November 19th, 2009
“Defeated handily” is putting it mildly. I guess that voters did a bit of reading and used a bit of common sense.
Let’s start with the funding:
47m Project
- 2m Taxpayer cost
- 5m district funds
= Approx 40m from the state. With the current deficit reaching obscene proportions, the district is taking a serious gamble. If the money falls through, the district is screwed.
The hype:
Of course the brochure sent to residents contain photos of pretty nasty looking rooms and furniture. I’ve been in the schools recently and have come to the conclusion that they had to dig a bit to find that crap. They make large the fact that improvements are needed to meet ADA guidelines. No problem with that. But they don’t mention some other things in the scope of work:
225k to change the gym courtyard into storage.
263k to expand weight room 1700 sf
1700sf. It better be a typo. My entire freaking house isn’t 1700 sf.
Now if there was a call to spend on upgrading the curriculum, improve the quality of education in the district, it would have passed with flying colors.
But a makeover heavily dependent on money from a bankrupt (both financially and ethically) Albany just won’t pass muster.
Now they have to step back and come up with Plan B. How about basic infrastructure work like they did 3 years ago? When money’s tight, you fix the Buick, not by the BMW.
Posted in News, Stupidity | 1 Comment »
November 10th, 2009
A friend brought in a couple of Buffalo News from May of ‘72 this morning, pretty nifty stuff. The wage & price freeze (some guy by the name of Rumsfeld was in charge),Ted Kennedy stating he is not interested in the Dem nomination for president. Also would not endorse anyone until the convention. John Conyers said Kennedy’s position was “Disastrous and stupid”.
In sports, the above mentioned wage freeze was throwing a kink in contract negotiations in the NFL, and Shaeffer Brewing was mentioned as being interested in naming rights for the new stadium.
Of note was an article about the Convention Center. The eyesore with the non-working sign. You know the one.
On 6 May, 1972, the News carried an article “Groups Opposing Convention Center Outline Position”
The groups were : The Coalition for Action, Unity, and Social Equality, Committee on Unfair Taxation, the Schiller Park Organized Taxpayers, and No Buffalo Convention Center.
they charged that
“… the Sedita administration has produced no evidence that a convention center would put more money on the tax rolls than it would eat up in new services.”
Best Quote
“Mr. Sinclair said the four organizations would probably not oppose the center if there was “one shred of evidence” that it would help the city economically”
Well they were right, Sedita was wrong. The only purpose that place seems to have is to give us a place to hold the world’s largest disco.
And last time I went by there, the sign was still dark.
Posted in Fun Stuff, News | No Comments »
November 2nd, 2009
I know I’ve been absent of late, been semi busy. But this is important.
Vote tomorrow.
My big Three:
Glascott . Personally, I’ve had enough Escapees, Lawsuits, and all around incompetence.
Poloncarz. Steady guy that’s been doing a good. Job. We need him back. I also find “County Exec hand picked, approved and paid for” Kadet’s politics slam on Poloncarz hilarious.
Ianello. Close on this one. Hardwick has the questionable endorsement, Michele has the Racism allegations. Call it a wash? Kevin has not really inspired me with his plans for the future. There was a bit of fire in Michelle when I talked to her that I liked. I think I will get better representation from her.
Agree or not, get out and vote. For once I would like NOT to see the usual “Light Turnout” headlines Wednesday morning.
Posted in Politics | No Comments »
October 14th, 2009
For your viewing and listening pleasure
I’ll learn how to do this right eventually…
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
October 14th, 2009
I cannot believe people have their panties in a twist over this. Most local politicians would be dancing in the streets if they had their local hotel booked solid for an event. My town supervisor is looking for ways to use local codes to put the kibosh on the thing. For pete’s sake they already promised not to do the nasty in the restaurant or the pool, what more do you want? They’re even having a Euchre tournament!
The woman interviewed on Channel 2 said this event means they can’t do a “date night” there. Honey, with all the shows and fine dining in the area, you have a bigger problem if going to the local Holiday Inn is your idea of date night.
This thing is pretty much right around the corner and down the street from my house. Maybe I should leave the outside light on and stay up all night to make sure none of these heathen try to invade my neighborhood.
Or should I put on my best powder blue leisure suit, douse myself in Jovan Musk, and hang out in the hotel lobby hoping for some action?
Posted in Fun Stuff, News, Stupidity | 1 Comment »
October 6th, 2009
As we were leaving the house Saturday, my wife got a call from the Iannello camp, the usual “can we count on you” call. Live too!
“I should have given you the phone” she said, knowing my displeasure with our legislator.
(Back in April I sent an email requesting information on the taxpayer protection law, and voiced some concerns. I received no reply. I was a tad irritated.)
Well, 30 seconds later phone rings again, this time for me! When the woman finished her spiel, I noted how Ms. Iannello didn’t feel the need to communicate with me in April, but wanted my vote come November. I explained my displeasure and the volunteer apologized and took my email, promising that I would get a reply from Michelle.
Sunday? No email. Phone call instead. Yes, Michele Iannello called me. Apologized about the email, then basically said “What do you want to know?”
Answered all my questions. Explained when and why it started, and the support (or lack of) that it received. I was more than satisfied.
So Michele, you’re back to being okay in my book. Next time I will take your advice and stop by or call. No more email.
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
September 30th, 2009
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to Chicago’s ban on handguns.
Can a local or state law be considered unconstitutional if it violates a citizen’s right to “keep and bear arms”?
The debate gained momentum last year. From the LA Times:
Last year, the court in a 5-4 decision breathed new life into the amendment by ruling that it protected an individual’s right to have a handgun at home for self-defense. The decision in District of Columbia vs. Heller struck down a local ban on handguns.
But since the nation’s capital is a federal enclave, the court did not reconsider its 19th century rulings that said the 2nd Amendment applied only to federal laws and restrictions.
Now for my personal opinion. The Chicago ordinance reminds me of the old bumper sticker “If guns are outlawed, only the outlaws will have guns”. An individual willing to commit armed robbery or murder is not going to be deterred by a law against weapons possession. Without seeing statistics, I feel reasonably safe in stating that this law did not result in a sharp drop in gun related crimes. And I do not think that a ruling against the ordinance will result in massive orgy of handgun purchases.
I do not own a handgun. I do not plan on purchasing one. But I do not see any reason why a law abiding citizen should have his rights taken away because of the actions of the lawless. Want to create a law to stop the violence? How about hard time and no plea bargains for weapons related crimes. How about no parole. How about punishing the offender instead of the honest citizen?
Posted in News, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
September 17th, 2009
They weren’t like That 70’s Show, any more than the 50’s were like Happy Days.
I’m sitting here with a blanket over my head watching the infomercial for romance songs from the 70’s. Yes for 5 payments of 29.95 you can own these pillars of mediocrity.
For me, this decade was high school, military service, marriage, the start of my life. For me it was Sabbath, Bowie, the Temptations, O’jays, Kool & the Gang, Earth Wind & Fire. With the exception of Janis Ian, Carly Simon, and the occasional Al Stewart tune, I wasn’t really big on these tunes, and they still don’t do much for me.
But the infomercial does.
The video is amazing. See Johnny Mathis in a plaid sport coat. Elton John with a pretty shabby comb-over. I never thought much about the differing clothing styles, but the size of men’s shirt collars, lots of shininess, and leisure suits. You get a chance to see Kenny Rogers (pre-bizzaro plastic surgery) wearing various denim and sequin suits of this style. Hairstyles? Androgynous. Curly. Hacked into some interesting shapes.
In some clips the artist is clearly playing to an audience, or at least they have the common sense NOT to stare directly into the camera. Those with the lens fixation (Helen Reddy, Olivia Neutron Bomb, Low Rawls) Seem to be trying to be a little bit too intimate with the viewer. Gave me the creeps.
But this stuff is not what I remember about the 70’s. How about something from the first Chicago Transit Authority instead of that mindless pap they spewed after they became Chicago? How about hits from Jethro Tull, Uriah Heep, Wild Man Fisher? Perhaps something from Queen’s first two albums (I think they went downhill after Sheer Heart Attack).
How about something from my 70’s?
Posted in Life, Uncategorized | No Comments »
September 9th, 2009
Two for me this month.
Last Friday I was given a grandson. A bundle of joy that ensures some part of my genetic makeup will be carrying on.
Next Friday I will be given a colonoscopy. I probably won’t be posting hospital pictures from that.
Posted in Life, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
September 7th, 2009
Had the in laws over today for a little grilling & chilling. Had the big charcoal grill ready to go with marinated chicken, chorizo, hot dogs. First to show is sister in law and the chihuahua. This dog is alright. aside from the occasional deposit on my living room carpet, Bella and I get along pretty well. Dog goes in the back yard, shows up at the front door to let me know that the side gate is open. Appreciated that. Then my nephew shows up with his pit. Nice enough dog, just hates chihuahuas, tries to destroy the one in the back yard. Chihuahua goes home.
I throw the last of the bag of charcoal in the big barrel shaped Kingsford. Problem is, the little stuff in the bottom of the bag all catches at once and superheats the grill. Next thing I know paint is burning off the bottom of the grill. The grates fit funny. And when I closed the lid, the nifty little thermometer pegs out in about 10 seconds. So the chicken went on the top rack with the top open. Once it calmed down a bit, all went well
So it was Chorizo, chicken, hot dogs, Ribs from Spar’s (highly recommended), and the usual assorted and sundry salads all washed down with a cold Stella.
I also like it when your company cleans up, takes out your garbage, and does your dishes before they leave. I love my in laws…
Posted in Fun Stuff, Life | No Comments »