A Simple Question

Who was the officer assigned to be with the mayor on the date in question, and was he in fact in fron of the mayor's house at the time of the accident? Until we know the answer to that question, we don't know all of the facts.

NBC Should be Ashamed

The public gained nothing ,but NBC saw a ratings spike. There was absolutely no value from giving this disturbed young man a posthumous platform for his twisted worldview. Clearly they could have chosen to summarize the tapes as the final act and disturbing images of a tragically sick young man.unfortunately they could barely hide their disappointment that the tragedy did not occur during a sweeps period. Thankfully, they may now pay a price. That price will pale though in comparison to the harm that they have caused, both to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as from the fallout of other twisted minds that may feel that there is a new ticket to their 15 minutes.

Virginia Tech

There is little to add to this story. A couple of observations though. First of all, this could happen anywhere. The criticism of the school is, in my opinion, premature. Hindsight is 20-20, but it appears that as soon as they knew that there was a continuing danger, they acted to spread the word. When all the details emerge, then one can form an informed opinion.

A second point is that an event like this, and more importantly , the way it is reported, tells us a great deal. Check back hereWBEN 930 : Local News : On-Demand Audio to see if they post the liveline interview with the CBS reporter on the scene. This guy was unbelievable. First he goes on about how puzzling it is that this "foreign student" could do anything so "american" as committing mass murder. This of course is based on his amazing knowledge of the correlation between playing "cowboys and indians" and "cops and robbers" with homicide.

He also showed how out of touch he is when he pointed out that before the university sent out the mass email that they were text messaging students, but that "it's not like students can check their text messages during class" Helloooo?!

Note - most of the above quotes should have "air quotes" because, the link has not yet been posted, so I can't quote him verbatim. Once it is posted (if) then we can see how close I was.

Life on Campus

Federal Deficit Down Sharply This Period

While this is Economics 101 for most folks, some find it surprising that tax cuts can result in increasing tax revenues. SeeFederal Deficit Down Sharply This Period

Biron to the Flyers

Now we wait for the other shoe to drop.

"The Buffalo Sabres have reportedly traded netminder Marty Biron to The Philadelphia Flyers. Buffalo picks up goaltender Ty Conklin from Columbus and gives up second and fifth round picks in the deals.

Watch for Blog to Move

I am likely to be moving this blog some time soon to WNYMedia.Net . They already have a number of local bloggers, however like our local governments, don't have much perspective from the right of the aisle.

With more readers on the site, I may be motivated to post more often. You can decide whether that is a good thing...

Albright Knox Brouhaha

Click here for post.

Bison Fund to Expand

Click here for post.

Buffalo News - BISON fund grows to include suburbs

Buffalo News - BISON fund grows to include suburbs

There is some good news in this morning's Buffalo News - the Bison Fund (Buffalo Inner-city Scholarship Opportunity Network), a private philanthropic fund that provides scholarships for low income students in grades K-8 is expanding eligibility for the first time outside of the city limits.

This is truly great news. The main point of the story is missed however. He points out that the scholarships "have long been credited with giving a major boost to Catholic Diocese of Buffalo elementary schools and other nonpublic schools". The Superintendent referred to the scholarships as "an angel sent to Catholic schools."

Clearly, these scholarships deliver the greatest benefit to those individuals who, through the scholarships, are given the opportunity to make a choice as to what school is best for their family. Absent these scholarships, these families with modest financial means would be left with no choice but to attend whatever school to which the educational bureaucracy assigned them.

So the first beneficiary is clearly the individual family impacted by this philanthropy. It is also clear that private and catholic schools derive benefit as well, as they are given the opportunity to serve students who they would otherwise not see enrolled at their schools. This kind of benefit is clearly secondary. It could be considered tertiary if you consider the benefit that the Buffalo Public Schools, and therefore the taxpayers receive from the kindness of these donors.

The Bison fund currently provides scholarships to roughly 1,200 students. The City of Buffalo Board of Education serves about 38,000 students http://www.buffaloschools.org/District/District.aspx , and has a budget of $629,869,609 http://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/files/1_2_1/2006-07_Adopted_Budget/VI-Board_of_Education.pdf . If you divide that budget by the number of students served you get $16,575.51. Now this may be oversimplified (law of diminishing marginal costs/returns) but the fact that 1,2000 students are enrolled outside of the Public School system eliminates up to $19,890,612 in additional costs to the District.

So while we thank those who support this important philanthropic cause, let's recognize that the program has benefited our entire city, and soon will benefit some of the first ring suburbs as well.

Blogging and RSS Workshop

I am taking a workshop today. Perhaps I will have fewer typo's in the future!! ;-)

John Edwards - Which of the Two Americas Does he Call Home?

Sounds like touring the country proposing we tax the rich pays well...

More Double Standards

Imagine how this story would play out if you exchange Boxer for Orrin Hatch and Rice with Madeline Albright.

Wegmans stays at top of Best Companies list - Business First of Buffalo:

Congratulations to Wegman's for reaining at the top of Best Companies list - Business First of Buffalo: They are by the far the best operation going. Way to go!

Dan Gets Spanked by Lou Dobbs

Test scores. Test scores.

Conyers Should Resign

I hope that all the people who were calling for Tom Reynolds resignation will join me in calling for Conyers to resign. This may not rise to the level of Hevesi, but clearly he has broken the law and should resign.

Vite for Gino!

The NFL held this contest to pick the best Super Bowl commercial concept. Vote for Gino from St. Joe's.

I'd Say He's Right

Khamenei calls elections a victory for Iran | Politics News | Reuters.com

Shhh...Unemployment rate lowest in nearly 5-1/2 years | Top News | Reuters.com

Unemployment rate lowest in nearly 5-1/2 years | Top News | Reuters.com

Huh? Part Deux

And the Unions wonder why they are losing the faith of their members and the community at large?

Huh?

Can someone explain how the the Buffalo News, which has continued to beat th Mark Foley drum, endorses a judge who was arrested for Public Lewdness in Ellicott Creek Park? (Check you old stack of newspapers - June 16, 1994)

Huh?

Can someone explain how the Buffalo News, which has been among the breathless beaters of the Foley drum, endorses /a> a judge who was arrested for Public Lewdness in Ellicott Creek Park? (Check you old stack of newspapers - June 16, 1994)

Huh?

Can someone explain how the Buffalo News, which has been among the breathless beaters of the Foley drum, endorses/a> a judge who was arrested for Public Lewdness in Ellicott Creek Park? (Check you old stack of newspapers - June 16, 1994)

Pataki - how about leading for a change?

Ex-federal prosecutor to review Hevesi - Business First of Buffalo: Are there really any gray areas here that he needs cleared up?

Thank You Carl paladino

I-190 tolls in rear-view mirror - Business First of Buffalo: of course all of the politicians now come out of the woodwork to support the removal. Kudos to Dave Swarts, but especially to carl paladino whose lawsuit made it happen.

Pelosi & Reid Must Resign!

It is circulating widely in Washington that both Pelosi and Reidknew of Webb's writings and yet they encouraged him to run anyway!

Hevesi - Step Down Now!

Buffalo News - Hevesi accused of law violations

Olberman is a Dem Shill

Fox Haters Take Notice!! Any question that the downstream media are biased?

This is what Real Business Leadership Looks Like!

I-190 tolls to end - Business First of Buffalo: Thanks Carl Paladino!!

Where is Your Fitzpatrick now?

House Intel Chair suspends staff member - Yahoo! News

Partnership objects to passport card - Business First of Buffalo:

The Partnership misses the big picture. This shouldn't surprise anyone, but it really points out this areas desperate need for enlightened business leadership. Our elected leaders couldn't get much worse, but these guys aren't much better.

Anderson Cooper

This guy is shameless. My favorite part is where he describes their attempt to bring "the unvarnished truth". Give me a break. These soldiers are dying, protecting their right to abuse their freedom. Shameless...

Shhhh...

The economy is rocking, but don't tell anyone.

Priest tells of Foley relationship

You know, I think I can see how Foley "might perceive this as sexually inappropriate" but I wouldn't want to judge.

More Hypocrisy

Let's see if the same forces who pushed tom Delay out will be equally engaged in seeking Harry Reid's ouster.

Reynolds Haters are Getting Giddy!

Here’s an idea: Let’s lay out the rules for this point forward, and let’s hold everyone to that standard. Let's call out those who have been given a pass up until now.
A) When there are rumors that someone is sending homoerotic emails to an underling, anyone who hears the rumors should___________.
B) When someone has sex with an underling while in office they should______?
C) When someone in congress has a gay prostituion ring running out of their house they should_________?
D) When a sitting congressman actually has sex with a page (not just emails, but actual man-boy sex, those sitting in congress who know about it should_______?

If you are willing to fill in the blanks and live by it in the future, and take a stand on the past, then by all means we should condemn Reynolds for “not doing more”.

New Record for the Stock Market!

It is getting tougher for people to deny the economic recovery...

Now HERE"s Something to Add to Your Resume!

Here is a group of proud women!!

Interesting Dichotomy

Perhpas nothing sums up the differences between the two major parties than this. Scour the web, and look for quotes about the Foley issue that decry the behavior of a grown man having sexually related discussions with a minor. Put those in one pile. Then look for quotes about a "cover up" - you know, the "what did they know, when did they know it?" stuff. The look at the political party to whom the quotes are attributed, and then decide which is the party of politics, and which is the party of issues.

Wow!

This will give me pause next time I am cutting the lawn in my shorts and dark socks!

Something for me to keep in Mind for When I Cut the Lawn in my Black Socks and Shorts!

Bloggers ogle at Google Earth's topless sunbathers | the Daily Mail

Will "unreliable" or " battery sucking" Be next?

Apple will go to war over 'pod'

October's Must SeeMovie!

With Jon Heder

A Reform Proposal

After yesterday's election, and the abysmally poor choices we were given I would like to make the following reform proposal:

Abolish the set salaries for our elected officials and replace them with a formula that would set their salaries at a level 10% higher than their last private sector W-2 form.

The current system, has given us politicians who are motivated by the money - the opportunity to earn a salary higher than they could ever earn anywhere else. People with talent find that the salaries are lower than what they can make in the real world, and noblesse oblige notwithstanding, they simply choose not to become involved in politics.

Let's look at our judges. I am not a lawyer, so I don't know who was on law Review etc. etc. but most of our judges are making more as judges than they were as attorneys. On the other hand, some of the people who I, as a pedestrian observer, would look to as the better legal minds in the community (Cambria, Condo, Vilardo, Dimitroff, Greene, Attea, Lippes, etc.) never throw their hats in the ring.

Our elected officials are the same. Think about all of our elected officials and ask yourself what was the last private sector job they had. Personally, I would rather have my taxes raised to pay $1,000,000 for someone like Bob Wilmers, Donna Fernandes, Carl Paladino, Don Boswell, Bill Greiner, Marsha Handerson, Danny Wegman or Tom Golisano, that pay for just about any of the people who "represent" me.

Before the election we would be informed what each of the candidates would "cost" us, and we could vote based on that knowledge. But why overpay for someone whose last real job was (fill in the blank with your favorite politician's background)when we could get them for pennies on the dollar based on this new system?

What do you think?

Primary Day

It is Primary day here in WNY.

If I could vote in every race:

Senate (D) Clinton (See, there is a scenario where I could vote for her)
(R) Spencer

State Senate 59 (R) Roberto (Is there ANY incumbent who deserves re-election?)
60 (D)Write in for ANYONE...I can't remember a time when there were three choices that are so poor.

Assembly 138 (D) Tough to say, but given the fact that DelMonte is an incumbent . . . not her...

City Court (D) Kuniniec

Astronauts Lose Bolt During Spacewalk

As a guy who spent plenty of time this weekend looking in my lawn for a bolt for the trampolineI imagine thus must be even more frustrating...k

Bird's Eye View of Harbor

I had the opportunity to ride on the HM Cotter and it was extremely educational. The Cotter is an amazing piece of firefighting equipment.

Seeing the remnants of Buffalo's thriving economy were awe inspiring.

But perhaps nothing summed up the neighborhood better than this.

The Buck Stops Here

Although I am not cheering for it I can't imagine this story ending with Ralph walking upright out of the woods.

Trust Funds set for Two Troopers

Please consider supporting a trust fund for the surviving wife and child of Joseph Longobardo.

Lockport Locks and Cave

Took a tour of the Lockport locks and underground cave.  Sometimes it can be a little depressing to live life in the past lane. The tour of the cave was fun. They do some haunted cave tours in October.  For more information, click here.

Memories of Leslie Nielsen

A CNN reporter does her best Naked Gun impersonation.

Higgins Speaks out on International Affairs

Brian Higgins whose previous experience in International Affairs was a combination of trips to the International house of Pancakes and once for Chinese food in Fort Erie, has spent a couple of days in Africa and the Middle East, and has an approach that will solve the problems there. Thank God. He has done so much for the City of Buffalo, and the State of New York. With his track record, put him in charge of Iraq, and people will be moving out in numbers similar to what he did for us here.

Eliot Camera Shy?

I have never seen camera within a mile of Spitzer that he hasn't run toward, but all of a sudden he is sending his "Spokesperson" (Compare the number of quotes attributed to her in 2005 and compare to his - like he needs a spokespserson) to talk about his defense of the State putting it to WNY commuters. I get "attorney client privelege", etc , but what is his stance as a candidate?

Eating Bugs will seem like nothing after this!

CNN.com - 'Survivor' sent to Oklahoma prison - Jul 24, 2006

Paul Tokasz sticks it to the area one last time!!

In typical fashion, Tokasz works the system so that there is no opportunity for anyone but the handpicked party hacks to succeed him. IS THERE NO LIMIT TO THE CONTEMPT THIS GUY MUST HAVE FOR THE VOTERS?

You have new Picture Mail!

And the...

And Then...

Written in Soap? on the Windshield and on the Passenger Window: Don't Forget to Turn off Lights!.

More than once has this thinker had to have her car jumped because of a dead battery...

Here's another Great one!

OK - This one says "I Think, Therefore I'm Liberal"...

Population losses are widespread across WNY - Business First of Buffalo:

This is not encouraging...

Let's See How The Story Plays out

Yesterday, the story was This race has been seen as a referendum on both the Republican Congress and a Republican president whose popularity has been sinking, reports CBS News correspondent Jerry Bowen. Now that the election is over let's see if the report who won the referendum. Don't hold your breath.

Schumer & Clinton Stand Up For Identity Theft

Wile this legislation is part of the immigration debate it is also worded so that someone could collect Social Security by commiting identity theft. Even if they reworked the law to take identity theft out of it, how could anyone vote to table a bill like this?

Ronald Reagan on Immigration

This article is interesting. My take on this issue is that we should do the following in order:
1 - Secure our borders. Frankly I am less concerned about Schictel's migrants or the Irish bartenders but if they can get in, so can Al Quaida
2) Stop the laws that coddle lawbreakers. I believe we should provide free medical care for any illegals who are here and who need it, but all other benefits should be revoked. Send all of them home to their countries of origin.
3) Increase the number of H1-B visas granted - maybe double the number.
4) The immigrants (like my ancestors) who helped build this country had to work hard, and they had to assimilate to the American culture. Utility companies did not offer their instructions in any language other than English. We should do the same now.

BTW - the Canadian Border is just as porous as the Mexican border.

A Nice Story

We don't often get these kinds of stories from the downstream media.This story about a Mayor from Iraq is pretty moving.

Paging Milton Friedman

Whaddaya know - taxes were cut and yet tax revenues are up. Who'da thunk it? Tough news for the downstream media to incorporate into their zero-sum worldview, I am sure.

What is the president Thinking?

Here is, in my opinion, the biggest reason for the President's slip in the polls.

Steadfast

I thank God we have a President who is unmoved by polls. I disagree with him on some key issues, but I have a hard time reconciling this with this.

Lancaster schools get the most bang for the buck - Business First of Buffalo:

This research by Business First demonstrates that there is no simple cause-effect relationship between per pupil expenditures and results. It would be great if they included the Private Schools in these comparisons.

Leaks

Is it just me, or are there more leaks out of the Prosecutor's office than there were in the underlying case?

I always cry at weddings . . .

This story doesn't say whether Vice President Cheney was sitting on the Bride or Groom's side...

More Good Economic News

The legacy media have such a hard time reporting about the economic expansion.

Insulting?

I am not African-American, but if I were, I think I would be pretty insulted that a group of seemingly intelligent people are debating whether it is possible that African Americans would ever vote for the best candidate in a general election.

Nothing Beats Hypocrisy!

An interesting Combination of Bumper Stickers.
BTW, of course there was an Impeach Bush sticker as well...
So you can see it is the same car...


Obviously an animal lover...


Babies . . . not so much...

Good Riddance

I am not a big Tom Delay fan, but the ad hominem attacks from these wackos make me want to rethink my position. Their compilation seems to be made at least partially out of whole cloth. They quote each other, but then make it seem as if the quotes came from Delay when they did not (at least some). Most moving, perhaps, is the show of tolerance from one of the commenters:

"been smoking since age 6"
Posted by: rollo on Apr 4, 2006 4:17 PM [Report this comment]

The good news is, this greedy turd will die of cancer. K Street can't lobby the big C. You can't pray it away, and all your rich friends can't help you. He will be all alone with his God. Hope it works out, Hot Tub.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »]

Nice...

Colorado Schools

OK - let me get this straight - Black Trenchoats are perfectly acceptable in Colorado Schools, but we need to ban flags "for student safety"?

Business First of Buffalo: NY 2nd in public school spending - 2006-04-03

If only NY were second in achievement! Bookmark this article for every time Phil Rumore or the Superintendant or anyone else says that the answer to pur problems is more money. Meanwhile, Catholic Schools with test scores way above their public school counterparts are closing because the death grip the unions have on state legislators. It is criminal . . .

What are they drinking in Hollywood?

Sharon Stone's dismal sequel is being blamed on Bush, McCarthy et. al. Could it be that people want better movies? How many weeks after the nonstop Brokeback chatter, and now the poor Box office numbers for an almost parody movie is beacause the country is Puritanical? Please.

Buffalo News - UB shifting back to unionized custodians

This is an interesting story. Some well - meaning (although a bit naive) students, and a mix of a combination of equally well- meaning faculty as well as some garden variety kooks (forget about spring ahead - their clocks are set to 1969)at alma mater have effected change. While the well meaning ones wanted to support the cleaning staff at UB (some very nice people, BTW) their actions will probably put those same cleaners on unemployment. While the result of this decision is that UB will now employ union custodians, the reality is that the people in those jobs currently have no guarantee of getting those jobs. With friends like those . . .

Personal Responsibility

Here is another perfect example of the mind of the Democrats. In this case, a Congresswoman was mistreated "because she is black". It apparently had nothing to do with the fact that she avoided the metal detectors wearing no identification that she is a member of Congress, failed to stop after being called three times. She also apparently punched the officer as a "natural reaction".

Please . . .

Anyone wonder why the new York Times' Readership is Falling?

The New York Times seems to think that it is a recent development for CNN personnel to show their bias on an issue. Does the name Eason Jordan ring a bell?

You Have got to love this guy!

I am not sure anyone gives the downstream press agita like Antonin Scalia!

Luckily Sharon Stone didn't have any quarters . . .

They say you can't turn your head from your kids for five seconds and this story would seem to back that up. It would seem like it would take a little time for this boy to crawl up the toy chute, I won't comment on the parents as i have had some nighmarish experiences at Chuck E Cheese myself.

Be Careful Where You Shop

If you are at the mall with your daughter and you see Sharon Stone - my advice - walk the other way.

Charlie Sheen

After a while, you wonder why the press even cover these people whose only known expertise is an ability to effectively pretend (Lie is to harsh a word) so that we can believe for two hours (or 30 minutes) that they are someone else.

No Link

So much for the conventional wisdom that there was no link b/t Saddam and Osama...

Hey, when he's wrong I'll admit that too....

Port Disaster.

There WAS Election Fraud After All

Although I doubt Frank Clarkwould have had the guts to prosecute, but more than a year after the fact, there will be convictions of election fraud and tampering from the 2004 elections.

I know he's not terribly bright but . . .

Wouldn't you think someone would whisper to
Ted Kennedy that he might want to name his dog something other than "Splash"?

Sad Day for the Old Grey Lady

The New York Times sunk to a new low, even for "Mainstream Media". One of their reporters got front page placement for a story in which he quotes CIA officals, (breaking national security laws) saying that the President acted within the law. And the Times conveniently fails to poitn out - oh yeh, the reporter has a book deal. Whatever shred of credibility they had is gone for good.

NPR

I was interviewed for a piece on NPR this morning.

The CIA IS Like a Sieve

I hope there is a prosecutor that will go after the CIA leakers. This is getting ridiculous.

Good News for the Region

While this puts our job growth at 1/2 of the state's rate of growth, the fact that private employers added more jobs in Buffalo has got to be seen as good news, particularly since it happened concurrently with a reduction in public sector jobs.

Kruly Update

Yes - he was tried by an administrative law judge, and was removed from his position.

This is our solution?

Maybe my memory is foggy, but didn't Ken Kruly resign in the midst of a scandal to avoid prosecution?

Snowden For Senate

Bob McCarthy reports that Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno is encouraging ick Snowden to run for the soon to be vacant Byron Brown seat.

There are few details, however I hear the evidence is the large number of dollar bills with Bruno's fingerprints found in Snowden's garter...

An Imperial Presidency ?

Fareed Zakaria shows that he is not much of a student of history. While characterizing the Bush Presidency as "Imperial" he shows little historical perspective. He compares Bush to Clinton, and seems to begrudgingly admit that Clinton too, traveled with a large entourage. Citing "conventional wisdom" he clais that Bush does not genuineky communicate with people, but that Clinton did. Not much reporting there.

There are few world leaders that have the stature of President Bush. Should he be admonished for not having heart to heart talks with Chirac? Hardly.

He is a forceful presence who seems to have deveoped strong ties with Fox, Blair, Howard and Berlusconi. He appears to have a strong record of communicating with Putin, Zedong and Sung.

Bush's style, if I had to characterize it is less PR person and more CEO. He is a "get down to business" type of guy who does not appear to relish the limelight or the soireees.

Imperial? Not the word I would choose.

A Step Too FAr

I don't have any interest in or opposition to casinos, eminent domain should not be used to take these people's homes.

The Importance of Filling out those Change of Address cards

nbc4.com - News - Report: Alleged White House Jumper Wanted Chelsea Clinton

A Bigger Boondoggle

This news is greeted like it is great for the community when once again, the home and business owners in the community are being bent over for another government boondoggle. This money, if it was returned to the ratepayers in the form of reasonably priced power would have a much greater multiplier for the economy. It shows how little we have grogressed from the days of Lauren belfer's book City of Light - where a small number of people with dull intellects controlled the course of the city.

Can Someone Explain This?

As I went into Lord & Taylor, I had to wonder how many of these things will sell. Then again, I have always been surprised that someone would open a women's clothing store called "Dress Barn". But really - what woman wants to wear anything that brings to mind cows?

Tell Cindy Her 15 Minutes are up.

Regardless of what the MSM want.