| Quotes. |
[Mar. 27th, 2028|05:37 pm] |
"In the little houses the tenant people sifted their belongings and the belongings of their fathers and of their grandfathers. Picked over their possessions for the journey to the west east. The men were ruthless because the past had been spoiled, but the women knew how the past would cry to them in the coming days."
from The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck ( . ) |
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| Facebook (is, like, 26 years old in 2029) |
[Mar. 15th, 2028|11:12 am] |
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| Video Post IV: Knick-Knack, Paddy Whack, Give a Dog a Bone |
[Aug. 4th, 2010|08:06 pm] |
[Video opens on a sunny, smiling Naomi in white dress and shades. She is strolling down an unnamed street somewhere in District 0, bottle of water in hand (you can't tell which brand it is, but some might speculate one of a pricier variety, and in all cases, so very plastic), purse over shoulder, and being filmed by someone with a steady hand and a notably tall stature.]
I don't know if you all heard, but we are really wearing this city out with all the power we're using to keep cool. I know some people prefer to shirk responsibility and keep cool no matter what the cost (because cost never matters, right?), and I know some people don't even have the choice. But if you do,--have a choice, that is--let me tell you, it's really not all that hard to put on some lighter clothes and open a few windows. Definitely drink lots of water [she indicates the bottle in her hand] and pace yourself when you're outside moving around. I've heard the subways are crowded and stuffy, so walk places whenever possib--oh!
[She stops herself mid sentence when something on the ground catches her eye. Following her as she drops into a squat, the camera pans down to find a small cat on the sidewalk. Naomi pets it on the head with a familiarity that says this is not the first time, and that she is not AT ALL a hypocrite. Right. She proceeds to pour a puddle of her water onto the ground for the little kitty to drink, then looks up to address concluding remarks at the camera.]
Walk places whenever possible, and offer a helping hand whenever you can. As always, the more we help out those around us and think as a collective, the better we will get through these difficult times.
[The camera lingers, as Naomi turns her attention back to the cat, then shuts off.] |
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| Blog Post IX: Elections and Doctors |
[Jul. 20th, 2010|10:09 am] |
- First, I would like to congratulate my friend, Aubrey Kline, who will now be running for District 3's City Council seat. I am afraid I live in District 5, but for anyone in the D3 area, please know that you will be doing yourself and your district a great service by supporting Ms. Kline.
- Second, I know that it is my right to keep the details of my own vote private, it is a right I am proud to call mine, but it is a right I am proud to call mine to dismiss in this particular instance. I would like to state publicly and for the record that I did not vote for Paris Hilton, and that I am embarrassed to see her as a front runner for my district's City Council representative. I can only speak for myself, of course, but I don't think what D5 needs is more doggie tote bags, pink-painted apartment complexes, and sex tape scandals. In 2008, John McCain noted how ludicrous it would be to see Hilton in any position of political power, and I think it wouldn't hurt for us to revisit the first few seconds of his "Celeb" campaign ad.
- Third, I am pleased with the nomination in District 0. I'm looking forward to learning how Cordon plans to use his experience as a NYC business owner to improve the business district of
this our city. I work in D0, and I will be especially interested in how Cordon handles the recent debates concerning NYU's budget and housing issues. Of course, I will personally be more interested in his treatment of Langone's needs. After all, a hospital's needs really do affect the city's needs at large.
- Fourth, speaking of Langone, I am organizing an information event, scheduled for sometime next month, for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. This will be open to all college and high school students who want to learn about the medical school process, residency, and careers in the field. Current med students, as well as myself and a few colleagues will be present to offer insight, information, and guidance. More information forthcoming, but I hope this piques a few readers' interests in the meantime.
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| Blog Post VIII: Patriot Pride |
[Jul. 3rd, 2010|02:11 pm] |
I have no intention of entering the Repository's contest, but with all this talk about heritage and American pride, and with the Fourth coming up, I am reminded of a few old photographs I've managed to hang on to over the years. I confess, these are only copies, the originals of which are still stored at the library at the Governor's Mansion in Denver, but the images are clear enough, I hope:
On that note, I wish you all a happy Fourth of July! |
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| Video Post III: Calling All Coloradans |
[Jun. 22nd, 2010|05:51 pm] |
[Video is perhaps more casual than Naomi's typical vlog sessions. She is seated at a small desk in her apartment, lit by a soft lamp from somewhere behind the camera, which is apparently propped up on the desk before her. Behind Naomi is a shaded window, but the hanging potted plants suggest that the blinds were only drawn moments prior to filming. A relatively small dog is fidgeting in her lap, which periodically blocks her face from view.]
Hello, again, New York. In light of some of the more inspirational entries I have been seeing on the repository of late, I can't help but wonder at the beautiful way in which fate seems to work, even in such dismal times as these. Honestly, fathers just seem to be reuniting with their kids right and left...that is... [she shakes her head, smiles again, pets the dog] ...never mind. What I mean is, a few of my... [the dog crawls out from under her arm and disappears onto the floor; Naomi laughs] ...a few of my fellow Coloradans and I are planning a little reunion (or more like a meet-and-greet, as the case may be), and I would like to invite anyone who hails from the Centennial State to join us this Saturday for lunch at Angel's Grill on Crotona and 187th in District 5. Consider this something like an official invite from the office formerly known as Governor Richardson's. I will go ahead and assume that Angel's will be suitable for the number of folks likely to see this and actually show up, but if we become too much Colorado to handle, we can take our party to Bronx Park, which is nearby.
I hope to see a bunch of you there, and who knows, maybe you'll run into someone you haven't seen in a long time, or... [her eyes flutter in search of some word--or someone--but instead, she leans her chin into her fist and smiles] or just anyone. Thanks.
[As Naomi reaches forward, and the video fades to black, her voice can be heard, cheerfully, "Lady, where did you get off too--".] |
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| Blog Post VII: Father's Day |
[Jun. 20th, 2010|09:03 pm] |
In the spirit of consistency, I want to parallel my Mother's Day entry with a special thank you and a happy Father's Day to all the fathers of New York City, and to all American dads. You keep us strong, protect us, take care of us. Especially any fathers in uniform, be it military, police, fire department, you are the bones and brass of our very nation, and your children are lucky to have such impressive figures in their lives.
My own father lives in Buffalo now, and I'm sorry to say I haven't been in touch with him nearly as often as I should, given the proximity. But I am proud of how well he raised both all three of his children, even after losing our mother when the youngest of us was barely thirteen. He survived his wife's death, the challenges of seeing three children to adulthood, and the events of November 17th. His story is not uncommon, but I am proud that his is part of mine.
( PWP: Camille Knight )
( PWP: Mayor Crichton ) |
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| Blog Post VI: On What Could Have Been, CO |
[Jun. 11th, 2010|01:47 pm] |
Once again, I am appalled by the behavior of Texas. I cannot express my shock at what happened at that Galveston peace talks on Tuesday. Texas, in another blatant disregard for her home nation, utilized military force on their our president. Friedman may have declared independence from the motherland, but this is no reason to set fire to the proverbial olive branch we have attempted, on many occasions, to extend. If Texans would see reason, we might soon see an end to bloodshed in that region, which, I think I can safely say, would be to the benefit of everyone involved.
I confess, there are times when I wonder what would have happened if we had declared Colorado an independent state before the evacuation. Kinky once said We certainly had the support of our It's true that I would not be writing this from my apartment in District 5, but rather from a seat in the palm room of Boettcher Mansion, the mountains standing guard in the distance, and I would be watching the sun on the green grass outside on the lawn. Yet I doubt the validity of this vision, however sweet it might be to imagine. Would we really still be in the Governor's Mansion? Would spring have sprung at all? Would our men and women be caught in a constant, bloody struggle of arms at our eastern border with the rest of America? The answer to the latter is, undoubtably, "Yes." Furthermore, my husband was a victim of the fallout, not the traumatic move east, which he never did live to see. The very air of the west has become toxic, and while the skyline may have rippled only once with the initial blast of malicious energy, the effects of the fallout continue. It's uninhabitable, however hard that may be to admit, and no move of independence from the rest of the U.S. would have changed that.
While I regret the fact that we will never not be able to build a memorial pool or even farm catfish at the site of the 11/17 attack, and while my dreams will always be tormented by what my subconscious imagines a robotic expedition will eventually do to the terrain of my home when the resources of Utah and Wyoming are ultimately exhausted, I am grateful for the open arms with which New York has welcomed me, and I hope that Texians Texans will soon come to know the same solace.
I'm glad we never I am proud I am proud to say we remained faithful to America until the end. |
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| Video Post II: Decoration Day |
[May. 27th, 2010|10:24 pm] |
[Video opens to a smiling Naomi, seated on a sofa in what appears to be a sunny hospital waiting room. She is cheerful and speaks smoothly, if quickly; she gives the impression of being rushed, but is not without her usual measured elegance in the gestures of her hands and expressions on her face.]
Hello, New York. Naomi Richardson, here. As I'm sure you are well aware, Memorial Day is this coming Monday, and the annual New York City festivities will be occurring with the same spirit and integrity that they always have. Events at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, beginning at ten-thirty in the morning, will feature military units, historical groups, New York Scottish Pipes and Drums, and of course, the wreath laying ceremony. Wreaths will be laid at the monument by veterans, as well as twenty different civic and heritage organizations, including the Navy League, American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, Montford Point Marines, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the Old Guard of the City of New York. As a member of the New York City chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, I am proud to say that I will be a part of the ceremony, and I would like to join the Riverside Park Fund and the West Side Federation of Neighborhood and Block Associations in inviting you to join us this Monday.
This year's ceremony will showcase specific honoring of the men and women of the United States Marine Corps, and if you cannot make it to the ceremony itself, I encourage you to find some way to show your respect on your own, and to be sure to fly a flag.
Thank you, and I hope you are looking forward to a great Memorial Day weekend, with all the potato salad, barbeque sauce, and sunshine you could ever dream of!
[Naomi smiles, waits, the video cuts to black.] |
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| Blog Post V: An American Education |
[May. 22nd, 2010|09:44 pm] |
It is unfortunate that it has come to raids, but I am glad to hear last weekend's campaign proved successful. I will admit, even I was caught a bit off my guard, and I live by the letter of the law every day! In the end, however, I think we can be grateful that the city has such a very well-organized and proactive police force on-call. Consider this my personal thank-you to all the men and women who worked so hard last week to preserve our safety and to secure the city's newly configured infrastructure.
On the other hand, I must say I was rather disappointed to read about the Weymouth Foundation's withdrawing from NYU's financial base. If you did not catch the Times article on Thursday, allow me to redirect you here. This is truly a terrible loss for the university, and while I have faith that the medical facilities will not feel the weight of said loss to the extent that other schools undoubtably will,--as we provide a necessary service are more important receive a great deal of outside funding from various benefactors and private donations--I feel that the integrity of the university as a whole has been dealt a blow. Once again, if nothing else, we should let this be an opportunity for us to come together and make sacrifices for the greater good. It is my hope that we will pool our resources as an institution, make an effort to help those less fortunate, evaluate the need of the general student body, cut back on unnecessary spending, and above all, do what is best for the future of our young Americans.
Consider this a metaphor for the current state of our country as a whole. In both areas we could certainly do worse than to minimize frivolous spending and to direct our goals toward the common good. |
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| Blog Post IV: Mother's Day |
[May. 9th, 2010|10:07 pm] |
I would like to wish all the New York City mothers a happy Mother's Day. This is certainly no easy time to be a mother in America. Refugees have been pushed thousands of miles from their homes, easterners have had to make unimaginable sacrifices in order to help their western brothers, foreigners crowd our streets and take our jobs, but have nowhere to go themselves, and somewhere, a common enemy lurks, continuing to equal parts unite and divide us all from behind the proverbial curtain of cowardice. At times, it seems as if we live in a state of constant fear, and the struggle to overcome strife has never been greater. But it is the mothers of America, who have continued to instill in their children courage and the ideals of liberty, that make the American Dream possible, even to this day.
To the children who have lost mothers and the mothers who have lost children to the events of 11/17, I will never know what you have experienced, but I admire your courage and harbor only the profoundest respect for you. To mothers of all walks of life, I hope that your day has been filled with love and rest, and that your hard work will continue to pave the way toward a future peace for your children.
“They brought up their families in sturdy virtue and a living faith in God, without which nations perish.” - Engraved on the fountain for the women of the Mayflower, erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution |
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| Video Post I: Philanthropists, Walk This Way |
[Apr. 29th, 2010|08:11 pm] |
[Video opens to the sunny parking garage rooftop. Naomi, wearing a saucy red, knee-length dress, hair blowing in the breeze, is leaning with one hand against a shiny red Cadillac convertible. She looks about halfway to Vogue, but is shading her eyes with her left hand and slouching a bit. After the camera focuses, the former first lady straightens her stance and drops her free hand to her hip with a bright smile.]
Hello, New York. My good friend...do you want to..? [She motions toward the man behind the camera, and the screen shakes awkwardly. Naomi laughs.] My good friend, Dr. Steve Hackman, of NYU, has asked me to act as spokeswoman and co-host for his upcoming public auction to benefit the homeless. Among the items up for bid, Steve is donating [she turns and leans over the driver's side door of the car to Vanna White the steering wheel] this beautiful, fully restored, 1972 Cadillac Eldorado you see here beside me. [She straightens herself again and rests a hand gingerly on the mirror.]
Now, if you win this car, not only are you getting a fantastic piece of machinery, but you will also be getting the satisfaction of knowing that you have contributed to the well-being of your city, and by extension, your country, because all the proceeds from the auction are going toward the city's efforts to relieve local homelessness via such avenues as the Partnership for the Homeless. Every little bit certainly does help, and you can do your part by joining us in supporting the auction or by making a personal donation today. [A pause.] And, if you win...you'll also be getting a really fantastic piece of machinery. [Laughs.] And, hey, if cars aren't your thing, we'll have a myriad of other items up for bid, all donated by benevolent folks from all over New York. So come out and see if anything strikes your fancy. Anyway, it's for a really good cause, so we hope to see you there!
[There is an extended pause, during which Naomi stands with a frozen smile, until, finally, the camera shuts off.] |
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| Blog Post III: It's Not Easy Being Green |
[Apr. 13th, 2010|02:50 pm] |
Perhaps we can take a lesson from our more unified United States history. In times like these, when men are killing their countrymen in Texas, and all of America has felt the painful impact of a terror-ridden world on a nearly unfathomable scale, what better way to show our patriotic pride than by utilizing memorial spaces for, of all things, growth? At the risk of evoking heated pop culture debate regarding Revenant, rebirth in the place of death is perhaps the most beautiful representation we can offer today of America herself (al beit with flowers and ample vegetation, rather than with the shuffling footwork of the undead!). Not only does this project inspire life to triumph over painful destruction, but it also aligns neatly with the city's latest tax incentive surrounding private gardens. We may not be able to feed a nation with one small patch of green at Ground Zero, but we can certainly inspire the individual to take the green initiative at home. It is as a testament to the American spirit of growth and expansion to plant seeds in the rubble and watch it grow. |
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| Blog Post II: Adopt an American Refugee Today |
[Mar. 22nd, 2010|02:09 pm] |
Perhaps unsurprisingly, refugee children currently make up the highest percentage of orphans in New York City today. Over the last four years, thousands of children have been transported here from western states, in many cases being orphaned by either the events of Carson City or subsequent related disasters. Neither is it uncommon to hear of young boys and girls being separated from their parents in the migration process. While cases like this are often due to neglect on the part of the parents, rather than any incidents attributed to the processing centers themse the government has instituted several foster and adoption programs for these children. Each day, refugee emigrants continue to trickle across the Mississippi, many of them children without parents, some even infants given up or abandoned at processing centers, and more than a third will eventually arrive in New York. For more information on refugee adoption or to find out how you can help, you can visit the Building American Families website at www.amfam.org. |
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| Blog Post I: Medicine and Politics |
[Mar. 14th, 2010|07:45 pm] |
Surrounding the latest developments in cancer research, a handful of my colleagues at the NYU Cancer Institute have recently made several breakthroughs, specifically concerning the Jewish women’s breast and ovarian cancer genetics study, which has been on-going since roughly the turn-of-the-century. Through countless clinical trials and case studies, we have determined that certain modifier genes do, in fact, interact with many known hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer genes, such as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2, and that identification and manipulation of these genes (primarily by way of radiation) can prevent hereditary cancer from developing in women who carry the mutation in these genes. Continued investigation of known genes has ultimately proven, for all intents and purposes, that the BRCA-1, BRCA-2, p53, and PTEN genes, as well as excessive copies of the HER2 oncogene are direct causes of breast and ovarian cancers in 40-50% of hereditary breast cancer, and that though not everyone who carries a mutation in any of these genes will actually develop cancer, the prevention and stunting of tumor growth may be more easily accomplished thanks to these discoveries.
Fellows at the NYU Cancer Institute are now embarking on a study which has the potential to both prevent and treat many of these cancers, even in their advanced stages. This may easily open the doors for detecting and preventing other, more unwieldy forms of cancer more quickly and smoothly than we ever have before. For more information on this and other studies, I ask that you please visit our website, at http://ci.med.nyu.edu/.
And in regards to Schlottmann: It is our official my personal stance that she be given the benefit of the doubt. It would be unwise to put an end to one plan that is only half-way complete in favor of starting from scratch. Edwards isn't simply playing dice; she knows what Schlottmann is capable of, and she is prepared to stand behind this effort and see it through to its conclusion. That said, I would like a great deal to hear an official statement or two from T. Schlottmann herself in the area of objectives. |
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