Free ride: State gas, tolls, cars - Times Union

      Prison superintendents were busy the past four years taking taxpayers for a ride with widespread abuse of use of state vehicles. Among those referenced in the report was the Clayton town supervisor who is also a warden.
Free ride: State gas, tolls, cars - Times Union

'Humans evolved after a female chimpanzee mated with a pig': Extraordinary claim made by American geneticist | Mail Online

       The creationists won't like this one, but a University of Georgia expert in animal breeding and genetics says we are the result of a pig and monkey breeding. Dr. Eugene McCarthy says the characteristics of humans can be explained by studying Porky and J. Fred Muggs.
     

       When women say 'all men are pigs', they may be on to something.....

'Humans evolved after a female chimpanzee mated with a pig': Extraordinary claim made by American geneticist | Mail Online

WDT: No War on Christmas Here...We Celebrate Friday Night

    The Christmas Parade and tree lighting is this Friday evening. It will be interesting to see if the commenters can find fault with the celebration of the birth of Christ.
    It will be a fun time as for the first time the parade and tree lighting are combined on a night all should be able to attend. Yes, its a different concept and I know change is difficult, but this should be a chance for one and all to come together.
    Bundle up and come on down !
Watertown Daily Times | Watertown’s holiday parade set for Friday

Night of Drinking Busted by Cops Falling from the Sky

   The eye in the sky proved a tragedy in Glasgow, Scotland when a police helicopter crashed into a crowded pub, leaving a rising death toll at what was a festive evening of patrons watching a local band.

      With all the stuff flying overhead to spy on us, there may be more of these incidents. But for the poster who doesn't like alcohol, this is one less tavern to prey on the weak and vulnerable



Glasgow Helicopter Crash: At Least Six Dead

Longmont police: 'Topless' barber arrested for practicing without a cosmetology license - Longmont Times-Call

      A Colorado woman is being held on $25,000 bail for allegedly giving haircuts at her home without wearing clothing on her upper body. Suzette Dawe was charged with criminal impersonation and barbering without a license.

     The 46 year old hair cutter had advertised her services on Craig's List.

Longmont police: 'Topless' barber arrested for practicing without a cosmetology license - Longmont Times-Call

WDT: How an Edict Becomes a Law

 I read with interest the news coverage of a proposed new recycling law.  The media says the law was proposed by DANC, but I didn't see that name on the list of fifteen Jefferson County legislators.
   I thought legislation was supposed to be proposed by a lawmaker, rather than an outside entity. The reason is now you have lawmakers boxed into debating a law not of their making. Any rejection of the idea will then be seen as knuckle-dragging on the part of pols. 
    I know we live in a world run by the bureaucracy, but can't a legislator be found to champion this cause, so we can pretend there is representative government ?
Watertown Daily Times | Salvageable idea

A Tale of Two Christmases | New York Post

   You may be in the queue at Wal-Mart but some will be shopping in the Neiman Marcus catalogue buying $585 lipstick or $7600 dresses or maybe a rare Astin Martin car for over $300K.  You can buy a ready made farm with two cows, two sheep, two chickens, ten ducks, etc for only about three grand.

For Some Santa Brings The Astin and More

     The America the media exploits by gushing over their fighting over scraps at the big box stores on Black Friday is not the America that is doing just fine, thank you.   

A Tale of Two Christmases | New York Post

WDT: The Big County's Bigger Tax Bite Come Tomorrow

       No more being financially strapped.....no more cutting to the bone....The Big County is flush starting tomorrow as the largest tax hike in county history takes effect. It's a 33% hike in the local sales tax from 3% to 4%. Combined with the 4% the state grabs, St. Lawrence County leaves the shrinking list of 7% counties and merchants are now asked to grab 8% on purchases. 
      That adds a couple or three hundred dollars on an auto purchase.
       Neighboring Jefferson County has been at 7.75% for some time, and as we have seen once the money is absorbed within a few years its back to property tax hikes and talk of "tough" budgets and being "strapped."
       In the land of a school superintendent every five miles, the beast must be fed.

Watertown Daily Times | St. Lawrence County’s increased sales tax kicks in Sunday

Poll: Christie leads Clinton in Pennsylvania

     With sinking poll numbers and a sense he is being marginalized early in his second term, the political class has shifted from the now tired and passe' Barack Obama, and is focusing on the 2016 field.
      New Jersey's Chris Christie is polling four points better than Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania....Just so you know if PA leaves the Dems, its way over because FL, OH ,CO,VA and WI will have gone before it.
      I liked Hillary in 2008, but I think her time has passed for 2016. My guess is she does not run, but if she does, it won't be the cakewalk she has been led to believe. It's always tough and 2016 will be no different.
Poll: Christie leads Clinton in Pennsylvania | TheHill

The Day After Thanksgiving

   Just when you think you know it all. The Hitchcock classic The Birds was on the TV at Pete's tonight and we were watching Tippi Hedron get pecked in the attic and messing up that very stylish green suit.  The customer next to me said she is Melanie Griffith's mother. I never knew that.

Tippi Hedron

 

   All the usual faces were back at Pete's tonight. Today was a decent day on Pearl Street with  more than one person saying today feels like a Sunday. I put up the Christmas decorations up today at the bar, but picked up a couple extra items when at the Mall tonight. All my shopping is done.
    There were a lot of comments on the piece about Jasmine's brush with the law. I am sympathetic that cuffing her was drama, but I do  think when you get a ticket, make sure its adjudicated. As for unlicensed drivers, I bet there are way more of them than anyone admits based on the number of arrests for it. Heck, an unpaid parking ticket can get you suspended, and with the public routinely being humbled by Operation This or That, I betcha   one out of ten people driving isn't licensed.
    Thanks to Caitlyn from Pete's for bringing over dinner yesterday. Fred raised a fine daughter.

Black Friday: One man is STABBED in row over parking space and 'shoplifter' is SHOT by police | Mail Online

   Its a big country, so there are bound to be a few instances of idiots who take shopping to the next level. It is a spectacle as people crowd stores and malls in a mass hysteria aided and abetted by media with little else to talk about.

Crowds Team With Tempers for Occasional Outburst

 

    One thing is for sure...The foreign press loves stories that make Americans look foolish and there are many willing to oblige.

Black Friday: One man is STABBED in row over parking space and 'shoplifter' is SHOT by police | Mail Online

Mobster left to be eaten alive by pigs | New York Post

      If you play in traffic, you might get run over. This kind of retribution sends a powerful message for sure.

Mobster left to be eaten alive by pigs | New York Post

The Bay's News Leader Visits Pearl Street

       Alex Bay royalty stopped in on Pearl Street last night as Critter and his posse rolled in.
Blogger Johnny Truesdell, owner of the wildly popular  www.abay.com  and his friend Bryan Tidd  filled me in on the latest from the sleepy river town.

     Still unresolved is the story broken on ABay about the NYC Cab seen at a local stores with three goats in the back seat. An added aside to the summer tale. The cab's back seat was lined with a plastic tarp to catch the waste, but the vehicle is said to have reeked to high Heaven.
       I am told all is well in the Bay and that Mayor Jury is doing a wonderful job running the village.
     
    

‘The Girl with Half a Face’ tells Sarah Atwell’s story of living with tumor - NY Daily News

        Just when you think you've got problems, along comes someone with real challenges and its compounded by human nastiness.  17-year old Sarah Atwell of Nova Scotia has an incurable malady that causes tumors to grow on her face.

     Just something to remember when you think the world is crashing down because you missed on the flat screens on sale at Wal-Mart.

‘The Girl with Half a Face’ tells Sarah Atwell’s story of living with tumor - NY Daily News

Bill de Blasio: I Will Chat with the Unions

   Lefty mayor to be Bill deBlasio is in for a lesson in liberalism when he tries to tackle expired public employee labor contracts and the $7Billion in retro pay the unions want as part of any settlement.
    Mr deBlasio says he will sit down with the unions to explain to them why they have to agree to cost cutting measures.
    I suspect the progressive mayor who ran on a soak the rich mantra will find out who is really in charge.
Bill de Blasio: Mayor Bloomberg's Budget Balanced...With An Asterisk | New York Daily News

Newzjunky - Freedom Candidate Gets a Look at the Alternative

     Former City Council candidate Jasmine Borreggine was cuffed and stuffed this past week in what is reported to have been a mistake in her driving records related to a years old cellphone ticket.
    Ms. Borreggine was headed to the store and was pulled over for speeding when it was discovered she had a suspended license. She was arrested for unlicensed operation and taken to the pokey and held on $100 bail.

Jasmine Borreggine (Right) Campaigns Last Summer on Caprice Island

     The 27 year old church lady was upset at what happened and this woman with decidedly libertarian views  now has some first hand experience with the heavy hand of government.

Court Notice Requesting Suspension for 2009 Ticket

 

     Ms. Borreggine emerged from her primary fight in sixth place, but was widely recognized for her speaking skills and her call for "more freedom", something she recently found less of.
     The former candidate had said she hopes to run again in the future although a notation in her clipping file of an arrest in 2013 may complicate that regardless of the end result. She did admit to Newzjunky she was speeding.
      Newzjunky - Apparent Glitch Leads to Former City Council Candidate's Arrest

WDT:Shoppers head to the stores Thanksgiving night

   Listen, I would do these stories too if I was still in the news biz.....but really, when you think about it...when you assess the journalistic imperative...Is the fact people go shopping on a day off really news ?
Or do stories like this get covered because we always have and because its an easy filler of time on air or column inches.
    Watertown Daily Times | Shoppers head to the stores Thanksgiving night

Selena Gomez is held high in the air by buff cheerleaders as she performs at Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving game | Mail Online

   It's all for a good cause and so some skimpy red leather hot pants are OK. Disney star Selena Gomez turned up the heat at a halftime show today to help the Salvation Army kick off its Red Kettle campaign.

Selena Gomez      

Selena Gomez is held high in the air by buff cheerleaders as she performs at Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving game | Mail Online

Waitress is 'fired for reporting a customer to police because she was drinking alcohol while breastfeeding her newborn baby' | Mail Online

    These days people armed with cell phones will call 911 at the drop of a hat...And its not always a good thing as these days you get charged for anything even if there are better ways to handle it.
    In this case, declining service to the woman is the better course if you have a problem with her actions.
    As for the waitress, she should have gone to a supervisor to discuss the issue before calling the law...
Waitress is 'fired for reporting a customer to police because she was drinking alcohol while breastfeeding her newborn baby' | Mail Online

The Ordeal Was Real as Turkey Day Gives Way to Black Friday

   I said I wouldn't do it....even mocking those who did...but I did it anyway.
   Armed with a couple of free hours on Thanksgiving Night, I ventured to the killing fields of Black Friday retailing. I went to K-Mart where the parking lot was full and shopping carts were hard to find.

The Lines Were Long as Black Friday Approaches

 

   I went inside and found some items I wanted  On to the checkout.....an ordeal even with 13 lines open. I waited and chatted...Getting older makes conversation easier. I waited and chatted and if I didn't have to return to work, I would have stayed...
   But it was all too much. I restocked my items and went home. I will try it again later.

$1 coins: Unwanted, unloved and out of currency - CNN.com

   The poor one dollar coin....It has a lot of selling points including its cost to circulate versus the paper dollar....but, it stands rejected by the public...and that's what matters.
   

      I think the dollar coin may fall prey to the use of plastic for everything big and small.its too bad...the public needs to realize cash is king and we need not allow all transactions to occur without being monitored.




   $1 coins: Unwanted, unloved and out of currency - CNN.com

Duchess of Cambridge arrives in stunning black Temperley cocktail dress and Jimmy Choo's for London SportsBall | Mail Online

While her hubby made news this week singing with Jon Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift, it was Kate who quickly regained the spotlight wearing an off the rack dress to a charity fundraiser in London.

Duchess of Cambridge arrives in stunning black Temperley cocktail dress and Jimmy Choo's for London SportsBall | Mail Online

Thanksgiving 2013

   Happy Thanksgiving
   What a perfect day it is with sunshine and the trees encased in snow and ice...A great morning to stand out in the back forty waiting for Jet to determine the precise location for her morning constitutional.
    After putting her back inside to play with her new Harley Davidson toy from FX Harley in Adams Center, I got the bar ready and opened for the day.

 

 

    Lots to be thankful for including this great dog and I suspect Jet is thankful to have a home and be out of the pound. There are lots of other dogs spending the holiday in the tank, and would surely like to be sprung by Christmas.

     Aside from eating, the order of the day is watching TV. Parades, three NFL games and an early morning reminder why we watch FOX as Anna Kooiman was the fill-in today for the Hasselbeck lass.

FOX and Friends This Morning

     Even though this week's storm didn't destroy the holiday as the media suggested, the anchor on FOX this AM was telling us how the Northeast is digging out after being "rocked" by a winter storm. "Mother Nature can be pretty rough"  chirped Jamie Colby after we were shown video of a homeowner who lost power briefly but now has it back.

      I always wonder where the line is drawn between inconvenience and calamity.

     Whatever you are doing, enjoy your day and don't waste the evening hours standing in line at a store....There's a new day tomorrow.

    



Test to See If You Can Be Inside the Beltway

     Here is a test to see if you are a DC insider sent to me by former DC insider Cary Brick.....Cary is now a Clayton insider,
I was in the 96th percentile on the DC test...If Cary has a test to see if you are a Clayton insider, I will take it. I know enough about Dennis Honeywell and O'Brien's Bar to pass.
The News IQ Quiz | Pew Research Center

Obama: Pardoning turkeys was literally ‘Hunger Games’ | New York Post

    President Obama says the annual turkey pardoning is kind of like the fight-to-the-death competition to be spared from slaughter in the popular movie Hunger Games.

President Obama and Daughters Sasha and Malia Pardon a Bird

 

 That's true and that might be good reason for this real life spectacle to pass into history.
      It was the first President Bush that started the pardoning photo op....I wonder if they are really allowed to live, or it like the line about being able to keep your doctor and health plan.

Obama: Pardoning turkeys was literally ‘Hunger Games’ | New York Post

WDT:North country politicians oppose medical marijuana bill

      So our North Country lawmakers oppose medical marijuana, the camel's nose under the tent that essentially legalizes weed while allowing pols to keep talking about the war on drugs.
       Such a bill will have to pass with urban votes as rural lawmakers will want to take the safer course.
Watertown Daily Times | North country politicians oppose medical marijuana bill

Indiana Pizza Hut manager fired for refusing to open on Thanksgiving | Mail Online

   He got fired not for principle but for insubordination and for trashing the company that employs him. The course of action is to raise the issue with management and if you can't resolve it to your satisfaction, suck it up and do your job. Of course you can quit and blab to the Daily Mail, reducing your future employment prospects.
Indiana Pizza Hut manager fired for refusing to open on Thanksgiving | Mail Online

Julia Roberts claims Jennifer Lawrence is 'too cool' for the unofficial title America's Sweetheart | Mail Online

   You cannot be America's Sweetheart forever and 90s icon Julia Roberts concedes she may have to give way to a new generation headed up by movie sensation Jennifer Lawrence.   To be America's Sweetheart you have to have that girl-next-door appeal and forego the Miley Cyrus antics.
   

At 46, Julie no longer America's Sweetheart

Hunger Games Star the New Sweetheart ?

 

 

     In all this discussion, did anyone think of Jennifer Aniston ?  At 44, she may be getting too matronly as well. 

 

Julia Roberts claims Jennifer Lawrence is 'too cool' for the unofficial title America's Sweetheart | Mail Online

NJ bill would fine drivers for eating, smoking behind the wheel | New York Post

   In the quest for a perfect world, New Jersey lawmakers are now considering a law to ban all non-driving activities behind the wheel, including smoking and eating. I would think Washington may want to follow up with a ban on cup holders...and those drive-up fast food windows
should be closed because they introduce food into the cockpit which could be consumed while underway....

Hunt is On for More Distractions to Ticket

 

      One would suspect the potential for ticket writing alone would bring our state along with this latest bit of nanny state.
NJ bill would fine while ers for eating, smoking behind the wheel | New York Post

WDT: School District: Pay Up or Get Out

      Little Allyson Ivey will have to leave her neighborhood school in the City of Watertown to be bussed over five miles away to the General Brown School District after the City School Board said no exceptions to the 1947 lines that set up the current system of 700 plus school districts across the state. The bright eyed girl has till the first of the year to pay up or get out.
     The eight-year-old and her mom  recently moved from Francis Street to the new Creekwood Apartments, which is also in the city but in a situation best understood by those well marinated in the system, some of the apartments are in the city district and some fall in the Brownville school system.
      Worried about state aid and property taxes, GB refused a bid to redraw the boundary when the project was built.  Watertown officials refused to trade students and property on Floral Drive for the Creekwood property.

Map Shows Portion of Creekwood in the City but Also in GB School District

 

       City School officials say the girl has to pay out-of-district tuition. In a scene those steeped in the system can understand, every day two sets of busses drive into the complex, taking some to city schools and some to schools far away from friends and neighborhood.
      Making city school district boundaries conform to municipal boundaries would likely require state legislation, something lawmakers are unlikely to do. So this silly anomaly will continue and kids will get up in the morning with a school in sight but a long meandering bus ride awaiting them with, getting home after dark this time of year.
      The operators of the housing complex are frustrated with the border issue and say its tougher to rent units on the GB side of the project because parents value the prospect of a school a couple of blocks away.
      I am glad I grew up in an era of neighborhood schools. I can't imagine moving into that complex and subjecting kids to that hassle everyday.
      PS:  If Allyson's mom were  teacher, she would be allowed in the city schools tuition free no matter where she lived.       
Watertown Daily Times | Watertown school board holds the line on boundary exception request

Pope Francis: No more business as usual – CNN

   Pope Francis continues to preach a more grass roots approach to spreading the gospel and in a message to the Church he oversees, called for less focus on polishing the chalices in Rome and more outreach to the poor and marginalized in society.
      "I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security," the Pope said in a major new statement.
      The Pontiff also derided the money culture which he called idolatry and again called for fewer culture wars and suggested a change to the policy of denying Communion to some. Said Pope Francis, the Eucharist is not a "prize for the perfect" but instead a way to bring Christ into the lives of those who need it most.
Pope Francis: No more business as usual – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs

Governor Cuomo Announces State Police Increase Traffic Patrols for Thanksgiving Travel | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

   While you are struggling to cope with wintry weather on this Thanksgiving, don't forget New York State is looking to write lots of tickets with extra patrols and roadblocks.
    The weather is offering up a variety of road conditions that should give motorists reason for extra caution on what is billed as one of the year's busiest travel days.
     It's not the 'storm of the century', but allowing some extra time is still a good idea.
Governor Cuomo Announces State Police Increase Traffic Patrols for Thanksgiving Travel | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

The Marzano Lass Opens Real Estate Business

    Navigating the world of real estate is a challenge for many of us, but the job is a lot easier when you do business with Watertown's newest realtor,  Marzano Realty, run by the very affable and professional Tara Marzano.
    Tara is Ralphie's daughter and is ready to sell your property or help you find the right home.

Chatting With Tara at Pete's

 

 

      Tara is part of a family-oriented local business...Marzano Paving and she hopes to

 bring the same home town charm and personal service to her real estate venture.
      Tara is joined by her ace salesperson Carol Wright. 
      The number for Marzano Realty is 788-7777 !   Call Today !

A Monster's Prey Remembered at Graveyard Ceremony

    A melancholy befell the North Watertown Cemetery this morning as four dozen or so friends and relatives of 11 year old Jack Blake gathered to dedicated his gravestone after 41 years in an unmarked final resting place.
    Young Jack was a fifth grader at the newly opened Wiley School when he was assaulted and murdered by a monster who went on to kill 12 others, including a little girl named Karen Ann Hill whose lifeless body was found under the Pearl Street Bridge, her mouth stuffed with dirt.
   Father Murray from Holy Family officiated as mourners heard a moving letter from Jack's best friend who now lives in Raleigh, NC.
   

 

       This was a nice event and I am glad I went. It was a reminder of how precious life is and of the 41 Thanksgivings all in attendance have enjoyed that young Jack never could.

US to Afghanistan's Karzai: Sign security deal or we'll pull out all troops next year - World News

      I hope he doesn't sign it.

US to Afghanistan's Karzai: Sign security deal or we'll pull out all troops next year - World News

Weather Will Be a Turkey

   Looks like a pretty harsh lead-up to Thanksgiving with all sorts of wintry weather coming our way on Wednesday.  
   Make it a safe holiday, by adjusting your activities and getting as much done today as possible.  The heavy, wet snow expected could cause power outages and travel will be challenging.
7-Day Forecast for Latitude 44°N and Longitude 75.91°W

Gov. Cuomo Scores Strong Job Approval Rating In Latest Quinnipiac Poll | New York Daily News

   Pick your favorite poll....Quinnipiac has the Governor at a 62% approval rating from New Yorkers, while last week's Siena Poll had Andy at 44%.
    At 44 he is vulnerable...at 62, he is not, as Mr. Cuomo heads into 2014.
The most viable GOP challenger seems to be Westchester Executive Rob Astorino, but it's still a very tough race.
Gov. Cuomo Scores Strong Job Approval Rating In Latest Quinnipiac Poll | New York Daily News

Is your TV spying on YOU? | Mail Online

      Data mining has become the excuse for ever increasing intrusions into your world.
While a lot of the spying centers on national security, commercial interests looking at your viewing and buying habits also are very much in the game, even using the ubiquitous family television.
       A man has discovered his family's new LG television was spying after he started noticing targeted ads showing up. He was clever enough to start monitoring what his TV was up to and its scary.
        Especially vulnerable are sets linked directly to the Internet. Can you go to Best Buy and specify you want a TV that doesn't spy on you ?
       Probably not....your buying decision is being monitored too.

Is your TV spying on YOU? | Mail Online

WDT: Is It Necessary to Keep Moving Up Black Friday ?

         Just because you can do it, should you do it ? That's the question as stores creep the traditional "Black Friday" into Thanksgiving Day.
        Getting the edge is what retailing is all about but retailers seem like the dog chasing the car with all this Black Friday stuff. It has become a media spectacle on a slow news day, and competitive shopping has been instilled in a portion of the public. Maybe if I was 22 again, I would find running to the Mall more entertaining than I do now, but I suspect the Thursday hours will not be the attraction desired.
        I think 6AM Friday is plenty early,

Watertown Daily Times | Black Friday becomes Thanksgiving Day affair as retailers open on holiday

WDT: Thirty Point Bulge from Absentees Sink Wind

    The final totals in the Cape show reelected Supervisor Urban Hirschey captured 76% of the absentee votes to go along with the 46% of the Election Day votes in winning his race.
     Mr. Hirschey says wind is done as an issue and now its time for the town to heal.
Watertown Daily Times | Hirschey, Aubertine and Bragdon win in Cape Vincent

Now You See It...Now You Don't-| New York Daily News

        Imagine an everyday product used routinely is suddenly deemed off limits..So it will be soon with Styrofoam containers..at least in the City of New York. The current and future mayors support the ban.
        We have tubes of foam cups at the radio station I work at. Many workplaces do, as do food and beverage outlets who use the popular material that critics say is not environmentally friendly.
       Ten minutes in use...500 years in the landfill, or so goes the talking point.
Supporters, Opponents Of Foam Ban Sound Off At City Council Hearing | New York Daily News

A Donated Headstone to Bring Closure to the Sad Tale of Jack Blake

       The first victim of the monster Arthur Shawcross will get a headstone Tuesday at 11 AM. Jack Blake was murdered on April 7, 1972 and his body was found in September, 1972.
       A service will be held at 11AM for Jack and a long overdue head stone will top his grave.

Jack Blake

Arthur Shawcross | Photos 3 | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers

WDT: Neighbors Fleshes Out Plans for Empsall Building

   Neighbors of Watertown should soon complete the purchase of the former Empsall Department Store meaning NOW will own the entire Court Street Building where they now own the upper floor Brighten Apartments.
    NOW plans to preserve the historic aspects of the store as it renovates the building which most recently had housed a children's play facility called Velocity.
      This is a welcome addition to the synergism that is transforming downtown Watertown.
Watertown Daily Times | Neighbors to buy, restore Empsall building

Are yoga pants the new jeans? How trend-led workout clothes are making fashion statements outside the gym | Mail Online

    Sweat suits are passe' and new designer workout clothes are needed for your trip to Planet Fitness or the Y.......

Might Be a Little Edgy for the Y

 

 

Are yoga pants the new jeans? How trend-led workout clothes are making fashion statements outside the gym | Mail Online

WDT: NY Doesn't Really Think Drug Dealers Care About Paying Sales Tax , Do They ?

   Hate to break it to everyone, but most drug dealers don't pay sales tax on their product....And a lot of others don't either.
     That's why the state likes big corporate businesses more easily tracked and compliant. For many smaller businesses or not-for-profits, sales tax is largely reported on the honor system. A little for them and a little for me....In some cases nothing for them, and getting greedy attracts attention especially when you talk about it.
     Tebb's Head Shops were located in several upstate cities and villages in a brazen attempt to sell previously unregulated drugs like 'bath salts" in normal storefront locations.

A Tebb's Head Shop in Syracuse Raided

 

     The owner of Tebb's piled up quite a bill and it makes you wonder how easy it is not to pay. Of course the widespread use of credit cards makes it tougher to slide by if they are looking at you.
     But they have to be looking.
     In our industry they have gone to making distributors report product sales to an establishment so that in an audit they can extrapolate sales .  Fact is if you are at that point, they have already decided you are going to pay.
    Best solution ?  Just file on time and pay up.

Bath Salts  Seller John Tebbetts

     Oh and another thing. People buying drugs really are not having their sales tax remissions "stolen" as they likely have no expectation or understanding of such a collection. They are just paying twenty bucks to get high and be useless.
     There is an interesting ethical question about whether as local government officials we want to be receiving and spending "blood money" from the sale of a harmful product.....Some would argue if Mr. Tebbett's had paid sales tax, our local municipalities would have had more money for essential services.  Of course saying you don't want that kind of tax revenue would involve government having a conscience.

Watertown Daily Times | AG: Tebb’s Headshop owner evaded $300K in sales tax

Smith Edges In To Third....While Rochester Voters Come Through for the GOP in the Cape

 The final tallies for this year's Council race are in and now its game on for 2015, at least for fourth place finisher Cody Horbacz.   The final tally lifted incumbent Jeff Smith into third place, but the top two spots and the seats on the Council go to Teresa Macaluso and newcomer Stephen Jennings.
    Mr. Horbacz has already announced for 2015 after what turned out to be a stonger than expected showing this year.
     In other election  news, out of town voters carried the day lifting Supervisor Urban Hirschey to a win after he had trailed by 75 votes in Election Day tallies. 

Anti-Wind Supervisor Urban Hirschey

 

      Cape elections twist on sentiments towards wind and the breeze from across the lake was anti-wind.
       All kidding about Rochester aside, Mr. Hirschey garnered about 46% on Election Day and would have needed about 63% of the absentees to prevail. That's an unusual split since absentees usually follow in-person votes closely. However, given the issue involved and the proponderence of out of area people choosing to vote in the Cape rather than their other home, it's not that surprising.

Watertown Daily Times | Councilman Smith overtakes Horbacz in final results

How a Syracuse fire chief earned $73,000 more than base pay during his final year

   Most of us go to work and get paid what we get paid. But in  government there are all sorts of extra ways to get paid for doing what you are supposed to do.  While gaming the pension system isn't as easy as it used to be, its still done.

Former Syracuse Deputy Fire Chief Mark McLees  made$182K in Last Year on Job

 

How a Syracuse fire chief earned $73,000 more than base pay during his final yet
ar | syracuse.com#incart_river_default#incart_river_default#incart_river_default#incart_river_default#incart_river_default#incart_river_default

Miley Cyrus older sister Brandi shines on the red carpet at American Music Awards | Mail Online

      Miley's spate of publicity be a boon for her classier older half sister Brandi who is a guitarist and blogger. Brandi showed up at the AMA Awards last night and caught the eye of many on the Red Carpet.

Brandi Cyrus

Miley Cyrus older sister Brandi shines on the red carpet at American Music Awards | Mail Online

Killer winter storm sweeps east...Good Week to Stay in Neighborhood Bar

       It looks like there's a chance of sketchy weather as we go over the meadow and through the woods for Thanksgiving.
       It's time to get in the Holiday spirit or spirits if you will and for me its a couple days off from the HOTLINE  and the chance to see friends on Pearl Street. Stop by Thursday if you get the chance.
       What are your plans for the holiday ?
Killer winter storm sweeps east

WDT: Jefferson County Legislature to take up trash debate

    A new law requiring recycling is being considered by the County Legislature. It would require tenants to sort stuff and landlords to provide the means and methodology to do so.
     I'd rather see movement to a co-mingled system so we don't have all those containers at the side of the road. 

      New projects with well designed recycling areas enclosed  from the elements may work, but much of our older housing stock  will just create cluttered rows of containers in back yards.
      There is no real consequence to not recycling other than the scorn of tree huggers, so this law will be like any local law.  No one will pay attention until its passed and there is someone inconvenienced or someone cited.
       Next time I am at Pete's I will have to get an explanation on all of this.
Watertown Daily Times | Jefferson County Legislature to take up trash debate

WDT: Fence-gate

    Everybody wants to weigh in on Jake Johnson's fence.
     There are two schools of thought. One is the law is the law and the brazen breaking of it must be punished or else the rules of a civil society mean nothing.
     The other school of thought is that Mr. Johnson is a folk hero standing up to the folly of arbitrary one-size-fits-all laws that are preventing him from making his property more attractive.  
      One wag even tried to compare Mr. Johnson to civil rights icon Rosa Parks, showing the dangers of comparing the banalities of everyday life to historic events. Mr. Johnson is not a Rosa Parks and the codes office is not the Gestapo.
     Mr. Johnson is a hard worker who likes to get things done and feels the ends do justify the means. He did not want to pursue the due-process approach to changing a law.
     He does raise some great points about unintended consequences of laws. That happens all the time, as laws are passed in reaction to real or perceived travesties or injustices.
      It's also true there are many worse looking properties and there are bigger fish to fry. Mr. Johnson says he intends to appear at the December 2 Council meeting. It will be interesting to see if he can mount the charm offensive needed to convince a majority to rethink the law.
     Even if that happens its a process that includes drafting, review and debate, so he still faces the issue of what to do with his Mullin Street property which is in violation.
Watertown Daily Times | Fence-gate

Palin slams MSNBC for allowing Bashir insult | New York Post

   Of the mean spirited, smug liberals on MSNBC, Martin Bashir takes the cake. The other day he suggested someone should defecate in the mouth of Sarah Palin. Classy talk from the Peacock Network.
Palin slams MSNBC for allowing Bashir insult | New York Post

New Week

      No Council meeting this week, although the School Board meets Tuesday and we will see what they do with the young lady who really wants to keep attending city schools.
       I ran into former City Clerk Donna Dutton at Pete's tonight.  Donna looked like she is enjoying retirement and says she is a daily reader of this blog. It was good to see her husband Mark getting around well following a mishap four years ago.
      It's a three day week on the HOTLINE as we get two days off for Thanksgiving.
      I don't think there is anything else profound happening, so I hope you all enjoy the kickoff to the Christmas season. (No War on Christmas here.).
     

Poll shows Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has higher job approval rating than President Obama - NY Daily News

     Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is more popular than President Obama among his constituents according to a new survey.
    Forty-two percent of Toronto residents approve of the job the Mayor is doing, an astounding number given his spate of bad press.
    The Mayor was elected in 2010 with about 48% in a three way race. He is within striking distance of reelection next year.

     Mayor Ford has support among immigrants, blue collar Canadians and the more suburban areas of Greater Toronto.
     
Poll shows Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has higher job approval rating than President Obama - NY Daily News

New York State building student database on test scores, medical records - NY Daily News

  The dreaded "permanent record" youngsters have to worry about will no longer be just in the principal's office. It will be in the cloud as NYS requires all data on students be sent to an Atlanta company where it will be stored.

 

Don't Worry....Its For the Children

 

   Grades, medical issues, attendance....All there.
    Very Orwellian of our educators I would say.
New York State building student database on test scores, medical records - NY Daily News

Santa look-alike ‘pushes’ elderly man onto subway tracks | New York Post

      Isn't it the victims fault for standing so close to the tracks ?

Santa look-alike ‘pushes’ elderly man onto subway tracks | New York Post

Doorknobs BANNED in Vancouver as local government pushes to make houses more elderly-friendly | Mail Online

   Betcha Mayor Bloomberg wishes he had thought of this...In Vancouver, City Hall has banned the use of door knobs and requires lever latches more friendly to older door openers.
     Is it nanny-state politics ?  Yes, of course it is.
Doorknobs BANNED in Vancouver as local government pushes to make houses more elderly-friendly | Mail Online

Egg ‘agents’ recruiting hot actresses for IVF donations | New York Post

    Attractive, talented, high SAT scores, free of chronic disease ? You could make extra cash being an egg donor for couples looking for that perfect child through in-vitro fertilization.

Pretty Actresses Like Jennifer Lawrence Could Be Sought After

 

     There is work involved. Weeks of hormones and a "harvesting" procedure that takes half an hour under anesthesia.
      Leaving less to chance makes sense for those with the cash to seek that special egg.
Egg ‘agents’ recruiting hot actresses for IVF donations | New York Post

WDT: A new beginning

      It's good to see optimism concerning the various redevelopment projects in our downtown. A new generation of property owners along with a long list of public and private interests has brought Public Square and its environs to a critical mass symbolized best by the long-sought rehabilitation of the Woolworth Building built nearly a century ago as a replica of the retail giants NYC HQ.
      Watertown Daily Times | A new beginning

Legislature Files Legal Challenge Against Moreland

    The parlor game in Albany is called "quash".....Finding ways to quash those pesky subpoenas from the Moreland Commission seeking more information about legislators outside business interests especially their income and legal clients.

Stop the Madness...Senate Wants Moreland Slowed

 

    Moreland is supposed to  be curing the spate of corruption that has led to higher arrest rates in the Capitol than in any inner city.
     One can bet the era of good feeling between lawmakers and the Governor is over as Mr. Cuomo's hand picked commission continues its fishing expedition in search of clean and virtuous governing in New York.

Legislature Files Legal Challenge Against Moreland

Bam's Bomb Deal Billed as Historic...Critics Say Otherwise | New York Post

   It is billed as a historic agreement on non-proliferation, but critics like Israel's PM Netanyahu call it a historic mistake that makes the world less safe.
    Six nations reached the deal with Iran which creates a framework for further talks on limiting nuclear development in the Islamic republic.   Some relief from sanctions will be provided and some delay in getting the bomb will occur.
Historic deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program | New York Post

WDT: Purcell looking to buy Watertown schools property

   Looks like the property that once housed Butterfield School will be in private hands soon as reports are that Purcell Construction plans to buy the ten acre plot for possible future development.

Former Butterfield School

 

    Butterfield was part of the golden era of education when neighborhood schools were the order the day providing that special link of a school nearby you could walk to. Its not quite as nice today as less density of students and consolidation for economy has meant fewer such schools.
    Back when I was growing up I attended Brookview Elementary School in Irondequoit. It was a short walk and Mom could literally see the school from the corner where we lived.
    Now so many youngsters get their common core after a long bus ride to an education gulag miles from home.
     Back to Butterfield. It is good to see Mark Purcell so active in local projects as his successful firm provides a motivated native of Watertown the means and inclination to improve things. Hopefully the site of the former school will be a place for families and kids again.
Watertown Daily Times | Purcell looking to buy Watertown schools property

Forget Rob Ford, Canada is chock full of scandal | New York Post

      Canadians may find it hard to get too worked up over crack mayor Rob Ford, since the country has lots of other political scandals to pay attention to. Mayors, premiers, even the Prime Minister are in or close to some kind of controversy at the moment.
      Of course we live in righteous times with everybody investigating everybody both north and south of the border.
Forget Rob Ford, Canada is chock full of scandal | New York Post

DoD seeks plan to shut all U.S. commissaries | Federal Times

   It will never happen as the pressure from service and veterans groups will be intense. I don't know enough about commissaries to know if they are really needed. Since I am not in the retail grocery business, I don't have a dog in the fight.
    I've never been a fan of the government being in the nightclub and bar business except for the old days of an officers club and NCO club.
    They lost me when they built a brew pub because the CG wanted a bar with his name on it.
DoD seeks plan to shut all U.S. commissaries | Federal Times | federaltimes.com

Miley Cyrus' milestone 21st birthday celebrations are marred after her house is burglarised and 'personal items' are stolen | Mail Online

      Now she can have a drink with friends and enjoy all the privileges of adulthood.  As for the break ins, she needs a watchdog and some home security.
Miley Cyrus' milestone 21st birthday celebrations are marred after her house is burglarised and 'personal items' are stolen | Mail Online

The Law is an Ass....Sometimes

    A jury is being asked to decide if a photo of a male ass in blue jeans is indeed that of veteran rocker Rick Springfield....And if it is, did the ass fall from the stage at a Syracuse concert in 2004 striking Vicki
Calgano in the head causing brain damage.

          Mr. Springfield was summoned to a Syracuse court room to attempt to authenticate his butt.

#RickSpringfieldsAss

WDT: Imaginary Line Creates Stress for Familly Caught in the Middle of the Folly of Government

        We are a nation of lines and little Allyson Ivey crossed it. Ignorance of the law is no excuse is the government mantra.
        Privately top educators in the county will tell you its about the money as enrollment and assessed valuation are key in the "financially strapped" education business, especially at General Brown district which has flirted with insolvency.
        The plight of Allyson is the one I wrote about the other day, and today's WDT story summarizes the particular plight of an eight year old caught in a situation that is unique.

Times Photo Shows Allyson Straddling Imaginary Line

 

        Its a situation in which residents of the City of Watertown do not attend city schools due to construction of an apartment complex on land annexed into the city which had been part of the General Brown district based on lines drawn in the 1940s.
        Since its conception I have said the Creekwood Apartments, while a nice addition to the north side, creates a dilemma for families who can see a school from their driveway but have to have kids bussed to another community miles away.
      Efforts to mediate a solution failed, as General Brown would only yield if there was a trade for them picking up students in the Floral Drive area of outer Arsenal Street.
       Governing is not solely about dogma, it involves judgments. If it were not we would need no judges, only police...
        While standing ones ground is important, realizing life is not black and white is needed too.
        After talking to all the parties involved, It would be nice if the owners of Creekwood could help relocate Allyson and the School District take the high road and allow the child to stay.
         City school officials should be happy this one student is so intent on attending, when so many in the chattering class run down the district.
         As a city taxpayer, I have no problem with helping this child out.

Watertown Daily Times | LINEOFDEMARCATIONANDSTRESS

Newzjunky: City Man Says Mullin Street Fence Could Conditionally Remain

     I spent a lot of time this week trying to mediate the Creekwood border dispute and while maybe the school districts need a fence so the people know, I will let other Council members delve into Jake-gate.
     The Mullin Street fence fight would be a good sound bite generator for the "we are a nation of laws" crowd.
City Man Says Mullin Street Fence Could Conditionally Remain

Common Core 'modules' draw laughs, shock from Saranac Lake School Board - AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Saranac Lake region — Adirondack Daily Enterprise

   Meanwhile, the professional educators continue to argue over "common core", as if the public understands or cares about this parlor game among the elites.
Common Core 'modules' draw laughs, shock from Saranac Lake School Board - AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com

How Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, can stop her Marilyn moments | Mail Online

     Royal watchers are critical of Princess Kate's skirt choices which on windy days is showing too much of the Royal Thigh. It is recommended these Marilyn Monroe moments could be prevented by sewing weights into the hems, something the Queen now does to maintain her modesty.

On a Trip to Canada

 

       While such scenes on Pippa would be welcome by the stuffy British press, the future Queen's leggy displays is a tougher pill to swallow.

How Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, can stop her Marilyn moments | Mail Online

Cold to Trigger Heavy Lake-Effect Snow This Weekend

   Some areas near the Great Lakes could get a good dose of snow this weekend while most areas like ours will see lesser amounts as colder temperatures sweep the Lakes.
  

 

       It looks like we need to be a least a little bit ready to face the elements as November winds down.

Cold to Trigger Heavy Lake-Effect Snow This Weekend

WDT:Prospective owners waiting to close on Watertown’s Masonic Temple, say they want to ‘bring it back to all its splendor’

    A pair from Clayton are the prospective owners of the long-decaying Masonic Temple in downtown Watertown, but the two says they expect to restore the building to its former grandeur. I am not sure when that grandeur was, but I know the building as it sits is a money pit.
    I certainly admire people who want a challenge, but this is going to take a lot of private money as the public funds are committed elsewhere.
    If these two take title, they should do so knowing the scope. Others who have talked about "saving" the building have not presented a plausible plan. Ears are open to hear from the latest group.
Watertown Daily Times | Prospective owners waiting to close on Watertown’s Masonic Temple, say they want to ‘bring it back to all its splendor’

Sleazy online site swipes pretty students' Facebook pictures without their permission and posts them publicly for perverts to rate | Mail Online

   Bottom line, there is no privacy on-line, so don't put up there what you don't want all over or don't want prospective employers to see. Yes there are sites that scan Facebook looking for enticing photos to repackage as entertainment....

You Can Be a Reluctant Star

 

   There is a whole generation grossly overexposed on line...And little can be done to put the genie backing he bottle.
Sleazy online site swipes pretty students' Facebook pictures without their permission and posts them publicly for perverts to rate | Mail Online

Winter 2013 Trends Plus Size Fashions

Here are few Plus Size Fashion Trends on winter 2013:

1. Leather Fabulous
2. Glamor Earthy Tones
3. Everywhere Jeans
4. Military Chic-Look
5. Romantic Rocker Luxe
6. Powerful Animal Prints
7. Knee-high Boots 

From colors to styles, from fabrics to accessories, all plus size fashionistas in any shape they embrace have their own stylish solutions to look incredibly stunning and gorgeous. And with the weather cooling down we are now flocking to our favorite retail stores to get ready for the long and cold winter ahead. Well look no further. The fall trends for plus size women are right on track and totally fabulous. For this Fall Winter 2013 for plus size women, the good news is that all of these trends embraced the classics with a return to emphasize femininity and glamour in most elegant way. So, all in all, this season is a big girl’s dream comes true to look standout, powerful, and sparkling. The leather trend is in high gear this season from full leather skirts and jackets to leather trimmed leggings – even outfits with leather detailing –, while the color palette highlights luxury of autumn-y earthy tones including maroon, mustard, rustic, olive, brown, khaki as well as monochromatic black, grey, and white.