Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Kingston Area Public Access... Thank You Mercedez (sp?) Ross


I heard Phil Cosme read a resignation letter from Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) Chairperson Mercedez (sp?) Ross on his KAPA show the other night - and I want to give M a shout out for no doubt working her A off - most likely investing a whole lot of time and even some of her own money - only to find out - in the end [I hope she corrects me if I'm wrong...] - that there were were and are too many walls [talk about "doublebinds") in place for any real progress (re KAPA) to occur - and that all she got for her efforts was megastress....

Which is exactly what happened (along with some other issues and unresolved questions...) when my husband (who ended up resigning as well) was the Chairperson of KAPA.

M - if you read this - I remember your enthusiasm when you came onto the KAPA "team" - and I know some additional progress WAS (against tremendous odds) made.

Thank you for all you did and tried to do.

Some of us know what a nightmare it "can" (not all the time, but organizationally...) it can be.

If you want to share here some of what you faced as KAPA Chair, you have at least four sympathetic ears here...

Peace and Best Wishes!

N

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Passing on [Updated] a Thought Provoking Email About the Government / Taxation.. Sales Tax Idea.. Kudos to R. Cahill Jr.. Springsteen.. "This Land Is..." More

["YouTube - Bruce Springsteen THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND";

I'm certainly not aligned with the "Tea Party" folks; but my husband received this [modified for placement here] in his email today... and it surely does contain some "food for thought." 

Is all of this (or the orignal source cited) 100% legit? 

I don't know - so hold it "loosely" - do your own research (if you so choose)  - and form your own opinions...

How did we get where we are? 

What are potential peaceful solutions? 

Why are New York State taxes so very, very high? 

Would one tax - a higher sales tax perhaps [applicable to all non-food items] - equally applicable to all people, organizations, etc [even not-for-profits and religious not-for profits] be more equitable, sensible and FAIR than what we currently have going on?

It [the SINGLE sales tax idea] would certainly cut down on paperwork, red tape, governmental and institutional paperwork, mailings, personel costs, etc. - wouldn't it?

Just my thoughts.

Read on.

---------------------------------------------------------------------- 

"Subject: worthwhile read about congress from A retired Orlando Sentinel reporter...

'What the heck happened -

545 people vs 300 million people...'

Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinal has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgements made that impact each one of us every day.

It's a short but good read. Worth the time. Worth remembering!

545 vs. 300,000,000

EVERY CITIZEN NEEDS TO READ THIS AND THINK ABOUT WHAT THIS JOURNALIST HAS scriptED IN THIS MESSAGE. READ IT AND THEN REALLY THINK ABOUT

OUR CURRENT POLITICAL DEBACLE.

Charley Reese has been a journalist for 49 years.

'545 PEOPLE--By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them...

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits..... The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red ..

If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power..

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.

Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!'

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

What you do with this article now that you have read it is up to you...

Be sure to read all the way to the end:

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts
Anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think..

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid...

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax..

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax

Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax

Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax

Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax

Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes

Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax

Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax

Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax

State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service FeeTax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes

Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax

Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax

Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the hell happened?...'"

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Any thoughts on this? 

Clarifications? 

Corrections? 

Additions?

Thoughts on my SINGLE sales tax idea?

---------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Postscript: 

1.  I think it would be important to know when (?) this was originally written - which I don't.

2.  When I mention an across the board sales tax v the current taxation system - I certainly see some items that I believe should be taken off that list as well [In fact, I think this sales tax should only be applied to big ticket luxury items...]

3.  In honor of my oldest brother who has said that he is going to be cremated and that there will be no viewing or funeral associated - because of the associated costs (including taxes...) - I certainly think all of THAT deserves a serious looksee...  [Yes bro, I do think it is the ultimate indignity to be charged (even post mortem?  after working your A off and paying taxes all your life...) top dollar (and/or for your children to be charged top dollar) in order to have a decent funeral, viewing and burial...)]
  
4  I'm sure more thoughts will come (Where is everyone?  I KNOW I have readers....!).  This issue is (collectively) very complex but it could potentially (I think) be very simple...

I don't think the answer is voting everyone out of office [round and round we go...] as is stated  up above - it is more about communicating and problem solving - in tandem with the above [citizen activism / taking US seriously] - NOW.

[Oh yeah --- sales tax idea aside --- I heard Richard Cahill Jr. (with whom I disagree on a number of issues...) state a brilliant (in my opinion) idea on his Kingston Area Public Access show the other night!  That is (This is not a direct quote /I'm relying on my shaky memory...) to tax any business or corporation that takes jobs out of the U.S. (all too often exploiting workers in other countries) to the MAX and give tax BREAKS to any business or corporation that does its business  (all manufacturing plants, jobs, etc.)  exclusively within U.S. boundries.]

Kudos Rich.  I certainly LIKE that one!

Historical Landmark List.. Kings Inn... TransArt... Kirkland... Questions... Links... Pondering...

Photo by BF / Utilized with Permission

If anyone else is as befuddled as I am about some of the places that are reputedly on the Historical Landmark list [i.e., the Kings Inn (?) and the building that is to house the TransArt center] here are some links that I admittedly haven't had a chance to take a close look at yet...

There has been a dialogue on the Ward 5 site about the TransArt project for those that are interested; and although my perspective might not be popular, I do think I pose some valid questions --- and I do appreciate the feedback I've gotten thus far!

I'm just a citizen / homeowner / taxpayer... nothing more and nothing less...  but I do believe in asking some tough questions now and then...  particularly with the financial situation [City, County, State, Country...] being what it is.

I once went on a retreat where one of the repeated slogans was "if nothing changes, nothing changes..."

Applicable here?

Whatever the case, here are the links:

"National Historic Landmark - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia": 
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Historic_Landmarks

"National Register of Historical Places": 
http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/

National Register of Historical Places - NEW YORK (NY), Ulster County:
http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ny/Ulster/state.html

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Postscript:  I haven't identified either the Kings Inn or the TransArt building project on this list [I could be missing these...  Is there another list?] --- But I did find the following interesting, and I'm wondering how up-to-date and accurate the listings are (?):

Copied and pasted from last site noted above: 

"Kirkland Hotel (added 2002 - Building - #02001323)

2 Main St., Kingston

Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering

Architectural Style: Italianate

Area of Significance: Architecture

Period of Significance: 1875-1899

Owner: Private

Historic Function: Domestic

Historic Sub-function: Hotel

Current Function: Vacant/Not In Use"

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Hmmmmmm...

Who exactly is the "private" owner of the Kirkland?

Is the Kirkland currently (this is not what I've heard) "Vacant/Not in Use" (?)

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Saturday, April 24, 2010

Chips'NDips Entertainment... Silly Stuff... Survival... Earth Day Video Pick... Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" [Wow]... You Tube... Freewrite...




I snagged some of these Chips'NDips photos [from 2009 and 2010 events] from one of my daughters sites.  She refers to me as her "cute but crazy" mom...

Which I think "might" be a compliment... but I'm not sure.

There is nothing booked for Chips...  and business has NOT been good. 
But we sure have (as a family) had some fun with it!

Now I'm planting rose bushes and trees and shrubs and flowers and herbs and lord only knows what else - like a maniac...

But I AM surviving some difficult times. 

["Michael Jackson - 'Earth song'"; as submitted to You Tube by YourMusicAndLyrics on March 4, 2008;  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gJcNBKiyMI ]

And that IS what matters... 
Right?

Great work at the YM folks (community volunteers)!  I'm planting like crazy [trying to keep up with deliveries] in my own back yard - to the point of emotional and physical exhaustion [I'm NOT kidding...] or I would come over to help. 

Extremes.  That's me.  Someday maybe I'll level out some and be [Is it really a worthy goal?] "normal"...

One can hope.

Truth, love, peace, equality and humane justice!

ME 

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Congressman Maurice Hinchey at SUNY New Paltz "We the People..." --- and at the Recent UC Chamber of Commerce Event - You Tube Videos - Personal Opinions

The following two videos - accessed from You Tube - are not the videos I took of this event - and these videos [I'm just posting videos 1 and 3 from this source] are not titled in the manner I would have titled them! 

How Congressman Hincheys speech at SUNY could be construed as against "Freedom of Speech" is beyond me.... 

But everyone is allowed their perspective.

"Freedom of Speech" - in my opinion - is meant for citizens.

Not businesses, not media conglamorates, not not-for-profits, not religious bodies, not hate groups, not any other special interest grounps (such as unions) --- and certainly not for (many of these are multinational... an additional concern!) corporations.

I might return to this topic later [My perspective and some pertinent links are put forth in an entry down below] - but for now I'm just going to post the videos - which are open to one's own value judgements / opinions.

I personally feel that Conressman Hinchey has been and remains a strong advocate for the people.

["Hinchey against free speech Part 1"; "Gardiners Right"; You Tube; 4/19/2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYNsMFBXmAw ]

["Hinchey against free speech 3"; "Gardeners Right"; You Tube; 4/19/2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRFH-9lyBX4&feature=related ]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

This video was also accessed from You Tube --- and features Congressman Hinchey at a recent [April 2010] meeting of the Chamber of Commerce:

["Congressman Maurice Hinchey"; paulrakov; You Tube; 4/20/2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trgq1psV5Dc ]

Please note that there are a number of links related to these topics in an entry down below.  Ignorance, as it has been said, is the worst type of poverty...

NS

Monday, April 19, 2010

Child Abuse Awareness Month... KAPA... More... Congressman Hinchey / "We the People..." at SUNY in Post Below... You Tube Videos

This is not only sexual assault awareness month, as noted in a video ("Take Back the Night") posted below --- it is also Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Thus, I wanted to post the following video:

["YouTube - Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LlYZ8_GtrM&feature=related]

Other than that, I wanted to state that the shows I saw tonight (only a few) on Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) were impressive.  Discussions around the Safety Net issue (which is finally being investigated...); the proliferation of Not-For-Profits in the City of Kingston [over 40% of properties are reputedly (I've personally checked into this) off the tax rolls; and the proliferation of sex offenders in the City of Kingston [some in residence, as noted on the map accessible on the web ( put a check in the sex offender box at http://www.crimereports.com/widget/widget.html?CRSearch=Kingston,NY ); some reputedly in the UC Jail and/or the old Community Corrections Program facility) were particularly interesting.

These are issues that have been brought up time and time again - sometimes by one or two people [generally by MaryAnne Parker (Safety Net Issue / Child Safety Issue / other pertinent issues...) and myself (Not for Profit Issue / Child Safety / Safety Net Issue / "Culture of Poverty" (Oscar Lewis; 1966) Issue --- and sometimes (when the "dirt" hits the fan...) in larger bodies of protest --- and it is great to see these issues being taken more seriously by the "powers that be" / KAPA show producers / callers / and various [a more collective voice on all of this would be good....] City of Kingston citizens.

I also came across a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRu8nvHMbSwon (You Tube / not able to be embedded here) --- which I found (in regard to Child Abuse Awareness Month) impressive:

I have to state (These are opinions, folks!) again [This has been stated, recently to my Alderman; and previously, in full or in part, at City Council meetings...] --- that I think the City of Kingston [in association with agencies such as the YWCA and the UC Crime Victims Assistance Program (excellent programs that should cover a wider spectrum...) should be more active in the prevention / awareness / treatment resource realm --- in regard to child abuse; sexual assault; domestic violence; gang activity; and (these amongst other things) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Those little wind catchers [check out the video / ignore the pop ups...] say a lot!

Congressman Maurice Hinchey at SUNY New Paltz... Hudson Valley Progressive Coalition... "We the People"... Info... Links... More


How come I'm not finding any coverage (yet) of Congressman Hinchey's appearance / address at  SUNY  New Paltz yesterday?  Congressman Hinchey was among a panel of experts that included John Bonifaz, the Legal Director of Voter Action and the Director of Free Speech for People; Margery F. Baker, Vice President for the American Way; and Joan D. Mandel, Ph.D. the Executive Director of Democracy Matters...

All were present to speak on a very critical (in my opinion) topic:  "We the People:  A Forum to Defend Democracy" --- with a focus on what "we" can do to fight the Supreme Court's ruling in "Citizens United v. FEC" [For more information on this please check out wakingplanet.blogspot.com and the other sources I've noted below]

The sponsors of this well-attended forum included the Hudson Valley Progressive Coalition, SUNY New Paltz, the Ulster County Move On Council, the Ulster County Democratic Committee; and Democracy Matters.  Some other groups associated with Hudson Valley Progressives, many of whom had representatives present, include:  New Paltz Women In Black; Hudson Valley for Obama; People for the American Way; New Paltz and Vicinity for Obama; Network of Spiritual Progressives; Arts for Peace; Peace & Social Progress Now; NAACP of Kingston; Hudson Valley Single Payer; Orange for Obama; and Dutchess for Obama.

Other notables were undoubtable captured on the videos I took - but the processing of "same" will take some time...

What can "we" do?

1)  Support the Fair Elections Now Act ("H.R. 1826" and "S752") [This act "provides voluntary public financing for congressional races so that candidates are beholden only to voters not corporations or special interests."]

2) Support a "Constitutional Amendment" [Congressman Hinchey is co-sponsoring "HJRes74"] to "undo the SCOTUS ruling."

3) Thank Congressman Hinchey and Senator Gillibrand for co-sponsoring "The Fair Elections Now Act."

4) Encourage Senator Schumer [202-224-3121] to support these Acts ("HJRes74"; "H.R. 1826" and "S752") as well!

5) Support the "Shareholders Protection Act" ("H.R. 4790" / House...); and... 

6) Let all of your members of Congress know that the citizens of this nation need a strong and consistant "Consumer Financial Protection Agency."

For additonal information (the forum and various organizational flyers are the source of the information I'm presenting here) --- please check out:

http://www.wakingplanet.blogspot.com/
http://www.freespeechforpeople.org/
http://www.movetoamend.org/
http://www.pfaw.org/
http://www.democracymatters.org/
http://www.hudsonvalleyprogressives.org/
http://www.artsforpeace.net/
http://www.voteraction.org/
http://www.citizen.org/
http://www.corporatepolicy.org/
http://www.amiba.net/

In, addition, if you are so inclined...

1.  Sign the petiions (others might be available, as well) at:

http://www.movetoamend.org/
http://www.freespeechforpeople.org/
http://pfaw.org/

2.  Contact your elected officials to encourage thier support of "H.R. 1826", "S.752"; "HJRes74" and [in the House...} "H.R. 4790;" and

3)  Stay tuned for some videos of the event.  [These will be posted if at all (I'm still learning) possible!]

If any errors have been made here --- or any sponsoring / involved organizations have been left out --- please let me know and corrections will be made!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Ward 4 and 5 Issues - Ward 4 Everette Hodge Exhibit - Planting Posies - Chips'NDips - Yousa...


Burned Out House In Ward 5 / Prior to Christmas 2009


Time [April 2010] to Do Something About This?


Photo 1:  Part of an Exhibit at the Everette Hodge Center Celebrating Black History Month
[I took these before vacation - sorry for the delay]


Does the "Dream" live on?



Ward 4 or Ward 5 Issue?  Time for a Solution?


Rumor has it that this road [which runs in front of the burnt out building in the first photo] may be "taken out".

True or False? 
Good idea or bad? 
Necessary?


Sunflowers


Just Plain Cute!

---------------------------------------------------------

This place is hopping with citizen activism of late...  but there is a lot more work to be done.

I'm overwhelmed...  but still doing what I can where I can when I can...

Any feedback on the Above?

Don't forget to check out the Chips'NDips Entertainment Site as well.  Some of the plants and such should be blooming by mid-May --- and many (I hope) in time for the Citywide Lawn Sale on June 12th!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Kingston Neighborhood Watch Meeting


I just wanted to pop in to say that the Kingston Neighborhood Watch meeting appeared to be a huge success - and that a whole bunch of people are talking about it in a positive manner!

I didn't take any photos or videos - as I wanted to pay attention - to the presentation - in full.

Really impressive!

Thank you.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

A Thank You to President B. Obama, VP J. Biden, Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, UC Legislature Michael Madsen, Alderman Jen Fuentes and a Whole Bunch of Others...


A thank you [on the National and State front] to President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Maurice Hinchey for standing strong for Health Care Reform.  If you click on "Countdown to Change..." www.flickr.com/photos/moveon/sets/72157622792953046/show / you will come across [towards the end, look for the clown...] some photos that I (and some others) took at a rally outside of Congressman Hinchey's office.

A Thank You [on the local front] to UC Legislature [District 6] Michael Madsen for all that he has done and continues to do for this community...

And a Thank You [also on the local front] to Ward 5 Alderman Jen Fuentes and a whole bunch of others for handing out [door to door] pertinent cititzen information packets; participating in various clean-up efforts, planting community gardens, instituting the Kingston Neighborhood Watch and..................................

You know who you are... 

And I...

Thank You!

Some Photos from the Lion's Expo Show "Chips'NDips Entertainment" - and Vacation

  

THE BIG MAN "WALKING ON WATER"

THE BIG MAN "WALKING ON WATER"


Saturday, April 10, 2010

Chips'NDips...

Chips'NDips Entertainment at the Lion's Expo March 2010 [1rst Video taken on this camera by assistant, BF; Edited / Clearer videos hopefully pending / Learning curve....]

[Lions Club Expo ChipsNDips Entertainment 2010; as submitted to You Tube on April 10, 2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4CExHfZVII]

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Postscript: The Other Two Videos Have Been Removed

Friday, April 9, 2010

Link - Organizing for America BarackObama.com "Benefits of Reform" - New York State - Video - Blog Update


Photo by BF / Utilized With Permission

Organizing for America BarackObama.com Benefits of Reform:  http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/benefitsofreform?state=NY&email=jsmith37%40hvc.rr.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

I'm struggling to learn new software programs and [at the same time] receiving plant, shrub, tree, etc orders [these have to be dealt with pretty much immediately] on a daily basis... 

So it might be a while before I get the latest videos that I have [Chips'NDips show at the Lion's  Club Expo / April City Council Meeting...] on site.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

As far as the latest City Council Meeting notes...

I think that would be redundant [the meeting has been covered pretty extensively by the local papers, city bloggers and citizen-based websites, etc!] at this point...

Except for the citizen commentary that was made at the Council meeting - out of which MaryAnne Parker's comments (for the most part) stood out (I spoke on a similar topic.) for me.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Generally speaking, if I have a "beef" (mad cow disease?) - it has to do with citizen safety, the state of the local economy and the type (in some instances) and quality (ditto) of the services [which we appear to be providing to a whole lot of people --- including quite a few that are some other town or counties fiscal responsibility (???) --- at the expense of Kingston City taxpayers] .

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 



Photo by BF / Utilized with Permission

Thursday, April 8, 2010

A Puppet "Tigger" and a Marionette... Learning As I Go


Just Monkeying Around Until I Get My Videos In The Best Possible Shape
As Always - Learning As I Go....

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Videos pending...

I have a few videos and writeups pending - one from the Chips'NDips Entertainment Lion's Club event - and a few from tonight's City Council Meeting. 

Unfortunately, however, I need a computer tech to get some things figured out first - so please hang in there...

Thank you.

April 2010 "Take Back the Night" - You Tube Video (Taos Community Against Violence) - National / Local Links for Victims - Survivors - Supporters

[ "Take Back the Night March and Candlelight Vigil" ("Taos Community Against Violence") ; as submitted to You Tube by taosexperience on October 14, 2006; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnPdWMdgmwg ]

http://www.rainn.org/

Find a SAAPM Event in Your Community! RAINN Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network:  http://www.rainn.org/about-rainn/events#n

Albany, New York --- "One of the many efforts to educate the community and to work towards preventing crimes of sexual violence. This event, held at 140 New Scotland Ave, gives a voice to victims of sexual assault, letting them know that they are not alone. This event is very diverse. During our rally we have speakers, performers, and survivors who share their stories and knowledge about sexual assault and awareness. “Take Back The Night” is a great opportunity to promote awareness as well as community."  For more information on this event "Contact Amy Vincent at amy.vincent@albanycounty.com" [http://www.rainn.org/about-rainn/events#n]

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Stream of Consciousness... Nose Dive... Sorry for the Caps but OMG... Iyiyi... Let's Get Serious

Back from a place where the streets are clean, the tourism business is booming, people are kind and respectful of one another, policemen ride a regular beat on bycycles and scooters [and are friendly / helpful to the populus and the tourists] and...

It was right here in the USA.

How about that?

What is UP Kingston?

Before I had nothing except growing up in the country and an old, old trip to CA to compare the local status with...

But now I can tell you for sure, for sure...

Something is seriously wrong with the state that the City of Kingston is in... and reading in the "Daily Freeman" upon my return that the Kings Inn (This is not a direct quote) is down as a "historical landmark" of some sort - with the mention of "art deco" worth...

OMG...!

TIP:  Take down the rusted dinasaur on the way into (and out of...) Kingston and put up a "Welcome to Kingston" / "Please Come Back Soon!" sign painted with BRIGHT HAPPY COLORS...

Get some of the crap OFF the "historical landmark" (or whatever the proper term is) list...

File for a city bankruptcy as has been suggested by some seemingly bright folks around here...

And let some folks (people that surely know more than I do about research, analysis, budgets, business, success and futuristic profitable thinking) come to KNY to sort things out!

The waterfront... 

Great potential.

Flowers and trees and tourism... 

Great potential.

Historical landmarks...

Sure. 

A few are good and necessary...

Just like not-for-profits.

BUT YOU CAN'T KEEP A CITY ALIVE ON THE PAST..

OR ON THE BACKS OF THE POOR...

I once heard it remarked that social services serve as the "economic engine" of this City...

Well guess what?

That approach does NOT appear to be working.

In fact, it strikes me as a bad sad joke...

That isn't even fit for a clown.