PNMArr" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="342" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-UwyERrRZHBSgw2KQWcKeAp20XASpCrTJFPhtrRZPQzvfYEXR5s93WyX7Bf42TNyCKS3lfikQhOEK0kfFGXg6vjQGNs-9K0_eDZa_hmNRo8QAn0zzEazNCxk-vplJP1uSlAC/w175-h222/c0a2d819-fd2d-4dd2-9bd4-fcc03a847aad.tmp" width="175" /></a></span></div></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/33ExnAN" target="_blank">4. Zeitgeist</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://amzn.to/33ExnAN" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLPrs1m-8WNYJiVZjr1RyUA3jXzjnN1doEqOkhr5fmWzGSz-HE8oWBq6Zdvp1Al7SCdYbKUhqrXo9S13tp_a6AJsL-FpPqPyojZC64VkToXxt-nLl9AISlFeOwifDqNDeASB6/s0/zeitgeist+movie+poster.jpg" /></a></span></div></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2DKOGpa" target="_blank">5. Latter Days</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2DKOGpa" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="300" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGB0NLDtW1FGT5si4_G0IHdVR-jvwO4rQeH99zEWX5rmtSt8bVvVB_Sl97qEc0EvAfCeyOYDP3ErfEipKs_LzLcsOG2oZxrk8_cXc8pY5c6H8z2nCMhcUPQNqobXASl0UkFHK/w154-h215/latter+days+movie+poster.jpg" width="154" /></a></span></div></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2F5eX25" target="_blank">6. The Bells of St. Mary's</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2F5eX25" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LNGtb8ovmw25VSyjUZEz7b2V42a23OrPttTz1timDuzyqGEnBaHWTIK4LfRilfPlDm6Kz42_7y64bKwEMu8uAUbnqbcLcXHC55n8C2dnSwl9n8oqGJl2mXJWeteaQ7mXjATk/s0/80d4830c-f341-4009-b24e-97df81d46078.tmp" /></a></span></div></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2DOU0rG" target="_blank">7. Prayers for Bobby</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2DOU0rG" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2lkyYGSMZ6ZufmkljRLtVusMvhSscAeJ1mSRk_4P-onrYZPpbX57vNrdLmNjmQ5Ob10O9MLv9HOLeY9bzqn1jOqQhP-rCdgA9z1T8f2jLNBMhnmNqKNv-yiHs1jYyAeJgAqf/s0/prayers+for+bobby+movie+poster.jpg" /></a></span></div></div><div><a href="https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Dogma?id=cS5472nPQQ0&hl=en_US" target="_blank">8. Dogma</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Dogma?id=cS5472nPQQ0&hl=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoiQpUodaht1SbrmdldrTiFfszGo6auJZ3Qn110COGma1roFx1xmYQ6J0XFMpnDe0TdzIpr8IwOk6o0VJBr2eJCJcAi-e7WduBgOInCseG6aeMwqQaACuWojlQH_Ua4dKmYTb/s0/dogma+movie+poster.webp" /></a></span></div></div><div><a href="https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Dogma?id=cS5472nPQQ0&hl=en_US" target="_blank">9. It's A Wonderful Life</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Dogma?id=cS5472nPQQ0&hl=en_US" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoOuUVh-2Q0ufVWEB-aYgcsDj2L5fcM5fAcVrlhc3L6Vu-iwLMg-kusg3UfDuiXCEay1rAH7RZasR4PkjN5BJVHnjRmIUwR-LADtiRwqtNTToaQzDlmAfIrVxDeY3YDHxj_bz/s0/it%2527s+a+wonderful+life+movie+poster.jpg" /></a></span></div></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3kq7QS1" target="_blank">10. Miracle on 34th Street</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3kq7QS1" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRTH_saTtXTGeTA38pPI6KxFGOXCZeAGuYePQa0jSUUHmDaQYJmpigI3ErTQ1Sp4bRqjzSiNSEQhi4Oyrse_qsUDplUTxS_d6dM-rWXCbtKjI7iCvZZqdaZGujOJFZ5LnlTVQ/s0/miracle+on+34th+street+movie+poster.jpg" /></a></span></div></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/2XHEkgH" target="_blank">11. Sister Act / Sister Act 2</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="display: block; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-top: 1em;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2XHEkgH" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XnXWFRGH_NSSwcKwKQItPIjmT_XVtkYFB4rxzpA8b4GNLZ4H_ye4MS-YfpwZCwZY9dcgnCxw-aJeRwdIv-sMnZ9H-sHPqj6CATL3qfieIRY2JORxLMlfPyT7RZYP_SSR6sxd/s0/e6e165dd-8aee-422f-b707-4529d291e612.tmp" /></a></span></div></div><div>Ok, ok I know I said it's a <a href="https://www.toptenz.net/" target="_blank">top 10</a> list but as I've been saying all along, taking AP Calculus as a junior in high school totally farked my ability to do maths. 😝😝😝</div><div><br /></div><div>So what are your faves? Do you have any suggestions for me? Please post a comment and let me know what your picks are of religious movies for the non-religious!</div></div>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-55716166404525515572020-07-31T11:11:00.007-04:002020-07-31T14:23:59.689-04:00A COVID-19 Quarantine Warning<div>Folks, I know I've been absent from cyberspaces throughout the realms but I would be remiss were I not to make every effort to bring forth this warning about some very strange and dangerous goings-on as a result of the COVID-19 virus and how governments worldwide are dealing with this pandemic. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4rJYizQ29Wdm36NpfrhKLg8QUip4Uh5k1oWlNLs08bP-OOwSWY1qyFqplh3gZzauH3ofM-s1dLMY41Qm23l528aSQ1mAet7Sy-71zkcBTYvphna6jXg4H7_oOoOXryvdBR0M/s745/COVID-19-quarantine_1920-745x310.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="745" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4rJYizQ29Wdm36NpfrhKLg8QUip4Uh5k1oWlNLs08bP-OOwSWY1qyFqplh3gZzauH3ofM-s1dLMY41Qm23l528aSQ1mAet7Sy-71zkcBTYvphna6jXg4H7_oOoOXryvdBR0M/w512-h213/COVID-19-quarantine_1920-745x310.png" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have it on the most excellent authority that people are, once again, going bonkers from being all couped up in quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But this time, folks are going nutters in thoroughly difficult and inexplicably peculiar ways. After conferencing in the microwave and toaster oven while sipping a cuppa from the <a href="https://amzn.to/3fhj2fR" target="_blank">KEURIG®</a> over Zoom from my <a href="https://amzn.to/314fCIq" target="_blank">Sealy™ Posturepedic®</a>, we all agreed that things are getting really bad out there.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was at this point that we received an urgent request from the <a href="https://amzn.to/2D7ldpd" target="_blank">KitchenAid®</a> to join the conference, who provided some invaluable intelligence on just how mixed up things have become. Particularly, the toaster oven expressed grave consternation about the latest heat map of COVID-19 cases. It really became frightful when the <a href="https://amzn.to/2DkwjHi" target="_blank">Hoover®</a> reported that people suffering from this novel coronavirus felt as if all the air had been sucked out from their lungs. The Maytag® picked up on this with her spin-factor, adding that folks with COVID-19 feel like they've been wrung out and left to dry. Beginning to panic, we all agreed that absolutely nothing was to be said to the <a href="https://amzn.to/3fhHldR" target="_blank">Frigidaire®</a> due to his ever-cold and distant disposition.</div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://amzn.to/2XgkuZU">Rowenta®</a> was finally able to placate us when she burst in that everything will be fine because no situation is too wrinkled that a good pressing can't fix. The <a href="https://amzn.to/3gfVBF2">Cuisinart®</a> wasn't the least bit sympathetic, though, suggesting that folks were getting way too chopped up over everything. The <a href="https://amzn.to/30gzqcr" target="_blank">Vornado</a> then circulated reassuringly constant hope throughout the room that these uncertain times would shortly blow over. Unfortunately, the toilet looked a bit flushed when I asked its opinion and he kept schtum, while the sink gurgled up something about it all going down the drain.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3szSJppJ-U89FSZYWoSQHv6byhgEIYXaKxHXz1Ps05bK3tXVXKM5Cg0W6-g06S_-Cq1ZtVtTPIkeqxh94ldA7CarfzNqLZXrhTP8vE-SbUz8A7thPdpsEn53426k4rjx1Rozf/s800/social-distance-covid19-neuroscienews-public.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3szSJppJ-U89FSZYWoSQHv6byhgEIYXaKxHXz1Ps05bK3tXVXKM5Cg0W6-g06S_-Cq1ZtVtTPIkeqxh94ldA7CarfzNqLZXrhTP8vE-SbUz8A7thPdpsEn53426k4rjx1Rozf/w512-h288/social-distance-covid19-neuroscienews-public.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div>We were about to completely lose it when the <a href="https://amzn.to/314xzXf">Yale Assure</a> told us to get a grip. The front door complained that we were becoming unhinged, while the curtains admonished us about a potential cover-up of the gravest facts, advising that we simply pull it together. All the <a href="https://amzn.to/39QVHAM">Levelors</a> did was complain about how blind everyone was to the facts. Naturally, the wireless tuned in and proposed that we see a show so the tube threw down with a bit of <a href="https://amzn.to/3fnTo9y" target="_blank">Broadway's</a> latest hit, <a href="https://amzn.to/2X9ue8f" target="_blank">Hamilton</a> (and I still can't figure out why it's become so popular).</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point, <a href="https://amzn.to/39GFGgE" target="_blank">Alexa</a> butted into the conversation because she was <a href="https://bit.ly/3gt8oUA" target="_blank">eavesdropping</a> again. When I asked <a href="https://www.google.com/intl/ALL_au/search/about/trytheapp/index.html" target="_blank">Google</a> what to do about everything he suggested that I get an <a href="https://assistant.google.com/" target="_blank">Assistant</a>. When I did that, the Assistant checked the food in the <a href="https://www.samsung.com/us/refrigerators/" target="_blank">Samsung Smart Refrigerator</a> and ordered us a pizza with a coupon it found on <a href="https://amzn.to/2Xe1Q4R" target="_blank">GrubHub</a> to save 25% off the order.</div><div><br /></div><div>So now I'm just sitting here with a can of Lysol® in each hand and what's left of my rubbing alcohol (because the Assistant just read me a <a href="https://bit.ly/318pUaf" target="_blank"><b>warning about hand sanitizers</b></a> having manufacturing problems making them unsafe) waiting for the delivery driver to show up in its <a href="https://www.tesla.com/">Tesla</a> and hope my <a href="https://www.chevrolet.com/">Chevy</a> doesn't get jealous and clog up the atmosphere again, praying the pizza is still warm because the <a href="https://amzn.to/2DhPv8B" target="_blank">Viking oven</a> blew a fuse when it got too hot and burnt dinner and now none of the appliances are talking to me other than the <a href="https://amzn.to/3jYxgpK" target="_blank">Ring</a>, who chimed in that he misses capturing people walking by because everyone is holed up in their homes due to the <a href="https://www.google.com/covid19/">COVID-19</a> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html">quarantine</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7xOIcnjSTd44H8cL6hQsKdlkbYsouBRioTzEFwahS4mdt5xzSw9uNtCIBApnFjDP9z-QSJkXWnd2F1A-F6KDvc-siLsVK7fdHdg1wKCsq_zoif8ELht11bYxH_1G9tkAtwfc/s1000/keep-calm-and-stay-home-coronavirus-prevention-vector-30132939.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="773" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7xOIcnjSTd44H8cL6hQsKdlkbYsouBRioTzEFwahS4mdt5xzSw9uNtCIBApnFjDP9z-QSJkXWnd2F1A-F6KDvc-siLsVK7fdHdg1wKCsq_zoif8ELht11bYxH_1G9tkAtwfc/w396-h512/keep-calm-and-stay-home-coronavirus-prevention-vector-30132939.png" width="396" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-68626897784704132362020-02-06T14:11:00.003-05:002020-02-06T14:11:21.925-05:00Laptop Dreams<div dir="ltr">
I need a new laptop. All THREE of my current laptops died on me at the beginning of this year. Were it not for a kind and generous friend who gave me his old desktop, I'd be without any computer at all. 😞</div>
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I'm looking for a powerful but affordable 8th generation or later core i7 or core i9 laptop. I don't need it for gaming but the laptops built for gaming seem to contain the specs I like; however, they're too expensive. I use a laptop as my primary computing device. I'm disabled so I am on a very tight budget.</div>
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I do *a lot* of multitasking and usually have a plethora of tabs open in numerous web browsers that put a strain on a system's processing power (think, lots of web apps running in many tabs and windows).</div>
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A typical computing session might be: having <a href="https://mail.google.com/" target="_blank">Gmail</a>, Google <a href="https://voice.google.com/" target="_blank">Voice</a>, Google <a href="https://duo.google.com/" target="_blank">Duo</a>, <a href="https://zoom.us/" target="_blank">Zoom</a>, Google <a href="https://docs.google.com/" target="_blank">Docs</a>, Google <a href="https://sheets.google.com/" target="_blank">Sheets</a>™, 10-15 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, 25 <a href="https://facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, 10 <a href="https://twitter.com/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, my <a href="https://tweetdeck.com/" target="_blank">Tweetdeck</a> (that has 38 columns), 50 <a href="https://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> (usually more though as it's so easy to get carried away on their platform!), 5 <a href="https://instagram.com/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, 25 Google <a href="https://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Search</a>, <a href="https://hootsuite.com/" target="_blank">Hootsuite</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/">Bit.ly</a>, 5-10 other social media management (like Socialfave, <a href="https://www.crowdfireapp.com/" target="_blank">Crowdfire</a>, <a href="https://buffer.com/" target="_blank">Buffer</a>, <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a>, <a href="https://www.tailwindapp.com/" target="_blank">Tailwind</a>, etc.), 15-20 regular <a href="https://news.google.com/" target="_blank">news</a>, 10-15 <a href="https://www.cnet.com/">tech</a>, 5-10 <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/technology">tech news</a>, 5-10 <a href="https://android.google.com/" target="_blank">Android</a>, 5-10 <a href="htps://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, Google <a href="https://music.google.com/">Music</a>, 10-20 <a href="https://amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a>, 5 <a href="https://ebay.com/">eBay</a>, 20-25 other <a href="https://shopping.google.com/">shopping</a>, 50 graphics/<a href="https://photos.google.com/">picture</a>, and a few <a href="https://nimbusweb.me/screenshot.php">screenshots</a> tabs open across Google's <a href="https://google.com/chrome">Chrome browser</a> in a couple of different windows.</div>
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Plus I'm also usually running <a href="https://www.evernote.com/">Evernote</a>, Windows Explorer, a <a href="https://www.bittorrent.com/">BitTorrent</a> client like <a href="https://utorrent.en.softonic.com/">Utorrent</a>, <a href="https://www.teamviewer.com/">TeamViewer</a>, <a href="https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html">PuTTY SSH</a>, <a href="https://www.irfanview.com/">IrfanView</a>, <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/hp-smart/9wzdncrfhwlh?activetab=pivot:overviewtab">HP Smart</a>, <a href="https://www.gimp.org/">GIMP</a>, <a href="https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html">VLC</a> and possibly a video editor (usually <a href="https://shotcut.org/">Shotcut</a>), along with a smattering of some other, miscellaneous programs (<a href="https://www.avast.com/">Avast Software</a>'s anti-malware suite, of course, Google Drive (now called <a href="https://www.google.com/drive/download/backup-and-sync/">Backup and Sync</a>) and whatever else I might have open). So, that's why I need so much computing power and I'm not a gamer. (But of course, I might just have the odd game or two open on the computer, as well.)</div>
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I'm hoping to find something under $1,000.</div>
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That's why I definitely *need* an 8th-gen core i7 or greater CPU (e.g., 10th gen core i9--and not the "U" variant as I don't think it will be powerful enough), minimum 16 GB ram, an external graphics card, and either an SSD or an SSD+HDD combo (I don't care how big as I can always upgrade later, plus I have some external storage I can use in the interim). VGA & HDMI out would be nice. Separate mic/headphone jacks would be superb.</div>
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I definitely want a 15.6" screen, as that allows for a num pad with the keyboard. I'd love a touchscreen, even if the laptop isn't able to double as a tablet. I'd prefer a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_display_resolution#1920_%C3%97_1200_(WUXGA)">WUXGA</a> or better display but will settle Full HD (1920x1080p) resolution, <a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ips-in-plane-switching-definition,5748.html">IPS</a> or better, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED_display">LED</a> or better (not certain if laptop screens have only advanced to <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/what-is-oled-and-what-can-it-do-for-your-tv/">OLED</a> or <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/super-amoled-vs-super-lcd-the-big-screens-compared-1226721">AMOLED</a>). As many USB 3.0 & <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-usb-c-an-explainer">USB-C</a> ports as possible. </div>
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And let's talk about _Easy access to system memory and storage_, shall we? Enough of this having to rip the computer apart to upgrade the RAM or storage. Can we please go back to the days when you just unscrewed a few screws on the bottom of the laptop where well-marked panels were to access storage and memory? Like on my very first <a href="http://oldcomputers.net/ibm-thinkpad.html">ThinkPad</a> or the Dell <a href="https://www.dell.com/us/dfb/p/latitude-d620/pd">D620</a> line?</div>
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I don't need an optical drive. If I do need one I can get an external one. Good speakers (I really dig the <a href="https://www.bang-olufsen.com/">Bang & Olufsen</a> speakers on HP's laptops) and dual microphones that can eliminate the sound of typing on the keyboard while using the computer as a <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/general/voice-over-internet-protocol-voip">VoIP</a> or <a href="https://www.sip.us/blog/latest-news/sip-protocol/">SIP</a> device for communication would be a dream. Actually, it would come in quite handy, and I wonder why no one has produced a plausible solution for this pestiferous problem. All too often have I offended the sonic sensibilities of someone on the other end of a conversation with the loud clacking of my typing, amplified through the laptop's body to be picked up by the microphone and transmitted to their battered ears.</div>
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It would be quite nice if the unit would stay cool to the touch. I really liked what I read about the ASUS ROG <a href="https://rog.asus.com/articles/news/the-zephyrus-g15-brings-240hz-ultra-slim-gaming-to-its-widest-audience-yet/">Zephyrus G15</a> laptop and its cooling technology. </div>
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And finally, can we please make this a durable device? I mean, I own a Samsung laptop that I love as it's sleek and adequate but I've sent it in for repair for the same damn issue more than four times now. The power plug ends up getting banged into and that cracks the motherboard or the power port, rendering the laptop unable to make a connection with the power cord afterward. As such, it cannot be charged or even powered on. </div>
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So please place the power cord somewhere safe (like the back), perhaps using an L-bracket so it's not jutting straight out. And in the event the laptop falls (even from a bed onto a carpeted floor), the cord won't get bent in and the power port won't crack or break off the motherboard. </div>
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While we're at it, please place the exhaust vents in places where we aren't apt to place our bare skin like out hands (and get burned). Maybe you can figure out how to run the air around the computer's edge before venting it out so it doesn't come out quite so hot? IDK... But I swear you could cook sandwiches on the HP Pavillion laptop I owned that actually burned out on me shortly after the warranty expired (and which they refused to repair, even if I purchased an extended warranty).</div>
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Well, I think I've gone from my computing requirements to my wishes. I'm certain there are a few other items I could come up with....</div>
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I believe both businesses and consumers would really appreciate the features I've requested in my dream laptop if it could be built for under $1,000 (yes, I know, $999.95). </div>
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<br /></div>
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Add a few bells & whistles like full 1TB SSD (instead of, say, 128 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD), or increase the SSD & HDD size (512GB/2TB). Increase the RAM to 24 or 32 GB and use an ultra-high-end graphics card. Put in a 4k touchscreen with a Full HD 3D webcam. Build a 2.1 sound system into the unit, even if you have to detach it or fold it out (like fins, or slide-outs). That would be one hell of a killer gaming rig, for under $1,600.</div>
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Pare it down and there would be different models for home and educational (core i3/i5), and business (i5/i7/i9) uses. Yes, use the "U" version of the CPU for ultraportable, as well as Chromebook versions. </div>
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So what do you think? What would you include in your dream laptop? What do you think of my ideal laptop? Can you help me find it for under $1,000?</div>
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Maybe <a href="https://www.asus.com/Laptops/" target="_blank">ASUS</a>, <a href="https://store.hp.com/us/en/cat/laptops" target="_blank">HP</a>, or <a href="https://store.acer.com/en-us/laptops" target="_blank">Acer</a> could just give me a nice price break for coming up with some of these ideas and capitalize on them, or hire me as a consultant.... </div>
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Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!</div>
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Oh, and if you'd like to chip in to my laptop fund, feel free to donate via <a href="https://paypal.me/NiteStar">PayPal</a>, <a href="https://cash.app/$petercfrank">CashApp</a>, or <a href="https://venmo.com/NiteStar">Venmo</a> or send an <a href="https://amzn.to/2Kvw6Cj">Amazon.com gift card</a>. Thanks! 😃</div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-90520547193403361842020-01-13T16:37:00.000-05:002020-01-13T20:06:46.813-05:00Please Help -- I'm Homeless!It's official: I've officially just been registered as a homeless person in CT's Coordinated Access Network (CAN) for homeless persons. I am not one who has an easy time asking for help but right now, I need all the help I can get.<br />
<br />
I would truly appreciate any amount of money you can spare to help me get back on my feet. I can accept funds via the following methods:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://paypal.me/NiteStar" target="_blank">PayPal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://cash.app/$petercfrank" target="_blank">CashApp</a></li>
<li><a href="https://pay.google.com/payments/u/0/home#sendRequestMoney" target="_blank">Google Pay</a> (send to my email address pcfrank73@gmail.com)</li>
<li>Zelle (bank transfers) via pcfrank73@gmail.com or 914-417-9579.</li>
<li><a href="https://venmo.com/NiteStar" target="_blank">Venmo</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Kvw6Cj" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (I can always use gift cards for Amazon to get things I need, such as clothing, food, household supplies, etc.)</li>
</ul>
I had been staying with the relative of a friend for the past few months, ever since I had to move out of my mother's apartment when she lost her fourth battle against breast cancer. Unfortunately, we both now are homeless and instead of expressing to me what was going on constructively, this person chose to pick a fight with me, as you can see in the video, below or watch on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/c/PeterCFrank1" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/B1q3LlbOZ0I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B1q3LlbOZ0I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
I am now homeless, without money, in a load of debt, and need your help.<br />
<br />
This is where I had been sleeping since September 2019:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU74CfbHxSI4KFek7PhuCUyWjBQ0ibQk4icHNO1O3h4rzbm2X6reBnGnwZ5LKb_fzQP9FZqFf0O-ttJoc75vojPRZHVpcF-14G6v9g3b1SafK_E1fGqdoQLbQcj-IZ85Jyb7gu/s1600/20191228_011345.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU74CfbHxSI4KFek7PhuCUyWjBQ0ibQk4icHNO1O3h4rzbm2X6reBnGnwZ5LKb_fzQP9FZqFf0O-ttJoc75vojPRZHVpcF-14G6v9g3b1SafK_E1fGqdoQLbQcj-IZ85Jyb7gu/s320/20191228_011345.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This is where I've been sleeping for the past few months<br />
since my mother passed away--literally on the floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As you can see, I've literally been on the floor. Most of my possessions are gone, having been thrown out by relatives who were "cleaning out" mom's apartment.<br />
<br />
The only regret I do not have is losing my subsidized housing in New York when I came up here to Hartford, CT a couple of years ago to help take care of mom when her breast cancer came back a fourth time. I stayed up here so long that I wound up losing my housing voucher, and I don't regret it. When that happened, I began building a life in this area.<br />
<br />
Although most of my time was dedicated to dealing with my mother, I was able to join the community in Hartford, CT. I helped out with their LGBTQ pride festival and re-engaged in politics, joining the town's Republican Committee as a progressive Republican.<br />
<br />
I'd very much like to continue building the life I had started building up here when I came to take care of my mother. While I don't know very many people and have few contacts, I believe that Hartford, CT is ripe for a rebirth and I look forward to being part of it.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful to you for keeping up with me, checking in on me, seeing how I'm doing, and whatever other support and assistance you can provide to help me get back on my feet and start living again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVGGbX-vFgEdf9wwIRHXLXeR4FurQ1Or9bWyd5SG-dLqn93HPrjflf6zSgzNbDGbvuoD0uzXP8OWm2mIUngQujNTWbl4ADccuBEAIhfV8lOKmElmzP_ukaZr4OWEGk8TQhJkP/s1600/20191212_111404.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVGGbX-vFgEdf9wwIRHXLXeR4FurQ1Or9bWyd5SG-dLqn93HPrjflf6zSgzNbDGbvuoD0uzXP8OWm2mIUngQujNTWbl4ADccuBEAIhfV8lOKmElmzP_ukaZr4OWEGk8TQhJkP/s320/20191212_111404.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me, Peter C. Frank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0Hartford, CT, USA41.7658043 -72.67337229999998341.6710563 -72.834733799999981 41.8605523 -72.512010799999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-33284912853117039602020-01-10T11:17:00.000-05:002020-01-13T15:41:12.496-05:00URGENT HELP NEEDED - Crazed Roommate Attacks Me Over Pillow & Now I'm Homeless!Shortly before midnight on Monday, January 6, 2020, the woman I'd been renting a room from in an unhabitable apartment (without a stove and numerous housing code violations) at an unaffordable (to me) rate attacked me over a pillow, and now I'm homeless. I managed to record a good portion of the altercation, which you can watch on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/c/PeterCFrank1" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/B1q3LlbOZ0I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B1q3LlbOZ0I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
As you can see for yourself, she comes into the room I'd been sleeping in (on the floor) and begins a huge row with me for no apparent reason.<br />
<br />
I am now homeless, without money, in a load of debt, and need your help.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MgteH7akmSJAsRpAO6TG5mWNOyybxrP5RaX5I7t2W-qWbUklSe83JfHbUc4G-9Vdz7opgCQUrpHMZWBrwYWlPgERzPEphI7NzF_mVCQKXzCfetOYub-9vmB5wOjwh8hiUjNA/s1600/20191106_094039%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MgteH7akmSJAsRpAO6TG5mWNOyybxrP5RaX5I7t2W-qWbUklSe83JfHbUc4G-9Vdz7opgCQUrpHMZWBrwYWlPgERzPEphI7NzF_mVCQKXzCfetOYub-9vmB5wOjwh8hiUjNA/s320/20191106_094039%257E2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This woman, Rosemary Gordon (aka "Gypsy" as she likes to be called), is the Aunt of a dear friend. My friend introduced me to her because when he spoke about me to her, she wanted to meet me. After my mother lost her fourth battle to breast cancer a couple of months ago, she asked me to move in with her. Given that my other plans fell through, I accepted.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks later she asked if I could help out with paying the rent, and I said I wouldn't be able to afford much but I would do what I could. We agreed that I would pay $250 a month to sleep on the floor of her living room. A few weeks later, she demanded more money, and my friend and she and I sat down and we all talked it out and agreed that I would pay $400 a month (despite the fact that I really can't afford that), and that I could move into the free bedroom in the apartment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU74CfbHxSI4KFek7PhuCUyWjBQ0ibQk4icHNO1O3h4rzbm2X6reBnGnwZ5LKb_fzQP9FZqFf0O-ttJoc75vojPRZHVpcF-14G6v9g3b1SafK_E1fGqdoQLbQcj-IZ85Jyb7gu/s1600/20191228_011345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU74CfbHxSI4KFek7PhuCUyWjBQ0ibQk4icHNO1O3h4rzbm2X6reBnGnwZ5LKb_fzQP9FZqFf0O-ttJoc75vojPRZHVpcF-14G6v9g3b1SafK_E1fGqdoQLbQcj-IZ85Jyb7gu/s320/20191228_011345.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where I've been sleeping for the past few months<br />
since my mother passed away--literally on the floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Shortly thereafter, Rosemary told me that we were going to be moving to a better neighborhood (one without nightly shootouts and gunfire) and dwelling (the one we were in had serious issues). I later found out that the impetus for this move was that she was being evicted by her landlord and had reached a settlement with him and that we were to be out by the end of November.<br />
<br />
We have been "moving" ever since the end of November, except that every time we were to be ready to move, something happened with the new place that delayed things. I've spent hundreds of dollars on movers and moving expenses, and in order to get into the new place, Rosemary told me that she needed me to pay her two month's rent and a security deposit, which I did.<br />
<br />
I hired movers twice and had to pay them for showing up and doing practically nothing because they arrived, some other issue always came up with the new place that prevented us from going ahead with the move. Last week we finally got the majority of our possessions out of the old apartment to the new place (which I still have not seen) with the help of more of my money but right when I was ready to go to the new apartment, something else came up that prevented us from going there and actually moving in.<br />
<br />
I spent another few days on the floor of the old apartment hoping that this latest delay would be resolved and we'd finally be able to move in and then we were forced to leave by the landlord. With everything in the garage of the new place, we went to stay with a friend of Rosemary who lived near the new home. Once again, I'm sleeping on the floor, which I've been doing the floor the entire time I've been living with her. (I did purchase a bed and mattress at the end of November but left them in the box, as I figured it would be easier to move.)<br />
<br />
As of right now, I have nowhere else to go. I have exhausted my monies for the next four months. My bank account is seriously in the red. For the past few nights I've been staying in a cheap hotel, which around here is still $75/night.<br />
<br />
I've now run out of money, I have nothing to eat and nowhere to go, and my belongings are in Rosemary's new home. I have other items that are in her friend's home, and I need to get those out of there today.<br />
<br />
Ever since my mother's passing a few short months ago I've been in a black hole of triple depression. And then I began watching Bernie Sanders's videos again, and just as it did four years ago, hope took hold of me and I began pulling myself out of the darkness of despair. I began to hope that things would begin to improve in my life. I began reconnecting with people, with my communities. I even attended a New Year's Day dinner event (which I'll be writing about soon).<br />
<br />
I began living again, and it felt good! I went to my doctor for the first time in a year (as I was taking care of mom, I wasn't able to keep any medical or other appointments) I was looking forward to having a furnished room to sleep in as well as work out of, volunteering for Bernie Sander's campaign, getting back to writing, and finding a way to increase my income.<br />
<br />
Now, I am losing not only that hope but all hope. I really don't want to say this but it just seems as if everything I do becomes a disaster. I can't do anything right. I don't have the means to live life anymore, especially as scraping by off SSDI is not living, and one certainly cannot afford to live off SSDI checks alone in this region of the country, let alone to better one's life. I still face a number of health hurdles.<br />
<br />
I hate asking people for help but I really do need it. Any amount you can give me will be helpful--even $1. And I really do appreciate it. I know that there are very kind people out there, and many people in similar situations as myself or on the verge of a situation like mine, facing homelessness.<br />
<br />
If, after reading this and watching the video, you could help me out by sending whatever amount you can, I would be ever so grateful. If you can't help out with some funds, then please share my story. Maybe you have a friend who can.<br />
<br />
I can accept funds via the following methods:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://paypal.me/NiteStar" target="_blank">PayPal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://cash.app/$petercfrank" target="_blank">CashApp</a></li>
<li><a href="https://pay.google.com/payments/u/0/home#sendRequestMoney" target="_blank">Google Pay</a> (send to my email address pcfrank73@gmail.com)</li>
<li>Zelle (bank transfers) via pcfrank73@gmail.com or 914-417-9579.</li>
<li><a href="https://venmo.com/NiteStar" target="_blank">Venmo</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Kvw6Cj" target="_blank">Amazon</a> (I can always use gift cards for Amazon)</li>
</ul>
I truly appreciate your kindness, generosity, and love. Maybe I'll get through this. I really don't know. Whatever hope I have is fading. I literally need about ten thousand dollars to pull myself out of this hole.<br />
<br />
If you can help me, and I'm able to get set up in a new place (which I'll need help paying for going forward), know that I'll be able to help Bernie Sanders become the next President of the United States this year, and that I'll be able to get back to helping others in my communities.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for reading this and watching the video. Whether or not you can contribute toward my housing relief fund, I'm grateful that you're in my life.Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-51024297711545774942020-01-02T19:50:00.001-05:002020-01-02T19:50:37.452-05:00Even though #cnn is slowly coming to grips with #berniesanders2020 (they use "if" when writing about his chances of NOT winning the election), when @cnn has only positive things to say about @berniesanders yet they still rank him as only the #2 candidate, you know the game is still rigged! #berniesanders #berniecrats #politics #uspolitics #news #journalism #journalists #media #mediabias #thegameisrigged #bernieblackout #bernieforpotus<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/80323740_637228917019417_3468902136862003493_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=fcczIwup7L0AX_tO3ET&oh=eebb42d808ea1cbb838e28a901ac22de&oe=5E9067E5' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
<div>via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B61lBtHhmqk/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B61lBtHhmqk/</a></div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-54509322864863718902020-01-01T01:43:00.001-05:002020-01-01T01:43:04.832-05:00Fireworks in #hartford #ct to bring in the #newyear. Happy New Year, everyone! Much love, light, health, peace, and prosperity to you in the coming year with #2020 vision! #happynewyear #happynewyear2020 #hartfordct #hartfordct #nightphotography #nighttimephotography #instapic #fireworks #fireworks💥 #newyearseve #newyearsfireworks<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/79977486_615614112314915_432540569444641095_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=QEoq807Cc6kAX8cKRxv&oh=1e213d1bec1bd5586f2ed1bf411e6ad6&oe=5EAEDD38' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
<div>via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6xCJRUBTaw/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B6xCJRUBTaw/</a></div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-67920316961563990732019-12-26T19:35:00.001-05:002019-12-26T19:35:27.212-05:00🧣Don Your 🏳️🌈Gay Apparel and 👗Swish the 🤯Stress Away 🥤Slurping on 🥂Eggnog. 🌠Wishing You a Very 🎅Merry 🤶Christmas and the ⛄ Happiest of 🦌Holigays and a 🥳spectacular 🥂New Year!🎄<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/79520802_1442216292621019_1863557351585556630_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=7bDo1t2-19EAX9CVsAJ&oh=bff93ba7538f4fa5abd7d3d4ca2be703&oe=5E8FD550' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
<div>via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6jjELQhweQ/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B6jjELQhweQ/</a></div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-87858663196188081752019-12-22T13:41:00.003-05:002019-12-22T13:41:10.471-05:00And they say @berniesanders doesn't have a sense of #humour ... 😂😂😂😂😂😂 #stillsanders #berniesanders #bernie2020 #bernie #berniesanders2020 #bernieforpotus #potus46 #thefunny #instabernie #instafunny #instalol #lol #rofl #humor #thefunnyisreal #berniehumor #laughalittle<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/77307914_584878308753421_7702578765388530127_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=cf38aSIK2GQAX-DVZIu&oh=b10d1304345d0370d570fdc26aef3dfe&oe=5E76DFAF' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
<div>via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6YpJO1BSUv/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B6YpJO1BSUv/</a></div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-42386354917123181582019-12-22T13:41:00.001-05:002019-12-22T13:41:09.505-05:00A #winter #solstice #blessing for my friends far and near: That was a time to honor The Rebirth of the Sun, to remember the light in the darkest part of the season, with the hope of good things to come, and the promise of a renewed life.<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/e35/79992112_588668778373140_167923401100270756_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=ROgVoswQjHoAX-brma-&oh=60da25f1345cfc1d4b2c3e8f2544721c&oe=5EA6E1AD' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
<div>via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Ym0F1hfPv/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Ym0F1hfPv/</a></div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-19887536263085298902019-12-22T13:11:00.001-05:002019-12-22T13:11:04.082-05:00Happy Winter Solstice!<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/e35/73579089_166611124742930_1453150327431175272_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=D2_K1mYTM3sAX9iJ02Z&oh=14fa4db157e6873f61a35ed8b87ab893&oe=5EAAAF80' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
<div>via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6YkSNph3uS/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B6YkSNph3uS/</a></div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-5789324422782945902019-12-19T13:50:00.001-05:002019-12-19T13:50:06.116-05:00I know how to kick arse. My problem, right now, is finding both the motivation and the energy at youth which to do so. #depressionposts #depressionsucks😔 #depression #depressionhelp #mentalhealth #mentalhealthgonemobile #mentality #mentalillness #mentalhealthawareness #positivity #motivation #motivationalquotes #motivational #inspirationalquotes #inspiration #inspirational #instapiration #instapirational #personalupdate<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/e35/76837788_151259636201614_6692087477350464579_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=GD3c_VtJ8NEAX9bxZ2Z&oh=f29e7b941db48ff408c0abba4914c92c&oe=5E971845' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
<div>via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Q5PYKhJG2/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Q5PYKhJG2/</a></div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-91310331248419858512019-12-07T06:18:00.001-05:002019-12-07T06:18:27.558-05:00Been playing lots of games lately, like @playtika's @slotomania. It helps keep my mind off other things, like missing #mom. Now, if only this were real money... 😱🤯😱👅 @playtika_ltd #playtika #mobilegaming #mentalhealth #copingmechanism #copingskills #coping #copingstrategies #copingwithgrief #dealingwithgrief #dealingwithdepression #depressionposts #depressionsucks😔 #mobilegames #apps #mentalhealthgonemobile<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/74941126_434657440791488_7504244649613230524_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&oh=c957e5407169a976d2996d6139b749a8&oe=5E86E3E0' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
<div>via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5xJAXKBCrj/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B5xJAXKBCrj/</a></div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21711732.post-9084398235158784342019-10-24T22:38:00.001-04:002019-10-24T22:38:34.345-04:00If you have the power to make someone #happy , do it. The world needs more of that. Whom have you made happy this week, and what did you do to make them happy? I think it's a great idea to make someone happy at least once per week (if not more!). It can be someone you know or a completely random stranger. But we should all strive to #makesomeonehappy at least once a week, don't ya think? #thursdaythoughts #happylife #happiness #happinessquotes #happyquotes #happythoughts #kindness #gratitude #gratitude🙏 #positivity #lawofattraction #whattheworldneedsnow #whattheworldneeds #whatweneed #love #spreadlove #spreadhappiness #sharethelove #sharejoy #sharehappiness #letsbehappy<img src='https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/vp/005dfc3f7e3aa60f46fa76abf8471e7a/5E5BE69E/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/70788759_1186332548242635_4981551195874174604_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com' style='max-width:586px;' /><br />
<div>via Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Ba5YrhENv/">https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Ba5YrhENv/</a></div>
Peter C. Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03253275093865817890noreply@blogger.com0