Military flight barnstorms N. Shore, Why are we so jittery?

uneccessarily jittery by my standards. If it was anything other than a planned barnstorming, what would you, or could you have done differently. The terrorists have us doing exactly what they want....shaking at every thunderclap, thinking its an attack at every turn. A car backfires and everyone goes into a panic, a manhole cover blows and its an attack, a trash track fire happens and everyone thinks they've been gassed. Yes we should have preparations and plans in place but the bottom line is that when a real attack is imminent you wont have a clue that it is coming or in what form. Better to live life trusting in God and enjoying every breath you take...don't let down your guard, but enjoy more and jump less.

Please support Rent Guidlines Board REFORM

The Following is a letter I received from Christine Quinn (City Council Speaker)

Dear Resident;

Last week the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) approved rent increases of up to 4.5 percent for one-year leases and up to 8.5 percent for two-year leases, effective October 1st.

Adding insult to injury, the board also approved - without any prior public discussion - a supplemental increase on tenants who have lived in their apartments for six years or more. Owners of buildings with such tenants will now have the option of charging them the approved increases, or a $45 monthly increase for one-year leases or $85 for two-year leases, whichever is greater. Essentially, this means that those with rents below $1,000 could be getting a higher increase.

The Council and I are extremely disappointed with the RGB's decision. Despite our loud and continued calls to refrain from any rent increases, it's clear that the RGB has grown increasingly callous and indifferent to the needs of real New Yorkers struggling to stay in their homes.

The residents of rent-stabilized apartments deserve a process that is more than just lip service from the RGB.

To ensure that we begin restoring faith in the RGB process from the ground up, I am pleased to report that Council Member Letitia James and I have co-sponsored a resolution in support of State Senator Tom Duane and Assembly Member George Latimer's Rent Guidelines Board Reform Bill (S.8235/A.11097).

This billmandates a number of important reforms to the RGB - changes that will make the process fairer for every resident living in a rent-stabilized apartment. These reforms include:

Changing the board's composition to 3 tenants members, 3 landlord members and 3 public members, ensuring real New Yorkers a greater voice in the decision-making process;
Expanding the qualifications for board members to include experience with affordable housing;
Requiring Council approval of Mayoral appointments;
Prohibiting landlords who fail to open their books to ask for or collect higher rents; and
Prohibiting rent increases for apartments with serious violations.

While the Rent Guidelines Board Reform Bill is an important first step toward fairer rents, what we really need is for the State to return power over rent regulations to New York City.

For too long we have been failed by the administrations in Washington and Albany, where Governor Pataki steadily worked to undermine rent protections over a dozen years.

With our strong support, legislation (S.1673/ A.4069) that would stop this trend in its tracks has been repeatedly passed by the State Assembly only to die in the State Senate. Passage of this measure into law would empower the Council to enact sweeping rent reforms. It's our city; we have a right to protect working families from unscrupulous landlords.

The Council and I will continue to aggressively call on the State Legislature to reform the RGB and return power over rent regulations to New York City. But in order to send the strongest possible message to Albany, we need your help.

Please contact your state representatives and urge them to pass the Rent Guidelines Reform Bill (S.8235/A.11097) and the local rent regulation bill (S.1673/ A.4069). Please also take a moment to share this information with your friends, neighbors or colleagues and encourage them to join us in the fight to save New York City's rent-stabilized apartments.

If you have any questions or concerns or would like to learn more about the Council's efforts to protect affordable housing, I invite you to contact Felix Palacios in the Council's Member Services Division at 212-788-0146.

Thank you.
Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
New York City Council

In what adult situation is it okay to insult your guest?

The easy answer is during a roast...But that is not what I'm getting at. In an outlandishly stupid move, the President insulted the head of state of the Phillipines. The quote? "I am reminded of the great talent of the -- of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House." What a moron! This adds another clip to his almost endless blooper reel. Forget for a moment that he is the president, forget that he is the stolen leader of the free world, that comment should not have been made by ANYONE! to ANYONE!. But he is the president, and he is the stolen leader of the free world...and apparently he is an idiot!

Way to go Lou!

Lou Tobacco directs $156,000.00 to Project Hospitality.

For those that don't know Project Hospitality is at the forefront of the battle against homelessness, hunger, and the rights of all Staten Island inhabitants to to live peacefully. Reverend Terry Troia is a Saint on earth. I know these funds are much needed and will be put to good use. I also know that it will still take more to do the work God asks all of us to do.

18 High School Teens make Pregnancy Pact

The common thread throughout most of the media reports is that the pact was formed due to the fascination with Jamie-Lynn Spears and Ashlee Simpson. The 'blame', however, if any can be found, rests with all of us. The media doesn't choose the stories THEY want to present, they choose what WE demand. These girls , while influenced by the clamoring over the Spears/Simpson pregnancies, made their own decisions. They were woefully unprepared by their community, their families, and their nation...collectively known as 'the village'. There were times when these girls were not told or not convinced that their worth rested in their talent and potential for the future. Not enough people encouraged them to aspire to a greater existence...and they didn't encourage themselves. The other odd result is that what they claimed to be seeking they have now found. While their pictures are not plastered across the tabloids and posted on the web, in their communities, they are getting as much if not more attention than Jamie-Lynn or Ashlee. Though I can't help but believe it is not what they expected.

The File Room

By Joshua Harris
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "People I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.
And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."
The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told", "Comfort I Have Given", "Jokes I Have Laughed At". Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Other I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents". I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards?
But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts", I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only and inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.
But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.
Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self- pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With". The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.
But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?
Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written in His blood.
He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
- End

READ EPHESIANS 9 - 11:15

What will the cards in your file room say?
How many cards will Jesus have to sign in His blood to cover you…more importantly have you done what is necessary for Jesus to even go to your file room.
What will you do when you finish reading this that will begin to write new cards?
How will you fill the ‘People I shared the Gospel with’ file drawer? Whatever thoughts or intentions you have, begin to think about how it will affect your file room if the same scene illustrated here happens to you.

I just added another card to my file, now it’s your turn. God Bless

Why do we need to legislate sound parenting?

When did it become socially acceptable to host a drinking party for your children and their friends. What message do we send them when we as parents go out on a limb to remain in THEIR good graces. ANY parent that does this, even if nothing happened before, should hang their head in shame for justifying giving alchohol to kids. In 2006 141 Children ages 16-20 were victims of fatal alcohol fueled crashes in New York State alone. The statistics, though declining over the years, are sad. More and more we have been hearing about parents that allow and even encourage their children to their first drink. More and more we are enacting laws that stiffen penalties for this behavior. It is a sad day in this country when the only way we can get people to act responsibly is to make it a law. There is hope however, this law if effective may save the life of one child...and if so, it is more than worth the effort.

see- http://www.silive.com/siadvance/stories/index.ssf?/bas
e/opinion/121370580319710.xml&coll=1

McCain cancels fundraiser but...

takes $300,000.00 anyway....where is the high moral ground...give it back and tell him what he can do with it. McCain cancelled a planned fundraiser after discovering that the host once compared rape to the weather....can't see the connection? He stated that “As long as it’s inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.” what a loser...

I Promise

As we navigate the pathways, highways and byways of life, we often find ourselves in the position to make promises. When we were young the promises were simple and often too easy to keep or on the opposite side: impossible to keep. You know those young promises;
we’ll be best friends forever,
I’ll be good in school,
and I’ll keep my room clean …well, from now on.

These promises were broken, not because they were impossible to keep. They were broken because the issue was just not important enough to us or too grand an idea or ideal or the promisee was not due the honor of our faithful fulfillment. This is not to judge right from wrong, nor to say that our words have no value, I’m just stating the way things are.

Then there came the opportunities to make more sincere, but still unrealistic young adult promises.
I’ll love you and only you forever,
I’ll study hard, I’ll graduate on time,
I’ll stop seeing that girl,
I’ll help you anytime you need it,
I’ll never look at another woman,
I’ll make you proud mommy,
I’ll make you proud Daddy….you’ll see….you’ll see.

Though these were also promises made with the best intentions, they were also promises all too often bent or broken.

Fast forward to mature adulthood. Here we still make some of those immature promises.
Promises to our doctors;
I’ll exercise more or I’ll smoke or drink less,
to the finance company; oh don’t worry I’ll pay this bill on time,
to our friends; we’ll never part no matter what.

But this is also the time in life when hopefully we have learned the breadth and depth of what a broken promise can do. The time where we have made some major, sincere, promises. Promises made with our signatures on official documents. Promises linked to our livelihood and our ability to support our families. And even promises made with a ring in front of friends and family. By now we may have already hurt someone or lost something due to some of the important promises we didn’t keep.

Why all this, you may be asking about promises and such. What does all this have to do with today and the situation we find ourselves in?

A part of me is glad you want to know. You see I made a promise. I made a promise without trying to appease someone, without trying to shut them up, without a long drawn out speech about flying pigs or ice cubes in Hades, without being duly sworn with my right hand raised, and without a signature connected to the threat of repossession or collections. I made a simple promise to a simple man. The words of that promise are not important now….but know that since the day I uttered it, I have kept it. Know that there is no force on this earth that will cause me to break it. Before you get to the edge of your seat in anticipation of hearing the words of that promise, don’t bother…it was between me, him, and God.

But back to the point, I can’t possibly be the only one in this room that made promises to my father. I know without knowing that promises have been made by his friends, by my brothers, by my sisters, by my nieces and nephews. Some of those promises I may have already spoke of. Think now about something you once promised him.

My charge to you today, to all of us is simply this; if there is a promise or even a list of promises you have made to my father, choose one and purpose in your heart that beginning this day you will keep it. It doesn’t matter how big or how small. It doesn’t matter if you only said it to keep him from bothering you about something, it doesn’t even matter what the reason you made the promise is. Just choose one and keep one. He deserves that and more from all of us. To those who never made a promise to him, choose one you made to someone you love and keep it. Purpose in your heart that to honor the type of life my father lead that you will keep just one promise. As for me don’t worry dad, I’ll keep mine….





Written and read by SINYPCRX
at the funeral of his father.

In the era of CHANGE politics

What is in store for McMahon's City Council seat?

Mitchell-more of the same, supported by developers.

Rose-opportunist entry, no real leadership.

Baker-represents real change, well known on North Shore, strong base.

Gowda-relative unknown, base too specific.

Marco-relative unknown, base too small.

While Mitchell has the most money (gleaned from developers to which he will be beholden), Rose hasn't done anything lately and doesn't appear to be taking the race seriuosly yet, Marco and Gowda though serious are not likely to be taken seriously...that leaves Baker. Though this is his first bid for political office he has a long standing record of service to the nation and the community. His campaign is grassroots supported with mostly community members and some health care professionals. As he doesn't have to answer to major donors, he will be our best chance for a council member that wants what we want- a better Staten Island. see http://www.bakerforcitycouncil.com

Open Season on Political Advisers

If you don't want anyone to know about your sweetheart real estate deal, or be reminded of your end run around trade prohibitions with Iran, then you might not want to be a major player in current politics. Its open season on anyone who moves close to McCain or Obama. If you have anything in your past that you are not particularly proud of ( and who among us really doesn't) then my advice is don't advise. Now that does leave our current candidates in a bit of a quandry... they now have to carefully choose people that will help them carefully choose people. I say, why not just skip to the good part, toss a few names to the media...in short order they will know what each person had for breakfast three years ago, the number of times they wore different colored socks, and whether they prefer cats or dogs and why. All this attention on whose political adviser is worse does not serve the public trust. There is far too much at stake in this election for all these minor distractions. Yes choosing an adviser with a spotty past may not show good judgement, but how do we expect to get anything done if as soon as the name is given, we find some obscure thing from their past, (that NO ONE was up in arms about prior to now) and use it to brow beat them until they quit. Let's give them a break...after all Pobodys Nerfect!

18 to 25? They think you wont show up in November

This isn't the first time in political history where we have seen an enthusiastic young voter bloc. In elections past the younger voters were whipped into a passionate frenzy regarding the importance of their presence in the process. Promises were made and many were broken.

I think this time will be different, but I don't have much company. You see both parties are counting on their young voters... counting on you not showing up. If this sounds like a challenge...its because it is. The other day while listening to commentary on who will be getting which voter block, the commentator had no shame in saying that on election day there would be a playstation tournament announced on campus and no young voters would show up at the polls. Another added that young voters have a history of getting involved, then not showing up when it counts. I say it is time to change that perception and rewrite history.

This is not a partisan challenge it is a civic challenge. The time has come for young people to be the voice that makes the difference.
If you are not registered - GO,
If you are not aware of the issues - FIND OUT,
If you are ready to be a part of one of the most important elections in history - VOTE!

Let your voice be heard, and change the course of history! The line has been drawn, CROSS IT!

Internet Politics - Good?, Bad? Ugly!

The internet has played an increasing role in our daily lives, but none more important than the spread of news practically instantaneously and the latest side effect - an indellible memory. The internet remembers what you said, when you said it, who was there and any other host of variables.
This political season has brought out both the good and the bad roles the internet plays in politics. Campaigns have raised millions with a few mouse clicks, messages and intentions are crystal clear and in writing on candidate websites. On the bad side, rumors smears and innuendo have spread faster than wildfires uphill. Digging for the truth, while cumbersome, has proven doable for those who genuinely seek it. The ugly side is that the net continues to show that there are still sections and people in this, the greatest nation on earth, that are filled with hatred and animosity towards their fellow citizenry. Reflectively that can be construed to be a good thing too. I would rather know that people have these feelings against whites, blacks, immigrants and others. I would rather know that I may be treated differently by some people because of religiuon or sexual identity. We have come so far in this country, yet everyday I am reminded of how far we have to go. The best part of all that goes on on the internet is those who know better and refuse to be a part of the hatred. To them I raise a glass. Cheers!

How does John McCain reward loyalty?

After waiting for him for 5 1/2 years, and having a horrible auto accident, McCain's first wife had to put up with his philandering ways ...and then the reward ... he dumped her.

Is this what voter ID laws are for?

Perhaps no one knows that as well as 97-year-old Shirley Freeda Preiss. She was born at home in Clinton, Kentucky in 1910, before women had the right to vote, and never had a birth certificate. Shirley has voted in every presidential election since FDR first ran in 1932, and proudly describes herself as a "died-in-the-wool Democrat." After living in Arizona for two years, she was eagerly looking forward to casting her ballot in the February primary for the first major woman candidate for President, Hillary Clinton. But lacking a birth certificate or even elementary school records to prove she's a native-born American citizen, the state of Arizona's bureaucrats determined that this former school-teacher who taught generations of Americans shouldn't be allowed to vote.
"I have a constitutional right to vote, don't I?" she asks with her soft Southern drawl. "I didn't get to vote because of a birth certificate. What am I going to do now?"

Her strong-willed 78-year-old son, Nathan "Joey" Nemnich, a World War II veteran, is infuriated. "I'm pissed. She's an American citizen who worked her whole life and I want her to vote," he says. He went down to the local Motor Vehicle Division to get her an Arizona ID and register her to vote, armed with copies of his mother's three drivers' licenses from her previous home in Texas, along with copies of her Social Security and Medicare cards. All that wasn't good enough for the state of Arizona. "The sons of bitches are taking away our Constitution," Nemnich says.

In Arizona and now as seems likely in Missouri, Kafkaesque rules blend with right-wing ideology to block American citizens like Shirley Preiss from voting, collateral damage in the Republican-led war on democracy. "I was very disappointed," she says of the state's roadblocks to voting. "It's not acceptable. I've always voted."

taken from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-levine/after-id-ruling-missouri_b_101261.html

Michelle Obama Tape Investigated

After extensive tracking down of the original source, review of the facts and investigation into the venue, attendees, and purpose, of the conference where the alleged racial rant was said to have occured the findings point to one conclusion... IT IS A LIE

see - http://www.reason.com/blog/show/126883.html

Bravo Hillary...bravo!

Your eloquent and carefully chosen words have secured your place in history. You have shown yourself to be more than deserving of respect. There is still an enormous amount of work ahead of us, and we look forward to working alongside your supporters and getting for them their needs and wishes met as we take this country where many thought it could never go... into a future of prosperity, accountability, justice and honor. Together we will return this country from the shadow of its former glory to a new chapter in history. In Novemeber the White House will be back in Democratic hands and the country will be back on track. Bravo Hillary...bravo!

Hillary's words will determine many futures

As Hillary takes the stage tomorrow, the words and body language she chooses to use will decide the atmosphere for the next few months. Her words and expressions will determine if Obama has to argue against McCain and the 'ghost' of Hillary or if there will truly be a coming together. She alone will make her mark as a woman of principle by doing what she said she would if he won - supporting a democratic White House. Should she falter or her body language portray even the slightest disengenuity, it will make Obama's job against McCain more difficukt and additionally put the final nail in the coffin for any hope of a political future for any Clinton (Yes I believe the sins of the mother will be visited upon the daughter AND she does have a political future as of now).

Obama - Clinton '09 not now, not ever!

There is more than the past history of a long and well fought primary season to consider here. Up until the last days of her campaign although Hillary no longer directly attacked Barack, she did stand firm in her zeal for 'her' health plan and continuously noted their differences. How could you effectively put together an administration when there are so many strong differences between them on day one. He would have to convince her to go along with his plans, she would still be somewhat beholden to lobbyists that supported her. How could she objectively participate in policy discussions when in the back of her mind she may be trying to figure how she can repay her supporters? Barack does not have this issue, the only supporters he is beholden to are the American voters. The ultimate decision is his, but if I were his counsel, my vote would be an emphatic NO!

To all the HARDCORE HILLARY fans that stated the would not vote or vote for McCain... the time has come to bury your differences and ensure a Democratic White house and Administration in 2009. Its going to be done with or without you, but I'm not so assured as not to believe that your support is needed.

As for the others that simply cannot bring themselves to vote for an African-American President, tell your children the story of how you supported a party and an ideal your entire life, but just couldn't get past the color of a man's skin. I'm sure they will ask you why....good luck with an explanation that they'll believe and support you on. Don't wonder what is wrong with them, wonder what is wrong with you.

What to do when your Clinton wont behave...

When you have a child, and your child stomps and whines in the toy store, do you give in?

When you have a dog, and the dog keeps pooping the carpet, do you ignore it?

When you have a car, and it doesn't perform as expected, do you keep it?

when you have a boyfriend (or girlfriend) that does stupid things in public, do you put up with it?

my point is not to disrespect our senator. She does her job for NY and merits respect. My point is Florida and Michigan broke the rules. There must be a penalty. The penalty must be fair.



In my opinion the penalty was not fair, it should have been what was threatened, BUT that is what the DNC rules and by-laws committee decided, and as a registered democrat, I accept. Why can't she accept it. To take this issue even one step further makes all the jokes and talk of 'by any means necessary' seem true. At this point she must realize she has no hope. I don't really want her to quit, I want her to be beaten , even on her own terms. A continuation of the division of the party could cost us the election. If she continues, there is no crossing back over the bridge. The Clinton legacy ends with this act. Go, and go quietly Hillary. You did your best, but it wasn't good enogh. Better luck next time. (never again!)