RANT: IN DEFENSE OF STOP AND FRISK

Let's look at the statistics supporting an END to New York's Stop and Frisk program: 

1)  According to the New York Civil Liberties Union, in 2006 the New York City Police Department stopped, questioned and/or frisked over 508,540 people.  This was an increase from 97, 296 four years prior in 2002.  Ten percent of the stops led to summonses or arrests.

2)  Of the 508,540 stopped, 55% were Black and 30% were Latino.  Eleven percent of those stopped were white.

3)  According to the NYCLU study Brownsville's 73rd Precinct and the 28th Precinct in Harlem had a 30-36 percent chance of being stopped and questioned by the police in 2006.

4)  In 2006, 21.5 Blacks were stopped for each arrest of a Black person compared to 18.2 whites stopped for each white arrest.

5)  Cops found guns, drugs and stolen property on whites about twice as often as they did on Black suspects.  Whites were also stopped on suspicion of possessing a weapon at a rate lower than their weapon possession arrest rate.  Blacks were stopped on suspicion of possessing a weapon at a rate greater than their weapon possession arrest rate.  These findings indicate that cops were more unjustified in stopping Black people on suspicion of having weapons.

According to epic.org in February  2010 the NYPD released data on stop and frisks for 2009.  In 2009, 575,304 stop, question and frisk reports were made, which were an increase of 8% from 2008.  Fifty-seven percent of the stops resulted in pat downs or frisks and 9 percent in searches.  Six percent of the stops resulted in arrests.

With statistics like that and knowing, if not on paper but in your heart that there are a lot of racist police officers who are looking to arrest a Black or Latino it is no wonder why there is distrust in the Black community when it comes to the police department.

Recently in my Black Studies class on Civil  Rights a representative spoke regarding joining a group trying to abolish the stop and search program in New York, and they presented similar details to what I just gave.  Trust me there are more stats to support ending this practice and originally I was one of the supporters for it. 

So what changed?

A recent New York Times report helped change my mind.  An interesting study http://projects.nytimes.com/crime/homicides/map  found that there were 4161 homicides in New york City between 2003-2011.  Of those 4161 killings 329 occurred in 2010 and 209 so far this year.

The murder of an elderly man in Bed-Stuy helped to change my mind.  Last month a 79 year old man named Andy Burke was shot to death outside a barber shop at 5:30 in the afternoon.  The shooting was caught on Surveillance video and showed two men chasing after another guy.  Mr. Burke was caught in the crossfire and took a bullet to the neck.

While researching that story the police just arrested suspects in the shooting death of Zurana Horton.  As Ms. Horton was the mother of 13 who was gunned down last week.  She was the unintended target of rival gangs and died after being shot in the chest.  An 11-year-old girl was injured.   Zurana Horton, 34, was picking up a child from P.S. 298 in Brownsville, at

Pitkin Avenue

and

Watkins Street. 

The Labor Day shootings where 67 people were shot, including two police officers and a 56 year old bystander who died from her wounds also made me change my mind.

None of the suspects in any of the crimes were reported to be white.

I am a Black male and though I have never been stopped by the police I know full well of the consequence of being a Black male in this city.  However, I am becoming of a particular age where I am painfully aware of what my own people, particularly the young, can do.  Would "stop and frisk" have saved any of the people who were killed or were even just shot?  Granted with the amount of times the NYPD gets it wrong it is doubtful, but you have to wonder if stop and frisk could make a difference.  Yes, there is the argument for civil rights of young Black and Latinos, mostly male, but what about the rights of the potential victims?  Recent history has shown police error but it also has shown senseless deaths.

There is a little selfishness with this.  As a 46 year old I am less likely to be stopped by the cops than let's say, a 20 year old.  Sadly, according to the NY Times homicide study, most of the homicides from 2003 to 2011 were committed by Black males between 18-24 years of age.  Most of the people in the cases I mentioned were around that age bracket.

The old school argument use to be to protect our youth  from the cops.  And while history shows a disproportionate amount of violence against Blacks and Latinos by the police, who is the greater enemy?  Would more people benefit from the police being more aggressive rather than having rallies to promote non-violence from a group that obviously could care less about it?

WTF News courtesy of NY Daily News

Mom of woman who died shielding kids from bullets IDs daughter's body, struck with grief

BY Matthew Lysiak, Sarah Armaghan and Rich Schapiro
DAILY NEWS WRITERS

Originally Published:Sunday, October 23rd 2011, 4:00 AM
Updated: Sunday, October 23rd 2011, 1:05 PM

Debbie Egan-Chin/News

Denise Peace grieves for her slain daughter Zurana, who was shot to death on Friday.

Zurana Horton

Related News

• $15,000 reward for rooftop gunman

The anguished mother of the Brooklyn woman killed by a stray bullet while protecting several kids made a teary trip to the morgue Saturday to see her daughter's lifeless body.
"That's my baby! My baby is gone!" Denise Peace wailed before leaving her courageous daughter's apartment.
"I can't believe it. I can't believe it."
Zurana Horton, 34, was hailed as a hero Friday after she was shot in the chest while shielding a group of children from bullets fired from a Brownsville rooftop.
Also wounded were 11-year-old Cheanne McKnight, who suffered a grazed right cheek, and Unique Armstead, 31, a Brooklyn mother who was shot in the left arm after picking up her son from Public School 298.
Cops were still hunting for the gunman and a second suspect. The shooting is believed to be gang-related.
By the afternoon, a makeshift memorial honoring Horton had formed at the scene outside Lucky Supermarket on Watkins St., consisting of 14 candles, three stuffed animals and a few cards with handwritten notes inside.
"From a mother to a mother, thank you," one of them read.

A teary O'Niel Vaughn, ex-boyfriend of Zurana Horton and father of eight of her children. (Debbie Egan-Chin/News)
Horton's loved ones said the devoted mother of 13 lived for her children. They ranged in age from 1 to 18.
"She gave her life for those kids, and she would have done it all again because that's just the kind of person she was," said Horton's ex-boyfriend, O'Niel Vaughn, 43, the father of eight of the children, three of whom are disabled.
Vaughn said his children's mother had long talked about moving her family out of the crime-infested neighborhood. She had 14 kids, but lost one to pneumonia three years ago.
"She was worried about the violence," Vaughn said. "She said she wanted to move and buy a house for her kids. Those kids were her life."
Many of Horton's kids still didn't know late yesterday that their mother was dead, Vaughn said.
"I didn't tell the younger kids yet," said Vaughn, who lives with the three disabled kids, while the rest lived with Horton. "The older ones know. They're devastated."
The city medical examiner struck down early reports saying Horton was pregnant when she was killed.
Outside another shrine, set up in front of Horton's home, her pal Wanda Mack recalled how much her friend had doted over her children.
"Every hour on the hour, she came out of her apartment to check on the kids," Mack said.
Horton's cousin Denessa Temple paid tribute to the slain mother, saying she had made the ultimate sacrifice.
"She lived a hero dedicating herself to her children, and she died a hero giving her life to protect children," said Temple, 35. "She was afraid of gun violence. We all are."
Reached at her home last night, Armstead said she was in good spirits and asked for privacy.
"I just want to let everyone know that I'm okay, and I thank everyone for the well wishes," said Armstead, who had a white bandage wrapped around her left arm.
Anyone with information on the shooting should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. There's a $12,000 reward for tips leading to the gunman's arrest.
With Bob Kappstatterand Alex Christodoulides

information on food programs in the Bronx (not verified)

Bronx Meal Programs

Bread of Life Mission, 2176 Grand Concourse, 347-723-0280. Monday, Wednesday and Friday Dinner 5-6:30 p.m.

Come World Ministries, 1034 Prospect Avenue, 718-617-3744, Saturday lunch 12- 2 p.m.

Creston Avenue Baptist Church, 114 East 188th Street, 718-367-1754, Saturday lunch 12-2 p.m.

East 233rd Street Senior Center, 732 East 233rd Street, 718-652-2573, Monday, Wednesday, Friday breakfast: 9:30-10:45 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday lunch: 12-1:30 p.m.

Eastchester Presbyterian Church, 3154 Fish Avenue, 718-320-9568/718-798-9177, Thursday dinner 5-6 p.m.

Give Them To Eat, 800 East 156th Street, 718-993-8961, Satur­day children’s breakfast 8:30-9:30 a.m., Monday-Wednesday elderly lunch 1-4 p.m.

Grace Episcopal Church, 1909 Vyse Avenue, 718-542-1946, Tuesday and Saturday lunch 12-1 p.m.

Grand Concourse SDA Church, 1275 Grand Concourse, 718-681-2232, Tuesday lunch 12-2 p.m.

Greater Universal Baptist Church, 253 East 153rd Street, 718-292-8640/718-585-6998, Wednesday and Friday lunch 12:30-2 p.m.

Holy Tabernacle Church Inc., 3780 Third Avenue, 718-379-1484, Tuesday dinner 4-5:30 p.m. Free computer class Tues­day 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday 5-6:30 p.m. followed by meal.

Immaculate Conception Church, 754 East Gun Hill Road, 718-653-2200, Monday-Friday lunch 1-2 p.m.

Loyal Baptist Church, 881 East 167th Street, 718-409-3160, Thursday lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Montefiore Women’s Center, 3320 Rochambeau Avenue, 718-920-4901, Monday-Friday breakfast 9-11 a.m., Monday-Friday lunch 12-2 p.m.

Part of the Solution, 2763 Webster Avenue, 718-220-4892, Daily lunch 12-3 p.m., Monday-Friday dinner 4-5 p.m.

Salvation Army Bronx Citadel, 425 East 159th Street, 718-665-8473, Monday, Wednesday, Friday lunch 2:15-3 p.m.

Shiloh Temple Pentecostal Church, 719 East 223rd Street, 718-653-6419, Tuesday-Thursday lunch: 12-1 p.m.

Bronx Meal Programs cont’d.

St. Ann’s Church of Morrisania, 295 St. Ann’s Avenue, 718-585-5632, Sunday lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction, 310 Walton Avenue Ste. #201, 718-585-5544 x13, Tuesday-Friday lunch 1-3 p.m.

St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen, 1496 Commonwealth Avenue, 718-931-4040, Saturday lunch 11 a.m.-12 noon.

St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1343 Fulton Avenue, 646-359-6734, Saturday dinner 5-6 p.m.

St. Margaret’s Food Pantry, 940 East 156th Street, 718-589-4430, Sunday breakfast 8-10 a.m., Wednesday dinner 5-7 p.m.

St. Peter’s Church in the Bronx, 427 East 140th Street, 718-402-5510, Saturday lunch 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

United Bronx Parents, 966 Prospect Avenue, 718-991-7100, Daily dinner 3-4 p.m. Tickets distributed at 1:30 p.m.

We Care Community Outreach, 1624 East 172nd Street, 917-447-9506, Monday-Wednesday lunch 12-2 p.m.

Bronx Pantries

Abraham House, Inc., 342 Willis Avenue ,646-431-7337, Sat­urday 6:30-7 a.m. Need ID and proof of head of household.

Abrigo Del Altisimo, 2009 Monterey Avenue, 718-299-5796, Tuesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Picture ID required.

Abundant Life Tabernacle Inc., 2692 3rd Avenue , 718-292-8734. Tuesday-Thursday 12-2 p.m. Call 10:30 a.m. Need picture ID.

Benedict Avenue Community Food Pantry, 2044 Benedict Avenue, 718-518-1460, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8-11 a.m.

Bethel Prayer Ministries, 4262 Third Avenue, 718-329-3189, Monday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Bethel Second Christian Church, 459 Thieriot Avenue, 718-893-3271, Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Black Forum of Co-op City, Inc., 177 Dreiser Loop Room# 20, 718-320-8035, Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bread of Life Mission, 2176 Grand Concourse, 347-723-0280, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Bright Temple A.M.E. Church, 812 Faile Street, 914-329-4890, Every other Thursday, 12 noon until finished. Will also provide on an emergency basis. Call ahead. Bring ID.

Bronx Bible Church, 1326 Morrison Avenue, 212-222-0901, Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bronx Full Gospel Tabernacle, Inc., 4221 Park Avenue, 718-731-6444, Saturday 8-11 a.m.

Bronx Pentecostal Deliverance Church, 1755 Watson Avenue, 718-822-6929, Tuesday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Community Food Pantry at Highbridge, 1272 Ogden Avenue, 718-960-2262, Tuesday and Thursday: 9–11 a.m., Wednesday: 4–6 p.m.

Bronx Pantries cont’d.

Bronx SDA Church, 1695 Washington Avenue, 718-378-4262, Thursday 4-7 p.m.

CAB-Morris Senior Center, 80 East 181st Street, 718-933-5300, Two Fridays a month, first Friday for the seniors, the other Friday is for the community. Call ahead. 1:30-2 p.m.

Cardinal McCloskey, 953 Southern Blvd 3rd Floor, 718-542-0255, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. First 30 people.

Casa De Esperanza, 717 Southern Blvd, 646-224-9310, Monday-Friday 9-10 a.m.

Christ Apostolic Church WOSEM, 1274 Bronx River Avenue, 516-330-1146. Wednesday 7-9 p.m.

Christ Jesus Baptist Church, 870 Bronx Park South, 718-329-1322, Wednesday 12-3 p.m.

Christ The King Church, 141 Marcy Place, 718-538-5546, Saturday 10 a.m.

Church of St. Frances of Rome, 4307 Barnes Avenue, 718-324-5361, Registration on Wednesday required for Friday pick up 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

City of Faith Church of God, 3453 White Plains Road, 718-798-3052, Tuesday 2-5 p.m.

City of Light Christian Center, 105 Rockwood Street, 917-957-4960, Monday 2-4 p.m.

Come World Ministries, 1034 Prospect Avenue, 718-617-3744, Wednesday 9-11 a.m.

Comprehensive Family, 1525 Blondell Avenue, 718-405-8530, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.,

Congregation Yeshiva Telshe Al, 4904 Independence Avenue, 718-601-1681, Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Creston Avenue Baptist Church, 114 East 188th Street, 718-367-1754, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-3 p.m. Bring Photo ID, proof of address.

Davidson Community Center, 2038 Davidson Avenue, 718-731-6360, Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-12 noon

Deeper Life Charities Inc., 213 East 144th Street, 646-710-0207, Saturday 8-11 a.m. Photo ID preferred.

Door of Salvation Ministries, 460 East 134th Street, 718-993-5532, Wednesday and Saturday 12-2 p.m.

El Amanecer De La Esperanza, 1769 East 172nd Street, 718-829-4516, Friday 9 a.m.- 12 noon

Emanuel Pentecostal Faith Church, 1310 Elder Avenue, 718-842-4092, Wednesday 12-2 p.m.

Evangelical Garifuna Church, 344 Brook Avenue, 718-585-6818, Wednesday 9-11 a.m.,

Evangelistic Outreach, Inc., 755 Home Street, 646-327-6254, Saturday 8-9:30 a.m.

Family Worship Center Church of God of Prophecy, 701 E. 212th Street, 914-633-2603, Wednesday 12-1 p.m.

Garden of Prayer, 1874 Washington Avenue, 718-294-3401, Daily 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Gethsemane Baptist Church, 771 Fairmount Place, 718-409-2621, Thursday 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Give Them To Eat, 800 East 156th Street, 718-993-8961, Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ID preferred.

Bronx Pantries cont’d.

Grace Episcopal Church, 1909 Vyse Avenue, 718-542-1946, Tuesday 12-2 p.m. Bring picture I.D.

Grand Concourse SDA Church, 1275 Grand Concourse, 718-681-2232, Tuesday 2:15-4 p.m. Call in the morning for 12:30 to 3 p.m. pickup. Call in case of food emergency.

HANDS Community Center, 330 East 138th Street, 718-402-7866, Wednesday 4-5 p.m. Open weekly, but can only be used monthly. ID per family member required.

Heavenly Vision Christian Center, 2868 Jerome Avenue, 718-220-8124, Tuesday 9-11 a.m.

Holy Cross Church, 600 Soundview Avenue, 718-893-5550, Thursday 9 a.m.-12 noon

Holy Tabernacle Church, 3780 Third Avenue, 718-379-1484, Tuesday 4-5:30 p.m. Bring ID and referral on first visit.

Hope Line, 421 East 155th Street, 718-402-1212, Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m.-12 noon

Housing Options & Geriatric Association Resources, 732 East 152 Street, 718-292-6710, daily 9 a.m.-12 noon

Iglesia Arca De Salvaccion Acym, 1983 Jerome Avenue, 718-294-4237, Saturday 12-4 p.m.

Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal, 3801 Dyre Avenue, 718-653-5085, Daily 12-2:30 p.m. First and fourth week of the month.

Immaculate Conception Church, 754 East Gun Hill Road, 718-653-2200, Every third Saturday. ID required. Call ahead.

Jewish Comm. Council of Pelham Parkway, 2157 Holland Avenue, 718-792-4744, Pantry: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Photo ID preferred; ID for all household members required.

Living Faith International, Inc, 4551 White Plains Road, 347-275-4905, Saturday 10 a.m.-12 noon

Los Redimidos Por La Sangre De Jesus, 609 East 182nd Street, 718-563-7585, Wednesday 1-3 p.m.

Love Gospel Assembly, 2315 Grand Concourse, 718-295-6366, Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Arrive by 9:30 am. First 75 in line are served. Need Photo ID and IDs for children if more than two. Each client may visit once a month.

Missionary Church of Christ, 937 Teller Avenue, 718-588-4545, Wednesday 9-11 a.m.

Montefiore Women’s Center, 3320 Rochambeau Avenue, 718-920-4901, Pantry: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mosaic Beacon Alianza Dominican, 1257 Ogden Avenue, 718-590-0101, Pantry: Every other Tuesday and Thursday: 4-6 p.m.

Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 1682 Morris Avenue, 718-294-8580, Every other Thursday: 1-3 p.m.

New Covenant Faith and Miracle Arena, 1175 Boston Road, 718-328-6072, Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

New Pilgrim Community Baptist Church, 490 East 165th Street, 347-835-9803, Wednesday 1:30-3:30 p.

pantry information in the Bronx (link)

http://www.iahh.org/files/pdf/streetsheets/food-bronx.pdf

On a personal note: Post death

Since April I have asked myself from time to time how I have made it emotionally since Dad passed away.  To be honest I really don't know.  Initially I (truthfully) said that I made peace with Dad's passing almost as soon as it happened.  And I still have that peace and I am actually thankful things went the way it did.  Dad was in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease and the future with that ailment is very bleak and extremely sad.  He had broken his arm and was spending time in a rehab facility.  Had he survived the heart attack it would have made his situation even worse than it was.  Had I been early in visiting him I would have seen him pass.  I let him know I loved him every day he was alive and I did the best I could for him so aside from being unable to cure Alzheimer's I had no regrets.  He was 83 when he passed and since I appreciated him while I was able to I have no regrets, thus I made peace.

However, missing him and the mourning process can be a bitch.

Even though I appreciated my Dad I wasn't fully aware of how special he was.  I am finding that a lot of my values come from him....even though I am very much the opposite of him.  Dad was a family man and I am not.  Dad kept in touch with people and I generally do not.  However his value system was unique and I try to follow it. 

For instance, Dad always believed in doing the right thing, and for the right reason.  It is one thing for example to help an elderly lady across the street but to Dad you helped her because it was the right thing to do and not because you wanted praise from someone.  You help a person with their groceries because they need help and not because you think you will get a tip.  I try my best to follow that example.  Whatever I do for others I do my best to just do it and not look for thanks from the individual I assisted.  Yes, hearing a "thank you" is always gratifying but not the chief reason I do what I do. 

Seven months post death I still miss some of the things that may have irritated me about Dad.  As the sickness progressed his attention span wasn't the same.  He'd get up for the smallest reason instead of eating.  He would worry about me worrying about him and I would get annoyed.  I miss that.  I am still not used to an empty apartment and cooking for just myself.  And I wonder if I will ever get past that.

God spares her life my Mom will turn 84 in December. And  as much as I love knowing that I get to see her grow older and wiser I often wonder if this is a blessing or a curse.  As she has gotten older she is a little more difficult to deal with.  She insists on handling her own affairs even though she forgets bills and at times her own health.  And unlike Dad, Mom is less likely to work with you.  Dad at least would get quiet and try to work with you.

I try to be as patient with Mom as I was with dad but it is difficult.  Worse thing is I find myself being paranoid.  I am waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak,  and for Mom to suddenly pass away.  I am guess that is normal especially since I just lost one elderly parent.

I guess the point of this entry (I know there isn't much of one) is that no matter how much you TRY to prepare and/or accept the loss of a loved one and in particular, a parent, it is not impossible, but it is an extremely had and trying process.  I have yet to listen to messages dating back to March.  There are people who knew Dad that still don't know.  And I still have to mail out copies of the obituary.  Just don't want to deal with it.

courtesy GAWKER.com

NYPD in Super Racist Cop Shocker, Again

By Hamilton Nolan

A few weeks ago, we were all shocked to learn for the very first time that the NYPD harbors some racists. Well, it's worse than we thought; some police will apparently lie about being racist. Police... lying? That's not legal!
NYPD officer Michael Daragjati, a genius of The Law, didn't know that the FBI was tapping his phones in an insurance fraud investigation. Turns out he was a horrible lying racist bastard cop, as well! Now he's been indicted for roughing up a black man on Staten Island and charging him with resisting arrest, just because he (Michael Daragjati) is a fundamentally racist jerk, allegedly. He also enjoyed sharing his opinions on the phone. From the NY Post:
The next day, the FBI also intercepted a call that Daragjati made to a female friend in which he discussed the bust.
"Another n——- fried, no big deal," Daragjati told the woman, who responded by laughing...
In one call, Daragjati was discussing the difficulty of loading a motorcycle into the high bed of a pickup truck, prosecutors say. Daragjati suggested that his friend "pile some n——-s up and drive it over them,"
Now who's on "The Wire," you racist prick, allegedly? It's cops like Michael Daragjati who are giving Americans the mistaken impression that the NYPD is the most racist den of racists ever to don police uniforms and harass minorities for sport. Christ, even the LAPD is tolerant enough for officers to have sex with prisoners, on the job. Get it together, New York.
Melting pot!

On a personal note: Still remembered

Today is my off Monday (I get every other Monday off) so I washed some clothes this morning.  I won't get a chance this week and on Saturday I should be going to Providence Rhode Island.

Normally the laundry room downstairs is almost empty during the morning and today was no exception.  The only other person down there for a while was an older West Indian woman in her 50s.  She was drying her clothes when I got there.  We didn't say anything to each other until she was almost ready to leave.  Then she approached me as I was sitting down.

"Excuse me, I haven't seen that gentleman around lately".
"Pardon"
"There was a gentleman who would come down with you sometimes.  The older gentleman"
"Yes?"
"Was that your father?"
"Oh, yes"
"Oh I remembered an older gentleman but I hadn't seen him in a while..."
"Yes that was my father"
"Is he ok or.."
"No. He passed away in March"
"Oh I am so sorry to hear that.  I THOUGHT I had seen a picture of him earlier this year but I wasn't sure".
"Yes, he passed away.  He hurt himself late last year and was in a rehab facility.  Unfortunately he had a heart attack in March and passed away".

The lady apologized again, packed her laundry and eventually left. From time to time I still get condolences from neighbors and it's been seven months.  It doesn't bother me.  In fact I am pleased that so many people knew him or knew of him and they felt compelled to approach me.  There are people I hardly know who will speak to me regarding Dad.  That shows the impact he had.  He left his mark and I can only hope I can do the same in my life.

WTF NEWS: 100 pound scrotum

from GAWKER.com

http://gawker.com/5850790/man-with-100+pound-scrotum-cant-afford-1-million-surgery

Man With 100-Pound Scrotum Can’t Afford $1 Million Surgery

Whether you're seeking a new source of inspiration or just in need of some perspective, Wesley Warren Jr. has got what probably got what you need. But do you have what Wesley Warren Jr. needs? Uh, that would be $1 million to purchase the corrective procedure he needs to make his scrotum normal-sized again.

Since 2008 Warren, a 47-year-old Las Vegas resident, has been suffering from scrotal lymphedema—a condition that has made his scrotum swell up with watery fluid to weigh more than 100 pounds. He carries around a milk crate and pillow to rest his oversize body part upon, and because of the extra weight has trouble breathing and walking. He can't work, deals with uncontrollable urination, gets strange looks from passersby, suffers from depression (related in large part to his condition), and stays at home most of the time. He feels like "a freak." Yet he soldiers on, fighting off suicidal thoughts ("I'm too strong for that," he says) and laughing, however uneasily, at his predicament.
Nobody's really sure what caused Warren's scrotum to swell, which adds an extra element of horror to his situation. Warren believes a traumatic incident is to blame, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports:

What Warren attributes his condition to is an accidental striking of his testicles by his own leg as he twisted and turned upon awakening from a sleep in late 2008.

"I never felt such pain," he said. "It was like a shooting pain through my entire body. When it stopped, it was like a huge tractor trailer went off the top of me. I think it ruined my lymph nodes down there."

The pain quickly went away but he said the next morning when he awoke his scrotum was "the size of a soccer ball." Warren's been on antibiotics and medications, but doctors have told him that he needs surgery to resolve his problem. Doctors at UCLA say they can perform the "seven-figure" operation, but Warren's Nevada Medicaid won't cover it—so he's got to pay for the surgery himself. Doctors can't even predict that the surgery will be successful; castration ultimately might be necessary. But Warren wants to see if the surgery will work before losing his testicles and penis forever, so he's set up an email address to collect donations and has begun publicizing his condition.

America's health care system is still the best in the world.

UPDATE

Lately I have just been posting on my blog but I haven't been writing much.  My mind has been cluttered with work and stuff with Mom.  This will change.  I will be writing more stuff as the days go by.  Stay tuned...

HOMELESS NEWS: Food pantry link

While doing research on the web I came across a site that might be helpful for those looking for food.  The site itself lists pantries all in New York City so if you click the link and read you should find information in an area close to where you are.  As always please use this information to help someone who is not as fortunate as you.
http://www.informationforfamilies.org/Theres_No_Place_Like_Home/Home.html

My professional bio

My informal resume:

Name:  Jonathan Gibbs
Age:  46
Resides:  Bronx, NY
Current Employment: legal clerk for the Department of Homeland Security
High School:  Park West High School (NYC)
Colleges:  Medgar Evers, Virginia Union University, Kingsborough Commuity College, City College of New York, California State University at Sacramento
Degree:  Associates in Journalism
Employment:  Sleepaway camps, telemarketing, middle schools, public relations, and the government
Journalism background:  Various scholastic and community publications including  New Youth Connections (1982-84), Park West News (1982), Virginia Union University Campus Informer (1985-86), Kingsborough Community College Scepter, City College Campus News, Cal State Sacramento (1991), Black Reign News
Best job(s):  James Rutter Middle School, New Youth Connections, Black Reign, Scepter, Little League Coach, Campus News

What "ON THE FENCE" is about

ON THE FENCE is my newest blog that will deal with social/political issues, but will focus mostly on the social.  This blog is obviously different from my previous two (check the links for my other blogs).  I will continue to write about elder care issues as well as issues involving the homeless, only now I don't have to worry about writing two separate blogs.  I can be more flexible with this and write about a wider range of topics.  To be honest it was difficult keeping up with REAL TALK and INVISIBLE ACTS.  I would get an idea for one or the other and not touch the blog for weeks.  Now I can write about whatever I feel a passion for, like TROY DAVIS or politics in general.

I chose the title ON THE FENCE mostly because I tend to be on the fence about almost everything.  I tend to be very middle of the road as you will see in a few upcoming blogs about the STOP AND FRISK policy here in New York.  Ultimately I do make decisions and take stances but I am not very extreme with my politics and other positions.  My mind is very flexible.  A little like Chris Rock when he talked about himself in his stand up a few years back.  He said that when it comes to prostitution he is liberal, when it comes to crime he is conservative.  I am just like that.

Whatever position I do take though I hope you write and agree or disagree or at least understand.
Lastly,  since I combined past ideas into this blog I will title each blog so readers will have a good idea of at least the topic I am talking about:

ELDER CARE NEWS:  News regarding elder care news and issues they encounter
HOMELESS NEWS:  News regarding the homeless and issues they encounter
WTF NEWS:  Weird news from around trhe country
OTHER NEWS:  News from around the country onvarious issies like the death penalty
PERSONAL RANTS:  formerly ON A PERSONAL NOTE, my own personal ish
STATISTICS:  Stats on any issue
FYI LIVING ISSUES:  Links and phone numbers for people in need
FYI ELDER CARE ISSUES:  Links regarding the elderly and elder care

WTF NEWS: Plastic surgery to look like Superman

courtesy:  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/10/man-undergoes-plastic-surgery-to-look-like-superman/

By Christina Caron

Oct 6, 2011 7:51am

Man Undergoes Plastic Surgery to Look Like Superman

Herbert Chavez says he wants to look like comic book hero Superman. (Bandila)

Not even kryptonite could keep Herbert Chavez, 35, from pursuing his dream to look like Superman.
News service Bandila recently profiled Chavez, who lives in the Philippines and has been going under the knife since 1995. He now has a cleft chin, a thinner nose (to mimic actor Christopher Reeves’ nose), fatter lips (from silicone injections) and thigh implants.  Based on the before and after pictures, there appear to have been other surgeries as well.
His apartment is decorated with memorabilia featuring the Man of Steel, including pillows, photos and life-sized statues.
RealSelf.com, a website offering consumer reviews and expert Q&A about cosmetic procedures, translated many of the story’s details, including that Chavez is a “pageant trainer.”
Given the frequency of Chavez’s surgeries, it’s not surprising that one psychologist in Bandila’s report said he might have body dysmorphic disorder, defined by the Mayo Clinic as a chronic mental illness “in which you can’t stop thinking about a flaw with your appearance.”

STATISTICS: Stop and Frisk

courtesy  http://epic.org/privacy/stopandfrisk/

 

New York's Stop-and-Frisk Database and Privacy

Introduction

New York State Criminal Procedure law Article 140.50 allows a police officer to stop, question and frisk a person s/he reasonably suspects has committed, is committing or is about to commit a felony or misdemeanor. During a stop, the officer may demand the individual’s name, address, and an explanation of his/her conduct. If an individual is stopped, questioned and frisked, an officer fills out a "stop-and-frisk report," a UF-250 form. The UF-250 Form requires officers to document personal information such as the individual’s name, address, age, gender, race and physical description. Even if an individual is not arrested, such personal information is then retained by the Police Department and recorded in a database.
In February 2010, the New York Police Department (NYPD) released data on stop-and-frisks for 2009. In 2009, 575,304 Stop, Question and Frisk Reports were made, an 8 percent increase from the stops recorded in 2008. Fifty-seven percent of the stops resulted in pat-downs or frisks, and 9 percent in searches. There were 7,612 weapons recovered, up 9.2 percent from the 6,970 recovered in 2008. Six percent of stops resulted in arrests, which is close to the 5 percent that resulted in arrest in 2008. Summons were issued in 6.2 percent of stops in 2009, compared to 6.4 percent in 2008. African-Americans were the subjects of 55 percent of the stops (53 percent in 2008) and were 66 percent of the violent crime suspects (68 percent in 2008). Hispanics were 32 percent of the stop subjects (33 percent in 2008) and were 27 percent of the violent crime suspects (24 percent in 2008). Whites were 10 percent of the stop subjects (11 percent in 2008) and 5 percent of the violent crime suspects (5 percent in 2008). Lastly, Asians were 3 percent of the stop subjects and 2 percent of the violent crime suspects, which was the same in 2008.

Background

The New York City Council expressed concern after the NYPD released 2006 statistics on stop-and-frisks. The NYPD recruited the RAND Center on Quality Policing to analyze the data. Subsequently, the RAND Center issued a report analyzing data from 2006. The report found that the 506,491 stops documented in 2006, was quite large, implying six stops for every 100 residents of New York City. Only ten percent of these stops resulted in an actual arrest or summons. Lastly, African Americans were stopped in 53 percent of the incidents, Hispanics in 29 percent and Whites in 11 percent.
In July 2007, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) made a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the NYPD to disclose information in its electronic database detailing police stops. On May 29, 2008, the Supreme Court of the State of New York ordered the NYPD to disclose this information. From this data, the NYCLU found that in 2004, 315,483 New Yorkers were stopped and 279,754 (89 percent) were innocent. In 2005, 399,043 New Yorkers were stopped and 351,842 (88 percent) were innocent. In 2006, 508,540 New Yorkers were stopped and 458,104 (90 percent) were innocent. In 2007, 468,732 New Yorkers were stopped and 407,923 (87 percent) were innocent.

The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) filed a class action lawsuit against the NYPD and City of New York (Floyd v. City of New York) on January 31, 2008, alleging racial profiling and unconstitutional stop-and-frisks. In Floyd, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered the NYPD to provide its stop-and-frisk data from 1998 through the first half of 2008 to the CCR. From this data, the CCR made the following preliminary findings: From 2005 through the first half of 2008, the NYPD made 1,648,769 stops, 81 percent of which were stops of African-Americans and Latinos, and 11 percent were of Whites. Between 2005 and June 2008, a total of 775,428 stops made resulted in frisks. From this number 85 percent were African-American and Latino and 8 percent were White. From 2005 through June 2008, arrest rates remained low for all racial groups.

NYPD's Database and Privacy

From 2005 to 2009, the NYPD's use of stop-and-frisk procedures increased, leading to the collection of more personal information on individuals who are innocent of any crime. EPIC has opposed identification requirements for individuals where probable cause is lacking. In November 2001, EPIC, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and 14 legal scholars filed an amicus curiae brief (PDF) in Watchtower Bible v. Stratton, arguing that an ordinance requiring door-to-door petitioners to obtain a permit and identify themselves upon demand violates the right of anonymity inherent in the First Amendment's free speech guarantee. Additionally, EPIC submitted a statement (PDF) in March 2007 to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary cautioning against new photo identification requirements for federal elections. Without evidence of an actual problem, such requirements could discourage legal voters. More recently, on March 3, 2010, EPIC filed an amicus curiae brief in Doe v. Reed, arguing that forced disclosure of the names of citizens who have signed petitions for ballot initiatives would subject signatories to the risk of retribution, that signing petitions constitutes anonymous speech, and that signing petitions is similar to casting a vote and should be protected accordingly. Furthermore, the NYPD's practice of collecting personal information in a stop, question and frisk situation also relates to similar privacy issues raised in Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial District Court of Nevada, a case adjudicating whether individuals must identify themselves to law enforcement officers.
The NYPD's retention of stop, question and frisk data results in the collection of New Yorkers' personal information, which is then subject to dissemination to other government agencies and fusion centers. For more information on fusion center data collection and privacy risks, see: EPIC v. Virginia Department of State Police: Fusion Center Secrecy Bill. Collection of personal information data by the NYPD also raises concerns over disclosure of this information to third parties
Whenever government agencies collect personal information, the systems are at risk for data breaches. Sensitive information could be hacked, lost or disseminated. For example, in June 2006, personal information, including Social Security numbers, data about 1.1 million active-duty military personnel, was stolen from the Department of Veterans Affairs. In May 2006, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lost a hard drive containing biographic data (Social Security numbers) and financial data on 100,000 employees. EPIC has also documented that government databases are riddled with errors, and that dissemination of inaccurate information can harm citizens. In Herring v. US, the police searched and arrested Bennie Dean Herring based on incorrect information in a government database. Furthermore, in 2003, the Justice Department administratively discharged the FBI of its statutory duty to secure the accuracy and completeness of criminal records maintained in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. EPIC's amicus brief (PDF) in Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial District Court of Nevada, discusses how existing information systems, such as the NCIC, act as systems of public surveillance even though they are filled with errors.

Resources

• NYPD's 2009 Data on Stop, Question and Frisk, February 2010
• NYPD's 2003-2007 Data on Stop, Question and Frisk
• Analysis of Racial Disparities in the New York Police Department's Stop, Question and Frisk Practices, The RAND Center on Quality Policing, 2007
• CCR's Report on Racial Disparity in NYPD Stop-and-Frisks and Underlying Data

News Articles

• The N.Y.P.D. Is Watching Certain People, Bob Herbert, The New York Times, March 3, 2010
• Frisky Business, Tala Dowlatshahi, Examiner, February 20, 2010
• Questions on N.Y.P.D.'s 'Stop-and-Frisk', Editorial, The New York Times, February 18, 2010
• Police stop-and-frisks soar by leaps and bounds to record high, John Lauinger, New York Daily News, February 17, 2010
• Stop-frisk record, Tim Perone, New York Post, February 17, 2010
• NYPD Stop and Frisks Jump in 2009, 87 Percent of People Stopped Were Black and Hispanic, Heather Grossman, DNAinfo.com, February 16, 2010

NEWS: Andy Rooney

I am not writing this entry because I am some huge fan of Andy Rooney.  I actually haven't watched or listened to him in years.  Double digit years.  However I do remember watching him on 60 Minutes a few times as his segment would close out the broadcast.  His essays were usually a change of pace from the rest of the broadcast.  I found the man crotchety but I did enjoy his occasional cynicism and dry wit.  But like I said I am not writing this entry because I was a fan.  I am writing because I liked the style.  The man was on the program week after week and he had an opinion about some topic and as he would say he didn't care if you liked him for it one way or the other.  Now that may be a bit of an overstatement since he did say in his last TV appearance that he did care what people thought.  My point is that Rooney took a stand and had an opinion and he didn't let public opinion stop him or overly influence him.  He may have appeared crotchety but you could depend on him to have a definite view.  In my personal writings I tend to constantly be on the fence.  A lot of times it's because I often don't have a radical opinion.  In fact on most issues I am very middle of the road.  I tend to see both sides of an issue.  However to be a successful writer I need to take a few more risks and be a little more controversial.  So I will say good luck to the 92 year old Rooney.  Maybe I can learn something from his more than 50 years in journalism.



courtesy the Washington Post

‘60 Minutes’ says goodbye to loveable crumudgeon Andy Rooney

By Cara Kelly, Monday, October 3, 5:55 PM

Andy Rooney concluded his final essay for “60 Minutes” last night in front of an audience that may have reached more than 17 million viewers. Early Nielson reports show about 17.4 million people turned in for the CBS broadcast, although those stats don’t account for the NFL overrun into the program’s typical 7 p.m. timeslot.
The appearance was Rooney’s 1,097th essay for the newsmag broadcast, which was proceeded by an interview with Morley Shafer.
The seasoned writer’s final segment was similar to most of his work over the past three decades, says Elizabeth Flock of BlogPost:
 In typical curmudgeon fashion, Rooney, 92, told viewers in a final message that if they saw him out and about to leave him alone. ”Please, just let me eat my dinner,” he said.

But Lisa de Moraes of The TV Column found some softer spots:
In an unusually non-crotchety final commentary, Rooney told viewers, “Not many people in this world are as lucky as I’ve been.”
“I’ve done a lot of complaining here, but I can’t complain about my life,” the 92-year-old commentator added.

De Moraes estimated the show pulled in about 16 million viewers for the farewell edition, which would be up by around 3 million than this season’s debut episode. Lara Logan’s interview with free-solo rock climber Alex Honnold aired earlier in the broadcast. Logan and camera crews captured an unbelievable feat by Honnold, who climbed the sheet face of Sentinel Mountain in Yosemite National Park without any ropes or protection.

WTF news

Former death row chef offers to cook free meals for the condemned - CNN.com By Lateef Mungin , CNN 2011-10-02T12:07:29Z

Former death row chef offers to cook free meals for the condemned

By Lateef Mungin, CNN

updated 9:42 AM EST, Sun October 2, 2011

(CNN) -- A former death row chef says he will pay for and cook every last meal for condemned inmates himself, after Texas announced it was stopping the tradition.

"We should not get rid of the last meal," said Brian Price, an ex-convict who spent a decade in Texas preparing last meals for the condemned. "Justice is going to be served when this person is executed, but can we not show our softer side? Our compassionate side?"

Last week's audacious last meal request by killer Russell Brewer was the last straw for some in Texas.

Brewer was executed September 21 for his role in the infamous racially motivated 1998 dragging death of James Byrd Jr.

His last meal request was for two chicken-fried steaks smothered in gravy with sliced onions, a triple-meat bacon cheeseburger, a cheese omelet with other ingredients, a large bowl of fried okra with ketchup, three fajitas, a pint of Blue Bell ice cream and a pound of barbecue with a half-loaf of white bread.

Just for good measure, Brewer added a slab of peanut butter fudge with crushed peanuts, a pizza and three root beers.

Then he ate none of it. Not a bite.

"Enough is enough," said Texas state Sen. John Whitmire, a day after the execution. "It is extremely inappropriate to give a person sentenced to death such a privilege -- one which the perpetrator did not provide to their victim."

Texas prison officials agreed with Whitmire, immediately halting the tradition of letting an inmate about to be executed choose the menu for his or her last meal.

"Texas has always been coldhearted about these type of things," said Price. "Not to minimize these crimes, the majority of them have earned their place at that dinner table. But with my offer it would not cost Texas taxpayers anything."

Price said he knows all too well the angst some in Texas may feel about baking cakes or grilling steaks for the perpetrators of some of the most heinous crimes in the state.

Price dealt with the same feelings years ago during a 14-year prison term for assault. His job in the facility included cooking meals to fill the sometimes extravagant requests of men who were about to be executed.

"I used to research the crimes and wonder, 'How could I prepare a meal for this guy?'" Price said.

Price had little empathy for the convicts on death row until he had a conversation with Manny Lopez, an inmate who was tasked with cleaning the death chamber after executions.

"Manny told me that cleaning the blood off the gurney did not affect him," Price said. "He said what got to him was washing the handprints, smeared lipstick, tear stains off the windows of the witness room where the man's family was watching him die."

Price said he began to imagine if the people on death row were his family members.

"I would just act like it was my brother who was going to be on that gurney, and then I would cook," Price said.

He wrote about his experiences and the almost 200 meals he prepared in a book titled "Meals to Die For."

Since leaving prison he has opened a restaurant and married. He says he thinks about his conversation with Lopez often and he really wants to keep the tradition of a last meal alive.

But it seems that Texas will not take Price up on his offer.

"While we appreciate Mr. Price's offer, it's not the cost but more the concept that we're moving away from," said Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Jason Clark.

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