Joe Biden is an idiot. Seriously. Biden makes Quayle look like a Rhodes Scholar. Why are liberals so busy nitpicking Palin while their own choice for Vice President gets a pass for huge knowledge blunders? My guess is they are either sexist and/or bitter that Palin has taken the wind out of Obama's sails.
Whether or not you actually saw them, you have likely heard the non-stop criticism following Palin's interviews with Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric. It's all hot air of course, there were no huge blunders in either interview. All the criticism, from CNN to Saturday Night Live, is focused on Palin's style, accent, and appearance. What is lacking is commentary on the substance of her replies. Tina Fey's impression of Palin is brilliant. However, certainly even Fey would concede that a healthy economy does, in fact, depend on job creation and reigning in spending.
Why did SNL forgo the opportunity to focus on the stupidity of Biden, who lacks a basic command of U.S. history? In case you missed it, Katie Couric asked about the planned $700 billion bailout of Wall Street. Biden responded by showing off his knowledge of economics and The Great Depression.
"When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the princes of greed," Biden told Couric. "He said, 'Look, here's what happened.'"
The problem? FDR wasn't the president at the time and television had not yet been invented. Biden's interview would have made for a brilliant SNL skit, and should have been the focus of the press, but apparently Biden gets a pass for this blunder because he was focused on criticizing a commercial made by his own campaign. A commercial, by the way, that Biden had never bothered to watch. Biden has a long history of putting his foot in his mouth during his insufferable lengthy plagiarized speeches, and yet he and his hair plugs get a pass from media scrutiny. If Palin's nose is too shiny we are going to hear about it.
Have no doubt, women can most certainly be sexist. Especially if they are Democrats and/or are employed by media outlets.
Wednesday, October 1
Saturday, September 20
Oh Brother Can You Spare a Dime....
Or better yet 700 billion dollars? On my way to work Wednesday morning a 20 billion dollar bailout was being considered. As my lunch hour rolled around, NPR was talking 40 billion. During my commute home it was up to 60 billion. Friday it was up to 85 billion. This fine Saturday morning we are now up to a $700 BILLION bailout. Jeeze. Who is coming up with these numbers? It doesn't matter. I just balanced my checkbook. I ain't got it.
$700 BILLION?! Hell, why not just provide winning lotto numbers, pixie dust, a pony, and a rainbow to every American citizen?
My grandfather, a Great Depression survivor, keeps a lockbox of cash and gold coins underneath his bed and a loaded hand gun in his nightstand drawer. I've always thought it a quaint, naive, sad, and paranoid practice. After watching Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, and industry giant AIG either bite the dust or require government intervention in order to avoid doing so, Grandpa's lockbox is looking like the most sound financial policy of them all. The beauty is in it's simplicity and the fact that Grandpa's plan is rooted in the rarest of all commodities: COMMON FRIGGIN' SENSE.
I'm disappointed that McCain's answer is more and bigger government. The financial market is collapsing. The answer? Another government agency. Not very Republican of McCain. Don't we have a few regulatory agencies that are suppose to be preventing this sort of massive downfall? SEC? FDIC? The Justice Department? On the other hand, Obama is far worse, his answer seems to be to completely take over and oversee the financial market. Might as well vote for Nader.
Huh. What everyone seems to agree upon is that this crisis was brought about by poor lending policies. Why not learn from our mistakes and apply minimal regulations at lower levels so that the whole thing doesn't super nova later down the line? Why not make a law stating that only X percent of a lending institution's loans can be high risk. Why not tell AIG that they can only insure only X percent of high loans? Why not tell loan officers that if they give loans to folks who have bad credit, no assets, and no job that they will be shot on site? Is anyone on Wall Street over the age of forty? Do any of them remember the savings and loan crisis of the 1980's?
Don't get me wrong, high risk mortgages have a place. People who scrap their way up from welfare to work, low income but responsible individuals starting a new business, bright students who come from poor households seeking a college education. As a taxpayer, these are high risk loans I'm willing to back.
I am not willing to subsidize some greedy fat cat who doesn't understand that a leveraged buyout is debt, pure and simple. I don't appreciate bailing out a company that was allow to grow so huge that as a society we cannot allow it to fail. Wall Street brats should understand capitalism. Seriously, if you graduate from Wharton Business school, shouldn't you know that as a player in the free market, failure is most certainly an option?
Future generations will likely be financing the biggest bailout since the Great Depression. Heads should roll. I look forward to seeing some indictments. In the meantime I'm off to Walmart to buy a lockbox and a gun.
$700 BILLION?! Hell, why not just provide winning lotto numbers, pixie dust, a pony, and a rainbow to every American citizen?
My grandfather, a Great Depression survivor, keeps a lockbox of cash and gold coins underneath his bed and a loaded hand gun in his nightstand drawer. I've always thought it a quaint, naive, sad, and paranoid practice. After watching Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, and industry giant AIG either bite the dust or require government intervention in order to avoid doing so, Grandpa's lockbox is looking like the most sound financial policy of them all. The beauty is in it's simplicity and the fact that Grandpa's plan is rooted in the rarest of all commodities: COMMON FRIGGIN' SENSE.
I'm disappointed that McCain's answer is more and bigger government. The financial market is collapsing. The answer? Another government agency. Not very Republican of McCain. Don't we have a few regulatory agencies that are suppose to be preventing this sort of massive downfall? SEC? FDIC? The Justice Department? On the other hand, Obama is far worse, his answer seems to be to completely take over and oversee the financial market. Might as well vote for Nader.
Huh. What everyone seems to agree upon is that this crisis was brought about by poor lending policies. Why not learn from our mistakes and apply minimal regulations at lower levels so that the whole thing doesn't super nova later down the line? Why not make a law stating that only X percent of a lending institution's loans can be high risk. Why not tell AIG that they can only insure only X percent of high loans? Why not tell loan officers that if they give loans to folks who have bad credit, no assets, and no job that they will be shot on site? Is anyone on Wall Street over the age of forty? Do any of them remember the savings and loan crisis of the 1980's?
Don't get me wrong, high risk mortgages have a place. People who scrap their way up from welfare to work, low income but responsible individuals starting a new business, bright students who come from poor households seeking a college education. As a taxpayer, these are high risk loans I'm willing to back.
I am not willing to subsidize some greedy fat cat who doesn't understand that a leveraged buyout is debt, pure and simple. I don't appreciate bailing out a company that was allow to grow so huge that as a society we cannot allow it to fail. Wall Street brats should understand capitalism. Seriously, if you graduate from Wharton Business school, shouldn't you know that as a player in the free market, failure is most certainly an option?
Future generations will likely be financing the biggest bailout since the Great Depression. Heads should roll. I look forward to seeing some indictments. In the meantime I'm off to Walmart to buy a lockbox and a gun.
Friday, August 29
Sarah Palin for Vice President. SWEEEEET!!!!
Polly is a happy camper. Very, very, VERY happy. McCain's running mate is an Alaskan whistle blower with a history of taking on big oil. She is a mother of five with one child soon heading off to Iraq, as well as an infant with Downs Syndrome. "I know he has an extra chromosome, but he looks perfect to me." She is committed to pro life and gun rights. She appears scandal free. All of this and she is young (44) and not from D.C. Talk about a fantasy candidate.
Yes, I know that Biden has a son headed to Iraq as well. Biden's son serves as a military lawyer and not as likely to see action.
I know this is not the first time a woman has been on a ticket, but frankly, Mondale and Geraldine Ferrero never had a chance.
No matter what, we will either have a black president or a female vice president.
It's enough to make a girl start blogging again.
Yes, I know that Biden has a son headed to Iraq as well. Biden's son serves as a military lawyer and not as likely to see action.
I know this is not the first time a woman has been on a ticket, but frankly, Mondale and Geraldine Ferrero never had a chance.
No matter what, we will either have a black president or a female vice president.
It's enough to make a girl start blogging again.
Wednesday, January 2
Happy 2008!!!
I admit it. I've lost my taste for blogging. It was fun for a long time. I got a kick out of the comments, the mild publicity, the dim lime light. Eventually I came to the conclusion that there is no way to be anonymous and honest and write about the things I want to write about. Anyway, thanks for reading. I'm leaving Peoria Blogging to those who take it seriously and do it so much better than I ever could.
Friday, August 3
Yup. We have some crappy bridges of our own.
Today CNN reported that it would cost $461 billion to make all of the nation's bridges structurally sound. Sounds like an impossible sum of money unless you believe the often quoted dollar cost of the Iraq War- a mere $1 billion per day. So, if we just commit to minding our own business and not pissing off the rest of the world for a mere two years, we will not only have "won" the war on terrorism but we can stop holding our breath every time we cross the Illinois River. It would seem Peoria County has a few problematic bridges of its own. It maybe awhile before I visit Bartonville again...
D = deficient
O = obsolete
Bridges are rated and given scores between 1 and 100. 1 is really, really, really bad and 100 is stellar. (Apparently we have no stellar bridges here in Peoria, but take heart. Chicago has a few that were given a score of 2.)
To see the full report, go here.
Status:DRating:16.0 Road: 74 Place:BARTONVILLE County: PEORIA Feature: KICKAPOO CREEK Location:.5 MI E OF MCKINLEY
Status:ORating:93.5Road:74 Place:CONGERVILLE County:PEORIA Feature:CONGERVILLE ROAD Location:3.85 MI E OF ILL 117
Status:O Rating:78.3 Road:74 Place:PEORIA County:PEORIA Feature:UP RR (175624A Location:.25 MI W OF PEORIA
Status:O Rating:66.2 Road:74 Place: PEORIA County:PEORIA Feature:UP RR (175624A) Location: .25 MI W PEORIA
Status:D Rating:67.2 Road: 24 Place:PEORIA County:PEORIA Feature: BN & CNW RR Location: W CL OF PEORIA
Status: D Rating:71.8 Road:317 Place:PEORIA County:PEORIA Feature:WAR MEMORIAL DR Location: US 150 INTERCHANGE
Status:O Rating:81.9 Road:317 Place:PEORIA County: PEORIA Feature/Location: I-74 US 150 INTERCHANGE
Status:O Rating:88.0 Road: 474 Place: PEORIA County: PEORIA Feature:KICKAPOO CR & RR TKS Location: .25 MI S OF US 24
Status:D Rating:40.9 Road: 6595 Place:PEORIA County: PEORIA Feature/Location:DRY RUN CREEK N OF RICHMOND ST
Status:O Rating:57.2 Road: 6593 Place:PEORIA County:PEORIA Feature/Location:R B GARRETT AVE SBI 8 OVER FIFTH AVE
Status:D Rating:39.4 Road:29 Place: PEORIA Feature: IL RIVER TRIBUTARY Location: .1 MI S MOSSVILLE RD
Status:D Rating: 77.2 Road:6578 Place:PEORIA Feature:UP RR & KICKAPOO CR SW EDGE PEORIA CL
Status:D Rating: 44.4 Road: 6659 Place: PEORIA Location: KICKAPOO CR SBI 8 AND CH 77
Status:D Rating: 54.2 Road: 74 County: PEORIA Feature:KICKAPOO CR TRIB Location:0.2MI W KOERNER RD
Thursday, July 12
Philip Anderson, Peoria Heights Newest Loon
Geeze. Finally, mercifully, we dispose of Matt Hale into the dank jail cell where he belongs, only to have a pathetic wannabe spring up. While doing yardwork, I discovered the July 4th edition of the Peoria Times-Observer, "North Peoria's Newsweekly." I receive this paper sporadically. My guess is that my house isn't always considered "North" enough to deem delivery. Too bad, because I enjoy reading Dewayne Bartels' articles. Hey, Dewayne, your fine paper lacks a decent website. The Observer is delivered to most regardless of whether or not the recipient is a paid subscriber, so why not carry the weekly editions on line as well?
I digress. In last Wednesday's edition, Dewayne introduced Peoria's newest certifiable wack job, Philip Anderson. Anderson is the Illinois Leader of some odd Nazi organization, "The American National Socialist Worker's Party." Quite a title, one which gives Americans, Socialists and anyone who works for a living a bad name.
Bartels is a reporter. A good reporter goes straight to the source. Bartels went to Anderson's home to request an interview. The response? Predictable. The moron threatened Bartels, his wife, children and grandchildren online, going so far as to post addresses and contact information, essentially inviting those as stupid as Anderson -but hopefully more violent- to cause injury or harm upon Bartels and/or his family. You see, Anderson doesn't have the chutzpah to respond to a request for an interview. So he asked a national nut job and Nazi mentor to respond for him, via Bill White's blog, Overthrow88.blogspot.com.
Overthrow88.blogspot.com is a prime example of why anyone wanting to own a gun should have to submit to an I.Q. test. Bill White is an example of yet another bitter moron with a tremendous chip on his shoulder. This guy blames the quest for racial equality for all that has gone awry in his pathetic excuse of a life. Anderson and White. In this case, likes attract.
White and his blog are laughable, or would be, except for the fact that in the past such publications have inspired violent wack jobs to maim people or worse.
Dewayne, my sympathies to you and your family. No one deserves this.
I digress. In last Wednesday's edition, Dewayne introduced Peoria's newest certifiable wack job, Philip Anderson. Anderson is the Illinois Leader of some odd Nazi organization, "The American National Socialist Worker's Party." Quite a title, one which gives Americans, Socialists and anyone who works for a living a bad name.
Bartels is a reporter. A good reporter goes straight to the source. Bartels went to Anderson's home to request an interview. The response? Predictable. The moron threatened Bartels, his wife, children and grandchildren online, going so far as to post addresses and contact information, essentially inviting those as stupid as Anderson -but hopefully more violent- to cause injury or harm upon Bartels and/or his family. You see, Anderson doesn't have the chutzpah to respond to a request for an interview. So he asked a national nut job and Nazi mentor to respond for him, via Bill White's blog, Overthrow88.blogspot.com.
Overthrow88.blogspot.com is a prime example of why anyone wanting to own a gun should have to submit to an I.Q. test. Bill White is an example of yet another bitter moron with a tremendous chip on his shoulder. This guy blames the quest for racial equality for all that has gone awry in his pathetic excuse of a life. Anderson and White. In this case, likes attract.
White and his blog are laughable, or would be, except for the fact that in the past such publications have inspired violent wack jobs to maim people or worse.
Dewayne, my sympathies to you and your family. No one deserves this.
Tuesday, July 3
How To Tell When A Public Official is Lying
Okay, yes, when their lips are moving. Specifically, when you read in your morning paper, "Officials said last month that the tax credit program is 'going well' without providing details," chances are excellent that your wallet has already been picked.
Peoria will have a museum, damn it, whether citizens are willing to pay for it or not. Don't want it, don't need it, won't use it, can't pay for it? Don't worry your pretty little head about it. That's just what taxes are for!
Museum pushers have been forced to temporarily fore go their demands for a reflecting pool and a planetarium that appears to be suspended in mid-air. Puhleeze, are they aiming for a museum or a second grader's science fair entry? Polly's prediction is that we will end up with some ugly monstrosity that looks appalling similar to the original plans, but due to unforeseen circumstances, a.k.a., lack of public interest and funds, runs over budget and will require a tax disguised as a garbage-gum-wrapper-and-snow-removal-library-book-cover-eyebrow-waxes-for-underprivileged-toddlers-fee.
They call it, "Plans for Museum Square"
I call it, "Trailer Park at Night."
Peoria will have a museum, damn it, whether citizens are willing to pay for it or not. Don't want it, don't need it, won't use it, can't pay for it? Don't worry your pretty little head about it. That's just what taxes are for!
Museum pushers have been forced to temporarily fore go their demands for a reflecting pool and a planetarium that appears to be suspended in mid-air. Puhleeze, are they aiming for a museum or a second grader's science fair entry? Polly's prediction is that we will end up with some ugly monstrosity that looks appalling similar to the original plans, but due to unforeseen circumstances, a.k.a., lack of public interest and funds, runs over budget and will require a tax disguised as a garbage-gum-wrapper-and-snow-removal-library-book-cover-eyebrow-waxes-for-underprivileged-toddlers-fee.
They call it, "Plans for Museum Square"
I call it, "Trailer Park at Night."
Saturday, June 30
Just Another Day In Paradise
Otherwise known as Peoria. The temperature is perfect, not too hot, not too cold. Apparently we paid our dues last winter. Have you checked out the sunsets the last couple of days? Wow! Hawaii doesn't have it any better. Believe it or not, no homicides this week.
So, the question is...
WHY IN HECK ARE YOU INSIDE READING THIS SILLY BLOG?!
This is where I'm eating dinner tonight. After all, Coney dogs have no fat or calories in paradise. Afterwards, I'm getting a vanilla cone dipped in chocolate. Ice cream has calcium. Come on down, I'm buying! We can all gaze across the street at the new Starbucks and the lovely strip mall, er, I mean "neighborhood center" that Bob Manning built. I take back all negative comments I made, back when homes were bought and demolished and more than a few neighbors were ticked. Polly predicted vacancies and blight on the neighborhood. Polly was wrong. The Neighborhood Center/Strip Mwall is the swankest thing the East Bluff has seen in ages. Even more amazing, the City didn't have to bribe anyone with a TIF!!!
So, the question is...
WHY IN HECK ARE YOU INSIDE READING THIS SILLY BLOG?!
This is where I'm eating dinner tonight. After all, Coney dogs have no fat or calories in paradise. Afterwards, I'm getting a vanilla cone dipped in chocolate. Ice cream has calcium. Come on down, I'm buying! We can all gaze across the street at the new Starbucks and the lovely strip mall, er, I mean "neighborhood center" that Bob Manning built. I take back all negative comments I made, back when homes were bought and demolished and more than a few neighbors were ticked. Polly predicted vacancies and blight on the neighborhood. Polly was wrong. The Neighborhood Center/Strip Mwall is the swankest thing the East Bluff has seen in ages. Even more amazing, the City didn't have to bribe anyone with a TIF!!!
Friday, June 8
Even When I Don't Know What I'm Talking About...
I know what I'm talking about. I don't flatter myself that Jennifer Davis or Terri Bibo got the idea for today's front page article from my silly little post, but I am pleased to see the museum boondoggle come under fire.
Billy posts a rather cute picture of pigs at the trough, but I feel a bit more harsh.
Checkout Big Yellow. My, she just gets bigger and greedier by the profitable quarter, doesn't she?
I have nothing against CAT wanting a feather to put in its cap, but I just think it should pay for its own feather. Asking employees and tax payers to pay for a CAT visitor's center is in poor taste, to say the least.
Hey, CAT! There are some companies that pay for educational museums which don't pay homage to the products they sell. Imagine that!
Billy posts a rather cute picture of pigs at the trough, but I feel a bit more harsh.
Checkout Big Yellow. My, she just gets bigger and greedier by the profitable quarter, doesn't she?I have nothing against CAT wanting a feather to put in its cap, but I just think it should pay for its own feather. Asking employees and tax payers to pay for a CAT visitor's center is in poor taste, to say the least.
Hey, CAT! There are some companies that pay for educational museums which don't pay homage to the products they sell. Imagine that!
Wednesday, June 6
Try This One At Work Tomorrow
I dare you. Go into work tomorrow and inform your boss that you will only showing up to the office twice a month.
After that, inform him or her that s/he will have to limit all criticisms, critiques, concerns to five minutes or less and only after s/he gives apt notice and fills in a card.
See if that doesn't get your ass fired.
Maybe the Peoria City Council doesn't realize who they work for.
I realize most members of the Council have day jobs, but they knew the workload and schedule before running. Cutting Council Meetings to twice a month makes local government less accessible, which is unforgivable. Accessibility has been City Council's best attribute. Unless subpoenaed to testify before a Senate Committee, it's pretty damn difficult for an average Joe to get the floor and the undivided attention of their elected officials. I know that Council meetings often run long. I know some citizens are poorly informed and are horrid public speakers. Then again, so are some council members. Citizens (a.k.a. employers) have the right to grandstand if they want to. Public servants (a.k.a. employees) don't.
My guess? Someone's day job (travel schedule) and/or wife, is making Council duties difficult.
Tuesday, June 5
There's No Point In Posting....
Because I can't come close to this. The newbies haven't been around long enough be judged, but I like most members of the Peoria City Council. I do believe we are in better hands than we were Ran$burg Era.
There are some issues that could be handled, should be handled, and we were promised that they would be handled. We still have the stupid, unfair, garbage tax. Do businesses pay the garbage tax? Nope. Do they reap the benefits? Yep. Remember, the garbage fee has nothing to do with Waste Management, or, for that matter, garbage. It is a bogus fee/double tax (check out your property tax bill - you already pay a garbage fee) devised to fill holes in the City's budget. Many campaigned on the unfairness of this issue, but none have done anything to get rid of it.
Station 11 is a dead horse beaten beyond death. Or it would be, if it wasn't a life or death issue. Frankly, I'm sick of harping about it. Anyone should be able to see that taking vital rescue equipment out of service and disbursing the paltry few pieces left throughout the City is just stupid. When the disaster occurs we have only ourselves (and our elected officials) to blame. Grownups know that blame never brings anyone back from the dead.
Hey, Caterpillar! How is that Peoria Museum employee matching campaign coming along? Take the hint. Your employees don't give a rat's ass about a museum praising Big Yellow, the Illinois River, or the 1974 Manual High Debate Team. You want a visitor's center? Well, shut up, dip into some of your record profits, and build one already. Stop trying to present your very profitable corporation as a worthwhile charity. No one is biting.
Blah, blah, blah. There's more, but only the Anti-Pundit (aka Emtromics) still has his humor intact. Hat tip.
There are some issues that could be handled, should be handled, and we were promised that they would be handled. We still have the stupid, unfair, garbage tax. Do businesses pay the garbage tax? Nope. Do they reap the benefits? Yep. Remember, the garbage fee has nothing to do with Waste Management, or, for that matter, garbage. It is a bogus fee/double tax (check out your property tax bill - you already pay a garbage fee) devised to fill holes in the City's budget. Many campaigned on the unfairness of this issue, but none have done anything to get rid of it.
Station 11 is a dead horse beaten beyond death. Or it would be, if it wasn't a life or death issue. Frankly, I'm sick of harping about it. Anyone should be able to see that taking vital rescue equipment out of service and disbursing the paltry few pieces left throughout the City is just stupid. When the disaster occurs we have only ourselves (and our elected officials) to blame. Grownups know that blame never brings anyone back from the dead.
Hey, Caterpillar! How is that Peoria Museum employee matching campaign coming along? Take the hint. Your employees don't give a rat's ass about a museum praising Big Yellow, the Illinois River, or the 1974 Manual High Debate Team. You want a visitor's center? Well, shut up, dip into some of your record profits, and build one already. Stop trying to present your very profitable corporation as a worthwhile charity. No one is biting.
Blah, blah, blah. There's more, but only the Anti-Pundit (aka Emtromics) still has his humor intact. Hat tip.
Thursday, May 24
Gary Sandberg: Suave. Rico. Really?
Monday's Word on the Street column reported that Gary Sandberg is not speaking to the Journal Star these days because of an article written shortly before the election that criticized his appearance. If true, I got to say, I'm shocked. Since when does Gary care about his appearance, what people think of it, and especially what the Journal Star thinks about Gary, or his appearance or, for that matter, what the Journal Star -especially the editorial staff- thinks about anything?! This is Sandberg after all, a man who once told me he doesn't have any mirrors in his house. This is Sandberg, who can count on both the JP Star not endorsing him and the voters overwhelming voting him in first.
Gary is a bachelor. To me, he strikes me as the type who really doesn't give a rats ass about appearance because there are far more interesting things in the world (Harleys!) to think about and issues to address (Crime, Fire Station 11, taxes, recycling) than which side his hair should be parted on, or the alpha hydroxy content of his facial moisturizer. He doesn't have a wife pleading that he not go out in public without a shave, wearing plaid with polka dots, or with spinach in his teeth. Say what you will about him, one would not think to call Gary Sandberg vain. Thankfully, Gary is not a pretty boy politician with the poor sense to pay $400 bucks for a haircut. Now Gary would gladly allow his head to be shaved, by an ex-wife no less, in order to raise money to benefit a cancer patient, and has. Gary is a man's man. He doesn't care about his looks unless there's a special occasion that demands it. You know, a job interview, a friend's wedding, hot date, a campaign photo.
Or so I thought. How Gary's feelings could be hurt by what anyone says about his appearance, let alone the Journal Star, is dumbfounding. Now that I think about it, this isn't the first time Sandberg has refused comment to the Journal Star because it made a jab about his looks. Years ago the Journal Star ran a crummy photo of Gary in a bright orange sweater that, at first glance, looked like a jailhouse jumpsuit. Gary didn't speak to any Journal Star reporter for a loooooong time after that one.
Sandberg's sensitivity is not just odd, but also inappropriate. Part of one's job as a Councilperson is to maintain a dialect with the public, and the press is one means of doing so. In fact, the press is the primary means of doing so. By denying comment to a newspaper with the widest circulation (even if said newspaper's lack of professionalism and honesty leaves a lot to be desired) Sandberg is denying his view and thought process to many voters who hired him.
More troubling is Gary's lack of trust in the readers/voters who returned him to office- again, and again, and again. Gary, buddy, we know Mike Bailey and Company are going to make fun and unduly criticize you whenever the opportunity presents itself. We know who's corner the PJ Star is in. We know where their bread is buttered. We know where they dine, or would like to anyway- (Peoria Country Club). Frankly, we know the editorial bozos at the PJ Star can't be trusted and so we figure, in part, the less they like you and the more mean and petty they are, well, the better job you must be doing.
From the April 9th Journal Star:
You know it's election time when....
Gary Sandberg gets a haircut and dons a bow tie. We've been through a number of elections with the senior member of the Peoria City Council, and have come to note the sometimes stark differences between Campaign Gary and Regular Gary, partly evidenced in these two photos.
Both Garys are knowledgeable. Campaign Gary can be quite charming out on the stump, which history suggests has had an appeal to local voters. Unfortunately, soon as the votes are counted, he has always metamorphosed back into Regular Gary, with a tendency to be considerably less charming around the horseshoe, particularly to those who don't quite see the world his way.
We prefer Campaign Gary. Sorry, couldn't resist the comparison.
Oh yeah? Well, I like Campaign Gary, but I adore Regular Gary. The Gary who says it as he sees it without any of the excessive softening adjectives that campaigning requires. I like the Regular Humorous Gary who brought a sleeping bag to Council the night they voted on whether or not to buy the water company, knowing they might debate the issue all night. I like the Regular Gary who lined his desk with a collection of firework debris after troubling July 4th celebrations in his neighborhood. I like the considerate Regular Gary who brought the Mayor a cupcake on his birthday. I even like the Regular Gary who gets angry- really, really angry when he believes his colleagues are not acting in the citizens best interests. I like the Regular Gary who does his homework and cares about constituents.
I don't agree with everything Sandberg says, does, or how he votes. I simply realize that the world has way too many politicians who always look their absolute best while their performance is the absolute worst. How refreshing -and lucky- Peoria is to have a public servant who albeit may forget to shave, can be counted on to show up educated, informed, and well prepared to serve the public.
Monday, May 21
Mr. Pot, Allow Me to Introduce You to Mr. Kettle
Like most, I think Jimmy Carter is a good man, but he was an AWFUL president. An opinion shared by the just about the entire nation at the time. I can't recall a more humiliating defeat than the Carter vs. Regan election. I'm not a huge fan of President Bush, but Carter has no right to throw stones.
Anyone remember the energy crisis? Waiting in line for gas? Double digit unemployment rates? Inflation that wouldn't stop? As far as crappy foreign policy goes, how about the Iranian Hostage Crisis?! Could that have been handled any worse? Anyone else remember the bungled rescued attempt? Remember the bodies of deceased American military personnel torn and burned by maniacs in Tehran? The 444 days of agonizing hell when America sat on its hands and did nothing while her citizens suffered abroad?
No doubt this administration has its flaws. Big time. However, Carter criticizing Bush is akin to George Ryan calling Blago a liar.
Tuesday, May 8
Meet Michael Little
This is the thug-loser-low-life-piece-of-scum-smelly-feces-rotting-on-the-sole-of society's-shoe-too-stupid-to-blow/pick-his-own-nose who assaulted Third District Councilman Bob Manning after his car was struck by a child on a bicycle. Manning, responsible and a gentleman to the core, stopped, offered aide, called the police on his cell phone, and attempted to explain to Little that he wasn't out cruising trying to hit kids darting out on bikes from behind parked cars. Little didn't want to strain his allegedly small brain in order to comprehend the situation. Little also didn't want to help or comfort the child. Instead, Little slugged Manning in the face, fracturing his eye socket in several places. Having made a contribution, Little then took off with his allegedly tiny, tiny, tail between his legs.
We should forgive Little. Little isn't just his last name. It is who he is. Word in the 'hood is that Little not only has abnormally small genitals but has an even smaller brain. This would give just about any man a big chip on his shoulder. When police caught up with Little, (which didn't take very long or effort as the stupid are easy to find) they found an open bottle of booze in his car and and a revoked license in his otherwise empty wallet. Little's excuse for assaulting Manning? He thought Manning was going to flee. If broken bones and surgery were not involved, Little's excuse would be pretty damn funny. The only person who fled was Little himself. Let us pray that States Attorney Catch and Release Kevin Lyons attempts to put this dangerous twit -with a history of violence- behind bars for more than a day or two. I know... I know... don't hold your breath.
Bob, I hope that cute baby blue heals quickly and that this awful episode doesn't put a damper in your desire to help the Third District and Peoria. Obviously, we need you.
Wednesday, May 2
Separated at Birth???
Gary Sandberg
and...
Fred Sanford?!?!?
Okay, the mess at Sanford's, er, I mean, Sandberg's place occurred years ago. The junk couldn't be seen from the street. There were clearly renovations under way. (Check out the scaffolding!) Nonetheless, that mess is/was inexcusable. I don't believe all that crap was due to renovations and even if true, a dumpster should have been used, or, if that wasn't possible, the rubble should have been disposed regularly, in a timely fashion, and not been allowed to build up to that degree.
Gary, pay the $110 fine, you... you... you...
YOU BIG DUMMY!!!
Hat tip to and (most pics pilfered from) Peoria Pundit.
Golly! Polly sure is flattered!
Guess what Billy said about little ole me? Yup. I am River City's most mysterious blogger. That does it, I'm never coming out.
Flattery will get you everywhere Billy. Oh, get your mind out the gutter. What I mean is I'm not going to give you a big heaping helping of crap for playing with your thingy yet again. Actually, I admit, the latest format of Peoria Pundits is lovely. Like it a lot.
I'm worried about Bill because he is "twittering" these days. Didn't know about twitter until NPR enlightened me today. We can now get constant updates as to everything Bill is doing, every minute of the day. Well, as much as he cares to share. And you thought blogging was scary/risky. Twittering threatens to be the ultimate sledgehammer levied at the already crumbling wall of manners and privacy left in America. Twitter all about Council if you want, Bill, but for God sakes don't fall into the trap of feeling you are duty bound to inform us as to what you are planning to consume for lunch, or if you are regular these days.
What the hell is Gary Sandberg thinking? Why would he allow his property to have a junk heap very worthy of a ticket? Anyone remember when Clyde had these problems a few years back? Hey! Gary! You are supposed to be a LEADER. That means, in part, that you should be someone that normal citizens would want to live next to. Your property should be damn near ideal, which means it should not have a the beginnings of a landfill in the side yard. Sandberg should put a "Sanford and Sons" sign on the front of his place if he plans to turn his place into a junk yard. I love Gary, I do. But on this one he is dead wrong. Pay the fine, clean up the rubble, and don't disgrace yourself and/or those of us who voted for you in the future. Jeeze, what is with politicians these days? Well, at least we can rest easy that we won't find Gary paying for a $400 haircut any time soon.
Bill, I would have invited you back for a pillow fight and Chinese food, but no decent Chinese restaurant delivers in Peoria and you picked a rather hideous pic of Scarlett to post. Okay, her bust is looking perky, but what the hell is going on with the hair? Bad. Really Bad. Looks like she cut it with something rusty from Sandberg's pathetic pile of waste.
Flattery will get you everywhere Billy. Oh, get your mind out the gutter. What I mean is I'm not going to give you a big heaping helping of crap for playing with your thingy yet again. Actually, I admit, the latest format of Peoria Pundits is lovely. Like it a lot.
I'm worried about Bill because he is "twittering" these days. Didn't know about twitter until NPR enlightened me today. We can now get constant updates as to everything Bill is doing, every minute of the day. Well, as much as he cares to share. And you thought blogging was scary/risky. Twittering threatens to be the ultimate sledgehammer levied at the already crumbling wall of manners and privacy left in America. Twitter all about Council if you want, Bill, but for God sakes don't fall into the trap of feeling you are duty bound to inform us as to what you are planning to consume for lunch, or if you are regular these days.
What the hell is Gary Sandberg thinking? Why would he allow his property to have a junk heap very worthy of a ticket? Anyone remember when Clyde had these problems a few years back? Hey! Gary! You are supposed to be a LEADER. That means, in part, that you should be someone that normal citizens would want to live next to. Your property should be damn near ideal, which means it should not have a the beginnings of a landfill in the side yard. Sandberg should put a "Sanford and Sons" sign on the front of his place if he plans to turn his place into a junk yard. I love Gary, I do. But on this one he is dead wrong. Pay the fine, clean up the rubble, and don't disgrace yourself and/or those of us who voted for you in the future. Jeeze, what is with politicians these days? Well, at least we can rest easy that we won't find Gary paying for a $400 haircut any time soon.
Bill, I would have invited you back for a pillow fight and Chinese food, but no decent Chinese restaurant delivers in Peoria and you picked a rather hideous pic of Scarlett to post. Okay, her bust is looking perky, but what the hell is going on with the hair? Bad. Really Bad. Looks like she cut it with something rusty from Sandberg's pathetic pile of waste.
Monday, April 30
Whether You Know It Or Not, There's a Huge Blogger Bash Tomorrow...
Tomorrow is a big day at City Hall. The new kids get sworn in and the old get the boot. We say good bye and to Grayeb and (finally!) Morris. I think Morris is a good guy, I don't agree with most of his votes, but I don't think he is Satan either. However, somewhere along the long the line someone told John he was a good public speaker. He isn't. It has been painful.
Anyone want to place bets on how LOOONG Morris' goodbye speech will be? How about how many adjectives Grayeb will fit into his fine farewell? I'll miss Grayeb. I guess I've agreed with his votes about 50% of the time. His speeches were also a bit long winded, but they tended to have more thought behind them. Grayeb's speeches always included the added benefit of having a new word or two added to my vocabulary. I bet Grayeb had some kick ass scores on the verbal section of the SATs.
Who will Gary harass now that John-John is gone? Anyone know the new seating chart? I always wanted to put a hidden mic by Sandberg and Morris. These guys sparred more than anyone during Council debates, they would seem to have very little in common. In fact there were a few occasions I thought for sure Gary would blow and take a swing at John. Nope. Rather, in between votes these two chat and laugh like school girls. What are they talking about?!
I'm going to the swearing in ceremony because afterwards they have free food. Last time they had chocolate covered strawberries. Our tax dollars (I presume) hard at work!
Anyone want to place bets on how LOOONG Morris' goodbye speech will be? How about how many adjectives Grayeb will fit into his fine farewell? I'll miss Grayeb. I guess I've agreed with his votes about 50% of the time. His speeches were also a bit long winded, but they tended to have more thought behind them. Grayeb's speeches always included the added benefit of having a new word or two added to my vocabulary. I bet Grayeb had some kick ass scores on the verbal section of the SATs.
Who will Gary harass now that John-John is gone? Anyone know the new seating chart? I always wanted to put a hidden mic by Sandberg and Morris. These guys sparred more than anyone during Council debates, they would seem to have very little in common. In fact there were a few occasions I thought for sure Gary would blow and take a swing at John. Nope. Rather, in between votes these two chat and laugh like school girls. What are they talking about?!
I'm going to the swearing in ceremony because afterwards they have free food. Last time they had chocolate covered strawberries. Our tax dollars (I presume) hard at work!
Will the Wonders Ever Cease?
I like to read Leonard Pitt's columns to remind myself why I remain a registered Republican. Ah, but what a wonderful breath of fresh air when the liberals start making sense and embrace conservatism better than any of the proclaimed conservatives.
In regard to the Imus "Nappy Headed Ho" comment/firing-
"...Imus was undone not by government censors, but by market forces. The moral of this story, then, is not that free speech is under siege."
This and it's 80 something degrees in Peoria?! Life is good again.
In regard to the Imus "Nappy Headed Ho" comment/firing-
"...Imus was undone not by government censors, but by market forces. The moral of this story, then, is not that free speech is under siege."
This and it's 80 something degrees in Peoria?! Life is good again.
Wednesday, April 18
At Last, Election Results That Don't Make Me Want To Puke.
I didn't think it possible. I haven't been spouting off (much) about the elections because I had all but given up hope that registered voters would show up, use commonsense, and vote accordingly.
Peoria's libraries are pathetic. An embarrassment. Peoria claims that it wants to attract residents and businesses grounded in a knowledge economy. That is, our fair city is looking to attract intellectuals. More than free city wide wi-fi or a swank civic center with a five star hotel attached, or a silly Podunk museum housing some trophy from the 1974 boys high school debate championship, intellectuals value modern libraries with up to date facilities. Libraries are not frivolous aromatherapy outlets. They are valuable public institutions which strive to inform and educate the electorate. God bless voters for willing to invest their dime for something so worthwhile. My advice before building. Take a look at the Libraries in Evanston and Oak Park outside Chicago. A half hour in either building will convince the biggest skeptic how valuable an exceptional library can be to a community. I love hanging out at the Evanston's library whenever I happen to be in town. Each time I'm in town I'm amazed that one establishment consistently hosts all different types of people, from opposite socioeconomic spheres and age brackets, so well. Seniors reading the paper, high school students doing research, moms and babes in for story hour, yuppies on their lunch break reading the Wall Street Journal. It's a intellectual and productive community center. The main library in downtown Peoria is depressing as hell. You can get whatever you need, but it isn't much fun to hang out there. Lakeview Library has more of a community feel, but it is too small for the amount of people who use it. Resources are too few for the many that require them. Getting a computer at Lakeview is a challenge prefaced by a significant wait time. Kids can't enjoy a story hour without disturbing others who are working on the other side of the facility. It's time to pay and update. Libraries are one of the few things I'm willing to plunk down a few more tax dollars for.
Smoking is bad. We all know it. Your rights end where the other guy's begin. It is impossible to smoke in a public place and not jepordize someone else's health. Smoking is not a constitutionally protected act. Bar and restaurant owners don't refund money when a good meal or drink is ruined by a stinky cigarette. Moreover, the Health Department regulates and fines restaurants and bars for any violation which could jepordize the health of customers. Smoking certainly qualifies.
Gary Sandberg, George Jacob, and Eric Turner retained their seats on the City Council. Chuck Grayeb and -even better- JOHN MORRIS ARE GONE!!! GONE!!! GONE!!! Gale Thetford failed miserably at her attempt to replace him. Anyone think she took the hint thistime?
I was saddened to see Alicia Butler lose her seat on the School Board. I thought she had, for the most part, been an effective Board President. I didn't like the very stupid, very expensive, District 150 "apple" billboards purchased a few years back. I thought Butler did an admirable job at attempting to correct and involve the public after the initial Glen Oak Park School proposal/fiasco. The relevation that Butler apparently failed to earn the two diplomas she claimed dumbfounded me. I have had several conversations with Butler. I've listened to her at School Board meetings. Butler is very intelligent and could have earned two or more degrees from Bradley -or Harvard- for that matter.
Why she felt the need to lie -twice- is beyond me. I would have bought an "I thought I was a graduate" excuse if she had only lied about her undergraduate degree. My alma mater told me they would not provide me with a diploma unless and until I paid numerous parking tickets they claimed I had acquired. I was never blessed with a car during college (and I dispise you if you were) making parking tickets an impossibilty. I protested. They didn't care. I didn't pay and went to Europe instead of graduation. I framed my transcripts instead. A college degree isn't a requirement to serve on the School Board. Peorians respect commonsense and a tight wallet more than a piece of paper. Why would any Peorian lie about graduating from Bradley, twice?! That is, if you're gonna lie, make it a NON local school. Why not the Sorbonne? Cambridge? Oxford? London School of Economics? Hell, even U of I would have been a better choice. You know, a school whose Director of Alumni of Affairs and Registar don't live across the street. Do not say you graduated from a school where a third of the town was likely to have attended your supposed graduation. I was saddened by the voters decision to fire Butler, but I understand it.
On the whole it was a good night. I have hope. People who want what is best for their community and not just their names on as many plaques as possible before dying are running -and winning- for local government. Refreshing, eh?
Peoria's libraries are pathetic. An embarrassment. Peoria claims that it wants to attract residents and businesses grounded in a knowledge economy. That is, our fair city is looking to attract intellectuals. More than free city wide wi-fi or a swank civic center with a five star hotel attached, or a silly Podunk museum housing some trophy from the 1974 boys high school debate championship, intellectuals value modern libraries with up to date facilities. Libraries are not frivolous aromatherapy outlets. They are valuable public institutions which strive to inform and educate the electorate. God bless voters for willing to invest their dime for something so worthwhile. My advice before building. Take a look at the Libraries in Evanston and Oak Park outside Chicago. A half hour in either building will convince the biggest skeptic how valuable an exceptional library can be to a community. I love hanging out at the Evanston's library whenever I happen to be in town. Each time I'm in town I'm amazed that one establishment consistently hosts all different types of people, from opposite socioeconomic spheres and age brackets, so well. Seniors reading the paper, high school students doing research, moms and babes in for story hour, yuppies on their lunch break reading the Wall Street Journal. It's a intellectual and productive community center. The main library in downtown Peoria is depressing as hell. You can get whatever you need, but it isn't much fun to hang out there. Lakeview Library has more of a community feel, but it is too small for the amount of people who use it. Resources are too few for the many that require them. Getting a computer at Lakeview is a challenge prefaced by a significant wait time. Kids can't enjoy a story hour without disturbing others who are working on the other side of the facility. It's time to pay and update. Libraries are one of the few things I'm willing to plunk down a few more tax dollars for.
Smoking is bad. We all know it. Your rights end where the other guy's begin. It is impossible to smoke in a public place and not jepordize someone else's health. Smoking is not a constitutionally protected act. Bar and restaurant owners don't refund money when a good meal or drink is ruined by a stinky cigarette. Moreover, the Health Department regulates and fines restaurants and bars for any violation which could jepordize the health of customers. Smoking certainly qualifies.
Gary Sandberg, George Jacob, and Eric Turner retained their seats on the City Council. Chuck Grayeb and -even better- JOHN MORRIS ARE GONE!!! GONE!!! GONE!!! Gale Thetford failed miserably at her attempt to replace him. Anyone think she took the hint thistime?
I was saddened to see Alicia Butler lose her seat on the School Board. I thought she had, for the most part, been an effective Board President. I didn't like the very stupid, very expensive, District 150 "apple" billboards purchased a few years back. I thought Butler did an admirable job at attempting to correct and involve the public after the initial Glen Oak Park School proposal/fiasco. The relevation that Butler apparently failed to earn the two diplomas she claimed dumbfounded me. I have had several conversations with Butler. I've listened to her at School Board meetings. Butler is very intelligent and could have earned two or more degrees from Bradley -or Harvard- for that matter.
Why she felt the need to lie -twice- is beyond me. I would have bought an "I thought I was a graduate" excuse if she had only lied about her undergraduate degree. My alma mater told me they would not provide me with a diploma unless and until I paid numerous parking tickets they claimed I had acquired. I was never blessed with a car during college (and I dispise you if you were) making parking tickets an impossibilty. I protested. They didn't care. I didn't pay and went to Europe instead of graduation. I framed my transcripts instead. A college degree isn't a requirement to serve on the School Board. Peorians respect commonsense and a tight wallet more than a piece of paper. Why would any Peorian lie about graduating from Bradley, twice?! That is, if you're gonna lie, make it a NON local school. Why not the Sorbonne? Cambridge? Oxford? London School of Economics? Hell, even U of I would have been a better choice. You know, a school whose Director of Alumni of Affairs and Registar don't live across the street. Do not say you graduated from a school where a third of the town was likely to have attended your supposed graduation. I was saddened by the voters decision to fire Butler, but I understand it.
On the whole it was a good night. I have hope. People who want what is best for their community and not just their names on as many plaques as possible before dying are running -and winning- for local government. Refreshing, eh?
Meet Rutger's Women's Basketball Team...
Before last week I didn't know who Imus was. I don't care for talk radio. Too many egos that are even bigger than mine. Rather listen to tunes. I didn't find Imus' comment racist as much as it was sexist. I'm Caucasian and I've referred to my own hair as nappy at times. To me, "nappy" refers to hair that is frizzy, tangled, knotted, etc. Women of all races have been called whores, justified or not, since Eve left the Garden of Eden.
My guess is that Imus was dismayed by women who were too busy playing basketball to concern themselves with being beautiful for the duration of the game. Imus, on the other hand, is both nappy and really ugly ALL THE TIME. He might be a "Ho" too, but I don't know enough about him to judge.
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