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R.I.P. Anthony Bourdain

Three suicides by hanging in one week: First Kate Spade, then the sister of the Queen of Holland and now Anthony Bourdain.

I wasn't a frequent watcher of Bourdain's show, although I've seen several of them. He's someone you had to be in the mood for. I liked his shows on Asia. A few weeks ago I saw the episode of him eating with President Obama in Vietnam. But the episode that has stuck with me the most was one filmed in Miami a few years ago with a segment featuring Iggy Pop. Bourdain has explained he was an absolute fanboy of everything Iggy. Bourdain wrote at the time the show was about to air (in 2015):[More...]

Of all the people I've met, I've never been more intimidated, more anxious, more starstruck than when I met Iggy Pop.

Some of his lines in that episode:

"When I was young, this man [Iggy]was a role model, an ideal, a road map for bad behavior... His music, it turned out, was the soundtrack for most of my life."

He really related to Iggy's music, and while I am a big Iggy fan, I certainly don't share Bourdain's view of what rock music should be about:

As a final note, I encourage anyone reading this to buy, first, the Stooges' classic "Fun House," which functions as a reminder of what rock 'n' roll should be about -- has always been about: sex, aggression, rage, self-hatred, frustration, heartbreak, love and the occasional burst of pleasure. Then listen to the song "Penetration," on their album "Raw Power," and feel your face melt right off your skull.

Iggy Pop's Twitter account today:

MESSAGE FROM IGGY: “I’m in shock having just heard that Anthony Bourdain has passed away. I loved the guy, and he was a light of kindness and good vibes in my life. Iggy Pop”

Here's a photo of them. And a GQ interview with both of them in which they discuss death.
Iggy says, "So I've actually decided consciously to have a little bit of a shorter life. I don't really want to sit around till I'm 90."

Iggy: The death thing is a real hard one to think about. Will I be deaf? Will I be blind? Will I get an ulcer?

Boudain: I'm hoping for a mob-style execution.

Iggy: Yeah, that sounds like something you could get.

Boudain: Or eating some very expensive sushi. You know, I'm eating sushi at Jiro in Tokyo and then somebody slides up and bang! I would not be unhappy with that as my last meal.

Boudain: You don't want to be hit by, like, an ice-cream truck. Then caught up in the wheel well and dragged down the street with the ice-cream truck playing happy music. This is my worry.

Iggy: That's true, we have a good [truck] here, called El Suavacito.

Boudain: I'll give it a wide berth.

Iggy: And he has the music, like Mister Softee music. Boudain: That isn't what I want to hear as I bleed out.

Also in the interview, Boudain addresses his anger issues:

Well, I'm often angry. I think some of Iggy's best music was angry music. I think it's a valid feeling. A lot of Raw Power and Fun House in particular, when I was an angry young man, those songs, some of those songs, I needed to hear those songs very, very badly. I was very unhappy, angry, frustrated. You've got to be careful about what you do with that anger. I think fear is a much more dangerous emotion. I think what we are seeing in America is more an ugly reaction to fear than anger. Anger is a byproduct of fear.

One thing Anthony and Iggy had in common was overcoming heroin addiction. On getting clean, Bourdain told Biography:

I got off of heroin in the 1980s. Friends of mine from the ‘70s and ‘80s, they just got off five, six, maybe 10 years ago. And we’re the lucky ones. We made it out alive. There are a lot of guys that didn’t get that far. But you know, I also don’t have that many regrets either.

People quotes his book Kitchen Confidential:

In Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain detailed the many drugs he used with friends in the ’80s. “We were high all the time, sneaking off to the walk-in at every opportunity to ‘conceptualize,'” he wrote. “Hardly a decision was made without drugs. Pot, quaaludes, cocaine, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms soaked in honey and used to sweeten tea, Seconal, Tuinal, speed, codeine and, increasingly, heroin, which we’d send a Spanish-speaking busboy over to Alphabet City to get. We worked long hours and took considerable pride in our efforts-the drugs, we thought, having little effect on the end-product.”

In response to the question of the interviewer in the Biography article as to whether he now leads a charmed life, he said:

I don’t know about “charmed.” But I’m still here — on my third life, or maybe fourth. Who knows? I should’ve died in my 20s. I became successful in my 40s. I became a dad in my 50s. I feel like I’ve stolen a car – a really nice car – and I keep looking in the rearview mirror for flashing lights. But there’s been nothing yet.

The flashing lights must have started popping up recently in his rearview mirror. By all accounts, and looking at his own Instagram postings, he clearly had periods of happiness, especially with his daughter, his girlfriend and his work. While his weathered face made him seem older than his 61 years, his personality didn't seem worn out. Whatever demons were inside him must have gotten the best of him. I'm sad for him and particularly his daughter.

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  • Display: Sort:
    RIP sweet man (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jun 08, 2018 at 07:18:41 PM EST


    I really became a fan (5.00 / 4) (#9)
    by MKS on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 07:24:14 AM EST
    of his show.   Interesting mix of food, culture and travel.

    Never saw the show (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 08:54:50 AM EST
    But it sounds worth finding

    Parent
    Totally worth finding, Howdy. (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by caseyOR on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 09:33:48 AM EST
    I think you would enjoy Bourdain's show. Food and culture and politics and how they all meet.

    Parent
    Found myself being too sad to (none / 0) (#19)
    by Anne on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 08:35:18 AM EST
    watch one of his old episodes, kind of to my surprise. Maybe it's that, knowing his story, I realized the old demons must have caught up with him, and he didn't know how to outrun them this time.

    And I just ache for his daughter.

    Parent

    Bourdain did a bit from Santa Fe.. (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by desertswine on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 11:53:03 AM EST
    a few years back where he tried out the famous "Frito Pie" that the five and dime there pretends to have invented.  It's a cut open bag of Fritos with chile poured in it.  

    He compared it to "sh*t in a bag."  

    I liked the guy.  I enjoyed his show and I'm sorry he's gone.  He always seemed deep and vulnerable to me.

    Agreed. I enjoyed his show (5.00 / 2) (#14)
    by Towanda on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 02:45:29 PM EST
    and often watched. My favorite episode may have been the one in the home of my foremothers, Montreal -- in a Quebec winter. Bourdain was introduced to ice fishng, which amazed him, as something Quebecois actually want to do in freezing cold. Then, in the ice shed, the fishermen -- famed Montreal chefs -- cooked the fish . . . and topped it with triffles that they just happened to have on hand.  Bourdain was bemused.

    Those chefs accompanied him this season to Nova Scota, home of my ancestors before the Americans invaded, which took my people to Quebec -- another delightful episode I recommend. (CNN announced a rerun marathon soon.)

    But for the essential Bourdain, watch episodes in Asia and Africa and similar places where he faces foods that freaked hin out -- not that he ever showed it, as good manners were utmost for him in other cultures.  I learned a lot about those exotic locales, and I will miss his show.

    Parent

    I like truffle oil (none / 0) (#21)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 08:51:26 AM EST
    But of course what sits in my cupboard, what I can afford, is a chemical construct. It isn't actual white truffle oil which Bourdain loved, it is lab created.

    Anthony Bourdain called MY truffle oil lube. Made me smile. Pass the lube please :) Hahaha

    I don't use the oil anymore because now they have truffle zest you sprinkle on. Still a lab creation, but less lube-like

    Parent

    Not sure I understand all the hand wringing (5.00 / 7) (#13)
    by Chuck0 on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 01:37:48 PM EST
    over someone's suicide. I have always believed that we all have the right to determine the time and place of our end. I am a firm believer in quality of life, not so much quantity. I was very sorry to see Hunter Thompson go, but I have his last note typed on small piece of paper and pinned to the wall next to my desk. I understand, deeply, every word of it. As someone who was once very active and well traveled, I understand the struggles, both mentally and physically, of chronic and growing health issues. I am slowly losing my ability to walk and other complications are catching up to me. My life is not much more than work and TV. I lived a very crazy and wild life, I worked hard and played even harder. I don't recommend growing old to anyone. I understand that sometimes, people decide it time to head to the exit.

    I didn't know Bourdain was such an Iggy fan. It's weird because I was just listening to The Stooges and Raw Power at work the day before. Stuff that not in my regular play list rotation.

    I'm sorry (none / 0) (#17)
    by linea on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 11:25:49 PM EST
    I don't understand what you wrote or understand why anyone would high-5 you. I feel that people who commit suicide are doing so out of emotional pain. And I feel it is preventable if only we could address their unmet needs and deep emotional angst. To me, your cry that `life is not much more than work and TV' feels like a poverty of love. Is it trite of me to recommend that you spend time and considerable effort to find a girlfriend?

    Parent
    Sometimes you are funny, sometimes just sad (5.00 / 9) (#25)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 09:11:17 AM EST
    "Is it trite of me to recommend that you spend time and considerable effort to find a girlfriend?"

    I will have to ask my wife on that one. I suppose there's a chance she will agree with you.

    You don't understand because you are a know it all millennial with little or no real life experience. I can't speak for the people who rated the comment but I would chance a guess they do understand because they have acquired some wisdom through lives well lived. All knowledge does not flow from Wikipedia. There is much to be said for the wisdom that comes from life experience.

    Have you ever even read Hunter Thompson's note that I alluded to? To save you the Google keystrokes:

    "No More Games. No More Bombs. No More Walking. No More Fun. No More Swimming. 67. That is 17 years past 50. 17 more than I needed or wanted. Boring. I am always bitchy. No Fun - for anybody. 67. You are getting Greedy. Act your old age. Relax - This won't hurt."

    Perhaps you should refrain from offering your .02 cents on subjects where you have about .005 cents of knowledge.

    Parent

    Would rate this to infinity if I could. (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Anne on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 09:25:31 AM EST
    Thanks, Chuck.

    Parent
    Linea, on these kind of (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by Jeralyn on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 07:04:23 PM EST
    personal comments (like Chuck's) you really need to read closely if you are going to opine. Did you miss this: "I am slowly losing my ability to walk and other complications are catching up to me." Hunter Thompson was very much in love with his wife (a good friend of mine who has commented here)when he killed himself. His physical ailments took away the joy in his life and made him too dependent on others to care for him. Chuck's comment is extremely relatable, and for you to suggest he's lacking romance in his life is absurd when he clearly stated what is preventing him from enjoying the active lifestyle he once had.

    Parent
    I am listening to Paul (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by oculus on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 11:46:03 PM EST
    Theroux's most recent book, Figures in a Landscape. It is a collection of his essays, including a chapter on Hunter Thompson.

    Parent
    Okay (none / 0) (#39)
    by linea on Mon Jun 11, 2018 at 09:21:45 PM EST
    I'll avoid commenting on similar posts. Obviously I don't have the experience to understand how someone could feel loved yet want to commit suicide due to an infirmity which is `preventing him from enjoying the active lifestyle he once had.'

    P.S. I believe physical pain should be liberally treated and I oppose the war on opioids and support the use of marijuana for pain (diazepam might be helpful too, in my opinion).

    Parent

    Aaaaargh! (none / 0) (#41)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 10:20:05 AM EST
    Ha (none / 0) (#42)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 10:21:25 AM EST
    Anti depressants

    WOW

    no one EVER thought of that !!!!!


    Parent

    Diazepam? The cure all...snort (none / 0) (#43)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 10:22:51 AM EST
    I have an Rx for Xanax (none / 0) (#91)
    by linea on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 08:26:33 PM EST
    I suggested Diazepam because it has muscle-relaxant proerties that I feel might be helpful as an adjunctive for those being under-prescribed opioid pain medication. I was trying to be helpful.

    Parent
    linea (none / 0) (#92)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jun 14, 2018 at 11:52:50 AM EST
    God love ya! Passing out diazepam isn't going to cure us all of everything you want us all cured of :)

    And you doubled down on "prescribing and doctoring and lecturing" individuals who are experiencing medical conditions.

    Awhile back I read an article written by a physician who claimed he was abusive to individuals who had type 2 diabetes. He blamed the sufferers for their illness. The science has since come in and he is ashamed of himself now.

    The AMA likes to pretend it has all the answers in a God like fashion, and repeatedly we discover that they don't know everything and they aren't God.

    IMO there has been a terrible wave of throwing antidepressants at everyone. I don't think I know a single person any longer other than children who haven't been prescribed an antidepressant at some point. Apparently we ate all genetically predisposed to depression?

    Our culture has hit a point where instead of addressing social problems we give people pills. SSRIs weren't designed for forever use. I understand some individuals will need to take those medications their whole lives. But recently it has been exposed that antidepressants being prescribed were never meant for forever use. Seems like physicians never read that fine print or they just don't care.

    But we are flooded with antidepressants to the point the medication exists in water supplies now. How do we explain this suicide epidemic when we've never had so many people "legally and medically supervised" medicated?

    Neuro plasticity comes to an end around 72 also. I have told my family if I become ill after that point I am out. There will be no fight that I drag my whole family through with me. Life ends, at least right now it does.


    Parent

    Just imagined you working (none / 0) (#18)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 07:53:43 AM EST
    At a suicide prevention hotline

    Like plot of  a NETFLIX horror movie.

    Parent

    I would watch that! (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Jun 14, 2018 at 11:54:49 AM EST
    Baa waa waa (none / 0) (#23)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 08:55:32 AM EST
    Not surprised that you are actually making me laugh in a thread on suicide. :)

    Parent
    I know from my days (5.00 / 2) (#15)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 02:53:40 PM EST
    working in the restaurant business that there was, at least in the eighties, this whole behind-the-swinging-doors rock and roll gonzo scene going on, particularly in the higher-end places. A lot of owners didn't care how much white powder you did, as long as you did your job and did it well. And a lot of owners were into it too.

    And of course, when you're self-medicating all the time, you never get around to the addressing the underlying issues that drive one to self-medicate in the first place.

    Heroin is a particularly tough nut. Charlie Parker used to say that you can get it out of your body, but not out of your mind.

    It was interesting this weekend (5.00 / 2) (#34)
    by CST on Mon Jun 11, 2018 at 09:51:18 AM EST
    It seems like everyone in my life had some kind of affinity for this man, and we all found it in different ways.

    I discovered him has a frequent guest-host on the early years of the show Top Chef, and started watching his travel channel shows from there.

    My parents are big fans of the CNN show.

    My restaurant industry friends feel like they lost a role model and someone who always respected them in a world full of people that don't.  

    The fact that he got his start working in the seasonal industry on Cape Cod, and I spent a few years in the trenches in the seasonal industry on an island 45 minutes from the Cape, with many of the same demons and delights (although I was older and had already decided never to use heroin), makes it feel somehow more personal.

    I always respected the fact that he seemed to treat people with openness and decency.  He brought joy to a lot of people, and opened the world up for many others.  You did good Anthony.

    SALON (none / 0) (#35)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 11, 2018 at 10:07:13 AM EST
    To add to Chuck's eloquence... (5.00 / 5) (#36)
    by kdog on Mon Jun 11, 2018 at 11:18:56 AM EST
    Some people just really, really, really do not wish to be old and slowly break down.  Especially those that lived fast and loose in their primes.  That was the case with my father.

    I don't know if that was the case with the late, great Mr. Bourdain.  Hunter spelled it out, as my dad did, to remove the mystery from the sorrow, and if not possible to lessen the pain of those that loved them left behind, at least to help us understand the last route they chose on this long and winding road.  12 years later I'm still pissed at the old man, but I understood and understand, and am eternally grateful for that shared understanding.  

    Yes (none / 0) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 11, 2018 at 07:28:25 PM EST
    And that time is different for everyone.  I can totally see that exit.  When the time comes.  But I am 67 and for me it still feels far away.  I have been blessed with unusually good health my whole life.  Ive never been in a hospital except as an outpatient for my kidney stone.  So for me, at this point, I am not slowing down.  I am no more grouchy than I ever was, if anything a bit less.  I'm still doing all the drugs I always did if not as often.  I am still enjoying it.

    It was sad for me to read that note because that seems early to have all those feelings.  But like I said, it's relative.

    Parent

    As can I see that exit... (5.00 / 5) (#40)
    by kdog on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 09:40:14 AM EST
    hopefully many years from now, for both of us!

    It's a hot topic with what's been going on with my great-uncle....95 and just fading away by the day. We thought he was on his way out 6 months ago, chronic pneumonia and a tumor in his lungs that they're pretty sure is cancer but is pointless to invasively test since he's too old & frail for any treatments.  He was checked into the palliative care wing at the local VA hospital, but the old son of a b&tch has f*cking alligator blood.  His 6 months is up and the VA is giving him the boot (palliative care is only supposed to be for those with 6 months to go).  And he doesn't qualify for VA nursing homes, can't afford to pay for one, so guess who he is moving in with.  Why I haven't been around much, between visiting him and renovating the basement to make it livable and senior-friendly and such I've been working like a dog day and night. I don't know how the hell I'm gonna take care of him with work and what not, but ya do what ya gotta do. My moms is too old to do it, my responsible siblings have their own families, and my irresponsible sibling can barely wipe his own arse never mind an old man's.  The VA is covering putting in a stair lift and grab bars in the bathroom and such, and my landlady has been aces allowing it all, so it could be worse.  

    Thankfully he's not in any real physical pain, but he has no quality of life.  Doesn't have the eyes or attention span to read anymore, can't really walk anymore, has some marbles but he's forgetting things now and it angers and frustrates him. He just sits in the sun and stares at the tv on valium, tells me he goes to bed every night wishing he won't wake up. His Catholic superstitions prevent him from doing anything about it.

    Never me Man, never me...I joke with the fam that when I'm done I'm just gonna wander off into the woods and never be heard from again like a dying wolf would do...so as not to burden the pack.  Only I ain't really joking.  All emotions aside... my father was wise, wise yet hasty.

    Parent

    You're doing God's work (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by CST on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 10:28:57 AM EST
    My Grandmother got kicked out of her assisted living facility because she refused to stop chain smoking indoors.  She conned the hell out of her spot for two years, pretending to "forget" to go outside (her memory was fine), etc... but they finally gave her the boot.  Luckily my mother had recently retired, so now she's taking care of her mom full time.  I know it's a struggle for her, as she saw this as the "freedom and travel" time of her life, and my 90+ year old grandmother is definitely cramping her style.  That said, it's her mom.  And she's been very open about the struggle and about talking with us (her kids) about her own future wishes and how she wants things to go.  I will say one thing that seems to keep grandma cheerful is barking orders at her great-grandsons and an appropriately morbid sense of humor, while getting smashed on white wine every night.

    That said, my father - like a lot of people here - has been very explicit that he'd rather die than be a "burden".  The hard part is figuring out where that line lies.  To be blunt about it, I know he doesn't expect or want to outlive my mother.  And I know for my part I'd never willingly let go of either parent.  But it's not my choice.  

    For my self personally - I could never imagine willingly letting go of life, I see it more like that Dylan Thomas poem.  Then again, that's a young man's poem for an old man, so who knows if I'll change.  While I'd prefer to have it over quick and painless, I doubt I'd ever be able to follow through.

    Parent

    Barking orders... (5.00 / 3) (#48)
    by kdog on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 10:57:47 AM EST
    yeah my great-uncle is very adept at that too...must be the very last thing to go.  The palliative care staff at the VA have been nothing short of fantastic putting up with his sh*t, speaking of god's work. Old Man River is in for a rude awakening come moving day...this dog barks back Jack.

    Maybe our families should trade...chain-smoking indoors is not only allowed in my soon to be grand-opened assisted living facility, it is encouraged!

    As for these very personal decisions...I guess it all boils down to how you define this thing called life.  And there is no wrong (right?)answer...no matter what the church may tell ya.

    Parent

    I'm starting a new part time job (5.00 / 4) (#53)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 05:24:14 PM EST
    Next week working for an in home care service.  Which by the way is a booming business, pun intended.
    I won't be doing nursing stuff.  Just driving them to appointments, maybe cooking or light cleaning or cutting the grass.

    I decided it would be nice to get out of the house more and get paid for it.  Plus I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile.

    Parent

    I might need something similar... (5.00 / 2) (#60)
    by kdog on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 10:04:22 AM EST
    I can't be there 24/7 to eldersit, was gonna look into having someone to come by a couple times a week or something for when the fam can't fill in.  Or at least somebody to give him a bath...that's what I'm dreading the most, having to scrub my great-uncle's balls.  Awk-ward.

    Parent
    There are services here (none / 0) (#62)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 10:43:39 AM EST
    So you definitely have them.  No bAthing or wiping

    Parent
    Or conversely (none / 0) (#63)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 10:53:38 AM EST
    Bathing and wiping if that is what's needed

    :)


    Parent

    Mulling it... (none / 0) (#66)
    by kdog on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:10:46 AM EST
    But I would kind of feel bad subjecting some poor underpaid schmuck to the filterless ornery when they are not blood-bound to tolerate it.  If they put a milligram too much mayo on the baloney sandwich he'd rain hell upon them.  

    We were hoping the VA might cover in-home assistance, but they don't, they sent us to Medicaid but between his social security and small army pension he makes like 100 dollars too much every month to qualify...probably by design. I woulda thought a WWII combat vet would get the Cadillac plan, but they don't unless they suffered more serous injuries in service, that's why he can't get in the VA nursing home.  Not that I'd really want to see him there anyway...I've seen it and it's not nearly as nice or well-staffed as the palliative care wing.


    Parent

    It's the job (none / 0) (#67)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:14:23 AM EST
    F@ck it.

    That's what they get paid for.  And pretty fing well.

    Parent

    To be clear (none / 0) (#68)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:18:59 AM EST
    I could get twice as much if I was willing to wipe and bathe

    I'm not.  Sooooorey

    Job opportunities for those with the skills and training and who sign up for this sh!t.  Literally.


    Parent

    Really? (none / 0) (#69)
    by kdog on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:26:16 AM EST
    I thought home health aides get barely a tick above minimum wage...one of the most woefully underpaid professions.  Isn't the national average like ten bucks and change an hour?

     

    Parent

    I once dated a woman (none / 0) (#70)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:31:02 AM EST
    in the Baltimore area that made $9 an hour for providing home health care. I think she was a LPN? LVN? Highly underpaid for what she was doing IMHO. Especially considering the company that paid her was billing somewhere in the $40 an hour range.

    Parent
    I think the demand (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:35:30 AM EST
    Is changing the pay

    Parent
    I was told (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:40:02 AM EST
    Nursing care gets 15 bucks a hour.  In AR.

    Parent
    That's true, I'm sure (none / 0) (#74)
    by jondee on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:57:24 AM EST
    for LPNs and RNs, but certainly not for Home Health Aides, who do most of the cleaning and bathing stuff and even clean and change bedsore dressings in some places.

    Parent
    Whatever (none / 0) (#75)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 12:04:22 PM EST
    It's in the job description

    Parent
    Very possible. (none / 0) (#76)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 02:00:02 PM EST
    This was about 9 years ago. But even at that time, it seemed like awfully low pay.


    Parent
    Home health aide (none / 0) (#71)
    by jondee on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:34:26 AM EST
    is about one pay grade above high school baby sitters.

    It's laughable what they're paid considering what they do.

    Parent

    A quick Google (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:03:01 PM EST
    Average annual income for Home Health Nurse is $55,243. The national hourly rate data for Home Health Nurse ranges from $18.38 -to$34.77 with maximum yearly bonus of $2,000.

    The top end being 80,000

    That's better than baby sitters around here.  In fact t that's better that pretty much anything around here.

    Parent

    That is for a nurse, Howdy. (none / 0) (#78)
    by caseyOR on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:12:51 PM EST
    Home health aides make much much less. And nurses do not bathe and change diapers. The poorly paid aides do that work.

    A home health nurse and a home health aide are not the same thing.

    Parent

    I was told (none / 0) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:19:15 PM EST
    The ones who do the bathing make 15 bucks an hour.  In Arkansas.  Which is the low pay capital of the world.

    Parent
    I just googled this and it's as you say (none / 0) (#80)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:24:11 PM EST
    But the latest figures are for 2011.

    I'm telling you things have changed since 2011.

    Parent

    Here (none / 0) (#81)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:26:53 PM EST
    Average salaries for home health aides started at less than $16,410 per year, or $7.89 per hour, as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. The highest salaries were above $29,530 a year, or $14.20 an hour. Average wages were at $21,820 a year, or $10.49 an hour. The BLS predicts that employment for this occupation will increase by 69 percent from 2010 to 2020, which is more than double the 34 percent expected for health-care support occupations, and almost five times more than the 14 percent for all occupations in all industries. A growing and aging population will fuel the demand.


    Parent
    Here is the link (none / 0) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:34:28 PM EST
    Average annual wage for a home (none / 0) (#82)
    by caseyOR on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:29:08 PM EST
    health aide in the US is around $24,000. The wage varies from state to state.

    And $ 15/ hour is not much money, a bit less less than $30,000 a year. I read a story today that said a wage of $15.00 an hour is not enough money to rent a two bedroom apartment anywhere in the US.

    Parent

    I got those numbers from a 2018 study. (none / 0) (#83)
    by caseyOR on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:30:20 PM EST
    And I cannot get the darn link to work.

    Parent
    Try this. (none / 0) (#84)
    by caseyOR on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:32:13 PM EST
    https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Home_Health_Aide/Hourly_Rate

    Parent
    You may not they no it's much money (none / 0) (#85)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:32:15 PM EST
    But it's more that about 80% of AR residents make.

    Parent
    I believe you that it is more than (none / 0) (#87)
    by caseyOR on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:36:03 PM EST
    80% make in Arkansas, but it is still not much money.

    Parent
    Well health care people (none / 0) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:41:10 PM EST
    Here are actually paid pretty well.  If you look at job ads it's nurses, home aides and truck drivers.

    My house guest last week is an RN.  He works in a nursing home and makes about 47 an hour.  

    That is more than 95% of AR residents make.  It's one of the reasons he is considering buying a house here.  He wants to retire and work PT.  Property is cheap and he could have his choice of jobs

    Parent

    Btw (none / 0) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 05:50:55 PM EST
    He currently lives and works on the north western part of the state.  Property is expensive there because all the jobs in AR are concentrated in the NW corner.

    Parent
    I'm sure (none / 0) (#90)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 07:14:25 PM EST
    you couldn't rent much of anything in a suburban area but I'm willing to bet in the rural areas here in GA you could live quite fine on 15 bucks an hour.

    Parent
    Good for yur... (none / 0) (#55)
    by desertswine on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 06:13:46 PM EST
    I hope you don't run into this guy.

    Parent
    We would be fast friends (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 06:16:33 PM EST
    Instantly

    Parent
    Think again, laughing boy (none / 0) (#61)
    by jondee on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 10:25:51 AM EST
    you might end up with Bookman, the hard-boiled library cop.

    Parent
    I love that guy (none / 0) (#64)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:03:49 AM EST
    It's me in a few years

    Parent
    HEY (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jun 13, 2018 at 11:06:48 AM EST
    You wanna change my diaper, b!tch?

    Parent
    But yeah that (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 06:22:16 PM EST
    I was surprised they have people who just "spend time" with them.  I can do that.

    I think

    Especially if they have cable.

    Parent

    I have a close friend (none / 0) (#58)
    by Zorba on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 06:25:18 PM EST
    Who did that for several years.  Light cleaning, driving them around, cooking several days worth of meals, etc.  She worked about 20 hours a week, and mainly did it to get out of the house and make a bit of extra cash to supplement her Social Security and paltry pension.
    She liked it, but it finally got too much for her physically.  She's no spring chicken, herself.
    I have another friend who does a lot of volunteer work.  She's a volunteer at the hospital, and she volunteers to take elderly people who can't drive to their appointments.  And she's 86 herself!  She's older than a lot of the people she drives around!

    Parent
    I guess the demand is massive (none / 0) (#59)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 06:35:36 PM EST
    Since I filled out the online form they have called, texted or emailed me, or all three, every day.

    I going for an orientation thing on Thursday and starting next week.  I did meals on wheels for a couple of years so I have a pretty good idea what I'm getting into.

    But same as your friend.  I started thinking about a part time job and it's the only one I can see myself doing.

    Parent

    Good on ya kdog. (none / 0) (#52)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 04:07:21 PM EST
    You are so wise (none / 0) (#54)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 05:53:30 PM EST
    For being just a kid

    Parent
    I'm not very much (none / 0) (#49)
    by Zorba on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 03:00:26 PM EST
    Dylan Thomas, "rage, rage against the dying of the light," I am more (when the time comes), Robert Louis Stevenson:  "Glad did I live and gladly die, and I lay me down with a will."

    Parent
    This is not and has never been an issue for me (none / 0) (#51)
    by vml68 on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 04:02:11 PM EST
    I could never imagine willingly letting go of life

    But, this is if it involves having to do it myself.

    I doubt I'd ever be able to follow through

    I am hoping assisted suicide is legal everywhere in the US if I ever have to make the decision. Otherwise, Switzerland here I come.

    Parent

    All of which (none / 0) (#38)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jun 11, 2018 at 07:31:42 PM EST
    Could change tomorrow.  So get high tonight.

    Parent
    This part is very true for my dad. (none / 0) (#50)
    by vml68 on Tue Jun 12, 2018 at 03:54:22 PM EST
    Some people just really, really, really do not wish to be old and slowly break down.

    Dad is 77 now but in his heart and mind, he is still a twenty year old frat boy and he absolutely hates that the reality of aging means he can no longer live that lifestyle. He is on medication to control his diabetes, high blood pressure and other issues. While he does have legitimate medical issues, he also is a hypochondriac, so it is hard to know when to sympathize and when to ignore all the various complaints. He talks about wanting it all to end but at the same time, he is is really afraid of dying. So, I can all but guarantee that he will never take matters into his own hands.

    Mom is just the opposite, she is the poster child for aging gracefully and taking everything in stride. My brother and I have been trying to talk to them about living with one of us full time, so we can be there for them but they still only spend about 7 months a year in the US.


    Parent

    And Kate Spade, also by hanging. (none / 0) (#1)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jun 08, 2018 at 03:23:03 PM EST
    May all 4 rest in peace.

    I mentioned (none / 0) (#5)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jun 08, 2018 at 09:04:00 PM EST
    Kate Spade in the first line -- so there's three, not four -- although that's still three too many.

    Parent
    Sorry, you're right. I read too quickly. (none / 0) (#6)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jun 08, 2018 at 09:59:01 PM EST
    Seems to be a trend (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jun 08, 2018 at 04:36:39 PM EST

    CDC: U.S. Suicide Rates Have Climbed Dramatically

    Suicide rates have increased in nearly every state over the past two decades, and half of the states have seen suicide rates go up more than 30 percent.

    Suicide is a major public health issue, accounting for nearly 45,000 deaths in 2016 alone. That is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta decided to take a comprehensive look at suicides from 1999 to 2016



    This doesn't even take into account (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 03:49:21 PM EST
    all the young people who are suicidally desperate enough to risk shooting fentanyl-laced heroin, even after three or four of their friends have already died.

    And contrary to the conservative amen-corner, more Jesus and 'entrepreneurship' ain't gonna cut it as anodynes. That prescription has already had it's innings and been found wanting.

    Parent

    Very very true (none / 0) (#27)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 09:51:23 AM EST
    I am so impressed with my son's high school that he transitioned into here. He needed community service hours and he asked to not have that waived. He wanted to try to amass something like 80 hrs of community service. And he did it by working with the school theater group.

    Some of the high schoolers won a spot in our neighborhood school in a lottery and they have a long commute every day. You have to have the grades though to be considered. 40 students who were on the school's athletic teams had a grade average of 4.0 or greater. The school cannot choose a Valedictorian. There really is no sane way to do that.

    But I did get gobbled up in theater too. I did not hang with Josh. He was in props. They were desperate for seamstresses though, and I learned a lot from the girls. If you care and you aren't interested in judging teenagers who aren't your responsibilty, they will just tell you stuff :) If it is your teenager, it's trickier.

    But cutting is no longer a sign of sexual abuse or physical assault. They told me that knowledge of cutting relieving stress caused many to try it when they were feeling extreme stress. For those that got the endorphin rush and felt better, they cut all over themselves in much more hidden places than I was told was customary. Arms are too obvious.

    Parent

    I'm pretty sure that you (5.00 / 2) (#31)
    by Zorba on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 03:33:31 PM EST
    and your husband realize that you have a very great and impressive son.  We really expect great things of him.

    As for the kids who cut themselves, I can appreciate the pain they have gone through and I wish I could take that away from them.  I also wish that they would find another way to release endorphins, like exercise.

    Parent

    word have meaning (none / 0) (#94)
    by thomas rogan on Thu Jun 14, 2018 at 05:09:51 PM EST
    People with addictions may be desperate, but they are not suicidal unless they deliberately intend to die.  Fentanyl overdoses are mostly accidents.

    Parent
    I'm sure some are accidents (none / 0) (#95)
    by jondee on Thu Jun 14, 2018 at 05:28:17 PM EST
    but how do we know for sure exactly how many are?

    I'm sure you're familiar with the expression "a death wish."

    With all the information out there, it's hard to believe someone who values themselves and their existence would risk shooting heroin.

    Parent

    In my opinion, we've done a very poor job ... (none / 0) (#96)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Jun 14, 2018 at 09:50:33 PM EST
    ... of pain management in this country, and that in large part is why we presently have an opioid crisis. Most addicts aren't addicts by choice, but rather by circumstance.

    Parent
    Seven young people (none / 0) (#97)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 16, 2018 at 11:25:29 AM EST
    who went to high school with my son and daughter have died of heroin ods in the last few years.

    Seven. And those are just the ones I know of.

    There's some sort of malaise, some psychological contagion going on with some young people in this country that has very little to do with poor pain-management practices.

    Parent

    Just my (none / 0) (#98)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Jun 16, 2018 at 12:28:57 PM EST
    opinion but it's lack of love.

    Parent
    It's not just your opinion, Ga (none / 0) (#99)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 16, 2018 at 12:43:15 PM EST
    I'm right there with you.

    Parent
    The social compact has been destroyed (none / 0) (#3)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jun 08, 2018 at 07:02:50 PM EST
    In this country

    Until it is repaired, stress is going to be a killer in more ways than one and suicide being one of those ways.

    I have no doubt a Trump bump exists in there too, but we won't get solid figures on that for awhile.

    Parent

    The story listed health reasons as a contributor (none / 0) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 09, 2018 at 06:50:26 AM EST
    I was wondering if the fact the massive boomer generation is now shuffling off the mortal coil could be a part of this.  I think there is less stigma as years go by.

    I personally plan to leave on my own terms when the time comes if that is an option.

    Parent

    A new report out (none / 0) (#20)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 08:45:24 AM EST
    Notes a sky rocket in suicide in women between ages 50 and 60. We had children later in life. The crash ate what some of our aging parents had to retire on so we are trying to care for them too. One more stressor (like divorce) and many are plunged into what appears to be and probably is, a rat in the wheel existence. Can't get ahead, can't make the ends meet, can't see when they ever will, never getting enough rest to lead a happy existence. So many are suiciding now.

    We lost a chunk of all genders right out of the crash too. Alcohol and opioids were used by many to attempt to soothe the trauma of lost houses, jobs, security, and quietly died in a horrible die off.

    Parent

    John Lennon (none / 0) (#22)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 08:53:03 AM EST
    "Women are the n!ggers of the world"

    Parent
    Feels that way (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 09:10:22 AM EST
    We went to the fairie festival yesterday with neighbors. Our oldest granddaughter is having a vacation with us.

    My new neighbor friend said she cried for weeks after the 2016 election. The things said about candidate Clinton by the media were devastating to other women. And then when the misogyny worked and Clinton lost :( I wasn't in place where I saw the pain of other women. The white women of rural Alabama were happy.

    Parent

    The white (5.00 / 2) (#28)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 09:53:40 AM EST
    women of rural Alabama are pretty low on the totem poll and so they will accept anything that keeps them above black people.

    I have to say there are a lot of hound dog beaten down women in the south who actually have no idea of respect. They are all defined by the fertility and nothing else. I wonder if one day they will wake up.

    Parent

    Got to my heart Ga6th (none / 0) (#29)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 10:08:54 AM EST
    I know what you say is true.

    They are hurting others though and take delight in it. It's sadism. Maybe those are the only endorphins available to them.

    Parent

    It's the only (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 10, 2018 at 12:17:45 PM EST
    thing they know. They are always put down so they only know that kind of thing. They don't know how to stand up and defend themselves. They only know how to put down. You would think they would have tired of it by now. Honestly I think the ones that could stand up for themselves got out of rural Alabama and the rural south in general.

    Look up Paige Patterson of the Southern Baptist Convention and what he has been counseling women to do. Some actually stood up and demanded he go. I bet it was the SBC churches in the cites though that did it.

    Parent

    So sad (none / 0) (#7)
    by linea on Fri Jun 08, 2018 at 10:56:38 PM EST
    So sad but also how odd. I've watched his show. He's very tall. It's very confusing.