Well, it looks like the reports of his freedom may be greatly exaggerated. Authorities today announced that before releasing suspected armed robber and car thief Elton "Toobie" Phillips, they will be interviewing Phillips' mother and suspected aunt. After appearing on WDSU Channel 6 News last week, the ladies have caught the interest of prosecutors for comments they made to Travers Mackel.
Carolyn Jackson, Phillips' suspected aunt, told Mackel that Elton confessed to "robberin'." I say suspected because she now claims that she is not his aunt. In fact, she now says she's not related to him at all. Jackson now claims that she met Phillips only once, in Hammond where she lives, and where Phillips fled after being mistakenly released in December, 2007. Her current claim is that Phillips confessed to "general wrong-doing" while they were praying together.
Phillips mother, Kim Wicker, stated that her son didn't tell here he did it, but he didn't say he didn't do it either. The AG's office has asked for a week long continuance to investigate both women's stories.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
God Bless America!
Here's a little story that is bound to make everyone sick a little bit at a time.
A while back, a Wal-Mart employee named Debra Shank was driving along the road when her vehicle was struck in the driver's side door by an eighteen-wheeler. The accident left her brain damaged and almost totally incapacitated, requiring around-the-clock care. A $700,000 settlement was agreed on with the trucking company to cover Debra's medical expenses.
The money was put into a trust fund for Debra's perpetual care. Well, sort of. After legal fees there was only about $417,000 left. The lawyers basically snag forty percent of the settlement. God Bless America.
That made me a little ill, but wait... it gets worse.
Wal-Mart sued Debra in order to recover over $470,000 its health care plan paid for her initial care after the accident! That queasy feeling was growing. If Wal-Mart is involved, you know it can't get any better. And it doesn't. It seems that when Debra crossed all her t's and dotted her i's with Wal-Mart, she overlooked a small clause in her contract where Wal-Mart had the right to reimbursement from any settlement she received if she also received money from her health care plan. It's incredibly disturbing, but look around and you'll find similar clauses in company handbooks all across this great nation. God bless America.
Employers are beginning to go after settlement money as a direct result of escalating health care costs. In this case, the multi-billion dollar entity says it's looking after the interests of all it's employees by insuring the integrity of it's health care funds. God Bless America.
Currently, just over $200,000 remains in Debra's trust fund, set up by her ex-husband, Jim, and though they refuse to be interviewed, Wal-Mart released a statement saying that they are showing compassion by settling for what's left instead of the full $470,000. And you know what? They sued the Shanks and won! Not only that, but an appellate court upheld the decision! God Bless America.
Debra's ex-husband Jim is currently working two jobs to pay for her nursing care.He recently had to let her private nurse go because he simply can't afford to pay her. Jim's two jobs mean that he can't be there for Debra all that much either. Remember, Debra can't do anything for herself. She can't walk. She can't feed herself. She can't bathe or use the bathroom by herself. And Wal-Mart, the largest corporation on the planet, wants its money. God Bless America.
I mentioned that Jim Shanks is Debra's ex-husband. You might think he's something of a saint, fighting hard for a former spouse, but that's not really the case. Until recently the Shanks were still happily married, but thanks to the United States Government their divorce was inevitable. You see, Debra qualifies for more government aid if she's single. I'm not kidding. I recently ran across an old friend in the same situation. I hadn't seen Mister Ronnie since the Pre-Katrina days, but he and his wife were the picture of a happy couple. When I last saw him I asked how everything was and with that wry smile he usually reserves for jokes, he told me he was divorced. My jaw dropped and he told me that was the only way he could afford his medication. So the next time you hear politicians wailing about Family Values and the sin of divorce, remember that there are a lot of divorces caused by the laws made by those same politicians. God Bless America.
And just to make you even sicker, I'll go for the jugular and mention that one of the Shank's sons was killed in Iraq, fighting for the country that forced his parents to divorce so that his mother could receive the best care possible. Is this a great country, or what? God Bless America!
For more on this whole sordid affair, visit MSN here: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/KnowYourRights/EmployersGrabAccidentVictimsCash.aspx
A while back, a Wal-Mart employee named Debra Shank was driving along the road when her vehicle was struck in the driver's side door by an eighteen-wheeler. The accident left her brain damaged and almost totally incapacitated, requiring around-the-clock care. A $700,000 settlement was agreed on with the trucking company to cover Debra's medical expenses.
The money was put into a trust fund for Debra's perpetual care. Well, sort of. After legal fees there was only about $417,000 left. The lawyers basically snag forty percent of the settlement. God Bless America.
That made me a little ill, but wait... it gets worse.
Wal-Mart sued Debra in order to recover over $470,000 its health care plan paid for her initial care after the accident! That queasy feeling was growing. If Wal-Mart is involved, you know it can't get any better. And it doesn't. It seems that when Debra crossed all her t's and dotted her i's with Wal-Mart, she overlooked a small clause in her contract where Wal-Mart had the right to reimbursement from any settlement she received if she also received money from her health care plan. It's incredibly disturbing, but look around and you'll find similar clauses in company handbooks all across this great nation. God bless America.
Employers are beginning to go after settlement money as a direct result of escalating health care costs. In this case, the multi-billion dollar entity says it's looking after the interests of all it's employees by insuring the integrity of it's health care funds. God Bless America.
Currently, just over $200,000 remains in Debra's trust fund, set up by her ex-husband, Jim, and though they refuse to be interviewed, Wal-Mart released a statement saying that they are showing compassion by settling for what's left instead of the full $470,000. And you know what? They sued the Shanks and won! Not only that, but an appellate court upheld the decision! God Bless America.
Debra's ex-husband Jim is currently working two jobs to pay for her nursing care.He recently had to let her private nurse go because he simply can't afford to pay her. Jim's two jobs mean that he can't be there for Debra all that much either. Remember, Debra can't do anything for herself. She can't walk. She can't feed herself. She can't bathe or use the bathroom by herself. And Wal-Mart, the largest corporation on the planet, wants its money. God Bless America.
I mentioned that Jim Shanks is Debra's ex-husband. You might think he's something of a saint, fighting hard for a former spouse, but that's not really the case. Until recently the Shanks were still happily married, but thanks to the United States Government their divorce was inevitable. You see, Debra qualifies for more government aid if she's single. I'm not kidding. I recently ran across an old friend in the same situation. I hadn't seen Mister Ronnie since the Pre-Katrina days, but he and his wife were the picture of a happy couple. When I last saw him I asked how everything was and with that wry smile he usually reserves for jokes, he told me he was divorced. My jaw dropped and he told me that was the only way he could afford his medication. So the next time you hear politicians wailing about Family Values and the sin of divorce, remember that there are a lot of divorces caused by the laws made by those same politicians. God Bless America.
And just to make you even sicker, I'll go for the jugular and mention that one of the Shank's sons was killed in Iraq, fighting for the country that forced his parents to divorce so that his mother could receive the best care possible. Is this a great country, or what? God Bless America!
For more on this whole sordid affair, visit MSN here: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/KnowYourRights/EmployersGrabAccidentVictimsCash.aspx
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Rest In 10-Piece
I almost forgot. Al Copeland bought his last 10-piece dark last week. He died of cancer of the salivary glands. Makes you wonder what was in that chicken recipe he 'borrowed' from his grammaw, don't it? I will fondly remember his Popeye's chain as the haven it was for rude, unhelpful employees who turned off the fryers an hour early every night and consistently used every piece of product, no matter how many times it fell on the floor.
Don't Mock Me!
A mock terrorist drill was held today near the river, simulating an exploded river craft and toxic gas. It certainly was comforting to see the news coverage of emergency vehicles proceeding slowly to the drill site and first responders casually strolling from victim to victim. A mock hurricane drill is scheduled in the near future. Sources report that Mayor C Ray Nagin has already purchased tickets to Houston for his family.
Jordan's Squeezes 'Special' Friend Gets Off
Accused armed robber Elton Phillips is a free man again, but this time it's legal. (For the story, check past posts, I'm too lazy to recap it here.) According to the DA's office, the two witnesses had conflicting stories and were unable to pick him out of a lineup. Sources say this is the only reason for his release and not the fact that the accused is chummy with former DA Eddie Jordan's current moll.
In an interview with WDSU Channel 6, Phillips' aunt says he apologized to her and to God for the "things he done," and she said that he had to "say what he done," and he apologized to god for "robberin." Phillips mother said that he never admitted his guilt to her and she even "kinda axed him about it." Phillips says his aunt is "mistaken." Whatever the case, this is an opportunity for Elton Phillips to get his life back on track. Elton, if you reading this, take my advice and stop hanging out with bad elements of society like Eddie and his cruiser.
As to the police lineup, they're a fucking joke. I witnessed a hit and run about ten years ago and hung around with three or four other witnesses until the police came. We wrote down the license number and description of the van for the officers and I gave them my number. Two months later I was called in for the lineup. Needless to say, I failed to pick out the guy but apparently one of the witnesses did. But this was Kenner, so perhaps the NOPD is a little more on the ball, but somehow I doubt it.
In an interview with WDSU Channel 6, Phillips' aunt says he apologized to her and to God for the "things he done," and she said that he had to "say what he done," and he apologized to god for "robberin." Phillips mother said that he never admitted his guilt to her and she even "kinda axed him about it." Phillips says his aunt is "mistaken." Whatever the case, this is an opportunity for Elton Phillips to get his life back on track. Elton, if you reading this, take my advice and stop hanging out with bad elements of society like Eddie and his cruiser.
As to the police lineup, they're a fucking joke. I witnessed a hit and run about ten years ago and hung around with three or four other witnesses until the police came. We wrote down the license number and description of the van for the officers and I gave them my number. Two months later I was called in for the lineup. Needless to say, I failed to pick out the guy but apparently one of the witnesses did. But this was Kenner, so perhaps the NOPD is a little more on the ball, but somehow I doubt it.
Monday, February 25, 2008
State Farm To Florida: "Fuck Off!"
This weekend, State Farm Insurance of Bloomington, Illinois, announced that it will no longer write new homeowner, condo, or renters policies in the state of Florida. The company claims it will continue to "honor" existing homeowner policies and write new auto insurance policies. Well aren't they just the most generous things!
State Farm mouthpieces claim this is part of a grand plan to manage company growth in Florida, but anyone can see it's simply a matter of selective greed. Auto policies are far more lucrative than homeowner policies, especially in hurricane prone areas. State Farm has simply chosen to cut their losses in the real estate market and concentrate on ripping off motorists. This follows a similar move by Allstate forcing Floridians to scramble for new policies. Last year State Farm began a strategic withdrawal from Mississippi as well.
In 2006, State Farm announced an 80% rate hike which was supposedly lowered to 52% by deliberation with Florida state officials, however many homeowners reported increases higher than 52%. Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers put pressure on insurance companies to lower rates by 9%, a move which seems to have been the final straw for State Farm, prompting the pullout.
Now State Farm has a right to cover who they want, where they want. If Florida and Mississippi are deemed "too dangerous," Fine. But, here's what I say: Fuck State Farm. In fact, screw the entire insurance scam industry. From the scumbags who sell "Hurricane" policies then refuse to pay off on them with the old "wind versus water" argument to the shit-heels who sell "full coverage" policies only to come up with things that indeed aren't covered after the fact. Fuck 'em all. You're better off without them, especially in Louisiana.
I had $80,000 or so in coverage on my homeowners policy but received about a third of that. Not bad considering the minimal damage to my home: about a foot of water and a roof with a huge hole, but I took a bath, (literally,) on the contents. Had I been an irresponsible, uninsured lout, I could have qualified for about $100,000 in state and federal funding, not to mention an ass-load of low interest, long term loans. True, I would'nt have been able to move back into my home for about two years while I waited for my government cheese, but that's cool to because FEMA would have picked up my rental and moving costs for all that time. Hell, I could have had a ritzy "slum home" like Sharon Jasper with high ceilings, hardwood floors and a brand new kitchen, all paid for by the Taxpayers of America. But no, I had to be responsible.
Don't get me wrong, not all insurance companies are full of crap. When we first moved here, my dad, (Rest In Peace,) split our insurance coverage between two of his poker buddies and our flood coverage was with Farmers. I can't tell you what a delight they were to work with. Just a few weeks after Katrina, my Farmers rep made an appointment to inspect my home and kept it. He walked through, scribled his numbers, gave me advice on clean-up and offered to cut me a preliminary check on the spot if I needed any money. I didn't, but the gesture was certainly appreciated. He was there most of the time when I called or e-mailed, and if he wasn't, he was prompt in returning the call. This guy must have never slept considering all the other people he had to deal with, but he was always there for me.
My State Farm rep on the other hand... missed the first two appointments, (infuriating, as I had to drive in from Jackson, Mississippi both times for nothing,) showed up late at the third, and almost never answered her phone. We did receive a relatively prompt payment from State Farm, but the overall experience was disheartening, to say the least. (OK, she was an incredible ditz, and strangely enough, she was a blonde.)
Well, I seem to have gotten slightly off track here, but I must say the venting has made me feel a little better. Suffice it to say that any new policies I get will be with Farmers. Yes, even though I just suggested being a leech, I can't seem to make myself do it. There's a certain dignity that comes from knowing you're taking care of your obligations. I can hold my head up high when Katrina discussions start up, (and here in Louisiana, they almost always do,) and proudly proclaim that I was not a drain on the system, that I was a responsible human being. Something that certain State Farm corporate bigwigs will never be able to do.
State Farm mouthpieces claim this is part of a grand plan to manage company growth in Florida, but anyone can see it's simply a matter of selective greed. Auto policies are far more lucrative than homeowner policies, especially in hurricane prone areas. State Farm has simply chosen to cut their losses in the real estate market and concentrate on ripping off motorists. This follows a similar move by Allstate forcing Floridians to scramble for new policies. Last year State Farm began a strategic withdrawal from Mississippi as well.
In 2006, State Farm announced an 80% rate hike which was supposedly lowered to 52% by deliberation with Florida state officials, however many homeowners reported increases higher than 52%. Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers put pressure on insurance companies to lower rates by 9%, a move which seems to have been the final straw for State Farm, prompting the pullout.
Now State Farm has a right to cover who they want, where they want. If Florida and Mississippi are deemed "too dangerous," Fine. But, here's what I say: Fuck State Farm. In fact, screw the entire insurance scam industry. From the scumbags who sell "Hurricane" policies then refuse to pay off on them with the old "wind versus water" argument to the shit-heels who sell "full coverage" policies only to come up with things that indeed aren't covered after the fact. Fuck 'em all. You're better off without them, especially in Louisiana.
I had $80,000 or so in coverage on my homeowners policy but received about a third of that. Not bad considering the minimal damage to my home: about a foot of water and a roof with a huge hole, but I took a bath, (literally,) on the contents. Had I been an irresponsible, uninsured lout, I could have qualified for about $100,000 in state and federal funding, not to mention an ass-load of low interest, long term loans. True, I would'nt have been able to move back into my home for about two years while I waited for my government cheese, but that's cool to because FEMA would have picked up my rental and moving costs for all that time. Hell, I could have had a ritzy "slum home" like Sharon Jasper with high ceilings, hardwood floors and a brand new kitchen, all paid for by the Taxpayers of America. But no, I had to be responsible.
Don't get me wrong, not all insurance companies are full of crap. When we first moved here, my dad, (Rest In Peace,) split our insurance coverage between two of his poker buddies and our flood coverage was with Farmers. I can't tell you what a delight they were to work with. Just a few weeks after Katrina, my Farmers rep made an appointment to inspect my home and kept it. He walked through, scribled his numbers, gave me advice on clean-up and offered to cut me a preliminary check on the spot if I needed any money. I didn't, but the gesture was certainly appreciated. He was there most of the time when I called or e-mailed, and if he wasn't, he was prompt in returning the call. This guy must have never slept considering all the other people he had to deal with, but he was always there for me.
My State Farm rep on the other hand... missed the first two appointments, (infuriating, as I had to drive in from Jackson, Mississippi both times for nothing,) showed up late at the third, and almost never answered her phone. We did receive a relatively prompt payment from State Farm, but the overall experience was disheartening, to say the least. (OK, she was an incredible ditz, and strangely enough, she was a blonde.)
Well, I seem to have gotten slightly off track here, but I must say the venting has made me feel a little better. Suffice it to say that any new policies I get will be with Farmers. Yes, even though I just suggested being a leech, I can't seem to make myself do it. There's a certain dignity that comes from knowing you're taking care of your obligations. I can hold my head up high when Katrina discussions start up, (and here in Louisiana, they almost always do,) and proudly proclaim that I was not a drain on the system, that I was a responsible human being. Something that certain State Farm corporate bigwigs will never be able to do.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Your Tax Dollars At Waste
At a cost of forty-million dollars the US Navy shot down a US spy satellite from its decaying orbit. The satellite was shot down in order to prevent 1000 pounds of toxic fuel from falling to earth. Pentagon spokesmen are "pretty sure" the operation was a success.
Huh?
Pretty sure? For forty-million fucking dollars you had better be 100% sure. Not only was this an incredible waste of our tax dollars, it wasn't even a guarantee. If any of this crap falls on my house you can bet your five-star asses I'll be suing the Bush Administration in short order.
While the satellite was shot down from the Pacific Ocean in order to minimize debris landfall, the Navy reports that bits and pieces of debris may be falling for the next forty days. The Navy also reports that they have tracked no falling debris larger than a football. Hmmmm... somehow that doesn't make me feel any better.
Huh?
Pretty sure? For forty-million fucking dollars you had better be 100% sure. Not only was this an incredible waste of our tax dollars, it wasn't even a guarantee. If any of this crap falls on my house you can bet your five-star asses I'll be suing the Bush Administration in short order.
While the satellite was shot down from the Pacific Ocean in order to minimize debris landfall, the Navy reports that bits and pieces of debris may be falling for the next forty days. The Navy also reports that they have tracked no falling debris larger than a football. Hmmmm... somehow that doesn't make me feel any better.
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