Making a Phone Call for No Legitimate Purpose Can Get You Arrested.

From http://www.thebatavian.com

Chris Charvella granted permission to start attending county legislature meetings again.
Posted by Howard Owens on February 28, 2011 - 6:11pm
Charvella can start attending Genesee County Legislature meetings again.


Town of Batavia Justice Mike Cleveland today adjusted the order of protection barring him from showing up at the place of business of Legislator Jay Grasso.


Grasso has accused Charvella of harassing him for leaving a message on his home phone that said, "Thanks for reading my blog."


Charvella is charged with harassment, 2nd. Under the statute, he is accused of making a phone call with no legitimate purpose.

You better think twice about calling your local representative because the phone police will be knocking on your door.  While you may think your call had a purpose, that representative has the power to decide that it doesn't and get the law after you.  Kind of scary isn't it?  Not only that, but you can then be dragged through the court system for almost a year. 

Along with attorney E. Robert Fussell, Charvella, a Democratic committee member, appeared in Town of Batavia Court today for a status hearing.
Fussell indicated he is preparing motions to challenge the constitutionality of the charge, but the only request today was to change the order of protection issued in Town of Le Roy Court when Charvella was first arrested. The order prohibits Charvella from having any contact with Grasso.
"It's certainly has been my practice to attend meetings of the legislature," said Charvella, who ran for a seat on the county board in 2009. "That's a practice I would like to continue.
Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini object to the change in the order, saying that Charvella was offered a plea deal that would have altered the court order and given Charvella a conditional discharge of the case. Since Charvella turned down that offer and the case may go to trial, Cianfrini said, Charvella should be kept away in all circumstances from Grasso, since Grasso is both the alleged vicitm and a potential witness in any trial.
Grasso, a Republican, is Le Roy's elected representative on the legislature.

Outside of court, Fussell wouldn't confirm that he and his client intend to take the case to trial. He would only say, "I'm preparing motions." He said the motions would be based on constitutional issues.
During the hearing today, Fussell gave some indication of what those arguments will be, telling Cleveland, "If a politician doesn't like what a constituent has to say, it would be very, very chilling (to block meeting attendance). He (Charvella) should be allowed to attend these things."
Those motions must be filed by April 15 and Charvella's next court appearance was set for 4:30 p.m., May 23.
http://networkedblogs.com/eS167?a=share&ref=nf

I've no doubt that Mr. Grasso and his attorney were sure that Chris would accept a plea deal in order to discharge this case.  Why should he?  There is a principle involved here, and yes, there are constitutional issues to be addressed.  I also think that Chris should face his accuser in court.  Isn't that what our judicial system is all about?  A plea deal, puleeze!

I'm glad that Chris can attend the legislator meetings.  He, as a citizen, has every right to observe and listen to what they have to say.  I hope that he also has the right to address them, if he wishes.

If you have a comment that you want brought to the attention of your elected officials, beware.  One might just decide that your comment doesn't fit the 'legitimate purpose' test and you may find yourself answering the door to a law enforcement agent. 

Mr. Fussell found the right word, "chilling".  It is chilling to think that one has to think twice before making that call.  It is "chilling" to think what the consequences might be. 

Anonymous Press Release, Koch Brothers and Wisconsin.

Dear Citizens of the United States of America,


It has come to our attention that the brothers, David and Charles Koch--the billionaire owners of Koch Industries--have long attempted to usurp American Democracy. Their actions to undermine the legitimate political process in Wisconsin are the final straw. Starting today we fight back.



Koch Industries, and oligarchs like them, have most recently started to manipulate the political agenda in Wisconsin. Governor Walker's union-busting budget plan contains a clause that went nearly un-noticed. This clause would allow the sale of publicly owned utility plants in Wisconsin to private parties (specifically, Koch Industries) at any price, no matter how low, without a public bidding process. The Koch's have helped to fuel the unrest in Wisconsin and the drive behind the bill to eliminate the collective bargaining power of unions in a bid to gain a monopoly over the state's power supplies.
The Koch brothers have made a science of fabricating 'grassroots' organizations and advertising campaigns to support them in an attempt to sway voters based on their falsehoods. Americans for Prosperity, Club for Growth and Citizens United are just a few of these organizations. In a world where corporate money has become the lifeblood of political influence, the labor unions are one of the few ways citizens have to fight against corporate greed. Anonymous cannot ignore the plight of the citizen-workers of Wisconsin, or the opportunity to fight for the people in America's broken political system. For these reasons, we feel that the Koch brothers threaten the United States democratic system and, by extension, all freedom-loving individuals everywhere. As such, we have no choice but to spread the word of the Koch brothers' political manipulation, their single-minded intent and the insidious truth of their actions in Wisconsin, for all to witness.

Anonymous hears the voice of the downtrodden American people, whose rights and liberties are being systematically removed one by one, even when their own government refuses to listen or worse - is complicit in these attacks. We are actively seeking vulnerabilities, but in the mean time we are calling for all supporters of true Democracy, and Freedom of The People, to boycott all Koch Industries' paper products. We welcome unions across the globe to join us in this boycott to show that you will not allow big business to dictate your freedom.
http://anonnews.org/

Robert Reich Tells It Like It Is!

We should be shouting this from the housetops.

The Republican Shakedown
Wednesday, February 23, 2011

You can’t fight something with nothing. But as long as Democrats refuse to talk about the almost unprecedented buildup of income, wealth, and power at the top – and the refusal of the super-rich to pay their fair share of the nation’s bills – Republicans will convince people it’s all about government and unions.

Republicans claim to have a mandate from voters for the showdowns and shutdowns they’re launching. Governors say they’re not against unions but voters have told them to cut costs, and unions are in the way. House Republicans say they’re not seeking a government shutdown but standing on principle. “Republicans’ goal is to cut spending and reduce the size of government,” says House leader John Boehner, “not to shut it down.” But if a shutdown is necessary to achieve the goal, so be it.

The Republican message is bloated government is responsible for the lousy economy that most people continue to experience. Cut the bloat and jobs and wages will return.

Nothing could be further from the truth, but for some reason Obama and the Democrats aren’t responding with the truth. Their response is: We agree but you’re going too far. Government employees should give up some more wages and benefits but don’t take away their bargaining rights. Private-sector unionized workers should make more concessions but don’t bust the unions. Non-defense discretionary spending should be cut but don’t cut so much.

In the face of showdowns and shutdowns, the “you’re right but you’re going too far” response doesn’t hack it. If Republicans are correct on principle, they’re more likely to be seen as taking a strong principled stand than as going “too far.” If they’re basically correct that the problem is too much government spending why not go as far as possible to cut the bloat?

The truth that Obama and Democrats must tell is government spending has absolutely nothing to do with high unemployment, declining wages, falling home prices, and all the other horribles that continue to haunt most Americans.

Indeed, too little spending will prolong the horribles for years more because there’s not enough demand in the economy without it.

The truth is that while the proximate cause of America’s economic plunge was Wall Street’s excesses leading up to the crash of 2008, its underlying cause — and the reason the economy continues to be lousy for most Americans — is so much income and wealth have been going to the very top that the vast majority no longer has the purchasing power to lift the economy out of its doldrums. American’s aren’t buying cars (they bought 17 million new cars in 2005, just 12 million last year). They’re not buying homes (7.5 million in 2005, 4.6 million last year). They’re not going to the malls (high-end retailers are booming but Wal-Mart’s sales are down).

Only the richest 5 percent of Americans are back in the stores because their stock portfolios have soared. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has doubled from its crisis low. Wall Street pay is up to record levels. Total compensation and benefits at the 25 major Wall St firms had been $130 billion in 2007, before the crash; now it’s close to $140 billion.

But a strong recovery can’t be built on the purchases of the richest 5 percent.

The truth is if the super-rich paid their fair share of taxes, government wouldn’t be broke. If Governor Scott Walker hadn’t handed out tax breaks to corporations and the well-off, Wisconsin wouldn’t be in a budget crisis. If Washington hadn’t extended the Bush tax cuts for the rich, eviscerated the estate tax, and created loopholes for private-equity and hedge-fund managers, the federal budget wouldn’t look nearly as bad.

\And if America had higher marginal tax rates and more tax brackets at the top – for those raking in $1 million, $5 million, $15 million a year – the budget would look even better. We wouldn’t be firing teachers or slashing Medicaid or hurting the most vulnerable members of our society. We wouldn’t be in a tizzy over Social Security. We’d slow the rise in healthcare costs but we wouldn’t cut Medicare. We’d cut defense spending and lop off subsidies to giant agribusinesses but we wouldn’t view the government as our national nemesis.

The final truth is as income and wealth have risen to the top, so has political power. The reason all of this is proving so difficult to get across is the super-rich, such as the Koch brothers, have been using their billions to corrupt politics, hoodwink the public, and enlarge and entrench their outsized fortunes. They’re bankrolling Republicans who are mounting showdowns and threatening shutdowns, and who want the public to believe government spending is the problem.

They are behind the Republican shakedown.

These are the truths that Democrats must start telling, and soon. Otherwise the Republican shakedown may well succeed.


http://robertreich.org/

An Evening With Dizzy

What is better than spending a snowy Saturday night with friends at an evening of jazz? 
The coffee house ambiance was perfect at the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia.  The music divine.
Derek Reese led his quartet through the music of Dizzy, the Dorsey brothers, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Chuck Mangione and more. 
I had a chance to speak to one of the organizers.  She said they are thinking of making this an annual event.  My thought was, "why not next week?".
Ran into Ted Ashizawa. who was busy taking pictures of the group, some of whom he had as students at Genesee Community College; Larry Ingram, the former Genesee Co  Clerk; Kathryn Roth, a patron of the arts and the Muckdogs, among others.
Our table filled quickly.  Regina and John (both have apartments on my floor); Sandy, Dave, and Lin.  The conversation flowed as did the laughs.
It was a great time.

Dizzy
Photo by Lin Carmer
Thanks, Lin.

Garrison Starr to Perform in Batavia, Mar. 31

I have four tickets for this great event and would love to share the evening with friends.  If interested, please let me know at bmcmanis3@gmail.com. 
We can make it a party :).  Tickets are only $20 each. 

The City of Batavia Democratic Committee

Presents an Evening with

Garrison Starr

Thursday, Mar. 31  8pm

NEW HARVESTER 56 THEATER

A premier evening of music, champagne and hor d'ourves

$20

Tickets available at the box office on Mar. 31

or through any committee member

Garrison Starr is a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles who originally hails from Hernando, Mississippi (near Memphis). Her style is described as folk/rock, country/rock, and indie/rock. As a single performer, Garrison has released a total of 9 albums (listed below). She has played with the all-female festival tour Lilith Fair and has opened for/toured with music industry greats Mary Chapin Carpenter, Steve Earle, and Melissa Etheridge -- among others. Last year Garrison played several shows with comedian Margaret Cho and performed on her grammy-nominated album. (From Cho's website: "A collection of music wit laugh-inducing lyrics, Cho Dependent features Margaret's collaborations with musicians Andrew Bird, Tegan and Sara, Fiona Apple, Patty Griffin, Grant Lee Phillips, Brendan Benson, Ben Lee, Ani DiFranco, Garrison Starr, Tommy Chong, Meghan Toohey, Jon Brion, AC Newman, Rachael Yamagata and more.") Garrison also has performed as part of The North La Brea All Star Conquistadors, Among the Oak and Ash, and Plover.

Garrison's most recognizable song is "Superhero," which was featured during ABC-TV's coverage of the Women's World Cup Soccer in 1999. Most recently, her song "Sit with Me Tonight" (YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9T2uS6fHUM) was featured on ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars" and the CW Network's "Life Unexpected."



Everyone Talks About The Weather...

This morning I checked the weather report.  It didn't seem to be too bad considering that this is February.

Today
Mostly cloudy. Snow likely early...then a chance of snow rain this afternoon. Accumulation an inch or less. Highs in the upper 30s. South winds 10 mph or less...becoming west. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow in the evening...then steadier snow overnight. Additional accumulation 2 to 3 inches. Lows in the upper 20s. Light winds...becoming northeast 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 80 percent.

Just as I planned to click away from the forecast, I noticed a red weather alert.  I clicked on it and discovered:

Genesee


Winter Storm Watch
Statement as of 3:42 AM EST on February 24, 2011
... Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late tonight through

Friday afternoon...
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from late tonight through

Friday afternoon.
* Locations... all of western and north central New York.
* Timing... from late Thursday night through Friday mid afternoon.
* Hazards... heavy wet snow.
* Accumulations... potential for 6 to 10 inches.
* Winds... northeast 10 to 20 mph... becoming northwest and increasing

to 15 to 30 mph Friday afternoon.
* Visibilities... to near one quarter mile possible in heavier

snow.
* Temperatures... near freezing at first... falling slowly into

the 20s.
* Impacts... a slow Friday morning commute.
* Forecaster confidence... high confidence in some locations in the

watch area receiving up to 10 inches of snow. Some uncertainty

remains as to where the axis of heavier snowfall will fall.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Winter Storm Watch means that heavy snow and/or ice

accumulations are possible. If you are within the watch area...

remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite source of

weather information for the latest updates. Additional details

can also be found at www.Weather.Gov/Buffalo.

Which is it, NOAA?  Just snow showers and little accumulation or the possibility of 10"?  I guess we just have to sit back and wait and see.

This Is the Nursing Home Our Legislators Wanted to Sell.

Genesee Nursing Home earns top ranking in U.S. report
Posted: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 12:00 am
Updated: 12:02 am, Tue Feb 22, 2011.

Genesee Nursing Home earns top ranking in U.S. report By Paul Mrozek pmrozek@batavianews.com The Daily News Online

Genesee County Nursing Home received the highest possible rating from a federal office’s review of all skilled nursing facilities in the United States.

Wyoming County Community Hospital’s nursing home received the lowest score, Orleans County an average one, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Results are available on the Internet website www.medicare.gov.

The criteria used to determine ratings was based on performance in health inspections, nurse staffing, and quality of medical care. All of the skilled nursing facilities in New York were evaluated in 2010.

Genesee County Nursing Home recorded a five-star rating with two health care deficiencies noted during the assessment period. Charles Rice, the facility’s administrator, briefly discussed the results with county lawmakers at the Feb. 16 Ways & Means Committee meeting.

The results are slated for publication in the magazine, “U.S. News & World Report.”

Health deficiencies are rated from 0 to 29; the higher the score the more problems there are that need to be addressed. The average for nursing homes in New York State is five deficiencies.

Genesee County was cited for not writing or implementing policies that forbid mistreatment, neglect or abuse of patients, or theft of their property. Its second deficiency was for failure to properly mark drugs in its pharmacy.

New York has 316 skilled nursing facilities. The 160-bed Genesee County Nursing Home, 278 Bank St., Batavia was one of 32 statewide that earned a top score.

“I was just so pleased,” County Legislature Chairman Mary Pat Hancock said Monday.

Hancock said although the Legislature has struggled with multi-million-dollar operating losses at the facility, the Legislature was always aware of the high quality of its care.

“We always appreciate it. I’ve been impressed with it,” Hancock said.

Rice, the facility’s administrator, could not be reached to comment Monday because of the federal holiday.

Fifteen of the state’s five-star nursing homes are in Western New York.

Blizzard of 66' Remembered

Daily News Managing Editor Mark Graczyk writes the column, "Mark My Words".  A recent column discussed The Blizzard of 1966.  It brought back many memories.

If the Blizzard of 1977 was the ''mother'' of Western New York snowstorms, the Blizzard of 1966 was her formidable older sister.

I've always thought that the blizzard of 66' was worse than 77'.  It hit over night.  I woke to hear my 4 year old son, J.D., say to his sister, "I can't see Decker's house.".  He was referring to the house directly across the street.  3 year old Sue answered back, "I can't see it.".
That was enough for me to check out what they were talking about.  Sure enough, the wind drifted the snow over our porch roof and covered the windows.  Not only could they not see Decker's house, they couldn't even see out the windows.
It wasn't long after that when my next door neighbor called.  We both had infants.  As a matter of fact, between the two houses we had a total of 10 children.  She asked if we could get out our front door.

On Sunday, Jan. 30. Heavy squalls and fierce winds overspread the area. What became known as The Blizzard of 1966 had arrived.

I checked the front door only to discover that the drifting snow filled in the front porch.  There was no way we could exit out that door.  While we talked, I checked the fridge and cupboard.  While I had some things stocked away, I knew we would need milk.  So would they.  She said she called the corner store and arranged to buy milk, eggs, and bread from them.  The store wasn't open, but they agreed to sell us what we needed if we could get there. 
Her teenage son was our hero.  He climbed out a window to the side door sidewalk then snowshoed to the store and brought back supplies to last us a few days. 

More than a foot of new snow had fallen Sunday and Monday and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour created drifts of five to six feet on some roadways. Snowplows fought a mostly losing battle to keep them open. Highway department crews worked virtually around the clock, spending the night at the Mill Street garage or the Genesee County Jail

Our street was just behind Main St.  We could hear the plows fighting that losing battle.  It was obvious that our side street wouldn't see a plow for a few days. 

By Tuesday, Feb. 1, conditions had improved slightly, but schools and most businesses remained closed as crews ''punched holes'' through most highways to make them passable. Two New York Central trains were secured to transport stranded travelers back to their homes or their chosen destinations.

 Conditions also improved enough so sidewalks and driveways could be shoveled.  We still couldn't leave our street for a few days until the city plows finally got to us.  The front yards, on that street, are small.  Trying to find someplace to put the shoveled snow was an exercise in creativity. When we did get out, we marveled at the large banks of snow on either side of any street or road. We were driving through tunnels.


Perhaps the Blizzard of 77 was worse, but the kids were older and two of them were stranded at my parents' home.  That will be a story they can tell their children and grandchildren.  We, at home, were far more prepared than we were in 66' .  The kids and I had been at the grocery store that morning shopping for a birthday dinner for their father.  We stopped at mom's for lunch, the two older ones staying while I brought the little ones home for their nap.
The storm hit shortly after we got home.  
I was putting away the groceries when I heard Eric say to Bill, "I can't see Decker's house.".
Isn't that where I started this story?

You can read the entire story at:
http://thedailynewsonline.com/blogs/mark_my_words/article_5925373a-3594-11e0-aba9-001cc4c03286.html

More Snow!

Here we go again.
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM EST MONDAY... A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM EST MONDAY.
* LOCATIONS...NIAGARA FRONTIER...GENESEE VALLEY...AND WESTERN FINGER LAKES.
* TIMING...SUNDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE MONDAY MORNING. HEAVIEST PRECIPITATION FROM MID EVENING SUNDAY THROUGH DAYBREAK MONDAY.
* HAZARDS...MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS...4 TO 7 INCHES WITH THE GREATEST AMOUNTS ACROSS THE HIGHER TERRAIN SOUTH OF BUFFALO AND ROCHESTER.
* WINDS...NORTHEAST INCREASING TO 10 TO 20 MPH LATER TONIGHT AND MONDAY. GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH NEAR LAKE ONTARIO.

* VISIBILITIES...LESS THAN A HALF MILE DURING HEAVIER SNOWFALL.
* IMPACTS...DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS WITH SNOW COVERED ROADS AND POOR VISIBILITY AT TIMES.

Happy Sunday - John Glenn and another important guy named John

Today is the 49th anniversary of John Glenn's flight into outer space.  I remember watching it unfold that day.  I also remember being very pregnant and a little disappointed when the doctor told me that the baby probably wouldn't arrive for another two weeks.
That evening my Mom made chili and invited us for dinner. 
Normally, I can either take or leave chili.  That evening it seemed exceptionally good.  That should have been the first clue.
We went to bed shortly before midnight.  Right at midnight, or just a few minutes after, I went into labor.  Three hours later, on Feb. 21, my son, John Douglas, arrived.
So much for waiting another two weeks.
J.D. decided to enter this world between the historic flight of John Glenn and George Washington's birthday.  I'd say that wasn't bad company.
J.D. is a loving helpmate to his wonderful Deb; adoring father to his son, Doug; big brother to Sue, Eric, Bill and Jim;  a talented musician,  artist, cook, and possesses a wicked sense of humor.  He led the parade (no pun intended) of siblings  in the school band program.
Speaking of parades, I missed his first one.  He marched with the St. Joseph's Little Drum Corps for the St. Joseph's lawn fete.  J.D's brother Jim was born the day before the parade.  I remember hearing the music from my hospital bed.
Who would have guessed that parade would be the first of hundreds? 
I don't know when J.D. made the decision to audition for the Air Force Band.  Maybe it was the summer between his junior and senior year in high school.  He spent that summer in Germany as an exchange student sponsored by the Lion's Club.
He entered the Air Force as a young 19 year old playing in the Band of Flight at Wright Patterson AFB.
Unlike many people who join the armed services, J.D. seemed to have found a home at WP.  He was there for over ten years, both as a musician and as a sound engineer.
He retired from the Ari Force while stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska.
So my eldest is just THIS side of 50.  He embarked on a second career and is still living in Anchorage.
Today is a day of memories.  A day to regret the mistakes moms are known to make and to revel in the knowledge that, despite the mistakes, he (and his brothers and sister) grew up to be wonderful, caring adults.
So many memories.
J.D. sitting in a tree eating a spaghetti sandwich (long story!).
J.D. flirting with the elderly ladies, in the audience, as he sang and danced in Damn Yankees in dinner theater.
J.D. marching straight and tall and looking like he was 7' tall.
J.D. drawing stick lions all over his bedroom and closet walls.  When we painted that room, we kept one section of the closet unpainted to keep the lion.
J.D. and I going to Buffalo to buy a new trombone.
J.D. giving the toast to my parents on their 50th wedding anniversay.
J.D. giving the touching eulogy at my father's funeral.
J.D. and the 10% off ice cream day - which is coming up!
There are so many.

Happy birthday, J.D. Hope you have a great one.

Looking For Suggestions

I've spent the better part of a day looking at recipes for meals that can be served from a gas grill.
The usual list of suspects showed up, but I'm looking for more that hot dogs, burgers, and sausage.
Any suggestions are more than welcome.

Cuomo Gets High Marks Despite Budge Cuts

Last Updated:Tue., Feb. 15, 2011, 11:47am


ALBANY -- Gov. Cuomo is backed by an astronomical 77 percent of New York voters, despite a rancid economy and a cut- to-the-bone state budget plan that could lead to 10,000 state workers' being laid off, according to a poll released yesterday.

The Siena College survey found Cuomo with the highest approval rating ever for a governor in six years of state polling.

The poll found 70 percent of Republicans and 68 percent of conservatives view Democrat Cuomo favorably. Only 16 percent overall view him unfavorably.

In sharp contrast, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) was viewed favorably by just 19 percent throughout the state and negatively by 41 percent.

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos' ratings were 11 percent favorable and 17 unfavorable.

While voters expressed opposition to Cuomo's proposed cuts to local school districts, CUNY and SUNY, they still backed his overall plan, 72 to 25 percent.

Two-thirds of those surveyed said the soon-to-expire tax on those earning more than $200,000 a year, which Cuomo wants ended, should be continued.


Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/call_andy_dandy_poll_o5mXc9kZfaCjhhxbW3dFxK

Hawley Decides Not to Run for Chris Lee's Seat.

On Feb. 10, Assemblyman Steve Hawley made an announcement that he is seriously considering a run for Congress.


"I've been getting text-messages, phone calls and messages on Facebook from people throughout the district urging me to run," Hawley said. "I believe I have the background, experience and years in business."


The five-year veteran of Albany said that calls encouraging him to run began as soon as news hit that Rep. Chris Lee (NY-26) resigned following a revelation that he apparently tried to pick up a woman on Craigslist.

It sounded like a good idea.   Genesee Co. has not had real representation in Washington since Barber Conable Jr.

Then, today, Hawley announced:
“I have been truly inspired by the outpouring of support I have received from constituents, friends and colleagues regarding a potential run for the United States House of Representatives in the 26th Congressional District,” said Hawley. “Furthermore, the parallels and comparisons I have received to former Rep. Barber Conable Jr. from members of the community has been nothing short of humbling. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to forgo a run for Congress and remain in the New York State Assembly, representing my home - the 139th Assembly District. There may be another day and another time for me to seek such office, but today is not that day and now is not that time.”

It was disappointing. 
I can read between the lines.  Why would he want to run for a seat that may only be around for one term?  Redistricting, most likely, will erase the 26th. Congressional District.  He is much better staying with NY's 139th Assembly District.

Because New York’s population didn’t grow as much the past 10 years as other states’, it’s losing two House seats. Six congressional districts in the Western New York region are the only districts in all of New York that lost population since 2000.  When it comes time for the state Legislature to pick winners and losers in the remapping game, conventional wisdom says House newcomers are most disposable.  The last thing Hawley would want is to be "disposable".

This is an expensive exercise for those who want Lee's seat.  It requires someone who can self fund their election campaign and capable of raising money fast.

The Buffalo News reported that Kathy Hochul, Erie Co. Clerk,  is solidifying her support among local Democrats, while Assemblywoman Jane Corwin is doing the same with Republicans.  I don't know about the GOP, but I do know that GLOW Democrats are actively seeking candidates for this election despite the report in The Buffalo News.



I can't wait for the special election.  It should be interesting.

Valentine Confusion, Or How the World Can Turn Upside Down

Tonight was bingo night.  Almost all of the players were there.  The scene set.  Action!
We watched with amusement as the caller took his place.  His girlfriend sitting right in front of him, facing him.
Across from her, a self proclaimed lothario.  He spent the evening lavishing attention her.  Sitting next to him is the lady who follows lothario around like a puppy dog.  The caller, quite aware of what was happening looked a little upset, but he went on with the business at hand.
The last person isn't there.  She believes she is ruling the caller's life from a distance.  Her phone calls send him scurrying out of the room so he doesn't have to say he is spending time with his neighbors and friends.
So Valentine's day is approaching.  The candy, flowers and cards will be crossing each other as this group works to impress each other with their declarations of affection.
Caller to distant lover, "It was always YOU".
Caller to girlfriend, "YOU are the person I should have married."
Lothario to Caller's girlfriend, "I can make you feel good."
Lothario's puppy to Lothario, "I love you and I'll always be here when you are bored."
Lothario to puppy, "I'll call you when I have time, you can make me supper."
Caller's distant lover, "Be there when I need you."
Caller's girlfriend, "Make sure you bring the beer."
Talk about a never ending circle.  
All in all it was a fun evening to watch all this unfold.

Kennedy Lays Groundwork for Small Business Advisory Board

While our own GCEDC is looking to line their pockets, Senator Timothy Kennedy is moving to help the small business people and create jobs in Western New York. 

Senator Timothy M. Kennedy We're laying the groundwork for our WNY Small Business Advisory Board. The board will meet on a monthly basis to advise me on the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in Western New York. Business owners interested in serving on the advisory board should send their resumes to kennedy@nysenate.gov.

If you are a small business owner (oh, how I wish he would include not-for-profit), please consider being part of this board. 

http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/kennedy-lays-groundwork-his-wny-small-business-advisory-board

The Darling Clementine

Photo from Wikipedia

From late October and into February, we enjoy the wonderful, aromatic clementine.
The other evening, I brought a bowl of them down for the wii bowlers. It came as a surprise that a few had never eaten one or even heard of them. How can that be? Do they live under a rock?

Clementines are the tiniest of the mandarins. They are found in Spain, Morocco, and other parts of North Africa. They are a cross between a sweet orange and the Chinese mandarin.

Small, sweet, and seedless, they make a great snack or an early morning alternative to that glass of juice.

"A clementine is a hesperidium, of a variety of mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) so named in 1902. The exterior is a deep orange colour with a smooth, glossy appearance. Clementines separate easily into seven to fourteen moderately-juicy segments. They are very easy to peel, like a tangerine, but are almost always seedless. Clementines are also known as seedless tangerines. They are typically juicy and sweet, with less acid than oranges.

Their oils, like other citrus fruits, contain mostly limonene as well as myrcene, linalool, α-pinene and many complex aromatics."  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clementine

I love the aroma that fills the room when I peel one.  Now I know that it is because of the complex aromatics.  The one thing I didn't expect was the overpowering aroma of fifteen being peeled at once. It was intoxicating.   Bring a bowl of them out on a cold and snowy evening and watch them disappear.  The scent reminds you of tropical breezes. 

If you are looking for a different morning eye opener, or something to have while watching tv, give the clementine a try.

The best thing about this treat?  There are 35 calories in a clementine.

O M G - Kinky Carl for Lee's Seat!

I kid you not.  After saying that he wouldn't run again, inside sources claim that he is listening to folks in Buffalo who want him to run for Chris Lee's chair.
Thanks, Nick, for the heads up.
http://www.capitaltonight.com/2011/02/let-the-ny-26-jockeying-begin/

Check Out Chris Charvella's Contest

All in fun, of course.
http://wnymedia.net/ccharvella/2011/02/chris-lee-caption-contest/

Lee Resigned

Nothing more to see here, folks.  Just move on.

Rep. Chris Lee (R-NY26) caught seeking affairs through Craigslist, sending topless pics

From my friend, Adama Brown:
Thanks Adama!

Rep. Chris Lee (R-NY26) caught seeking affairs through Craigslist, sending topless pics
by: Adama D. Brown
Wed Feb 09, 2011 at 15:21:08 PM EST

Republican Representative Chris Lee (R-NY26) has been caught red-handed fishing for extramarital affairs on Craigslist, and forwarding topless pictures of himself to his would-be targets. One of the women Lee talked with, a 34 year old government worker from Maryland, provided Gawker.com with complete copies of her correspondence with Lee and the photos he sent, after she discovered that the "39 year old divorced lobbyist" was in fact a 46 year old married Congressman.

Lee's office has as yet not come up with a coherent defense, admitting that the GMail account used does in fact belong to Lee, claiming that it may have been hacked in a security breach on January 21st. However, flirtatious emails were sent more than a week before that, starting on the 14th, and Lee's office has not yet explained how the "hacker" would obtain a topless picture of Lee. According to metadata embedded within the photograph, it was taken by a Blackberry smartphone such as the one used by Chris Lee, and it was taken in Washington DC.

The GMail address was also confirmed as the one associated with Lee's personal Facebook account, which was mysteriously deleted shortly after Gawker.com began asking questions of his office.

Lee has been one of the rising stars in the House GOP, and a favorite of Eric Cantor. First elected in 2008, Lee has since then carved out a staunchly conservative record on issues like abortion, taxes, and healthcare. He is also, apparently, not just a supporter of "Don't Ask Don't Tell," but he also practices it.

Speaking personally, since this is MY Congressman, I always rather expected him to get caught with his pants down. Between the existing rumors of marital infidelity (he was, according to persistent but unverifiable rumor around 2008-2009, sleeping with a hairdresser from the Buffalo suburbs near where he lived) and his rich-guy-with-good-hair attitude, I doubted he'd really be the type to keep his trousers zipped.

Still, finding women off Craigslist just confirms the other part of what I thought about him--that he is a moron.

http://209.98.77.34/albanyproject/diary/9222/rep-chris-lee-rny26-caught-seeking-affairs-through-craigslist-sending-topless-pics

Why You Don't Always Read What I Have in the "You Just Can't Win" File

You Just Can't Win File

Yesterday was a confusing day.

I'll admit that I started today's blog with a story about people who are stubborn, careless with words and actions, and just plain disagreeable.  We all know people like that, how we handle them or the situations they create can be difficult.
Last night, it took about a hour to write.  When I finished it, I placed it in draft form so I could mull it over this morning.
I knew, even then, that it would never make it to this blog. It was a good way to vent and let out all the frustrations of the day. I deleted the draft this morning.  The "You Just Can't Win" file was closed.  At least, for now.
Besides, no one really wants to read an entire blog about situations that will never change.

I have a poster on my wall that states, "Change the things you can and change your attitude about the things you can't". It is good advice.
Someday, when the day's events don't seem so important, I'll tell the story and inject the humor in it.
Not just yet.



Super Bowl Party - A Big Success

The super bowl party was a great success.
40 people came together for good humored ribbing; good times; and enough food to feed a small army.
Steeler fans brought their towels, but it didn't help.  The Packers' fans came prepared to cheer on their team. 
The commercials were fun to watch.  I think we all agreed that the dark vader little boy trying to use 'the force' on things around the house was the clear winner.  We also liked the promo for House with Dr. House as Mean Joe Green. 
The half time, as usual was a disappointment.  The National Anthem was butchered.  Why can't they find someone who will just sing it without embellishment?
My numbers, as I suspected, didn't even come close to the score of the game. 

This is a busy Monday. The final plans for Thursday's Valentine party should be finished today. Mary Margaret, from Scratch Bakery in LeRoy is making a cake for the event. Geoff Clough will entertain.


Time Warner will call today and we'll discuss the proposal for installing wi-fi in the community room.
This is a project I've worked on for some time. There are many residents who have laptops but rarely use them. With wi-fi access, they can come down for informal classes.

I'll be filling in as the hostess for our euchre tournament.  That is always a fun afternoon.  There will be a literal feast on the snack table. There are a lot of leftovers from yesterday's party.

It will be my pleasure to distribute the winnings from yesterday's party.  The big winner didn't attend the party.  I'll try to contact him today to let him know that he won.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Pros and Cons of Teacher Tenure

eHow.com posted this.  I think it is worth reading:

Pro & Cons of Teacher Tenure
By Wanda Marie Thibodeaux, eHow Contributor .
No one in any profession likes losing his job. Teachers are no exception, regardless of where or what level of education they teach. In many academic facilities, teachers are eligible for teacher tenure. On the most basic level, tenure makes it much more likely that an educator will be able to keep her job over time. However, teacher tenure is not without controversy, as there are both pros and cons to employing it.

Job Protection
One benefit of teacher tenure is that it protects teachers from being let go from their district without cause. For instance, a tenured teacher cannot be let go simply because the members of the school board want to hire someone new, or because the teacher gets results with methods that vary from what other teachers may be doing that are more popular.

Economic Firing
Many school districts have experienced budget cuts over recent years or decades. As a result, school administrators found that it was financially beneficial to the district to let go of teachers who had taught for years and to hire less experienced teachers who would work for less pay and fewer benefits. Teacher tenure guarantees that a teacher who has met satisfactory performance will not lose her position due to matters of economy.

Motivation
As with other positions, teachers need to stay motivated to perform well in the classroom. However, teacher tenure may create complacency in teachers because the teachers understand that it is far less likely that they will lose their job. They may come into the classroom but put in very little effort and not truly care about the children they teach. However, this is debatable, since it can be argued that those who receive tenure are the teachers who have proven their dedication in the first place.

Discipline
Teacher tenure appears to make administrators less likely to discipline educators who perform unsatisfactorily or who engage in inappropriate activity. For instance, in 2005 an investigation found that, out of more than 95,000 teachers in Illinois, only two were let go for poor performance. The same investigation found that an average of only five teachers were let go for misconduct. The educational, physical, emotional and mental well-being of students thus may be at risk with teacher tenure.

Cost
Another con to teacher tenure is that it is extremely costly for a district to let a tenured teacher go. A tenured teacher may fight a school board's decision, costing thousands in legal fees, or they may want to be "bought out" of their contract.

Read more: Pro & Cons of Teacher Tenure
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5121566_pro-cons-teacher-tenure.html#ixzz1DCaroJcV

Governor Cuomo Speaks to New Yorkers

Super Bowl Eve Day Musings

Dallas won the honor of hosting the Super Bowl because the NFL doesn't like to have the event anywhere there is an open stadium and cold weather.
Gee, maybe they should rethink that.
Football is a cold weather sport.  It is at it's best when the players are challenged by the elements.
Just dreaming, but if Buffalo ever got the opportunity to host it then the players, the fans, and the media would be treated to a fun experience.
The stadium is located in the "southtowns", notorious for lake effect snow.  But, this time of year the possibility of lake effect is dim.  So, there would be no problem getting there.
This area has many good restaurants as well as a plethora of blue collar eateries and bars that would treat their visitors like royalty.
We often have a thaw and warming trend this time of year.  Quite possibly on game day, this year, we'll be in the 30s.  Perfect weather for football.
I find it hard to believe that the players can't handle the cold.  We watch them, week by week, playing in snowy conditions wearing short sleeves.
Many of them sport long tresses that would keep their heads' warm under those helmets.
Western New York is an economically depressed area.  The Super Bowl would give a needed shot of income to our area.
While, I'm dreaming, maybe we should combine our resources and try to get the Olympics too.
But, back to reality.
The super bowl party plans are underway.  I don't believe we'll have many people actually stay for the game.  They come in to eat, then leave.  That's okay.  There is a core group that will stay to watch the game. 
For me, I'm hoping to go to a euchre tournament in the afternoon and arrive just before the game is aired.
My killer salsa is already made.  So it will be a matter of getting home, grabbing it and head right to the party.
I'm torn as to which team I'd like to see win.  I should be rooting for the AFC Steelers.  Yet, I have always liked Green Bay.  I guess, in the end, I'll be a Packers' fan for the day.
My numbers for the game are dismal.
NFC                                     AFC
   5                                           4  Same numbers on two boards
   6                                           6
   7                                           1
   0                                           4
   4                                           4
   6                                           4
   5                                           5
   4                                           2
   3                                           1
   0                                           9
   2                                           9
   5                                           8
They don't look promising.
Enjoy the day. 

The Google Art Project

Today, my son Eric sent along a gift, the Google Art Project.  The painting he sent was "The Feast in the House of Simon" which hangs in the Palace of Versailles.  It is one of a series of paintings by Veronese depicting religious banquets.  Jokingly, I wrote back and commented that it looked like his backyard on any given gameday.
Then, I really took a look at the site.  It is wonderful.  These are the art galleries and museums you always hoped to visit but most likely will never have the opportunity.
This is a snippet of what it is all about:

You can learn more about it at http://www.googleartproject.com/
Enjoy

Grandson Scotty Makes the Palatka Daily News

PA L AT K A DA I LY N E W S • W E D N E S DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 , 2 0 1 1


COLLEGE BASEBALL
Vikings beat Brevard, 5-3

Another strong seventh inning lifted the St. Johns River State College baseball team to its third win in
four games, 5-3, Tuesday afternoon over host Brevard Community College.

Jake Schrader’s two-run homer got the Vikings on the board in the sixth, then they took the lead for
good with a three-run seventh highlighted by JoJo Taylor’s two-run double. David Bouton and Max St.
Hilaire both singled and Marquis Lewis was hit by a pitch in the seventh.

St. Johns has scored the go-ahead runs in the seventh inning of each of their three victories.

Schrader was 2-for-4, St. Hilaire 2-5 in a nine-hit offense. The Vikings’ other hits were Taylor’s double and singles by Lewis, Bouton, Lee Hart and Arnaldo Pizarro.

The fourth of five St. Johns pitchers, Scott McManis (1-0) got the win with one and two-thirds
scoreless innings.

Chris Fern finished with two scoreless, hitless innings, striking out three to get
his first save of 2011. Palatka freshman Chayce Garner pitched the first three innings, allowing onerun on four hits with one walk and one strikeout.

The Great Blizzards of 1888

Each time we have a weather event, I can't help but wonder how people coped with blizzards before 24/7 weather forecasting. Today we watch a storm cross the country and see the effects as they happen.

 

Very few Native Americans died during the blizzard of 1888.

 

The Native Americans watch not only the skies but paid attention to all nature to help them predict what might happen each season. Throughout history and still today, people try to understand, predict and control weather. Before modern day methods of predicting the weather, other methods were used. Native Americans tried to control or influence the weather with prayers, incantations, smoking or burning tobacco, using charms or dancing. Most methods of forecasting were based on observation and experiences with observing patterns (”If ___ happens, then ___ will happen”). These are not always reliable or true. Farmers, shepherds, sailors and hunters relied on folklore to predict the weather. Farmers and shepherds watched the animals, clouds and the color of the sky. Sailors observed the wind and the motion of the waves. Hunters observed insects and animal behavior.

 

The Schoolchildren's Blizzard:

 

• January 12, 1888
• U.S. Midwest
• Approximately 235 people lost their lives. (This was a large amount in comparison to the amount of people living in the Midwest at the time of the blizzard.)
• Was a warm day that quickly turned into a storm
• Since it came without warning, the amount of devastation was greatly increased.
• Went from 70 F to -10 F (-40 F in some places) in a few hours
• Lasted for only a few hours from the afternoon until early evening (3 – 4 feet of snow in that amount of time)
• Was hard to get around for at least 3 days after the storm was over – compare today’s means of transportation and communication (snow plows, salt trucks, paved roads, rescue vehicles, phones, radio, television, etc.)
• Is called the schoolchildren’s blizzard because in many places, children were trapped in their schoolhouses (in many cases they had to stay overnight)
• Most of the schoolhouses were one-room with wood or coal burning stoves.
• Resulted in the loss of life and the loss of property, travel was severely impeded in the following days.
• The wind was so loud and strong that people who were only 6 feet away from each other could not hear one another talk.
• The snow was so heavy that people who were only 4 ft. away from each other could not see each other.

The Schoolchildren’s Blizzard took place from the Rockies to the Mississippi River west to east and from Canada to Texas north to South. The states that were affected by the storm are: North and South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Many of these states were just territories during the time of the blizzard.

 

During the Schoolchildren’s Blizzard, the snow and wind were so strong that a person could not see two feet in front of them and could not hear people 6 ft in front of them. This snow blindness led to disorientation when people tried to get to a safe shelter. Many people lost their lives or suffered injuries because they could not find their way. People tried many different techniques to find their way. They tied themselves to each other to stay together. This technique was used by a one room school teacher named Minnie Mae Freeman from Ord, Nebraska. She single-handedly saved her schoolhouse full of children from the storm by tying them all together to find their way to safety. People tied ropes to a building. As they went out to search for others, they let the rope act as a guide to get back. Some remembered the layout of the land; a row of sunflower stocks, a drainage ditch or a fence. These landmarks help guide people who were in a barn or shed when the storm hit.

 

The east coast wasn't spared winter's grip in 1888.
The Great Blizzard of 1888 or Great Blizzard of '88 (March 11 – March 14, 1888) was one of the most severe blizzards in United States' recorded history. Snowfalls of 40-50 inches fell in parts of New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut, and sustained winds of over 45 miles per hour produced snowdrifts in excess of 50 feet. Railroads were shut down and people were confined to their houses for up to a week

 

Sound familiar?

From my Grandson, Doug.

Sometimes, you know a bad idea when you hear it.
Other times you can't bare to tell someone their thoughts are dumb.
Sometimes temporary is better than permanent.
Other times, dumb people read way too much into vague facebook updates, and find revelations.

The same goes for blogs, Doug.

What is Your Storm Watching Plan?

A group of us decided that tomorrow is 'storm watching' day. 
We'll meet for breakfast (served by our wonderful volunteers in the kitchen); then grab a table by the Main St. window so we can watch the storm and play cards.
Mid morning snack, to give us energy, will be a scone from Scratch Bakery and a cup of tea.
Lunch will be pizza by Pauly's Pizza (if he can get here).  If not, we'll raid the our cupboards and make a pot luck lunch to share.
We'll wile away the afternoon playing dominoes. 
My mid afternoon pick me up will be a fruit cup of raspberries, peaches and pineapple in grape juice.
No one has decided on dinner yet, but we'll think of something.
Wednesday night, while the wind is howling and the snow is blowing, we'll play poker with the unsuspecting guys in the game room.  hehehe.
Later, after the poker game, it will be wii bowling and wii golf.  There is a chocolate cake and a fresh made apple pie to munch on during the games.
Oh, and for those who imbibe, an eight pack of beer is in the fridge for later on Wednesday night.
Sounds like a good plan for a snowy Wednesday.

Good News, Bad News, and - oh there is the storm.

Good news!  My newest great grandson arrived just before midnight last night.  Everyone is doing fine.

Bad news!  My ex was admitted into the hospital last night. They are running tests, but it looks like it may be a mini stroke.  He just celebrated his birthday a few days ago.  I wish him a speedy recovery.

The Storm: I keep watching the weather models and I think we are going to miss the brunt of this storm.
That is good news.  We haven't had a real snow storm for a long time.  I was sort of hoping this would be it.