No way I will ever catch up with all the mail you send! In the newsletter box alone there are 1472 emails, and thousands more in the INBOX and elsewhere. If you ever send me an email and need a timely answer, I suggest you resend 24 hours later, or call if I do not respond. As you can imagine, some get missed for a while. Some also go to spam, such as one I sent from me to me!! Go figure.
BTW, fitting subject title, don’t you think?
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VUDU
Got mail on this, and rather than list all, let me answer a question or two. VUDU offers around 20,000 or so movies and TV programs, as I heard last. I am sure it is up now. You will not usually find them all on at once because surfing 20,000 video offerings would take longer than watching a couple of movies. So they have limited to a smaller number and change up weekly so you can ultimately view all the offerings.
Where a cable or satellite company will have a dozen or two offerings, VUDU has much more. They both do pay per view, but VUDU allows you to buy and keep on hard drive, where cable/sat only allow you to rent.
Can you load a VUDU movie onto your computer or flash drive? No, not in digital, though you could via analog connection.
Will VUDU work in the car? Yes, with a 12vdc to 120vac inverter.
Is VUDU portable? More so than a DVD player as it is smaller.
Can I use it in a rental house? I assume you mean in a house you rent to others such as a vacation house. Yes, you can load movies on to it and let your tenants watch.
Can they buy movies on my account? No, if you lock it from downloading via password.
Are all VUDU movies HD? No, as all movies are not HD, but VUDU still has the largest collection of HD movies to date, or so I have read. Some download companies have not yet mastered and implemented HD movie download.
It has only 1 terabyte? Yes, which is plenty unless you intend to load a lot of HD content. Then you can add another VUDU for 2 TB of storage. Of course, why buy? Just how many times do you watch the same movie (unless you are 5 and its Disney)? Once? Twice? So renting is much more economical. Then those few classics can be purchased and stored.
How much is it? They make 2. The first is a 250 GB unit that sells for $299 and is now only available at the big boxes and online. The second is1TB at $999. This is the better one with more capability and better suited for good HDTV sets and home theater. I do have one of the lesser sets in stock if anyone wants one, but custom installers only get the better box, not the big stores.
Is the remote a universal one? No, but it is the neatest, easiest to use I have seen. Whoever designed this was a genius. It is RF, meaning you can operate it from the other room with no accessories. A thumbwheel and 4 buttons do it all!
Now what have I missed? Ask me some more.
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The Economy
It is obvious the anger. Not only are congress people pointing fingers and blaming the other side, but citizens are blaming each other! If you are a Democrat, you are blaming Republicans whether politician or neighbor, and the same goes for Republicans. First, let me say this: I was not and have not been responsible for this economic mess! Like I ever had that much money, sheeeesh! Nor are most of my neighbors, regardless of party. so quit trying to label people around you and blame them. Out it where it belongs, on congress. Any of them could have stopped this, but they never wanted to. Democrat, Republican, you name it. They all let it happen. Same for presidents, so quit acting high and mighty and telling me which party is at fault. One thing that seems to be agreed upon is that it started back in the Carter days (and yes, I like Jimmy).
…………
Joe,
I was in the mortgage industry in the mid 90's to late 90's. When people realize it started with Carter with the Community Reinvestment Act and really steamrolled with the Clinton crowd you would think it would shed some light. I dug this up the other day and have sent it to a few friends and thought you might enjoy it also.
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September 30, 1999
Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending
By STEVEN A. HOLMES
In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.
The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.
Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.
In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates -- anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.
''Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment requirements,'' said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. ''Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.''
Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that 18 percent of the loans in the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market.
In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's.
''From the perspective of many people, including me, this is another thrift industry growing up around us,'' said Peter Wallison a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. ''If they fail, the government will have to step up and bail them out the way it stepped up and bailed out the thrift industry.''
Under Fannie Mae's pilot program, consumers who qualify can secure a mortgage with an interest rate one percentage point above that of a conventional, 30-year fixed rate mortgage of less than $240,000 -- a rate that currently averages about 7.76 per cent. If the borrower makes his or her monthly payments on time for two years, the one percentage point premium is dropped.
Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, does not lend money directly to consumers. Instead, it purchases loans that banks make on what is called the secondary market. By expanding the type of loans that it will buy, Fannie Mae is hoping to spur banks to make more loans to people with less-than-stellar credit ratings.
Fannie Mae officials stress that the new mortgages will be extended to all potential borrowers who can qualify for a mortgage. But they add that the move is intended in part to increase the number of minority and low income home owners who tend to have worse credit ratings than non-Hispanic whites.
Home ownership has, in fact, exploded among minorities during the economic boom of the 1990's. The number of mortgages extended to Hispanic applicants jumped by 87.2 per cent from 1993 to 1998, according to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. During that same period the number of African Americans who got mortgages to buy a home increased by 71.9 per cent and the number of Asian Americans by 46.3 per cent.
In contrast, the number of non-Hispanic whites who received loans for homes increased by 31.2 per cent.
Despite these gains, home ownership rates for minorities continue to lag behind non-Hispanic whites, in part because blacks and Hispanics in particular tend to have on average worse credit ratings.
In July, the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed that by the year 2001, 50 percent of Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's portfolio be made up of loans to low and moderate-income borrowers. Last year, 44 percent of the loans Fannie Mae purchased were from these groups.
The change in policy also comes at the same time that HUD is investigating allegations of racial discrimination in the automated underwriting systems used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to determine the credit-worthiness of credit applicants.
To hear today's Democrats, you'd think all this started in the last couple years. But the crisis began much earlier. The Carter-era Community Reinvestment Act forced banks to lend to un-creditworthy borrowers, mostly in minority areas.
Age-old standards of banking prudence got thrown out the window. In their place came harsh new regulations requiring banks not only to lend to un-creditworthy borrowers, but to do so on the basis of race.
These well-intended rules were supercharged in the early 1990s by President Clinton. Despite warnings from GOP members of Congress in 1992, Clinton pushed extensive changes to the rules requiring lenders to make questionable loans.
Failure to comply meant your bank might not be allowed to expand lending, add new branches or merge with other companies. Banks were given a so-called "CRA rating" that graded how diverse their lending portfolio was.
In the name of diversity, banks began making huge numbers of loans that they previously would not have. They opened branches in poor areas to lift their CRA ratings.
Meanwhile, Congress gave Fannie and Freddie the go-ahead to finance it all by buying loans from banks, then repackaging and securitizing them for resale on the open market.
With those changes, the subprime market took off. From a mere $35 billion in loans in 1994, it soared to $1 trillion by 2008.
…………
Joe:
It is a discredit to yourself that you would tout a Fox News program as being straightforward and in the know. Just today, there have been two articles detailing how Phil Gram and the Republican Party set up this climate of de-regulation that lead to this melt down. But, both parties are in the pocket of the financial institutions. The bankruptcy reform bill would never have passed without Democratic votes. However, at the present time, the Republican party still controls legislation because it can block anything in the Senate. So, even if the Democrats wanted to change the regulatory environment, they can't without the Republican votes.
And, don't forget, the Republicans are saying the CRA and loans to minorities caused this meltdown. That is an outright lie and Fox News is no source to give any credit to.
Peace,
jsa-Then I am busted! I have a friend that is extremely well respected in financial circles, the top echelon of the Buffets, Templetons, etc. He is quite informed and knowledgeable on matters financial as his research is used by these titans of finance. He also has much disdain for both parties. When he recommended that I watch this show, I took his advice as I had called him to ask how this all came about. He told me this would answer it. I watched, called him back, and discussed it, mentioning that it seemed that there was some bias. He said what? Maybe, as all news media have bias (remember, he is a member of the journalism corps as well), but the facts are there and quite valid, regardless of Fox or CNN ,or…or…I have known this person since just past birth and have trusted his word as he mine, as we both know the other knows his business, and will acknowledge what he does not know. In other words, we trust each other and don’t shoot any BS at each other. We are resources for each other. And he is held in such high regard by the international financial kings that they all want to be interviewed by him, which would not be the case if he were a hack.
Having said all that, he and the program are right. Add in whatever is missing, remove any bias you think you see, but the facts, the taped comments of the guilty, all of it stands and is irrefutable, FOX or no FOX, as my friend says, with disdain in his voice for both parties.
As for the low income demographic loans, how can it not be the cause? Let’s see, you get a house for NO downpayment, you get a LOWER interest rate than everyone else for a while, then it is adjusted up a few years later. In the meantime, an economic decline happens, your house value slides, your salary cut, hours cut, job lost so you cannot pay the monthlies. What do you do? Walk away. No equity in it, no loss of down payment, it was cheap rent while it lasted. CYA (in both ways). So who gets it who has to keep paying on it? And what happens? These were not a lot of the problem, but enough, along with everything else, to break the camels back.
I cannot think of any middle class working average Joe or Mary ever agreeing that this is the way loans should be made. After all, they both have to put it down, so why should they have to be on the hook for those who can’t? it just does not make sense to the average American, and now we see why.
Socialism mixed with capitalism gets very confusing and discombobulated, causing losses in both. If you can ever combobulate them, let me know.
…………
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/05/mccains-keating-5-scandal_n_132103.html
Joe,
While I agree that neither party's hands are clean when it comes to this country's economic mess, for many years McCain has been at the center of movements to deregulate banks and other aspects of the financial market.
Please check out this link to the Huffington Post as well as the 2 attached articles.
jsa-Yes, and when you start crying about McCain digging up old garbage not relevant, remember what you are doing here: the same sin, so guilty you are. Mac has publicly stated the Keating decision was a mistake on his part, and he wished he could correct it. But he can’t, other than to admit it was wrong, which is more than Dodd or Schumer or Frank are saying now. Yes it was a mistake. Give the man credit for admitting his mistakes publicly, apologizing for them, asking for forgiveness, learning form them, and acting to correct them. Who in politics does this? (Clinton, only some of it, after he is caught lying.)
Is deregulation bad? Well? We deregulated telephone, airlines and much else. They improved due to competition and got cheaper. Banks have become more competitive, at least until recently, though the consolidation will raise consumer costs due to a lack of competition. The real problems are numerous, the main being lack of oversight and punishment, and more importantly, the lack of control by congress that allowed these financial institutions to run wild. The business sector only did what it was allowed, and forced, to do.
…………
Pretty good if you have the time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZVw3no2A4
…………
Joe,
I have attached VISION that I wrote last week and presented before the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women on 10/4/08. It was received very well. The last part of VISION asks for participation in a march on D.C. in the Spring of 09 to protest the greed, sale of votes by members of the House and Senate, embezzlement, fraud, lies, extortion and continued power grabbing by members of the House and Senate. I have e-mailed the major news outlets in Columbia about this.
Would you be willing to help advertise the march on D.C. in the Spring of 09 once the organization called "Pitch Forks and Torches" (PFT) has its 501c3 status and is better organized? Let me know and let me know your opinion of VISION.
Carolyn B. Watkins, M.A.,R.D.,R.N.,C.D.E.
CEO
Rock Castle Nursing and Nutrition Services LLC
700 Ridge Trail Drive
Columbia, S.C. 29229
Phone: 803-699-7369
Fax: 803-788-7335
email: rockcastleinc@aol.com
website: www.rockcastlellc.com
jsa-Here it is.
VISION
Our forefathers were George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth
Pinckney, Pierce Butler and others. The last 4 were from South Carolina and signed the Constitution of the
United States.. What does the Constitution say about the VISION that these men and other men who
signed the Constitution of the United States had? Read the Preamble to the Constitution of the United
States to answer this question.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more
perfect union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility,
provide for the common defence, promote the general Wel-
fare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our
Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the
United States of America.
What does the preamble to the Constitution of the United States mean? What did it mean to our
forefathers and the signers of the Constitution of the United States? What does "We the People" mean?
That means you and I. This means that the Constitution of the United States was written for the
PEOPLE of the United States. What does "promote the general Welfare" mean? Does
anyone think that "promote the general welfare" meant allowing members of the House
and Senate to look the other way while 2 companies that were backed by the Treasury of the United States,
who by the way has no money but what the tax payer gives it, while the CEO of Freddie Mac who was
Franklin Raines and the CEO of Fannie Mae who was James Johnson stold money from Freddie Mac and
Fannie Mae? How many of you have seen the Utube video from a hearing by a sub committee called
Government Sponsored Enterprises Sub-Committee with Representative Richard Baker (R La )chair in the
House of Representative in late 2004? This sub-committee had received a report from the Federal Housing
Enterprise Oversight People critical of how the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE), which were
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, had been managed and was severely critical of the accounting practices by
Fannie and Freddie. The Democrats on this committee NOT only ignored the warning in the report, they
assulted Armando Falcon, who was Director of the Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, for the content of
the report. The following are comments made by the Democratic members of this committee
about the report and about Armando Falcon:
Barney Frank (Democrat from Massachuetts) made a comment that there is nothing in the report on
Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE) that raises safety and soundness problems
Maxine Waters (Democrat from California) - under the OUTSTANDING leadership of Franklin Raines (CEO
of Freddie Mac) everything under the act in 1992 has worked just fine. In fact the GSEs have exceeded
their housing goals.
Gregory Meeks (Democrat from New York) I am pissed off because the report on the GSEs gives
people an excuse to do away with the GSEs….the GSEs have done a TREMENDOUS job!
Lacy Clay (Democrat-Missouri) stated This is a "political lynching" of Franklin Raines. who by the way
received a 1.1 million dollar bonus on an annual salary of $526,000.00 as CEO of Freddie Mac in 2003.
The Democratic members in this hearing REFUSED to give the warning in the report on the GSEs
any credibility and instead criticized the Director of the agency that issued the report. NOW, 4 years later,
the tax payers of the United States are being REQUIRED to "BAIL OUT" the U.S. Treasury, the banks who
bought these bad loans and Wall Street people who have benefited from the loans given by Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac. This is NOT what our forefathers meant when they wrote in the preamble of the United States
Constitution "to PROMOTE the general welfare". There is a difference between insuring and promoting
and by taking the risk out of lending and borrowing and FORCING the tax payer to "BAIL OUT" the risk
takers the tax payers are being FORCED to INSURE and NOT PROMOTE the "welfare" of the risk takers. How
can this be constitutional? I DO NOT NEED A SUPREME COURT RULING ON THIS! I know that this is NOT what
our forefathers meant by "promote the general welfare". It is time that we let members of the House and
Senate know this too!
In addition, ALL of the money given to House and Senate members by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG,
Lehman Brothers, Bear Stern, Wachovia, City Bank, etc needs to be given toward the "BAIL OUT". Why
should members of the House and Senate get to keep money given to them that influenced their votes
to allow the GSEs to continue operating using "improper accounting practices" and improper
management practices. There were a whole lot of people that benefited from all this get rich at
the expense of the tax payers of the United States and it was NOT the tax payers. Why should we allow
people who work for us to keep the money given them to buy their votes to ignore the fact that Fannie
and Freddie were going bankrupt and not REQUIRE them to give ALL that money toward the "BAIL OUT"?
Would you participate in a march on Washington D.C. in the Spring or Summer of 2009 to protest the greed,
arrogance, deceit, lies, embezzlement and incompetence of our elected and unelected leaders that led to
the "BAIL OUT?" Pray about this and let me know.
Carolyn B. Watkins
Citizen, tax payer and voter of the United States of America
…………
Holy Guacamole, Joseph! "my favorite president, Jimmy Carter"?! I hope that remark was facetious. This joker was a disaster from the start. And if it's possible, he's been a worse ex-president than he was a president, some of his actions, IMO, crossing the line into treason. When I was plying my trade during his administration some of the cabin attendants remarked that my PA announcements sounded just like him, and I made a concerted effort to correct that.
But anyway, here's a 1999 New York Times article that pretty much establishes the cause of the current meltdown (courtesy wrisley.com), although the Times being the Times, they looked upon it as a "good thing" at the time. You won't find much about this in today's news media, especially the Times, and I would be surprised if this story is not removed from their web site soon, but it's still there as of now:
Here Dr. Thomas Sowell confirms that the Democrat Party, the principal culprit in all this, is rather successfully blaming everybody but themselves for this situation. And it looks very much like the American people are buying this, and will put the inmates who caused this disaster fully in charge of the asylum next year.
It looks like we are going to be living out the old Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times."
jsa-Guilty! Guilty! Guilty! I like Jimmy for his heart and ethics. Maybe I was a young idealist when he was prez and don’t know all about him. But as am older idealist, I still like him.
I am now off the Christmas party list?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Your Comments and Odds & Ends (10-3-08)
Friday is the last day to register to vote (actually Saturday is, but the voter registration office is closed that day). Here is the form: http://www.state.sc.us/scsec/vr/VR_Blank_Form.pdf. The voter registration people will usually take it if it is postmarked Saturday, and Richland has been kind enough to take them if they are pushed through the doors before Monday at the county office. But I suggest you do it Friday.
There is much more detailed info at the far bottom about voting and the constitutional amendments we are to vote on.
Joseph, I have six tickets to the USC v Ole Miss game in Oxford, MS for sale.
Let me add to your business....I need Tennessee - Georgia tix for Oct 11th!
Joe, hey wanted to know if you knew anybody with 4 lower seats to the SC ,Clemson game?
Hey Joe,
I'd love to buy 4 tickets to the LSU game if you hear of any. A parking spot would be great too. Thanks!
Great! I have passed the word on. Email me about any. Now that those are out of the way……..
Homeless
Joseph,
I attended the meeting yesterday, and got there about 1:30, so as to arrive early, since your notice said it began at 2 p.m. The meeting had already started. However,i did get to speak. I understand that there is a three minute rule, but I had not been speaking much longer than three minutes (if that long) when Mr. Austin interrupted me when I bought up an issue that had been raised by a someone who had spoken prior to me, The fact was that some of these people are homeless because they cannot take advantage of housing due to the fact that they have been in Jail.
When I further addressed this issue by saying that some of these people have benn in jail as a a result of the fact that the city often chooses to throw them in jail for loitering and pan handling, and that this causes the city not have enough police officer oftentimes to protect us from real crimes (shop lifting, breaking and entering, etc) and that it is the Tax payer who ends up paying because rather than dealing with the issue, the police e just throws these people in Jail/
It was at this point that I suggested (as i have done before) that there needs to be some criteria or system in place in which people who have been in jail for loitering and pan handling and people who have been in jail for shop lifting or violent crimes. The person who bought this up "works at a law firm on Bull street," had mentioned that she had offered to help some homeless people get job a at her law firm, by driving them around to get (birth certificate and other needed documents so that they could get into housing. After she had done this work on behalf of the homeless, they could to get housing because they "had a record."
It was at this point that Austin tried to get me of the stand." I did finish saying what I needed to say however. I told the city that rather if they spend less time complaining about this, and more time trying to work with community, existing programs and businesses, rather than giving lip service and going by "The not in my back yard" excuse, they may accomplish more.
I had even mentioned that city work initiatives that are advertised in the Big DM, also be advertised in free Publications inn free Publications such as "Free Times," City Newspaper, and other free publications that these people actually read. I also suggested that they put leaflets on the blank advertising spaces not used on the buses, and that they be distributed at the transit station, where these programs targeted towards programs could be seen by the homeless. I even suggested that rather than paying $10-$15/ hr to get people to pick up trash, that they try paying some of these homeless people to do it. Again Austin mentioned that my three minutes was exceeded.
I should also point out two council members here: Kirkman Finley, who conspicuously absent, and E.W. Cromartie who was text messaging during a rime when someone else was speaking. When I did get to speak,I thanked the council for allowing me to speak, and prefaced my comments by saying that I followed the rules and turned my cell phone off, and asked Council member's not to text message or answer calls while I was speaking. Adding that the Councilperson who was doing that as someone else was speaking, exhibited "the height of Rudeness.)
My impressions are as follows: (1) Austin is going to do what he is told to do. (2) Tony Lawton will at least attempt to try to communicate with the Public. According to Tony,the city will be getting input from the citizens of Columbia " within the next 14-21 days." (3) Coble will do what it takes to satisfy whoever has objections with words more than actions. (4) Rickenman and Gergel in my opinion came off as the only two who were genuinely interested in being at this meeting, for the purpose of making a positive difference.
Rick Baty
Sharing something about my City and my dad...Thanks Joe!
jsa-Glad to. He was a catalyst for much good. We need more like him.
…………
Hi Joe,
I just had to comment on the statement that helping sway his followers to vote for Coble when he promised to do the recycling thing, if elected, constitutes a blemish on Rick Baty's record. This does not create a blemish on Rick's record nor anyone's record, it is an honest and open way to achieve some very important things and obviously you were willing to go the same route. Whatever kind of leader Coble became or whatever kind you might become if elected would not blemish Rick's very dedicated and unselfish efforts. A fact of life, and Rick knew it, the people who admired and were part of that group of followers were strong thinkers who walked with as opposed to being followers. In plain words you could not lead them where they felt they should not go, they went based on their own knowledge and research.
Rick Baty was a dear friend of mine. I attended his and Anna Hata's wedding, at that time he was Raja Swarr (probably spelled incorrectly), saw their daughter when she was just days old, I watched as he returned to being Rick and Anna Hata returned to being Nicki, there when they painfully separated. I was with them back when environmentalism was a joke and people wished we would all just get lost. I was there as Nicki nursed him in his illness and we all suffered when he passed on. It was indeed a great loss to everyone in this city and state. Rick was an example we could all follow and wish more of us would. So I do thank you for reminding us of some of his wonderful efforts and reminding us of this very special person.
Needed
Hey Joe,
I would appreciate it if you could forward this email to your list serve. Thanks for all that you do.
From: Scott Coots [mailto:scoots@hdsvans.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 4:26 PM
To: scoots@hdsvans.com
Subject: We Need Your Help!
Dear Customer,
We are working with a non-profit charitable organization that is setting up a driving experience in an accesible modified racing car at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The date of the event is October 23-26, 2008. The event will be held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The non-profit would like to rent or requests the donation of a Class A motor home for the event.
If anyone knows where to rent such an RV or has one that they would donate the use of we would greatly appreciate you contacting us.
I can be reached at 770-422-9674 or mdresdner@hdsvans.com.
Thank You,
Michael Dresdner
Michael Dresdner
Handicapped Driver Services
1310 Kennestone Circle
Marietta, Georgia 30066
770-422-9674
mdresdner@hdsvans.com
www.hdsvans.com
Atlanta Jacksonville Birmingham Nashville
…………
Joe,
How are ya? Me...doing better, getting my strength back.
I am writing to let you know that I am in need of a file cabinet (a small one would work). If you know of anything, please help me.
Take care of yourself.
Eboniramm
Main Street Jazz
www.eboniramm.com
803-665-7036
Hydrogen: Hope or Hype?
Plenty to read: http://www.designnews.com/channel/Hydrogen_Power_Hope_or_Hype_.php
Flooding
One kind reader, an engineer, always keeps me informed about flooding issues as he is concerned that we make the same mistakes on the banks of the Congaree as other states have made with their rivers.
From the NSPE newsletter: (NSPE => National Society of Professional Engineers)
Overdevelopment may have worsened flood damage.
In continuing coverage from Wednesday's edition of Daily Designs, the Washington Post (6/19, A1, Achenbach) reports in a front-page story that some in Iowa suspect that "this natural disaster wasn't really all that natural" and "that the heavy rains fell on a landscape radically reengineered by humans." However, while "[o]fficials are still trying to understand all the factors that contributed to Iowa's flooding,...not everyone has" such suspicions. In fact, "some Iowans who study the environment suspect that changes in the land, both recently and over the past century or so, have made Iowa's terrain not only highly profitable but also highly vulnerable to flooding." Jerry DeWitt, director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University, "sense[s] that the flooding is not the result of a 500-year event," because "[w]e're farming closer to creeks, farming closer to rivers," and "[w]ithout adequate buffer strips, the water moves rapidly from the field directly to the surface water."
The Wall Street Journal (6/19, A4, Belkin) adds, "As the swollen Mississippi rolls south, breaching levees, drowning crops and submerging towns, a debate is intensifying among scientists, environmentalists, and developers about whether development not only flirts with disaster, but helps cause it." The Journal notes, "Since the historic flood of 1993, nearly 30,000 homes have been built on land that was underwater around the Mississippi and Missouri rivers near St. Louis. This weekend, the dwellers may find out if they built wisely."
Meanwhile, "[a]s floodwaters slowly receded from much of Iowa on Wednesday, authorities focused their attention on a swollen Mississippi River that punched through at least two levees in Western Illinois and increasingly threatened hamlets in Missouri," the Los Angeles Times (6/19, Huffstutter) reports. "Federal officials said as many as 30 levees were in peril."
"Twenty levees already have been topped by flood waters this week," according to the Army Corps of Engineers, the AP (6/19) adds. "The levees in danger protect rural, industrial, and agricultural areas, not heavily populated towns. The levees protecting large towns are not as at risk of overflowing, officials said."
A related AP (6/19) report notes that "[t]he White House is asking Congress for $1.8 billion in emergency disaster aid for the flood-ravaged Midwest." Meanwhile, "[a] dozen senators in both parties are pressing to add money for levee repair and help for displaced homeowners, among other pressing needs."
Flood pollution raises concerns. USA Today (6/19, 3A, Gomez, Dorell) reports, "Human waste overflows, fertilizer runoff, and floating propane tanks are raising concerns in the flooded Midwest but should not cause severe or long-term environmental problems, health officials say." Karen Timberlake, Wisconsin's secretary of Health and Family Services said that "[s]erious chemical pollution from factories and chemical plants 'aren't concerns because we don't have many reports, just isolated cases and leaks.'" She said that, "at least for now,...health concerns are rather mundane: 'bacteria...stomach upset...and (the possibility of) tetanus.'" USA Today notes, "The sole wastewater treatment plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is inoperable, and Pat Ball, the city's utilities director, said it won't be up and running for months. That means raw sewage will continue spilling into the river and affect cities downstream, just as waste from damaged cities upstream continue to flow into Cedar Rapids' water supply."
The City
Joe,
You can bet your sweet ass that the city is "broke"!!! Yet, they are spending over $100,000 to do a new salary survey so they can once again "legitimately" boost salaries of those in the big building on the corner. Also, they just hired a new Deputy Finance Director which is a brand new position for the city @ $85,000 per year. They still have to fill the Finance Director's position at about $110,000 per year. Not to mention the literally thousands of dollars that they are spending to do a search for someone for the position. Two months ago Austen was in the newspaper with a statement that there is a "job" freeze on in the city since they are trying to conserve funds. That was and still is a lie--they are posting jobs and hiring people right and left. He put that in the paper to get everyone off his butt about spending so much money. Also, it is about time for Austen's "helpers" at city hall to get another "pay adjustment" that does NOT go thru council for approval.
…………
Joe:
Incompetence reigns…disgusting!
Subject: FW: City Finances Update
-----Original Message-----
From: Coble, Bob [mailto:bcoble@columbiasc.net]
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 9:55 AM
Subject: City Finances Update
I wanted to give you an update on our efforts to correct problems in the City's Finance Department. This week we had a training and orientation session for the Audit Committee that was conducted by Jackie Breeland a CPA. I have copied and pasted an email from our Interim Finance Director Missy Caughman with this week's status report. Additionally, I will send by separate email send a report from staff outlining how we are protecting the City's assets in view of the national financial crisis. If you have any questions please call me at 315-4123 or email. Thanks
From: Caughman, Missy
Sent: Fri 9/26/2008 5:43 PM
To: Austin, Charles Sr. (City Manager)
Cc: Ellis, William H
Subject: FW: FY 06/07 Audit & FY 07/08 Close Status
Mr. Austin
Here is the weekly update on the status of FY 06/07 and FY 07/08.
FY 06/07
*Bud Addison received a final draft of the CAFR on September 17.
*The final draft of ordinance to amend the FY 06/07 budget was sent to Legal on September 25 for review and placement on the October 1 agenda for City Council approval. The budget amendment will need to be approved in order to finalize the CAFR.
*A tentative date to send the CAFR to the printer for publication is October 17.
*The FY 05/06 A133 Single Audit (audit of grant accounts) final entries are also being reviewed by Bud and we have expressed to him that this is a high priority.
FY 07/08
*Bill Ellis is leading City staff with closing of FY 07/08. The MASC team is assisting in these efforts and will be partnered with City staff as much as possible for the training and coordination of the work.
*Staff is evaluating the journal entries and work performed on FY 06/07 as a basis for possible entries needed in FY 07/08. Once the prior year entries are reviewed, we will have a better idea of time frame for completion of the FY 07/08 closing and issuing of the CAFR.
* We will deliver to you a schedule of events (with appropriate terminology) in addition to weekly progress reports of FY 07/08 within the next 2 weeks.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please let me know.
Thanks
Missy
…………
From: Coble, Bob [mailto:bcoble@columbiasc.net]
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:09 AM
Subject: Part II City Finances Update
In view of the national financial crisis, we asked City staff to review our investment status. I am attaching that report for your review. Thanks
Points concerning the City’s cash and investments position.
General
The City is subject to state law concerning its cash and investments policies. State law requires a very conservative policy with which the City complies.
Cash
The City’s primary bank accounts are with First Citizens Bank. Other banks are also local.
Deposits in commercial banks are collateralized by government securities. This means that for practical purposes the deposits are 100% "insured" by the federal government.
There is no reason to believe that the local banks in which the City’s deposits are held have any exposure to the types of loans or investments ("sub prime products") that have been at the root of the nationwide credit crisis.
Accordingly, the City’s cash is collateralized and in banks with no perceived exposure to high risk assets.
Investments
Investments are in two groups:
o Group One – investments administered by Merchant Capital. These investments are very conservative and are in or collateralized by government securities. The status of this portfolio was discussed with Brent Robertson and Trey Monroe and all agreed that the City’s investment position was as conservative as practicable.
o Group Two – these investments include the City’s Treasurer’s Fund and several smaller funds and approximate $96.3 million at June 30, 2008. These investments are under the custodianship of U.S. Bank and also are in government securities.
All the City’s investments are under a custodian or trustee – this adds a further level of protection due to their fiduciary duty to "perfect" the City’s ownership of the securities that they administer.
We obtained and reviewed a market value report received from U.S. Bank for the Group Two investments. Overall the market value is in excess of the cost of the investments (giving rise to an unrealized gain). This analysis supports the conclusion that the City’s investments are high quality (otherwise the market value would be diminished due to credit concerns).
Cash and Investments Summary
Cash is conservatively managed and positioned due to the local banks used and because of the collateral "insuring" the City’s deposits.
Investments are also positioned conservatively with respect to credit risk (i.e. credit risk is practically eliminated due to the state’s limitations on investments and the City’s investments in government securities) and the investment’s market value exceeds cost.
Bond Insurance
This matter was discussed with Brent Robertson and Trey Monroe of merchant capital.
The City’s exposure is limited to one bond – the 1993 Water and Sewer Bond which is insured by AMBAC. Currently, AMBAC’s credit rating is adequate (AA). If AMBAC is downgraded the worst case is that the City would have to deposit $7.3 million in a reserve fund (essentially the City would set aside the last year’s payment).
Even in that event, there should be no effect on the City’s bond rating because the City has adequate cash to satisfy the reserve requirements.
Other options in the event of an AMBAC downgrade are to secure a letter of credit to support the debt or to acquire other insurance. In any event, the City should be able to manage the worst case without any significant disruption.
To Do
We will continue to monitor the credit markets and the City’s market position; however, at this time the City is as conservatively positioned as could reasonably be expected.
Miscellaneous Received
If anyone has any old phones they have replace you can donate them to Sistercare in Cayce. They can wipe the Eprom and give them to women at risk. Even if the phone doesn’t have service 911 sill has to work by law. I know they would really appreciate it and they can use any and all old cell phones they can get.
…………
Write in SHERRI ABBOTT for Richland County Clerk of Court November 4th.
Visit the web site: www.sherriabbott.com
View full size
Forward this e-mail to everyone in your address book.
............
'Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.'
jsa-My definition is not nearly as descriptive, but another word for PC is hypocrisy.
…………
Something we won’t worry about this year (a rerun)
A farmer from South Carolina dies and, being a heathen, goes to Hell.
When he gets there its 95º F with 90% humidity, but Satan notices he's
kicked back on the brimstone relaxing comfortably.
He asks, "Why aren't you miserable like everyone else here?" The farmer
replies, "Oh, this is like a warm spring day in Columbia . I like it."
Angry, Satan turns up the thermostat until its 100º F and 95% humidity.
Still, the farmer's happy. "This is like a good June day on the farm.
Not bad at all."
Furious, Satan turns it up to 105º F and 99% humidity. Everyone is even
more miserable, except the farmer from South Carolina still resting.< BR>
"Hey, this is like a good August day on the farm bailing hay. Feels good
the hotter the better."
In a total rage, Satan turns the thermostat down to minus 25º F. Within
seconds, the air becomes chilly and frost appears, soon followed by
solid ice everywhere. Satan smirks, watching the farmer.
The confused farmer looks down at the frozen ground for a moment,
suddenly jumps up excitedly, looks around everywhere and begins to
laugh, scream, and jump for joy.
Scroll Down…..
"THE GAMECOCKS WON A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Good Morning Everyone,
Thanks to each of you for coming out last evening to hear two really good and informative speakers. Both Rob Godfrey and Adam Piper did a superb job – we are indeed fortunate to have these two young people on the conservat ive side of the equation.
I know the information provided below is lengthy, but please be patient and read every line or better still print it for quick reference. If you have further questions and can’t get them answered by logging onto scvotes.org, just let me know and I will try getting the answers in a timely manner.
There are some local issues that are not yet available. I will let you know just as soon as I receive the information.
Thanks everyone,
LN
ALL UNDERSCOR ED INFORMATION SHOWN BELOW IS ACCESSIBLE BY LOGGING ONTO SCVOTES.ORG
VOTER REGISTRATION ‘PHONE NUMBER; 576-2240
October 4th is the Deadline to Register to Vote in the 2008 General Election.
November 4th is Election Day 2008. Polls are open 7 am to 7 pm.
Register to Vote
How to Vote
List of Candidates - Federal & State
List of Candidates - by County (coming soon)
Constitutional Amendment Questions & ExplanationsSouth Carolina Voter Registration Information
*********** ******************************************************
***UNDERSCORED INFORMATION: PLEASE LOG ONTO SCVOTES.ORG AND CLICK ON THE UNDERSCORED FOR MORE INFORMATION.
How to Register
A citizen who wishes to register to vote can register in perso n at their county board of voter registration; or they may download a form, complete it, and mail it to their county board of voter registration.
Voter Registration Application
County Boards of Voter Registration - Mailing Addresses & Contact Numbe rs
Who Can Register?
In order to vote, South Carolina law requires one must first register to vote at least 30 days prior to the election. To be eligible to register in South Carolina you MUST:
• be a United States citizen -be at least eighteen years old on or before the next election
• be a resident of South Carolina, this county and precinct
• not be under a court order declaring you mentally incompetent
• not be confined in any public prison resulting from a conviction of a crime
• have never been convicted of a felony or offense against the election laws OR if previously convicted, have served the entire sentence, including probation or parole, or have received a pardon for the conviction.
There is no length of residency requirement in South Carolina in order to register to vote. You can register at any time.
You must be registered at least 30 days prior to any election in order to vote in that election. Registration by mail applications must be postmarked at least 3 0 days prior to that particular election to be eligible.
Check Your Voter Registration Information
Note: When checking your voter registration information, you must provide your name, county and date of birth as it appears on your voter registrati on card in order to view your information.
Your Voter Registration Information
Update Your Voter Registration Information
If your voter registration information has changed (name, address, etc.), and you still live within the same county, you may update your voter registration information using this form. If you have moved to a different county, you will need to re-register in your new county (see How to Register above).
Students
Students may register to vote where they reside while at tending college.
Students can use the following documents as proof of residency:
• a copy of a current, valid photo ID (driver's license, student ID, DMV-issued ID cards, etc.)
• copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or othe r government document that shows your name and address in the county
Many college students who live on campus receive their mail at a campus post office box. These students must register at the physical address of their dormitory. The student's P.O. Box can be provided for mailing and contact purposes.
Voter Registration Drives
If you are planning a voter registration drive at an institution of higher learning, please make sure you have the National Voter Registration Application for student s who maintain their residency outside of South Carolina. For a list of addresses of Election Commissions throughout the country please see the Election Assistance Commision web site.
Absentee Voting
Absentee Voting for Military & Overseas C itizens
Voters with Disabilities
How to Use the Touchscreen Voting Machines
******************************************************************
2008 Constitutional Amendment Questions
Amendment 1
Must Section 33, Article II I of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to delete the provision that no unmarried woman shall legally consent to sexual intercourse who shall not have attained the age of fourteen years?
Yes []
No []
Explanation of Above:
This amendment deletes the section of the Constitution which says an unmarried woman must be fourteen years old or older in order to consent to sexual intercourse. Deleting this section would allow the state legislature to set the age of consent. Currently, the state legislature has the age of consent set at sixteen for most cases.
A "yes" vote would delete the section from the Constitution and let the state legislature set the age of consent.
A "no" vote would leave the section of the Constitution in place.
Amendment 2
Must Section 16, Article X of the Constitution of this State relating to benefits and funding of public employee pension plans in this State and the investments allowed for funds of the various state-operated retirement syste ms be amended so as to provide that the funds of any trust fund established by law for the funding of post-employment benefits for state employees and public school teachers may be invested and reinvested in equity securities subject to the same limitati ons on such investments applicable for the funds of the various state-operated retirement systems?
Yes []
No []
Explanation of Above:
"Post-employment benefits" are benefits, mainly health insurance, provided to eligible state government an d school district retirees.
To comply with a change in accounting standards, the state has created trust funds to pay for these post-employment benefits. This amendment relates to how the money in these trust funds may be invested.
A "yes" vote w ould give the state government the option to invest these funds in equity securities (stocks).
A "no" vote would mean that state government is not allowed to invest these funds in any kind of equity securities (stocks).
Amendment 3
Must Secti on 16, Article X of the Constitution of this State relating to benefits and funding of public employee pension plans in this State and the investments allowed for funds of the various state-operated retirement systems be amended so as to provide that the funds of any political subdivision of this State that have been set aside for the funding of post-employment benefits for the political subdivision's employees, including those invested in independent trusts established for that purpose, may be invested or reinvested in equity securities of the type permitted for investment by the various state operated retirement systems, as provided for by the General Assembly?
Yes []
No []
Explanation of Above:
This amendment is the same as Amendment 2 except it applies to local governments' post-employment benefits (instead of the state government's post-employment benefits).
________________________________________
There is much more detailed info at the far bottom about voting and the constitutional amendments we are to vote on.
Joseph, I have six tickets to the USC v Ole Miss game in Oxford, MS for sale.
Let me add to your business....I need Tennessee - Georgia tix for Oct 11th!
Joe, hey wanted to know if you knew anybody with 4 lower seats to the SC ,Clemson game?
Hey Joe,
I'd love to buy 4 tickets to the LSU game if you hear of any. A parking spot would be great too. Thanks!
Great! I have passed the word on. Email me about any. Now that those are out of the way……..
Homeless
Joseph,
I attended the meeting yesterday, and got there about 1:30, so as to arrive early, since your notice said it began at 2 p.m. The meeting had already started. However,i did get to speak. I understand that there is a three minute rule, but I had not been speaking much longer than three minutes (if that long) when Mr. Austin interrupted me when I bought up an issue that had been raised by a someone who had spoken prior to me, The fact was that some of these people are homeless because they cannot take advantage of housing due to the fact that they have been in Jail.
When I further addressed this issue by saying that some of these people have benn in jail as a a result of the fact that the city often chooses to throw them in jail for loitering and pan handling, and that this causes the city not have enough police officer oftentimes to protect us from real crimes (shop lifting, breaking and entering, etc) and that it is the Tax payer who ends up paying because rather than dealing with the issue, the police e just throws these people in Jail/
It was at this point that I suggested (as i have done before) that there needs to be some criteria or system in place in which people who have been in jail for loitering and pan handling and people who have been in jail for shop lifting or violent crimes. The person who bought this up "works at a law firm on Bull street," had mentioned that she had offered to help some homeless people get job a at her law firm, by driving them around to get (birth certificate and other needed documents so that they could get into housing. After she had done this work on behalf of the homeless, they could to get housing because they "had a record."
It was at this point that Austin tried to get me of the stand." I did finish saying what I needed to say however. I told the city that rather if they spend less time complaining about this, and more time trying to work with community, existing programs and businesses, rather than giving lip service and going by "The not in my back yard" excuse, they may accomplish more.
I had even mentioned that city work initiatives that are advertised in the Big DM, also be advertised in free Publications inn free Publications such as "Free Times," City Newspaper, and other free publications that these people actually read. I also suggested that they put leaflets on the blank advertising spaces not used on the buses, and that they be distributed at the transit station, where these programs targeted towards programs could be seen by the homeless. I even suggested that rather than paying $10-$15/ hr to get people to pick up trash, that they try paying some of these homeless people to do it. Again Austin mentioned that my three minutes was exceeded.
I should also point out two council members here: Kirkman Finley, who conspicuously absent, and E.W. Cromartie who was text messaging during a rime when someone else was speaking. When I did get to speak,I thanked the council for allowing me to speak, and prefaced my comments by saying that I followed the rules and turned my cell phone off, and asked Council member's not to text message or answer calls while I was speaking. Adding that the Councilperson who was doing that as someone else was speaking, exhibited "the height of Rudeness.)
My impressions are as follows: (1) Austin is going to do what he is told to do. (2) Tony Lawton will at least attempt to try to communicate with the Public. According to Tony,the city will be getting input from the citizens of Columbia " within the next 14-21 days." (3) Coble will do what it takes to satisfy whoever has objections with words more than actions. (4) Rickenman and Gergel in my opinion came off as the only two who were genuinely interested in being at this meeting, for the purpose of making a positive difference.
Rick Baty
Sharing something about my City and my dad...Thanks Joe!
jsa-Glad to. He was a catalyst for much good. We need more like him.
…………
Hi Joe,
I just had to comment on the statement that helping sway his followers to vote for Coble when he promised to do the recycling thing, if elected, constitutes a blemish on Rick Baty's record. This does not create a blemish on Rick's record nor anyone's record, it is an honest and open way to achieve some very important things and obviously you were willing to go the same route. Whatever kind of leader Coble became or whatever kind you might become if elected would not blemish Rick's very dedicated and unselfish efforts. A fact of life, and Rick knew it, the people who admired and were part of that group of followers were strong thinkers who walked with as opposed to being followers. In plain words you could not lead them where they felt they should not go, they went based on their own knowledge and research.
Rick Baty was a dear friend of mine. I attended his and Anna Hata's wedding, at that time he was Raja Swarr (probably spelled incorrectly), saw their daughter when she was just days old, I watched as he returned to being Rick and Anna Hata returned to being Nicki, there when they painfully separated. I was with them back when environmentalism was a joke and people wished we would all just get lost. I was there as Nicki nursed him in his illness and we all suffered when he passed on. It was indeed a great loss to everyone in this city and state. Rick was an example we could all follow and wish more of us would. So I do thank you for reminding us of some of his wonderful efforts and reminding us of this very special person.
Needed
Hey Joe,
I would appreciate it if you could forward this email to your list serve. Thanks for all that you do.
From: Scott Coots [mailto:scoots@hdsvans.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 4:26 PM
To: scoots@hdsvans.com
Subject: We Need Your Help!
Dear Customer,
We are working with a non-profit charitable organization that is setting up a driving experience in an accesible modified racing car at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The date of the event is October 23-26, 2008. The event will be held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The non-profit would like to rent or requests the donation of a Class A motor home for the event.
If anyone knows where to rent such an RV or has one that they would donate the use of we would greatly appreciate you contacting us.
I can be reached at 770-422-9674 or mdresdner@hdsvans.com.
Thank You,
Michael Dresdner
Michael Dresdner
Handicapped Driver Services
1310 Kennestone Circle
Marietta, Georgia 30066
770-422-9674
mdresdner@hdsvans.com
www.hdsvans.com
Atlanta Jacksonville Birmingham Nashville
…………
Joe,
How are ya? Me...doing better, getting my strength back.
I am writing to let you know that I am in need of a file cabinet (a small one would work). If you know of anything, please help me.
Take care of yourself.
Eboniramm
Main Street Jazz
www.eboniramm.com
803-665-7036
Hydrogen: Hope or Hype?
Plenty to read: http://www.designnews.com/channel/Hydrogen_Power_Hope_or_Hype_.php
Flooding
One kind reader, an engineer, always keeps me informed about flooding issues as he is concerned that we make the same mistakes on the banks of the Congaree as other states have made with their rivers.
From the NSPE newsletter: (NSPE => National Society of Professional Engineers)
Overdevelopment may have worsened flood damage.
In continuing coverage from Wednesday's edition of Daily Designs, the Washington Post (6/19, A1, Achenbach) reports in a front-page story that some in Iowa suspect that "this natural disaster wasn't really all that natural" and "that the heavy rains fell on a landscape radically reengineered by humans." However, while "[o]fficials are still trying to understand all the factors that contributed to Iowa's flooding,...not everyone has" such suspicions. In fact, "some Iowans who study the environment suspect that changes in the land, both recently and over the past century or so, have made Iowa's terrain not only highly profitable but also highly vulnerable to flooding." Jerry DeWitt, director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University, "sense[s] that the flooding is not the result of a 500-year event," because "[w]e're farming closer to creeks, farming closer to rivers," and "[w]ithout adequate buffer strips, the water moves rapidly from the field directly to the surface water."
The Wall Street Journal (6/19, A4, Belkin) adds, "As the swollen Mississippi rolls south, breaching levees, drowning crops and submerging towns, a debate is intensifying among scientists, environmentalists, and developers about whether development not only flirts with disaster, but helps cause it." The Journal notes, "Since the historic flood of 1993, nearly 30,000 homes have been built on land that was underwater around the Mississippi and Missouri rivers near St. Louis. This weekend, the dwellers may find out if they built wisely."
Meanwhile, "[a]s floodwaters slowly receded from much of Iowa on Wednesday, authorities focused their attention on a swollen Mississippi River that punched through at least two levees in Western Illinois and increasingly threatened hamlets in Missouri," the Los Angeles Times (6/19, Huffstutter) reports. "Federal officials said as many as 30 levees were in peril."
"Twenty levees already have been topped by flood waters this week," according to the Army Corps of Engineers, the AP (6/19) adds. "The levees in danger protect rural, industrial, and agricultural areas, not heavily populated towns. The levees protecting large towns are not as at risk of overflowing, officials said."
A related AP (6/19) report notes that "[t]he White House is asking Congress for $1.8 billion in emergency disaster aid for the flood-ravaged Midwest." Meanwhile, "[a] dozen senators in both parties are pressing to add money for levee repair and help for displaced homeowners, among other pressing needs."
Flood pollution raises concerns. USA Today (6/19, 3A, Gomez, Dorell) reports, "Human waste overflows, fertilizer runoff, and floating propane tanks are raising concerns in the flooded Midwest but should not cause severe or long-term environmental problems, health officials say." Karen Timberlake, Wisconsin's secretary of Health and Family Services said that "[s]erious chemical pollution from factories and chemical plants 'aren't concerns because we don't have many reports, just isolated cases and leaks.'" She said that, "at least for now,...health concerns are rather mundane: 'bacteria...stomach upset...and (the possibility of) tetanus.'" USA Today notes, "The sole wastewater treatment plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is inoperable, and Pat Ball, the city's utilities director, said it won't be up and running for months. That means raw sewage will continue spilling into the river and affect cities downstream, just as waste from damaged cities upstream continue to flow into Cedar Rapids' water supply."
The City
Joe,
You can bet your sweet ass that the city is "broke"!!! Yet, they are spending over $100,000 to do a new salary survey so they can once again "legitimately" boost salaries of those in the big building on the corner. Also, they just hired a new Deputy Finance Director which is a brand new position for the city @ $85,000 per year. They still have to fill the Finance Director's position at about $110,000 per year. Not to mention the literally thousands of dollars that they are spending to do a search for someone for the position. Two months ago Austen was in the newspaper with a statement that there is a "job" freeze on in the city since they are trying to conserve funds. That was and still is a lie--they are posting jobs and hiring people right and left. He put that in the paper to get everyone off his butt about spending so much money. Also, it is about time for Austen's "helpers" at city hall to get another "pay adjustment" that does NOT go thru council for approval.
…………
Joe:
Incompetence reigns…disgusting!
Subject: FW: City Finances Update
-----Original Message-----
From: Coble, Bob [mailto:bcoble@columbiasc.net]
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 9:55 AM
Subject: City Finances Update
I wanted to give you an update on our efforts to correct problems in the City's Finance Department. This week we had a training and orientation session for the Audit Committee that was conducted by Jackie Breeland a CPA. I have copied and pasted an email from our Interim Finance Director Missy Caughman with this week's status report. Additionally, I will send by separate email send a report from staff outlining how we are protecting the City's assets in view of the national financial crisis. If you have any questions please call me at 315-4123 or email. Thanks
From: Caughman, Missy
Sent: Fri 9/26/2008 5:43 PM
To: Austin, Charles Sr. (City Manager)
Cc: Ellis, William H
Subject: FW: FY 06/07 Audit & FY 07/08 Close Status
Mr. Austin
Here is the weekly update on the status of FY 06/07 and FY 07/08.
FY 06/07
*Bud Addison received a final draft of the CAFR on September 17.
*The final draft of ordinance to amend the FY 06/07 budget was sent to Legal on September 25 for review and placement on the October 1 agenda for City Council approval. The budget amendment will need to be approved in order to finalize the CAFR.
*A tentative date to send the CAFR to the printer for publication is October 17.
*The FY 05/06 A133 Single Audit (audit of grant accounts) final entries are also being reviewed by Bud and we have expressed to him that this is a high priority.
FY 07/08
*Bill Ellis is leading City staff with closing of FY 07/08. The MASC team is assisting in these efforts and will be partnered with City staff as much as possible for the training and coordination of the work.
*Staff is evaluating the journal entries and work performed on FY 06/07 as a basis for possible entries needed in FY 07/08. Once the prior year entries are reviewed, we will have a better idea of time frame for completion of the FY 07/08 closing and issuing of the CAFR.
* We will deliver to you a schedule of events (with appropriate terminology) in addition to weekly progress reports of FY 07/08 within the next 2 weeks.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please let me know.
Thanks
Missy
…………
From: Coble, Bob [mailto:bcoble@columbiasc.net]
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:09 AM
Subject: Part II City Finances Update
In view of the national financial crisis, we asked City staff to review our investment status. I am attaching that report for your review. Thanks
Points concerning the City’s cash and investments position.
General
The City is subject to state law concerning its cash and investments policies. State law requires a very conservative policy with which the City complies.
Cash
The City’s primary bank accounts are with First Citizens Bank. Other banks are also local.
Deposits in commercial banks are collateralized by government securities. This means that for practical purposes the deposits are 100% "insured" by the federal government.
There is no reason to believe that the local banks in which the City’s deposits are held have any exposure to the types of loans or investments ("sub prime products") that have been at the root of the nationwide credit crisis.
Accordingly, the City’s cash is collateralized and in banks with no perceived exposure to high risk assets.
Investments
Investments are in two groups:
o Group One – investments administered by Merchant Capital. These investments are very conservative and are in or collateralized by government securities. The status of this portfolio was discussed with Brent Robertson and Trey Monroe and all agreed that the City’s investment position was as conservative as practicable.
o Group Two – these investments include the City’s Treasurer’s Fund and several smaller funds and approximate $96.3 million at June 30, 2008. These investments are under the custodianship of U.S. Bank and also are in government securities.
All the City’s investments are under a custodian or trustee – this adds a further level of protection due to their fiduciary duty to "perfect" the City’s ownership of the securities that they administer.
We obtained and reviewed a market value report received from U.S. Bank for the Group Two investments. Overall the market value is in excess of the cost of the investments (giving rise to an unrealized gain). This analysis supports the conclusion that the City’s investments are high quality (otherwise the market value would be diminished due to credit concerns).
Cash and Investments Summary
Cash is conservatively managed and positioned due to the local banks used and because of the collateral "insuring" the City’s deposits.
Investments are also positioned conservatively with respect to credit risk (i.e. credit risk is practically eliminated due to the state’s limitations on investments and the City’s investments in government securities) and the investment’s market value exceeds cost.
Bond Insurance
This matter was discussed with Brent Robertson and Trey Monroe of merchant capital.
The City’s exposure is limited to one bond – the 1993 Water and Sewer Bond which is insured by AMBAC. Currently, AMBAC’s credit rating is adequate (AA). If AMBAC is downgraded the worst case is that the City would have to deposit $7.3 million in a reserve fund (essentially the City would set aside the last year’s payment).
Even in that event, there should be no effect on the City’s bond rating because the City has adequate cash to satisfy the reserve requirements.
Other options in the event of an AMBAC downgrade are to secure a letter of credit to support the debt or to acquire other insurance. In any event, the City should be able to manage the worst case without any significant disruption.
To Do
We will continue to monitor the credit markets and the City’s market position; however, at this time the City is as conservatively positioned as could reasonably be expected.
Miscellaneous Received
If anyone has any old phones they have replace you can donate them to Sistercare in Cayce. They can wipe the Eprom and give them to women at risk. Even if the phone doesn’t have service 911 sill has to work by law. I know they would really appreciate it and they can use any and all old cell phones they can get.
…………
Write in SHERRI ABBOTT for Richland County Clerk of Court November 4th.
Visit the web site: www.sherriabbott.com
View full size
Forward this e-mail to everyone in your address book.
............
'Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.'
jsa-My definition is not nearly as descriptive, but another word for PC is hypocrisy.
…………
Something we won’t worry about this year (a rerun)
A farmer from South Carolina dies and, being a heathen, goes to Hell.
When he gets there its 95º F with 90% humidity, but Satan notices he's
kicked back on the brimstone relaxing comfortably.
He asks, "Why aren't you miserable like everyone else here?" The farmer
replies, "Oh, this is like a warm spring day in Columbia . I like it."
Angry, Satan turns up the thermostat until its 100º F and 95% humidity.
Still, the farmer's happy. "This is like a good June day on the farm.
Not bad at all."
Furious, Satan turns it up to 105º F and 99% humidity. Everyone is even
more miserable, except the farmer from South Carolina still resting.< BR>
"Hey, this is like a good August day on the farm bailing hay. Feels good
the hotter the better."
In a total rage, Satan turns the thermostat down to minus 25º F. Within
seconds, the air becomes chilly and frost appears, soon followed by
solid ice everywhere. Satan smirks, watching the farmer.
The confused farmer looks down at the frozen ground for a moment,
suddenly jumps up excitedly, looks around everywhere and begins to
laugh, scream, and jump for joy.
Scroll Down…..
"THE GAMECOCKS WON A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Good Morning Everyone,
Thanks to each of you for coming out last evening to hear two really good and informative speakers. Both Rob Godfrey and Adam Piper did a superb job – we are indeed fortunate to have these two young people on the conservat ive side of the equation.
I know the information provided below is lengthy, but please be patient and read every line or better still print it for quick reference. If you have further questions and can’t get them answered by logging onto scvotes.org, just let me know and I will try getting the answers in a timely manner.
There are some local issues that are not yet available. I will let you know just as soon as I receive the information.
Thanks everyone,
LN
ALL UNDERSCOR ED INFORMATION SHOWN BELOW IS ACCESSIBLE BY LOGGING ONTO SCVOTES.ORG
VOTER REGISTRATION ‘PHONE NUMBER; 576-2240
October 4th is the Deadline to Register to Vote in the 2008 General Election.
November 4th is Election Day 2008. Polls are open 7 am to 7 pm.
Register to Vote
How to Vote
List of Candidates - Federal & State
List of Candidates - by County (coming soon)
Constitutional Amendment Questions & ExplanationsSouth Carolina Voter Registration Information
*********** ******************************************************
***UNDERSCORED INFORMATION: PLEASE LOG ONTO SCVOTES.ORG AND CLICK ON THE UNDERSCORED FOR MORE INFORMATION.
How to Register
A citizen who wishes to register to vote can register in perso n at their county board of voter registration; or they may download a form, complete it, and mail it to their county board of voter registration.
Voter Registration Application
County Boards of Voter Registration - Mailing Addresses & Contact Numbe rs
Who Can Register?
In order to vote, South Carolina law requires one must first register to vote at least 30 days prior to the election. To be eligible to register in South Carolina you MUST:
• be a United States citizen -be at least eighteen years old on or before the next election
• be a resident of South Carolina, this county and precinct
• not be under a court order declaring you mentally incompetent
• not be confined in any public prison resulting from a conviction of a crime
• have never been convicted of a felony or offense against the election laws OR if previously convicted, have served the entire sentence, including probation or parole, or have received a pardon for the conviction.
There is no length of residency requirement in South Carolina in order to register to vote. You can register at any time.
You must be registered at least 30 days prior to any election in order to vote in that election. Registration by mail applications must be postmarked at least 3 0 days prior to that particular election to be eligible.
Check Your Voter Registration Information
Note: When checking your voter registration information, you must provide your name, county and date of birth as it appears on your voter registrati on card in order to view your information.
Your Voter Registration Information
Update Your Voter Registration Information
If your voter registration information has changed (name, address, etc.), and you still live within the same county, you may update your voter registration information using this form. If you have moved to a different county, you will need to re-register in your new county (see How to Register above).
Students
Students may register to vote where they reside while at tending college.
Students can use the following documents as proof of residency:
• a copy of a current, valid photo ID (driver's license, student ID, DMV-issued ID cards, etc.)
• copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or othe r government document that shows your name and address in the county
Many college students who live on campus receive their mail at a campus post office box. These students must register at the physical address of their dormitory. The student's P.O. Box can be provided for mailing and contact purposes.
Voter Registration Drives
If you are planning a voter registration drive at an institution of higher learning, please make sure you have the National Voter Registration Application for student s who maintain their residency outside of South Carolina. For a list of addresses of Election Commissions throughout the country please see the Election Assistance Commision web site.
Absentee Voting
Absentee Voting for Military & Overseas C itizens
Voters with Disabilities
How to Use the Touchscreen Voting Machines
******************************************************************
2008 Constitutional Amendment Questions
Amendment 1
Must Section 33, Article II I of the Constitution of this State be amended so as to delete the provision that no unmarried woman shall legally consent to sexual intercourse who shall not have attained the age of fourteen years?
Yes []
No []
Explanation of Above:
This amendment deletes the section of the Constitution which says an unmarried woman must be fourteen years old or older in order to consent to sexual intercourse. Deleting this section would allow the state legislature to set the age of consent. Currently, the state legislature has the age of consent set at sixteen for most cases.
A "yes" vote would delete the section from the Constitution and let the state legislature set the age of consent.
A "no" vote would leave the section of the Constitution in place.
Amendment 2
Must Section 16, Article X of the Constitution of this State relating to benefits and funding of public employee pension plans in this State and the investments allowed for funds of the various state-operated retirement syste ms be amended so as to provide that the funds of any trust fund established by law for the funding of post-employment benefits for state employees and public school teachers may be invested and reinvested in equity securities subject to the same limitati ons on such investments applicable for the funds of the various state-operated retirement systems?
Yes []
No []
Explanation of Above:
"Post-employment benefits" are benefits, mainly health insurance, provided to eligible state government an d school district retirees.
To comply with a change in accounting standards, the state has created trust funds to pay for these post-employment benefits. This amendment relates to how the money in these trust funds may be invested.
A "yes" vote w ould give the state government the option to invest these funds in equity securities (stocks).
A "no" vote would mean that state government is not allowed to invest these funds in any kind of equity securities (stocks).
Amendment 3
Must Secti on 16, Article X of the Constitution of this State relating to benefits and funding of public employee pension plans in this State and the investments allowed for funds of the various state-operated retirement systems be amended so as to provide that the funds of any political subdivision of this State that have been set aside for the funding of post-employment benefits for the political subdivision's employees, including those invested in independent trusts established for that purpose, may be invested or reinvested in equity securities of the type permitted for investment by the various state operated retirement systems, as provided for by the General Assembly?
Yes []
No []
Explanation of Above:
This amendment is the same as Amendment 2 except it applies to local governments' post-employment benefits (instead of the state government's post-employment benefits).
________________________________________
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Flip-Flop (10-2-08)
The Palmetto Scoop today published this headline: Barrett flip-flops on bailout bill. I read the article and it appears to me that Barrett found new information that readjusted his opinion. Yet the author chose to call it a flip-flop. Why? Is it that the author does not like Barrett for some reason? Is the author supporting a Barrett opponent for governor (Barrett is said to be in the 2010 race)? Why prejudice the readers before they even read the article? Just as in push polls, I call this push journalism. So I fired off the note below to the comments section of the blog.
.........
Let's forget the issue for a moment; rather, let's address the theme of this article: Flip-Flop. There seems to be something magic in political circles about sticking to a position, period. Supposedly shows strength, resolve, determination. To change means weakness, lack of intelligence and vision, not versed at all on the issues.
If you are a general going into battle, you generally have a battle plan. Suppose you reach the battle zone, get new intelligence from your scout teams, and find that your plan is not sufficient. What do you do? Stick with the plan anyhow? Or create a new plan of attack? The answer is not hard to see. Or you are a business person with 1 year and 5 year plans. Later you find out a competitor is beating you badly in the market place. Or you run into an economy as we have here? What do you do?
So you are a politician, elected to make decisions about everything from the economy to the latest atom smasher. can you know it all? Immediately? Later? Sometimes initial opinions, gut feelings, immediate reactions are not a complete answer, if any part of a solution. As someone delves into an issue, he may find new information that can reshape his opinion and plan of action.
Would I want an elected official that never changed his mind on an issue once he has made a pubic statement? ABSOLUTELY NOT! If his faculties are too weak to recognize need for an opinion change, or his ego far too large, I want him out. We, as everyday citizens, constantly change our opinions and judgments of situations depending on what new and changing information we acquire. As businessmen, we do the same. Why, then, should a politician not change his opinion if he discovers new compelling information?
A politician that will not change (or flip-flop, as the media and opponents label it) in the face of compelling information is a dangerous politician indeed.
Now, back to the issue at hand........
.........
Let's forget the issue for a moment; rather, let's address the theme of this article: Flip-Flop. There seems to be something magic in political circles about sticking to a position, period. Supposedly shows strength, resolve, determination. To change means weakness, lack of intelligence and vision, not versed at all on the issues.
If you are a general going into battle, you generally have a battle plan. Suppose you reach the battle zone, get new intelligence from your scout teams, and find that your plan is not sufficient. What do you do? Stick with the plan anyhow? Or create a new plan of attack? The answer is not hard to see. Or you are a business person with 1 year and 5 year plans. Later you find out a competitor is beating you badly in the market place. Or you run into an economy as we have here? What do you do?
So you are a politician, elected to make decisions about everything from the economy to the latest atom smasher. can you know it all? Immediately? Later? Sometimes initial opinions, gut feelings, immediate reactions are not a complete answer, if any part of a solution. As someone delves into an issue, he may find new information that can reshape his opinion and plan of action.
Would I want an elected official that never changed his mind on an issue once he has made a pubic statement? ABSOLUTELY NOT! If his faculties are too weak to recognize need for an opinion change, or his ego far too large, I want him out. We, as everyday citizens, constantly change our opinions and judgments of situations depending on what new and changing information we acquire. As businessmen, we do the same. Why, then, should a politician not change his opinion if he discovers new compelling information?
A politician that will not change (or flip-flop, as the media and opponents label it) in the face of compelling information is a dangerous politician indeed.
Now, back to the issue at hand........
Your opinion of the VP debate (10-2-08)
A very interesting debate, one that was different from what I expected. I would love to hear your comments on it, which I will publish.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Your Comments (9-23-08)
Homeless
Joe:
I do remember Rick Baty! Did he intoduce the slogan "Think Globally, Act Locally?" Also, didn't Ligon want to develop the riverfront area with "the bridge" before "the vista" came along?
……………..
Dear Joe,
Rick Baty was a creative genius whose talents and perpetual-motion presence will be forever missed in Columbia. Thanks for reminding us about Rick, may he rest in peace.
In the summers of 2005 and 2006 I had a unique opportunity to work at the United Nations and observe life in Manhattan up close. What amazed me was the greenery. Every square inch of available soil -- nearly every crack in the concrete jungle -- has something planted and growing. After a rain, the air smells wonderfully fresh because there are trees and flowers everywhere. I think the planting program is called The Urban Forest -- something like that.
If that kind of tangible enchantment can be found in New York, there is no reason it cannot be duplicated and exponentially improved upon here in Columbia, a city whose potential is still mostly a blank canvas.
Thanks for your always interesting and informative newsletter.
…………….
Joseph,
I certainly plan to be at the city council meeting in which the Homeless situation is discussed.I am disgusted with the way the city is handeling it. The more they sweep it under the rug, the worst the problem gets, and the more the business owners complain. yet City concil is either too arrogant, too stupid, or too insensitive to realize this fact. In my opinion, it a a combination of the the three.
I also remember Rick Batey. His studio was net to hairemhair cut place in Five points where I used to get m haircut. I was also a volunteer on his campaign, and do recall him coming up with the curb side recycling idea. I also recall that prior tot he run offs between Coble and Adams, there was a debate at at Lonhstreet theatre (if memory serves my correctly). I also seem to recall that at the time of this debate Coble said it was ecomomically not practicle, as did Adams. Coble also scolded Adamds for what at the time he said was a waste of money on Sidney (Now Finley) Park. It amazes me how many things coble has put down to a waste of time only totake credit for it when it works.
Parking Issues and Parking Meters at County Administration Building
jsa-Below was my note to David Adams about the meter issue. Sometime soon after the media called to find out who the doctor was as they wanted to interview him. Unfortunately, though the bad taste still lingered and he has never gone back, he politely declined any comment, though he still had nothing nice to say about the Coble response or the mayor’s lack of help. The patients he saw could not always afford a $10 prescription, yet they got hit with fines and towing fees higher than that. He felt if the city had that callous a heart, his time was worthless, so he left.
********
Way to go David! You are the hero of the common man! But this is not the first time this has come up. I know a doctor who volunteered his time at the free clinic in your building. The indigent patients who came to the clinic often had to pay for meters and get tickets because they had to be in longer than they expected. Going to feed meters could mean missing your call. Worse yet, when they had to park along the railroad track side because of lack of spaces, they would not only get a ticket, but if memory serves me correctly, they got towed.
Imagine. These are people who cannot afford prescriptions for themselves or their children, and we are ticketing and towing them. So we spend tax money for welfare, then steal it back by tickets and towing. Then they need more, and we have to give them more.
The doctor wrote mayor Coble a letter asking for relief for these patients, but nothing happened. He explained that he is giving his time free to help people, so he is saving taxpayers money from doctors fees. In turn, couldn’t the city help by not penalizing people who have very meager, if no, means to help themselves? I cannot remember if he got a bland “we will look into the matter” letter from Coble, or no response at all. I just remember this doctor’s frustration and anger with the city and mayor over seeing his patients being robbed of money they so desperately needed, especially since he was giving his time for free, even paying his gas and other expenses out of his pocket. He eventually quit volunteering, angered at the situation.
David is absolutely right. Citizens are being penalized to do business with their own government, which is not following the letter of the law they make any business follow. Whenever anyone builds, he has to have a minimum number of free parking spaces based on square footage of the building and business classification. That is the law, zoning law. Yet city hall does not have that. Try finding a space on a Wednesday when council is having a meeting, starting at 10a. At least county council meets in the evening when there are no meter violations.
David is right. The meters need to come out!
Joseph Azar
********
jsa-This was part of the correspondence I had with the doctor and the news person.
I sent him an email and asked him if he would talk with you. He is not eager to, though still angry about the situation, He said: “Joseph, I'm going to pass on this.
Bob Coble doesn't give a damn about the poor, but for various reasons I'm not going to weigh in on this.”
I asked him if he would speak anon to you and have not gotten an answer yet. You might want to interview past and present workers at the clinic. Some may talk about this issue. It needs to be brought to light and I am sure someone will be bold and unafraid enough to speak out.
Let me know how more I can help.
jsa-It is unfortunate this issue never made the news.
…………………..
Re parking meters and the problems they cause: I was talking with a middle manager who works for the state. She mentioned the time & money it costs the state when the employees
a) stop work to run outside & feed the meters
b) stop thinking about their work and start worrying about feeding the meters
Speaking of the problems the city (and state) causes itself, why doesn't it stop wallowing in self pity & resentment about something that happened almost 150 years ago, and get on with its life?? If they would try to think of something positive they could say about Columbia. . . instead of Columbia's HOT (which not a surprise in July & Aug). . .they might start making some progress and rely less on being a vassal of USC.
PS: If you doubt my correctness re self pity & resentment, Joe, just look at the mural on the building adjacent to the Flying Saucer. Is that all Columbia can claim as a heritage??
…………………
Joe,
Re: "Recently, the county has added dozens of new parking meters to compliment the dozens of city meters around our building."
Joe, Joe, Joe you're going about this all wrong! You and the Hari Kari Grill are sitting on a 'gold mine.' Get yourselves some custom made meters that take Visa and debit cards and sink them in your parking area. Maybe they could play a tune or have cool flashing lights or a 'double or nothing' option. Or maybe golden tanned bikini clad 'Valet Parking Attendants' after dark sponsored by Island Tan and you could just park cars up Lee St. and all around the park! Look at this as an alternate income opportunity and not an obstacle. Set up a pair of those D T Bipolar SuperTowers and Tower Loudspeakers and play Bluegrass music with wailing hammer dulcimer solos and mandolin jam bands all night. You know that the 'Don of 5 Points' Freewheelin' Frank Barco wouldn't let an opportunity like this pass him by!! Use the proceeds to by books!! So, what do ya think?
Yours truly,
(Omit my name so I can remain a ‘Secret Partner!’)
jsa-Hmmm. You want to be the first to park here? Only $5/hour, and free music!
……………….
Joseph,
You and everyone else do NOT understand! The city has to have the meters to help pay the TREMENDOUS NUMBER of out of kilter salaries, studies, law suits, etc. that they incur because of "sneaky", corrupt leaders.
……………….
Not to mention the ridiculous amount of people we 'employ' to play hall monitor on the meters. This is especially galling during the 'extended' hours or weekends or other times when the amount of revenue surely doesn't cover their cost. I'd much rather see them providing security and safety services in more areas of the city.
Meters are a major business prevention mechanism. At a time we need to encourage people to visit businesses and engage in the city, we instead make it a pain to go anywhere downtown or in 5 Points during the day (and the day extends way too far into the night!).
………………….
Do you know if employees at that building have to pay for their parking in the garage?
………………..
another commitee and another expensive consultant no one listens to....hmmm.. way to go belinda. those are some really fresh ideas. great leadership.
Other Comments
jsa-Those of you that read this column will know the issues behind these comments. Those of you who don’t, start reading. The archives may be found at http://groups.google.com/group/theazarnewsletter/topics.
…………………….
Joe, with regards to the person wanting to see a light rail line run from Irmo to downtown, I beg to differ. Mass Transit, even in places like New York and D.C. does not pay for itself and Columbia's limited (does CMRTA even have enough funding to qualify as limited?) transportation funds should go to the buses. BTW, I'm not sure how much CMRTA's ridership would increase if they had understandable routes and maps available for the public to see. My parents live in the Harbison area and I see buses all the time running down Harbison Blvd/St. Andrews and Bush River Roads. Has this person ridden a bus? Let's get acountablility with CMRTA, find out what its potential ridership is and give it the funding needed to get people around Richland and Lexington Counties (and other places with the Shuttles) before spending tons of money on pie-in-the sky proposals like rail.
Also, Joe although many of us can certainly understand why businessmen like Mr. Ligon and yourself may not want to serve as mayor, I think I speak for many of us who want a mayor who understands what it takes to make a business run tackling issues like audits, budgets and city ordinances instead of a cheerleader who doesn't grasp why the city shouldn't do somethings regardless of how good they sound.
……………………..
You can pay your parking tickets in the alley behind the Marriot downtown. That is where you can go to argue the tickets also.
………………………..
Add Boozer Lumber Company to your list of small businesses going down.
It is no wonder! A Federal Government that caters to big business and pays lip service to small business is the reason we have so many oligopolies. There is no real pursuit of antitrust anymore. I have a friend who has started at least three small banks during his career solely for the purpose of being bought up by the big ones. He's made a fortune! Wonder if this is a contributory factor to our banking crisis today. Some heads need to roll in the financial community; and George W. Bush should be indicted for treason. A war (another one) going no where; an economy going down the toilet; and a country that is taking back seat to banana republics who hold oil over our heads and sap the cash out of our wallets. Harry Truman, are you still there? FDR, can you once again bail out this country with a program that puts Americans back to work? Bailing out Wall Street and the financial community is only a band aid that the wealthy want so they can save their asses (excuse me, I mean assets) at the tax payers' expense. Democrats tax and spend; Republicans borrow and spend. It's time to tax the people who have the money. Take the cap off of Social Security earnings; apply it to unearned income as well as earned. Apply a declining rate of tax to capital gains making short-term gains taxable at the highest rates and long-term taxable rates at the lowest rates; this will separate speculators from investors. Federal taxes on non-essentials, like entertainment, football tickets and sports revenues, concerts. A huge recycling tax on paper products, bottles, cigarette butts, plastics, and take-out foods. A graduated income tax based on gross earnings (earned and unearned) so that people making more than $300,000 a year pay taxes. Scrap regressive tax plans like the flat tax and the national sales tax, as they unfairly tax those with lower incomes. Get rid of WIC, Section 8, Title Nine and all other plans that are discriminatory against the majority. Our economic crisis may be an omen of the need for a fire sale.... get rid of everything and start over.
And let's begin with Congress and the White House!
………………
Do you know anyone that has a house for rent?
Robby and I got caught in the middle of a property owner vs. HOA fight and now we have to get out.
Looking for a 3 Bd/1.5 Bth for under $600.00 or a 3/2 for under $750.00 a month.
Let me know if you or your readers have anything.
………………….
Hey Joe,
'
I forgot to mention that the city is spending at present tens of thousands of dollars to get the books balanced by a CPA firm. Where is that money coming from???? They have people in the finance dept. that are supposed to be able to do that without calling in the accountants from the outside world.
……………….
Thought you might be interested in this article from Education Week. The Richland 1 board has clearly been looking for a leader in the super hero model.
The Turnstile Superintendency?
August 27, 2008 by Larry Cuban
Despite problems in their districts, the more successful urban school leaders stick around and make steady progress
http://lnk.edweek.org/edweek/index.html?url=/ew/articles/2008/08/27/01cuban_ep.h28.html&tkn=7%2BaVyyRHh%2BGjxxw1VDryqRx4HlR%2FR2ys
© 2007 Editorial Projects in Education
…………………………………………………….
I fel the Hospitality Tax is a Rip-Off and the money is not being spent as it should. When you pay tax on top of tax it gets into greed.
………………………….
We've got to be kidding ourselves if we believe the "Brain Drain" can be reversed anytime soon in Columbia. Maybe if you were in Charlotte or Atlanta things would be different. Even Charleston and the upstate are ahead of us when it comes to retaining young precious talent. Why ? Look first at our leaders and those groups that are even compensated for bringing industry here. Columbia is a nest of old world thinking in a modern fast moving world. We the citizens can blame ourselves whether we've moved here recently or been raised here. It's our vote that consistently puts these people in office. The University and it's growth are responsible for the greater percentage of job opportunity. As one elder friend put it; it has got to be in the water because no other city in the south with this much future potential could consistently do the same things over and over again and expect something different. The "New Columbia" of the future will not only draw people here to be educated, but settle down and stay here because of job opportunity and progressive leadership.
…………………………..
Usually I just read your comments without making a comment but the one about Paxil got my attention. I went into a deep depression about 10 years ago after a relationship breakup. I found that the breakup triggered some other "depression" related cycles I was experiencing. So, my doctor recommended Paxil. I admit it wasn't the greatest solution. I had to change dosages several times until they came out with Paxil CR. Everything leveled out on the Paxil CR. At one time they pulled it from the shelf for a short period of time and I had to take Zoloft. Now, that MADE me crazy!!!! I got back on Paxil CR ASAP. It works for me. It doesn't work for everyone. My depression is cyclical and doesn't consume my life. I've chosen to continue taking the medication to prevent depression. After that last one, I don't want to risk a bad bout that I might not recover from. So, medication helps some while it hinders others. Each person must take the course of action that is best for them.
……………………….
Thank you for including me on your newsletter email list.
The information I am forwarding to you is of vital interest to me.
Our national deby is not a result of the NIH or science grants; I believe
a science debate will be necessary to us to evaluate our candidates'
ability to lead our country through the economic and technological
challenges in the future.
is pleased to announce
Innovation 2008
Dear Marion,
Today we released Innovation 2008: 14 Questions the candidates for President should answer about Science & America's Future.
We started with more than 3,300 questions submitted by our 38,000 signers. We worked with 11 other organizations representing millions of voters to winnow them into the top 14 questions the candidates should answer. While there are many others, these 14 had the most common representation. They are broad enough to allow for wide variations in response, but they are specific enough to help guide the discussion toward many of the largest and most important unresolved challenges currently facing the United States.
We have submitted them to the campaigns and asked for written responses and for them to consider a broader, nationally televised forum for the general public.
We also made certain these 14 questions aligned with and contained as a subset the 7 congressional questions we codeveloped with our friends at Scientists and Engineers for America and 14 other organizations. This cooperative strategy has helped define the science agenda American voters need to hear about from their elected leaders.
To support the Presidential questions, Scientists and Engineers for America commissioned a poll on science and the election. It is published on our site, and it shows that voters are much more likely to vote for a candidate for President that will tackle America's major science issues.
Now we need your help to propel this major effort forward. Please tell 5 people you know about this initiative and ask them to sign on. Blog about it, write about it, and call or write to your local paper and ask them to cover the 14 Questions of Innovation 2008. And of course, call, email, and write the campaigns. These questions are critical to the future of the United States. Politicians pay attention to voters and the press. By working together we can continue to make science and technology a more prominent part of the 2008 elections.
Please also contribute to support our ongoing citizens' initiative to turn this country around.
-The Team at ScienceDebate2008.com
Subject: Earn it!!
A social studies schoolteacher at Robinson High School
in Little Rock did something not to be forgotten.
On the first day of school, with the permission of the
school superintendent, the principal and the building
supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her
classroom.
When the first period kids entered the room they
discovered that there were no desks.
'Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?'. She replied, 'You
can't have a desk until you tell me what you have done
to earn the right to sit at a desk.'
They thought, 'well, maybe it's our grades.' No,' she
said. 'Maybe it's our behavior.' She told them, 'No,
it's not even your behavior.'
And so, they came and went, the first period, second
period, third period. Still no desks in the
classroom.
By early afternoon television news crews had started
gathering in
Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy
teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.
The final period of the day came and as the puzzled
students found seats on the floor of the deskless
classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no
one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done
to earn the right to sit at the desks that are
ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to
tell you.' At this point, Martha Cothren went over to
the door of her classroom and opened it. Twenty-seven
(27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that
classroom, each one carrying a school desk.
The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and
then they would walk over and stand alongside the
wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final
desk in place those kids started to understand,
perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how
the right to sit at those desks had been earned.
Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at
these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed
the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in
them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good
students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so
that you could have the freedom to get an education.
Don't ever forget it.
By the way, this is a true story. Please consider
passing this along so others won't forget that the
freedoms we have in this great country were earned by
U. S. Veterans.
AMERICA - THE LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE
Joe:
I do remember Rick Baty! Did he intoduce the slogan "Think Globally, Act Locally?" Also, didn't Ligon want to develop the riverfront area with "the bridge" before "the vista" came along?
……………..
Dear Joe,
Rick Baty was a creative genius whose talents and perpetual-motion presence will be forever missed in Columbia. Thanks for reminding us about Rick, may he rest in peace.
In the summers of 2005 and 2006 I had a unique opportunity to work at the United Nations and observe life in Manhattan up close. What amazed me was the greenery. Every square inch of available soil -- nearly every crack in the concrete jungle -- has something planted and growing. After a rain, the air smells wonderfully fresh because there are trees and flowers everywhere. I think the planting program is called The Urban Forest -- something like that.
If that kind of tangible enchantment can be found in New York, there is no reason it cannot be duplicated and exponentially improved upon here in Columbia, a city whose potential is still mostly a blank canvas.
Thanks for your always interesting and informative newsletter.
…………….
Joseph,
I certainly plan to be at the city council meeting in which the Homeless situation is discussed.I am disgusted with the way the city is handeling it. The more they sweep it under the rug, the worst the problem gets, and the more the business owners complain. yet City concil is either too arrogant, too stupid, or too insensitive to realize this fact. In my opinion, it a a combination of the the three.
I also remember Rick Batey. His studio was net to hairemhair cut place in Five points where I used to get m haircut. I was also a volunteer on his campaign, and do recall him coming up with the curb side recycling idea. I also recall that prior tot he run offs between Coble and Adams, there was a debate at at Lonhstreet theatre (if memory serves my correctly). I also seem to recall that at the time of this debate Coble said it was ecomomically not practicle, as did Adams. Coble also scolded Adamds for what at the time he said was a waste of money on Sidney (Now Finley) Park. It amazes me how many things coble has put down to a waste of time only totake credit for it when it works.
Parking Issues and Parking Meters at County Administration Building
jsa-Below was my note to David Adams about the meter issue. Sometime soon after the media called to find out who the doctor was as they wanted to interview him. Unfortunately, though the bad taste still lingered and he has never gone back, he politely declined any comment, though he still had nothing nice to say about the Coble response or the mayor’s lack of help. The patients he saw could not always afford a $10 prescription, yet they got hit with fines and towing fees higher than that. He felt if the city had that callous a heart, his time was worthless, so he left.
********
Way to go David! You are the hero of the common man! But this is not the first time this has come up. I know a doctor who volunteered his time at the free clinic in your building. The indigent patients who came to the clinic often had to pay for meters and get tickets because they had to be in longer than they expected. Going to feed meters could mean missing your call. Worse yet, when they had to park along the railroad track side because of lack of spaces, they would not only get a ticket, but if memory serves me correctly, they got towed.
Imagine. These are people who cannot afford prescriptions for themselves or their children, and we are ticketing and towing them. So we spend tax money for welfare, then steal it back by tickets and towing. Then they need more, and we have to give them more.
The doctor wrote mayor Coble a letter asking for relief for these patients, but nothing happened. He explained that he is giving his time free to help people, so he is saving taxpayers money from doctors fees. In turn, couldn’t the city help by not penalizing people who have very meager, if no, means to help themselves? I cannot remember if he got a bland “we will look into the matter” letter from Coble, or no response at all. I just remember this doctor’s frustration and anger with the city and mayor over seeing his patients being robbed of money they so desperately needed, especially since he was giving his time for free, even paying his gas and other expenses out of his pocket. He eventually quit volunteering, angered at the situation.
David is absolutely right. Citizens are being penalized to do business with their own government, which is not following the letter of the law they make any business follow. Whenever anyone builds, he has to have a minimum number of free parking spaces based on square footage of the building and business classification. That is the law, zoning law. Yet city hall does not have that. Try finding a space on a Wednesday when council is having a meeting, starting at 10a. At least county council meets in the evening when there are no meter violations.
David is right. The meters need to come out!
Joseph Azar
********
jsa-This was part of the correspondence I had with the doctor and the news person.
I sent him an email and asked him if he would talk with you. He is not eager to, though still angry about the situation, He said: “Joseph, I'm going to pass on this.
Bob Coble doesn't give a damn about the poor, but for various reasons I'm not going to weigh in on this.”
I asked him if he would speak anon to you and have not gotten an answer yet. You might want to interview past and present workers at the clinic. Some may talk about this issue. It needs to be brought to light and I am sure someone will be bold and unafraid enough to speak out.
Let me know how more I can help.
jsa-It is unfortunate this issue never made the news.
…………………..
Re parking meters and the problems they cause: I was talking with a middle manager who works for the state. She mentioned the time & money it costs the state when the employees
a) stop work to run outside & feed the meters
b) stop thinking about their work and start worrying about feeding the meters
Speaking of the problems the city (and state) causes itself, why doesn't it stop wallowing in self pity & resentment about something that happened almost 150 years ago, and get on with its life?? If they would try to think of something positive they could say about Columbia. . . instead of Columbia's HOT (which not a surprise in July & Aug). . .they might start making some progress and rely less on being a vassal of USC.
PS: If you doubt my correctness re self pity & resentment, Joe, just look at the mural on the building adjacent to the Flying Saucer. Is that all Columbia can claim as a heritage??
…………………
Joe,
Re: "Recently, the county has added dozens of new parking meters to compliment the dozens of city meters around our building."
Joe, Joe, Joe you're going about this all wrong! You and the Hari Kari Grill are sitting on a 'gold mine.' Get yourselves some custom made meters that take Visa and debit cards and sink them in your parking area. Maybe they could play a tune or have cool flashing lights or a 'double or nothing' option. Or maybe golden tanned bikini clad 'Valet Parking Attendants' after dark sponsored by Island Tan and you could just park cars up Lee St. and all around the park! Look at this as an alternate income opportunity and not an obstacle. Set up a pair of those D T Bipolar SuperTowers and Tower Loudspeakers and play Bluegrass music with wailing hammer dulcimer solos and mandolin jam bands all night. You know that the 'Don of 5 Points' Freewheelin' Frank Barco wouldn't let an opportunity like this pass him by!! Use the proceeds to by books!! So, what do ya think?
Yours truly,
(Omit my name so I can remain a ‘Secret Partner!’)
jsa-Hmmm. You want to be the first to park here? Only $5/hour, and free music!
……………….
Joseph,
You and everyone else do NOT understand! The city has to have the meters to help pay the TREMENDOUS NUMBER of out of kilter salaries, studies, law suits, etc. that they incur because of "sneaky", corrupt leaders.
……………….
Not to mention the ridiculous amount of people we 'employ' to play hall monitor on the meters. This is especially galling during the 'extended' hours or weekends or other times when the amount of revenue surely doesn't cover their cost. I'd much rather see them providing security and safety services in more areas of the city.
Meters are a major business prevention mechanism. At a time we need to encourage people to visit businesses and engage in the city, we instead make it a pain to go anywhere downtown or in 5 Points during the day (and the day extends way too far into the night!).
………………….
Do you know if employees at that building have to pay for their parking in the garage?
………………..
another commitee and another expensive consultant no one listens to....hmmm.. way to go belinda. those are some really fresh ideas. great leadership.
Other Comments
jsa-Those of you that read this column will know the issues behind these comments. Those of you who don’t, start reading. The archives may be found at http://groups.google.com/group/theazarnewsletter/topics.
…………………….
Joe, with regards to the person wanting to see a light rail line run from Irmo to downtown, I beg to differ. Mass Transit, even in places like New York and D.C. does not pay for itself and Columbia's limited (does CMRTA even have enough funding to qualify as limited?) transportation funds should go to the buses. BTW, I'm not sure how much CMRTA's ridership would increase if they had understandable routes and maps available for the public to see. My parents live in the Harbison area and I see buses all the time running down Harbison Blvd/St. Andrews and Bush River Roads. Has this person ridden a bus? Let's get acountablility with CMRTA, find out what its potential ridership is and give it the funding needed to get people around Richland and Lexington Counties (and other places with the Shuttles) before spending tons of money on pie-in-the sky proposals like rail.
Also, Joe although many of us can certainly understand why businessmen like Mr. Ligon and yourself may not want to serve as mayor, I think I speak for many of us who want a mayor who understands what it takes to make a business run tackling issues like audits, budgets and city ordinances instead of a cheerleader who doesn't grasp why the city shouldn't do somethings regardless of how good they sound.
……………………..
You can pay your parking tickets in the alley behind the Marriot downtown. That is where you can go to argue the tickets also.
………………………..
Add Boozer Lumber Company to your list of small businesses going down.
It is no wonder! A Federal Government that caters to big business and pays lip service to small business is the reason we have so many oligopolies. There is no real pursuit of antitrust anymore. I have a friend who has started at least three small banks during his career solely for the purpose of being bought up by the big ones. He's made a fortune! Wonder if this is a contributory factor to our banking crisis today. Some heads need to roll in the financial community; and George W. Bush should be indicted for treason. A war (another one) going no where; an economy going down the toilet; and a country that is taking back seat to banana republics who hold oil over our heads and sap the cash out of our wallets. Harry Truman, are you still there? FDR, can you once again bail out this country with a program that puts Americans back to work? Bailing out Wall Street and the financial community is only a band aid that the wealthy want so they can save their asses (excuse me, I mean assets) at the tax payers' expense. Democrats tax and spend; Republicans borrow and spend. It's time to tax the people who have the money. Take the cap off of Social Security earnings; apply it to unearned income as well as earned. Apply a declining rate of tax to capital gains making short-term gains taxable at the highest rates and long-term taxable rates at the lowest rates; this will separate speculators from investors. Federal taxes on non-essentials, like entertainment, football tickets and sports revenues, concerts. A huge recycling tax on paper products, bottles, cigarette butts, plastics, and take-out foods. A graduated income tax based on gross earnings (earned and unearned) so that people making more than $300,000 a year pay taxes. Scrap regressive tax plans like the flat tax and the national sales tax, as they unfairly tax those with lower incomes. Get rid of WIC, Section 8, Title Nine and all other plans that are discriminatory against the majority. Our economic crisis may be an omen of the need for a fire sale.... get rid of everything and start over.
And let's begin with Congress and the White House!
………………
Do you know anyone that has a house for rent?
Robby and I got caught in the middle of a property owner vs. HOA fight and now we have to get out.
Looking for a 3 Bd/1.5 Bth for under $600.00 or a 3/2 for under $750.00 a month.
Let me know if you or your readers have anything.
………………….
Hey Joe,
'
I forgot to mention that the city is spending at present tens of thousands of dollars to get the books balanced by a CPA firm. Where is that money coming from???? They have people in the finance dept. that are supposed to be able to do that without calling in the accountants from the outside world.
……………….
Thought you might be interested in this article from Education Week. The Richland 1 board has clearly been looking for a leader in the super hero model.
The Turnstile Superintendency?
August 27, 2008 by Larry Cuban
Despite problems in their districts, the more successful urban school leaders stick around and make steady progress
http://lnk.edweek.org/edweek/index.html?url=/ew/articles/2008/08/27/01cuban_ep.h28.html&tkn=7%2BaVyyRHh%2BGjxxw1VDryqRx4HlR%2FR2ys
© 2007 Editorial Projects in Education
…………………………………………………….
I fel the Hospitality Tax is a Rip-Off and the money is not being spent as it should. When you pay tax on top of tax it gets into greed.
………………………….
We've got to be kidding ourselves if we believe the "Brain Drain" can be reversed anytime soon in Columbia. Maybe if you were in Charlotte or Atlanta things would be different. Even Charleston and the upstate are ahead of us when it comes to retaining young precious talent. Why ? Look first at our leaders and those groups that are even compensated for bringing industry here. Columbia is a nest of old world thinking in a modern fast moving world. We the citizens can blame ourselves whether we've moved here recently or been raised here. It's our vote that consistently puts these people in office. The University and it's growth are responsible for the greater percentage of job opportunity. As one elder friend put it; it has got to be in the water because no other city in the south with this much future potential could consistently do the same things over and over again and expect something different. The "New Columbia" of the future will not only draw people here to be educated, but settle down and stay here because of job opportunity and progressive leadership.
…………………………..
Usually I just read your comments without making a comment but the one about Paxil got my attention. I went into a deep depression about 10 years ago after a relationship breakup. I found that the breakup triggered some other "depression" related cycles I was experiencing. So, my doctor recommended Paxil. I admit it wasn't the greatest solution. I had to change dosages several times until they came out with Paxil CR. Everything leveled out on the Paxil CR. At one time they pulled it from the shelf for a short period of time and I had to take Zoloft. Now, that MADE me crazy!!!! I got back on Paxil CR ASAP. It works for me. It doesn't work for everyone. My depression is cyclical and doesn't consume my life. I've chosen to continue taking the medication to prevent depression. After that last one, I don't want to risk a bad bout that I might not recover from. So, medication helps some while it hinders others. Each person must take the course of action that is best for them.
……………………….
Thank you for including me on your newsletter email list.
The information I am forwarding to you is of vital interest to me.
Our national deby is not a result of the NIH or science grants; I believe
a science debate will be necessary to us to evaluate our candidates'
ability to lead our country through the economic and technological
challenges in the future.
is pleased to announce
Innovation 2008
Dear Marion,
Today we released Innovation 2008: 14 Questions the candidates for President should answer about Science & America's Future.
We started with more than 3,300 questions submitted by our 38,000 signers. We worked with 11 other organizations representing millions of voters to winnow them into the top 14 questions the candidates should answer. While there are many others, these 14 had the most common representation. They are broad enough to allow for wide variations in response, but they are specific enough to help guide the discussion toward many of the largest and most important unresolved challenges currently facing the United States.
We have submitted them to the campaigns and asked for written responses and for them to consider a broader, nationally televised forum for the general public.
We also made certain these 14 questions aligned with and contained as a subset the 7 congressional questions we codeveloped with our friends at Scientists and Engineers for America and 14 other organizations. This cooperative strategy has helped define the science agenda American voters need to hear about from their elected leaders.
To support the Presidential questions, Scientists and Engineers for America commissioned a poll on science and the election. It is published on our site, and it shows that voters are much more likely to vote for a candidate for President that will tackle America's major science issues.
Now we need your help to propel this major effort forward. Please tell 5 people you know about this initiative and ask them to sign on. Blog about it, write about it, and call or write to your local paper and ask them to cover the 14 Questions of Innovation 2008. And of course, call, email, and write the campaigns. These questions are critical to the future of the United States. Politicians pay attention to voters and the press. By working together we can continue to make science and technology a more prominent part of the 2008 elections.
Please also contribute to support our ongoing citizens' initiative to turn this country around.
-The Team at ScienceDebate2008.com
Subject: Earn it!!
A social studies schoolteacher at Robinson High School
in Little Rock did something not to be forgotten.
On the first day of school, with the permission of the
school superintendent, the principal and the building
supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her
classroom.
When the first period kids entered the room they
discovered that there were no desks.
'Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?'. She replied, 'You
can't have a desk until you tell me what you have done
to earn the right to sit at a desk.'
They thought, 'well, maybe it's our grades.' No,' she
said. 'Maybe it's our behavior.' She told them, 'No,
it's not even your behavior.'
And so, they came and went, the first period, second
period, third period. Still no desks in the
classroom.
By early afternoon television news crews had started
gathering in
Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy
teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.
The final period of the day came and as the puzzled
students found seats on the floor of the deskless
classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no
one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done
to earn the right to sit at the desks that are
ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to
tell you.' At this point, Martha Cothren went over to
the door of her classroom and opened it. Twenty-seven
(27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that
classroom, each one carrying a school desk.
The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and
then they would walk over and stand alongside the
wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final
desk in place those kids started to understand,
perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how
the right to sit at those desks had been earned.
Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at
these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed
the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in
them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good
students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so
that you could have the freedom to get an education.
Don't ever forget it.
By the way, this is a true story. Please consider
passing this along so others won't forget that the
freedoms we have in this great country were earned by
U. S. Veterans.
AMERICA - THE LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE
Homeless Shelter-Again (9-22-08)
Take a look at the notice below. I wonder who in city government came up with this idea? I am sure one of the council will take credit for it, lots of credit if it goes through, as council members always do. Never will you find them giving credit to anyone else, unless of course, it buys them votes or money. Too many good ideas have I seen come from the general public, and far too often selfishly co-opted and claimed by someone on council. So let me give you history behind this.
Many years ago, when Coble first ran for mayor, he faced 3 opponents: incumbent Adams, Ligon, and a fellow named Rick Baty. Rick was quite an unusual fellow, ahead of his time in many ways. Besides being a graphic artist, he was a roller skater, a musician, and an environmentalist, among others. He pushed for recycling, his big issue. When it came to a runoff between Coble & Adams, Coble told Rick that he would institute city recycling if Rick would swing his supporters behind him, which Rick did. That is how Coble got elected, and the only real blemish on Rick’s record.
But Rick had many other good ideas, which he shared with me over the times I ran. One I really found quite interesting and doable was his agriculture in the city idea. Take bare city land and let the homeless and poor use it to plant fruits and vegetables for their own use. Or flowers for sale. Use any property, whether right of ways that had barren areas, around city buildings, in parks, anywhere land could be found and used for agriculture. I liked it so much that I promised Rick I would promote it every time I ran, and institute it when I won. Rick passed away many years ago, and I promised him before he did I would keep after it, which I have.
In thinking about it over many years, I came up with embellishments, the primary one being to do this by a river in the government area, meaning the areas not allowed for any construction due to potential flooding. Areas I promoted were either by Elmwood Cemetery, or in the Bluff Road area. I was told, repeatedly, that in town was totally unacceptable as that area was to be developed and the rich that would occupy the area would never allow it. Nor would the people on Governor’s Hill, or the neighborhoods near by. When I promoted the Bluff Rd. area, I was told that was insensitive as A) the people out there were burdened enough with low socio-economic issues, B) as the homeless needed to be close to services that were available only in town, and C) the homeless should not be shuttled away from town and out of sight, as out of sight, out of mind.
My proposal, which grew out of Rick’s idea, grew into fields for agriculture, fields for recreation, a day shelter with showers, telephone, laundromat, lockers, mail stop, and other needs of the homeless. I also promoted building facilities so the helping agencies could all locate satellite services there, along with job training of all sorts. I strongly suggested the city give the land to Oliver Gospel and provide economic assistance for night shelters. Doing all of these would help to keep the homeless off Main St., where there was much anguish, and anger, over many of the homeless that panhandled customers and merchants, along with using the street and store fronts for restroom facilities. It also gave the homeless somewhere else to spend the day rather than the library during intolerable weather. My proposal was to give more help to the homeless and their needs, helping them to find ways to get help more easily, and to help themselves, building a sense of worth rather than resentment and anger. It also was designed to help with the development of Main St. business, especially retail, as downtown people were complaining of the homeless and how they ran off customers, especially ladies who were intimidated, and even more so if they had small children in tow.
This concept I have promoted for nearly 20 years, adding to it as I discovered more embellishments, and as many of you have given me more ideas. There is plenty of available land by the cemetery, the railroad tracks, in the industrial area to the right of I-126 as you exit to Huger, and under the Elmwood overpass (I have seen buildings under highway bridges elsewhere). This area is on the bus line (until it goes bankrupt shortly), is close to agencies, has suitable land and plenty of space, is not desirable for housing due to the road noise and dirt (OK, in California it would be suitable, or Manhattan, but we do not have their problems that require that, either), and gives the homeless an opportunity to create and develop. It also allows the homeless to stay out of sight if they want. Some who are homeless DO NOT want to be seen as homeless as they are afraid of losing a job if discovered. Besides, they want to maintain some dignity, and being branded as homeless does not.
There is more, but this is the nutshell history of it. It has taken almost 2 decades of promoting this concept to see this happen. I am not sure who and where else this is coming from, but I am sure it will have some “study” behind it, or some “focus group” or some politician claiming it.
The political egotists as they are, never give due credit to the average citizen for good ideas, but steal them instead and claim them as their own, trying to show “vision” on their part in order to gain votes. If they only understood people, especially the ones they represent, and gave them public credit, imagine how many more good ideas we would get, and how much more cooperation and energy there would be to accomplish them. Ego, greed, selfishness. So damaging, and so dangerous. It holds Columbia back.
Just remember where the good idea came from-Rick Baty.
________________________________________
From: RhettAnders@aol.com [mailto:RhettAnders@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 9:37 PM
To: theazarnewsletter+owner@googlegroups.com
Subject: Joe..please post.
Hello Everyone!
Columbia City Council will take up the homeless issue this Wednesday. The City is looking for alternatives to the Salvation Army Site in Downtown. The front runner to this is to build a permanent facility near the Water/Hydro Plant in the Vista.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try to come to this very important meeting and express your thoughts for this or any other idea as to how we finally solve this problem in Columbia. Please forward this to anyone who works or lives downtown. Everyone's opinion matters and we must have resolution to this. Please come be heard.
Wednesday September 24th @ 2:00 PM in City Council Chambers in City Hall.
Thanks!
Rhett Anders
President
Windemere Spring N.A.
Many years ago, when Coble first ran for mayor, he faced 3 opponents: incumbent Adams, Ligon, and a fellow named Rick Baty. Rick was quite an unusual fellow, ahead of his time in many ways. Besides being a graphic artist, he was a roller skater, a musician, and an environmentalist, among others. He pushed for recycling, his big issue. When it came to a runoff between Coble & Adams, Coble told Rick that he would institute city recycling if Rick would swing his supporters behind him, which Rick did. That is how Coble got elected, and the only real blemish on Rick’s record.
But Rick had many other good ideas, which he shared with me over the times I ran. One I really found quite interesting and doable was his agriculture in the city idea. Take bare city land and let the homeless and poor use it to plant fruits and vegetables for their own use. Or flowers for sale. Use any property, whether right of ways that had barren areas, around city buildings, in parks, anywhere land could be found and used for agriculture. I liked it so much that I promised Rick I would promote it every time I ran, and institute it when I won. Rick passed away many years ago, and I promised him before he did I would keep after it, which I have.
In thinking about it over many years, I came up with embellishments, the primary one being to do this by a river in the government area, meaning the areas not allowed for any construction due to potential flooding. Areas I promoted were either by Elmwood Cemetery, or in the Bluff Road area. I was told, repeatedly, that in town was totally unacceptable as that area was to be developed and the rich that would occupy the area would never allow it. Nor would the people on Governor’s Hill, or the neighborhoods near by. When I promoted the Bluff Rd. area, I was told that was insensitive as A) the people out there were burdened enough with low socio-economic issues, B) as the homeless needed to be close to services that were available only in town, and C) the homeless should not be shuttled away from town and out of sight, as out of sight, out of mind.
My proposal, which grew out of Rick’s idea, grew into fields for agriculture, fields for recreation, a day shelter with showers, telephone, laundromat, lockers, mail stop, and other needs of the homeless. I also promoted building facilities so the helping agencies could all locate satellite services there, along with job training of all sorts. I strongly suggested the city give the land to Oliver Gospel and provide economic assistance for night shelters. Doing all of these would help to keep the homeless off Main St., where there was much anguish, and anger, over many of the homeless that panhandled customers and merchants, along with using the street and store fronts for restroom facilities. It also gave the homeless somewhere else to spend the day rather than the library during intolerable weather. My proposal was to give more help to the homeless and their needs, helping them to find ways to get help more easily, and to help themselves, building a sense of worth rather than resentment and anger. It also was designed to help with the development of Main St. business, especially retail, as downtown people were complaining of the homeless and how they ran off customers, especially ladies who were intimidated, and even more so if they had small children in tow.
This concept I have promoted for nearly 20 years, adding to it as I discovered more embellishments, and as many of you have given me more ideas. There is plenty of available land by the cemetery, the railroad tracks, in the industrial area to the right of I-126 as you exit to Huger, and under the Elmwood overpass (I have seen buildings under highway bridges elsewhere). This area is on the bus line (until it goes bankrupt shortly), is close to agencies, has suitable land and plenty of space, is not desirable for housing due to the road noise and dirt (OK, in California it would be suitable, or Manhattan, but we do not have their problems that require that, either), and gives the homeless an opportunity to create and develop. It also allows the homeless to stay out of sight if they want. Some who are homeless DO NOT want to be seen as homeless as they are afraid of losing a job if discovered. Besides, they want to maintain some dignity, and being branded as homeless does not.
There is more, but this is the nutshell history of it. It has taken almost 2 decades of promoting this concept to see this happen. I am not sure who and where else this is coming from, but I am sure it will have some “study” behind it, or some “focus group” or some politician claiming it.
The political egotists as they are, never give due credit to the average citizen for good ideas, but steal them instead and claim them as their own, trying to show “vision” on their part in order to gain votes. If they only understood people, especially the ones they represent, and gave them public credit, imagine how many more good ideas we would get, and how much more cooperation and energy there would be to accomplish them. Ego, greed, selfishness. So damaging, and so dangerous. It holds Columbia back.
Just remember where the good idea came from-Rick Baty.
________________________________________
From: RhettAnders@aol.com [mailto:RhettAnders@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 9:37 PM
To: theazarnewsletter+owner@googlegroups.com
Subject: Joe..please post.
Hello Everyone!
Columbia City Council will take up the homeless issue this Wednesday. The City is looking for alternatives to the Salvation Army Site in Downtown. The front runner to this is to build a permanent facility near the Water/Hydro Plant in the Vista.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try to come to this very important meeting and express your thoughts for this or any other idea as to how we finally solve this problem in Columbia. Please forward this to anyone who works or lives downtown. Everyone's opinion matters and we must have resolution to this. Please come be heard.
Wednesday September 24th @ 2:00 PM in City Council Chambers in City Hall.
Thanks!
Rhett Anders
President
Windemere Spring N.A.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Odds & Ends (9-22-08)
The Greek festival was a HUGE success! We ran out of souvlaki and gyro on Saturday before close. Ran out of pastries Sunday early, along with doughnuts and food from the kitchen. Yet more was ordered this year. I did not get any salad or pasta, a favorite of mine, but I did carry many buckets of salad to be served (how did I let it run out before I got any?).
Gotta say, Lady Chablis is better than RuPaul, if you ask me.
The bicycle race was fun to watch. Unfortunately, not as big a crowd as I expected.
OK, onward….
The City
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I was asked to run again for mayor this weekend. I had generally decided not to run again for public office, instead supporting others I feel will be clean, honest, and effective in our city. Yet the public dissatisfaction with all of city government, from Coble to council to Austin, is past comprehension. Not only citizens, but those employed by the city as well. I cannot believe the anger city employees have for council and administration. So much so they are almost willing to risk job just to speak about what is wrong. Coble has always been a source of dissatisfaction, but the hostility towards Austin really has taken me by surprise. This I am going to have to write about in the future, but the anger comes from employees across the board, not any one demographic.
People feel that the city is in a financial bind, that the truth has not come out. The lack of balanced books, the very high salaries of some, the demand that the merchants pay for Christmas lights as the city has no money for them now, and on and on, just leads everyone to the same conclusions: that council and manager are incompetent, do not take the jobs seriously, and that there are things being hidden. One person last week made a very telling comment. He said the city will not bring the books up to date for a very long time, keeping them at least 6 months behind. Because if they do bring them up to date, it will show that the city is truly out of money.
Someone a few weeks ago emailed me asking that I call for a grand jury investigation into the city, that is how bad it is. Supposedly, a citizen can call for one, the writer stated. I do not know if it is true, but like the state supreme court, it should be handled by the feds.
SC State Supreme Court
Ok, they say that bad stuff comes in threes. Here is the second, so what is the third.
This past week I had the opportunity to hear about some lawyers and their trials with the supreme court, eventually talking to some close to them about the situations. I am not sure what is going on, but some have told me that it is a kangaroo court, the way attorney investigations are handled. A complaint against the court is handled by the court and its subservient agencies, not by independent agents. An article in The State this past week made reference to the court and that it should not be the one investigating itself. That is quite obvious, it should not. Yet it is, for itself and for complaints lodged against it.
FITS News, Will Folks, put out this article ( http://www.fitsnews.com/2008/09/04/sc-supreme-court-faces-multiple-investigations/) that states that the court is under investigation. I have been told that SLED and the US Justice Dept. are in the information gathering stage. It would seem difficult for a state agency such as SLED or the attorney general to investigate impartially, but that the feds could less partially.
Lets see what happens here.
Temple Ligon
Temple, one of Columbia’s great assets, hits it again!
www.ecsc.org/index.php?Itemid=161&id=108&option=com_content&task=view
Our state's electric co-ops magazine Living in South Carolina published my article on Jasper Johns and sent about 450,000 copies across the state. Last May in Portland, Oregon, without telling me, the Council of Rural Electric Communicators declared my Johns article as their Best Feature Story among all of the statewide co-ops publications in the country for 2007.
I found out last week when I Googled myself, "John Temple Ligon."
Sometimes you should check yourself out and see how you're doing. I hadn't, apparently, since before last May. Anyway, I'm tickled pink to win a national journalism award, and I'm happy to tell my friends about it.
Thanks for reading such shameless self-promotion. Hell, if I don't, who will?
John Temple Ligon
Paying Parking Tickets
Joe,
I was just wondering if you knew of any easy way to pay for parking tickets in Columbia. As a generation X'er, I admit that I don't even have a check book anymore to mail in my payments. Even when I did, they usually got there a day or two late which added penalties to my bill. I have tried to go by the city's office on Main Street to pay my parking tickets, but I can NEVER find a parking place on or around Main Street during the day when they are open. I've even gone down to the Washington Street building, but their drive up window is never open... usually b/c there is a line out the door which I don't have time to wait that long when I have a job to do. I haven't been able to find an online payment solution on the city's Web site, so do you or anyone else know the best way to pay these blasted things?
KS
P.S. For the love of God, don't underestimate the time you will need to park b/c I just got another ticket today and was only 11 minutes over.
jsa-No, I only know of the drive up window at the police department.
Vista Concerts
what happened to the vista concert series on thursday nites?
jsa-I was told that the sponsor felt there was a large liability with people drinking and decided to withdraw. Below is the official statement.
No Fall Concert series
Vista After 5 - Where Columbia Comes Alive!
Fall 2008 season postponed
The Fall season of Vista After 5 has been postponed to next Spring due to reasons beyond our control. We truly appreciate your support, and the help of all the volunteers in the past seasons. We look forward to continuing, and building upon, our relationships with all of you when we return in April 2009.
Our gracious Sponsor at Jillians will be hosting the bands inside Jillians each Thursday from 6PM - 9PM each Thursday afternoon. You can view the band schedule by clicking here.
11 Years of Music, Fun, Dancing for a great cause!
For the past eleven years, the Vista After 5 concerts have been fantastic social and business networking events. There is never an admission fee, and beverage proceeds and your generous donations support very worthy local charitable organizations.
If you would like to be a part of our exciting 2009 season, either as a Sponsor or a Volunteer, please send us an email @vistalife@aol.com. We would love to hear from you! We currently have Sponsorship and Volunteer positions available.
History of Vista After 5
The Vista After 5 series was created by a group of dedicated volunteers and began in September of 1997. These free concerts have become "the place to be" every Thursday afternoon in Columbia, S.C. They feature the very best variety and show bands from throughout the Southeast and have generated many thousands of dollars in contributions to worthy charities. Your help and support for the future is greatly appreciated! Vista After 5
email: vistalife@aol.com
phone: (803) 239-9303
vistalife@aol.com
Quick Links...
• Visit our Website
More Odds & Ends
Joe,
I received word that the Happy Bookseller is closing in October. This news is sad for lovers of independent bookstores. Maybe you should put the news out in your newsletter.
Thanks,
jsa-Ace Hardware too. We are losing small business to large corporate boxes, who do not have the knowledge, service, and, believe it or not, the selection. I have noticed that the big hardware stores do not have the selection and variety of smaller stores such as Hiller Hardware. I can usually find one bolt or washer I need at Hiller, but at the big stores, if I can find it, I am required to buy a package of 5 or 10.
If all the specialists disappear, where will we find the knowledge and service?
………………..
Hi all.
I have a friend here in Columbia that is the Director of Programs for a non-profit agency called Communities In Schools of the Midlands. The sole purpose of this agency is to help children who are at risk of dropping out of school. In this technological age that we live in today, one of the required items on the school supply list of area students is a "jump" or flash" drive for them to safely backup their computer lab work. Many of the students that my friend fosters do not have the means to provide these for themselves. I have located a vendor that will sell me 100 256mb Memorex flash drives for $350 shipping included. That's only $3.50 per unit... that's less than a cup of Starbucks coffee!
I will be collecting donations to help acquire this item for as many Columbia area students as possible. If anyone is interested in helping out monetarily please let me know.
Best.
Jay Ellington
Art Director
Constantnow
[ellington@constantnow.com]
…………………..
Dear Joe,
Please explain why the 5 pts merchant's association is so adamant about having a garage built on the Kenny site?? What is behind it?? My husband and I attended the Five Pts Citizens Parking Advisory Committee meeing last evening but I cannot get at the economic basis of the merchants' demands as they are so contradictory. The owner of the creaive toy shop pleaded for the garage even though she has been in business on Saluda Ave for 20 yrs. ( She even maintained that if a garage were built behind Clausen's mothers with children in tow wouldn't walk to her shop and that she wouldn't do so as a customer either!!! Oh how the automobile and construction industry loves to hear such assertions regardless of the energy constraints facing the mobile world devoted to the 30-second waddle.) The same is true for the owner of the liquor store (Dennis??). If business has been so bad for the last twenty years sans garage why haven't they departed for better locations?? They all talked about the need for employee parking and in fact that was the main thrust of their argument for a parking garage. Two other merchants (the owner of an art gallery and another Dennis) asserted that there were plenty of parking spots. Evidently, employees cannot walk a couple of blocks to work and I assume from the the merchants' point of view that employees do not arrive on time for work and excuse their tardiness because of their search for a parking spot.
Five Pts businesses or rather their customers contribute to the hospitality tax. Since the businesses are the conduit, owners feel that they should receive benefits from such a tax in the form of garages, for example. Why can't they benefit from this tax in another way?? They have a wonderful opportunity to find a creative and I might add a much cheaper and more environmentally friendly solution to their putatvie problems.
The owner of the liquor store argued that the Kenny site as the gateway to Five Pts. would very soon be home to a Walgreens sorrounded by asphalt. Scare tactics?? That Walgreens would open another store so close to the one they have recently built on Garner's Ferry is another story and I suppose from the point of view of the investors who bought Kenny's site a moot point.
You may have written about the above in some detail. Please refer me to that scribble.
jsa-Look in the archives: http://groups.google.com/group/theazarnewsletter/topics. I have written much about it. The push for Kenny’s comes primarily from the Saluda Ave. merchants as it is close to them. They have given much faulty rationalization about how it is the center of 5 Points, closer to everyone, etc. At this point, either it will not be built in any fashion, or there are closed door meetings going on, just as in the beginning.
……………………
Hi Joe,
You seem to have enough contacts in town to get some answers on "missing link" questions. If you recall, shortly before school was back in session a decomposed body was found in the Maxcy Gregg stream off of Pickens and Blossom Streets adjacent to the ROTC building . The State covered it for a few days - maybe even a week - and the last I read was that they couldn't identify the body. Was this issue ever resolved? or was it put to sleep so as not to alarm the incoming students and the parents that were leaving their children in Columbia to go to school. Maybe I just missed the follow-up on it! Do you know how the story ended?
jsa-No, I do not.
……………………
On the CCI property issue and bridges to somewhere:
I don't know why the city let CCI be developed that way. They should have built another bridge over the Congaree River there. Tayor Street at the river could have been straightened and a new bridge could have been added. Now this can never happen because of the developement on that section of CCI. This is a mistake that will haunt Columbia when it grows 10-20 years down the road. Someday they will have to build another bridge over the Saluda River too. There is no way to cross from Columbia all the way to I 26. I predict they will have either a 9th Street or 12th Street Bridge someday (Maybe hooking up with Greystone Blvd.). Any comments?
jsa-I overheard a group at the Greek Festival discussing that, and everyone thought the project looked cheap and junky. The State ran letters from people who felt it is very poor architecture. The city, meaning council, has no real interest in good design or architecture. Maybe they just do not know what good design and construction is.
……………………
Why won't the city consider a light rail train from Irmo to the city center?
jsa-Ask the city that. I am sure you will get: “We are looking into that”, “The Midlands regional Planning Commission is in charge of that”, “The other towns and governments won’t work with us”, or some other similar comment. Attorney Joe Roof has promoted this idea for years, a great one involving a bus that is fitted with rail wheels and can run on track and street alike.
No vision, no will, no understanding, no money, and no money to be made under the table, yet.
…………………………..
Enough for tonight; plenty more where that came from. I will look for your comments.
Gotta say, Lady Chablis is better than RuPaul, if you ask me.
The bicycle race was fun to watch. Unfortunately, not as big a crowd as I expected.
OK, onward….
The City
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I was asked to run again for mayor this weekend. I had generally decided not to run again for public office, instead supporting others I feel will be clean, honest, and effective in our city. Yet the public dissatisfaction with all of city government, from Coble to council to Austin, is past comprehension. Not only citizens, but those employed by the city as well. I cannot believe the anger city employees have for council and administration. So much so they are almost willing to risk job just to speak about what is wrong. Coble has always been a source of dissatisfaction, but the hostility towards Austin really has taken me by surprise. This I am going to have to write about in the future, but the anger comes from employees across the board, not any one demographic.
People feel that the city is in a financial bind, that the truth has not come out. The lack of balanced books, the very high salaries of some, the demand that the merchants pay for Christmas lights as the city has no money for them now, and on and on, just leads everyone to the same conclusions: that council and manager are incompetent, do not take the jobs seriously, and that there are things being hidden. One person last week made a very telling comment. He said the city will not bring the books up to date for a very long time, keeping them at least 6 months behind. Because if they do bring them up to date, it will show that the city is truly out of money.
Someone a few weeks ago emailed me asking that I call for a grand jury investigation into the city, that is how bad it is. Supposedly, a citizen can call for one, the writer stated. I do not know if it is true, but like the state supreme court, it should be handled by the feds.
SC State Supreme Court
Ok, they say that bad stuff comes in threes. Here is the second, so what is the third.
This past week I had the opportunity to hear about some lawyers and their trials with the supreme court, eventually talking to some close to them about the situations. I am not sure what is going on, but some have told me that it is a kangaroo court, the way attorney investigations are handled. A complaint against the court is handled by the court and its subservient agencies, not by independent agents. An article in The State this past week made reference to the court and that it should not be the one investigating itself. That is quite obvious, it should not. Yet it is, for itself and for complaints lodged against it.
FITS News, Will Folks, put out this article ( http://www.fitsnews.com/2008/09/04/sc-supreme-court-faces-multiple-investigations/) that states that the court is under investigation. I have been told that SLED and the US Justice Dept. are in the information gathering stage. It would seem difficult for a state agency such as SLED or the attorney general to investigate impartially, but that the feds could less partially.
Lets see what happens here.
Temple Ligon
Temple, one of Columbia’s great assets, hits it again!
www.ecsc.org/index.php?Itemid=161&id=108&option=com_content&task=view
Our state's electric co-ops magazine Living in South Carolina published my article on Jasper Johns and sent about 450,000 copies across the state. Last May in Portland, Oregon, without telling me, the Council of Rural Electric Communicators declared my Johns article as their Best Feature Story among all of the statewide co-ops publications in the country for 2007.
I found out last week when I Googled myself, "John Temple Ligon."
Sometimes you should check yourself out and see how you're doing. I hadn't, apparently, since before last May. Anyway, I'm tickled pink to win a national journalism award, and I'm happy to tell my friends about it.
Thanks for reading such shameless self-promotion. Hell, if I don't, who will?
John Temple Ligon
Paying Parking Tickets
Joe,
I was just wondering if you knew of any easy way to pay for parking tickets in Columbia. As a generation X'er, I admit that I don't even have a check book anymore to mail in my payments. Even when I did, they usually got there a day or two late which added penalties to my bill. I have tried to go by the city's office on Main Street to pay my parking tickets, but I can NEVER find a parking place on or around Main Street during the day when they are open. I've even gone down to the Washington Street building, but their drive up window is never open... usually b/c there is a line out the door which I don't have time to wait that long when I have a job to do. I haven't been able to find an online payment solution on the city's Web site, so do you or anyone else know the best way to pay these blasted things?
KS
P.S. For the love of God, don't underestimate the time you will need to park b/c I just got another ticket today and was only 11 minutes over.
jsa-No, I only know of the drive up window at the police department.
Vista Concerts
what happened to the vista concert series on thursday nites?
jsa-I was told that the sponsor felt there was a large liability with people drinking and decided to withdraw. Below is the official statement.
No Fall Concert series
Vista After 5 - Where Columbia Comes Alive!
Fall 2008 season postponed
The Fall season of Vista After 5 has been postponed to next Spring due to reasons beyond our control. We truly appreciate your support, and the help of all the volunteers in the past seasons. We look forward to continuing, and building upon, our relationships with all of you when we return in April 2009.
Our gracious Sponsor at Jillians will be hosting the bands inside Jillians each Thursday from 6PM - 9PM each Thursday afternoon. You can view the band schedule by clicking here.
11 Years of Music, Fun, Dancing for a great cause!
For the past eleven years, the Vista After 5 concerts have been fantastic social and business networking events. There is never an admission fee, and beverage proceeds and your generous donations support very worthy local charitable organizations.
If you would like to be a part of our exciting 2009 season, either as a Sponsor or a Volunteer, please send us an email @vistalife@aol.com. We would love to hear from you! We currently have Sponsorship and Volunteer positions available.
History of Vista After 5
The Vista After 5 series was created by a group of dedicated volunteers and began in September of 1997. These free concerts have become "the place to be" every Thursday afternoon in Columbia, S.C. They feature the very best variety and show bands from throughout the Southeast and have generated many thousands of dollars in contributions to worthy charities. Your help and support for the future is greatly appreciated! Vista After 5
email: vistalife@aol.com
phone: (803) 239-9303
vistalife@aol.com
Quick Links...
• Visit our Website
More Odds & Ends
Joe,
I received word that the Happy Bookseller is closing in October. This news is sad for lovers of independent bookstores. Maybe you should put the news out in your newsletter.
Thanks,
jsa-Ace Hardware too. We are losing small business to large corporate boxes, who do not have the knowledge, service, and, believe it or not, the selection. I have noticed that the big hardware stores do not have the selection and variety of smaller stores such as Hiller Hardware. I can usually find one bolt or washer I need at Hiller, but at the big stores, if I can find it, I am required to buy a package of 5 or 10.
If all the specialists disappear, where will we find the knowledge and service?
………………..
Hi all.
I have a friend here in Columbia that is the Director of Programs for a non-profit agency called Communities In Schools of the Midlands. The sole purpose of this agency is to help children who are at risk of dropping out of school. In this technological age that we live in today, one of the required items on the school supply list of area students is a "jump" or flash" drive for them to safely backup their computer lab work. Many of the students that my friend fosters do not have the means to provide these for themselves. I have located a vendor that will sell me 100 256mb Memorex flash drives for $350 shipping included. That's only $3.50 per unit... that's less than a cup of Starbucks coffee!
I will be collecting donations to help acquire this item for as many Columbia area students as possible. If anyone is interested in helping out monetarily please let me know.
Best.
Jay Ellington
Art Director
Constantnow
[ellington@constantnow.com]
…………………..
Dear Joe,
Please explain why the 5 pts merchant's association is so adamant about having a garage built on the Kenny site?? What is behind it?? My husband and I attended the Five Pts Citizens Parking Advisory Committee meeing last evening but I cannot get at the economic basis of the merchants' demands as they are so contradictory. The owner of the creaive toy shop pleaded for the garage even though she has been in business on Saluda Ave for 20 yrs. ( She even maintained that if a garage were built behind Clausen's mothers with children in tow wouldn't walk to her shop and that she wouldn't do so as a customer either!!! Oh how the automobile and construction industry loves to hear such assertions regardless of the energy constraints facing the mobile world devoted to the 30-second waddle.) The same is true for the owner of the liquor store (Dennis??). If business has been so bad for the last twenty years sans garage why haven't they departed for better locations?? They all talked about the need for employee parking and in fact that was the main thrust of their argument for a parking garage. Two other merchants (the owner of an art gallery and another Dennis) asserted that there were plenty of parking spots. Evidently, employees cannot walk a couple of blocks to work and I assume from the the merchants' point of view that employees do not arrive on time for work and excuse their tardiness because of their search for a parking spot.
Five Pts businesses or rather their customers contribute to the hospitality tax. Since the businesses are the conduit, owners feel that they should receive benefits from such a tax in the form of garages, for example. Why can't they benefit from this tax in another way?? They have a wonderful opportunity to find a creative and I might add a much cheaper and more environmentally friendly solution to their putatvie problems.
The owner of the liquor store argued that the Kenny site as the gateway to Five Pts. would very soon be home to a Walgreens sorrounded by asphalt. Scare tactics?? That Walgreens would open another store so close to the one they have recently built on Garner's Ferry is another story and I suppose from the point of view of the investors who bought Kenny's site a moot point.
You may have written about the above in some detail. Please refer me to that scribble.
jsa-Look in the archives: http://groups.google.com/group/theazarnewsletter/topics. I have written much about it. The push for Kenny’s comes primarily from the Saluda Ave. merchants as it is close to them. They have given much faulty rationalization about how it is the center of 5 Points, closer to everyone, etc. At this point, either it will not be built in any fashion, or there are closed door meetings going on, just as in the beginning.
……………………
Hi Joe,
You seem to have enough contacts in town to get some answers on "missing link" questions. If you recall, shortly before school was back in session a decomposed body was found in the Maxcy Gregg stream off of Pickens and Blossom Streets adjacent to the ROTC building . The State covered it for a few days - maybe even a week - and the last I read was that they couldn't identify the body. Was this issue ever resolved? or was it put to sleep so as not to alarm the incoming students and the parents that were leaving their children in Columbia to go to school. Maybe I just missed the follow-up on it! Do you know how the story ended?
jsa-No, I do not.
……………………
On the CCI property issue and bridges to somewhere:
I don't know why the city let CCI be developed that way. They should have built another bridge over the Congaree River there. Tayor Street at the river could have been straightened and a new bridge could have been added. Now this can never happen because of the developement on that section of CCI. This is a mistake that will haunt Columbia when it grows 10-20 years down the road. Someday they will have to build another bridge over the Saluda River too. There is no way to cross from Columbia all the way to I 26. I predict they will have either a 9th Street or 12th Street Bridge someday (Maybe hooking up with Greystone Blvd.). Any comments?
jsa-I overheard a group at the Greek Festival discussing that, and everyone thought the project looked cheap and junky. The State ran letters from people who felt it is very poor architecture. The city, meaning council, has no real interest in good design or architecture. Maybe they just do not know what good design and construction is.
……………………
Why won't the city consider a light rail train from Irmo to the city center?
jsa-Ask the city that. I am sure you will get: “We are looking into that”, “The Midlands regional Planning Commission is in charge of that”, “The other towns and governments won’t work with us”, or some other similar comment. Attorney Joe Roof has promoted this idea for years, a great one involving a bus that is fitted with rail wheels and can run on track and street alike.
No vision, no will, no understanding, no money, and no money to be made under the table, yet.
…………………………..
Enough for tonight; plenty more where that came from. I will look for your comments.
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