The Tao Of Paul

Population shrinking, Businesses won’t touch this state with a fork. The counties (and taxpayers) are taking another hit, and this is how our representatives are spending their time.

Sen. George Winner, chairman of the Senate Investigations Committee, has been especially critical of Albany District Attorney David Soares’ decision not to pursue any charges against Spitzer.
“I am obviously concerned, as a citizen, about the [ex-]governor lying to the district attorney and the district attorney not doing anything about it,” the Elmira Republican said.

Ever been to Elmira? Not exactly a boom town. Instead of working on a budget that will actually show some serious cuts and help out his constituents, this guy is out there beating a dead horse.

Don’t tell me they can work on a budget and grandstand on the investigation. These people can’t do one thing at a time without screwing it up. Come up with a decent budget. Do something about the crappy business environment. Do something about the goddam taxes. Then if you want to chase Eliot around, I don’t care.

Let me start off by saying that I had a great week. Lots of Buffalo Homecoming stuff, productive meetings at work, not a care in the world. Tomorrow night I am going to the Buffalo Brewpub for the first Buffalo Tweetup Meetup (If you’re looking for something to do …..)But the weekend? I will be getting a workout.
I am renting a U Haul first thing Saturday to help my daughter and her spouse move into their new apartment. Good things? Couple of miles from my house, a ton of crap will be leaving my basement for good. Bad thing? I hate moving crap. It should be easy since my son in law is a large lad and lift massive objects without assistance. Nonetheless I will no doubt be sore come Sunday.
What I would like from my reader(s) are suggestions as to what movie rental goes good with ice packs and Ibuprofen? Something in the mindless action/comedy genres. I will probably be on the couch, pained and whiny for most of Sunday.

Bring Home the Herd!

You are invited to attend the Buffalo Homecoming Launch Party

We’re hosting a party for Buffalo enthusiasts!

Become an Ambassador, give your input on Homecoming events and

be the first to join our campaign to BRING HOME THE HERD!

Goal: 5,000 Buffalonians each invite 5 friends to Buffalo for Homecoming (June 26-29, 2008)

Join us on Wednesday, March 26 between 5:00-8:00 p.m.

at the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery 76 Pearl Street

Join me. I will be the one probably wearing a bowling shirt. Honest.

Questions? Contact us at info@BuffaloHomecoming.com or call 903-7155

Please forward this invitation!

Even if you can’t make it to the party, please take a moment to sign up for Buffalo Homecoming

and invite five of your favorite friends and family members to sign up, too!

It’s fast, simple and free.

I love weeks like this.
First, it’s Spring. Face it. May be colder than a witch digger’s brass monkey in the morning, but it’s getting better. The sun is still out when I leave work now. I looked out Sunday and 5 of the 6 bird houses in the back yard have occupants.
At work it’s busy. real busy as in “lunch time already?” busy. Makes the day go faster. Sometimes you even get the occasional sense of accomplishment, as opposed to the feeling of just treading water.
I have something going on every night this week. No gut wrenching choice between “Judge Judy” or “Raymond” reruns for me! I will actually be out interacting with other humans. Excitement abounds!
I know, boring as hell, but I am in a pretty good mood (cup #2 at 5:45) and I just wanted to share.

I have always considered the supervisor ultimately responsible for the actions of subordinates. The coach takes responsibility for a team’s loss. When a company is failing, people call for the head of the CEO.So why does Dr. Williams think he gets a pass on this one?
He signs for a registered letter and doesn’t even deign to discern its contents. That’s for the underlings to do. And what does he do when the shit hits the fan?
Blames everyone else. The teacher, The Principal, the HR director.
He states:

“In some cases, we hit bumps, and mistakes are made,” he said. “I apologize for those mistakes. But I will not let a small yet vocal minority allow me to lose my focus.”

His focus? Covering up the mess at McKinley.
Philip rumore called Williams’ comments disgusting and despicable. I think he was being kind.
The only way the Buffalo School District can move forward is to get rid of Williams.
And I’ll bet that you wouldn’t have too much of a problem taking up a collection to buy out his contract.

I love it when the weather clears enough that you feel driven to go out.
So my wife decides that the Old Ward parade on Saturday would be a fun time. Alright by me! She also sees that Gerry Adams is supposed to be in the parade. She downloads a picture on the wild chance that she might get a signature. Sure enough as he walks by, she waves the picture. He stops, pulls her into the parade, and signs it for her. I thought she would have been wrestled to the ground by some sort of Security. That would have been fun to watch. After the parade we went to the Blackthorn Restaurant and Pub, using directions from my left handed sister in law (Which actually means turn the opposite of what she says. No lie). Great food, try it sometime.

Sunday? How about a 40th wedding anniversary bowling party for the in laws. Four generations proving that we Polish bowl better than the Irish and Puerto Ricans.

Yesterday was the Broadway Market with the obligatory Lunch at Pirison’s, and an attempt to get inside Morrissey’s for Happy Hour. THAT I will never attempt again on St. Patrick’s Day.

See also: Barton, C.
And screw the grievance process. She wants action NOW!
She should not be allowed near children lest her attitude be infectious.

I have the occasional bout of insomnia. I usually function well on around 5 hours of sleep, but there are those nights when 2 or 3 are the norm.
So when I saw one of those health magazines, you know the “herbal/organic/alternative” deals with insomnia on the cover, I just had to buy it. Their suggestions?
The usual. Eat healthy. Avoid caffeine.
The slightly off. Eating foods rich in tryptophan, like turkey. I read a study on that once. You have to eat a shitload of turkey to get enough tryptophan to make you sleep.
Buy a magnetic mattress pad. They are pricey (around $120). Or put magnets on your eyes and abdomen. For me that raised concerns of rolling over and accidentally ingesting a magnet or 2. Not good.
What amazed about the article was not the content, but the ads before and after.

For only 549 bucks this one promises better sleep, reduced pain for you and your pets!

A $45 pair of rings that will allow you to stay physically young forever! (Ralph Wilson, are you listening?)

My personal favorite is the synthesized human pheromone that sells for $99.50 for a 1/6 oz. vial! The testimonial starts with “My wife becomes ravenous when I use…”Of course there is the disclaimer that states not guaranteed to work for everyone since body chemistries differ.
Now these ads do not necessarily lend an air of credibility to the magazine. You want me to believe this herb will help me with my diabetes when you run an ad for magic rings???

What are some of the strangest, most absurd ads you have seen? And feel free to include late night infomercials you watch when you can’t sleep because you accidentally swallowed your magnets.

Spitzer has stated that the Thruway Authority plan to raise tolls isn’t his fault since he had no appointees on the board. Well, tain’t so no more.
Brandon Sall, a Westchester County real estate lawyer and donor of $5000 to Spitzer’s campaign accounts was nominated to replace outgoing Nancy Carey - Cassidy, daughter of former Governor Hugh Carey.

In a brief conversation, Sall, who has no background in transportation, refused to answer any questions, such as how often he takes the Thruway, what experience he has in transportation issues or his thoughts on the toll increase plan. Sall said he would not be interviewed until after the State Senate has confirmed him; there is no date yet for the confirmation.

Assuming that the State Senate does confirm and doesn’t give Spitzer the finger instead.
And in case you are wondering why someone from downstate with zero transportation experience would be nominated for the Authority of an upstate highway system, Spitzer mouthpiece Christine Anderson stated that Sall had “management and other experience needed by the board”

Anyone else anxiously awaiting “Day Last”?

The other day I was told I was a little too happy for my own good. Is that possible?
It’s simple for me. I don’t let things that are out of my control eat at me. I deal with what I can in those situations.
I can always look back at the end of the day and find at least two good things that have happened. I don’t ignore the negatives, but if I can do something about them, I do. If I can’t, see above.
I learned these from my wife.
NOW:
Is there anyone who look back at the past few days and honestly tell me that they can’t identify at least two positive things from each day?