Wisteria Wednesday

First of all, some hysteria...oops...HISTORY.

In 2000, consumer advocate Ralph Nader announced his entry into the presidential race, bidding for the nomination of the Green Party.
(I voted for him b/c I didn't like the other two alternatives. Thank GOD I didn't even consider Lyndon LaRouche.)

Also, Jimmy Swaggart "tearfully confessed" to debauchery on this date.
(At this point, he's finally caught up with his cousin, Jerry Lee Lewis.)




And finally, Kelsey Grammer is 52 years old today.
(Forgive me for saying this, but didn't he seem older? He sure did to me. Maybe because his personal habits would age anyone by about ten years. That and the "commanding voice" he employs.)




Well, kiddies - are we havin' fun yet? I didn't think so.

Anywho...I have a few shoutouts today (and I'm NOT being lazy...I have other things of my own to contribute)!

Ballpoint Wren laments the rain and razzes East Coast indoor pool planners
The Shizzle Life title says it all: Bacteria. Snow. and Gerbils
Stiltwalker tells us what she LOVES...
Helen the Felon has been "found out" by her man...read on...

Please go visit these folks and tell them Sudiegirl sent you. (Whether or not a restraining order is issued after that is up to the fates, baby...)

So - what's life like for your favorite bipolar redhead karaeoke chanteuse?

Eh...it's OK.

We have a controversy in the big band all of a sudden. We have an opportunity to appear in a "showcase" of sorts for the local Holiday Inn. This could lead to bigger and more frequent gigs for us. However, we're not getting very much for our trouble...approximately $10.00, if I'm not mistaken.

Most of the band is for it, but one trombone player is fussing about it. He's not happy with the potential buckage one could earn from this, and I can't say as I blame him.

However, the thing that scares me a smidge more is the fact that I'm wondering who our esteemed manager will be making the business arrangements with as far as gigs that come out of this. Usually, it's with the folks that are throwing the bash (e.g. the Lions Club, the Big Band Society, etc.). However, if we have to enter in contractual agreements with Holiday Inn should a gig arise from this "showcase", we'll definitely require more buckage. (I like that word...I could say it all day long...buckage buckage buckage...you get the idea, right?)

So anyway...that's one situation. I am kind of psyched about this next possibility. One of my co-workers is a musician and he's interested in working together as a piano/vocal duo. I'll be auditioning for him this evening, and not sure what will happen next. Auditions keep me sharp, though, so any good vibes sent my way are most appreciated.

OK...enough of my personal stuff...now, the...


Episcopal leader asks for time
(Well, it's 10:20 AM according to my computer - Eastern time, of course...)

And finally, a coveted "Frivolous Lawsuit"...when you haven't a THING to wear to court!

Today's recipient: James Pacenza, 58, of Montgomery, NY
Reason: Suing his employer for big bucks. Why? To quote the article:

A man who was fired by IBM for visiting an adult chat room at work is suing the company for $5 million, claiming he is an Internet addict who deserves treatment and sympathy rather than dismissal.

Yep...he's talkin' dirty on the Internet at work on the company dime.

Here's his reason/theory/whatever ya wanna call it...

In papers filed in federal court in White Plains, Pacenza said the stress caused him to become "a sex addict, and with the development of the Internet, an Internet addict." He claimed protection under the American with Disabilities Act.

Apparently, he is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder based on his experiences in Vietnam. He witnessed his best friend's death in battle, and visits chat rooms to relieve stress.

But there are chat rooms, and then there are CHAT ROOMS.

According to IBM, Pacenza was reprimanded for a previous incident where he went to an adult chat room...FOUR MONTHS EARLIER. He was told at that time that he could lose his job. However, Pacenza's attorney claims that his surfing habits were no different than anyone else's.

Furthermore, Pacenza states that there was a couple who were caught having sex on a desk at his particular facility, and they were transferred as opposed to fired. Pacenza thinks that what he did was less severe than their offense. Therefore, he feels that $5 million is the right amount for his pain and suffering.

Judge's comments:

First off, let me say right here and now that I am pro-military, and my heart goes out to veterans (from peace and war times). I may not agree with the war, but I know its not the fault of the members of military service - they're doing their job. My father, my great-uncle, and several cousins of mine - not to mention dear friends - have served proudly and in the case of my uncle, never made it home.

I also understand that chat rooms can be quite helpful in reaching out to others who deal with various issues (post-traumatic stress disorder, in this case). I don't claim to be a psychiatrist, but he specifically stated that he became a sex addict as a result of his PTSD. Is that possible? I mean, I could see it for victims of rape/incest/abuse, but as a result of war trauma? It doesn't make sense, but then again, I don't have PTSD.

Addiction is not a laughing matter either. No matter what you're addicted to, if you can't stop like a non-addict can, it's pretty serious stuff.

However, why does he fail to mention the fact that he was reprimanded previously for the same offense, but IBM remembers it quite clearly? If it's something that serious, don't you have to sign something stating you understand what's going on?

Most every company that has Internet access has an Internet access policy...and unless you work for Hustler, they have stringent rules about access to online porn. It makes sense to me. I mean, we all surf at work to check e-mail, read the news, etc., but you're supposed to stay away from the nasty stuff.

If I were a lawyer, I don't think I could conscience taking a case like this. I would smash the client on the head with a blunt instrument and scream, "Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"

I guess that's why I never went to law school - apparently this kind of behavior is not encouraged.

So anyway, that's my opinion and since we live in America, I guess I'm entitled to it. You are entitled to agree or disagree...but whatever you want to say, note it in the comments, please.

Smooches!