Little Miss Entitled

With recent hype pertaining to 25 year-old millennial Talia Jane and her "open letter" to Yelp CEO, Jeremy Stoppelman (https://medium.com/@taliajane/an-open-letter-to-my-ceo-fb73df021e7a#.ir3s52eyp), and the backlash that occurred just four days later, after 29 year-old Stephanie Williams, blasted a rebuttal right back at her (https://medium.com/@StefWilliams25/an-open-letter-to-millenials-like-talia-52e9597943aa#.ocn2hy6bc), Stephanie's bold response to Talia's skewed sense of entitlement, got me thinking about my own life. Mainly experience in my twenties.

For those of you that aren't privy to the conflict, Talia thinks that because she makes only $8.00 per hour at her job at Yelp, living in the MOST expensive part of the country - WE, as taxpayers, should assist her in paying for her ultra-lux lifestyle, including her super fancy bourbon fetish, and love for big bags of white rice. 

Poor, Talia.

Stephanie, on the contrary, disagrees, stating that Talia should get off of her privileged ass and start looking for additional work, perhaps in other, less satisfactory fields. You know, the "dirtier" fields, like bartending. Serving. 

Waiting...

Gasp.

Both of the girls mentioned above were English majors. I too majored in English - with the hopes of one day becoming an editor of some kind, and/or maybe even the author of a novel or two. I still hope to write a book one day, but for now, blogging is my literary outlet of choice. I never thought I would be working in Property Management after I graduated from college, but I'm pleased with the career choices I've made over the past nine years.

I chose a degree in English, not because I thought I might end up wealthy one day, but because it was a subject that I genuinely enjoyed. I love(d) reading literature and writing papers, and with my blatant failed attempt in Biology, in my first semester at NKU, I knew I had made the right choice to switch - even if I had zero clue where I might end up after I graduated.

I did know one thing, though. I sure as shit didn't want to end up with a boatload of student loans, heading into my retirement still drowning in college tuition debt. 

This decision - to stay debt-free after college - was single-handedly the smartest decision that I've ever made in my entire life. So, I worked my ass off throughout my college years - mostly in nursing homes - which paid well, even at that time. 

The day after I graduated high school, I applied for and was immediately hired at a nursing facility in Batavia, only a few miles from our house. I was able to get my STNA license for free since the state permitted the facility to provide those courses to new hires. That in itself saved me a ton of money. The only stipulation was that I had to agree to work there for at least one year, or I would have to pay back the cost of the course, which, at that time was around $1,500.

Anyone who has ever worked in a nursing home knows that it's incredibly difficult. I worked on the Alzheimer's unit, where I was kicked, punched, spit at, and smacked on a pretty regular basis. I balled my eyes out on my commute to and from work for the first six months. I would continuously get called in for mandatory overtime at 3:00 in the morning, even during snow emergencies. I could barely get a day off. But I was young and needed the money for school, so I trudged on.

When I finally began my first year at NKU, I would commute back and forth on weekends, where I would work 16-hour shifts on Saturdays and Sundays, and then head back to school Monday morning and start the process all over again.

At the end of my first year at NKU, I realized that out-of-state tuition was costing me double, and I was running out of money fast. That summer, I made the decision to transfer to UC, Clermont, and gain reciprocity there. After two years, I earned my associates in pre-education and transferred back to NKU, paying less than half of what I shelled out my first year. This is also when I moved out on my own and moved into my first apartment (off campus) with a gal I met at NKU, my first year.

During the summers, I continued to load up on as many hours as I possibly could. Overtime really paid off. At times, I worked more than one job. During the latter part of my college years, I served at various places and bartended weddings with a girlfriend of mine. I also worked in retail, for seasonal work for a little extra money.

I may not have known where I was going to end up after college, but I sure as hell worked hard to get there. After I finally returned to NKU in 2001, I eventually got a different job at another nursing home in Anderson Township, where I continued to work and go to class. At this time, I moved out on my own, roommate free. I lived off of ramen, pop tarts, Campbell's soup, and nursing home food (thank you for the world-famous grilled cheeses, Ryan, you have no idea what a life-saver you were to me, then. Otherwise, I would have starved). I worked, and I worked, and I worked even more. And I went to class. I studied during lunch breaks and shopped at second-hand stores. There were times that I had to cut back my credit hours here and there and work even more to get by and pay bills. Some semesters, I was only able to complete one or two courses at a time.

After nine long, excruciating years, I did it! I finally graduated from NKU. Regardless of how long it took me, I'm proud of myself for all of my hard work; for the stressful cram sessions and the countless sleepless nights. 

And now, another nine years later, I don't have to worry about paying off student loans. And that is something to celebrate. Here's to working for what I've got.

Ten Important Things I've Learned By Going Paleo

1.       My energy levels are ri-donk-u-lous

Yes, that’s right. And I don’t need my “required” morning coffee anymore. I can’t even believe I’m writing those words, considering there was a time I really didn’t think I could live without it. And while I do indulge in the occasional cup of coffee (usually on Sundays) since I enjoy the taste, these days, I’m drinking tea with lemon, if I’m not drinking water. I run around each day like I could run a marathon. And you know what? I just might this year!

2.       Labels, labels, labels

It’s quite scary how much garbage - AKA, carcinogens - are lurking in just about every type of food these days. You MUST read the labels in order to avoid added sugar, preservatives, and chemicals. This is NOT an option - especially, since the FDA is, quite frankly, a joke.

3.       It’s really not as hard as you might think

It really isn’t. The hardest part is listening to other people try talk you OUT of a lifestyle that you KNOW is good for you. The alcohol part has been a challenge because I have always loved my Blue Moon. But when the urge strikes, I grab a glass of red vino instead.

4.       Sugar and processed foods really are the enemy

I never realized how bad all of the sugars were making me feel, until I stopped eating them completely (sugar, grains, dairy, etc.). Now, I can get up and go, without feeling sluggish, sore, pissed-off, or lazy. I have read quite a bit of literature that states that sugar is just as harmful for you as shooting up Heroin or snorting Cocaine. And I totally believe it.

5.       I’m not moody. At all.

I am not kidding here. I cut out the garbage, and these days, I feel HAPPY. Stressful situations aren’t so stressful anymore, and it’s the first time in ages that certain people don’t send my blood-pressure through the roof! I sing in the car on my way to work, I don’t have intense road rage like I used to, and I’m not irritable. This in itself is a great motivator! There are also some pretty interesting articles out there regarding the link to anxiety and depression to one’s diet. Here is one of the hundreds that I have found online: http://robbwolf.com/2011/06/27/paleo-conquers-depression

 

6.       You don’t need dairy to get your daily calcium

That’s what the leafy greens, like spinach are for! You would be surprised how many vitamins and minerals are in clean food. That’s the best part about this lifestyle, it involves good clean, healthy, vitamin-rich eating.

7.       Working out is fun

This goes back to my energy levels – working out is no longer a chore. It’s something I actually look forward to, and I can actually feel myself getting stronger. And It’s a great feeling.

8.       I felt like ASS while my body was detoxing

If you can get past the first week, you are golden, and you can pretty much do anything after that first “hell” week. Once you get past the detox phase, you’ll want to keep going anyway. This icludes butis not limitd to: headaches, sore muscles, irritability, and som pretty crazy mood-swings.

 

9.       Not all fats are bad for you

Avocados, eggs, coconut oil, olive oil…these are GOOD for you fats - NOT bad. These fats are essential for proper brain function, and Lord only knows I need all of the help I can get in that department.

10.   Dairy, wheat, grains, sugar, legumes, soy, corn, and starchy vegetables are to be avoided

And to think that I under the assumption that things like granola and edamame were good for me. WRONG. There is a reason that I feel like shit every time I eat these items. They’re not.

 

 

 

**ATTACK** of the Chronic Complainers

Several of my friends have been getting on me about writing a book based on stories they've heard from me, while working in the apartment industry. For now, I'll just blog about a few of them. 

Anyone that has ever had the pleasure of working in customer service, has most definitely had his/her fair share of dealing with some downright frightening-ass people. The apartment industry is really no different.

The following is an example of a letter that I sent to someone residing at one of the communities I've worked for. I've always called these types of letters "love letters,"or "nasty grahams." These letters are compiled for a variety of interesting and sometimes entertaining reasons; mostly because of a neighbor's complaint or issue.

Dear {Insert Name Here},

We are receiving complaints at our office regarding your pet.

One of your neighbors came to us this morning and indicated that you are keeping your dog on your balcony and that it urinated on the  head of the resident below you, on at least two different occasions. Our maintenance staff also noticed that there are several piles of dog excrement on your balcony, which this is extremely unsanitary. We have included photos for you to review.

We are asking that you please do not keep your pet on your balcony unattended. Please see the Pet Addendum portion of your lease agreement for information regarding pet privileges.

Further complaints of this nature will result in our asking you to remove the pet from the premises.

Sincerely,

Me

CC: Resident File: {I Find It Ridiculous That I Even Have To Address This} Pet Complaint

 

I wish I could say that people were not really this clueless, and at times, vile, and that I was making this stuff up for the purpose of my blog, but unfortunately, I’m not. I have sent out hundreds - maybe even thousands - of these types letters, ranging anywhere from from pet issues to domestic situations. Many people just don't know how to behave, and I'm stuck being the bad guy - simply because I'm doing my job. Trying to make everyone happy all of the time is hard work, and most of the time, impossible! I've had to call the police on people, both drunk and sober, and physical aggression is never ruled out.

I think the most awkward complaints would be addressing those pertaining to loud sexual encounters. Yikes. Hey, by the way, can you please keep it down when you are having sex at three in the morning? The neighbor below you is complaining that you are being really, really loud and you two weren't the ones that were "up all night," if you catch my drift.

My biggest disappointment in human interaction, though, is coming into contact with people who are blatantly rude. For no reason at all. Maybe they were picked on in school as a child, or maybe they weren't given enough hugs by daddy growing up, but it's especially difficult to experience "attitude" that is thrown in the faces of the people that are trying to help. I see it every single day. I see it at work. I see it in stores, checking out. I see it while commuting to and from work. I see it everywhere. It's senseless and diabolical!

Then comes the complaining. The increasing level of unwarranted complaining and whining that I have endured and/or witnessed over the years is actually mind-bending. Some people can and will complain about things that I would never even think to complain about. This is why there are so many frivolous lawsuits - because people can be petty and ridiculous.
 

I must say that my favorite instance of verbal, physical, and psychological abuse - while being forced to maintain **superior customer service** - would be while dealing with a woman named Alice.* 

Alice is quite frankly, the nastiest and most hateful woman that I have ever come into contact with, in my entire life. Alice was so mean and so rude, that I would literally have nightmares about the woman at night, and panic attacks while driving in to work. She always reminded me of that one mean person (neighbor, teacher, bully, etc) that everyone was scared to death of as a child, growing up. I've also referred to her as The Wicked Witch on more than one occasion.

 

Alice would speak to me like I was snotty two-year old, incapable of completing the simplest of tasks. She would stomp into the office wearing an evil scowl so frightening, that it would scare even the evilest of movie villains. Alice would bark out her demands, and then make me repeat them back to her - because, in her mind - I was I was completely and totally incompetent and ridiculous. She would stomp out, and slam the office door, practically shaking it clean off of its hinges.I  don't know, maybe she had some sort of vitamin deficiency.

Alice was also nice enough to continue to refer to me as “new management,” completely oblivious of my seven-year tenure with the company.

One Monday morning, I drove into work. As I pulled in, a car was already parked in our leasing parking lot, waiting for our office to open at 9:00 am.

Shit. It was Alice. My heart freaking stopped.

I gathered my things and got out of my car, and headed into the office. Alice followed me, practically walking on my ankles with each step of her stride. I was SO not ready for her, this early in the morning.

Alice was there to pick up her packages. OK, I thought. Easy enough. Deep breaths.

Her packages, for some reason, usually weighed around 150 lbs. I never understood what in the world she was always ordering that weighed so damn much. Judging be the decor on her balcony, her taste was very similar to what one would see in a funeral home. She was was probably here to pick up one on her funeral home flower arrangements or cast iron cemetery decorations. 

I looked for her packages but could find nothing, and my heart started really pounding when I had to break the news to her. This was a fate worse than death - and I was the unfortunate soul that had to inform her of the bad news. Why did this woman have this affect on me?

Usually, the driver for UPS will make his rounds around the property, drop off notices to the residents that weren't home, and then drop all of packages off at the leasing office afterwards.

Every now and again though, the driver will do his usual song and dance, head to the office, and then find that no one in the office to accept them.This would usually only happen if he attempted to deliver after hours or both of us (there are only two of us in the office) were on a tour or out on the property, during the really busy summer months.

After I gave Alice the bad news that her packages were not at the office, she actually had the audacity to accuse me of stealing her packages. What? Are you fucking kidding me? A federal offense, no less, but hey, I’m the dumb ass.

Alice then proceeded to PUSH ME (yes, apparently physical violence is now OK in the workplace) out of the way so that she could make her way to our copier to photocopy her UPS slip. I secretly snickered as she fumbled with the buttons on the machine, unable to figure out how to use it. You're so smart, I thought, YOU figure it out!

Frustrated, Alice eventually looked at me and screamed, Why the hell are you just standing there, copy this damn slip for me!!

Absolutely, I stated, while I aggressively snatched the slip from her cold, ridged, fingers. I copied the slip, as she continued to berate me and accuse me of stealing her packages.

I calmly - yet shakily - explained that the UPS driver probably still had her packages on the truck and would be delivering them today. Alice continued to scream, and eventually she threatened me, stating that if they didn't than, "I would most certainly pay."

Wow...

As expected, Alice's packages did arrive that day, and thankfully, maintenance happened to be in her apartment, working on some things when they arrived. They brought the packages in and placed them on her counter for her. When I called her and left her a voicemail to let her know - in addition to an email - she never responded to me, thanked me, or apologized. Nothing. But I was never expecting something like that from her anyway.

Luckily, Alice moved out about a year later. And like all of the other pain in the asses of the world, I never have to deal with her ever again.

Ya know, it really doesn't take any extra effort to be nice to someone, especially someone that you really don't know. It's actually really quite simple: treat others how you want to be treated. That's it!

I understand that everyone has their bad days, but that person - yes, that person who is trying to help you - might also be having a crappy day. It's time that we stick together, love each other, and support each other instead of constantly tearing one another down.

*Name has been changed.

 

 

Happy October 3rd! It's Mean Girl Appreciation Day

 

In honor of Mean Girls Appreciation Day, I found it very necessary to create a blog dedicated solely to fabulous Mean Girls movie quotes. Thank you, Tina Fey - you're a genius!

 

Here are my all-time favorite Mean Girl moments...enjoy!

Damian: Ho ho ho ho ho! Candy cane grams! Tyler Zimmerman two for you. Glen Coco, four for you Glen Coco, you go Glen Coco.

Karen: I can't go out (coughs quietly). I'm sick...

Regina: Boo, you whore.

 

Student: Nice wig, Janice, what's it made of?
Janis: You're mom's chest hair!

Regina: Get in loser, we're going shopping

Regina's Mom: I just want you to know, if you ever need anything, don't be shy, OK? There are NO rules in the house. I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom.

Bye, Jason...

Janis: That one there, that's Karen Smith. She is one of the dumbest girls you will ever meet. Damien sat next to her in English last year.

Damian: She asked me how to spell orange.
Janis: That little one, that's Gretchen Wieners.
Damian: She's totally rich because her dad invented Toaster Streudels.
Janis: Gretchen Wieners knows everybody's business, she knows everything about everyone.
Damian: That's why her hair is so big, it's full of secrets.
Janis: And evil takes a human form in Regina George. Don't be fooled because she may seem like your typical selfish, back-stabbing slut faced ho-bag, but in reality, she's so much more than that.
Damian: She's the queen bee - the star, those other two are just her little workers.

Damian: She's fabulous, but she's evil.

...Give me my pink shirt back!

 

Damian: You can't join Mathletes, it's social suicide!

Gretchen: Why should Caesar just get to stomp around like a giant while the rest of us try not to get smushed under his big feet? Brutus is just as cute as Caesar, right? Brutus is just as smart as Caesar, people totally like Brutus just as much as they like Caesar, and when did it become okay for one person to be the boss of everybody because that's not what Rome is about! We should totally just STAB CAESAR!

Karen: It's like I have ESPN or something. My breasts can always tell when it's going to rain.

Janis: That's Damian. He's almost too gay to function.

Damian: [reading the entry on himself from the Burn Book] "Too gay to function?"
Janis: That's only okay when *I* say it!

 

Cady: And they have this book, this burn book, where they write mean things about all the girls in our grade.
Janis: What does it say about me?
Cady: You're not in it.
Janis: Those bitches!

Bethany: One time she punched me in the face. And it was awesome.
Damian: Oh my God, Danny DeVito! I love your work!

Janis: Wow, Damian, you've truly out-gayed yourself.

Regina: Is butter a carb?

Mr. Duvall: My apologies. I have a nephew named Anfernee, and I know how mad he gets when I call him Anthony. Almost as mad as I get when I think about the fact that my sister named him Anfernee.

 

Oh, God, honey, no! What kind of mother do you think I am? Why, do you want a little bit? Because if you're going to drink I'd rather you do it in the house.

 

 

 

Regina: Gretchen. Stop trying to make "fetch" happen. It's not going to happen.

 

Bethany: I can't help it if I've got a heavy flow and a wide-set vagina!

 

Damian: Say crack again.

Sales Attendant: We only carry sizes one, three, and five. You could try Sears.

Mr. Duvall: Hell, no. I did not leave the South Side for this!

...She doesn't even go here!

Grool.

 

Noise Pollution

I haven't written a blog in quite a while.

Actually, that's not entirely accurate. I've written several blogs over the course of the past twelve to fourteen months (twenty-one blogs to be exact) but I haven't published any of them. They sit in the "drafts" section of my Blogger account, waiting for me to do something with them. I think some of them are decent, but I also know that they're probably going to be controversial to some.

Millions of people across the country are astonishingly brave, especially when they get behind a keyboard. With that said, why do I have reservations regarding my own writing? Why should I care if I may or may not piss someone off? Everyone else lacks the common courtesy filter. Maybe I should look into that.

Most of the time, I bite my tongue when I know in my heart, I really should be speaking up. For instance, I was in the brand new Fort Thomas Panera (yuumm) a few weeks ago, when I witnessed a cranky older man absolutely laying into the two young girls behind the counter. Over coffee. Coffee. Since when did everyone become so disconnected and rude?

I almost spoke up...

If you're going to get nasty with people old man, how about you stay at home and make your own damn coffee?

But I didn't, dammit. There are many other scenarios where I probably should have opened my mouth, but didn't.The less confrontation, the better, right? Unless you're a blatant asshole, I probably won't call you out (as seen in my previous blogs). Or unless I've has a few beers.

Throughout my entire life, I feel as though I've been somewhat of a peacemaker. The type of person needing and wanting to make everyone around me feel as comfortable as possible. To make people laugh. To make them feel great about themselves.

Until now. Something in my mind has drastically shifted over the course of the last twelve months. Maybe it's the endless array of bullshit that I've been forced to endure time and time again. The constant battle to try to make my friends and family - and even complete strangers - happy. Happier than myself, even.

I'm getting to that point in my life where, I'm not biting my tongue any longer. Nothing in this life is safe or secure. Or nice. Or permanent. So stay tuned; this is just the prologue.

My Declaration of Independence

The United States Constitution is a truly spectacular piece; it's the linchpin to the success of this country's 237 years of freedom (July 4, 1776, for those of you young kids that might not have paid attention in grade school). The Constitution separates our country from other countries who are lacking such democracy, and it the one device that keeps persons in power from completely corrupting the system.

The escalating number of mass shootings in this country has undeniably sent the media (and the like) 

into an anti-gun frenzy, and certainly prompted me so start paying closer attention to how the media relays their information to the public. With this said, I noticed a pretty dramatic shift in how the media reported their information on the more recent shootings at Sandy Hook, and UC Santa Barbara.

 

Something changed. And while I DO sympathize for the victims of each and every one of these attacks, I also believe in our Constitution and in the Second Amendment of The Bill of Rights. 

...A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed...

I know what some of you are probably thinking right now. But before you jump the gun (pardon the pun, but I simply could NOT resist) and assume that I’m gun-toting member of the Republican persuasion, I would like to take this time to let you all know that I’m a GDI – a God Damn Independent. Politics have become either so far left or so far right, it’s really quite ridiculous. I don’t believe in extremes. I believe in certain aspects of both political parties, but to label myself as either Republican or Democrat, I simply cannot do.

Regardless of how things may have changed over the course of the past few hundred years, our founding fathers were most definitely on to something when they penned the Constitution. I do believe in the rights and freedoms as stated in the Constitution and The Bill of Rights. I also believe that the more the government gets involved, the more our rights and freedoms are diminished. If you wish to judge me based on that, then so be it.

A few years ago, I took a concealed carry class, and finally “officially” learned proper gun handling mechanics. I will have to say that the class was extremely informative. I am not uncomfortable around guns - I have been around guns my entire life. I come from a family of hunters, and my dad of course, taught us appropriate gun safety growing up. But for me, it had definitely been awhile, so I’m really glad I signed up and got my license to carry.

The criminals responsible for heinous acts of violence (such as these mass shootings), will continue to break whatever laws are in place, and this will not change if congress decides to enforce even stricter gun regulations, or ban them altogether. The only people who will actually suffer will be the law-abiding citizens of this country. Do you honestly think that criminals like Adam Lanza, James Holmes, or Elliot Rodger even so much as batted an eyelash in regards to the law, when they walked into these places to shoot up innocent people? Do you think it's really a coincidence that these mass shooting keeping occurring in places where abiding gun owners/carriers aren't permitted to carry their arms? Of course not. School and universities, shopping malls, and theatres are easy targets because these types of places generally do not permit the entry of those carrying a gun.

I feel that it is highly unacceptable to be forced to listen to such one-sided opinionated dribble from each and every one of the loud-mouths associated with our media. The days of journalists reporting hardcore facts are extinct! If I wanted to listen to egotistical political opinions, I would quickly log on to Facebook and read them there. I have zero interest in listening to opinionated nonsensical gibberish; just give me the facts and move on.

***

Learn our Bill of Rights!

The following was taken from: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html

 Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

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Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

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Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

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Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

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Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

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Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

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Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

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Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

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Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

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Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.