7PM, from The College of New Jersey. It will be on TV on WPVI, WABC and Univision; radio, WHYY will cover it.
This debate includes Republican Doug Forrester, Democrat Jon Corzine, independent Hector Castillo and Libertarian Jeffrey Pawlowski.
Should be interesting as a four-way debate!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Doug Forrester- his pay-to-play contracts
"Enact Comprehensive "Pay-to-Play" Reform: No issue is more important to reversing the downward spiral of ethical standards in government than the enactment of across-the-board, comprehensive "pay-to-play" reform for all levels of government. "
That's from Doug Forrester's web site. Shame he hasn't read it.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Monday that Benecard, Doug Forrester's insurance benefits company, benefitted from a $3.4 million in business they recieved from Burlington County Special Services School District. in 2004 and 2005, despite the fact that they were significantly more expensive than other bidders. Their contract was renewed after the first year, even though the price increased 37%.
"Forrester has said that his companies' government contracts were not influenced by politics but based on price proposals that were lower than its competitors'." Um, they're not. What are they influenced by?
Forrester donated almost $60,000 to Burlington County Republicans since 2003. And, the agent who brokered those county contracts? Sean Gormley, son of State Sen. William Gormley. The Burlington County GOP controlls the school board in question, according to the Inquirer article. Republican county leader, Glenn Paulsen, is one of the Republican powers influential in choosing statewide candidates- such as, who gets to run for governor. Hmmm... kinda sounds like pay-to-play to me...
Go read the Inquirer article, especially if you're an undecided voter. The Star-Ledger article is here.
That's from Doug Forrester's web site. Shame he hasn't read it.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Monday that Benecard, Doug Forrester's insurance benefits company, benefitted from a $3.4 million in business they recieved from Burlington County Special Services School District. in 2004 and 2005, despite the fact that they were significantly more expensive than other bidders. Their contract was renewed after the first year, even though the price increased 37%.
"Forrester has said that his companies' government contracts were not influenced by politics but based on price proposals that were lower than its competitors'." Um, they're not. What are they influenced by?
Forrester donated almost $60,000 to Burlington County Republicans since 2003. And, the agent who brokered those county contracts? Sean Gormley, son of State Sen. William Gormley. The Burlington County GOP controlls the school board in question, according to the Inquirer article. Republican county leader, Glenn Paulsen, is one of the Republican powers influential in choosing statewide candidates- such as, who gets to run for governor. Hmmm... kinda sounds like pay-to-play to me...
Go read the Inquirer article, especially if you're an undecided voter. The Star-Ledger article is here.
Life intrudes on the CoNJL again
Sorry I've been away for a day or so. The precious little blog time I had yesterday I spent reading, not writing. Will try to catch up.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Go fly a kite
I mean it, go fly a kite. There's nice wind, mostly steady but some gusts, the sun is shining, and soccer was canceled so the fields are empty; perfect day for it. Wear boots.
We just spent about two hours with many kites in the sky. It's a great day to go fly a kite.
We just spent about two hours with many kites in the sky. It's a great day to go fly a kite.
Hel-lo, I've waited here for you, Everlong
Saw the Foo Fighters last night at the Continental Airlines Arena. ("What's the Continental Airlines Arena?" I asked the husband, when he gave me the tickets on my birthday. "The Meadowlands," he said.)
It was great.
Some band named Hot Hot Heat opened, and that's enough said about that. Then Weezer took the stage. I've never been a big fan but the songs I did know are good; they were very engergetic and put on a good show.
But the hit of the night was the Foo Fighters. If you don't know who they are and you're still bothering to read this post, the Foo Fighters are the band that Dave Grohl formed after the end of Nirvana over ten years ago. They've put out five albums and songs on a bundle of compilations, and if you listen to commercial rock radio you've heard some of their songs.
That's kind of odd for me, because I don't listen to commercial radio. I listen to public radio, WXPN for music and WHYY for news/interest programming. Needless to say neither one plays a whole lot of hard rock. I realized halfway through the concert that I didn't know which songs they'd play because I had no idea what all the singles were. I play the whole albums on the iPod instead.
The band was amazing. Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins have a huge amount of energy and it translated into a fast-moving stage show. Well-designed lights and media rounded it out. Roger Taylor, the drummer from Queen, made a surprise appearance at the end and performed "Tie Your Mother Down" with the band. Very cool.
We hadn't been to an arena rock show in years. We thought we'd be the oldest people there but while we were in the top half, we certainly weren't the oldest. I did remember to plug my ears so I wouldn't have that hour of deafness afterward, something I never did when younger. One thing has changed- no one lights their lighters in the dark at concerts any more; they hold up their cell phones instead. Thousands of phone cam pictures were taken last night.
Another amazing part- we left with the crowd after the show, and somehow got from the parking lot to the Turnpike in two minutes. Honestly, 120 seconds after turning on the car, we were zipping through the EZPass lane. That's never happened before nor will again.
Excellent band, great show, good time.
It was great.
Some band named Hot Hot Heat opened, and that's enough said about that. Then Weezer took the stage. I've never been a big fan but the songs I did know are good; they were very engergetic and put on a good show.
But the hit of the night was the Foo Fighters. If you don't know who they are and you're still bothering to read this post, the Foo Fighters are the band that Dave Grohl formed after the end of Nirvana over ten years ago. They've put out five albums and songs on a bundle of compilations, and if you listen to commercial rock radio you've heard some of their songs.
That's kind of odd for me, because I don't listen to commercial radio. I listen to public radio, WXPN for music and WHYY for news/interest programming. Needless to say neither one plays a whole lot of hard rock. I realized halfway through the concert that I didn't know which songs they'd play because I had no idea what all the singles were. I play the whole albums on the iPod instead.
The band was amazing. Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins have a huge amount of energy and it translated into a fast-moving stage show. Well-designed lights and media rounded it out. Roger Taylor, the drummer from Queen, made a surprise appearance at the end and performed "Tie Your Mother Down" with the band. Very cool.
We hadn't been to an arena rock show in years. We thought we'd be the oldest people there but while we were in the top half, we certainly weren't the oldest. I did remember to plug my ears so I wouldn't have that hour of deafness afterward, something I never did when younger. One thing has changed- no one lights their lighters in the dark at concerts any more; they hold up their cell phones instead. Thousands of phone cam pictures were taken last night.
Another amazing part- we left with the crowd after the show, and somehow got from the parking lot to the Turnpike in two minutes. Honestly, 120 seconds after turning on the car, we were zipping through the EZPass lane. That's never happened before nor will again.
Excellent band, great show, good time.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Gotta Love Codey
Sometimes I just love Acting Gov. Codey, I really do. This is one of those times. He's not been very active in campaigning for Corzine until the recent spate of ads, but he just came out swingin' at Forrester's 30-in-3 property tax plan. From the Times of Trenton:
"How in God's name is he going to pay for it?" Codey asked. "It's totally unrealistic. I wouldn't even call it pie in the sky."
...
"The governor cast further doubt on Forrester's plan by relaying how he recently met with the treasurer and discussed state revenues.
"It's not like we're going to have an extra $3 billion sitting around next year," Codey said. "If he can show me in black and white how he's going to pay for it, God bless him. He's going to have to dig up Houdini."
Asked if the Legislature won't consider Forrester's plan if it's considered unrealistic, Codey said, "That's correct."
Codey is expected to continue as president of the State Senate next year, so he does have the authority to say this. The plan is "unrealistic" at best, costing the state-by the GOP's own estimate- $6bil the first year and $3bil each year after, or more if the Dems do the math.
Forrester believes he can cut "waste, fraud and abuse" to get the money. If we can cut that much in waste and fraud, we should use it to plug the massive hole in the state budget for which we have to borrow $4bil to keep afloat this year. So, where will this money come from to pay for the plan? 30-in-3 sounds like another borrow-and-spend Republican fiasco to me.
I'm not a fan of Corzine's plan to increase rebates, which I feel are gimicky and wasteful. (Why should I pay the state to administer a program to send my own money back to me?) But he believes in a constitutional convention for tax reform. At the very least he supports converting the rebate program to a credit program so we don't have to pay to adminsiter a paperwork program. These plans are way better than continuing to borrow hand over fist so officials can grandstand in the short run, then send the bill for all the interest on that debt to us taxpayers for generations to come.
Acting Gov. Codey met with the state treasurer and discussed revenues prior to his remarks about Forrester's plan. He knows what the money situation is in our fair state. And I gotta respect a man who tells it like it is.
"How in God's name is he going to pay for it?" Codey asked. "It's totally unrealistic. I wouldn't even call it pie in the sky."
...
"The governor cast further doubt on Forrester's plan by relaying how he recently met with the treasurer and discussed state revenues.
"It's not like we're going to have an extra $3 billion sitting around next year," Codey said. "If he can show me in black and white how he's going to pay for it, God bless him. He's going to have to dig up Houdini."
Asked if the Legislature won't consider Forrester's plan if it's considered unrealistic, Codey said, "That's correct."
Codey is expected to continue as president of the State Senate next year, so he does have the authority to say this. The plan is "unrealistic" at best, costing the state-by the GOP's own estimate- $6bil the first year and $3bil each year after, or more if the Dems do the math.
Forrester believes he can cut "waste, fraud and abuse" to get the money. If we can cut that much in waste and fraud, we should use it to plug the massive hole in the state budget for which we have to borrow $4bil to keep afloat this year. So, where will this money come from to pay for the plan? 30-in-3 sounds like another borrow-and-spend Republican fiasco to me.
I'm not a fan of Corzine's plan to increase rebates, which I feel are gimicky and wasteful. (Why should I pay the state to administer a program to send my own money back to me?) But he believes in a constitutional convention for tax reform. At the very least he supports converting the rebate program to a credit program so we don't have to pay to adminsiter a paperwork program. These plans are way better than continuing to borrow hand over fist so officials can grandstand in the short run, then send the bill for all the interest on that debt to us taxpayers for generations to come.
Acting Gov. Codey met with the state treasurer and discussed revenues prior to his remarks about Forrester's plan. He knows what the money situation is in our fair state. And I gotta respect a man who tells it like it is.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Maybe it's the rain
I feel like I'm in a fog. If it weren't so late in the day I'd have a cup of coffee but then I'd be doing cartwheels until 2AM. It just took me 20 minutes to answer a simple question in email, and after those 20 minutes I don't think I even answered it. Not in a politician-evasive way, but in a "huh?" way.
My town's not particularly flooded, unlike Bound Brook, Montgomery, and anywhere along the Metedeconk. But it sure seems like my brain is.
My town's not particularly flooded, unlike Bound Brook, Montgomery, and anywhere along the Metedeconk. But it sure seems like my brain is.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Radio Debate wrap-up
Last night, Doug Forrester faced off with Senator Jon Corzine in a radio debate. If you missed it, it's available here. It's a little long, over 1 1/2 hours, so it's broken into 5 parts on the site. It's worth the time, though.
Sen. Corzine did much better than in the NJN debate, where he looked tired and had a few missteps. He got more involved in explaining some of his plans. Once again, Forrester sounded polished and stayed on his message, whether or not it was relevant to the question.
A good example of how this worked was brought out early in the program. On a question about Kramer Hill in Camden and eminent domain abuse, Corzine explained his position, then Forrester stuck to his talking point by bringing up Petty's Island, the brownfield island in Pennsauken, by stating it has the same developer as Kramer Hill and Corzine "won't stand up with him" against eminent domain abuse. Corzine responded stating unequivocally that eminent domain is NOT the issue with Petty's Island, that's an issue about making polluters pay for their environmental damage, and the two issues are separate. Corzine explained his plans, Forrester stuck to his message.
That's been the theme for this campaign, hasn't it? Corzine has plans for the future, but Forrester has campaign talking points.
Forrester made the mistake later on of challenging Corzine on financial plans for the state's future with the pension plans and investments. Corzine's answer may have gone a bit into detail for most, but really, why would you challenge the former CEO of a Goldman Sachs on financial issues? The Senator had a new proposal about securitizing the revenues of the toll roads in our state, which will be interesting to read.
I listened to the debate last night in New Brunswick, in the company of The One True Tami, GD Frogsdong, and Kire, where Al Franken was doing live commentary. He was great, of course. He noted that Forrester incorporated his company in DC to avoid NJ taxes, but then has the nerve to run for governor of Our Fair State while touting tax reform.
Side note- I am no fan of NJ 101.whine. They spend a lot of time distorting the issues and making people angry, which brings in listeners and ad revenues but simply creates angry, misinformed people. But boy, I was happy with Eric Scott's performance as moderator. He kept the answers on track and when the candidates didn't answer a question, he called them on it. He did a great job.
Sen. Corzine did much better than in the NJN debate, where he looked tired and had a few missteps. He got more involved in explaining some of his plans. Once again, Forrester sounded polished and stayed on his message, whether or not it was relevant to the question.
A good example of how this worked was brought out early in the program. On a question about Kramer Hill in Camden and eminent domain abuse, Corzine explained his position, then Forrester stuck to his talking point by bringing up Petty's Island, the brownfield island in Pennsauken, by stating it has the same developer as Kramer Hill and Corzine "won't stand up with him" against eminent domain abuse. Corzine responded stating unequivocally that eminent domain is NOT the issue with Petty's Island, that's an issue about making polluters pay for their environmental damage, and the two issues are separate. Corzine explained his plans, Forrester stuck to his message.
That's been the theme for this campaign, hasn't it? Corzine has plans for the future, but Forrester has campaign talking points.
Forrester made the mistake later on of challenging Corzine on financial plans for the state's future with the pension plans and investments. Corzine's answer may have gone a bit into detail for most, but really, why would you challenge the former CEO of a Goldman Sachs on financial issues? The Senator had a new proposal about securitizing the revenues of the toll roads in our state, which will be interesting to read.
I listened to the debate last night in New Brunswick, in the company of The One True Tami, GD Frogsdong, and Kire, where Al Franken was doing live commentary. He was great, of course. He noted that Forrester incorporated his company in DC to avoid NJ taxes, but then has the nerve to run for governor of Our Fair State while touting tax reform.
Side note- I am no fan of NJ 101.whine. They spend a lot of time distorting the issues and making people angry, which brings in listeners and ad revenues but simply creates angry, misinformed people. But boy, I was happy with Eric Scott's performance as moderator. He kept the answers on track and when the candidates didn't answer a question, he called them on it. He did a great job.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Don't forget tonight's debate
NJ101.5 is holding a gubernatorial debate tonight at 7:30. You should listen to it, even if it's on the worst radio station in New Jersey.
The polls have the race closer than ever, with the Fairleigh Dickenson poll out today putting Corzine's lead at 8 points, and the WNBC/Marist Poll, released yesterday, putting Corzine ahead of Forrester 47% to 45%- a statistical tie.
The polls have the race closer than ever, with the Fairleigh Dickenson poll out today putting Corzine's lead at 8 points, and the WNBC/Marist Poll, released yesterday, putting Corzine ahead of Forrester 47% to 45%- a statistical tie.
Last day to register to vote
Today, Oct. 11, is the LAST DAY to register to vote in time for the November elections. Here's some info if you need it.
Did you know you can get an absentee ballot for any reason in NJ? There is no reason not to vote. So if you haven't registered, go do it now.
Did you know you can get an absentee ballot for any reason in NJ? There is no reason not to vote. So if you haven't registered, go do it now.
Fleecing of Hamilton and NJ- Klockner Woods Lawsuit
As shock follows shock, Fieldstone Developers are suing Hamilton to get the interest they are owed under the current contract. Why shouldn't they? The payment is all legal-like, set in court and everything.
Fieldstone may be slick, predatory and even have crossed the line into illegal practice, but they didn't fail the taxpayers of Hamilton, Mercer County and New Jersey with this ridiculous deal. The Hamilton Council and Mayor did that.
Fieldstone may be slick, predatory and even have crossed the line into illegal practice, but they didn't fail the taxpayers of Hamilton, Mercer County and New Jersey with this ridiculous deal. The Hamilton Council and Mayor did that.
Lazy Link Tuesday
If you haven't seen Andrew's rant on Did I Say That Out Loud? about our country's energy policy of constructing more oil refineries, you should. It's here and it's short, go read it.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Survey says...
Over at Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, Mimus Pauly has started a survey of the greatest Americans ever. So far the votes are light but may explode by the time you read this.
I'm having a hard time picking mine, but maybe you know yours right away. Head on over and punch in.
I'm having a hard time picking mine, but maybe you know yours right away. Head on over and punch in.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Getting some distance from Forrester
On Thursday, Democrat Assembly candidate Dan Benson held a press conference to attact Assemblyman Bill Baroni (R-Hamilton.) Benson was surprised when Baroni showed up and turned it into a debate. The two sounded off on property taxes until Benson's staffers pulled him out.
Baroni's big attack on Benson is that as a township councilman, Benson voted for the ill-advised, ill-considered and possibly corrupt Klockner Woods deal. Benson is hitting back at Baroni because he was on the Assembly Republican Policy Committe, who devised the property tax plan which was co-opted by Forrester as his ill-advised and ill-considered "30 in 3" sound byte. Baroni insisted his name was eventually taken off the plan; Benson believes that was only after Forrester said he'd lay off 6,000 state workers to pay for it.
When Benson repeatedly asked Baroni if he helped write the plan, Baroni replied, "What part of no didn't you understand? The "n" or the "o"?"
It's interesting that a Republican Assemblyman trying for re-election is actively distancing himself from Forrester and the property tax "plan" he espouses, especially when Forrester's narrowing Corzine's lead in the polls to single digits. Baroni was on that committee that developed the gimicky "30 in 3" bit but is adamant in his rejection of it- it's almost as if he knows something about it that Forrester won't say. Such as, it won't work?
(Cross-posted at Blanton's and Ashton's)
Baroni's big attack on Benson is that as a township councilman, Benson voted for the ill-advised, ill-considered and possibly corrupt Klockner Woods deal. Benson is hitting back at Baroni because he was on the Assembly Republican Policy Committe, who devised the property tax plan which was co-opted by Forrester as his ill-advised and ill-considered "30 in 3" sound byte. Baroni insisted his name was eventually taken off the plan; Benson believes that was only after Forrester said he'd lay off 6,000 state workers to pay for it.
When Benson repeatedly asked Baroni if he helped write the plan, Baroni replied, "What part of no didn't you understand? The "n" or the "o"?"
It's interesting that a Republican Assemblyman trying for re-election is actively distancing himself from Forrester and the property tax "plan" he espouses, especially when Forrester's narrowing Corzine's lead in the polls to single digits. Baroni was on that committee that developed the gimicky "30 in 3" bit but is adamant in his rejection of it- it's almost as if he knows something about it that Forrester won't say. Such as, it won't work?
(Cross-posted at Blanton's and Ashton's)
Friday, October 07, 2005
Update to Hate Mail
A local policeman came to take my report today and took the letter away. He asked if I needed it and of course I said no, I saw no need to ever see it again. I did not take care to avoid fingerprints on the letter (because I didn't initally think I would be turning it over to the police, or that they would take it as seriously as that) so I was advised that if I get another one, to avoid getting prints on it.
The nice patrolman did correct me; technically it's harassment, not hate mail, since it didn't specifically name or threaten me in the contents. I appreciate the correction but it doesn't make me feel a whole lot better. A little bit, though; "harassment" is a slightly less noxious word than "hate."
And life goes on.
The nice patrolman did correct me; technically it's harassment, not hate mail, since it didn't specifically name or threaten me in the contents. I appreciate the correction but it doesn't make me feel a whole lot better. A little bit, though; "harassment" is a slightly less noxious word than "hate."
And life goes on.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Hate Mail
"Holy Bible King James- Thou Shall Not Kill
Koran Sacred Book of Islam- Thou Shall Kill
Which one would you believe?"
I got my first hate mail yesterday.
I don't mean a moonbat comment on my blog, or a nasty note in my email inbox. I mean a mailed letter, delivered to the door of the house where my family lives.
"Goonsburg, former member left wing radical ACLU
Stop your complaining at least we made it close" (with accompanying crude drawing of SCOTUS)
There are no threats in it. Except for my name (which was made fun of) and address on the envelope, there's nothing in it specific to me or about me. There are sixteen pages of ranting, some hand-written, some type-written and some copied out of books and pamphlets. All of it is photocopied. Some is even outdated, since it mentions Justice O'Connor.
"They continue to push the ERA
And talk of disarming the USA
They lie about the police
And accuse them of police brutality
And as you all know
They're letting the criminals go
To increase crime and terror in the streets
And they don't want you to own any Bibles or Guns"
My first reaction was panic. I called my husband at work, who kindly offered to come home, but I declined as that wouldn't have done any good. I emailed a few fellow lefty bloggers to inquire, but I was the only one of us who got the letter.
"Same sex marriage will destroy this nation forever. Then we have America's war on children abortion on demand. This is God's message when does life begin."
I have a Corzine sign in my yard. I have a bumper sticker on my car. I have this blog. I wrote a letter recently to the local newspaper. I wear my political affiliations on my sleeve. I'm still wondering which was the spark for this.
"Don't eat white bread white bread make you dead sooner- White bread in original color is gray it's dyed to make it white so it looks more appealing almost all the vitamins are taken out- what they do to dye it is bad for you"
Since very single page is photocopied so I doubt I'm the only recipient. The envelope is hand-canceled and required extra postage, so that means someone took it to the post office. Did they make the trip just for me? Should I be flattered or scared?
"They want you interdependant on other countries
As they plan to move you into the European Union
Their destroying the American dollar"
I haven't read it all. I don't intend to read it, either. Much of it is incoherent.
"Stop buying them-evil of your two newspapers
in Trenton- paper tigers The anti-American global government Trenton Times is controlled as is the New York Times Which now owns the Boston Globe and Washington Post The Trentonian is left wing thunder on the right They are assaulting your children running prostitution ads in back of their paper- greed and pushing gay sex- you do not have to stand for it- victory"
So, what am I going to do?
First, I'm calling the police. I don't know if they'll care, since there are no threats to me, but it's worth the phone call- especially if I'm not the only one in the area who got one.
Second, I'm not taking down my Corzine sign. I'm finding a Panter and Morgan sign and putting it up as soon as possible. I might put another bumper sticker on the car. I'll continue to blog as long as someone reads it. I'll write letters to the editor as often as I feel necessary. I'm going to continue to wear my political affiliations on my sleeve. I'll be as loud as I damn well want, as long as I need to be.
Third, I'm going to wash my hands because I just touched the hate-filled, foul thing. Then I'm going to check the locks on the doors, again.
Koran Sacred Book of Islam- Thou Shall Kill
Which one would you believe?"
I got my first hate mail yesterday.
I don't mean a moonbat comment on my blog, or a nasty note in my email inbox. I mean a mailed letter, delivered to the door of the house where my family lives.
"Goonsburg, former member left wing radical ACLU
Stop your complaining at least we made it close" (with accompanying crude drawing of SCOTUS)
There are no threats in it. Except for my name (which was made fun of) and address on the envelope, there's nothing in it specific to me or about me. There are sixteen pages of ranting, some hand-written, some type-written and some copied out of books and pamphlets. All of it is photocopied. Some is even outdated, since it mentions Justice O'Connor.
"They continue to push the ERA
And talk of disarming the USA
They lie about the police
And accuse them of police brutality
And as you all know
They're letting the criminals go
To increase crime and terror in the streets
And they don't want you to own any Bibles or Guns"
My first reaction was panic. I called my husband at work, who kindly offered to come home, but I declined as that wouldn't have done any good. I emailed a few fellow lefty bloggers to inquire, but I was the only one of us who got the letter.
"Same sex marriage will destroy this nation forever. Then we have America's war on children abortion on demand. This is God's message when does life begin."
I have a Corzine sign in my yard. I have a bumper sticker on my car. I have this blog. I wrote a letter recently to the local newspaper. I wear my political affiliations on my sleeve. I'm still wondering which was the spark for this.
"Don't eat white bread white bread make you dead sooner- White bread in original color is gray it's dyed to make it white so it looks more appealing almost all the vitamins are taken out- what they do to dye it is bad for you"
Since very single page is photocopied so I doubt I'm the only recipient. The envelope is hand-canceled and required extra postage, so that means someone took it to the post office. Did they make the trip just for me? Should I be flattered or scared?
"They want you interdependant on other countries
As they plan to move you into the European Union
Their destroying the American dollar"
I haven't read it all. I don't intend to read it, either. Much of it is incoherent.
"Stop buying them-evil of your two newspapers
in Trenton- paper tigers The anti-American global government Trenton Times is controlled as is the New York Times Which now owns the Boston Globe and Washington Post The Trentonian is left wing thunder on the right They are assaulting your children running prostitution ads in back of their paper- greed and pushing gay sex- you do not have to stand for it- victory"
So, what am I going to do?
First, I'm calling the police. I don't know if they'll care, since there are no threats to me, but it's worth the phone call- especially if I'm not the only one in the area who got one.
Second, I'm not taking down my Corzine sign. I'm finding a Panter and Morgan sign and putting it up as soon as possible. I might put another bumper sticker on the car. I'll continue to blog as long as someone reads it. I'll write letters to the editor as often as I feel necessary. I'm going to continue to wear my political affiliations on my sleeve. I'll be as loud as I damn well want, as long as I need to be.
Third, I'm going to wash my hands because I just touched the hate-filled, foul thing. Then I'm going to check the locks on the doors, again.
Al Franken on Debate Night
If you haven't already heard,
Al Franken will be at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick on Tuesday Oct. 11th at 7:30PM, commenting live on the radio debate between Sen. Jon Corzine and Doug Forrester.
I love Al Franken. I listened to parts of Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them while driving, and I literally had to pull over, I was laughing so hard. He has a way of seeing the truth through all the bull, then telling it like it is, except way funnier. I expect his commentary on the debate will be great.
Al Franken will be at the Stress Factory in New Brunswick on Tuesday Oct. 11th at 7:30PM, commenting live on the radio debate between Sen. Jon Corzine and Doug Forrester.
I love Al Franken. I listened to parts of Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them while driving, and I literally had to pull over, I was laughing so hard. He has a way of seeing the truth through all the bull, then telling it like it is, except way funnier. I expect his commentary on the debate will be great.
Creationism trial update
Today a witness outlined how early drafts of a biology textbook had the word "creationism," which was replaced with "intelligent design" in the federal court trial over the Dover, PA school district's policy of stating the "intelligent design" concept should be taught with evolution. Last Thursday, a high school biology teacher testified that she and her colleagues refused to read a statement on "intelligent design" in class because they questioned the concept's scientific validity.
There will be weeks to come of this trial.
There will be weeks to come of this trial.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Fleecing of Hamilton and NJ- Klockner Woods study delay
The study to determine how much of Klockner Woods is wetlands won't be ready until spring! So much for the one-month estimate. This delay would put the interest due to the develper at over $100,000 by the time the assessment is finished- over a quarter of the original cost ($375,000) that Fieldstone Development paid for the land four years ago, but only a pittance compared to the $4.1 million they expect to be paid for selling it back to Hamilton Twp. for preservation.
And why should they? They've done quite well for themselves.
Gilmore also says he wants to be mindful of the 1500 petition-signing residents who want the land preserved. I think almost ALL the residents want this land preserved. We're angry about the exhorbitant price to which you agreed with almost no study.
"My hope is that we are still going to be able to preserve Klockner Woods," said Mayor Glen Gilmore yesterday. "We have asked both the owner as well as the court to provide us with the additional time to conduct the study so that there are not any outstanding questions about the preservation effort." Gilmore said Fieldstone has yet to agree to waive the interest payments, which amount to about $27,000 per month.
And why should they? They've done quite well for themselves.
Gilmore also says he wants to be mindful of the 1500 petition-signing residents who want the land preserved. I think almost ALL the residents want this land preserved. We're angry about the exhorbitant price to which you agreed with almost no study.
New Jersey Katrina/Rita Relief Part 2
Back in Sept. I compiled a list of locations for Katrina donations. Relief efforts in NJ for Gulf coast victims may have slowed but are still going on, and here are some of the current programs in place:
State of NJ list of organizations is here.
VolunteerMatch.org: to sign up to volunteer here.
Operation Lean On Me: Needs kitchen utensils, linens, towels, pots and pans, flatware, school supplies, children's backpacks, daipers, wipes, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, baby formula, cereal, baby food, pet food but no dishes or clothing. Mail operationleanonme at yahoo.com , or bring to Colonial Fire Co. At 801 Kuser Road Hamilton. Cash donations are accepted (make check to "Operation Lean On Me" to Yardville Nat'l Bank, 2465 Kuser Road, Hamilton Square NJ 08690 attn: David Davis.
Rutgers University-Camden has several ongoing relief efforts listed here.
Kids of Katrina: Started by a Warren Township Middle schooler, this group is seeking school groups to collect donations of new (and nearly new) backpacks filled with age-appropriate new contents. Deadline is Oct. 29 between 8 a.m. and noon to bring items to Feed The Children Distribution Center, 1111 Corporate Road, North Brunswick. For information, call (732) 565-0136
The Farmers' Market in Bound Brook will serve as a drop-off site for donations every Saturday from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29 at its location in the New Jersey Transit lot on Main Street. Donations of bottled water, nonperishable foods, can openers, hygiene products, medical kits, bug repellent, baby supplies, pet supplies, cots, new pillows and new sheets can be brought to the farmers' market site, which will accept donations from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday.
Girl Scouts of Bergen County are making Health Kits. Please place the following items in a one gallon zip-lock plastic bag:One hand towel, One bar of soap (bath size,) One wash cloth, One toothbrush, One comb, One 4-7 oz. tube of tooth paste, One nail file or nail clipper, and Six bandaids. Health Kit donations will be collected at the Meadowlands 5K Run/Walk on October 23, 2005.
Operation HELP's Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts include an ongoing food drive. Jacob's Chapel and Christian Kids Network Inc., 316 Elbo Lane Mt Laurel NJ. For more information and drop-off times, call (856) 235-7900
State of NJ list of organizations is here.
VolunteerMatch.org: to sign up to volunteer here.
Operation Lean On Me: Needs kitchen utensils, linens, towels, pots and pans, flatware, school supplies, children's backpacks, daipers, wipes, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, baby formula, cereal, baby food, pet food but no dishes or clothing. Mail operationleanonme at yahoo.com , or bring to Colonial Fire Co. At 801 Kuser Road Hamilton. Cash donations are accepted (make check to "Operation Lean On Me" to Yardville Nat'l Bank, 2465 Kuser Road, Hamilton Square NJ 08690 attn: David Davis.
Rutgers University-Camden has several ongoing relief efforts listed here.
Kids of Katrina: Started by a Warren Township Middle schooler, this group is seeking school groups to collect donations of new (and nearly new) backpacks filled with age-appropriate new contents. Deadline is Oct. 29 between 8 a.m. and noon to bring items to Feed The Children Distribution Center, 1111 Corporate Road, North Brunswick. For information, call (732) 565-0136
The Farmers' Market in Bound Brook will serve as a drop-off site for donations every Saturday from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29 at its location in the New Jersey Transit lot on Main Street. Donations of bottled water, nonperishable foods, can openers, hygiene products, medical kits, bug repellent, baby supplies, pet supplies, cots, new pillows and new sheets can be brought to the farmers' market site, which will accept donations from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday.
Girl Scouts of Bergen County are making Health Kits. Please place the following items in a one gallon zip-lock plastic bag:One hand towel, One bar of soap (bath size,) One wash cloth, One toothbrush, One comb, One 4-7 oz. tube of tooth paste, One nail file or nail clipper, and Six bandaids. Health Kit donations will be collected at the Meadowlands 5K Run/Walk on October 23, 2005.
Operation HELP's Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts include an ongoing food drive. Jacob's Chapel and Christian Kids Network Inc., 316 Elbo Lane Mt Laurel NJ. For more information and drop-off times, call (856) 235-7900
Monday, October 03, 2005
Debate and Reform news items
Last week, I mentioned a news item that Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Jeff Pawlowski planned to release his answers to the questions from the NJN debate. I emailed the Pawlowski campaign and have yet to hear back. However, Green Party candidate Matt Thieke has posted his on his web site. (I like most of his answers, too.)
Reported in today's Trenton Times: In a big anti-corruption pitch, Assemblymen Michael Panter and Dr. Robert Morgan are proposing stronger penalties for those public officials convicted of corruption, mandantory ethics training, and mandantory reimbursment by developers caught manipulating the building process. I can't find bill numbers yet, but when I do I'll post them and urge you to write your assemblymen to push the reforms through. These reforms may not be sweeping but they're steps in the right direction.
Reported in today's Trenton Times: In a big anti-corruption pitch, Assemblymen Michael Panter and Dr. Robert Morgan are proposing stronger penalties for those public officials convicted of corruption, mandantory ethics training, and mandantory reimbursment by developers caught manipulating the building process. I can't find bill numbers yet, but when I do I'll post them and urge you to write your assemblymen to push the reforms through. These reforms may not be sweeping but they're steps in the right direction.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Carnival of New Jersey Bloggers XX
Welcome to the Carnival! The tents are up, the weather is beautiful and we're glad you're here. Let's see what's going on in the blogosphere in Our Fair State this week.
Our Stories
Tata may have Poor Impulse Control but she is is done with dating. Greg Gethard wraps up his Amazing Coat Week with a tale of class, death and high school. Shamrocketship is having an happy Ordinary Day. MyManMisterC is convinced his name is cursed- but his fiance with her own name is still lucky . On "D"igital Breakfast, Thomas tells us how to buy a house in forclosure. The worst restaurant patron ever gets a mention by the Contrarian. Hondo at inadmissible Evidence got quite a scare from a hiding Pewter. Banned Book Week is being celebrated at Fausti's Book Quest. The One True Tami tells us about the recent visit of the Dalai Lama. GiggleChick recaps her HBO showcase and her mention in New York Magazine. Mamacita is already getting Katrina Spam. Danielle, Not Your Typical Jersey Girl, wants some workplace etiquette. Furey at Phily2Hoboken can't see you.
New Jersey
Dave at the Political Dogs talks taxes and wants Jon Corzine's face on the ten-dollar bill- or maybe the three-dollar. The latest poll was good news for Doug Forrester, says Roberto at Dynamobuzz. Blue Dog Howl discusses Forrester's comments about Corzine's endorsements. Rob at Usdin.net is thinking about the alternatives and wonders why is it always partisan? WrightWing.com is sick of NJ's gun laws. Sloppydawg reminds us to watch our media about our media. Jim at Parkway Rest stop teaches us some Jerseyspeak.
Around Town
Feeling Stoopid is having none of the fried Oreos at the Westfield Town Fair. The Jersey City Artist's Studio Tour gets attention from Dojo Mojo. Today is the South Street Music Festival in Morristown and Jersey Days has the info. The Barista of Bloomfield Ave. has photo proof of the Sopranos crew's carelessness. Dojo Mojo found a fabulous car, but Kate at Katespot wonders what's with the fake bullet holes?
In The News
Media in Trouble is annoyed with Bill Kristol on Charlie Rose, but even more annoyed with Bob Ingle. Jane at Armies of Liberation has some good news with hope for a democratic Yemen. Professor Kim hails the life story and contributions of the late Federal Judge Constance Baker Motley. Karl discusses what President Bush states about progress in Iraq. Nordette discusses Bill Bennet's recent comments on Confessions of a Jersey Goddess. The Contrarian quizzes us to see if the waters of stupidity are receding. Bob at eCache calls the New York Times on their correction policy. In The Word Unheard, USMC_vet discusses the politics and analysis of Abu Azzim's position in alQaeda in Iraq. Jack at Jersey Perspective heard Sean Hannity when Tom DeLay was indicted this week. Some quick news takes are on tap at Coffegrounds. Fausta at the Bad Hair Blog tell us about Condaleezza Rice's speech at Princeton.
Entertainment
Steven over at the Opinion Mill is listening to some Bob Dylan this week, while Bob at The Rix Mix also weighs in after No Direction Home and Sluggo remembers how iconic and ambitious Dylan is. Janet of The Art of Getting By thinks Topher Grace has it over his remarkably similar contemporaries. Mister Snitch shows us both the $100 laptop and the very expensive lap. Rob tells us about the Small Press Expo at Laughing at the Pieces. Cripes, Suzette has a guest post who's bummed about how whiny the internet is. Andrew at Did I Say That Out Loud? remembers Rudolph's Coach Comet.
Finale
Some poetry to wrap us up: Haiku from the Down the Shore, and some Odes to Football from Riss's Tequila Shots for the Soul.
Thanks for visiting the Carnival! Next week it travels over to The Opinion Mill. You can submit posts during the week to njcarnival@gmail.com. See you there!
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Lindberg Reenactment
Famous Trials Theater will reenact the famous Lindberg baby trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann in the old Hunterdon County Courthouse starting today and continuing weekends through October 23rd. The courtroom was restored to its 1935 appearance, and several pieces of original furniture will be used.
I don't think I'll be able to make it out, I've stretched my babysitting goodwill pretty thin these days. But it sounds incredibly cool, from a historical perspective and as good theater.
For more info head to Famous Trials.
I don't think I'll be able to make it out, I've stretched my babysitting goodwill pretty thin these days. But it sounds incredibly cool, from a historical perspective and as good theater.
For more info head to Famous Trials.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Corzine Rally
Yesterday I attended the Corzine Rally held at Kean University. I had never attended a political rally before, so this was an experience for me.
The place was positively packed. (I had heard how hard it was to get a ticket, then outside there was at least one woman just handing them out. I beleive she was a professor at Kean, maybe some tickets had been distributed to students and faculty and she had extras?) Labor made a big showing, in their orange jerseys, handing out stickers. There were busloads coming in even as late as 5PM. The doors were supposed to shut at 4:30 precisely but of course that didn't happen. I do believe we hit fire-code capacity of the space before they shut the doors. Volunteers handed out lots of bottles of water.
Unfortunately I never met up with the bloggers I was hoping to find; there were entirely too many people there to find people when you don't know what they look like. Instead I sat with the lovely Jackie, from the 25th district. Having never met before, we had lots of time to chat because we got there pretty early and everything started way late. She was carrying a copy of Bill Clinton's My Life, hoping for him to sign it. We discussed our assemblymen; I'm pretty happy with mine, she not so much with hers.
Sen. Corzine spoke first, not a long speech, but to an energetic crowd. If only he had done so well in the debate the other day! Former President Clinton spoke only a little longer. No matter what you think of him, he is an engaging speaker. He had the crowd cheering "Four More Years!" as he took the podium. He spoke glowingly of Corzine (as expected) and of Our Fair State. He mentioned Hillary only briefly but to astounding cheers. He may have been preaching to the faithful but we were on every word.
After the speeches, both men went to the crowd and shook hands, signed autographs. I did not try to shake either man's hand, that seemed very important to many people so I let them push up front, but I got pulled into the crowd and was close enough to see them both as they passed by. Clinton was clearly loving it, ever the politician, shaking hands and listening to everyone. Corzine had had a heck of a day- he'd been in DC in the morning to vote against Roberts and then in AC for some other meeting- but he looked very upbeat (and more than a little hot.) I was separated from Jackie but I hope she got her book signed.
Some quotes:
"Forrester is the slimebag of the century." Professor, in line outside before doors open.
"I'm very supportive of Corzine, but we know who is the main attraction." Said of Clinton, by person in bleachers.
"I care about this state. You were good to me." and
"I profoundly admire Jon, your next governor." William Jefferson Clinton
The place was positively packed. (I had heard how hard it was to get a ticket, then outside there was at least one woman just handing them out. I beleive she was a professor at Kean, maybe some tickets had been distributed to students and faculty and she had extras?) Labor made a big showing, in their orange jerseys, handing out stickers. There were busloads coming in even as late as 5PM. The doors were supposed to shut at 4:30 precisely but of course that didn't happen. I do believe we hit fire-code capacity of the space before they shut the doors. Volunteers handed out lots of bottles of water.
Unfortunately I never met up with the bloggers I was hoping to find; there were entirely too many people there to find people when you don't know what they look like. Instead I sat with the lovely Jackie, from the 25th district. Having never met before, we had lots of time to chat because we got there pretty early and everything started way late. She was carrying a copy of Bill Clinton's My Life, hoping for him to sign it. We discussed our assemblymen; I'm pretty happy with mine, she not so much with hers.
Sen. Corzine spoke first, not a long speech, but to an energetic crowd. If only he had done so well in the debate the other day! Former President Clinton spoke only a little longer. No matter what you think of him, he is an engaging speaker. He had the crowd cheering "Four More Years!" as he took the podium. He spoke glowingly of Corzine (as expected) and of Our Fair State. He mentioned Hillary only briefly but to astounding cheers. He may have been preaching to the faithful but we were on every word.
After the speeches, both men went to the crowd and shook hands, signed autographs. I did not try to shake either man's hand, that seemed very important to many people so I let them push up front, but I got pulled into the crowd and was close enough to see them both as they passed by. Clinton was clearly loving it, ever the politician, shaking hands and listening to everyone. Corzine had had a heck of a day- he'd been in DC in the morning to vote against Roberts and then in AC for some other meeting- but he looked very upbeat (and more than a little hot.) I was separated from Jackie but I hope she got her book signed.
Some quotes:
"Forrester is the slimebag of the century." Professor, in line outside before doors open.
"I'm very supportive of Corzine, but we know who is the main attraction." Said of Clinton, by person in bleachers.
"I care about this state. You were good to me." and
"I profoundly admire Jon, your next governor." William Jefferson Clinton
Thursday, September 29, 2005
This week's Carnival of Bloggers
I have the honor of hosting the Carnival of the NJ Bloggers this week! Please send carnival posts to njcarnival@gmail.com as soon as you know what they are.
Hope to see you all back here for the Carnival on Sunday!
Hope to see you all back here for the Carnival on Sunday!
I can't fuckin' believe he said that #2
Former Secretary of Education Bill Bennet, yesterday morning on his radio show:
"But I do know that it's true that if you wanted to reduce crime, you could -- if that were your sole purpose, you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down. That would be an impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down. "
Well, at least he's aware it's morally reprehensable.
There's some discussion of context on the Media Matters link above. Context always matters, of course, but there's no excuse for saying a ridiculous, horrid, racist thing like that.
I can't fuckin' believe he said that.
(Biggest of many hat tips to Professor Kim)
UPDATE 11:35AM 9/30 From Nordette at NJ Spoken Word: "He knew what he was doing. Consequently, I maintain that he should not apologize. Apologies should be motivated by contrition, not by pressure from opposing groups or political cronies. Besides, I'm glad he said it. I like my exploitative, racist sons of bitches to wear their white sheets proudly. I can see 'em coming better that way. No need to wait for the whites of their eyes.
"But I do know that it's true that if you wanted to reduce crime, you could -- if that were your sole purpose, you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down. That would be an impossible, ridiculous, and morally reprehensible thing to do, but your crime rate would go down. "
Well, at least he's aware it's morally reprehensable.
There's some discussion of context on the Media Matters link above. Context always matters, of course, but there's no excuse for saying a ridiculous, horrid, racist thing like that.
I can't fuckin' believe he said that.
(Biggest of many hat tips to Professor Kim)
UPDATE 11:35AM 9/30 From Nordette at NJ Spoken Word: "He knew what he was doing. Consequently, I maintain that he should not apologize. Apologies should be motivated by contrition, not by pressure from opposing groups or political cronies. Besides, I'm glad he said it. I like my exploitative, racist sons of bitches to wear their white sheets proudly. I can see 'em coming better that way. No need to wait for the whites of their eyes.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
New Polls
Fairleigh Dickinson: Corzine 48%, Forrester 38% of 635 LIKELY voters.
Monmouth University/Gannet: Corzine 46%, Forrester 38% of 463 LIKELY voters.
Quinnipiac: Corzine 48%, Forrester 44% of 874 LIKELY voters.
That last one is a little too close for my taste. Not to fear, though; the polls are ranging widely. A Star-Ledger/Eagleton/Rutgers poll from Sept. 12 had Corzine up by 18 points, once again of likely voters.
As always, the most interesting statistics in the Quinnipiac poll are not the big ones. For the question "Regardless of how you intend to vote, which candidate for Governor do you think would do a better job reducing property taxes? " 43% said Forrester, 39% said Corzine. For the question "Regardless of how you intend to vote, which candidate for Governor do you think would do a better job ending corruption in government? " 40% said Forrester, 38% said Corzine. Corzine placed ahead of Forrester in similar questions about solving the budget crisis, taxes in general, improving transportation and fighting overdevelopment and sprawl.
In other campaign news, Tom Hester reported in The Times of Trenton on Monday that Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Jeff Pawlowski, who earned my admiration by selling certificates of influence for donations and publicity on eBay earlier this year, would be producing a video of his answers to the questions posed in the recent NJN debate. He was kept out of the debate because it wasn't an "official" debate and NJN had editorial privilege to choose whom to invite. (Apparently he wouldn't suffer irreparable harm by not participating in the debate; I guess the court felt that a lack of voter recognition doesn't do irreparable harm to a candidate. Ask Todd Calliguire to comment on that one. Granted, according to that Quinnipiac poll 86% of likely voters didn't even watch.)
Anyway, I emailed the Pawlowski campaign to find out the status of the response tape and have yet to hear back. I am very interested to hear his comments; I'll post about it when there's more info. A third party voice in an election is an important thing and should be heard. (Especially when some are leaving the major parties and may be looking for a place to go.)
Monmouth University/Gannet: Corzine 46%, Forrester 38% of 463 LIKELY voters.
Quinnipiac: Corzine 48%, Forrester 44% of 874 LIKELY voters.
That last one is a little too close for my taste. Not to fear, though; the polls are ranging widely. A Star-Ledger/Eagleton/Rutgers poll from Sept. 12 had Corzine up by 18 points, once again of likely voters.
As always, the most interesting statistics in the Quinnipiac poll are not the big ones. For the question "Regardless of how you intend to vote, which candidate for Governor do you think would do a better job reducing property taxes? " 43% said Forrester, 39% said Corzine. For the question "Regardless of how you intend to vote, which candidate for Governor do you think would do a better job ending corruption in government? " 40% said Forrester, 38% said Corzine. Corzine placed ahead of Forrester in similar questions about solving the budget crisis, taxes in general, improving transportation and fighting overdevelopment and sprawl.
In other campaign news, Tom Hester reported in The Times of Trenton on Monday that Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Jeff Pawlowski, who earned my admiration by selling certificates of influence for donations and publicity on eBay earlier this year, would be producing a video of his answers to the questions posed in the recent NJN debate. He was kept out of the debate because it wasn't an "official" debate and NJN had editorial privilege to choose whom to invite. (Apparently he wouldn't suffer irreparable harm by not participating in the debate; I guess the court felt that a lack of voter recognition doesn't do irreparable harm to a candidate. Ask Todd Calliguire to comment on that one. Granted, according to that Quinnipiac poll 86% of likely voters didn't even watch.)
Anyway, I emailed the Pawlowski campaign to find out the status of the response tape and have yet to hear back. I am very interested to hear his comments; I'll post about it when there's more info. A third party voice in an election is an important thing and should be heard. (Especially when some are leaving the major parties and may be looking for a place to go.)
Monday, September 26, 2005
Peace, hope and truth on a Sunday morning
Attendance was a little light on Sunday morning.
There were two reasons for the light showing: one, some folks went to Washington DC to march in opposition to the Iraq war. The story of this protest got kind of lost in the Hurricane Rita news (and now that "Desperate Housewives" is back on and a celebrity couple got married I expect anti-war protests will get pushed out of the main-stream media.) But amid the devastation of another natural disaster in our country, it's important to remember that well over a hundred thousand people in the US spoke out about a disaster we can stop and lives that can be saved.
The second reason there were fewer at Sunday services was the appearance of the Dalai Lama at Rutgers. At least sixty members of the congregation went to hear his presentation. After receiving an honorary degree, the Nobel Peace Prize winner spoke about, well, peace. He urged people to make this the century in which we stop war. From the Times of Trenton:
He will be denounced by some. He hates America, they will say, and our patriotism.
How sad, that one whose message is of peace and hope will be criticized and the warmongers will pat themselves on the back.
I'm sorry that so many had to miss services on Sunday morning, and not just because we sang one of my favorite hymns, Morning has Broken, either. The sermon topic was on creation stories and the place of science in religious teaching. It is an important subject this week. In Dover, PA, during the teaching of evolution, a school board official comes into the class to state that evolution is a theory and that there are other theories including Intelligent Design, and that students should keep an open mind. The parents of eight students sued to keep out of the classroom the mention of a religious concept, and the trial starts in a Harrisburg, PA federal court today.
Of course, the school board's words don't jibe with their assertion that Intelligent Design is not a religious teaching. From the LA Times: "Nearly 2,000 years ago, someone died on a cross for us," said board member William Buckingham, who urged his colleagues to include intelligent design in ninth-grade science classes. "Shouldn't we have the courage to stand up for him?" You should stand up for what you believe, Mr. Buckingham, and I'll stand for what I believe. I just don't want your religious tenets taught to my kids in a public school.
If they really want students to keep an open mind, why are there not disclaimers in history class that history is written by the winners, and the losers may have a different interpretation of what happened? How about a disclaimer in physics that we haven't learned everything there is to know yet so there may be some changes in the future? How about teaching Pastafarianism?
I will be watching this trial as closely as the mainstream media allows. The line between church and state is becoming thinner by the day, and it scares me.
It was interesting hearing this issue discussed form the pulpit. The reverend talked about how our interpretations of science and religious teachings have changed over time. Creation myths have been around as long as humans have, and are used to explain what we don't yet understand. Our religion should provide a framework within which we can interpret science and these stories to find our own truths and our own peace. A good message for this Sunday morning.
So, attendance was a little light this Sunday, but the people who could not attend services had a day of hope also. Everyone was looking for their own truths- a clearer vision of our whole world, and peace.
"Peace is not just the mere absence of violence. . . . It is an attitude, a motivation based on compassion. Every action motivated by compassion is peace. Every act motivated by negative emotions like hatred, anger and jealousy is violence." - His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
There were two reasons for the light showing: one, some folks went to Washington DC to march in opposition to the Iraq war. The story of this protest got kind of lost in the Hurricane Rita news (and now that "Desperate Housewives" is back on and a celebrity couple got married I expect anti-war protests will get pushed out of the main-stream media.) But amid the devastation of another natural disaster in our country, it's important to remember that well over a hundred thousand people in the US spoke out about a disaster we can stop and lives that can be saved.
The second reason there were fewer at Sunday services was the appearance of the Dalai Lama at Rutgers. At least sixty members of the congregation went to hear his presentation. After receiving an honorary degree, the Nobel Peace Prize winner spoke about, well, peace. He urged people to make this the century in which we stop war. From the Times of Trenton:
"You are the new generation of the 21st century," he said. "Your responsibility is to bring peace. My century, the 20th century, was one of bloodshed, but this can be the century of peace."
To achieve this, he said, young people in the United States must develop self-confidence, awareness and a holistic view of the world. "It can't just be America, America, America," he said.
He said Americans must rethink a lifestyle that consumes too many resources compared to the rest of the world.
He offered comfort to students whose questions indicated hopelessness about the world situation, saying the world is becoming a better place.
"The protest here and across the world against the war in Iraq is an encouraging sign," he said. "There is a public movement of people who are concerned about peace and reconciliation."
He said war is expensive, potentially harmful to the entire globe because of today's technology, and an outdated concept because of the interdependence of the global economy.
"This is the new reality," he said. "We and they no longer exist, just we. The destruction of the other is the destruction of the self."
He will be denounced by some. He hates America, they will say, and our patriotism.
How sad, that one whose message is of peace and hope will be criticized and the warmongers will pat themselves on the back.
I'm sorry that so many had to miss services on Sunday morning, and not just because we sang one of my favorite hymns, Morning has Broken, either. The sermon topic was on creation stories and the place of science in religious teaching. It is an important subject this week. In Dover, PA, during the teaching of evolution, a school board official comes into the class to state that evolution is a theory and that there are other theories including Intelligent Design, and that students should keep an open mind. The parents of eight students sued to keep out of the classroom the mention of a religious concept, and the trial starts in a Harrisburg, PA federal court today.
Of course, the school board's words don't jibe with their assertion that Intelligent Design is not a religious teaching. From the LA Times: "Nearly 2,000 years ago, someone died on a cross for us," said board member William Buckingham, who urged his colleagues to include intelligent design in ninth-grade science classes. "Shouldn't we have the courage to stand up for him?" You should stand up for what you believe, Mr. Buckingham, and I'll stand for what I believe. I just don't want your religious tenets taught to my kids in a public school.
If they really want students to keep an open mind, why are there not disclaimers in history class that history is written by the winners, and the losers may have a different interpretation of what happened? How about a disclaimer in physics that we haven't learned everything there is to know yet so there may be some changes in the future? How about teaching Pastafarianism?
I will be watching this trial as closely as the mainstream media allows. The line between church and state is becoming thinner by the day, and it scares me.
It was interesting hearing this issue discussed form the pulpit. The reverend talked about how our interpretations of science and religious teachings have changed over time. Creation myths have been around as long as humans have, and are used to explain what we don't yet understand. Our religion should provide a framework within which we can interpret science and these stories to find our own truths and our own peace. A good message for this Sunday morning.
So, attendance was a little light this Sunday, but the people who could not attend services had a day of hope also. Everyone was looking for their own truths- a clearer vision of our whole world, and peace.
"Peace is not just the mere absence of violence. . . . It is an attitude, a motivation based on compassion. Every action motivated by compassion is peace. Every act motivated by negative emotions like hatred, anger and jealousy is violence." - His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Carnival of Bloggers 19
Tata has the clean lines of minimalism in Carnival of NJ Bloggers #19. Go see what NJ is sayin'!
Saturday, September 24, 2005
News Coverage of the Anti-War Rally
UPDATED 8:30pm
Police estimated today's crowd at 150,000 while organizers estimated 200,000. Amtrak delays (for overhead power line problems) may have held up thousands. A crowd of 10,000 marched in London while 15,000 marched in LA and several thousand rallied in San Francisco. The anti-war protests were planned for the same weekend as the fall meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, as well as The National Book Festival.
Anti-War demonstators stage day of protest- AP on MSNBC
Thousands Rally against Iraq war- CNN
Thousands protest Iraq war, globalization- The New York Times
Anti-War rally held in Washington- BBC
Anti-War protests commence in Washington- Washington Post
Thousands of Californians protest Iraq war- Los Angeles Times
(cross-posted at Blanton's and Ashton's)
Police estimated today's crowd at 150,000 while organizers estimated 200,000. Amtrak delays (for overhead power line problems) may have held up thousands. A crowd of 10,000 marched in London while 15,000 marched in LA and several thousand rallied in San Francisco. The anti-war protests were planned for the same weekend as the fall meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, as well as The National Book Festival.
Anti-War demonstators stage day of protest- AP on MSNBC
Thousands Rally against Iraq war- CNN
Thousands protest Iraq war, globalization- The New York Times
Anti-War rally held in Washington- BBC
Anti-War protests commence in Washington- Washington Post
Thousands of Californians protest Iraq war- Los Angeles Times
(cross-posted at Blanton's and Ashton's)
Friday, September 23, 2005
The Websites
Let's talk about the web sites of Jon Corzine and Doug Forrester.
After the debate, Matt Stoller over at the Corzine Connection Blog put up a debate blog wrap-up. (I was a little surprised to be included, because even though I made it clear that am a supporter, I was highly critical of the senator's performance.) I noted that a couple conservative blogs were included also. That's rather fair of a candidate's web site and not what you'd usually expect. So I moseyed over to the Forrester web site to see their wrap-up of the debate.
Nada.
Oh, there are a few links up to editorials and debate reviews. But there is no forum similar to the Corzine Connection that I found.
I continue to be disappointed by the Forrester campaign. The web site is a bunch of attacks. Even his "policy positions" have lots of attacks included. I reread the Corzine plan pages and they are much less adversarial.
Once again, it seems like Jon Corzine wants to be governor because he has a vision for Our Fair State. Whether you agree with that vision, or all or most or part of it, is up to you; but you can visit his web site to read about it.
Doug Forrester wants to be governor because he doesn't want Jon Corzine to be governor. So if Doug got elected, then what? He can't spend an entire administration being "not-the-other-guy." Doug, stop telling me why I shouldn't vote for Jon Corzine; start telling me why I should vote for you. It's fall campaign season, the time is now.
After the debate, Matt Stoller over at the Corzine Connection Blog put up a debate blog wrap-up. (I was a little surprised to be included, because even though I made it clear that am a supporter, I was highly critical of the senator's performance.) I noted that a couple conservative blogs were included also. That's rather fair of a candidate's web site and not what you'd usually expect. So I moseyed over to the Forrester web site to see their wrap-up of the debate.
Nada.
Oh, there are a few links up to editorials and debate reviews. But there is no forum similar to the Corzine Connection that I found.
I continue to be disappointed by the Forrester campaign. The web site is a bunch of attacks. Even his "policy positions" have lots of attacks included. I reread the Corzine plan pages and they are much less adversarial.
Once again, it seems like Jon Corzine wants to be governor because he has a vision for Our Fair State. Whether you agree with that vision, or all or most or part of it, is up to you; but you can visit his web site to read about it.
Doug Forrester wants to be governor because he doesn't want Jon Corzine to be governor. So if Doug got elected, then what? He can't spend an entire administration being "not-the-other-guy." Doug, stop telling me why I shouldn't vote for Jon Corzine; start telling me why I should vote for you. It's fall campaign season, the time is now.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
The Art of Getting By
I'm guest-posting at Janet's The Art of Getting By today. If you don't read it regularly, you should. It's fun, especially her Tell It To Me Tuesdays!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Too good to be true
Did I mention that we got solar energy on the house? Oh, you heard that already. Well, did I mention the $2.18 electric bill? Oh, you got that part too.
Today came the reality check, or reality letter as the case may be. JCP&L sent us a letter telling us that they had made a mistake on our bill due to the transfer to the new meter. Our bill actually comes to about $75 for the month instead of $2.18.
This is not really a surprise to us; we've been watching the meter pretty closely for the last few weeks and it sure seemed like we had net usage in excess of $2. It was darned hot that month too, and we had the air conditioning on a whole bunch of days. When something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
It's still a big decrease; last year our summer electric bills were about $225. We still saved a great deal of money because of the solar and have been really happy with it. Now, I have a goal to get our usage down even lower to come as close to the break-even mark as possible.
Oh well. It was good while it lasted.
Today came the reality check, or reality letter as the case may be. JCP&L sent us a letter telling us that they had made a mistake on our bill due to the transfer to the new meter. Our bill actually comes to about $75 for the month instead of $2.18.
This is not really a surprise to us; we've been watching the meter pretty closely for the last few weeks and it sure seemed like we had net usage in excess of $2. It was darned hot that month too, and we had the air conditioning on a whole bunch of days. When something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
It's still a big decrease; last year our summer electric bills were about $225. We still saved a great deal of money because of the solar and have been really happy with it. Now, I have a goal to get our usage down even lower to come as close to the break-even mark as possible.
Oh well. It was good while it lasted.
If you missed the debate last night
It is online here, at NJN.com.
Also, PoliticsNJ is running a poll about the debate. Right now, it's 45%-40% that Corzine won.
(Cross posted at Blanton's and Ashton's.)
Also, PoliticsNJ is running a poll about the debate. Right now, it's 45%-40% that Corzine won.
(Cross posted at Blanton's and Ashton's.)
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
First debate- first impression
(I'm Corzine's girl. I'm voting Democrat. I believe in the Senator's plans and goals as better and more achievable that Forrester's. There are issues where I disagree with him and things in his past I question, but I have completely made my choice for governor of NJ. It's Jon Corzine. I just want to make that perfectly clear before I discuss the debate tonight.)
I just watched Doug Forrester spank Jon Corzine squarely on statewide television.
Holy Christmas! Who in the hell drilled Corzine? Did anyone? He got hammered. He looked like he was stuttering and stalling and wasn't prepared with answers. His repetition of the "$9bil hole in the budget" sounded desperate. He didn't even have a good response for the Carla Katz thing- like THAT wouldn't come up! Even when he was so clearly right he didn't sound it.
He threw in somewhere that the Property Tax rebates would be converted to a credit in the future. That's news to me (and I try to follow these things,) and not in his PDF about his tax plan. Too bad it got buried under Kent Manahan cutting him off. Huh? What happened?
Forrester even got in a nasty "If Sen. Corzine is a tax cutter than Golan Cipel is a Homeland Security expert." Ouch.
Two moments I was happy about- when Corzine was hammering away about the $9bil hole in the budget that would have been created by the Forrester 30-in-3 property tax gimick/plan, Forrester corrected him that it was really a $3.2bil hole. And, once Bob Ingle asked Forrester a question, it went through answer, rebuttal- then Bob reminded Forrester that he hadn't answered the question. Why didn't Corzine jump on that?
Two moments in 60 minutes is not good.
I'm scared. This was not a good performance for a candidate whose lead is only 11 points. Damn.
I just watched Doug Forrester spank Jon Corzine squarely on statewide television.
Holy Christmas! Who in the hell drilled Corzine? Did anyone? He got hammered. He looked like he was stuttering and stalling and wasn't prepared with answers. His repetition of the "$9bil hole in the budget" sounded desperate. He didn't even have a good response for the Carla Katz thing- like THAT wouldn't come up! Even when he was so clearly right he didn't sound it.
He threw in somewhere that the Property Tax rebates would be converted to a credit in the future. That's news to me (and I try to follow these things,) and not in his PDF about his tax plan. Too bad it got buried under Kent Manahan cutting him off. Huh? What happened?
Forrester even got in a nasty "If Sen. Corzine is a tax cutter than Golan Cipel is a Homeland Security expert." Ouch.
Two moments I was happy about- when Corzine was hammering away about the $9bil hole in the budget that would have been created by the Forrester 30-in-3 property tax gimick/plan, Forrester corrected him that it was really a $3.2bil hole. And, once Bob Ingle asked Forrester a question, it went through answer, rebuttal- then Bob reminded Forrester that he hadn't answered the question. Why didn't Corzine jump on that?
Two moments in 60 minutes is not good.
I'm scared. This was not a good performance for a candidate whose lead is only 11 points. Damn.
First debate tonight
The first televised gubernatorial debate between Sen. Jon Corzine and Doug Forrester is tonight at 8PM. It will be on NJN- TV, radio and webcast. If like me you won't be going to the actual debate, please watch.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Avast, me hearties!
A pirate walks into a bar. He has a large ship's steering wheel down the front of his pants. The bartender says, "Did you know you have a large ship's wheel down the front of your pants?" The pirate says, "Aye, it's drivin' me nuts."
In honor of Talk Like A Pirate Day.
In honor of Talk Like A Pirate Day.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Natural Selection at Work
I got stuck behind a motorcycle today on the backroads of Monmouth county. Not 'stuck' as in, he was driving too slow and I was annoyed; 'stuck' as in, this f'ing moron is going to die on the road here and I'll have to explain it to the 4-yr-old in the back seat.
It was raining most of the day in Central NJ, so the roads were wet. Moron Cyclist was wearing a brain-bucket helmet, sunglasses, t-shirt, shorts and - I kid you not- sandals. He had big, stupid chopper handlebars that he couldn't seem to keep both hands on. Must be uncomfortable to have your arms so high up that you have no control of your bike. He must have spent 70% of the time I was stuck with his left arm hanging down. I have to admit, to pass the truck on the double yellow at the blind curve- he put his hands on the handlebars then.
But he needed his hands to signal, since the bike had no directional lights.
He was speeding like crazy, but you guessed that.
I lost him in Englishtown, luckily. I was keeping a big distance because when this idiot went down, I wanted to have enough room to drive around the body. He got away from us by pulling into traffic and we lost him. I wonder if he got home at all, or if he's a road stain that gets written up in the Home-News Tribune tomorrow. (That would be an example of evolution, not intelligent design.)
It was raining most of the day in Central NJ, so the roads were wet. Moron Cyclist was wearing a brain-bucket helmet, sunglasses, t-shirt, shorts and - I kid you not- sandals. He had big, stupid chopper handlebars that he couldn't seem to keep both hands on. Must be uncomfortable to have your arms so high up that you have no control of your bike. He must have spent 70% of the time I was stuck with his left arm hanging down. I have to admit, to pass the truck on the double yellow at the blind curve- he put his hands on the handlebars then.
But he needed his hands to signal, since the bike had no directional lights.
He was speeding like crazy, but you guessed that.
I lost him in Englishtown, luckily. I was keeping a big distance because when this idiot went down, I wanted to have enough room to drive around the body. He got away from us by pulling into traffic and we lost him. I wonder if he got home at all, or if he's a road stain that gets written up in the Home-News Tribune tomorrow. (That would be an example of evolution, not intelligent design.)
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Fleecing of Hamilton and NJ- Klockner Woods Deceptions
I know you're shocked, as was I. But it seems Fieldstone knew at least some of the houses on their plans for Klockner Woods could never be built:
Hamilton Mayor Glen Gilmore says that "If it turns out the developer was telling us one thing and telling the DEP another, that to me would be a breach of fairness and we would certainly ask the court to reassess the terms of the agreement."
I certainly hope so.
The clock is ticking; as of Sept. 1st, interest is owed by the Township to the developer at a rate of $27,000 a month. The Township is hoping the developer will forgo the interest provided the deal goes through as planned. (Try that line next time you're late on a mortgage payment: "Oh, I'm sorry. I hope you'll forgo the interest since I will pay you someday.") They're still waiting for the survey that Hamilton commisioned, which should be done in the near future.
A consultant hired by the owner of the 50-acre Klockner Woods tract knew that a portion of the land the developer hoped to build on was wetlands and would not be suitable for home building, state records show.
A 2004 letter to state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) officials from the consultant, John Szczepanski of Nova Consultants, included a swath of wetlands on the map of the area where owner Fieldstone Associates had hoped to build. The additional wetlands would make at least three houses impossible to build.
But despite the addition of the wetlands, Fieldstone never removed the three homes from the concept plan for its development submitted to local officials in March 2004. The number of possible houses ultimately determined the price the township paid for the land.
Hamilton Mayor Glen Gilmore says that "If it turns out the developer was telling us one thing and telling the DEP another, that to me would be a breach of fairness and we would certainly ask the court to reassess the terms of the agreement."
I certainly hope so.
The clock is ticking; as of Sept. 1st, interest is owed by the Township to the developer at a rate of $27,000 a month. The Township is hoping the developer will forgo the interest provided the deal goes through as planned. (Try that line next time you're late on a mortgage payment: "Oh, I'm sorry. I hope you'll forgo the interest since I will pay you someday.") They're still waiting for the survey that Hamilton commisioned, which should be done in the near future.
Good signs for Pawlowski
Libertarian Party candidate for governor, Jeffery Pawlowski, said yesterday he qualified to join the public debates by raising $300,000.
His eBay business of selling Certificates of Influence seems to be doing well. He has 3 feedbacks as of this writing, with at least one person eager to take office. I'm disappointed that no one has snatched up the Blueberry industry advisory council position- I think I'll just have to go for it.
I'm always glad to see a third party candidate in the debates. It keeps the mainstream party candidates on their toes.
His eBay business of selling Certificates of Influence seems to be doing well. He has 3 feedbacks as of this writing, with at least one person eager to take office. I'm disappointed that no one has snatched up the Blueberry industry advisory council position- I think I'll just have to go for it.
I'm always glad to see a third party candidate in the debates. It keeps the mainstream party candidates on their toes.
Bad signs for Forrester
In a hypothetical match-up, Doug Forrester would lose to Acting Gov. Codey but would best former Gov. McGreevey.
This is not surprising. I like Acting Gov. Codey (I nearly cried after his budget address, I so wanted to vote for this man!) Forrester beat McGreevey by nine points. Since McGreevey resigned under a massive scandal after having had an administration beset by corruption and scandal after scandal, you'd think Doug could do better than nine points. Not a good sign.
The last Star Ledger/Eagleton poll (9/12) has Sen. Jon Corzine ahead of Forrester, 49% to 31%.
(Thanks to the prop over at Coffeegrounds for the Star-Ledger link.)
This is not surprising. I like Acting Gov. Codey (I nearly cried after his budget address, I so wanted to vote for this man!) Forrester beat McGreevey by nine points. Since McGreevey resigned under a massive scandal after having had an administration beset by corruption and scandal after scandal, you'd think Doug could do better than nine points. Not a good sign.
The last Star Ledger/Eagleton poll (9/12) has Sen. Jon Corzine ahead of Forrester, 49% to 31%.
(Thanks to the prop over at Coffeegrounds for the Star-Ledger link.)
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Quick link Tuesday
I have almost no time to blog today but this is too good to leave unmentioned; it's from Tom Hester, in yesterday's Times of Trenton:
12th District Republican Assembly candidates Jennifer Beck and Declan O'Scanlon win the award this week for most misleading campaigning. It could well rank as among the most misleading campaigning of the entire election season when all is said and done.
Beck and O'Scanlon, campaigning in the legislative district that includes East Windsor and Hightstown, put out a statement Friday trashing Democratic incumbents Michael Panter and Robert Morgan for voting for a bill that sent $20 million to North Jersey school districts.
Their release was full of outrage.
Beck seethed about how Panter and Morgan "just voted this spring to send $20 million to school districts that border Abbott districts while their own schools have been flat funded for the past two years."
O'Scanlon was beside himself that Morgan and Panter "thought it was more important to throw additional money at North Jersey than fight for increased funds here in the 12th District." He further stated that Panter and Morgan "serve at the whim of the North Jersey Democrat bosses."
Such outrage!
Too bad they weren't correct.
Morgan and Panter voted against the bill to send $20 million to the North Jersey school districts.
Beck and O'Scanlon are either ignoring the facts or they're careless candidates.
Either way, such statements raise serious questions about their campaign style.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Carnival XVII
Carnival of the NJ Bloggers XVII is up over at The Nightfly.
Oh, and there's music, one bit by Eric Clapton. Am happy!
Oh, and there's music, one bit by Eric Clapton. Am happy!
Friday, September 09, 2005
Final round for Ft. Monmouth
They keet tryin', but it just won't work.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday refused to grant New Jersey an emergency stay that would have prevented the release of the BRAC report on military base closures and realignments to Bush. Sen. Corzine had asked the court to block the release so the state had enough time to file a proper appeal. The list was presented to Bush last night, who said he will pass it along to Congress without any changes.
That's the final nail in Fort Monmouth's coffin. Ok, Congress could vote down the recommendations (they don't get to make changes) but that's highly unlikely.
The good news from the BRAC report is for McGuire AFB. They will pick up the the Navy and Marine squadrons, 500 jobs total, from Willow Grove Naval Air Station outside Philly. Also, Fort Dix and Lakehurst Naval Air Station will join McGuire in the nation's first Mega-base, which will consolidate command and enable the bases to work more closely on large projects.
The appeals were what our representatives in Washington were supposed to do. They made their noise and stated their cases to keep Fort Monmouth, but it's always been just a matter of time before the fort was closed. They made it throught the last two rounds of closing by the skin of their teeth. The folks I know who work there have been expecting this for years, as have our representatives and the media.
So, thank you Sen. Corzine, Rep. Smith, Rep. Holt, and all the legislators who tried in vain to save Ft. Monmouth. It was worth the effort, if only for the political clout.
(Cross-posted at Blanton's and Ashton's- What's the noble cause?)
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday refused to grant New Jersey an emergency stay that would have prevented the release of the BRAC report on military base closures and realignments to Bush. Sen. Corzine had asked the court to block the release so the state had enough time to file a proper appeal. The list was presented to Bush last night, who said he will pass it along to Congress without any changes.
That's the final nail in Fort Monmouth's coffin. Ok, Congress could vote down the recommendations (they don't get to make changes) but that's highly unlikely.
The good news from the BRAC report is for McGuire AFB. They will pick up the the Navy and Marine squadrons, 500 jobs total, from Willow Grove Naval Air Station outside Philly. Also, Fort Dix and Lakehurst Naval Air Station will join McGuire in the nation's first Mega-base, which will consolidate command and enable the bases to work more closely on large projects.
The appeals were what our representatives in Washington were supposed to do. They made their noise and stated their cases to keep Fort Monmouth, but it's always been just a matter of time before the fort was closed. They made it throught the last two rounds of closing by the skin of their teeth. The folks I know who work there have been expecting this for years, as have our representatives and the media.
So, thank you Sen. Corzine, Rep. Smith, Rep. Holt, and all the legislators who tried in vain to save Ft. Monmouth. It was worth the effort, if only for the political clout.
(Cross-posted at Blanton's and Ashton's- What's the noble cause?)
Thursday, September 08, 2005
New Jersey Katrina Relief
I've gotten a few hits lately on searches such as, "NJ Katrina Relief" but I haven't posted anything about it. There is a lot going on, however, and here are just a few to get started.
Acting Gov Codey has established drop-off points for bottled water:
NORTH
Teaneck:
1799 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666-0687
West Orange:
1315 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052-1419
Dover:
479 West Clinton Street
Dover, NJ 07801-1799
Port Murray:
550 RT 57
Port Murray, NJ 07865
CENTRAL
Somerset:
1060 Hamilton Street
Somerset, NJ 08873
Lawrenceville:
151 Eggerts Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Sea Girt:
NJ National Guard Training Center
Washington Avenue
Sea Girt, NJ 08750-0251
SOUTH
Woodbury:
658 North Evergreen Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096-1399
Vineland:
2560 South Delsea Drive
Vineland, NJ 08360-7093
Atlantic City:
1008 Absecon Blvd.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401-1999
Cape May:
600 Garden State Parkway
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210-1699
Samaratin Baptist Church in Trenton is collecting supplies until Friday at the following locations:
Samaritan Baptist Church, 531 Martin Luther King Blvd., Trenton
First United Methodist Church, 15 S. Broad St., Trenton
Mercer County Community College, West Windsor campus, Student Center, 2nd floor Room 241
Mercer county college's Kerney campus off South Broad Street in Trenton.
The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean and America's Harvest are holding a food drive for hurricane victims.
The FoodBank in Neptune will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to collect donated items.Starting Tuesday, the FoodBank will accept donations 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at its warehouse, 3300 Route 66, Neptune. The FoodBank is also seeking financial donations. Checks can be mailed to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, 3300 Route 66, Neptune, NJ 07753. Write "Disaster Relief" on the memo line. For information, go to www.foodbankmoc.org
Freehold Township will collect donations through Sept. 30 under the "Freehold Township Cares" program.
Clothing, shoes and toiletries only will be accepted at the drop-off site outside the fence at the Department of Public Works, 66 Jackson Mills Road. Donations must be placed in a sturdy plastic garbage bag.Suggested toiletries include diapers, wipes, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo.
Neptune officials will be collecting supplies on Friday and Saturday.
The collection will take place Friday night at the Ocean Grove beach fireworks display and on Saturday at Neptune Day. For information, call the Neptune Recreation Department at (732) 869-1202 or go to www.neptunetownship.org on the Web.
The Collingswood Fire Department will accept donations of cases of bottled water at its fire station, 20 W. Collings Ave.
For more information, call the borough at (856) 854-0720.
Mount Laurel Professional Firefighters and EMTs and the Mount Laurel Fire Department are collecting clothing, diapers, toiletries, toys and other nonperishable goods at Fire Station 361 on Masonville Road.
Essex County has several relief programs set up; view them all here.
Catholic Charities for Diocese of Camden is accepting donations; info here.
Greater Somerset County chapter of the Red Cross is training volunteers and accepting donations; info here.
The United Way of Central New Jersey is accepting donations: info here.
Sun National Bank, based in Vineland, will match donations dollar-for-dollar at their locations; info here.
Salvation Army is accepting donations at their headquarters, as well as Wal-mart and Sam's locations; info here.
This list is by no means comprensive but it should get anyone from Our Fair State started who wants to help. I'll add more as I can find them. Please, this is a desparate time for so many who need our help.
Acting Gov Codey has established drop-off points for bottled water:
NORTH
Teaneck:
1799 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666-0687
West Orange:
1315 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052-1419
Dover:
479 West Clinton Street
Dover, NJ 07801-1799
Port Murray:
550 RT 57
Port Murray, NJ 07865
CENTRAL
Somerset:
1060 Hamilton Street
Somerset, NJ 08873
Lawrenceville:
151 Eggerts Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Sea Girt:
NJ National Guard Training Center
Washington Avenue
Sea Girt, NJ 08750-0251
SOUTH
Woodbury:
658 North Evergreen Avenue
Woodbury, NJ 08096-1399
Vineland:
2560 South Delsea Drive
Vineland, NJ 08360-7093
Atlantic City:
1008 Absecon Blvd.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401-1999
Cape May:
600 Garden State Parkway
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210-1699
Samaratin Baptist Church in Trenton is collecting supplies until Friday at the following locations:
Samaritan Baptist Church, 531 Martin Luther King Blvd., Trenton
First United Methodist Church, 15 S. Broad St., Trenton
Mercer County Community College, West Windsor campus, Student Center, 2nd floor Room 241
Mercer county college's Kerney campus off South Broad Street in Trenton.
The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean and America's Harvest are holding a food drive for hurricane victims.
The FoodBank in Neptune will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to collect donated items.Starting Tuesday, the FoodBank will accept donations 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at its warehouse, 3300 Route 66, Neptune. The FoodBank is also seeking financial donations. Checks can be mailed to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, 3300 Route 66, Neptune, NJ 07753. Write "Disaster Relief" on the memo line. For information, go to www.foodbankmoc.org
Freehold Township will collect donations through Sept. 30 under the "Freehold Township Cares" program.
Clothing, shoes and toiletries only will be accepted at the drop-off site outside the fence at the Department of Public Works, 66 Jackson Mills Road. Donations must be placed in a sturdy plastic garbage bag.Suggested toiletries include diapers, wipes, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo.
Neptune officials will be collecting supplies on Friday and Saturday.
The collection will take place Friday night at the Ocean Grove beach fireworks display and on Saturday at Neptune Day. For information, call the Neptune Recreation Department at (732) 869-1202 or go to www.neptunetownship.org on the Web.
The Collingswood Fire Department will accept donations of cases of bottled water at its fire station, 20 W. Collings Ave.
For more information, call the borough at (856) 854-0720.
Mount Laurel Professional Firefighters and EMTs and the Mount Laurel Fire Department are collecting clothing, diapers, toiletries, toys and other nonperishable goods at Fire Station 361 on Masonville Road.
Essex County has several relief programs set up; view them all here.
Catholic Charities for Diocese of Camden is accepting donations; info here.
Greater Somerset County chapter of the Red Cross is training volunteers and accepting donations; info here.
The United Way of Central New Jersey is accepting donations: info here.
Sun National Bank, based in Vineland, will match donations dollar-for-dollar at their locations; info here.
Salvation Army is accepting donations at their headquarters, as well as Wal-mart and Sam's locations; info here.
This list is by no means comprensive but it should get anyone from Our Fair State started who wants to help. I'll add more as I can find them. Please, this is a desparate time for so many who need our help.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Handy chart
PoliticsNJ has a handy chart of Our Fair State's November races here. They say it will be updated often between now and election day.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
It's Fall! Campaign Time!
Jon Corzine has announced his acceptance of three televised debates and two 'Joint Appearances" as follows:
Tuesday, September 20th NJN, Gannett, Philadelphia Inquirer, NJ State Chamber of Commerce, NJ State League of Municipalities, Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, African American Chamber of Commerce.
Tuesday, October 18th New Jersey League of Women Voters, WABC-WPVI, Univision, WHYY-FM
Tuesday, October 11th Joint Editorial Board, Gannett New Jersey newspapers
Tuesday, October 11th New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio Candidates Forum
Saturday, November 5th WNBC News Forum with Gabe Pressman
There will be 5 other joint appearances and forums-no dates yet.
In the press release, Campaign Director Steve DeMicco said “With these series of events, we have not only agreed to the two debates sanctioned by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, but also to eight additional events. We hope we can count on Doug Forrester to attend these important events so that the voters of New Jersey are exposed to a wide-ranging discussion of the issues crucial to our state and its people.”
Well, so much for the Forrester camp's assertion that Jon Corzine was "ducking" him and wanted no more than one tv/one radio debate, and none after Oct. 15. At least Doug didn't pull the old NJ GOP trick of insisting there be one debate in every county in NJ, as he did against Lautenberg after Franks tried it against Corzine when running for senate. Twenty-one debates is just plain silly but 3-5 is reasonable, and most of NJ should be able to watch or hear a few if not all of them.
And with that, the fall campaign season is officially underway, this Tuesday after Labor Day. The ad war will be coming on strong now, not just the occasional TV and radio spots. Yes, they've been campaigning for months but it really goes into high gear in the fall. I admit, right now it seems kind of exciting and I'm eager for the debates and the heavy campaigning to start. (Remind me I said that around Halloween when I'm ready to cancel my TV & newspaper and burn the radio rather than suffer through another campaign ad. )
(Cross-posted at Blanton's and Ashton's- What's the noble cause?)
Tuesday, September 20th NJN, Gannett, Philadelphia Inquirer, NJ State Chamber of Commerce, NJ State League of Municipalities, Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, African American Chamber of Commerce.
Tuesday, October 18th New Jersey League of Women Voters, WABC-WPVI, Univision, WHYY-FM
Tuesday, October 11th Joint Editorial Board, Gannett New Jersey newspapers
Tuesday, October 11th New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio Candidates Forum
Saturday, November 5th WNBC News Forum with Gabe Pressman
There will be 5 other joint appearances and forums-no dates yet.
In the press release, Campaign Director Steve DeMicco said “With these series of events, we have not only agreed to the two debates sanctioned by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, but also to eight additional events. We hope we can count on Doug Forrester to attend these important events so that the voters of New Jersey are exposed to a wide-ranging discussion of the issues crucial to our state and its people.”
Well, so much for the Forrester camp's assertion that Jon Corzine was "ducking" him and wanted no more than one tv/one radio debate, and none after Oct. 15. At least Doug didn't pull the old NJ GOP trick of insisting there be one debate in every county in NJ, as he did against Lautenberg after Franks tried it against Corzine when running for senate. Twenty-one debates is just plain silly but 3-5 is reasonable, and most of NJ should be able to watch or hear a few if not all of them.
And with that, the fall campaign season is officially underway, this Tuesday after Labor Day. The ad war will be coming on strong now, not just the occasional TV and radio spots. Yes, they've been campaigning for months but it really goes into high gear in the fall. I admit, right now it seems kind of exciting and I'm eager for the debates and the heavy campaigning to start. (Remind me I said that around Halloween when I'm ready to cancel my TV & newspaper and burn the radio rather than suffer through another campaign ad. )
(Cross-posted at Blanton's and Ashton's- What's the noble cause?)
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Horror in New Orleans
Watch the video at Crooks and Liars. Geraldo Rivera and Shepard Smith of Fox News can't keep the emotion down any more. Oh, Hannity can, of course; he can sit there cold as a fish and ask Smith to get some perspective.
Smith and Rivera are watching people in a desperate, filthy, life-threatening situation. They have all the perspective there could ever be. Our ability to handle a domestic crisis has shown itself to be pretty shoddy, partly because the Louisiana National Guard is off fighting a war and partly because of a lack of leadership and communication. Don't comment that many people have been helped; many people have been helped but obviously more are still in need and are left being out in the heat, in the filth, in the horror show.
I wonder if this happened in a different place, like Our Fair State, would anything be different? Would we have such a deterioration of society? Is Kanye West right, being minority and poor equal lesser treatment? I shudder to think that maybe he is.
So much for the richest nation on earth, huh? This is horrifying.
(Thanks to Sam at Jersey Perspective for the Crooks and Liars link.)
UPDATE: At least now, they are leaving the Convention Center and are out of the Superdome. Rahema Ellis has a discussion- with no answers, but an overview of the poverty question here.
Smith and Rivera are watching people in a desperate, filthy, life-threatening situation. They have all the perspective there could ever be. Our ability to handle a domestic crisis has shown itself to be pretty shoddy, partly because the Louisiana National Guard is off fighting a war and partly because of a lack of leadership and communication. Don't comment that many people have been helped; many people have been helped but obviously more are still in need and are left being out in the heat, in the filth, in the horror show.
I wonder if this happened in a different place, like Our Fair State, would anything be different? Would we have such a deterioration of society? Is Kanye West right, being minority and poor equal lesser treatment? I shudder to think that maybe he is.
So much for the richest nation on earth, huh? This is horrifying.
(Thanks to Sam at Jersey Perspective for the Crooks and Liars link.)
UPDATE: At least now, they are leaving the Convention Center and are out of the Superdome. Rahema Ellis has a discussion- with no answers, but an overview of the poverty question here.
Friday, September 02, 2005
WWJD? parody edition
Seen on a t-shirt (thanks Don):
WTF WJD?
Seen on a bumper sticker on Rt. 33 in East Windsor Twp yesterday:
WWLDD? (What Would the Living Dead Do?)
WTF WJD?
Seen on a bumper sticker on Rt. 33 in East Windsor Twp yesterday:
WWLDD? (What Would the Living Dead Do?)
WWJD? Pat Robertson edition
From The Times of Trenton Letters to the Editor, 9/2:
Rev. Pat Robertson has publicly called for the United States to assasinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chaves. Just one question for Rev. Robertson: What method of assasination would Jesus use?
Richard Williams
Klockner Woods closing date update
The date for Hamilton to begin paying on their inflated-price purchase of Klockner woods has come and gone- with no action. This means the township will begin to owe interest at a rate of 8% annually on the $4.1 million they agreed to pay.
The wetland and flood plain survey they commissioned should be done Sept. 12. Also, there's no guarantee when that is done that the purchase agreement will be changed at all.
And the fleecing of Hamilton and NJ continues...
The wetland and flood plain survey they commissioned should be done Sept. 12. Also, there's no guarantee when that is done that the purchase agreement will be changed at all.
And the fleecing of Hamilton and NJ continues...
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Katrina Blog Relief Day
Today, several hundred bloggers (probably by the time you read this it will be over a thousand) are banding together in a Blog relief effort. The idea is to post a charity which is working for Katrina relief, donate, and urge your readers to donate to it also. This effort is being organized by The Truth Laid Bear and Instapundit.
My charity is:
Habitat for Humanity
Once the initial shock and clean-up are over, thousands of people will have lost their homes. Habitat for Humanity has spent 30 years helping the homeless and poor of our world into homes. Their experience will be needed in the Gulf states to move storm victims as quickly as possible into new residences.
Keep hoping for the best.
My charity is:
Habitat for Humanity
Once the initial shock and clean-up are over, thousands of people will have lost their homes. Habitat for Humanity has spent 30 years helping the homeless and poor of our world into homes. Their experience will be needed in the Gulf states to move storm victims as quickly as possible into new residences.
Keep hoping for the best.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Influence for sale!
The candidate for governor from the Libertarian Party, Jeffery Pawlowoski, has found a new way to get publicity and donations for his campaign. Pawlowoski is selling certificates of influence on eBay.
I found the Governor's vacation home visit a real bargain; it sounds like a nice camper, with popouts! But maybe it would be more advantageous to be a Mercer County Prosecuter. It says I can work on my golf game and line my wallet at the same time! Nothing says I have to be an attorney or anything, just be the highest bidder. Or there's the Wine Advisory Council job- all I'd have to do is shut down the council, only takes two days. Maybe I'll get that one for my husband for Christmas.
Points to the Libertarians for this one. Very clever way to get publicity, Mr. Pawlowoski.
I found the Governor's vacation home visit a real bargain; it sounds like a nice camper, with popouts! But maybe it would be more advantageous to be a Mercer County Prosecuter. It says I can work on my golf game and line my wallet at the same time! Nothing says I have to be an attorney or anything, just be the highest bidder. Or there's the Wine Advisory Council job- all I'd have to do is shut down the council, only takes two days. Maybe I'll get that one for my husband for Christmas.
Points to the Libertarians for this one. Very clever way to get publicity, Mr. Pawlowoski.
It's legal! or illegal!
The Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) ruling is in for Doug' Forrester and the violation of election law with his campaign financing and donations. And, as expected, the GOP spins it as "a clear win for us" and the Dems state that it shows a clear violation of the law and are calling for an investigation.
Here's Doug's take on it:
Here's Jon's take on it:
And here's the DOBI's:
My (non-lawyer) analysis is that the DOBI said, "Leave us out of it. But, if you must know, Heartland is licenced in DC and they have Benecard as an agent in NJ and they haven't violated insurance law by doing so."
So the Dems still believe Forrester has violated election law, and they plan to persue it. The GOP believes they've been exonerated since they follow insurance laws, and resident insurance producers (aka agents) are allowed to make campaign donations. I don't think this advisory opinion has changed much; we're all still where we started. I still think Forrester will get out of this one; it's just going to take longer than he though.
Here's Doug's take on it:
“DOBI’s opinion today confirms what we’ve been saying all along – Doug has always followed the letter and spirit of New Jersey’s laws,” said Forrester for Governor campaign director Sherry Sylvester. “We asked for this affirmation from the DOBI to end the distracting and mean-spirited attacks form the Corzine camp and focus on issues that matter to the people of this state.”
Here's Jon's take on it:
...the Department of Banking and Insurance observes that it does not regulate captive insurance companies because captives are illegal in New Jersey, it confirms that Benecard Services, acting as Heartland’s general managing agent, is engaged in activities that “necessarily include some insurance business activities.”
Thus Bryan concludes that, by virtue of his ownership of Benecard, Mr. Forrester “is subject to the Department’s regulatory oversight under applicable statutes and rules.”
As such, Mr. Forrester’s political contributions violate N.J.S.A. 19:34-32 and -45.
And here's the DOBI's:
N.J.S.A. 52:145-8 provides that an agency "upon the request of an interested
party may, at it's discretion, make a binding declaratory ruling with respect to
the applicibility of any person, property, or state of facts any statute or rule
enforced or administered by the agency." The Department seldom exercizes its
descretion to issue a binding declaratory ruling, and declines to do so here....
The the activities of Benecard... however, necessarily include some insurance business activities.... The Department's authority to licence and regulate these activities in New Jersey is ... clear. ... Benecard must (and does) satisfy those requirements by being a licenced resident insurance producer....
My (non-lawyer) analysis is that the DOBI said, "Leave us out of it. But, if you must know, Heartland is licenced in DC and they have Benecard as an agent in NJ and they haven't violated insurance law by doing so."
So the Dems still believe Forrester has violated election law, and they plan to persue it. The GOP believes they've been exonerated since they follow insurance laws, and resident insurance producers (aka agents) are allowed to make campaign donations. I don't think this advisory opinion has changed much; we're all still where we started. I still think Forrester will get out of this one; it's just going to take longer than he though.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
NJ Carnival of the Bloggers XV
Carnival 15 is up, in all of its Google-map glory, over at If This Is Paradise, I Wish I Had A Lawn-Mower. Go see what bloggers in Our Fair State had to say this week- and from where!
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Sharon's Birthday Blogging Bash!
Happy birthday to me. Here's what I wrote today, something for everyone, condensed into handy index format:
Bike Helmet Laws!
Miss America!
It's not so bad!
I can't f*ckin' beleive he said that!
Petty's Island update!
Nat'l Geographic on this hurricane!
Took the Corzine plunge!
Support our vets and soldiers!
Gas prices and alternatives!
I finally caught up on my blogging. Now, it's time for bed.
Bike Helmet Laws!
Miss America!
It's not so bad!
I can't f*ckin' beleive he said that!
Petty's Island update!
Nat'l Geographic on this hurricane!
Took the Corzine plunge!
Support our vets and soldiers!
Gas prices and alternatives!
I finally caught up on my blogging. Now, it's time for bed.
Rising Gas Prices. Yup.
A while back I had a good conversation with a dear friend. Politically he and I are about as far apart as they come; he's a staunch conservative and I am a bleeding-heart liberal. But he's a good chess player, makes a mean salsa, and we've been friends at least 20 years.
Anyway, he praised me on my choice to go solar and stated that he'd like to do the same when he decides to buy a home. My reasons for solar power were mostly environmental but the financial incentives are great too ($2.18 for my electric bill last month! Did I mention that lately?) But his reasons? Support of alternative energy technologies will eventually reduce our dependency on foreign oil. He felt very strongly that we can't bemoan the policies of other govenments and decry their support of terrorist elements one minute, while giving them lots of money for oil the next.
He's absolutely right. The best way to go about reducing our dependence on oil would be to require more fuel-efficient cars. Fareed Zakaria, in Newsweek:
There's a serious lack of political leadership and vision in Washington right about now.
I keep reading stories about rising gas prices and the effect on individuals as well as our country as a whole. It will raise some prices, and that may hurt. But the folks complaining that it costs $100 to fill the Hummer? Good, I hope it hurts. You bought it, buddy, you pay for it. Gas prices adjusted for inflation are still nowhere near where they were 25 years ago. And remember that a portion of that cost goes to support countries whose governments and policies you dislike.
My solar panels probably only reduce our dependency on foreign oil a very small bit, in ways such as I bought a rechargeable electric lawnmower instead of a gas one. It's mostly reduced our dependency on dirty-burning coal used to produce electricity in Our Fair State. Our last car purchase, however, was a very small one, and our next one will be a hybrid, or the most fuel-efficient technology available at the time. We will continue to try to reduce our family's dependence on oil as much as possible while continuing to utilize alternative energy sources as available. My friend has a good point; it's great that we can come to the same conclusion, especially since we came from very different starting points.
Anyway, he praised me on my choice to go solar and stated that he'd like to do the same when he decides to buy a home. My reasons for solar power were mostly environmental but the financial incentives are great too ($2.18 for my electric bill last month! Did I mention that lately?) But his reasons? Support of alternative energy technologies will eventually reduce our dependency on foreign oil. He felt very strongly that we can't bemoan the policies of other govenments and decry their support of terrorist elements one minute, while giving them lots of money for oil the next.
He's absolutely right. The best way to go about reducing our dependence on oil would be to require more fuel-efficient cars. Fareed Zakaria, in Newsweek:
If American cars averaged 40 miles per gallon, we would soon reduce consumption by 2 million to 3 million barrels of oil a day. That could translate into a sustained price drop of more than $20 a barrel. And getting cars to be that efficient is easy. For the most powerful study that explains how, read "Winning the Oil Endgame" by energy expert Amory Lovins (or go to oilendgame.com). I would start by raising fuel-efficiency standards, providing incentives for hybrids and making gasoline somewhat more expensive (yes, that means raising taxes). Of course, the energy bill recently passed by Congress does none of these things.
We don't need a Manhattan Project to find our way out of our current energy trap. The technologies already exist. But what we're searching for is perhaps even harder—political leadership and vision.
There's a serious lack of political leadership and vision in Washington right about now.
I keep reading stories about rising gas prices and the effect on individuals as well as our country as a whole. It will raise some prices, and that may hurt. But the folks complaining that it costs $100 to fill the Hummer? Good, I hope it hurts. You bought it, buddy, you pay for it. Gas prices adjusted for inflation are still nowhere near where they were 25 years ago. And remember that a portion of that cost goes to support countries whose governments and policies you dislike.
My solar panels probably only reduce our dependency on foreign oil a very small bit, in ways such as I bought a rechargeable electric lawnmower instead of a gas one. It's mostly reduced our dependency on dirty-burning coal used to produce electricity in Our Fair State. Our last car purchase, however, was a very small one, and our next one will be a hybrid, or the most fuel-efficient technology available at the time. We will continue to try to reduce our family's dependence on oil as much as possible while continuing to utilize alternative energy sources as available. My friend has a good point; it's great that we can come to the same conclusion, especially since we came from very different starting points.
Support the War! Screw the soldiers.
In an article from Newsweek about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder:
THE VA BUDGET IS IN THE RED?
The soldiers, the brave men and women who are doing the fighting (and all too often dying) in this war get too little support from our government. How can Teflon Dubya sit there and beg for the American People's support for his war, while he won't even put enough into the VA budget to pay for their treatment when they return home? Let'snot forget the treatment of loyal GOP man Chris Smith, who only wanted to get more money for our veterans.
Here's some ways to actually support our troops: The DOD maintains a list of over 150 organizations you can utilize to support our brave men and women overseas. None of them require a yellow ribbon magnet be attached to your car.
"Often soldiers can only talk to folks who have been there," says Colonel Ritchie, who is especially concerned about those in the National Guard and Reserves who might return home isolated and be unable to find outlets to discuss what happened there. Batres has started a new soldier-to-soldier counseling program he hopes will help. He believes that outpatient treatment usually works best—and not just because the VA's budget is in the red.
THE VA BUDGET IS IN THE RED?
The soldiers, the brave men and women who are doing the fighting (and all too often dying) in this war get too little support from our government. How can Teflon Dubya sit there and beg for the American People's support for his war, while he won't even put enough into the VA budget to pay for their treatment when they return home? Let'snot forget the treatment of loyal GOP man Chris Smith, who only wanted to get more money for our veterans.
Here's some ways to actually support our troops: The DOD maintains a list of over 150 organizations you can utilize to support our brave men and women overseas. None of them require a yellow ribbon magnet be attached to your car.
I finally committed
I haven't been committed, silly; I committed for the gubernatorial election. I have a Jon Corzine sign in my yard, and I'll put a banner up here on the Center of NJ Life too.
It was never a question of if I would vote for him; I certainly will. Actively supporting a candidate and simply voting for him/her are two very different things. I just crossed the line to active support, albeit with trepidation.
I'm upset about a few things, such as his stance on Petty's Island and the appearance of a Norcross connection, and the lack of true property tax reform plans. But I appreciate that Corzine has a vision for Our Fair State, whereas Forrester only has a vision of himself as governor.
I'll still be as critical and sarcastic as ever. I think criticism is a necessary tool to view our politicians truthfully, and I think sarcasm is needed whenever we talk politics because I like sarcasm. But now, I will say it:
Vote Corzine.
It was never a question of if I would vote for him; I certainly will. Actively supporting a candidate and simply voting for him/her are two very different things. I just crossed the line to active support, albeit with trepidation.
I'm upset about a few things, such as his stance on Petty's Island and the appearance of a Norcross connection, and the lack of true property tax reform plans. But I appreciate that Corzine has a vision for Our Fair State, whereas Forrester only has a vision of himself as governor.
I'll still be as critical and sarcastic as ever. I think criticism is a necessary tool to view our politicians truthfully, and I think sarcasm is needed whenever we talk politics because I like sarcasm. But now, I will say it:
Vote Corzine.
The Big Easy
In the National Geographic magazine, Oct. '04, there is a story on the vanishing bayou of Louisiana. Go get yours right now, if you have it, and read the story; it starts on p. 92. (UPDATE: It's here, too.) It starts with a hypothetical story about a future hurricane hitting N'Awlins on a hot August day, killing thousands.
As of this writing, Katrina is a category three hurricane, expected to strengthen in the next few hours to a four, and make landfall directly on Louisana Monday evening.
Boy, I hope they were wrong. It sounds all too likely to happen now.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency lists a hurricane strike on New Orleans as one of the most dire threats to the nation, up there with a large earthquake in California or a terrorist attack on New York City. Even the Red Cross no longer opens hurricane shelters in the city, claiming the risk to its workers is too great.
"The killer for Louisiana is a Category Three storm at 72 hours before landfall that becomes a Category Four at 48 hours and a Category Five at 24 hours- coming from the worst direction," says Joe Suhayda, a retired coastal engineer at LSU who has spent 30 years studying the coast....
"It's not if it will happen," says University of New Orleans geologist Shea Penland. "It's when."
-Joel K. Bourne Jr.
As of this writing, Katrina is a category three hurricane, expected to strengthen in the next few hours to a four, and make landfall directly on Louisana Monday evening.
Boy, I hope they were wrong. It sounds all too likely to happen now.
More on Petty's Island
A few weeks back (I really am behind in my blogging,) Mayor Jack Killion of Pennsauken and the Cherokee Investment developers put forth their new, detailed proposal for Petty's Island. 1000 homes (condo, townhome and single-family,) a golf course, hotel, and shopping are all on the new map township officials would like to draw for this brownfield island overlooking Philadelphia. The Courier-Post has a map in their article here.
Even though the size of the development has been scaled down from half to a third of the island, bad publicity seems to be hounding the proposal, and the pro-development folks are feeling the strain. From the C-P: " "For one day, gives us a little credit. We're trying to improve the future of Pennsauken," an impassioned Mayor Jack Killion said during a news conference at the municipal building."
From the Philadelphia Inquirer: " "Would you rather have this?" asked Killion, pointing to an enlarged photo of the huge oil storage tanks and industrially scarred land. "Or would you rather have this?" he asked, gesturing to the developer's rendering of the island. "... We know this is 1,000 times better." This shock tactic is silly, since no matter what, Citgo will be required to clean up their mess; they just want to donate the island so they can do it while avoiding as many fines as possible.
There are other ways to improve the future of Pennsauken. Substantial parts of this Southern Jersey town are in need of redevopment, which could benefit more residents. The new homes on the island would be out of range for current township residents; C-P article quotes a resident who states the price of the housing would be "way too steep" for most to afford. At the very very least, the development could be clustered in one area of the island, instead of fragmenting the habitats of the island's wildlife.
After Pennsauken has 30 days to review the information from Cherokee, other regulatory agencies can weigh in on the plan. It is expected that the Department of Environmental Protection will revise the size of the development but they're not making any statements yet.
Since this has all started, the eagles that were at the heart of all the controversy have moved on. I guess they were tired of hearing all the politicians squawk. Unfortunately, they've moved to Camden's Cramer Hill, where a development project is being planned by... none other than Cherokee Investment.
Even though the size of the development has been scaled down from half to a third of the island, bad publicity seems to be hounding the proposal, and the pro-development folks are feeling the strain. From the C-P: " "For one day, gives us a little credit. We're trying to improve the future of Pennsauken," an impassioned Mayor Jack Killion said during a news conference at the municipal building."
From the Philadelphia Inquirer: " "Would you rather have this?" asked Killion, pointing to an enlarged photo of the huge oil storage tanks and industrially scarred land. "Or would you rather have this?" he asked, gesturing to the developer's rendering of the island. "... We know this is 1,000 times better." This shock tactic is silly, since no matter what, Citgo will be required to clean up their mess; they just want to donate the island so they can do it while avoiding as many fines as possible.
There are other ways to improve the future of Pennsauken. Substantial parts of this Southern Jersey town are in need of redevopment, which could benefit more residents. The new homes on the island would be out of range for current township residents; C-P article quotes a resident who states the price of the housing would be "way too steep" for most to afford. At the very very least, the development could be clustered in one area of the island, instead of fragmenting the habitats of the island's wildlife.
After Pennsauken has 30 days to review the information from Cherokee, other regulatory agencies can weigh in on the plan. It is expected that the Department of Environmental Protection will revise the size of the development but they're not making any statements yet.
Since this has all started, the eagles that were at the heart of all the controversy have moved on. I guess they were tired of hearing all the politicians squawk. Unfortunately, they've moved to Camden's Cramer Hill, where a development project is being planned by... none other than Cherokee Investment.
I can't f*ckin' believe he said that #2
I wonder if Rob Hudnut has a good psychiatrist for his delusions. Or, for his complete lack of conscience, as the case may be. Hudnut is the vice president of entertainment development for Mattell, which makes Barbie straight-to-video movies showcasing brand new Barbie product lines. From this week's Newsweek:
Line by line adjustment for reality:
"might see the movies as underhanded advertising." How about, "view this junk as blatant target-directed advertising with lousy production values?" A little more accurate that way.
"But Mattel doesn't agree." Let's try, "Mattel makes money hand over fist so they don't care."
"Kids see through that." Hmm. "Kids are very suggestible and want most things they see advertised, so they'll bug their parents for our toys."
"...fill a void in the education system in teaching kids about the arts." This is where my head starts spinning. I just can't see a way to alter that for truth. I wonder if he could keep a straight face while saying it? Did his nose grow? You're off Santa's 'nice' list for this year, Rob Hudnut. Do us parents a favor and make the next DVD release straight-to-landfill.
I can't f*ckin' believe he said that.
Parents might see the movies as underhanded advertising. But Mattel, which has sold nearly 27 million Barbie films worldwide since 2001, doesn't agree. "Kids see through that," says Rob Hudnut, vice president of entertainment development. "We're trying to fill a void in the education system in teaching kids about the arts."
Line by line adjustment for reality:
"might see the movies as underhanded advertising." How about, "view this junk as blatant target-directed advertising with lousy production values?" A little more accurate that way.
"But Mattel doesn't agree." Let's try, "Mattel makes money hand over fist so they don't care."
"Kids see through that." Hmm. "Kids are very suggestible and want most things they see advertised, so they'll bug their parents for our toys."
"...fill a void in the education system in teaching kids about the arts." This is where my head starts spinning. I just can't see a way to alter that for truth. I wonder if he could keep a straight face while saying it? Did his nose grow? You're off Santa's 'nice' list for this year, Rob Hudnut. Do us parents a favor and make the next DVD release straight-to-landfill.
I can't f*ckin' believe he said that.
No shoes, meet No feet.
Remember the adage about complaining that you have no shoes, then meeting a man with no feet?
I'm home with the Happy Hopper this weekend. Happy Hopper is my greyhound named Summer who lost a leg last week to cancer. She's doing fairly well, and we hope for continued improvement. She's a happy dog who is learning to walk on three legs, hence she quickly was nicknamed the Happy Hoppy Dog.
Anyway, not ten minutes ago I took the Happy Hopper on a very short walk down my street when I ran into a new neighbor with whom I'd barely made an aquainance. Summer hops over and I introduce her and give the quick version of her story, only to find out my new neighbor lost his leg due to cancer 5 years ago.
It's awful to have this fear for my beloved dog, but at least she's not a beloved spouse and parent of two.
My neighbor learned to walk just fine. I think the Happy Hopper will be ok.
I'm home with the Happy Hopper this weekend. Happy Hopper is my greyhound named Summer who lost a leg last week to cancer. She's doing fairly well, and we hope for continued improvement. She's a happy dog who is learning to walk on three legs, hence she quickly was nicknamed the Happy Hoppy Dog.
Anyway, not ten minutes ago I took the Happy Hopper on a very short walk down my street when I ran into a new neighbor with whom I'd barely made an aquainance. Summer hops over and I introduce her and give the quick version of her story, only to find out my new neighbor lost his leg due to cancer 5 years ago.
It's awful to have this fear for my beloved dog, but at least she's not a beloved spouse and parent of two.
My neighbor learned to walk just fine. I think the Happy Hopper will be ok.
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