It finally rained. The heat wave broke. The lawn is revealing a few blades of green grass. DAVE RAN$BURG WAS NOT CHOSEN FOR THE DISTRICT 150 SCHOOL BOARD!!! Yes, Virginia, there is a God.
The Board picked Steve Morris, attorney and sibling of At Large City Councilman/congressman wannabe John Morris. I don't know Steve Morris. His resume only lists his wife, but no children, under family. I was rooting for Alma Brown, who ran against David Gorenz for School Board. Ideally, a school board member should have children in District 150 Schools. However, beggars can't be choosers. It could have been so much worse.
The Board's choice came as a surprise since the media reported that Ran$burg had five votes. Perhaps Ran$burg miscounted/lied or maybe he didn't really want the seat. Ran$burg never seemed enamored with the job. Limelight denied. Insert happy dance here.
Except for the years Steve Morris attended college and law school (Creighton) he has lived in Peoria his entire life. He has done some volunteer work in the community. Anyone who is willing to take a seat on the rapidly sinking, debt ridden, District 150 ship without pay deserves a chance. Steve Morris is an unknown. The only reason for pause at this point is the fact that he is related to John Morris, the biggest ego and windbag on the City Council.
We can only hope this particular apple fell a little further from the tree.
Thursday, July 28
Wednesday, July 27
Lack of literacy reigns supreme at PJ Star
Does the Journal Star employ proof readers? Does anyone who works at the Journal Star read their own newspaper? Does the Journal Star employ people who can even read? The typos in this rag are unbelievable.
Today's "Local & State" section includes an article about State Senator Bill Brady's announcement that he is running for governor. It is a fairly interesting tidbit about an ultraconservative labeling himself a "mainstream conservative." In the last paragraph we learn that Brady is pro-life and that, unlike Blago, he does not support benefits for same sex partners of state workers.
The article ends like this:
Brady said government should encourage "procreative marital
That's it. Brady could be for encouraging procreative marital sex toys and Journal Star readers would be the last to know. How does a newspaper drop the ending to a story? This makes the PJ Star's inability to correctly spell Peoria's longest serving council member's name -in a headline no less- a mild mistake.
Perhaps I should give the editors more credit. Apparently they are aware that most of those who buy the PJ Star just get it for movie times and to see what's on sale at Kohls.
Today's "Local & State" section includes an article about State Senator Bill Brady's announcement that he is running for governor. It is a fairly interesting tidbit about an ultraconservative labeling himself a "mainstream conservative." In the last paragraph we learn that Brady is pro-life and that, unlike Blago, he does not support benefits for same sex partners of state workers.
The article ends like this:
Brady said government should encourage "procreative marital
That's it. Brady could be for encouraging procreative marital sex toys and Journal Star readers would be the last to know. How does a newspaper drop the ending to a story? This makes the PJ Star's inability to correctly spell Peoria's longest serving council member's name -in a headline no less- a mild mistake.
Perhaps I should give the editors more credit. Apparently they are aware that most of those who buy the PJ Star just get it for movie times and to see what's on sale at Kohls.
Tuesday, July 26
Show me the money (or, at least the receipts).
Today the Journal Star editorial staff out did itself. They claim that former second district City Councilwoman Marcella Teplitz and her husband, Jack,"tireless volunteers." I have a lovely bridge to sell to anyone who believes it. I'll throw in swamp land for free.
The editorial does a pathetic mud slinging at City Councilwoman Barbara VanAuken by accusing her Campaign Manager, Robert Powers, of asking too many questions about a public fund that Mr. Teplitz once headed. You know you're reading a crappy newspaper when it slights someone for asking too many questions.
The situation (stay with me here, it's entertaining):
1. The City loaned $185,000 to Randolph-Roanoke neighborhood in order to buy, rehab, and sell 209 W. Columbia Terrace in 1993. The property was in horrid disrepair and the scene of repeated crime. The neighborhood continued to buy distressed homes, "recycling the public money throughout the neighborhood."
2. The problem: No properties have been purchased since 1996.
3. The solution: Two residents, Robert Powers and Paul Day, asked to see the fund records. Powers and Day say that they were refused access and were shut out when they asked questions.
4. Jack Teplitz headed the loan fund until 2003. Marcella Teplitz was president of the Randolph Roanoke Homeowners Association when the fund was created.
5. City planning and growth management director, Pat Landes, says, "Every penny is accounted for."
Great. Problem solved. PROVE IT!!! Open the books and let us all have a peek. (Apparently the editorialist knew better than to ask.) When government acts like it has something to hide, it shouldn't be surprised when citizens get suspicious and disgusted. It's a given that said citizens will support the opposing candidate - who pledged to be honest and open. Tick off the right citizen, and you might find someone who is willing to get off their ass to run a successful campaign for a better candidate. It's called grass roots democracy, and done well, it is a beautiful thing.
The Teplitzs have probably made more enemies than friends. Hell, neighborhood association meetings during their reign are rumored to have gotten physical - with fists thrown, shoving, name calling, and people storming out. Clearly there wasn't a unified group working to better the neighborhood. There were those who wanted to improve the area and there were those who tirelessly continued to power grab.
The PJ Star is still sucking sour grapes. They endorsed Teplitz in the last election. Luckily, the overwhelming majority of second district citizens know the only legitimate use for the editorial page is to line the litter box. It seems that Marcella and Jack Teplitz, as well as Editorialists Shelley Epstein and Mike Bailey are still grieving. Guys, you lost. Get over it already!
The editorial does a pathetic mud slinging at City Councilwoman Barbara VanAuken by accusing her Campaign Manager, Robert Powers, of asking too many questions about a public fund that Mr. Teplitz once headed. You know you're reading a crappy newspaper when it slights someone for asking too many questions.
The situation (stay with me here, it's entertaining):
1. The City loaned $185,000 to Randolph-Roanoke neighborhood in order to buy, rehab, and sell 209 W. Columbia Terrace in 1993. The property was in horrid disrepair and the scene of repeated crime. The neighborhood continued to buy distressed homes, "recycling the public money throughout the neighborhood."
2. The problem: No properties have been purchased since 1996.
3. The solution: Two residents, Robert Powers and Paul Day, asked to see the fund records. Powers and Day say that they were refused access and were shut out when they asked questions.
4. Jack Teplitz headed the loan fund until 2003. Marcella Teplitz was president of the Randolph Roanoke Homeowners Association when the fund was created.
5. City planning and growth management director, Pat Landes, says, "Every penny is accounted for."
Great. Problem solved. PROVE IT!!! Open the books and let us all have a peek. (Apparently the editorialist knew better than to ask.) When government acts like it has something to hide, it shouldn't be surprised when citizens get suspicious and disgusted. It's a given that said citizens will support the opposing candidate - who pledged to be honest and open. Tick off the right citizen, and you might find someone who is willing to get off their ass to run a successful campaign for a better candidate. It's called grass roots democracy, and done well, it is a beautiful thing.
The Teplitzs have probably made more enemies than friends. Hell, neighborhood association meetings during their reign are rumored to have gotten physical - with fists thrown, shoving, name calling, and people storming out. Clearly there wasn't a unified group working to better the neighborhood. There were those who wanted to improve the area and there were those who tirelessly continued to power grab.
The PJ Star is still sucking sour grapes. They endorsed Teplitz in the last election. Luckily, the overwhelming majority of second district citizens know the only legitimate use for the editorial page is to line the litter box. It seems that Marcella and Jack Teplitz, as well as Editorialists Shelley Epstein and Mike Bailey are still grieving. Guys, you lost. Get over it already!
Monday, July 25
Mmm...Oh...Oh...Oh...Please don't stop...YES! YES! YES!!!
*
Found two new blog sites, thanks to the Peoria Pundit. Liked them so much that I added them to my blog roll. My attempts to link them worked on my very FIRST try, which is definitely a sign of divine intervention. The first, peoriacrackhouse.blogspot.com, shows homes where the author believes crack is being dealt. The second, shameonpeoria.blogspot.com, shows homes - rental properties mostly - that are a blight on the neighborhood. It also gives the address of where the owners actually reside and the name of the lender. Beautiful. Now that's what I call "citizen journalism."
I promise have nothing to do with either blog. I have no clue who the author and/or authors is/are. But I really, really like them. A LOT.
Of course, all properties, owners and occupants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, should our beloved and hard working City and States Attorneys ever get around to prosecuting them.
Whoever did this should get a prize.
*smiles*
*lights cigarette*
Found two new blog sites, thanks to the Peoria Pundit. Liked them so much that I added them to my blog roll. My attempts to link them worked on my very FIRST try, which is definitely a sign of divine intervention. The first, peoriacrackhouse.blogspot.com, shows homes where the author believes crack is being dealt. The second, shameonpeoria.blogspot.com, shows homes - rental properties mostly - that are a blight on the neighborhood. It also gives the address of where the owners actually reside and the name of the lender. Beautiful. Now that's what I call "citizen journalism."
I promise have nothing to do with either blog. I have no clue who the author and/or authors is/are. But I really, really like them. A LOT.
Of course, all properties, owners and occupants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, should our beloved and hard working City and States Attorneys ever get around to prosecuting them.
Whoever did this should get a prize.
*smiles*
*lights cigarette*
Hey, PJ Star: Is it SandBURG or SandBERG?
*
I thought when we overwhelming boot kicked Ran$burg out of office the confusion would finally end. Apparently Ran$burg's continued quest for the limelight has compromised the Journal Star's proof reading skills. Anyone notice the massive typo in today's Word on the Street column? They spelled Councilman Gary Sandberg's name incorrectly in the HEADLINE, but got it right -I think- in the article itself. I'm sure this sort of thing happens all the time at fine, upscale, educated, big city newspapers and not just the hick, po-dunk Journal Star. With this sort of screw up, one wonders why Editor Mike Bailey feels so smug regarding bloggers. At least Bill Dennis can spell Gary's name.
The content of the column was quite enjoyable. I would have preferred to see it closer to the At-large City Council elections in 2007. Rumor (i.e., Chase Ingersoll) has it that Marcella Teplitz plans to run. Certain funds are MIA. No one is making direct accusations -YET- but people are starting to ask questions and it doesn't look good. The column made it seem that City Attorney Randy Ray and Marcella's hubby, Attorney Jack Teplitz, are tight. Sandberg seems to think this may be why a formal inquiry has failed to take place.
I smell something fishy and it isn't just Peoria's water.
Sigh. Some people just can't take a hint. We kick Ran$burg out of the Mayor's chair and he infiltrates the School Board. We kick Teplitz out of the Second District council seat and she attempts a resurrection via an At-Large position. Hey, has anyone seen Thetford lately?
*Shivers*
*Strings garlic necklace*
*Holsters huge cross and stake*
I thought when we overwhelming boot kicked Ran$burg out of office the confusion would finally end. Apparently Ran$burg's continued quest for the limelight has compromised the Journal Star's proof reading skills. Anyone notice the massive typo in today's Word on the Street column? They spelled Councilman Gary Sandberg's name incorrectly in the HEADLINE, but got it right -I think- in the article itself. I'm sure this sort of thing happens all the time at fine, upscale, educated, big city newspapers and not just the hick, po-dunk Journal Star. With this sort of screw up, one wonders why Editor Mike Bailey feels so smug regarding bloggers. At least Bill Dennis can spell Gary's name.
The content of the column was quite enjoyable. I would have preferred to see it closer to the At-large City Council elections in 2007. Rumor (i.e., Chase Ingersoll) has it that Marcella Teplitz plans to run. Certain funds are MIA. No one is making direct accusations -YET- but people are starting to ask questions and it doesn't look good. The column made it seem that City Attorney Randy Ray and Marcella's hubby, Attorney Jack Teplitz, are tight. Sandberg seems to think this may be why a formal inquiry has failed to take place.
I smell something fishy and it isn't just Peoria's water.
Sigh. Some people just can't take a hint. We kick Ran$burg out of the Mayor's chair and he infiltrates the School Board. We kick Teplitz out of the Second District council seat and she attempts a resurrection via an At-Large position. Hey, has anyone seen Thetford lately?
*Shivers*
*Strings garlic necklace*
*Holsters huge cross and stake*
Sunday, July 24
CAN SOMEONE TEACH ME HOW *%#@! TO LINK?
~
Bill Dennis is under the mistaken impression that he has the right to better his life by taking his blog to some new host. He did this without checking with the rest of us mere mortals/technophobes who have no idea how to properly link. Dennis, I copied your new http thingy, pasted it to my template, and guess what?! It didn't freaking work! I understand the site that formerly hosted Peoriapundit sucked- but this is a real inconvenience to ME. Like most Peorians, I fear, resent and hate change. So.... can anyone teach me the correct lingo, or would it be too much to ask Bill to go back to his old format? I LIKED the double posts/comments.
Also, if anyone out there knows a simple way post pics I would love to learn. Assume I know nothing (because I don't) and tell me what to do in tiny tiny, baby steps.
Technology. Phhst. Carbon paper is looking damn good right now.
Bill Dennis is under the mistaken impression that he has the right to better his life by taking his blog to some new host. He did this without checking with the rest of us mere mortals/technophobes who have no idea how to properly link. Dennis, I copied your new http thingy, pasted it to my template, and guess what?! It didn't freaking work! I understand the site that formerly hosted Peoriapundit sucked- but this is a real inconvenience to ME. Like most Peorians, I fear, resent and hate change. So.... can anyone teach me the correct lingo, or would it be too much to ask Bill to go back to his old format? I LIKED the double posts/comments.
Also, if anyone out there knows a simple way post pics I would love to learn. Assume I know nothing (because I don't) and tell me what to do in tiny tiny, baby steps.
Technology. Phhst. Carbon paper is looking damn good right now.
Friday, July 22
Summer decadence
*
Out of some mistaken sense of love and charity, I am taking care of four kids today. It's been a half an hour. I'm ready for them to leave. It is too hot to stay outside for more than fifteen minutes, so I must endure wails of glee (which I like) and wails of horror (which I don't) at close range. The problem is that it is very difficult to distinguish between the two. They are both blood curdling.
I am trying to stay patient and positive. I want to hold out as long as I can, so I can give some of my favorite Moms a much needed break. You guys owe me. Alcohol. The good stuff. None of that wussy crap you brought last time that tastes like stale Jolly Ranchers.
I've decided to list MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT SUMMER, in no particular order. I'm hoping it will relax me. Here goes:
1. Little girls wearing swimsuits with those cute ruffle skirts attached.
2. Night time BBQs on the deck.
3. Buff guys not wearing shirts while doing yard work.
4. Flip flops.
5. Late night ice cream trips to Emo's or Lou's.
6. My neighbor's laundry hanging on the line.
7. Lightning bugs.
8. Kids shouting "CANNONBALL!" at the neighborhood pool.
9. Porch swings.
10. Lime popsicles.
11. Hammocks.
12. Wearing anything made of gingham.
13. Tan lines.
14. Road trips.
15. Visiting people excited to see you - just because you share a last name.
16. Homemade ice cream.
17. Strapless sun dresses.
18. Wide brim straw hats.
19. Rainbow sprinklers - especially with kids running through them.
20. Really, really, really cold beer.
Out of some mistaken sense of love and charity, I am taking care of four kids today. It's been a half an hour. I'm ready for them to leave. It is too hot to stay outside for more than fifteen minutes, so I must endure wails of glee (which I like) and wails of horror (which I don't) at close range. The problem is that it is very difficult to distinguish between the two. They are both blood curdling.
I am trying to stay patient and positive. I want to hold out as long as I can, so I can give some of my favorite Moms a much needed break. You guys owe me. Alcohol. The good stuff. None of that wussy crap you brought last time that tastes like stale Jolly Ranchers.
I've decided to list MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT SUMMER, in no particular order. I'm hoping it will relax me. Here goes:
1. Little girls wearing swimsuits with those cute ruffle skirts attached.
2. Night time BBQs on the deck.
3. Buff guys not wearing shirts while doing yard work.
4. Flip flops.
5. Late night ice cream trips to Emo's or Lou's.
6. My neighbor's laundry hanging on the line.
7. Lightning bugs.
8. Kids shouting "CANNONBALL!" at the neighborhood pool.
9. Porch swings.
10. Lime popsicles.
11. Hammocks.
12. Wearing anything made of gingham.
13. Tan lines.
14. Road trips.
15. Visiting people excited to see you - just because you share a last name.
16. Homemade ice cream.
17. Strapless sun dresses.
18. Wide brim straw hats.
19. Rainbow sprinklers - especially with kids running through them.
20. Really, really, really cold beer.
Thursday, July 21
Further proof that pay backs are a bitch
*
Ran$burg has applied to fill the vacancy on the District 150 school board. If rumor and gossip hold water, it looks like he has the votes to get the job.
Ran$burg would be representing the District 3 spot which covers the most northern area of District 150, one of the few places Ran$burg enjoyed strong support in his last failed mayoral campaign. Yup. This means Ran$burg has a good shot at winning the seat come election time should he choose to pay -er- I mean run for it.
I don't think Porky Pig really wants the job. Ran$burg never went out of his way to support the public schools as a councilman or mayor. At debates and forums he pretty much picked his snout, scratched his butt, and said -more or less- "Without more money, there's not a lot the City can do to help public schools." Which leaves me wondering and (grasping at false hope) why in the hell current school board members would gift him the job?!
I think this is just pay back, pure and simple. Because of his reason for seeking the position, I don't believe Ran$burg will make much of a difference on the school board. It does suck that we are going to have to endure his image in local media for the foreseeable future.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
Ran$burg has applied to fill the vacancy on the District 150 school board. If rumor and gossip hold water, it looks like he has the votes to get the job.
Ran$burg would be representing the District 3 spot which covers the most northern area of District 150, one of the few places Ran$burg enjoyed strong support in his last failed mayoral campaign. Yup. This means Ran$burg has a good shot at winning the seat come election time should he choose to pay -er- I mean run for it.
I don't think Porky Pig really wants the job. Ran$burg never went out of his way to support the public schools as a councilman or mayor. At debates and forums he pretty much picked his snout, scratched his butt, and said -more or less- "Without more money, there's not a lot the City can do to help public schools." Which leaves me wondering and (grasping at false hope) why in the hell current school board members would gift him the job?!
I think this is just pay back, pure and simple. Because of his reason for seeking the position, I don't believe Ran$burg will make much of a difference on the school board. It does suck that we are going to have to endure his image in local media for the foreseeable future.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
Wednesday, July 20
Polly's Paranoia
*
The Wall Street Jounal has my panties in a bunch. Because of two articles I sort of wish I hadn't read, I've been biting my nails and pacing all day.
The WSJ pointed out that those of us who have followed the old "Save ten percent for retirement" rule apparently will be up Crap Creek during our golden years. Far fewer companies give pensions these days, and those that do have severely cut their contributions. Moreover, one way or another Social Security will have to change to meet demand. The amount of benefits will probably be reduced and the age which one receives them will be increased. So, at least 20% of take home pay needs to be banked for retirement alone. (This assumes one's mortgage will be paid off.)
Add to the pressure this factoid: Harvard University now charges $41,000 per year. The figure includes books, tuition, room and board. College tuition increases have been higher than the rate of inflation for years. Harvard and its counterparts will likely be charging $220,000 for a four year undergraduate degree within ten years. This means that even if you plan on sending your offspring to a good, solid state school you're looking at paying a lot more money than previously thought.
So, if you don't want to eat cat food once you're old and gray and you want to send Junior and Juniorette to the college of their choice, banking 50% of your take home pay is a good idea.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
I want to know how people are doing this. I see so many big screen t.v.'s, SUVs, and mini McMansions these days. The WSJ reports that Americans on average save very little. What's everyone's plan?
How does a parent look at their kid who has worked hard for his/her future and say, "Sorry. It's community college for you. That's all we can afford," when Dad has a Lexus parked in the garage? Do people think cat food will become tasty in their old age? Or, are they counting on their debt ridden and/or uneducated adult children to support them?
The American economy is getting freakier and freakier. I think we are growing ever nearer to the moment when something has got to give.
The Wall Street Jounal has my panties in a bunch. Because of two articles I sort of wish I hadn't read, I've been biting my nails and pacing all day.
The WSJ pointed out that those of us who have followed the old "Save ten percent for retirement" rule apparently will be up Crap Creek during our golden years. Far fewer companies give pensions these days, and those that do have severely cut their contributions. Moreover, one way or another Social Security will have to change to meet demand. The amount of benefits will probably be reduced and the age which one receives them will be increased. So, at least 20% of take home pay needs to be banked for retirement alone. (This assumes one's mortgage will be paid off.)
Add to the pressure this factoid: Harvard University now charges $41,000 per year. The figure includes books, tuition, room and board. College tuition increases have been higher than the rate of inflation for years. Harvard and its counterparts will likely be charging $220,000 for a four year undergraduate degree within ten years. This means that even if you plan on sending your offspring to a good, solid state school you're looking at paying a lot more money than previously thought.
So, if you don't want to eat cat food once you're old and gray and you want to send Junior and Juniorette to the college of their choice, banking 50% of your take home pay is a good idea.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
I want to know how people are doing this. I see so many big screen t.v.'s, SUVs, and mini McMansions these days. The WSJ reports that Americans on average save very little. What's everyone's plan?
How does a parent look at their kid who has worked hard for his/her future and say, "Sorry. It's community college for you. That's all we can afford," when Dad has a Lexus parked in the garage? Do people think cat food will become tasty in their old age? Or, are they counting on their debt ridden and/or uneducated adult children to support them?
The American economy is getting freakier and freakier. I think we are growing ever nearer to the moment when something has got to give.
Outsourcing the CEO
I found a fantastic article in the Wall Street Journal this morning. Carol Hymowitz noticed that a lot of companies have been whining about the costs of employees. They owe it to their shareholder's to go with the cheapest labor possible. Hello Mexico, China, and Taiwan. Fair enough, but what about the CEO?
Time to take a closer look at the portfolio.
"The median salary plus cash bonus for U.S. CEOs in office for at least a year totaled $2.3 million in 2004. That compares with $1.2 million for the heads of U.K. companies, $857,000 for the French, and $386,000 for the Swedish. Indian CEOs earn a median salary and bonus of $88,117 compared with $317,864 for the heads of Japanese companies, $302,078 at Hong Kong companies and $263,301 at Singapore concerns."I'm all for capitalism and the free market. I'm a firm believer in the laws of supply and demand. If you work hard at something and do it better than anyone else, you should be compensated for it. If you suck, you should be boot kicked out the door. However, Hymowitz found that CEO pay is NOT linked to performance, far from it.
"Newly named CEOs are guaranteed a trough of money before they've done any work. When they fail and are dismissed, they are handed even more money."Huh? I'm sorry, what alter universe did I fall into? Where did the free market go?
"...At Morgan Stanley, where ex CEO Phil Purcell received a severance and retirement package estimated at $106 million, including a new $44 million cash bonus for being shown the door. Former Co-President Steve Crawford is walking away with two years of severance estimated at $32 million after 3 1/2 months on that job."Why aren't shareholders screaming? Why would any board of directors ever so grandly reward incompetence? After so many recent scandals at major corporations, i.e., ADM, Adelphia, WorldCom, Tyco, Healthsouth, Enron -to name a just few- why is such flagrant corporate greed allowed, tolerated, even flourishing? I'm not a communist. I don't believe we should all get paid the same wage. Doctors should be paid more than garbage collectors. Yet, if salaries are no longer tied to performance, and the laws of supply and demand are now moot, shouldn't this be bigger news to economists?
Time to take a closer look at the portfolio.
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