Thursday, August 25, 2011
DailyDDoSe™ 4/11/09 @ElyssaD™
Barbara Ehrenreich Forum
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
MODIFIED FROM THE ORIGINAL POST... IT WAS IN FACT "THE WORST DAY EVER"
We live in a society where one accepts responsibility for their mistakes, no one is held accountable for their actions, ao one EVER says they are sorry.
Let me you a small glimpse inside the day in the of the und/underemployed:
I spend day after day after may doing the same thing without any result: I can only offer you a glimpse into day in the life because there io room left to sit in my car, and I believe my apartment may actually be a fire hazard... This was my daily update posted at 7:30am:
I have done everything humanly possible to clean up the slack, however, I feel I have no other choice than to file a formal complaint so that my entire case is reviewed. The number of mistakes are so overwhelming that I simply don't have enough time to documents each and every one with the respective agency.
I will try to be more specific later without going into too much detail, but unfortunately, that level of detail is required to file the necessary appeals. Ironic huh? This apartment is like my own little cage, and I am just pathetic enough to run around in circles, hoping to find the much like a hamster wheel, rodent chasing in circles hoping to found my way out my way out before I run out air. If only I had finished my damn PhD, I would do my own case study or reality show on how far we'll go to have nothing at all...
I have taken care of the subrogation claim, however, that does bot minimize my level of frustration because I am DROWNING in paperwork. I have contacted several agencies to assistance such as the Disability Law and Advocacy Center, however, I do not have the resources necessary to provide them with timely response. There is a very limited time allowed to Request Reconsideration, or file an appeal.
I also want to be clear that every time I have to call Social Security or DHS, it only compounds my cost of living expenses (40 cents per minute on the telephone -- a bill which is not even considered to be a justifiable expense) Most agencies do not include self-addressed stamped envelopes, and I can not afford the postage required to mail out all of the requested documentation (e.g., utility bills, medical bills, pay stubs, etc.)
Fortunately, a number of agencies will take online complaints. Unfortunately, my internet was interrupted for non-payment for several weeks and their is no funding resource or community agency that provides subsidized Internet access or free printer ink.
Transportation costs are ridiculous so going to the library is not an option. Neither is returning to work right now, since it would cost too much to get to the interview or provide official (expensive) copies of my graduate school transcirpts that were oh, such a good investment!
Set aside, I am not the most user friendly person right about now, so I have found it difficult to put on a happy face so I can work at McDonald's which pays more than Metro anyway.
The subrogation claim has been resolved but I just learned that my breast biopsy was not pre-authorized and I was told by my INSURANCE CSR (the person who answers the phone!!!) that I should not have the surgery that has already been scheduled at the Women's Hospital for 8/21/2008. AmeriChoice (United HealthCare) did they did not authorize the biopsy last month, and have not, as of yet, received a request prior authorization for the surgery next week...
This was a lovely 54 minute conversation because he would not mail me copies of my EOBs or confirm that what, if any, requests have been submitted for payment since my last inquiry and change of address. He finally told me to call the state (Tennessee) which I have already done several times, and they told me to call Social Security but it was already past business hours and I am not authorized to make changes to my file anyway.
I'll be in touch when I can. Unfortunately each agency has different deadlines, and it takes a lot of energy and time to scan in, copy, or respond to each inquiry in writing, so I find myself running out of time since I can't seem to get anything done unless I just do nothing at all.
And even though my life is a living hell, I have almost learned how to enjoy the sheer irony of it all... for someone with OCD and post-traumatic stress, this is truly a ridiculous little experiment.
I am becoming increasingly inspired to just burn every last document I own, throw away my keys and my cell phone and take Spotty some place where we can live off the land and ignore the fact that society has me chained to a computer screen that screen that does provide the basic necessities I need to live in this .
I have come this far, and I am becoming rather skilled and at expressing myself without needing an audience or the obsessive need to check every fact, throw, and typo for capitalization and perfection.
So for now... I write.
Maybe later, I'll read, but if there is any justice left in this world, someday, I'll actually live.
Good-bye for now. I need a break.
With love,Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Cell: (615) 424-8810
E-mail: elyssa.durant@columbia.edu
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (cookie)
Posted: 11:34:17 pm on 9/3/2008 Modified: Never
Elyssa
I feel for you but am finding it hard to understand your situation where you can't afford money to print necessary forms or afford bus fair to a public library. Please understand that I am not doubting what you say, but rather that what you describe is a pretty desperate circumstance.
Have you tried asking for lawyer assistance pro bono? I checked for you. The Nashville bar offers a Pro Bono program for certain circumstances, and it would seem that you meet the criteria. Check out
http://www.nashbar.org/forpublic.htm
They prefer an email but if that's too uncertain for you you could try them via phone or physical address:
315 Union Street, Suite 800 Nashville, TN 37201
Phone:
615-242-9272
Things may seem grim but don't drown yourself in a negative spiral. Keep your mind pinned on the positive.
Best of luck to you.
Cookie
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (FedUp)
Posted: 7:19:19 pm on 9/10/2008 Modified: Never
No offense, but that was my first thought: you can't afford bus fare, phone minutes or paper/ink, yet you still have internet access?
Are you still in your apartment?
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (Elyssa Durant)
Posted: 7:14:03 pm on 9/11/2008 Modified: Never
My first thought: You're kidding, right?
My second thought:
Poor thing just deosn't get it...
Take a look at "Good Fences" available online
http://www.nycvoices.org/article_1132.php
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Cell: (615) 424-8810
E-mail: elyssa.durant@columbia.edu
"The paradox of education is precisely this-- that as one begins to
become educated, one begins to examine the society in which he [or
she] is being educated." - Baldwin
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (MLCC)
Posted: 3:21:44 pm on 9/12/2008 Modified: Never
It's the government. Gather your paperwork, make an appointment, haul it down there for them to make a copy of whatever they need. Might be nice if you typed up an itemized summary of whatever they are most interested in gleaning from said paperwork so they might not copy the whole darn pile so trees and taxpayer monies can be saved.
While in need you trade time for assistance (money, food, healthcare) because you have 40-60 hours that most working adults do not have. Spend that 40-60 hours helping others to help you. I hardly think that is asking too much. No free lunches without something in trade.
What really boggles my mind is that there are people out there who cannot afford these simple things that refuse to get out there and take a couple of jobs, any job, doing anything just to get money in their pocket. The illegals manage despite lack of English competency, what is the matter with these people?
Just an ant that can't comprehend grasshopper attitudes.
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (paperpusher666)
Posted: 4:34:42 pm on 9/12/2008 Modified: 4:35:32 pm on 9/12/2008
Ever hear of Kitty Genovese? She was murdered in New York City about 50 years ago while at least a dozen of her neighbors watched, so the indifference of our neighbors is nothing new. NO ONE called the cops.
To a large extent, the rewards are on the side of being indifferent to our neighbors. Many people are petty enough to find ways to punish us for criticizing what they do, so we put up with noisy neighbors. In my building, I have learned that the annoying neighbors will be gone soon enough. Of the other three apartments on my floor, every one has turned over at least once in the year that i've been there. Part of the reason is that we have a lot of military families, but a larger reason is eviction. People are in a lot more debt than we think.
It's also hard to ask for help, particularly when you think that you should be doing better, given your education. From what I've read, the biggest help for someone with OCD is to have a structured environment. I'm at the start of helping a friend who has OCD de-hoard his house. It will take months, but the thing that really makes the process painful and slow is his inability to decide to throw something out. I'm a believer in cognitive behavioral therapy, but that takes time and effort that he is not willing to apply. If one can let bulk mail pile up for seven years, the odds are pretty good that most of it is out of date by now, but that's not how he sees it. The hard part will be his basement, six hundred square feet of crap, piled five feet high.
Making Ends Meet When You Can't the Paper? (Elyssa Durant)
Posted: 10:50:56 pm on 2/3/2009 Modified: Never
Nashville Bar Association and / or Legal Aid have both reviewed my case, and though I meet the eligibility criteria to obtain services, I found them to be very diasorganized in the application process. And simply could not do anything I hadn't already tried...
Limits federal limits for financial and certainly qualify for servies under various ADA protected categories, but what people don't realize is this... All I need is a actual, LIVING-WAGE job.
Trust me, they are harder to find than you might think.
I am certainly far below the income threshold and meet all eligibility requirements for various programs, but all I really want is the opportunity to be judged on my merits-- not be forced to identify myself as a recipient of federal funds so that corporation can CLAIM the welfare to work reduction.
Thanks, but no. I do qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation but the state messed up records so badly that I have absoultely no idea what the status of my PASS application is.
Pro-bono and nonprofits community agencies simply are not set up to deal with such complicated inter-related and complex issues. Legal Aid and TPA have both reviwed and evaluated the status of my case.
Neither handle bankruptcy, student loan disputes, or ERISA disputes. The Disability Law and Advocacy Center did not show up to a scheduled negotiation. My designated representative succeeeded at doing one thing: consitently missing every single possible filing deadline regardless of the how many times I called, wrote, or complained for over three years.
That is negligence in my book.
Forgive me for saying so, but those are "advocates" I could do without. It would be nice if I could find someone who is professional enough to at least show up when THEY are being paid.
It would be so much easier if I could, in fact, find a real paying job, however despite my best efforts, I have found very few people who can be sensitive to my situation and allow reasonable accomodations that are my no means too, too disruptive or annoying.
Unfortuantely I will never meet the criteria of a rank and file employee, however I'm starting to think that maybe employers are not making the best of decisions when I look at how many of them are closing up shop. I need a job that pays, in full, on time, and does not mind my attentiomn (or obsession) to detail.
I even once got fired from Red Lobster the management felt I was "not Red Lobster Material." All in all, I guess that is not such a bad thing, because when I planned goals for myself, I cannot honestly say that being "Red Lobster Material" was not anywhere near the top of my list!
Unforutnately, good intent does not translate into the ability to pay salaries or related expenses such as INTERNET, telephone access or even basic transportation and realted expenses.
I am finding out that there are so many more people out there like myself who are "out-the-door ready and willing to go to work" were it not for the sinking economy and underwhelming job forecasts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
I have tried looking at this from every angle, but the bottom line is this: I NEED A JOB!
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I will no doubt be revisit your rsuggestions when I attempt to file my taxes again through the VITA program.
Sincerely yours,
Elyssa Durant
Nashville, Tennessee
E-mail: ed70@columbia.edu
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (Elyssa Durant)
Posted: 10:58:37 pm on 2/3/2009 Modified: 11:06:45 pm on 2/3/2009
How did I miss this refreshing post?
Thank you so much for not doubting my efforts and sincerity when I tell you I've tried.
I know exactly how much money I am costing society, but what I have not done is abuse the system any more than it has abused me.
Surely, we all know that it is easy to skate by in American on less than $600 a month. And trust me if you have ANY illness when you go into the system, you will be so far beyond normal by the time you are through. assuming that is, that you are one the privileged elite who can meet their criteria and be poor like me!
I must be pretty freakin dumb if I thought I could try.
Thank you.
Elyssa
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (Elyssa Durant)
Posted: 11:06:03 pm on 2/3/2009 Modified: Never
Do you still feel I am abusing the welfare system by paying for internet access? Because I would so love it you could donate some wifi access to anyoneother than myself so others can ennjoy that elusive privilege of speaking loud. Surely someone can donate wifi to all us who should go without voice or recognition for using our words on the government's dime. Yeah, I guess you are right, I don't deserve internet access. It makes me angry to see comments like yours that insult my intelligeence and my sense of humor.
Whatever. If it makes you feel any better, I hope you feel just fine.
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (new_wave_princes)
Posted: 12:18:21 am on 4/14/2009 Modified: Never
So you are on welfare, can't afford paper, but can afford computer? No, I don't feel sorry for you. You probably just don't want to work.
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (hagofall)
Posted: 6:33:44 pm on 4/16/2009 Modified: Never
I wonder if "new wave..." checks up on whether he's been read? (I know I do.) I think your (nwp) response in "this" category is kind of reprehensible but in "others" you appear more reasonable--still very angry. So, you are the more newly kicked around and definitely feeling sorry for only your own ilk? Not to mention, we, none of us, want to look pathetic, pride is there and it, somtimes, makes it all the more complex, yes? no?....
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (new_wave_princes)
Posted: 9:58:29 pm on 4/16/2009 Modified: 9:59:37 pm on 4/16/2009
Hagofall, I have no idea what you are asking. I just think it's wrong that she manages to have internet on welfare but not paper. Her priorities are out of whack. Not one thing I've read about her mentions actually looking for any kind of job. I too have a MA, but I'll take what I can get, and not take welfare.
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (hagofall)
Posted: 8:56:33 am on 4/17/2009 Modified: Never
There are a lot of things going on here, for one, Bait and Switch might be a more appropriate forum for Elyssa. Not that it matters that much. People are just getting it off their chests. But the people Barbara Ehrenreich writes about in Nickeled and Dimed have always been poor and working. What I love greatly about BE's books is the writing and I am laughing through out. Irony keeps me going. But some people aren't like me in this and aren't we all so vastly different when you look at the details? When it comes to what we write via the internet, that is where we seem more alike--in our ideas. Ideas vs. realities.
Anyway, nobody is going to argue with the numbers. I'll venture to say that there have never been enough jobs for all the people who need them. And now? My local internet "help wanted" site showed 250 jobs with 18,000 job seekers. And this was before all hell broke loose. And don't forget there is competition for low wage jobs too.
I am fascinated with how people survive. As far as I am concerned nothing is a piece of cake when you're one us, us being the majority of human beings.
And New Wave Prince, I'll apologize , because I thought you were being mean but instead we just have different ideas.
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (paperpusher666)
Posted: 2:17:36 pm on 4/23/2009 Modified: Never
Most libraries give you internet access for free. It might be limited to an hour or two a day, but you can get it for free.
There are currently 1339 members registered on Barbara Ehrenreich Forum.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
MODIFIED FROM THE ORIGINAL POST... IT WAS IN FACT "THE WORST DAY EVER"
We live in a society where one accepts responsibility for their mistakes, no one is held accountable for their actions, ao one EVER says they are sorry.
Let me you a small glimpse inside the day in the of the und/underemployed:
I spend day after day after may doing the same thing without any result: I can only offer you a glimpse into day in the life because there io room left to sit in my car, and I believe my apartment may actually be a fire hazard... This was my daily update posted at 7:30am:
I have done everything humanly possible to clean up the slack, however, I feel I have no other choice than to file a formal complaint so that my entire case is reviewed. The number of mistakes are so overwhelming that I simply don't have enough time to documents each and every one with the respective agency.
I will try to be more specific later without going into too much detail, but unfortunately, that level of detail is required to file the necessary appeals. Ironic huh? This apartment is like my own little cage, and I am just pathetic enough to run around in circles, hoping to find the much like a hamster wheel, rodent chasing in circles hoping to found my way out my way out before I run out air. If only I had finished my damn PhD, I would do my own case study or reality show on how far we'll go to have nothing at all...
I have taken care of the subrogation claim, however, that does bot minimize my level of frustration because I am DROWNING in paperwork. I have contacted several agencies to assistance such as the Disability Law and Advocacy Center, however, I do not have the resources necessary to provide them with timely response. There is a very limited time allowed to Request Reconsideration, or file an appeal.
I also want to be clear that every time I have to call Social Security or DHS, it only compounds my cost of living expenses (40 cents per minute on the telephone -- a bill which is not even considered to be a justifiable expense) Most agencies do not include self-addressed stamped envelopes, and I can not afford the postage required to mail out all of the requested documentation (e.g., utility bills, medical bills, pay stubs, etc.)
Fortunately, a number of agencies will take online complaints. Unfortunately, my internet was interrupted for non-payment for several weeks and their is no funding resource or community agency that provides subsidized Internet access or free printer ink.
Transportation costs are ridiculous so going to the library is not an option. Neither is returning to work right now, since it would cost too much to get to the interview or provide official (expensive) copies of my graduate school transcirpts that were oh, such a good investment!
Set aside, I am not the most user friendly person right about now, so I have found it difficult to put on a happy face so I can work at McDonald's which pays more than Metro anyway.
The subrogation claim has been resolved but I just learned that my breast biopsy was not pre-authorized and I was told by my INSURANCE CSR (the person who answers the phone!!!) that I should not have the surgery that has already been scheduled at the Women's Hospital for 8/21/2008. AmeriChoice (United HealthCare) did they did not authorize the biopsy last month, and have not, as of yet, received a request prior authorization for the surgery next week...
This was a lovely 54 minute conversation because he would not mail me copies of my EOBs or confirm that what, if any, requests have been submitted for payment since my last inquiry and change of address. He finally told me to call the state (Tennessee) which I have already done several times, and they told me to call Social Security but it was already past business hours and I am not authorized to make changes to my file anyway.
I'll be in touch when I can. Unfortunately each agency has different deadlines, and it takes a lot of energy and time to scan in, copy, or respond to each inquiry in writing, so I find myself running out of time since I can't seem to get anything done unless I just do nothing at all.
And even though my life is a living hell, I have almost learned how to enjoy the sheer irony of it all... for someone with OCD and post-traumatic stress, this is truly a ridiculous little experiment.
I am becoming increasingly inspired to just burn every last document I own, throw away my keys and my cell phone and take Spotty some place where we can live off the land and ignore the fact that society has me chained to a computer screen that screen that does provide the basic necessities I need to live in this .
I have come this far, and I am becoming rather skilled and at expressing myself without needing an audience or the obsessive need to check every fact, throw, and typo for capitalization and perfection.
So for now... I write.
Maybe later, I'll read, but if there is any justice left in this world, someday, I'll actually live.
Good-bye for now. I need a break.
With love,Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Cell: (615) 424-8810
E-mail: elyssa.durant@columbia.edu
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
"The paradox of education is precisely this-- that as one begins to
become educated, one begins to examine the society in which he [or
she] is being educated." - Baldwin
Nashville, Tennessee
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (cookie)
Posted: 11:34:17 pm on 9/3/2008 Modified: Never
Elyssa
I feel for you but am finding it hard to understand your situation where you can't afford money to print necessary forms or afford bus fair to a public library. Please understand that I am not doubting what you say, but rather that what you describe is a pretty desperate circumstance.
Have you tried asking for lawyer assistance pro bono? I checked for you. The Nashville bar offers a Pro Bono program for certain circumstances, and it would seem that you meet the criteria. Check out
http://www.nashbar.org/forpublic.htm
They prefer an email but if that's too uncertain for you you could try them via phone or physical address:
315 Union Street, Suite 800 Nashville, TN 37201
Phone:
615-242-9272
Things may seem grim but don't drown yourself in a negative spiral. Keep your mind pinned on the positive.
Best of luck to you.
Cookie
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (FedUp)
Posted: 7:19:19 pm on 9/10/2008 Modified: Never
No offense, but that was my first thought: you can't afford bus fare, phone minutes or paper/ink, yet you still have internet access?
Are you still in your apartment?
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (Elyssa Durant)
Posted: 7:14:03 pm on 9/11/2008 Modified: Never
My first thought: You're kidding, right?
My second thought:
Poor thing just deosn't get it...
Take a look at "Good Fences" available online
http://www.nycvoices.org/article_1132.php
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Cell: (615) 424-8810
E-mail: elyssa.durant@columbia.edu
"The paradox of education is precisely this-- that as one begins to
become educated, one begins to examine the society in which he [or
she] is being educated." - Baldwin
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (MLCC)
Posted: 3:21:44 pm on 9/12/2008 Modified: Never
It's the government. Gather your paperwork, make an appointment, haul it down there for them to make a copy of whatever they need. Might be nice if you typed up an itemized summary of whatever they are most interested in gleaning from said paperwork so they might not copy the whole darn pile so trees and taxpayer monies can be saved.
While in need you trade time for assistance (money, food, healthcare) because you have 40-60 hours that most working adults do not have. Spend that 40-60 hours helping others to help you. I hardly think that is asking too much. No free lunches without something in trade.
What really boggles my mind is that there are people out there who cannot afford these simple things that refuse to get out there and take a couple of jobs, any job, doing anything just to get money in their pocket. The illegals manage despite lack of English competency, what is the matter with these people?
Just an ant that can't comprehend grasshopper attitudes.
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (paperpusher666)
Posted: 4:34:42 pm on 9/12/2008 Modified: 4:35:32 pm on 9/12/2008
Ever hear of Kitty Genovese? She was murdered in New York City about 50 years ago while at least a dozen of her neighbors watched, so the indifference of our neighbors is nothing new. NO ONE called the cops.
To a large extent, the rewards are on the side of being indifferent to our neighbors. Many people are petty enough to find ways to punish us for criticizing what they do, so we put up with noisy neighbors. In my building, I have learned that the annoying neighbors will be gone soon enough. Of the other three apartments on my floor, every one has turned over at least once in the year that i've been there. Part of the reason is that we have a lot of military families, but a larger reason is eviction. People are in a lot more debt than we think.
It's also hard to ask for help, particularly when you think that you should be doing better, given your education. From what I've read, the biggest help for someone with OCD is to have a structured environment. I'm at the start of helping a friend who has OCD de-hoard his house. It will take months, but the thing that really makes the process painful and slow is his inability to decide to throw something out. I'm a believer in cognitive behavioral therapy, but that takes time and effort that he is not willing to apply. If one can let bulk mail pile up for seven years, the odds are pretty good that most of it is out of date by now, but that's not how he sees it. The hard part will be his basement, six hundred square feet of crap, piled five feet high.
Making Ends Meet When You Can't the Paper? (Elyssa Durant)
Posted: 10:50:56 pm on 2/3/2009 Modified: Never
Nashville Bar Association and / or Legal Aid have both reviewed my case, and though I meet the eligibility criteria to obtain services, I found them to be very diasorganized in the application process. And simply could not do anything I hadn't already tried...
Limits federal limits for financial and certainly qualify for servies under various ADA protected categories, but what people don't realize is this... All I need is a actual, LIVING-WAGE job.
Trust me, they are harder to find than you might think.
I am certainly far below the income threshold and meet all eligibility requirements for various programs, but all I really want is the opportunity to be judged on my merits-- not be forced to identify myself as a recipient of federal funds so that corporation can CLAIM the welfare to work reduction.
Thanks, but no. I do qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation but the state messed up records so badly that I have absoultely no idea what the status of my PASS application is.
Pro-bono and nonprofits community agencies simply are not set up to deal with such complicated inter-related and complex issues. Legal Aid and TPA have both reviwed and evaluated the status of my case.
Neither handle bankruptcy, student loan disputes, or ERISA disputes. The Disability Law and Advocacy Center did not show up to a scheduled negotiation. My designated representative succeeeded at doing one thing: consitently missing every single possible filing deadline regardless of the how many times I called, wrote, or complained for over three years.
That is negligence in my book.
Forgive me for saying so, but those are "advocates" I could do without. It would be nice if I could find someone who is professional enough to at least show up when THEY are being paid.
It would be so much easier if I could, in fact, find a real paying job, however despite my best efforts, I have found very few people who can be sensitive to my situation and allow reasonable accomodations that are my no means too, too disruptive or annoying.
Unfortuantely I will never meet the criteria of a rank and file employee, however I'm starting to think that maybe employers are not making the best of decisions when I look at how many of them are closing up shop. I need a job that pays, in full, on time, and does not mind my attentiomn (or obsession) to detail.
I even once got fired from Red Lobster the management felt I was "not Red Lobster Material." All in all, I guess that is not such a bad thing, because when I planned goals for myself, I cannot honestly say that being "Red Lobster Material" was not anywhere near the top of my list!
Unforutnately, good intent does not translate into the ability to pay salaries or related expenses such as INTERNET, telephone access or even basic transportation and realted expenses.
I am finding out that there are so many more people out there like myself who are "out-the-door ready and willing to go to work" were it not for the sinking economy and underwhelming job forecasts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
I have tried looking at this from every angle, but the bottom line is this: I NEED A JOB!
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I will no doubt be revisit your rsuggestions when I attempt to file my taxes again through the VITA program.
Sincerely yours,
Elyssa Durant
Nashville, Tennessee
E-mail: ed70@columbia.edu
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (Elyssa Durant)
Posted: 10:58:37 pm on 2/3/2009 Modified: 11:06:45 pm on 2/3/2009
How did I miss this refreshing post?
Thank you so much for not doubting my efforts and sincerity when I tell you I've tried.
I know exactly how much money I am costing society, but what I have not done is abuse the system any more than it has abused me.
Surely, we all know that it is easy to skate by in American on less than $600 a month. And trust me if you have ANY illness when you go into the system, you will be so far beyond normal by the time you are through. assuming that is, that you are one the privileged elite who can meet their criteria and be poor like me!
I must be pretty freakin dumb if I thought I could try.
Thank you.
Elyssa
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (Elyssa Durant)
Posted: 11:06:03 pm on 2/3/2009 Modified: Never
Do you still feel I am abusing the welfare system by paying for internet access? Because I would so love it you could donate some wifi access to anyoneother than myself so others can ennjoy that elusive privilege of speaking loud. Surely someone can donate wifi to all us who should go without voice or recognition for using our words on the government's dime. Yeah, I guess you are right, I don't deserve internet access. It makes me angry to see comments like yours that insult my intelligeence and my sense of humor.
Whatever. If it makes you feel any better, I hope you feel just fine.
Elyssa Durant, Ed.M.
Nashville, Tennessee
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (new_wave_princes)
Posted: 12:18:21 am on 4/14/2009 Modified: Never
So you are on welfare, can't afford paper, but can afford computer? No, I don't feel sorry for you. You probably just don't want to work.
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (hagofall)
Posted: 6:33:44 pm on 4/16/2009 Modified: Never
I wonder if "new wave..." checks up on whether he's been read? (I know I do.) I think your (nwp) response in "this" category is kind of reprehensible but in "others" you appear more reasonable--still very angry. So, you are the more newly kicked around and definitely feeling sorry for only your own ilk? Not to mention, we, none of us, want to look pathetic, pride is there and it, somtimes, makes it all the more complex, yes? no?....
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (new_wave_princes)
Posted: 9:58:29 pm on 4/16/2009 Modified: 9:59:37 pm on 4/16/2009
Hagofall, I have no idea what you are asking. I just think it's wrong that she manages to have internet on welfare but not paper. Her priorities are out of whack. Not one thing I've read about her mentions actually looking for any kind of job. I too have a MA, but I'll take what I can get, and not take welfare.
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (hagofall)
Posted: 8:56:33 am on 4/17/2009 Modified: Never
There are a lot of things going on here, for one, Bait and Switch might be a more appropriate forum for Elyssa. Not that it matters that much. People are just getting it off their chests. But the people Barbara Ehrenreich writes about in Nickeled and Dimed have always been poor and working. What I love greatly about BE's books is the writing and I am laughing through out. Irony keeps me going. But some people aren't like me in this and aren't we all so vastly different when you look at the details? When it comes to what we write via the internet, that is where we seem more alike--in our ideas. Ideas vs. realities.
Anyway, nobody is going to argue with the numbers. I'll venture to say that there have never been enough jobs for all the people who need them. And now? My local internet "help wanted" site showed 250 jobs with 18,000 job seekers. And this was before all hell broke loose. And don't forget there is competition for low wage jobs too.
I am fascinated with how people survive. As far as I am concerned nothing is a piece of cake when you're one us, us being the majority of human beings.
And New Wave Prince, I'll apologize , because I thought you were being mean but instead we just have different ideas.
Re: Making Ends Meet When You Can't Afford the Paper (paperpusher666)
Posted: 2:17:36 pm on 4/23/2009 Modified: Never
Most libraries give you internet access for free. It might be limited to an hour or two a day, but you can get it for free.
There are currently 1339 members registered on Barbara Ehrenreich Forum.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The Excavator: R.I.P. Marc Parent, A Great InfoWarrior
R.I.P. Marc Parent, A Great InfoWarrior
I am so shocked and saddened that Marc Parent, whose twitter account @mparent77772 was a great and unique source of information and news, died from cancer on March 28, 2011 at the age of 59. Legacy.com:PARENT, Marc Joseph Claude March 16, 1952 - March 28, 2011 On March 28, 2011, Marc Parent of Edmonton peacefully passed away at the age of 59 years. He is survived by his children, Ryan, Jason and Megan; mother Colette Parent-Savaria (Leo-Paul); two sisters, Suzanne (Len) Buchniak and Lorraine (James) Hook as well as one brother, Pierre, and nephews and nieces.I can't believe I learned this today, four months after his death. I noticed Marc didn't post any new tweets a while ago but I just thought he went offline and stopped using twitter. I guess I subconsciously held out hope that he would rethink his decision and start raising awareness again on twitter. But that turned out to be wishful thinking.This is an unbelievable loss. My condolences go to his family and friends. Marc will be missed by many. He heroically used his energies on the internet to wake people up to the corrupt new world order, 9/11 truth, and other disturbing realities. I ways always thankful when he spread my articles on his twitter account. His contributions will not be forgotten. Through his dedicated activism he sparked many lights that will never go out, and he helped to show the way out of the darkness of ignorance. He was a great citizen and a great infowarrior. May he rest in peace.
The Excavator: R.I.P. Marc Parent, A Great InfoWarrior http://bit.ly/qyyrxy
All Rights pReserved © 2010-2011 by proxy for Marc Parent, InfoWarrior
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:25
Colin Powell demands answers over false Iraq intel http://bit.ly/fB5YwZ
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38257779122638848
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:24
Serious doubt cast on FBI's anthrax case against Bruce Ivins http://bit.ly/enXqBe
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38257412146204672
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:22
Police search home of murdered former Pentagon official http://reut.rs/fOTy7h
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38256906761932800
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:20
In sharp reversal, U.S. agrees to rebuke Israel in Security Council http://bit.ly/fX0jBR
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38256461846937600
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:18
U.S. Government Shuts Down 84,000 Websites, ‘By Mistake’ http://bit.ly/gl7aMp
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38255951303675904
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:16
Busted: Fox News GOP Congressman Ron Paul Video Deception http://bit.ly/f2P1aM
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38255552790265856
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:13
Iran funeral triggers new clashes http://bit.ly/hKQAO9
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38254821584674817
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:12
The massacre behind the revolution http://bit.ly/hzRPWl
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38254519229874177
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:12
The massacre behind the revolution http://bit.ly/hzRPWl
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38254518894329856
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:11
Social networks, social revolution http://bit.ly/fGjUZW
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38254300085886976
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:10
'Day of rage' kicks off in Libya http://bit.ly/hAKUA4
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38254035341410304
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:09
Clashes rock Bahraini capital http://bit.ly/emIUw0
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38253662711062528
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/17/11 9:08
Live Blog - Bahrain | Pro-reform demonstrations turn deadly http://bit.ly/gb4Crz
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38253505621794816
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/16/11 21:26
Bedouins Barricaded in Cemetery as Israel Demolishes Village for 17th Time http://bit.ly/e0yo1m
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38076773870600192
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/16/11 21:24
The Limits of Social Movements http://bit.ly/geJtx0
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38076363051114496
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/16/11 21:18
Why Isn't Wall Street in Jail? | Rolling Stone Politics http://bit.ly/fFGJPl
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38074672037761024
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/16/11 21:16
What Is Wrong With The U.S. Economy? Here Are 10 Economic Charts That Will Blow Your Mind http://bit.ly/gFtQZC
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/38074306600640512
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/16/11 11:14
Rahm Emanuel Offers $2,500 For Identity Of Foul-Mouthed Twitter Imposter http://huff.to/fW9LBf
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/37922781395951616
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/14/11 10:11
TSA refusal to release body scanner safety reports has many crying foul http://bit.ly/fFnUHs
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/37182114109587457
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/13/11 9:27
Pakistan issues arrest warrant for Pervez Musharraf http://bbc.in/eQWN0K
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/36808629608775680
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/13/11 9:24
Egyptian military dissolves parliament http://bbc.in/hugKcd
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/36807968099926016
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/13/11 7:45
Twitter, Facebook shuttered as thousands protest in Algeria http://bit.ly/gtBWIv
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/36782898128355328
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/10/11 20:13
Egyptian army 'torturing' prisoners http://bit.ly/h6cSM4
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/35884141857734656
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/10/11 20:12
Mubarak stays, Egypt erupts in rage http://bit.ly/gNHCt3
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/35883953688678400
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/10/11 20:04
Defiant Mubarak refuses to resign http://bit.ly/gZJeH0
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/35881934844329984
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/10/11 20:03
World sceptical of Mubarak's speech http://bit.ly/gbRSOu
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/35881523664130048
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/5/11 15:22
Pro-democracy protesters cannot leave Tahrir Square http://exm.nr/gkAzP3
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/33998800058056704
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/5/11 14:28
Bush cancels Switzerland visit under threat of protests, efforts to arrest him http://bit.ly/hP1XLb
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/33985344495951872
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/1/11 8:19
US army to send aerial backup to Sinai http://bit.ly/eFAdHd
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32442962608656384
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/1/11 8:17
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair John Kerry calls on Egyptian President Mubarak to step down http://nyti.ms/hHDgFp
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32442322796945408
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/1/11 7:12
March of a Million: Latest pics from Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt http://bit.ly/hkZfxu
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32426013325529088
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/1/11 7:06
Jordan's King Abdullah dismisses government in the wake of protests in Jordan http://bit.ly/fSpXvU
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32424673845186560
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/1/11 6:59
Egypt protests: Major protests mark day eight (Live updates) http://wapo.st/hxXsUi
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32422870583869441
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/1/11 6:58
Turkish PM backs Egypt protesters - Al Jazeera English http://bit.ly/fn3Bf0
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32422569307013120
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/1/11 4:03
Was Spying On Us In The Pledge? | By Andrew Sullivan http://bit.ly/fgqj35
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32378538787082240
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):2/1/11 3:45
Live blog Feb 1 - Egypt protests | Al Jazeera Blogs http://bit.ly/gNyMk2
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32373915468697601
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 22:26
The Organic Elite Surrenders to Monsanto: What Now? http://bit.ly/hMeYDX
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32293658401185792
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 22:25
Nearly 11 Percent of US Houses Empty - CNBC http://bit.ly/enZ3Kw
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32293315374219264
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 22:19
PressTV - 'Israeli troops swarm Lebanon border' http://bit.ly/hzBDRo
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32291863704633344
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 22:16
Monster winter storm takes aim at one-third of US - Forbes http://bit.ly/fl85jX
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32291125460992000
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 22:10
Microsoft security flaw 'affects 900m people using Internet Explorer' http://bit.ly/e8mHUF
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32289673887883264
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 22:09
How Journalists Are Using Social Media to Report on the Egyptian Demonstrations http://on.mash.to/gBEg96
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32289290931146752
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 22:04
How To Help Egypt Get Online (note NOOR net now off) http://huff.to/dQn9WL
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32288054693601280
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 22:02
How Egyptians Can Tweet Without the Internet http://rww.to/ig6ZRl
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32287589683695616
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:57
Egypt's last Internet provider goes dark http://bit.ly/evRWKZ
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32286322018230273
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:54
Can Governments Really 'Block' Twitter? | Foreign Policy http://bit.ly/f4CSkE
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32285690632863744
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:47
It is currently 5:46am Tuesday, Feb 1 (EET) - Time in Cairo, Egypt
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32283793242988544
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:34
What’s Behind the Tumult in Egypt? | FPJ (alternate opinion) http://bit.ly/eGcA4L
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32280585980354560
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:26
Flashback: Egypt ruling party informed of alleged Israeli Nile water plot http://bit.ly/eJn2Zf
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32278577093279744
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:22
Chaos reigns at Cairo airport - Al Jazeera English http://bit.ly/h3I5A3
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32277688194441216
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:22
Al Jazeera English: Live Video Stream - Watch Now http://bit.ly/hOkR2R
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32277507927441408
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:17
Mubarak's deputy linked to CIA program | Herald Sun http://bit.ly/hxKLt5
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32276442561650689
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:17
Egypt's Internet service blockade unprecedented - USATODAY http://usat.ly/dVhQIE
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32276277448671232
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:16
Western Allies See Mubarak's Exit - WSJ http://on.wsj.com/eOB3A2
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32276020035850240
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:15
Live blog Feb 1 - Egypt protests | Al Jazeera Blogs http://bit.ly/gNyMk2
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32275743157264384
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:14
Egypt Shuts Down Mobile Phone Networks Again http://bit.ly/htVdg4
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32275500541935616
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:13
U.S. setting up Egypt spy chief to replace Mubarak: WikiLeaks http://bit.ly/hcOQTd
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32275372770856960
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:11
US Ambassador to China Resigns http://bit.ly/eBcKfh
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32274814479638528
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 21:09
Egypt a "mess" made by U.S. intervention http://bit.ly/fCWgqe
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32274424086401024
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 19:39
RT @Michael_Yon: Egypt: Speak to Tweet Experts helping Egyptians beat the 'blackout'. (h/t Mary Beth) http://fb.me/TJIFvbST
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32251643265286144
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 18:53
Judge Vinson rules Obamacare unconstitutional http://bit.ly/gI3nwj
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32240196997087234
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 18:53
The Extreme Activism Of Judge Vinson http://bit.ly/g6fZ4R
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32240022962839552
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 18:43
Google and Twitter hook up to allow Egyptians to Tweet http://bit.ly/gn72TY
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32237560977686528
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 12:21
Egypt’s Class Conflict | Informed Comment http://bit.ly/gNd3M8
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32141497260314624
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 7:30
"Very disturbing findings" in chemical tests of Gulf residents -- Bleeding from ears http://bit.ly/gXSuzG
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32068128238215168
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 7:24
EFF Uncovers Widespread FBI Intelligence Violations...40,000 of them http://bit.ly/e8v0eu
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32066732281569280
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 7:04
All train services stopped in Egypt. This is to stop people from descending on Cairo for tomorrow's march http://bit.ly/iblnzb
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32061752447336449
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 7:01
World Revolution Made in America. The Biggest Battlefield yet to come will be in the USA http://bit.ly/fbt67s
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32060808275959808
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 6:57
Live Messages from Egypt | Al Jazeera Blogs http://bit.ly/h2Xvqg
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32059883410952192
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 6:57
Live blog 31/1 - Egypt protests | Al Jazeera Blogs http://bit.ly/dMHGHJ
https://twitter.com/mparent77772/status/32059790330957824
Marc Parent (@mparent77772):1/31/11 6:52
State TV: Egypt president announces new government http://yhoo.it/gf2lhQ
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