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Baltimore for funeral [sticky]

No flights in tomorrow — have to fly in to D.C. and make our way up to Baltimore; and no flights back out for a while — 4th of July weekend, it turns out, is very busy, travel-wise, so we’ll have to stay in Baltimore until the 4th, and fly out then when everyone else is sitting on beach towels watching fire works and sucking down overpriced microbrews.

As you can no doubt guess, last minute tickets and hotel reservations, etc., is really putting a strain on us financially — especially because my wife just started a new job, and there’s been a lag between paychecks of about a month. The 10% bereavement discount on airline tickets doesn’t seem like such a big deal when tickets are $1200 a pop, and when you’re required to produce pictures of yourself posing with the corpse just to get that.

I feel ashamed to ask, but any donations you can make at this time would really really help my family out. And would of course replace any kind of July fundraiser.

Thanks for all the kind words and well wishes. My father’s death was sudden — and thankfully, he didn’t suffer. His heart just up and gave out on him while he was fixing the air conditioner. Still, I hadn’t seen him in over a year, and for that I’ll be forever sad. We had plans to travel back to Baltimore at the end of July to visit him. Turns out he didn’t feel like waiting around those last few weeks, I guess.

He always was a headstrong cuss. And I’ll miss him terribly.

180 Replies to “Baltimore for funeral [sticky]”

  1. bh says:

    I’m truly impressed that you’re maintaining your sense of humor at the moment, Jeff.

    Hope the traveling isn’t too much of an inconvenience.

    (Maybe make this post sticky until you return. In another thread, Darleen said she couldn’t do that.)

  2. Pablo says:

    He always was a headstrong cuss. And I’ll miss him terribly.

    I had one of those too. And I do. Words fail.

  3. Suggestion for the lodging: Even though it’s a holiday weekend, phone up the motel and bargain them down from their advertised rate. Say that Hotwire is offering a better price or some such. Don’t just take what hotels.com is offering.

    Our best to the family, & travel safely.

  4. Sean M. says:

    I haven’t been around here much as of the last few months, but I wanted to pop in and offer my condolences.

  5. Vmaximus says:

    Best wishes

    And prayers for your family, I lost my Dad 6 years ago and it still hurts.

  6. Cyn says:

    Thoughts and prayers going out to you and your family.

  7. Mal says:

    Very sorry to hear of it, Jeff.
    P’raps I can, at least, get you & your good lady wife a drink on the plane…

  8. LTC John says:

    I tried to donate via a gift card, but #$%*ing Paypal won’t take it… I’ll get to regular plastic when I get home from Camp Lincoln. I can also offer some basic legal advice, on the side – you have my e-mail – should you need it.

  9. proudvastrightwingconspirator says:

    You’re in our prayers Jeff.

  10. Rusty says:

    My sympathies to you and your family.

  11. mcgruder says:

    I did what I could.

  12. SBP says:

    Donation will go out Monday via the same route as the last one. My condolences, Jeff.

  13. ThomasD says:

    I am truly sorry for your loss.

    Best wishes to your family.

  14. GaryM says:

    Mmmmmmmm! Blue Crab
    Outlaw!!

  15. Joe says:

    I am sorry you did not get a chance to see him recently. I am sorry for your loss.

  16. Joe says:

    Give priceline a shot on the tickets, if it is not too late. Travelocity also has last minute vacation packages (airline and hotel to the DC area). Quite reasonable compared to going through the airlines and you might get lucky.

  17. LBascom says:

    How awful!

    That’s devastating stuff my friend. Condolences to you and your whole family.

    Sorry too, that unexpected expenses weigh on you, when you are already sagging. No case for shame, I feel inadequate still, limited to a modest financial donation. I wish I could do more.

  18. Merovign says:

    Aww, crap, man. Words can’t do it. I can only give a little, my own ticker’s kept me away from work for three months so far with no end in sight.

    They’re juggling disability, no checks in three weeks. If that gets sorted out I’ll shoot a few more bucks your way. Maybe I’ll send you that jar of coins. :)

    Don’t think about it while you’re there, seriously, not that you probably need that advice.

  19. Darleen says:

    boss, glad you could make the post “sticky”!

    Donation coming Wednesday.

  20. beedubya says:

    Damn..wish I had seen this sooner. I could have donated some frequent flyer points. Gonna hit the tip jar though. I hope to cover the cost of a meal at least

  21. Alyosha says:

    Left what I could in the jar. Truly sorry, Jeff. I received the same phone call about my own dad last year.

  22. Orion says:

    Very sorry for your loss…I remember losing both my father and step-father and it truly sucks. The airline ticket prices surely don’t help any. Wish I could donate, but I’m on my last financial legs.

    With respect and condolences,

    Orion

  23. Dan Collins says:

    I’ll see what I can do.

  24. Val Prieto says:

    My condolences, Jeff.

  25. Alan G says:

    Lost my Dad 5 yrs ago. Still hurts. You have my prayers.

  26. CJ Burch says:

    Sorry, brother. My condolences.

  27. Grass Root says:

    Both my parents are dead. My dad in 1975, and my mom in 2003.

    That’s by way of saying I understand how awful this is.

    FWIW, they both still live in my had, so they’re not completely gone.

    I am truly sorry for your loss.

  28. NukemHill says:

    I’m so sorry, Jeff. My heart-felt condolences to you and your family. And I’m truly sorry for the suddenness of it taking away the opportunity to see him “one last time.”

    If you feel like “getting away from it all” while you’re here in Baltimore, look me up. Drop me a line at my nukemhill gmail account, and we’ll work something out. The bar is stocked! ;-) An evening away from the chaos may be just what you need at some point.

    Hang in there. Give yourself space to feel whatever you need to feel. Don’t be afraid of grieving (somehow I don’t think that’ll be an issue for you!). Don’t worry about the anger, the fear, the joy, the gratitude (for whatever), any of it. It’s all completely natural. It all has a purpose.

    Best.

    -greg

  29. MayBee says:

    I’m sorry about your dad, Jeff.

  30. Jim Hoft says:

    Jeff- So sad to hear about your loss. He must have been a great man to raise a son like you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  31. My condolences on your father’s passing.

  32. clarice says:

    Jeff, I’m so sorry. I’m in DC with a pool. If you find you and your family need a break from Baltimore, contact me. My family is visiting so I can’t house you, unfortunately, but otherwise…..

  33. Mr. Bingley says:

    My condolences Jeff.

  34. A most private pain with a universal understanding. Hopefully our thoughts and prayers will comfort your grief in the merest but meaningful way.

    Life is still good at both ends of its earthly coil, even when it’s seemingly unfair. Peace and strength and comfort to you and yours, Jeff.

  35. Ray says:

    My deepest condolences Jeff. Both my parents have passed so I know the feelings you must be going through now. Thank you for your continuing wisdom on these pages.

  36. Scott P says:

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Jeff. Prayers and good wishes going out to you, and your whole family.

  37. Bill Quick says:

    My deep condolences, Jeff. I lost my dad a couple of years ago. He was 99, but it’s a shock no matter when it happens.

  38. chairman says:

    Hadn’t been here in a while, but I heard your father died. I offer my condolences.

  39. Dan D says:

    Deepest condolences and sympathy, Jeff. Be grateful for the times you had together, rather than regretful of the times you were not.

  40. JT says:

    I’m so sorry.

  41. mishu says:

    My condolences to you and your family Jeff.

  42. Fausta says:

    My heartfelt condolence, Jeff. You and your family are in my prayers.

  43. RHSwan says:

    My condolences and best wishes to your family.

    Unfortunately, I understand what you are going through. I lost my father 8 days ago rather suddenly. He too was a stubborn old coot who probably did more than he should. God knows I miss him.

    Again, my condolences and best wishes to your family.

  44. jb says:

    Bummer, man. Lost my Old Man in ’88. He was a rock–and an ornery cuss, too but he knew what it took to be a man and passed it on to me. Seems your Dad did, too.

    He’s home now, my man. Be at peace.

    He is.

    Pax Domini

  45. Yelsa says:

    My sympathies to you and yours. My dad passed away in ’05. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss him. But now it is more remembering the good times, the great talks we had, the joking, the prayers I knew were always undergirding and guiding me. Still it is hard being an orphan. I will pray for you and your family.

  46. Allston says:

    My profound condolences for your loss.

  47. Rob Crawford says:

    Condolences, Jeff.

  48. CraigC says:

    Hey, look at it this way, at least you won’t be in Baltimore in August. On the other hand, they are having a heat wave…

  49. nikkolai says:

    Remember the good times, Jeff. Condolences, sincerely.

  50. I send you my condolences. Cry and laugh with your family remembering your dad. Know that there’s no such thing as closure — that mythical place where loss stops hurting. Gradually, it will hurt less, is all, and won’t fill up your horizon simply because life flows and pulls you onwards.

  51. The Anchoress says:

    Jeff, please accept my condolences; may the angels lead him to paradise.

  52. Ric Locke says:

    Condolences, Jeff. I lost my father in ’81, the same way, except that it happened while he was in bed. Mother said he cried out, then… just left. It makes me optomistic. I hate the idea of lingering.

    Things are temporarily looking up, so I may be able to hit the tip jar Monday.

    Regards,
    Ric

  53. Binah says:

    Very sorry to hear about your loss. My dad went suddenly after a long decline, and I also had hoped to see him alive again. Not to be.

  54. JWN says:

    Jeff, My condolences. I lost my Dad 38 years ago, a long time ago, in Randallstown, about 2 blocks from your shiva house. I still think of him all the time. And, as a long time regular reader, I had no idea we were neighbors. Your Dad must have been very proud of your efforts. Stay strong!

  55. Myssi says:

    So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and yours.

  56. Marlon McAvoy says:

    Prayers for you and yours, Jeff.

  57. Vercingetorix says:

    Sorry, Jeff, for your loss. :(

  58. Swen says:

    So, so sorry Jeff. Best to you and yours.

  59. Jeannie Ash says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss and would contribute but am out of work myself, so I can only offer my condolences and prayers.

  60. Jason Swartz says:

    Jeff I’m sorry to hear about your loss, my condolences to you and your family.

  61. Carl H says:

    My condolences. Lost my Dad on Thanksgiving last fall. The water, you miss it when the well goes dry.

  62. M. Simon says:

    My dad died in 2001. We always had trouble getting along. I miss him. And expect a hard year. It won’t seem hard and after a short while it will seem better – but in fact you will have no useful energy for a year.

    And don’t forget to have a good cry or several. Probably in public.

    Needless to say: my deepest sympathies.

  63. Leslie (a guy) says:

    Jeff, I’ll say a prayer for your father’s soul. I believe that he’s not gone, but in a dimension where he can see and hear us, but we cannot do the same for him. It’s a Catholic thing. Anyhow, my prayers are for you and your family too. – Les

  64. Douglas Bass says:

    I know we haven’t met in person. We may have kinda sorta met online. But I have enjoyed your blog on many occasions, and I grasp that at least some of my enjoyment is the fruit of at least some of what your father sowed into you. I say Amen to all the previous comments, and offer my condolences to you and your family.

  65. ts says:

    I have yet to experience the loss of either parent, so I can’t begin to imagine what you are going through. Deepest sympathies to you and to your family.

  66. Vinnay Duggal says:

    God be with you.

  67. Hugh says:

    I’m very sorry for your loss, Jeff.

  68. meeztrs says:

    Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. I just loss my pops 4 months ago. Make the most of this week when you are surrounded by others who loved him. I wanted to rebel against it, but it was a really good thing.

    My thoughts are with you and your family. Not just right now, but in the coming weeks when it gets really hard and starts to sink in.

    Sorry I cannot contribute, I’m unemployed also.

    God Bless your Dad.

  69. Patrick says:

    So sorry to hear of your loss, Jeff. Thinking and praying for you and yours.

  70. David R. Block says:

    Lost dad in 1996, mom in 2001. It is not fun and you’re NEVER ready for it.

    God bless and have safe travels.

  71. Chris Gale says:

    Thinking of you and your loss @ 45 degrees South.

  72. Kobekko says:

    Condolences and best wishes for an easy trip.

  73. […] on | June 27, 2010 | No CommentsJeff Goldstein’s father just died, requiring him to fly cross-country on short notice for the funeral:I feel ashamed to ask, but any donations you can make at this time would really really help my […]

  74. Hey Jeff,

    Sorry to hear about your Dad. My Mom went five years ago, and I still feel guilty that I didn’t get in to see her during her last year (I found out she was dying when she went into a coma seven weeks before she died).

    Being stuck in Baltimore is probably a blessing in disguise. Having a week of shiva to sit with other family members and old friends and reminisce about your Dad is a lot healthier mentally than going home and being alone among people who didn’t know him. When the rabbis required shiva, they knew what they were speaking about. The blog will wait too.

    May God comfort you among all mourners for Zion and Jerusalem, and may you know of no more sorrow.

  75. My Dad checked himself out, in a way. He’s been fighting cancer for years, then he decided to take his buddies out for drinks on his birthday. They drank like fishes and had a grand time.

    The booze was too much for his chemo strained liver and he passed shortly thereafter. I think it was pretty much how he wanted to go.

  76. So…to complete the post, I understand your loss and I am hoping that you will find peace in the process. It took me some time, hopefully not so much for you. Prayers for you and your family.

  77. Mac Frazier says:

    I’m really sad for your loss. My own father passed on a year ago. I believe that the next life is actually more real than this one, but that doesn’t make death easy on those left behind. And I’m sorry the timing and travel are such a hassle. Death is often inconvenient and more expensive than anyone needs it to be, on top of all the deeper issues often involved. It’s my prayer that you find some inner peace in the midst of it all.

  78. Jonathan says:

    I’m sorry. Best wishes to you and your family.

  79. mezzrow says:

    He always was a headstrong cuss. And I’ll miss him terribly.

    Very sorry to hear of your loss, Jeff. We all have some hard things to do in life, and you’re going through one of the hardest. Even those of us who don’t speak much on here, but just like to read, understand that the acorn does not fall far from the tree – I smiled when I read the above. Have a safe trip there and back, and good luck with both the larger and smaller journey you’re making here.

  80. drjohn says:

    My sympathies, Jeff. Lost my dad five years ago, and Mom in October. It’s always tough.

  81. FishFearMe says:

    #

    Comment by Pablo on 6/25 @ 7:12 pm #

    He always was a headstrong cuss. And I’ll miss him terribly.

    I had one of those too. And I do. Words fail.

    I wish I’d said that. Perfect. And ditto. God bless, Jeff.

  82. Jonathan says:

    So sorry for your loss, Jeff.

  83. Beck says:

    My condolences for your loss Jeff.

  84. Mary in LA says:

    Dear Jeff, I am so sorry. My dad died in 2003, and I miss him still. It never really goes away, but it does become easier to bear as time goes on. I’ll be happy to hit your tip jar. You and your family will be in my prayers.

  85. newrouter says:

    gods speed

  86. […] he’s got a financial thing going on, so he needs people to give their “July dues” early. (Dang—I’ve grown to hate doing fundraising for other bloggers. But he’s got a […]

  87. SporkLift Driver says:

    So sorry for your loss Jeff. I know it might not be much comfort but at least you had a chance to share the joy of being a father yourself with him. Condolences. I’m sure he was a great man and father to have produced you.

  88. Flynn says:

    I would say, “have a nice trip” but it doesn’t jibe with the reason for going. So I’ll say Have a serene and uneventful one, and we’ll see you when you get back.

  89. JD says:

    I just spoke with Jeff, briefly, and it sounded like he was doing as well as possible, given the circumstances. He asked me to express his thanks for all of the thoughts, generosity, and prayers. I would suggest to keep them coming.

  90. bh says:

    That’s good to hear. Thanks, JD.

  91. DrSteve says:

    So terribly sorry for your loss, Jeff. Your family’s in our thoughts.

  92. Timstigator says:

    Peace upon you, my brother.

  93. Curmudgeon says:

    Damn, how terrible. Regrets and condolences.

  94. Eric Lee says:

    Jeff,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your father. I truly feel your pain, because it was just a year ago that I lost my father in pretty much the same way. He had a sudden, massive heart attack while helping strangers that were in an automobile accident just in front of him and my mother. It still hurts, because I never got a chance to say goodbye, and I hadn’t seen him in about 3 weeks.

    I’m praying that God will give you strength to get you through this, and to keep you strong for your family.

    Sincerely,
    Eric

  95. eleven says:

    Sorry for your loss Jeff….

  96. StarCMC says:

    Condolences and prayers for comfort.

  97. deadrody says:

    Sorry to hear the news, Jeff. I feel for you. I know its hard now, but from now on you will be a lot more aware of all the things you do and say that came straight from your dad. He’ll always be with you.

  98. lonevoice says:

    Terribly sorry for your loss, you and yours are in my prayers.

    Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine,

    et lux perpetua luceat eis.

    (Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,

    and let perpetual light shine upon them.)

  99. SBP says:

    Donation on its way as of this morning.

  100. T&T says:

    Sorry for your loss, Jeff. God bless you and the family.
    John

  101. Evan3457 says:

    Clever words always fail me at a time like this.

    So, simply: my condolences, and may your father forever rest in peace.

  102. Jim in San Diego says:

    I sent what I could Jeff.
    I hope it helps.

  103. Jake says:

    Sorry for your loss, Jeff.

  104. Zelda says:

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Be safe.

  105. Hvy Mtl Hntr says:

    Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out for you and yours.

  106. Sam says:

    Hey i pray for your family and god bless your family!

  107. hmmm, sense of humor.

  108. hmmm, nice sense of humor and my prayers for your family!

  109. NukemHill says:

    Tossed a little in the jar today. Wish I could do more, but I’m still in the “developing” phase of starting my business, so no real income yet. Hope it helps to defray your expenses a bit.

  110. Sarah Rolph says:

    I’m sorry for your loss, Jeff.

    No need to be embarrassed about asking us to help out if we can. What are friends for? We’re glad to be able to do something. Thanks for mentioning it.

  111. dwas says:

    So osrry for your loss, Pard..

  112. NukemHill says:

    Comment by Slocum on 7/8 @ 1:55 pm #

    He was a dumb, ill-mannered Jew and now he’s in Hell.

    I don’t have any context for who you are, Slocum. But this is at best in poor taste, even if it might be some sort of insider joke. And if ill intentions are your focus, then just FOAD.

    Fucktard.

  113. The Lost Dog says:

    Jeff –

    You are one of a kind, and I truly understand what a loss you have sustained.

    I lost my mother in 1980, and my father in 1992. There is no getting over it, but time helps to soothe.

    I am truly sorry for you. No one should have to deal with this – EVER.

    Just know that your dad lives on within you.

    You are an amazing person, my friend, and your father had a LOT to do with who you are.

    Be strong. Your father lives on within you….

  114. “A tree is best measured when it’s down.”

    A big part of getting over it is knowing that you will never totally get over it.

  115. Benedick says:

    Slocum eats his scabs.

  116. Jeff G. says:

    Slocum’s IP tracks to here: http://www.universalcare.com/OfficesLocations/officesLocationsDetail-Medical.asp?offices=10&bellflower=4

    Tomorrow, I’ll be calling them up and having them go through their user logs to find out who has been posting this shit here. Slocum, you won’t be the first fucking turd I’ve flushed. And God help you if I ever meet you in person.

    And yeah, I made a threat. Fuck you if you can’t deal.

    The internet sucks ass.

  117. Jeff G. says:

    More info:

    17660 Lakewood Boulevard
    Bellflower, CA 90706
    Tel: (562) 461-1179
    Fax: (562) 804-0862

    Chiropractor
    Gerald Weeks, DC

    Family Practice
    Vicky Phillips, MD
    Kittya Paigne, MD
    Javier Quesada, DO

    Internal Medicine

    John Adams, DO

    Pediatrics
    Ramesh Desai, MD
    Asma Khan, MD

    Urology
    Steven Scheuer, MD

  118. Jeff G. says:

    Here’s the IP: 174.127.29.179

    The email address given (to accompany the fake name, given that’s what cowards do) is BenCslocum@gmail.com. But who knows? Maybe the clown is so in love with his little aliases that he’s used them before. And that could help me in tracking him down. Ben Slocum was played by Will Geer on “Gunsmoke.”

    Email me with any info anyone who cares to look into this can dig up. I’ll pay for the ticket myself.

  119. Swen says:

    Something a friend gave me when my dad died a few months ago:

    Shifting the Sun
    When your father dies, say the Irish,
    you lose your umbrella against bad weather.
    May his sun be your light, say the Armenians.

    When your father dies, say the Welsh,
    you sink a foot deeper into the earth.
    May you inherit his light, say the Armenians.

    When your father dies, say the Canadians,
    you run out of excuses.
    May you inherit his sun, say the Armenians.

    When your father dies, say the French,
    you become your own father.
    May you stand up in his light, say the Armenians.

    When your father dies, say the Indians,
    he comes back as the thunder.
    May you inherit his light, say the Armenians.

    When your father dies, say the Russians,
    he takes your childhood with him.
    May you inherit his light, say the Armenians.

    When your father dies, say the English,
    you join his club you vowed you wouldn’t.
    May you inherit his sun, say the Armenians.

    When your father dies, say the Armenians,
    your sun shifts forever.
    And you walk in his light.

    — Diana Der-Hovanessian

  120. Jeff G. says:

    Here, Ben C. Slocum, who seems big on the Jew hate, signs off from South Orange, NJ: http://njjewishnews.com/article/editors-column/what-shall-we-tell-the-children

  121. sdferr says:

    Have you looked at his other entries here Jeff? More of the same of course.

  122. Jeff G. says:

    Removing them all from sight, though I’ll be keeping them.

  123. Jeff G. says:

    07/08/10 between 1:55-1:59 MST. That’d be the end of a lunch hour west coast time.

  124. Darleen says:

    boss,

    there’s also a dental practice at same address … all part of a HMO. here’s a pic. Bellflower is a hardscrapple neighborhood with “urban” issues. My husband’s late grandfather had a small farm there (family finally sold the property in late 90’s).

    It wouldn’t be that difficult for me to take some time from work and visit the place in person.

  125. Jeff G. says:

    Well, unless they want all their practices tied to this kind of rhetoric — fuck it, I’ll devote the blog to nothing else but making the connection publicly, over and over and over and over again — they’ll ferret out the subhuman garbage responsible for posting that filth.

    I don’t much give a fuck what someone thinks of “the Jews,” save when they get busy every once in a while trying to exterminate the lot of ’em. But saying that about my father? Won’t stand.

    Fuck your internet anonymity. You don’t get to be an asshole just because you can unless I get to expose you for being an asshole just because I can.

  126. Pablo says:

    It wouldn’t be that difficult for me to take some time from work and visit the place in person.

    Heh. Sometimes the internet is awesome. Just not when douchebags like Slocum are on it.

  127. bh says:

    Another comment, different site.

  128. bh says:

    Here’s another.

  129. Jeff G. says:

    Darleen —

    If you can go, I’ll provide you with copies of the IP log and the comments.

  130. bh says:

    And another. Definite pattern.

    (Feel free to delete any of these comments if you don’t want them here.)

  131. happyfeet says:

    that’s not “urban issues” that’s the for reals actual hood

    be very careful

  132. bh says:

    Another.

    Just linking them in case you want to put a stack of them in front of his employer.

  133. NukemHill says:

    Jeff,

    If you want to pull comment #116 where I quote scumbag Slocum, I’ll protest not at all. Your blog, your rules, your heart.

  134. NukemHill says:

    Oh. And welcome back. Sorry you had to come back to such wretchedness, but know that you have the respect and admiration of many here. School him and then forget him.

  135. Darleen says:

    boss,

    email your way.

  136. Darleen says:

    hf

    not as “hood” as some … daytime shouldn’t be a problem.

  137. bh says:

    All in all, fuck this guy, welcome back, Jeff, and be careful, Darleen. Not just the neighborhood, I wouldn’t leave my name or phone number with anyone but management.

  138. Darleen says:

    bh

    oh, believe me, I talk only to management.

  139. bh says:

    Good, smart cookie.

  140. JD says:

    People like that should be publicly humiliated.

  141. Mike LaRoche says:

    What a scumbag.

  142. JD says:

    Did anyone else notice that none of the trolls had even the basic common decency to extend their sympathies? Not a fucking one of them.

  143. SDN says:

    Darleen, if you’re licensed for concealed carry, I’d consider it. YMMV, but it’s better to have and not need.

  144. Timmer says:

    I haven’t stopped by in awhile and I missed this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. God bless.

  145. Mike LaRoche says:

    Did anyone else notice that none of the trolls had even the basic common decency to extend their sympathies? Not a fucking one of them.

    I noticed that as well, JD. It speaks volumes about their lack of character.

    Jeff, as I posted last month, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  146. John Bradley says:

    Yeah JD, I noticed that too. Didn’t say anything about it at the time, figuring a quiet troll is better than an obnoxious one, and why jinx it. But still… our resident trolls have been posting here for years, and couldn’t take the 30 seconds (or show an inkling of goddamned common decency) to drop a “My condolences Jeff.” comment?

    That’s some weak shit right there, that is.

  147. Danger says:

    JeffG,

    “The internet sucks ass.”

    It certainly has it’s dark side (and I hope this doesn’t come off as trite) but it does allow me to share this with you. It’s the song my wife chose for her father’s memorial. Hope you like it.

    Perhaps what the internet needs is a few more good hall monitors. I’ll get bh to start a recruiting drive pronto;)

    Looking forward to running into ya in the halls soon 8^)

  148. Spiny Norman says:

    not as “hood” as some … daytime shouldn’t be a problem.

    I used to live in Bellflower, in 1968. I learned to ride a bicycle there. We moved to Compton for a year, and then to Orange County.

  149. Spiny Norman says:

    Ah hell, my aunt and uncle live less than a mile from there, just over the city limits in Lakewood. Unless things have changed dramatically over the last 5 or 6 years, it’s not that bad of a neighborhood.

  150. Spiny Norman says:

    That medical office is close enough to make me wonder if they’ve ever been to it…

  151. Yackums says:

    Danger, I hear Squid and Cranky have them some useful equipment.

  152. serr8d says:

    If that ‘medical office’ has an unsecured wireless network, then anybody could access their connection. Even if it’s secured, there’s easy enough ways to knock down a protected wireless network from a laptop in the parking lot or next door. But likely not; this fellow is mentally lame and lazy, so probably it’s an employee. Hopefully not one of the doctors, but you can’t tell, nowadays.

    Sorry you had to come back to this, Jeff, and sorry for your loss.

  153. serr8d says:

    David Adler has posted info on the New Jersey version of ‘Ben C Slocum’.

  154. serr8d says:

    Big fish. California and New Jersey connections.

  155. serr8d says:

    If that’s the fish, here’s a picture. Big IF, just a New Jersey – California connection.

  156. Spiny Norman says:

    Possibly a corporate CEO? Weirder and weirder…

    o_O

  157. Jeff G. says:

    A CEO? Excellent. Time to go after this fucker. Hard.

  158. sdferr says:

    Big if is more like no way. Though a disgruntled employee could be spoofing his name.

  159. guinsPen says:

    Yeah, I say sock, mainly because of what’s his angle?

    Going all-in for a payoff of… what?

    Then again, he does hang in pharmaceutical circles.

  160. Jeff G. says:

    I suspect it’s someone borrowing his name. But like I said, I know what time this person was on the computer, and that s/he was using that name. Shouldn’t be difficult for the IT people to track down.

    Now, to get in touch with those folks…

  161. Jeff G. says:

    Corporate offices phone: 562-424-6200

  162. Jeff G. says:

    Okay, that’s the incorrect number. That’s the corporate offices of Universal Care. Slocum is CEO of UnitedHealth.

    So the plot thickens.

    Here’s the phone info for United Health Care in CA: California – Customer Service
    Address: CA
    Toll Free Phone: 800-357-0978

  163. Jeff G. says:

    More:

    California (Groups 2-99) – Northern California
    Address: 8880 Cal Center Drive , Suite 300 , Sacramento , CA 95826
    Toll Free Phone: (866) 288-4993

    http://www.uhc.com/contact_us.htm

  164. Jeff G. says:

    Contacted the office manager at Universal Health in Bellwether. She’s sending the info on to their IT and calling corporate.

  165. Benedick says:

    Some HR director in corporate is gonna have a seizure. That’s what corporate HR does.

  166. Jeff G. says:

    End of day and the office manager at the local office never got back to me. Tomorrow I try one last time, then I go to corporate. From there, I go all Universal Care, all the time — and my portrait of who in their building gets to use their network might have a tinge of outrage to it. So it goes. This is my father we’re talking about; fuck anyone who tries to mess with his name.

  167. Get ’em. Need help?

  168. Darleen says:

    Spiny

    Lakewood is still a nice area. It’s amazing happens within a few blocks …

  169. DarthRove says:

    I have the feeling some people in California are going to feel like they got fucked with an elephant dick. Ride herd, Jeff. Make ’em own it. And “Ben C Slocum” is an ass-faced piss-guzzler, and a cowardly peanut-titted fuck to boot.

  170. BumperStickerist says:

    sorry for your loss, Jeff.

    skip the local office follow-up call tomorrow – the chain of command is for employees and customers. You’re neither.

    I’d probably call and ask for a comment to a story you’re writing about companies that allow anti-semite activities to take place using corporate assets as-verified by IP addresses. You’re in the process of documenting a particularly vile situation that happens to include Universal Care’s name. You’d hate to besmirch an upstanding corporate citizen without giving them the opportunity to get back to you.

    And, oh, the publish date is this Monday.

    You’ll likely get a call back more quickly.

    Here’s the link to Univeral Care’s Hoovers information.

    Give the CEO a call. You’ll get an assistant. Don’t get personal. Just be a writer following up a lead on a story. Have a fact-packet raady to send to them and be specific about the publish date.

    http://www.hoovers.com/company/Universal_Care_Inc/rrtjhsi-1-1njea1.html

  171. #170 Jeff,

    Doesn’t surprise me. In all likelihood they are wondering whether to get their legal department involved, or they are already doing so. In either event there’s that much more administrative inertia to overturn.

    Sorry you have to deal with this at this time. Vileness like this is probably something they don’t prepare you for in Big Time Blogger School.

  172. Probably a good idea to add a proxy check to the comment form if you can. Might be a way to show the user their ip and if it is valid (isproxy i think is the command). If it’s not a valid ip, comment rejected. This would give you some small measure of confidence that we can be tracked if we drop a turd in the punchbowl.

    This jackass might be using an anonymizer like TOR, but he’s probably not that smart and just uses proxies. Like most pedophiles. And like most pedophiles he’ll end up naked, in the spotlight, holding a cold six-pack of cheap beer to his underdeveloped privates and whining “what’d I do?”

  173. Average Pedophile says:

    Hey, the cold six-pack just makes it look underdeveloped. Ever hear of shrinkage, buddy?

  174. Danger says:

    “Danger, I hear Squid and Cranky have them some useful equipment.”

    Ah yes Yackums,
    The Squid Co. line of riot gear and Cranky TM cudgels. Never leave home with out them (anyone know how to make those mini Co. and TM symbols;)

    btw,

    I noticed you spreading the link love earlier, nicely done!

    Keep firing!

  175. above average pedophile says:

    Sure Tiny, shrinkage. Wait and see how the “It was the booze!” defense works on Chris Hansen. My advice? Don’t sit on the pleather chair, flop sweat makes it sticky. (At least I thought it was sweat)

  176. BumperStickerist says:

    Last bit of advice –

    If you can, do not go Inigo Montoya with these people —

    Hello. My name is Jeff Goldstein, You have insulted my father’s memory, prepare to become an internet verb

    A basic rule in business is that shit rolls downhill – and picks up speed. Call the CEO first thing this morning and ask for a comment on a story. In this role you’re Jeff, publisher of an internet site, writing a story that will prominently feature Universal Care in what you’d have to characterize as a negative light, trying to do the right thing by giving the about-to-be-negatively-portrayed company an opportunity to set the story straight.

    Ben Stiller will play you in the movie.

    Absence of Malice II: This Time It’s Present

  177. Lilida says:

    Jeff, please accept my condolences on your loss. I hope you’re doing well. I’m sorry it took a while to donate to the July fundraiser — money’s been a little tight lately. Wish I could do more; I will try to support your efforts here at PW as much as possible.

Comments are closed.