Michele

Well played, BV...well played. It's very telling, to say the least, no? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm wondering what happened to that guy who had $90,000 is his freezer... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

He's estactic. She's not. And he's huge! (ahem...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

So I was looking through some shots I had taken a week or so ago, and I decided to post this one. The "back story" to this shot...he had been fighting for his goal with great determination, intensity, and focus; crowds cheering both sides, evasions and elusions succeeded...but finally, he scored. It's not perfect. There's motion blur, there's lots of exposure issues, and there are other technical things wrong with this particular shot over all. But it made me laugh. But note the look on his face. Enjoy! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Darlin, you have all the vibes I've got to spare...good to see you 'round here on occasion...hope all is well with you. Sounds like it is! Good luck, prayers, vibes, wishes, and crossed toes... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Morning, Marc. Sorry to hear that. A few things you can do right now which will help the issue. 1. Contact all credit reporting agencies. Have them place an alert on your credit report, and also have them contact you if someone tries to open a credit card account in your name. They will call and verify, if asked, that you have opened that card. Also, request a copy of all three reports, and make sure there is no extraneous things floating around on them...you can get one free per year per reporting agency; this is a good time to use that freebie. 2. Police don't really do much for identity theft. It's a sad fact, but it is the way it is. Maybe tomorrow you can go into the station, and insist on filling out a police report...and ask that they send it forward to the State of the crime. Alternatively, you can call the police department in the town where she lives, and file over the phone. It's a jurisdictional thing, from what I can tell, so take it to the jurisdiction the crime happened in. 3. Call her phone company, and turn off the phone. Since it's your social, you can do that without problem. Inform them of the theft, as well, so they are on alert for future issues. You also might want to see if you have utility accounts under your social, and get them turned off, as well. 4. Telling your daughter won't solve anything. It's so very easy to say something which will damage her relationship, and she will find out soon enough - if she hasn't already - that her Mom is not a "good" person. This will be something to talk about when your daughter brings up concerns about Mom's behavior...and she will, once she's made the discovery. And that discovery will be made, no doubt. May not be this week, month, year, or even in the next 5 years...but your daughter will figure it out. So don't tell her unless/until she asks, or Mom is arrested (unlikely). So very sorry to hear all this. You guys have been through so much with this woman... Best to you and Anne. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, rather expensive in fact...although I do love Belgium. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Interesting. Not sure what's going on, but it may be that some terrorist cells have stepped up activity in response to recent releases of tapes and videos from AQ. Could be also that AQ is now perceived as a toothless monster, not able to attack effectively, and so cells are operating on their own (more likely in the Canadian plot, but still possible here). May be that there are standing orders to "do it" when there is time enough and cash...and these cells are now deciding it's time and have the money to produce. It may also be that surreptitious wiretapping, email viewing, and standard surveillance procedures are producing results, and creating the leads necessary to thwart these attacks before they happen. Could be a combination of all of that...or none of that. Dunno, and doubt we'll find out. I thank God that both the Canadian and Britain police forces were able to take measures before any attack occurred...because it would have been terrible to see them. And frankly, I am wondering if something will happen here in the US...because I can see a loose network timing attacks to coincide. The Canadian cell had ties to some folks in Georgia who'd been arrested in March. Perhaps that created the leads for both Britain and Canada to take out the cells...but is there one readying themselves for a strike here? That's a question. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Michael, I know you have a digital camera. Start taking photos of stuff like that, your attorney will appreciate it. Make sure the date/time stamp is correct, and fire it on up! Good to hear you're signing papers on Monday...it will be good to get the heck outta that joint...but don't burn it...you'll need it for evidence. And best to hear, you had some good (safe) jumps today. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That depends on how the lease contract was written. If the contract does not specifically state that there is an issue with the well, and there is language present which states "with the exception of the following {{XXX}}, the home is fine", that covers Michael in legal terms. What you are saying is that only if there is an affirmative statement (clear, unambiguous statement that the water is good) will he have standing in a court room. However, because he would have no prior knowledge of any issues, in real estate the owner must state that something is broken/damaged/unusable; which means that if the landlord knew but didn't say anything, there's a big bit of liability the landlord carries. If the landlord didn't know, but also didn't state there was a potential issue, then the liability is less, but still there. After all, he's the one saying it's fine (by not saying it's a problem), and that is something Michael reasonably relied upon to make the decision to rent that particular home v. another home. At least, that's how it works in California, a state with some serious renter's protection laws/standards. It could be different in Illinois, so that's why I think he needs to see an attorney about all this; and I think the monetary damages would exceed the small claims court aspect almost immediately when counting up just the financial burden this places on Michael and his family. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, Racer. While talking to the attorney today, she said she would do some research and see if she can't get Dad unretired, and in the meantime, gave me some "homework" to do to see if we can't get the information from the union to read and look over. She thinks it's discriminatory, from what Dad says, but she is unsure if it's suit worthy or not. Dad will be all right, one way or the other. I just hate to see him upset about stuff like this; he's 83, and doesn't need this at this time of life, you know? Anyway, I'll update as it comes. Not sure what the outcome will be; it will be interesting nonetheless. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Tigra is right front to back. And, I'd say, you have moving expenses (first, last, and costs for packing, moving, getting the new deposits for phone, tele, cable, et cetera) coming to you from him, as well. Add to that the time you have to take off to move your family from work, too. Instead of getting angry, and believe me, I know you and understand where it's coming from, get control, and then negotiate the hell outta the situation. And, make sure he's reported to the proper authorities, as well (although the Health Department, or whomever tested the water) might do that. Above all else, get a copy of the report from the water-tester people, and also get a medical letter saying that it was because of infected/dirty water that this happened. Your lease should have a statement from the landlord saying everything is fine and in working order, and list exclusions to what is not fine or in working order. With those three documents, you've got him on the wall...so you should be able to recoup all expenses, including any out of pocket insurance costs, mileage, and so on. Let me know if you need a letter written. me is no attorney, but I might be able to write a strong enough letter that could start the "negotiations...". My love to everyone, and a special kiss to the Dilla Bean. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Here, here. Some folks have been caught, some have not. Plagiarism is a crime. Pure and simple. Stealing someone else's thoughts and words is done when no permission is given...and that's what they did to you. It's a copyright violation. Some say once it's on the 'net, it's in the public domain. Not so...not so at all. If you wrote it, and it is "published" (and yes, 'net articles are considered published), and then used without permission or approval, it is a violation of the copyright stuff. I have had several folks from other sites contact me for reprint rights. I've given them gladly. Would I have hit the roof if I found some of my stuff out there without my prior approval and/or accreditation? You betcha. Lis, it's your work product. It's your call to handle as you want to...but you have every right to be as angry as you are. I'd do what I could to get either/and the credit, the cash, or refuse the right for them to publish. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I don't think that's how it works with the actors, exactly. I'm pretty sure that SAG doesn't pay Dad; his W2's come from the studios directly - NBC/ABC/CBS, Disney, Universal, 20th Century, et cetera. And he is responsible for paying dues directly to SAG/AFTRA (and Equity). By being a member, you receive certain benefits; collective bargaining, certain uniform work standards, particular minimum wage for specific work (under fives, weekly minimum, et cetera), residual schedules and market sales, and so forth. They do track your wages, so I'm not sure if it's simply reported to them, or what, exactly, happens. But the W2s come from the studio you do the work for; however, the benies come from the union. I remember as a child, there was no issue with taking me to the Dr or hospital; no problems with coverage whatsoever when I was a kid...and Dad was not making much at the time. So there is a graduating scale, if my Dad doesn't have SAG as a primary insurer at the moment. I think it's more about the agreement between the union member and the union, but I can't find a benefits or member manual on-line. I've got to get Dad's SAG number, create an email for him, and register...'cause maybe it's tucked into the members only section of SAG online...once I can see that stuff, I can get a better handle on where the problem lays - in the union itself (where I think it is), or in the contractors (i.e. the studios). And yes, it's definitely something I'll bring up to the lawyer today... And Warped, it does sound a bit like Cosa Nostra, doesn't it...except, Dad has had more success in the last 15 years than he has in the other 45 years he has been a member... Ciels- Michele Edited to add: You might be on to something about some fees being paid by production...that would explain the need for "new" income rather than counting the residual income. Hrm...another avenue to chase. Thanks! (And I mean that sincerely...). ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I agree - except, it's not about "steady" revenue, it's about the older you are, the more you must earn to get the same benefits that younger people get. And that's the problem, and where discrimination comes in, imho. Yes, it's free market. But when free market violates federal law here in the US, there is remedies. And that's what I'm looking to see; what remedies there are, under the law. Can Dad get the benefits restored? Dunno...but that's for smarter, far more educated minds than mine...and that's where I'm gonna take it. 'Cause at least I know when I'm out of my depth. We'll see what And I'm not so sure that "who the employer is" is an important aspect of the case. While it most certainly would be in say a normal industry, it is also a requirement to belong to the union to work in Hollywood...and that means you must abide by their rules/regs or you can't work. Which means that you're at their mercy...which gives them the power, and if there is an abuse of that power, and laws are broken, they can be held just as responsible as a "regular" employer. I think. Again, that's one of the questions I have for the lawyer tomorrow. It might get really interesting soon. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yeah, I think the lawyer route is the way to go. I'll get some more research done on it, and see what Dad's lawyer thinks about it tomorrow. I know Dad would love to pound someone, but I won't let him...LOL! Actually, since this is an entire union, I wouldn't quite know who to pound... Should be interesting. It's just not fair...not at all. If it were a straight across the board earnings issue, fine...but it isn't, at least as far as I can tell. And that is what makes it shitty. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

It's apparently age. I mayn't have been clear; the details are really hard to get from SAG, but what it appears to be is that as you age, you have a higher income requirement to meet to be able to get benefits like those I outlined above. Problem is, that is fine in a "normal" workplace...but acting is not a normal workplace. There aren't any raises, it's contract work (although you're given a W2), and it's a well known fact that roles for older folks do not come about nearly as frequently as those for younger folks (there was a lawsuit from a group of older writers against the network, which alleged that discrimination occurred because the established writers were denied jobs based on age and not ability...it's wending it's way through the courts now). So to be retired, the actor didn't achieve a certain income; what that income is is based solely on age. For example (I'm making this up; I don't have any facts to work from, just yet...), a 39 year old actor would need to make $30,000 per year to retain the benefits Dad's lost (death, SAG as primary medical, and I'm sure quite a few others), whereas someone Dad's age (83) would need to make $100,000. And it has to be "new" income, not residuals or continued payment structure from market sales of old stuff...it has to be new work dollars earned in the year preceeding the loss of benefits. Imagine if the word "old" was traded with African American/black, female, physically handicapped, et cetera. Then you can get a real clear picture of the discrimination that seems to be happening. That's the issue...well, that and being considered retired. Dad is really unhappy about that, because in his industry, if it gets out you're "retired," you won't even get called for jobs, let alone be able to audition for them, land them, and effectively negotiate a contract. Sucks, you know? Just sucks. I hope that's a bit more clear. The part about the med benefits was included to simply point out that some items which are used by older folks far more often than younger folks are not covered if you're "retired"...the hearing aids and rehad are just examples from Dad, but I can be positive that there are other denial of benefits for (involuntary) retirees. And yes, age discrimination is illegal. Doesn't mean it doesn't occur, you know? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ah. That would be Equity, but they are a very powerless organization; sort of just in name, and a retarded little brother of SAG. However, his repertory theatre group did refer him to this attorney, and she is an amazing woman and dear person...so help has already been given. LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'd appreciate that, Kallend. It's less the healthcare system and more the union's willingness to participate in the actor's insurance if a set amount of money is not earned, which, apparently, equals retirement. It's this whole involuntary retirement based on earnings thing that gets Dad madder than a wet hen...and concerns me, as well...not simply the healthcare system (overall, Dad has had great help in that regard...except for the hearing aids and broken hip thing. For rehab, Dad just walked a lot, pain or not. And his hip healed just fine, somehow...). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Mike! I'm not going to give up, and I agree, there's a stinky fish somewhere. Not exactly sure where, but somewhere. I'll be bringing it up to his attorney tomorrow; she's a sweetheart, and if there's anything there, she'll be able to ferret it out. That's who's doing it all...SAG. His union has done this *to* him. Might get really interesting. Runway said Yeah, sounds like shit. Geez, do all unions do this kind of thing? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

"If you're old, you're retired." Apparently, that's what the SAG (Screen Actors Guild, the actor's main union) thinks. A bit of background...my father is an actor. He's been in the industry for 60 years, and a member of SAG nearly as long. Recently, he and I have been working on his Living Trust - and some things have come to light which bother me a great deal. 1. Apparently, Dad's retired. He didn't know that...he's been auditioning for new roles, shot a Clorox commercial about 6 weeks ago, does plays (a different union, but still demonstrates he's working) at a repertory theatre of great repute, and so on. But according to SAG, he's retired. 2. He didn't earn enough "new" money to qualify for his SAG medical insurance last year. You must earn a set amount of "new" money (money that is not from residuals, or from other unions) to get insurance. So they changed it on him; Dad is now in MediCare. Which is good because it's still medical insurance, but bad because it is a nightmare for an older person to navigate that system. 2a. Apparently, the longer you've been in the union, the more money you must make to have benefits like insurance. For a new member, it's a low amount. For an older member, it's a much, much larger amount. It's an exponential scale, as far as I can find out. 3. They don't cover things such as hearing aids, rehab from injuries (Dad's broken hip), or some other "age related" things; but will if it's a younger person, like me, if I broke my hip at my age, I'd be covered. And there's less coverage when you've retired. 4. The death benefits (which is how all this started, while gathering info for the Living Trust) are at least halved if you're retired; meaning if Dad dies while retired, his heirs (in this case, his trust directs that to his grandchildren) get half of what he would be entitled to if he died while not retired. This holds true if he has a heart attack and dies while shooting something or while on stage doing a play/reading. In other words, he could be acting when he dies, and still be considered retired. 5. He is considered an employee of the studios; rather than a 1099, he receives a W2. This entitles him to benefits under the Fair Employment Act/Feds, but he can't access them because...yep, he's retired! 5. Many, many more things along those lines (some still to be discovered). The thing is, my Dad isn't retired. As I said, he auditions for roles and accepts roles when offered. He works in plays and readings all over Los Angeles, and has been cast for roles in San Diego, San Jose, and various other places (including Connecticutt) in the last 10 years. Roles in Hollywood for older/old people are few and far between...and the competition is fierce (because of all the other benefits other than just a paycheck) involved. And yet, while Dad's ratio of interviews/auditions and accepted/offered roles remains the same as it did 20 years ago, because he didn't earn enough money last year, apparently he's retired. If he suddenly landed a contract which paid adequate amounts, he'd be unretired. Sounds like a problem? It sure as fuck is. Dad has never retired from working; he doesn't want to retire; and resents the fact that he is considered retired, not to mention the union he's supported and worked under for 6 decades is cutting benefits to him because he's retired, even though he isn't retired. Dad called and asked why he was classed as retired; and was told simply because he didn't earn enough new money. Dad told them to unretire him immediately, they told him to earn the money and it happens automatically, and Dad hit the roof. Which, while understandable, wasn't the way to get it handled. I've tried to request a statement of benefits, the handbook/manual for member benefits, and am in the process of signing up on-line under his name/SAG number to research this further. But does anyone here actually think this is fair? Is this how it works in other industries? Yes, someone can be involuntarily retired from, say the steelworkers union, but they aren't reinstated if they go out moonlighting and earn XXX $$$, are they? And isn't it a discriminatory effect if someone who is 40 can get all those benefits at a lower income (with more roles available, frankly), than an older person who has a much higher dollar figure to achieve? Something seems really really backwards here. Just wondering if there's something I've missed, or if I should bring this up to his trust attorney (who I adore, who takes great care of my Dad, and who is very, very smart...). Your opinion? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sorry Dilla is still in the hospital, but very glad that she is doing better. And even more glad that the landlord has "seen the light..." and decided to let you outta the lease; good move there. Know that Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelaaaaaaaaah is in my prayers, as is Lori, the rest of the crew, and you, too. Hugs to you all...and my love. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

What a blessing to pass away surrounded by those who you loved and who have loved you. She is peaceful, serene, and happy now, and soon that peace will come to those she left behind. Until that time comes, rest easy knowing that you gave her the most important gift; and that is love. Love never ending, love ceaseless, love pure and perfect. I am deeply sorry for your loss... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

laughter, joy, love Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am so very sorry you feel that you could've done something different - even a small thing - which would've changed the outcome. The only thing which can be done is from the suicidal person themselves, and only when they really understand what happens to the brain during depression, and over time chronic, debilitating depression. YOU could do nothing. He was the only one who could've done it. What could he have done, you ask? Get help. Talk to someone and get into therapy. Get onto the proper medication for that illness, and then really dig in and get to work learning new, better coping mechanisms. You can't learn the new stuff while still chemically imbalanced; but to stay balanced once you get there, you have to do the work. And it's fucking hard work. And, as I and several others on this thread can attest to, it can be done. Sartre, it was not your fault, and I am so very sorry you carry a burden like that with you. Also, please, try to understand it mightn't've been his fault, either. Maybe he didn't understand what was going on; I promise, it's very tough to be in the middle of it and understand what really is happening. Maybe he got too tired of the torment he was in. Maybe a billion things, but one thing is sure; it is NOT your fault, no more so than it would be if I suicided tonight. Brain, you don't seem to understand the issues if you believe that suicide - death, for that matter - is majestic. I've read some of your other posts, and at this point consider you a troll...and determined to stir shit when it doesn't need to be, simply for the fun of it. Therefore, because you are indeed mimicking a troll perfectly, until you can post appropriately and not stir shit, I will not be responding to you...and I suggest that all who read this do the same. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~