Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Interested in becoming a member of Staten Island Views?
If you have read some of the posts and you would like to let people see what you think (other than commenting on existing stories), then become a member of Staten Island Views. As a member you will be able to submit your own subjects for review by our community. To be considered, submit a short essay on your position on a topic of your choosing. Spelling, grammar, and sound logic (I do not have to agree with your view, but you should present good logic to support it) will be considered. If your submission is recognized you will receive further instructions on what to do next. This offer is limited to Staten Island residents (or former residents) that care about the community of Staten Island. Good luck and start writing!
Friday, July 25, 2008
He ventured forth to bring light to the world
Blasphemous...but really funny. I guess some people have too much time on their hands.
From The Times
July 25, 2008
The anointed one's pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a miracle in action - and a blessing to all his faithful followers
By Gerard Baker
And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness.
The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow.
When he was twelve years old, they found him in the temple in the City of Chicago, arguing the finer points of community organisation with the Prophet Jeremiah and the Elders. And the Elders were astonished at what they heard and said among themselves: “Verily, who is this Child that he opens our hearts and minds to the audacity of hope?”
In the great Battles of Caucus and Primary he smote the conniving Hillary, wife of the deposed King Bill the Priapic and their barbarian hordes of Working Class Whites.
And so it was, in the fullness of time, before the harvest month of the appointed year, the Child ventured forth - for the first time - to bring the light unto all the world.
He travelled fleet of foot and light of camel, with a small retinue that consisted only of his loyal disciples from the tribe of the Media. He ventured first to the land of the Hindu Kush, where the
Taleban had harboured the viper of al-Qaeda in their bosom, raining terror on all the world.
And the Child spake and the tribes of Nato immediately loosed the Caveats that had previously bound them. And in the great battle that ensued the forces of the light were triumphant. For as long as the Child stood with his arms raised aloft, the enemy suffered great blows and the threat of terror was no more.
From there he went forth to Mesopotamia where he was received by the great ruler al-Maliki, and al-Maliki spake unto him and blessed his Sixteen Month Troop Withdrawal Plan even as the imperial warrior Petraeus tried to destroy it.
And lo, in Mesopotamia, a miracle occurred. Even though the Great Surge of Armour that the evil Bush had ordered had been a terrible mistake, a waste of vital military resources and doomed to end in disaster, the Child's very presence suddenly brought forth a great victory for the forces of the light.
And the Persians, who saw all this and were greatly fearful, longed to speak with the Child and saw that the Child was the bringer of peace. At the mention of his name they quickly laid aside their intrigues and beat their uranium swords into civil nuclear energy ploughshares.
From there the Child went up to the city of Jerusalem, and entered through the gate seated on an ass. The crowds of network anchors who had followed him from afar cheered “Hosanna” and waved great palm fronds and strewed them at his feet.
In Jerusalem and in surrounding Palestine, the Child spake to the Hebrews and the Arabs, as the Scripture had foretold. And in an instant, the lion lay down with the lamb, and the Israelites and Ishmaelites ended their long enmity and lived for ever after in peace.
As word spread throughout the land about the Child's wondrous works, peoples from all over flocked to hear him; Hittites and Abbasids; Obamacons and McCainiacs; Cameroonians and Blairites.
And they told of strange and wondrous things that greeted the news of the Child's journey. Around the world, global temperatures began to decline, and the ocean levels fell and the great warming was over.
The Great Prophet Algore of Nobel and Oscar, who many had believed was the anointed one, smiled and told his followers that the Child was the one generations had been waiting for.
And there were other wonderful signs. In the city of the Street at the Wall, spreads on interbank interest rates dropped like manna from Heaven and rates on credit default swaps fell to the ground as dead birds from the almond tree, and the people who had lived in foreclosure were able to borrow again.
Black gold gushed from the ground at prices well below $140 per barrel. In hospitals across the land the sick were cured even though they were uninsured. And all because the Child had pronounced it.
And this is the testimony of one who speaks the truth and bears witness to the truth so that you might believe. And he knows it is the truth for he saw it all on CNN and the BBC and in the pages of The New York Times.
Then the Child ventured forth from Israel and Palestine and stepped onto the shores of the Old Continent. In the land of Queen Angela of Merkel, vast multitudes gathered to hear his voice, and he preached to them at length.
But when he had finished speaking his disciples told him the crowd was hungry, for they had had nothing to eat all the hours they had waited for him.
And so the Child told his disciples to fetch some food but all they had was five loaves and a couple of frankfurters. So he took the bread and the frankfurters and blessed them and told his disciples to feed the multitudes. And when all had eaten their fill, the scraps filled twelve baskets.
Thence he travelled west to Mount Sarkozy. Even the beauteous Princess Carla of the tribe of the Bruni was struck by awe and she was great in love with the Child, but he was tempted not.
On the Seventh Day he walked across the Channel of the Angles to the ancient land of the hooligans. There he was welcomed with open arms by the once great prophet Blair and his successor, Gordon the Leper, and his successor, David the Golden One.
And suddenly, with the men appeared the archangel Gabriel and the whole host of the heavenly choir, ranks of cherubim and seraphim, all praising God and singing: “Yes, We Can.”
From The Times
July 25, 2008
The anointed one's pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a miracle in action - and a blessing to all his faithful followers
By Gerard Baker
And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness.
The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow.
When he was twelve years old, they found him in the temple in the City of Chicago, arguing the finer points of community organisation with the Prophet Jeremiah and the Elders. And the Elders were astonished at what they heard and said among themselves: “Verily, who is this Child that he opens our hearts and minds to the audacity of hope?”
In the great Battles of Caucus and Primary he smote the conniving Hillary, wife of the deposed King Bill the Priapic and their barbarian hordes of Working Class Whites.
And so it was, in the fullness of time, before the harvest month of the appointed year, the Child ventured forth - for the first time - to bring the light unto all the world.
He travelled fleet of foot and light of camel, with a small retinue that consisted only of his loyal disciples from the tribe of the Media. He ventured first to the land of the Hindu Kush, where the
Taleban had harboured the viper of al-Qaeda in their bosom, raining terror on all the world.
And the Child spake and the tribes of Nato immediately loosed the Caveats that had previously bound them. And in the great battle that ensued the forces of the light were triumphant. For as long as the Child stood with his arms raised aloft, the enemy suffered great blows and the threat of terror was no more.
From there he went forth to Mesopotamia where he was received by the great ruler al-Maliki, and al-Maliki spake unto him and blessed his Sixteen Month Troop Withdrawal Plan even as the imperial warrior Petraeus tried to destroy it.
And lo, in Mesopotamia, a miracle occurred. Even though the Great Surge of Armour that the evil Bush had ordered had been a terrible mistake, a waste of vital military resources and doomed to end in disaster, the Child's very presence suddenly brought forth a great victory for the forces of the light.
And the Persians, who saw all this and were greatly fearful, longed to speak with the Child and saw that the Child was the bringer of peace. At the mention of his name they quickly laid aside their intrigues and beat their uranium swords into civil nuclear energy ploughshares.
From there the Child went up to the city of Jerusalem, and entered through the gate seated on an ass. The crowds of network anchors who had followed him from afar cheered “Hosanna” and waved great palm fronds and strewed them at his feet.
In Jerusalem and in surrounding Palestine, the Child spake to the Hebrews and the Arabs, as the Scripture had foretold. And in an instant, the lion lay down with the lamb, and the Israelites and Ishmaelites ended their long enmity and lived for ever after in peace.
As word spread throughout the land about the Child's wondrous works, peoples from all over flocked to hear him; Hittites and Abbasids; Obamacons and McCainiacs; Cameroonians and Blairites.
And they told of strange and wondrous things that greeted the news of the Child's journey. Around the world, global temperatures began to decline, and the ocean levels fell and the great warming was over.
The Great Prophet Algore of Nobel and Oscar, who many had believed was the anointed one, smiled and told his followers that the Child was the one generations had been waiting for.
And there were other wonderful signs. In the city of the Street at the Wall, spreads on interbank interest rates dropped like manna from Heaven and rates on credit default swaps fell to the ground as dead birds from the almond tree, and the people who had lived in foreclosure were able to borrow again.
Black gold gushed from the ground at prices well below $140 per barrel. In hospitals across the land the sick were cured even though they were uninsured. And all because the Child had pronounced it.
And this is the testimony of one who speaks the truth and bears witness to the truth so that you might believe. And he knows it is the truth for he saw it all on CNN and the BBC and in the pages of The New York Times.
Then the Child ventured forth from Israel and Palestine and stepped onto the shores of the Old Continent. In the land of Queen Angela of Merkel, vast multitudes gathered to hear his voice, and he preached to them at length.
But when he had finished speaking his disciples told him the crowd was hungry, for they had had nothing to eat all the hours they had waited for him.
And so the Child told his disciples to fetch some food but all they had was five loaves and a couple of frankfurters. So he took the bread and the frankfurters and blessed them and told his disciples to feed the multitudes. And when all had eaten their fill, the scraps filled twelve baskets.
Thence he travelled west to Mount Sarkozy. Even the beauteous Princess Carla of the tribe of the Bruni was struck by awe and she was great in love with the Child, but he was tempted not.
On the Seventh Day he walked across the Channel of the Angles to the ancient land of the hooligans. There he was welcomed with open arms by the once great prophet Blair and his successor, Gordon the Leper, and his successor, David the Golden One.
And suddenly, with the men appeared the archangel Gabriel and the whole host of the heavenly choir, ranks of cherubim and seraphim, all praising God and singing: “Yes, We Can.”
Thursday, July 24, 2008
It is no longer a question of 'win or lose' in IRAQ, it is simply stay or go.
I received the following response to a request for what victory in Iraq entails (my comments follow each point);
1) A rebuilt infrastructure
That we destroyed by believing Bush's lies. If we are replacing what we destroyed...THAT IS NOT VICTORY, that is very close, however, to an apology.
2) A stable democracy that will/does not kill its own people.
An impossible feat, there are NO GUARANTEES that the democracy will stand 10, 20 or 100 years from now, without a large consistent military presence...surely you don't think that ALL of the opposition to peace and stability is gone?
3) A stable Iraq that does not work with any terrorist organization.
Another impossibility... the government may not officially support or harbor terrorists, but if they can't clamp down on what is going on in the country now, even with the surge and a somewhat stable government in power, then what will happen without the presence of the US military?
4) Create a professional military that is strong enough to defend itself from all threats both foreign and domestic
Something else we destroyed and would not have to replace, if we hadn't done such a bangup job.
5) The continued killing of terrorists
By who? And what if a terrorist backed regime takes over?....why would they kill themselves?
Listen it is no longer a question of win or lose and it never has been, the only reason that Iraq is the way it is now is due to our military presence (and that covers both the positives and the negatives). When we leave, whether anyone likes it or not nature will take its course. The only way to prevent that is to stay indefinitely. Staying indefinitely is neither a win nor a loss...there is NO WIN OR LOSE....only Stay OR GO! Get it?
1) A rebuilt infrastructure
That we destroyed by believing Bush's lies. If we are replacing what we destroyed...THAT IS NOT VICTORY, that is very close, however, to an apology.
2) A stable democracy that will/does not kill its own people.
An impossible feat, there are NO GUARANTEES that the democracy will stand 10, 20 or 100 years from now, without a large consistent military presence...surely you don't think that ALL of the opposition to peace and stability is gone?
3) A stable Iraq that does not work with any terrorist organization.
Another impossibility... the government may not officially support or harbor terrorists, but if they can't clamp down on what is going on in the country now, even with the surge and a somewhat stable government in power, then what will happen without the presence of the US military?
4) Create a professional military that is strong enough to defend itself from all threats both foreign and domestic
Something else we destroyed and would not have to replace, if we hadn't done such a bangup job.
5) The continued killing of terrorists
By who? And what if a terrorist backed regime takes over?....why would they kill themselves?
Listen it is no longer a question of win or lose and it never has been, the only reason that Iraq is the way it is now is due to our military presence (and that covers both the positives and the negatives). When we leave, whether anyone likes it or not nature will take its course. The only way to prevent that is to stay indefinitely. Staying indefinitely is neither a win nor a loss...there is NO WIN OR LOSE....only Stay OR GO! Get it?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Iraq war will end...
but we will not 'win'.
I don't get the fascination with the word win. In the end when our men & women are back home or in Afghanistan, what will we have really accomplished? Start taking bets now on how long it takes for some military commander to seize power in Iraq and make our 'quest for democracy' a wasted effort. We gave far too much these past few years and have gained so little. Our troops fought valiantly and did the job they were sent to do, but I can't help feeling that this will all be for naught. There is no 'victory', no defeat either, but certainly no victory.
I don't get the fascination with the word win. In the end when our men & women are back home or in Afghanistan, what will we have really accomplished? Start taking bets now on how long it takes for some military commander to seize power in Iraq and make our 'quest for democracy' a wasted effort. We gave far too much these past few years and have gained so little. Our troops fought valiantly and did the job they were sent to do, but I can't help feeling that this will all be for naught. There is no 'victory', no defeat either, but certainly no victory.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Stop the Violence!
Just returned from a candlelight vigil to highlight the recent rash of violence plaguing the North Shore. The vigils were held simultaeneously across the North Shore at various locations. The one I attended, at St. Philips Baptist Church, was somber and heartening. There were prayers and hymns, scripture and fellowship. The only thing missing was the presence of people capable of the type of violence that has plagued our community. I'm not trying to discount the importance of our gathering, I do however question its effectiveness. Our goal should be to reach those who live on the other side of civility. The people that have trouble dealing with issues of day to day violence and infect the minds of those around them. This issue has moved beyond the combatants of this unholy war and has begun to touch the innocents. Our focus is to change what drives the violence, to teach acceptable ways of resolving conflict, and to focus our brothers and sisters efforts on something other than sneakers, rims, and clothes. The call has been repeated....parents KNOW your children, know their friends, know where they are and where they go, check their rooms, their myspace pages, and get to know your child. If your child is on the wrong side of the law, correct them!, if you need help, ASK....you will be surprised how many resources there are to help now....that prevent burial expenses later.
Praise for FOX NEWS Network, not so much for Rev. Jesse Jackson
First the praise- good choice attempting to withhold the full comments by Jesse Jackson during his open mic rant. Still don't know why, but trying to protect his reputation and the true cause of his efforts are admirable.
Jesse Jackson is no longer able to call himself a 'Civil Rights Leader' He has debased his viability, and become impotent to the public at large. Harsh? Of course it is! He knows that as a purported leader he is held to a higher standard. As such his use of racially charged language to describe the people he claims to support is unforgivable. Not by me, and not by God....but by his own message. He can no longer lead a fight against injustice....someone will forever bring this up....and they wont be wrong. He needs to step down immediately to preserve the organizations he founded, if not he is destined to drag them down and make them equally insignificant as he is now.
Rev Jackson RESIGN NOW!
What a difference a few hours makes
Jesse Jackson is no longer able to call himself a 'Civil Rights Leader' He has debased his viability, and become impotent to the public at large. Harsh? Of course it is! He knows that as a purported leader he is held to a higher standard. As such his use of racially charged language to describe the people he claims to support is unforgivable. Not by me, and not by God....but by his own message. He can no longer lead a fight against injustice....someone will forever bring this up....and they wont be wrong. He needs to step down immediately to preserve the organizations he founded, if not he is destined to drag them down and make them equally insignificant as he is now.
Rev Jackson RESIGN NOW!
What a difference a few hours makes
New African-American Leadership
The Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton reign of leadership is coming to an end. Not because they are no longer viable or necessary, but because their way of screaming into the camera while making backroom deals is not the way African-Americans need their leadership. We are in a position now to genuinely choose someone to speak for us...on the issues that affect us most. Not only can he speak to them, but he will soon be in a position to introduce some changes. The dynamics of discrimination have changed, it is time that the way we deal with it change as well. The old way has soured and been bastardized into something corporate. It has become more of a function of economics and less of laying bare the pure facts of each case. We're not done with Rev. Al and Rev. Jesse just yet...they still have a case or two left, but their time is certainly at hand.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Just when you think there is progress in race relations...
someone tosses a 1950's curve ball. An african American family was given the runaround and refused a room at a Clarion Hotel in Scranton,PA. Personally, I believe the hotel is liable for the damage and should pay the suit, BUT only as a measure of poor hiring practices. I don't believ it is a policy of the hotel, but rather an employees poor choice. That said it is unfathomable to believe that this still takes place in 2008. How many other families have passed through that lobby when she was on duty? How many may have slept in their cars, or had accidents on their way elsewhere if they were too tired. When will this stop?
http://www.courthousenews.com/2008/07/14/World_s_Second-Largest_Hotel_Chain_Wouldn_t_Rent_To_Black_Family_Man_Says.htm
http://www.courthousenews.com/2008/07/14/World_s_Second-Largest_Hotel_Chain_Wouldn_t_Rent_To_Black_Family_Man_Says.htm
Monday, July 14, 2008
Politicains are like Roosters
John the farmer was in the fertilized egg business.
He had several hundred young layers (hens), called 'pullets', and ten
roosters, whose job it was to fertilize the eggs.
The farmer kept records and any rooster that didn't perform went into
the soup pot and was replaced.
That took an awful lot of his time, so he bought a set of tiny bells
and attached them to his roosters.
Each bell had a different tone so John could tell from a distance,
which rooster was performing.
Now he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report simply
by listening to the bells.
The farmer's favourite rooster was old Butch, a very fine specimen he was, too.
But, on this particular morning John noticed old Butch's bell hadn't
rung at all!
John went to investigate.
The other roosters were chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing.
The pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would run for cover.
But, to Farmer John's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak,
so it couldn't ring.
He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one.
John was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Renfrew County
Fair and he became an overnight sensation among the judges.
The result...
The judges not only awarded old Butch the No Bell Piece Prize but they
awarded him the Pulletsurprise as well.
Why are Politicians like Roosters? Only a politician could win the greatest prizes in the land by learning to sneak up on you and screw you before you ever knew what happened!
Joke credit: http://jqfs.blogspot.com/2008/06/no-bell-piece-prize-and-pulletsurprise.html
He had several hundred young layers (hens), called 'pullets', and ten
roosters, whose job it was to fertilize the eggs.
The farmer kept records and any rooster that didn't perform went into
the soup pot and was replaced.
That took an awful lot of his time, so he bought a set of tiny bells
and attached them to his roosters.
Each bell had a different tone so John could tell from a distance,
which rooster was performing.
Now he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report simply
by listening to the bells.
The farmer's favourite rooster was old Butch, a very fine specimen he was, too.
But, on this particular morning John noticed old Butch's bell hadn't
rung at all!
John went to investigate.
The other roosters were chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing.
The pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would run for cover.
But, to Farmer John's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak,
so it couldn't ring.
He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one.
John was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Renfrew County
Fair and he became an overnight sensation among the judges.
The result...
The judges not only awarded old Butch the No Bell Piece Prize but they
awarded him the Pulletsurprise as well.
Why are Politicians like Roosters? Only a politician could win the greatest prizes in the land by learning to sneak up on you and screw you before you ever knew what happened!
Joke credit: http://jqfs.blogspot.com/2008/06/no-bell-piece-prize-and-pulletsurprise.html
North Shore Rail line could cost 1.4 Billion $$
Get it started already!
1.4 Billion? DO IT!! In the long run we will end up paying much more in health, congestion, and other costs associated with a lackluster public transportation system. The key is getting the job done, done right, and within budget. The MTA (or whichever agency is charged with refurbishing the line) needs ti institute a bonus for on-time, on budget work. This should be a city-wide standard. I would rather see projects re-appropriated and re-bid, than to see the enormous amount of waste that currently takes place on city projects. Of course we don't want the rail line to bring another building boom (we have had our fair share on the north shore), but the boost in values and attraction to some of the now empty buildings will improve the area. DO IT NOW!! (before the price goes up)
1.4 Billion? DO IT!! In the long run we will end up paying much more in health, congestion, and other costs associated with a lackluster public transportation system. The key is getting the job done, done right, and within budget. The MTA (or whichever agency is charged with refurbishing the line) needs ti institute a bonus for on-time, on budget work. This should be a city-wide standard. I would rather see projects re-appropriated and re-bid, than to see the enormous amount of waste that currently takes place on city projects. Of course we don't want the rail line to bring another building boom (we have had our fair share on the north shore), but the boost in values and attraction to some of the now empty buildings will improve the area. DO IT NOW!! (before the price goes up)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Why NOT to drill now
Conservation and alternative fuels have been allegedly in place since the '70s. The only reason there is any immediate pressure for real conservation efforts is the price of oil. While we are at this dramatic junction...let this crisis continue to propel us forward. The reason we never took conservation seriously was due to the availability of oil. If oil, through drilling, is again available, we will continue to spin our wheels until we reach exactly this position a few years from now ...only worse. We currently have sufficient technological expertise to stretch the available oil, AND produce serious alternatives to the point that we will be able to self sustain AND put off drilling until it is ABSOLUTELY necessary....right now it is just convenient NOT NECESSARY.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Martin Luther King Jr. & Republican Hypocritical Logic
The NBRA (National Black Republican Association) has launched a campaign against presumed Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama that is heavily laden with racist and elitist commentary. They apparently feel they can get away with it because it is a black organization.
see- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/30/black-republicans-launch_n_110042.html
The hypocrisy is that the NBRA is supporting a candidate that voted AGAINST the Martin Luther King Jr Holiday by invoking that Martin Luther King Jr. was a republican. John McCain voted AGAINST the MLK holiday even when most of his compatriots voted for it. To add insult to injury, he offers a response that is tantamount to being uninformed about the issue. Bottom line they are using racist smear by using the name of a man who dedicated his life against such action...now who is slapping who in the face.
I hope the NBRA is not looking for any new members soon!
see- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/30/black-republicans-launch_n_110042.html
The hypocrisy is that the NBRA is supporting a candidate that voted AGAINST the Martin Luther King Jr Holiday by invoking that Martin Luther King Jr. was a republican. John McCain voted AGAINST the MLK holiday even when most of his compatriots voted for it. To add insult to injury, he offers a response that is tantamount to being uninformed about the issue. Bottom line they are using racist smear by using the name of a man who dedicated his life against such action...now who is slapping who in the face.
I hope the NBRA is not looking for any new members soon!
Wesley Clark-American Hero vs John McCain-American Hero
During General Wesley Clark’s interview he NEVER demeaned McCain's service. His statement is true based solely on what he referred to in response to the question. McCain's shoot-down, capture, and POW status alone do NOT qualify him to be Commander in Chief. HOWEVER from a military experience standpoint McCain has the upper-hand where potential war strategy command decisions are concerned.
Too bad the number one issue is the economy, but you can't blame the republicans for trying. Their new strategy is to push terrorism and the fear of another American soil attack. I don't think they realize that they are shooting themselves in the foot. Prior to their new scare tactics campaign, the republicans were more than proud to state how much safer we are because they are watching the fence....are they trying to say they are going to let one through?
Too bad the number one issue is the economy, but you can't blame the republicans for trying. Their new strategy is to push terrorism and the fear of another American soil attack. I don't think they realize that they are shooting themselves in the foot. Prior to their new scare tactics campaign, the republicans were more than proud to state how much safer we are because they are watching the fence....are they trying to say they are going to let one through?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
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.
Friday, June 27, 2008
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
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
Thursday, June 26, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
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.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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
see- http://www.silive.com/siadvance/stories/index.ssf?/bas
e/opinion/121370580319710.xml&coll=1
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