Archive for the 'Neighbor Helping Neighbor' Category
How To Get A Human On The Line
January 10th, 2009 Categories: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
It is frustrating when you call a business and have to go through a barrage of actions to get a human on the line. Listed below are actions to take when calling these businesses and you want to talk to a human.
- Amazon.com: 800 201 7575, don’t press or say anything.
- Cablevision: 800 868 9840, press 1, then 0 at each subsequent prompt.
- Capitol One: 800548 4593, press 0
- Dish Network: 800 333 3474, press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- Equifax: 866 640 2273, press 3 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- Macy’s Credit: 800 280 4356, press 9 then press 0 at each prompt thereafter,
- MasterCard: 800 622 7747, press 000 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- NetFlix: 888 638 3549, press 0 at each prompt.
- Nordstrom: 888 282 6060, this number goes directly to the operator.
- Overstock.com: 800 843 2446, press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- Petco: 888 824 7257, don’t press or say anything.
- Wal-Mart.com: 800 966 6546, press 5 to speak to a customer service rep.
- White House: 202 456 1414, this number goes directly to an operator.
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We’ve Lost Our Compass.
January 1st, 2009 Categories: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Today is the first of the year and I am sitting here musing and like many trying to figure out what went wrong with the year 2008.
It then came to me that we have lost our bearings.
Our problems are decades old and as citizens we have become complacent with the goings on especially when it comes to our institutions.
It is certainly an unraveling feeling when one realizes that the political world has become a haven for the inept. It appears to be a “good old boy network” where connections are more important than doing the work and seeing to the needs of U. S. citizens.
2008 simply has shown that we have been screwing things up for quite some time and we have been taught some lessons with more to come.
Citizens are beginning to recognize that there are only a few people who control and manage the U.S. economy. And these people take actions for political and connection purposes rather than improving and expanding this country’s ideals and enriching individuals.
The citizendry may be wishing and looking forward to a redistribution of wealth in this country. When people think they will get something for free they lose their bearings and it becomes a fetish of “I want more” without consequences. Unfortunately when redistribution is tried the wealthy get wealthier and the poor get poorer. The middle class shrinks.
Many wish not to recognize that our basic institutions have failed US citizens. Be it the Courts, Credit and Bank Institutions, Congressional System or whatever other system you wish to add, they have failed us. These institutions are proving to be as greedy or greedier than the private sector. Again we all saw this for decades but chose to ignore it because it did not impact “me”. If things that we hear and see today were undertaken in the private sector most if not all of the people would be dismissed.
Enron can be viewed as a poster model of excellence when compared to the United States House and Senate and various State legislative bodies. We as a people have placed low expectations on our selves and have become willing accomplices in institutional, governmental and political mediocrity. Illinois and Nevada are examples of how politics works.
Today many think that Government is the savior and willingly give their souls to have government bail them out. There is a thought process that no one can fail and any number of excuses are created to justify government institutionalization of our commerce.
The impact is all around us. It is evident in the government sponsored real estate market started in the 1990’s (a house in every pot).
The associated credit impact we now experience is due to government mis-management.
And the elected people in government who created this mess, now are charged with creating legislation to increase and hold their government flight of fancy. And the United States citizens accept this garbage without complaint. We have put the fox in charge of protecting the chickens.
Recently I heard a “learned professor” outline the great economy of Cuba. People in Cuba are waiting for their government to make them well off. Well nothing constructive has occurred in Cuba for 50 or more years (because, in his opinion, of the United States stand against Castro). It should come as no surprise that it will be another 50 or more years before the Cubans recognize that their government won’t do anything for them.
Venezuela was another great country he suggested that we emulate. I recall my mother telling me that at times “learned people seemingly become so smart that they end up sounding, looking and acting like the stupidest people in the world”.
This “learned individual” also noted how great the health care system was in Canada and suggested that we copy their system. Well from what I hear one has to wait months if not years for an operations in Canada. It is no mystery that Canadians come to the United States for critical operations. So it is beyond me what Canada can offer in the health care system.
In California I recently read of an individual who felt that more money had to be directed to the school system. 60% of this States budget plus how much more from the lottery goes to education. If education were given 100% of the States budget it still would not be enough and the system would remain inferior.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s US Custom agents were being prematurely retired because they would do the right thing and round up illegals. However meat packing plant owners and farmers/ranchers would contact their Congressman or Senator and tell them to stop the raids on their establishments. The Custom agent would then be reassigned or retired to pacify these business and political entities. Today we still have illegals and no one really cares. In many communities there is still the wink, wink when it comes to this problem.
My dad was born in Switzerland; my mother in Ireland. I recall my dad telling me of the hurdles that he had to go through to get into this country. He was 16 when he arrived here and at that time he needed to prove that he had a job and $ 100 in his pocket plus all of the other procedural items to become a citizen.
But he as well as my mother did what they had to do to become citizens. It was their aspiration to do well in this country. Dad spoke German and his English was limited but he focused on learning English. My mother passed away when I was young but my step-mother was German and both parents made it a point that they would speak English to the kids. It was the thing to do in their new home land.
This drive by my parents to become citizens of the United States isn’t as readily evident today by people who come to this country today (often illegally). Today it’s the thing to use our Country simply to get money to send home to their own country. Illegals do not want to become citizens and have been schooled to think they have a right to use our resources in order to better themselves and family’s in their own land. We’ve done a flip-flop.
As a people we are complacent and have allowed ourselves to be used. Recently I read where Gale Sayers (I think it was he) wrote in his book that he kept his perspective by recognizing that there was a God, there were others that he had to serve and then their was him.
Today people see only themselves. There is no God and no others. Yes our children will inherit a great debt but we also leave them the worse of ethics and morals that one generation can give to another.
It was not long ago that a persons word meant something. A handshake was a contract. Today even if written, contracts are challenged as being no contracts. Our legal system and the people who work and use this system have change the rules so that in effect there are no rules.
Connections now are the key to getting things done and at what cost? Re-visit the real estate and mortgage markets and you have an introduction to connections.
Your comments are welcomed.
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Beach Fun and Beach Perils…..
July 4th, 2008 Categories: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
This summer (or any day for that matter) we will go to the beach for a fun time in the water and sun.
But one has to be vigilant, especially if you have young children accompanying you to the beach.
Rip currents; sting rays and hitting the bottom after a wave hit can be trying moments.
Rip Currents. These are powerful channels of water that can pull swimmers (even strong swimmers) from shore.
These currents look like choppy brown rivers flowing out to sea. Swimmers should not panic or exhaust themselves by swimming against these currents. Rather they should escape the current by moving parallel to the shore as illustrated in the picture below.
And of course Mother Nature can introduce some other surprises.
The Sting Ray.
Sting rays will at times bury themselves in the sand, close to the shore line. When walking the shore line shuffle your feet to scare them off. If you do get stung get medical attention quickly.
Fire Rings (not Mother Nature but a Man Made surprise).
Fire rings are coals that have been smoldering over a period of time (usually 24 hours) and are the result of a campfire. Often what happens is that the individuals do take precautions to make sure the coals have been extinguished. But what appears to be out and dead may in fact still have some spark left. If not covered completely by sand or doused with water these coals can ignite again and harm a walker or child playing in the sand. So kids in particular have to be careful of where they step or play in the sand.
Body surfing.
We all enjoy body surfing, or simply walk the surf. But there can be safety issues involved if one is not aware of what the ocean is doing.
Small waves pack tremendous power. These waves can drive a person down into the ocean floor. Serious neck and spinal cord injuries can be a result of being hit with a wave. So swimmers have to be careful when diving head first in the shallows of the ocean. And walkers have to be careful not to be swept up in a wave. Be aware and prepared.
For more details of safety tips, visit the Project Wipeout website sponsored by a Newport Beach hospital at: www.hoaghospital.org/projectwipeout.html. A great portion of this article was premised on this source.
Your comments are welcomed.
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Ventura County Reverse 911-Emergency Public Notification System
July 2nd, 2008 Categories: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
The County of Ventura has announced the official launch of the REVERSE 911® Interactive Community Notification System. The system may be used to deliver alerts when there is a threat to the health or safety of residents in the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and the unincorporated areas of Ventura CountyREVERSE 911® is an outbound notification system used for time-sensitive, mass distribution of emergency messages. The system is particularly effective in times of crisis when rapid communication to a targeted group of citizens or emergency responders is critical. Citizens may be given information regarding evacuation notices, hazardous material releases, community-policing activities or alerts to boil water if necessary. Therefore, when residents receive a REVERSE 911® message, it is important to listen carefully and follow all instructions provided in the alert.
It is also important for residents not to rely on REVERSE 911® notifications as their only means of emergency information. The system may be used in conjunction with information provided to the media, directions given by emergency responders, and information posted on official city, county and government websites.
The REVERSE 911® system is able to send notifications to landline telephones, TTY phones, cellular phones, Voice Over Internet Protocol phones, and e-mail / text addresses. Currently, the Ventura County REVERSE 911® database includes both listed and unlisted landline phone numbers for AT&T and Verizon customers. Residents who want to receive notifications on their cellular, TTY or VoIP phones will need to register online or call the Ventura County Sheriffs Office of Emergency Services at (805) 648-9283.
For more information on REVERSE 911® in Ventura County or to register phone numbers online, residents can click on the Disaster Information link on the County of Ventura homepage (www.countyofventura.org) and select the REVERSE 911® icon. Ventura County REVERSE 911®
(805) 648-9283
reverse911@ventura.org
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Have A Great Vacation But While You Are Away…..
June 23rd, 2008 Categories: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Vacation time is a lot of fun and one would like to keep it that way.
Listed below are some suggestions from www.burglaryprevention.org that can help to protect your home while you are away.
- Ask police to check your home and patrol your neighborhood more closely while you are away.
- Stop mail and newspaper deliveries or have a trusted neighbor collect them while you are away.
- Ask a neighbor to remove any advertising fliers deposited in your mailbox or around your door, driveway or lawn.
- Secure all doors, windows, pet entrances and garage doors.
- Place timers on indoor lamps and appliances to illuminate your home at night.
- Set timer to turn on radios and televisions randomly during the day.
- Check that no bulbs are burned out on your indoor lamps, outdoor lighting fixtures or low-voltage lighting system.
- Arrange to have your lawn mowed.
- Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal appearance.
- Have one trusted friend check you home, inside and out, each day.
- Remove messages from your telephone answering machine daily so that the “beep” is always short.
- Don’t indicate on your outgoing message that you are on vacation.
Have a great vacation.
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Reduced To One Line……
April 19th, 2008 Categories: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Recently I saw a program of a young man who aspired to become a major league pitcher.
However the United States had entered into the Second World War and his services were required.
He became a pilot, was shot down over Germany, his life saved by a German doctor but he lost a leg and spent the war in a concentration camp (Sta-lag).
A fellow prisoner built him a wooden leg so the young man (Bert Shepard) could re-learn how to walk and get rid of the crutches. However Shepard was not satisfied with learning to walk. His goal was to pitch in the major leagues.
Unknowingly he became an inspiration to his fellow prisoners. His exercising and practice pitching gave them hope for a tomorrow.
Upon his return home he had to undergo many corrective surgeries and got a better leg. And continued on his quest to become a pitcher.
With some pull from others he was able to get a tryout with the Washington Senators and made the team.
However his services were limited to pitching to his team mates (batting practice pitching).
On August 4, 1945, with the Senators behind 15-4 to the Red Sox, Bert Shepard (the only person left in the bull pen) became the first and only person to play major league baseball with a wooden leg.
His career line score reads: 0 wins; 0 losses; innings pitched-5 1/3 innings; earned run average 1.69.
Certainly these stats will not get him into the Baseball Hall of Fame. But he did teach us a lesson. He held onto his dream….and become a major league pitcher.
It is great to see and hear “Rocky” type stories of survivalist. Especially today with the real estate mortgage mess and the general economy apparently going south.
Survivalist demonstrate the grit and resilience of people and Americans in general. These are characteristics not un-noticed by other peoples in various countries (which is one of the reasons why many people want to migrate to the United States).
These characteristics are on displayed today by those who have and will lose their homes. Not a pleasant position to be in but in a few years many will again be home owners without notice of their line score. On display as well is that as a people we are trusting and gullible.
These characteristics will be on display by many who will quietly suffer through the significant increases in food and gas cost.
As individuals we are trusting and gullible and take to heart that we are indeed caretakers.
Once we sense that we are being mislead by self serving, chameleon, pandering and self righteous acts of politicians, non-profit institutions, governmental institutions and agenda seeking individuals and causes a new direction, tone and dream will take hold and reduced to one line.
As Americans we rebound quickly and on top. Better days are ahead and soon what we have to go through today will be forgotten by many tomorrow.
These line scores will go un-noticed but grit, resilience and aspirations will be the glue that adds to our characteristic.
Forward to me your comments.
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Get Away Disaster Kit For The Family.
December 13th, 2007 Categories: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has produced a book “Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness” out-lining the most recent emergency education information available at this time.
The guide is designed to help individuals learn how to protect themselves and their families against all types of hazards. Listed below is the recommended disaster supplies kit that should be assembled and available in the event of an emergency.
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Three-day supply of water. One gallon per person, per day.
- Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
- Matches and waterproof container.
- Whistle.
- Extra clothing.
- Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including can opener.
- Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
- Cash and coins.
- Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries.
- Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
- Other items to meet your unique family needs.
If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:
- Jacket or coat.
- Long pants.
- Long sleeve shirt.
- Sturdy shoes.
- Hat, mittens, and scarf.
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).
Keep your assembled emergency kit in a safe place and constantly maintain its contents. Listed below is a guide to keep the family supplies ready and in good condition.
- Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
- Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented or corroded.
- Use foods before they go bad, replace them with fresh supplies.
- Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
- Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
- Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack or a duffel bag.
Consider the following items when putting food supplies together.
- Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
- Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on hand.
- Include any special dietary needs.
Data Source: FEMA: “Are You Ready”. IS-22 / August 2004.
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Save Yourself First. Then Others.
December 12th, 2007 Categories: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Neighborhood Safety Net
Neighborhood Safety Net addresses the tremendous need to assist people to attain a higher degree of self-sufficiency, and to deal with disasters, in an effective program.
I became a sponsor for my immediate neighborhood network after witnessing the inaction of the people living in New Orleans who appeared to be frozen and unable to help themselves. They relied instead on local, state and federal agencies to step in and do everything.
That is not going to happen at least immediately. In a crisis individuals will have to do things for themselves. As the Neighborhood Safety Network program tells us, your obligation is to protect yourself and family first. Once your family is safe then help your immediate neighbor and the elderly. Continue this until all in the neighborhood are accounted for.
Know ahead of time what you have to do. Know where can go and know what assets the neighborhood has to work with. Know who has power saws; trucks; who is a nurse or doctor; what is the emergency police and fire department frequency.
You have to know before hand and not after a disaster occurs. Listed below are the highlights of the program and it is recommended that each neighborhood has their own safety net.
Key Features of the Program.
- Organized Social Interaction
- Evacuation Planning and Drills
- Upwards of 10% reduction in Crime
- Disaster Preparedness Program
- Emergency Communication System
Social Interaction.
Neighbors get to meet and interact with each other – in person at Neighbor Get-Togethers; at safety preparation days; online; as team members.
Neighbor Get-Together – regular events, at neighbors homes, for acquainting, socializing, education.
Safety Preparation Days – set-aside time to work on the reality of making preparedness happen.
Online – interact in a face-based private system – post announcements, share calendars, etc. Team Members – safety teams work together to help prepare themselves, and the neighborhood.
Evacuation Planning and Drills.
Over 60% of residents aren’t ready for emergencies at all, and the rest are basically ill prepared. We guide residents to work with each other, know their own needs, and to be able to act without direction, if need be. Each resident learns how to use their ‘Resource and Needs’ list for emergency first aid, and knows how to use their FRS/GMRS radio back-up system for coordination with, or direction from – Information Officers, City Managers, First Responders, Incident Commanders… Residents learn about the 4 Evacu-Kits – what they are composed of, and how to use them. They log their ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers into all phones for additional coordination, and they use the evac-link private communications system as the key point to obtain any and all messages from disaster, safety and public officials – before, during and after a disaster – specific to their neighborhood; it’s totally unique. Everyone’s in the loop.
Upwards of 10% reduction in Crime.
It’s been documented that just through sending email notifications of crime trends and scams, to a limited number of Neighborhood Watch participants, that crime goes down roughly 6% vis-à-vis similar areas of the same cities, where this email notification is not used. As our CECAS feature adds another powerful element to crime notifications, we expect that reduction in crime to be 10% or more. Instead of reaching a tiny percentage of each neighborhood, this information will reach the majority of people. Everyone has a hand in crime reduction, and now you have an effective way to make it real.
Disaster Preparedness Program.
Disaster preparedness training is provided ongoing, and in ‘bite size’ components, in various settings, and with a number of trainers with expertise in the ‘what, where, when and how’. Together with creative data culled from hundreds or resources, you will now find that ‘there really is a way’ to effectively prepare – and also to have fun doing so!
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