Bob Burchette has a very nice article in this mornings N&R on my Grandmother who recently passed away at 92.
To me it would take a whole edition to sum up all the good in that frail womans little body and all that she did for her friends, neighbors, church and family. If I could do 1/4 of what she did in her lifetime, I would consider it a life well lived.
Yes, the chess pies were good, but my favorite was her chicken pie.
A very special lady.
Thanks Mr. Burchette.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Hoggards at the Tournament
Final day at the Greensboro Chrysler Classic.
Great crowd, beautiful women, awesome weather, and cold beer.
What more could you ask for?
Followed Sergio Garcia on the front nine and decided to cop a seat at the 18th green and watch everybody come in.
Sitting in the bleachers and I look up to see someone who I thought was Jinni moving into the row in front of me. Thoughts confirmed when David moved in beside her a short time later.
Jinni looked hot in her brown hat and pink skirt. I can see why David married the lady.
Don't see why she married him though! (JK)
Not into men but I guess David looked O.K. too in his ensemble, but David, them sunglasses gotta go!
One of Greensboros' premier bloggers sitting in the row in front of me and three people to my left.
Wanted to say hi but my anoniminity has to be protected.
Anyway, David & Jinni, nice to almost meet you.
Great crowd, beautiful women, awesome weather, and cold beer.
What more could you ask for?
Followed Sergio Garcia on the front nine and decided to cop a seat at the 18th green and watch everybody come in.
Sitting in the bleachers and I look up to see someone who I thought was Jinni moving into the row in front of me. Thoughts confirmed when David moved in beside her a short time later.
Jinni looked hot in her brown hat and pink skirt. I can see why David married the lady.
Don't see why she married him though! (JK)
Not into men but I guess David looked O.K. too in his ensemble, but David, them sunglasses gotta go!
One of Greensboros' premier bloggers sitting in the row in front of me and three people to my left.
Wanted to say hi but my anoniminity has to be protected.
Anyway, David & Jinni, nice to almost meet you.
The Political Agitator and Skip
The Political Agitator:
"All real NAACP members ought to be pissed with the arrogance of Melvin "Skip" Alston as he is doing what many racist whites does and that is to mislead black folks when it comes to real black leadership."
He also talks about Skips' "behind the scenes fights."
Nail on the head??
"All real NAACP members ought to be pissed with the arrogance of Melvin "Skip" Alston as he is doing what many racist whites does and that is to mislead black folks when it comes to real black leadership."
He also talks about Skips' "behind the scenes fights."
Nail on the head??
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Another Musical Weekend
Last weekends Blues Challenge was a huge success.
Mighty Lester of Raleigh were the winners and will represent the PBPS in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge in February 2006. They will also be on stage at next years Carolina Blues Festival and the Bull Durham Blues Festival.
Although not my choice for top band, the judges saw differently.
This Sunday, October 2, welcomes the Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross.
70 bands performing in 12 different locations.
Buy a wristband for $10 and see any band at any of the venues for one donation of $10. Great way to spend a Sunday and for a great cause.
Details here.
Mighty Lester of Raleigh were the winners and will represent the PBPS in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge in February 2006. They will also be on stage at next years Carolina Blues Festival and the Bull Durham Blues Festival.
Although not my choice for top band, the judges saw differently.
This Sunday, October 2, welcomes the Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross.
70 bands performing in 12 different locations.
Buy a wristband for $10 and see any band at any of the venues for one donation of $10. Great way to spend a Sunday and for a great cause.
Details here.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Great Blues Weekend Ahead
The 19th Annual Piedmont Blues Preservation Society Blues Challenge (whew!) is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday at the Lions Lair in High Point.
19 bands over 2 days competing for a chance to represent the PBPS in Memphis.
Always a good crowd and lots of fun.
Silent auction with 2 pairs of 4th row tickets to see Buddy Guy in Greensboro on Oct. 16, plus many other great items.
Click here for details and band schedule.
19 bands over 2 days competing for a chance to represent the PBPS in Memphis.
Always a good crowd and lots of fun.
Silent auction with 2 pairs of 4th row tickets to see Buddy Guy in Greensboro on Oct. 16, plus many other great items.
Click here for details and band schedule.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Road Trip
tonight to see Bernard Allison.
Singer, songwriter, and son of Luther Allison, Bernard will be playing at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte.
Bernards' first recording, at age 12 1/2 was playing guitar with his father on a live album called "Gonna Be a Live One in Here Tonight" in 1979.
Four days out of high school he joined Koko Taylors' band the Blues Machine. He has also played with Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughn, where he picked up his slide technique.
His latest album, Higher Power is a great mix of Blues, Soul, and Funk.
Should be a great show.
All I can say is I'm getting ready and looking forward to it.
Singer, songwriter, and son of Luther Allison, Bernard will be playing at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte.
Bernards' first recording, at age 12 1/2 was playing guitar with his father on a live album called "Gonna Be a Live One in Here Tonight" in 1979.
Four days out of high school he joined Koko Taylors' band the Blues Machine. He has also played with Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughn, where he picked up his slide technique.
His latest album, Higher Power is a great mix of Blues, Soul, and Funk.
Should be a great show.
All I can say is I'm getting ready and looking forward to it.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
"Writing Spider" in the Garden
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This little guy was hard at work in the garden yesterday afternoon. He had what looked to be a wasp in his clutches, spinning his web around it before..............
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moving on to big and better things. It's really amazing to sit and watch these creatures do their handiwork.
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Left all dressed up with no place to go.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Grandma
My grandmother passed away yesterday afternoon.
Nine days shy of her 93rd birthday, she had a long and fruitful life, but it’s still hard to let go of someone you cared so much for and who has had a great impact on who you are as a person.
Grandma was a great cook, caregiver, disiciplinarian, and friend. She was an avid churchgoer who often went out of her way to help other people.
I can remember a time at her house in High Point when I was young, seeing a total stranger come up to the house and knock on the door. Grandma answered the door, talked to the man for a minute, then walked off leaving me and him standing there. I must have been about 6 or 7 at the time but I can still remember him looking real dirty and with a scraggly beard.
A few minutes later Grandma came back and handed the man a couple of sandwiches she had made and a big glass of milk. He sat down on the front porch steps and proceeded to eat then he got up and left.
I asked Grandma who that was and she said she didn’t know. I asked her why she was giving him sandwiches and her answer has always stuck in my mind.
“Because he was hungry.”
That’s the way Grandma was. Whatever she had she was willing to share it with someone in need. I don’t know if it was just out of the goodness of her heart, or if she was trying to set an example, but it instilled in me that there are less fortunate people that do need help.
She also took care of my Grandfather who had Charcot Marie disease coupled with essential tremors. He also had a stroke a few years before he died, but there she was, always by his side and tending to his every need. Truly for better or worse. I think they were married about 65 years when Grandpa died.
As for the discipline part, Grandma would tear your butt up in a heartbeat. My sisters and I both learned that real quick. We learned right from wrong the old-fashioned way.
I went with Grandma and Grandpa to the Ellington family reunion in Oregon Hill when I was about 9 or 10. I don’t remember what happened but I do remember Grandma slapping me in the mouth and proceeding to get in Grandpa’s face.
Apparently I’d said “Good God Almighty” and she had heard me. She slapped me for it and then chastised Grandpa for saying it in front of me where I’d pick it up. That was Grandpa’s favorite saying when he was upset. Needless to say I didn’t say that anymore, at least not where she could hear me.
What can I say about Grandma’s cooking?
I used to go over and keep their yard mowed since Grandpa was unable, and she would always cook dinner for me and Jr. Jr always wanted to go help me because he knew that Grandma was cooking. He couldn’t do a lot being 6 yrs old, but he sure could eat. After Grandpa died he did get old enough to ride the mower and was there almost every time I mowed, just for the food.
My favorite dish was her chicken pie. Home made crust. Juicy. Cooked to perfection. I could eat a half one by myself and she made BIG chicken pies.
I haven’t found anyone, my mother, sisters, ex wife included, that could cook like Grandma. Probably never will. But they try and it is good. Just not Grandma’s.
It’s been tough on Grandma the past 12 years, but her and Grandpa are back together again. Probably doing the Charleston on a cloud somewhere watching over the family down here.
I know Heaven is a better place with you there. You are in a better place and the place you worked your whole life to get to. You suffer no more.
Grandma, I love you and miss you terribly. I will see you again………………..
keep a chicken pie in the oven for me.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.
- Old Indian Saying
Nine days shy of her 93rd birthday, she had a long and fruitful life, but it’s still hard to let go of someone you cared so much for and who has had a great impact on who you are as a person.
Grandma was a great cook, caregiver, disiciplinarian, and friend. She was an avid churchgoer who often went out of her way to help other people.
I can remember a time at her house in High Point when I was young, seeing a total stranger come up to the house and knock on the door. Grandma answered the door, talked to the man for a minute, then walked off leaving me and him standing there. I must have been about 6 or 7 at the time but I can still remember him looking real dirty and with a scraggly beard.
A few minutes later Grandma came back and handed the man a couple of sandwiches she had made and a big glass of milk. He sat down on the front porch steps and proceeded to eat then he got up and left.
I asked Grandma who that was and she said she didn’t know. I asked her why she was giving him sandwiches and her answer has always stuck in my mind.
“Because he was hungry.”
That’s the way Grandma was. Whatever she had she was willing to share it with someone in need. I don’t know if it was just out of the goodness of her heart, or if she was trying to set an example, but it instilled in me that there are less fortunate people that do need help.
She also took care of my Grandfather who had Charcot Marie disease coupled with essential tremors. He also had a stroke a few years before he died, but there she was, always by his side and tending to his every need. Truly for better or worse. I think they were married about 65 years when Grandpa died.
As for the discipline part, Grandma would tear your butt up in a heartbeat. My sisters and I both learned that real quick. We learned right from wrong the old-fashioned way.
I went with Grandma and Grandpa to the Ellington family reunion in Oregon Hill when I was about 9 or 10. I don’t remember what happened but I do remember Grandma slapping me in the mouth and proceeding to get in Grandpa’s face.
Apparently I’d said “Good God Almighty” and she had heard me. She slapped me for it and then chastised Grandpa for saying it in front of me where I’d pick it up. That was Grandpa’s favorite saying when he was upset. Needless to say I didn’t say that anymore, at least not where she could hear me.
What can I say about Grandma’s cooking?
I used to go over and keep their yard mowed since Grandpa was unable, and she would always cook dinner for me and Jr. Jr always wanted to go help me because he knew that Grandma was cooking. He couldn’t do a lot being 6 yrs old, but he sure could eat. After Grandpa died he did get old enough to ride the mower and was there almost every time I mowed, just for the food.
My favorite dish was her chicken pie. Home made crust. Juicy. Cooked to perfection. I could eat a half one by myself and she made BIG chicken pies.
I haven’t found anyone, my mother, sisters, ex wife included, that could cook like Grandma. Probably never will. But they try and it is good. Just not Grandma’s.
It’s been tough on Grandma the past 12 years, but her and Grandpa are back together again. Probably doing the Charleston on a cloud somewhere watching over the family down here.
I know Heaven is a better place with you there. You are in a better place and the place you worked your whole life to get to. You suffer no more.
Grandma, I love you and miss you terribly. I will see you again………………..
keep a chicken pie in the oven for me.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.
- Old Indian Saying
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Friday, September 02, 2005
Katrina Aid Again
It looks to me like a total clusterf**k on the part of FEMA and the federal government to aid victims of hurricane Katrina.
No food, water, medical supplies. People dying, looting, getting beaten and raped.
Hell, our response to the Asian tsunami was faster and more organized than this. Why can we get aid to people overseas faster than we can to our own citizens?
In Washington, President Bush admitted "the results are not acceptable" and pledged to bolster the relief efforts with a personal trip to the Gulf Coast on Friday.
"We'll get on top of this situation," he said before setting out, "and we're going to help the people that need help."
That's all they need, another incompetent Federal employee running around down there, with his finger in his a**, and no clue what to do.
How many people have to die before you "get on top of this situation"?
SUPPOSE this had been a terrorist attack instead of a hurricane.
Would the response have been any faster? Would you have been any more organized? Would you have had better control of the situation?
I shudder to think what that answer might be.
No food, water, medical supplies. People dying, looting, getting beaten and raped.
Hell, our response to the Asian tsunami was faster and more organized than this. Why can we get aid to people overseas faster than we can to our own citizens?
In Washington, President Bush admitted "the results are not acceptable" and pledged to bolster the relief efforts with a personal trip to the Gulf Coast on Friday.
"We'll get on top of this situation," he said before setting out, "and we're going to help the people that need help."
That's all they need, another incompetent Federal employee running around down there, with his finger in his a**, and no clue what to do.
How many people have to die before you "get on top of this situation"?
SUPPOSE this had been a terrorist attack instead of a hurricane.
Would the response have been any faster? Would you have been any more organized? Would you have had better control of the situation?
I shudder to think what that answer might be.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Katrina Aid
It's heartbreaking to see the videos of the destruction left behind on the gulf coast by hurricane Katrina. It will undoubtedly be a long time before things get back to normal down there, if they ever do.
It's nice to see the american corporations stepping up to the plate with food, water, and cash donations to help their fellow citizens, and I have done my part by donating to the Red Cross efforts.
One question I have to ask though.
Where is the international community?
Every disaster in another country is followed by requests and sometimes "demands" for U.S. aid. Then when the Americans "annie up" and give aid we are sometimes criticized for it not being enough.
Where is their help now that we could use it??
Instead of siphoning off our taxdollars "as fast as the dollar wheels on a gas pump turn", step up to the plate. Do your part.
But as usual, I'm sure it will be Americans taking care of Americans.
It's nice to see the american corporations stepping up to the plate with food, water, and cash donations to help their fellow citizens, and I have done my part by donating to the Red Cross efforts.
One question I have to ask though.
Where is the international community?
Every disaster in another country is followed by requests and sometimes "demands" for U.S. aid. Then when the Americans "annie up" and give aid we are sometimes criticized for it not being enough.
Where is their help now that we could use it??
Instead of siphoning off our taxdollars "as fast as the dollar wheels on a gas pump turn", step up to the plate. Do your part.
But as usual, I'm sure it will be Americans taking care of Americans.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Back in 'da "Big City"
Finally made it back to the "big city" from Morehead/Atlantic Beach on Sunday, and with a thankful no show from Irene.Just in time to start classes on Monday.
With everyday scenes such as this early morning sunrise.............
this deserted beach perfect for reflecting and quiet time alone.........................
and this sunset, it makes me wonder why the hell I ever decided to come back.
It also makes me want to put the residence up for sale, transfer to Cape Fear Community College, and get out. I don't think it would take much convincing on my part to get the "son" to move, but what would I do without "Greensboro"?
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Thanks Irene
Looks like Irene is going to spare the coast.
Thanks.
So it's off to the beach later this morning for a much needed vacation before starting my classes on August 22.
Yep, back to school 32 years after graduating! But that's a whole 'nother post.
Thanks.
So it's off to the beach later this morning for a much needed vacation before starting my classes on August 22.
Yep, back to school 32 years after graduating! But that's a whole 'nother post.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Me, Myself and Irene
No not the Jim Carrey movie, but I'd really like to know what it is with Me, Myself and Irene.
The 1999 Hurricane Irene ran me and a friend off the coast from a long awaited fishing trip. We left during torrential rains only to drive home and find out that rain was the only thing North Carolina got out of the storm. The weather was beautiful at the coast the day after we got home.
Now we have another Irene threatening the North Carolina coast. Just so happens that our annual family beach trip to Emerald Isle is planned for next week.
Do we go or not??
Nobody saying anything right now but I'd sure hate to go down there and have to turn around and drive back in all that "evacuation traffic".
Go figure. Just my luck.
Just hope the bitch stays away from here.
And if I ever do get married again, her name will not be Irene.
The 1999 Hurricane Irene ran me and a friend off the coast from a long awaited fishing trip. We left during torrential rains only to drive home and find out that rain was the only thing North Carolina got out of the storm. The weather was beautiful at the coast the day after we got home.
Now we have another Irene threatening the North Carolina coast. Just so happens that our annual family beach trip to Emerald Isle is planned for next week.
Do we go or not??
Nobody saying anything right now but I'd sure hate to go down there and have to turn around and drive back in all that "evacuation traffic".
Go figure. Just my luck.
Just hope the bitch stays away from here.
And if I ever do get married again, her name will not be Irene.
Showtime
Showtime's new program "Weeds".
Showtime's promotion for new subscribers. Free Haagen-Dazs for a year.
Coincidence?
Probably not but what better way to satisfy your "munchies" after watching that new program?
But for how long?
With all the hoopla over this at the August 1 G'boro City Council meeting and the plans to adopt a resolution against it and officially contact businesses selling this product and expressing displeasure, a resolution may be adopted against watching Showtime in Greensboro NC because of their new program.
Showtime's promotion for new subscribers. Free Haagen-Dazs for a year.
Coincidence?
Probably not but what better way to satisfy your "munchies" after watching that new program?
But for how long?
With all the hoopla over this at the August 1 G'boro City Council meeting and the plans to adopt a resolution against it and officially contact businesses selling this product and expressing displeasure, a resolution may be adopted against watching Showtime in Greensboro NC because of their new program.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Happening Again
Talking with one of my fellow co-workers for the past 24 years, until I got laid off in April, and he is telling me that they are gearing up for another round of layoffs soon.
They used the same spiel that they used when they laid me off.
"Bad management decisions and overseas competition."
What burns my ass is why aren't the people that made the "bad decisions" headed out the door along with the hourly employees that are losing their jobs??
It makes no sense to me how one company can buy another, have the same equipment, employees, accounts, (the only change was in management), and run it into the ground in 2 years, with 50 to 60% (maybe more since the're not finished) of the employees losing their job.
Unless that was their intention from the start.
They used the same spiel that they used when they laid me off.
"Bad management decisions and overseas competition."
What burns my ass is why aren't the people that made the "bad decisions" headed out the door along with the hourly employees that are losing their jobs??
It makes no sense to me how one company can buy another, have the same equipment, employees, accounts, (the only change was in management), and run it into the ground in 2 years, with 50 to 60% (maybe more since the're not finished) of the employees losing their job.
Unless that was their intention from the start.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Success in Wilmington
The Cape Fear Blues Festival went off this weekend without a hitch. I guess my Woodstock '69 no rain dance really worked. We did have a deluge on Friday night but it was after the Blues Cruise, and everybody had moved off to the inside venues safe from mother nature.
We decided on The Rusty Nail because a friend from Greensboro co-owns the place and we needed to renew old friendships with someone we haven't seen in awhile.
The Polar Bear Blues Band was playing, the suds were flowing, and we enjoyed the companionship and energy of blues lovers from all over North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. Even a couple that had drove in from Texas because a friend of their's was playing in the festival.
The pic at left is one Jr took from the deck of the Battleship North Carolina. It was early and several members of our party decided to tour the battleship before things started cranking up.
The park where the festival is held is located next to the battleship. Can't ask for a more serene setting to hold an event.
The dock in the pic is one where you could take a $3 boat ride on the Cape Fear River.
An early shower on Saturday kept some of the crowd indoors. When the sun came out the place got slammed. The tent was full and about 50% of the grass area was covered.Food and beverages were available as well as artwork from a local artist.
Jr said the Hawaiian food was the best though all I saw him eat was hamburgers and french fries.
The concert featured the Dynamic Therm-O-Tones, Charlie & Rose Lucas, The Cape Fear Blues All-Stars, Tad Walters, Elliot & The Untouchables, Lil Ronnie and The Grand Dukes, and Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers.Elliot & The Untouchables put on one hell of a show. They are a band out of Columbia SC and play at the Double Door in Charlotte quite often. If you haven't seen them and like the blues, this is a must see concert.
Then there's Jimmy Thackery (pic left) and The Drivers. A former guitar player for The Nighthawks, Thackery is just an awesome, awesome show.
It's been said about Thackery that he is a four hour show.
Not that he plays four hours, but that is how far one should drive to see him.
And I'm here to tell you---------he doesn't disappoint.
Now we'll gear up for the Bull Durham Blues Festival coming in September. Maybe see you there!!
Friday, July 29, 2005
Off to Wilmington
for the weekend and the Cape Fear Blues Festival at Battleship Park.
Keeping fingers crossed that the rain doesn't follow us.
Keeping fingers crossed that the rain doesn't follow us.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Listen and Learn
Our commissioners are back from their island getaway and at least one of them is touting it as a great success.
"I'm a better commissioner today because I went to that conference," said Commissioner Paul Gibson.
Particularly useful, he said, was a morning-and-afternoon session on budgeting that featured a presentation by Mecklenburg County, which recently switched to a more results-focused budget process that treats county government like a business.
It seems to me that you could have learned a little about that here. If you would listen to your fellow commissioners instead of excluding them because they are from the "other party" you might hear something interesting.
Commissioner Mike Winstead told you the day you passed the budget that he couldn't imagine a business being run this way.
Now after passing a $510.5 million budget and taking your $3000 taxpayer jaunt to the islands, you're receptive to the idea of running it like a business?
What was the "other party" telling you? Input, input--discussion, discussion. Instead you left them out, proceeded with your "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" budget negotiations AND included yourself a 40% raise on the back of the taxpayers.
Shame, shame.
Now after the budget full of "pork" and your "vacation" you have finally had a revelation and have seen the light due to a meeting in Hawaii?
We'll see.
One thing I do like about your "revelation."
"RESULTS-FOCUSED"
Hopefully that means that the majority party will at least listen to and try to work with the minority party and try to get some positive results for Guilford County.
What you have been doing is nothing but an embarassment.
"I'm a better commissioner today because I went to that conference," said Commissioner Paul Gibson.
Particularly useful, he said, was a morning-and-afternoon session on budgeting that featured a presentation by Mecklenburg County, which recently switched to a more results-focused budget process that treats county government like a business.
It seems to me that you could have learned a little about that here. If you would listen to your fellow commissioners instead of excluding them because they are from the "other party" you might hear something interesting.
Commissioner Mike Winstead told you the day you passed the budget that he couldn't imagine a business being run this way.
Now after passing a $510.5 million budget and taking your $3000 taxpayer jaunt to the islands, you're receptive to the idea of running it like a business?
What was the "other party" telling you? Input, input--discussion, discussion. Instead you left them out, proceeded with your "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" budget negotiations AND included yourself a 40% raise on the back of the taxpayers.
Shame, shame.
Now after the budget full of "pork" and your "vacation" you have finally had a revelation and have seen the light due to a meeting in Hawaii?
We'll see.
One thing I do like about your "revelation."
"RESULTS-FOCUSED"
Hopefully that means that the majority party will at least listen to and try to work with the minority party and try to get some positive results for Guilford County.
What you have been doing is nothing but an embarassment.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
WRECK
Morning wreck shuts down northbound 85 atNC 62. 18-wheeler goes off bridge onto Kivett
Drive blocking both lanes and catching on fire
Picture from Hickory Creek Road and not very
good as this was as close as they would let me get
(maybe time for some form of blogger press pass
LOL)
Hope driver is OK but from the look of the truck it is very doubtful and ambulance was still there a couple of hours after the wreck
Don't know details but heard truck was hit and
pushed off bridge-----also heard he may have fallen asleep
UPDATE: News 2 said driver of Southbound car fell asleep and crossed median and hit truck head on----truck then rolled off the bridge and onto Kivett Drive----thankfully the 3 people in the car survived as did the truck driver who was rescued from the wreck by 3 bystanders and is in critical condition in the hospital
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
If You Like the Blues................
this is definitely a show you don't want to miss.Guitar Shorty, aka David Kearney, will be playing the Blue Bayou Club in Hillsborough this Saturday night.
At age 16 Shorty joined the Ray Charles Band.
At 17 he recorded his first single under the direction of Willie Dixon for the Cobra Label
When he got a chance to play for Guitar Slim, Shorty moved to New Orleans. There he fronted a house band at the legendary Dew Drop Inn where he got to play with T Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner and Little Richard.
Shorty's albums are great and show the dedication the man has put into his music, but his stage show is something you don't want to miss. His no holds barred show has been known to include back flips, somersaults, and headstands. None of these occurred the last time he was at the Bayou (probably because of a small stage) but he did wow everybody with his bar- top antics and when he walked out the front door playing his guitar, leaving his band inside, and proceeded to walk around a city block never missing a beat.
So, if you like the blues and need something to do Saturday night, maybe I'll see you in Hillsborough. It will be worth it.
May want to call and make sure tickets are available.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
You Are Turning Into----------
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You are turning into one fine young man and an even finer human being.
I'm very, very proud of you.
It is indeed an honor to call you my son.
HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY!!!
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A premie at only 5lb 6oz----
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HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! Well almost----8 more minutes.
A premie at only 5lb 6oz a cabbage patch doll was quite a bit bigger than him.
Friday, July 15, 2005
The Big Link
This weeks Big Link is here.
No posts this week as I had a lot going on. Still trying to find a job and get the schooling set up.
I did have a great road trip last Saturday. Went to see Michael Burks at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte. Michael played at the Carolina Blues Festival in Greensboro in May.
For those that did not attend, you missed a show. He really should have been the headliner, although I have nothing against the Holmes Brothers, who did headline.
In Charlotte, as well as Greensboro, Michael was phenomenal. Michael started playing at 10 and his FIRST SET did not end until 12:50 am. Yep, 2hrs 50 min of the best guitar playing, drum banging, bass thumping, organ orgasmic blues I have heard in a long, long time.
If you like the blues, Michael Burks has a show you don't want to miss. He plays the Triad often. Blue Bayou in Hillsborough or the Double Door in Charlotte. Make sure you see him.
Maybe ONE of thes days we'll have a venue in Greensboro that is not afraid to book some national blues acts, and you can see them without driving so far.
No posts this week as I had a lot going on. Still trying to find a job and get the schooling set up.
I did have a great road trip last Saturday. Went to see Michael Burks at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte. Michael played at the Carolina Blues Festival in Greensboro in May.
For those that did not attend, you missed a show. He really should have been the headliner, although I have nothing against the Holmes Brothers, who did headline.
In Charlotte, as well as Greensboro, Michael was phenomenal. Michael started playing at 10 and his FIRST SET did not end until 12:50 am. Yep, 2hrs 50 min of the best guitar playing, drum banging, bass thumping, organ orgasmic blues I have heard in a long, long time.
If you like the blues, Michael Burks has a show you don't want to miss. He plays the Triad often. Blue Bayou in Hillsborough or the Double Door in Charlotte. Make sure you see him.
Maybe ONE of thes days we'll have a venue in Greensboro that is not afraid to book some national blues acts, and you can see them without driving so far.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Friday, July 08, 2005
Good Ol' Boys
After receiving my property tax bill in the mail today, I just had to get one more post in, bitching about the budget recently passed by our "fiscally responsible stewards of taxpayer money", the Guilford County Commissioners.
I wonder why Skip Alston thinks everyone should play by the rules except him?
Earlier this year, he declared that employees of Greensboro's housing department were racist because he didn't like the way a black- owned apartment management company was treated.
He accused Jenks Crayton of "special tax favors" (on hearsay from one of the Tax Dept. employees) to Commissioners Steve Arnold and Billy Yow. Even after the State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Department of Revenue cleared Crayton of any wrongdoing, he is still not satisfied.
Yet he managed $250,000 dollars in this budget for his Civil Rights Museum, with a pledge of $250,000 over the next three years, for a total of $1 million dollars.
The county's rules say grant applications must be filed by March 11 and contain enough information so that officials can evaluate how the money would be used. The Civil Rights Museum "did not apply for funds during the stated application process," say county budget documents. Nor did it meet the requirement of providing tax-exempt documentation and an annual certified audit and management letter in advance.
Although future boards are not required to fund the $250,000 pledge the next three years, with this bunch in power, do you really think it won't happen??
You got to have the "power."
Then there's the 40% raise for the County Commissioners, making them, on average, the highest paid board of County Commissioners in the state. At a time when jobs are leaving the state by the thousands leaving people un-employed, housing needs, and health insurance needs, this is nothing but a slap in the face to the taxpayers of this county.
So Skip, Bruce. You claim to represent the maligned, downtrodden, and the poorest of poor in this county. Hope you've already picked out your charity or food banks to send that $500 a month too. Show 'em you really care.
Nearly $800,000 is going to local corporations to fulfill economic incentives commitments. Save your incentive money. Get off your asses, stop partisan bickering, back room politics and trying to "get one up" on the other party. Work together to make Guilford County a model county and you won't have to pay anyone to come and create jobs and contribute to the tax base. Make them "want" to come here and be a part of this county. The way it is now I don't see how anybody wants to live here anymore. (This advice meant for both parties. Not just the one responsible for the budget.)
This budget leaves the county's operating reserves at the bare minimum suggested by the NC Local Government Commission. The three top finance officials in Guilford County, Budget Director J. D. Rowland, Guilford County Manager Willie Best, and Finance Director Brenda Jones-Fox, all warned the commissioners not to take money from one-time sources to pay for operating costs.
Alston said budget officials wouldn't have let the commissioners use one-time money and money from a bond repayment fund if it were problematic. What he didn't say is they have no vote on the matter. So $3.4 million from one-time sales tax revenue, $1 million from the county's reserves, and $2 million from a fund meant to pay off school bond debt and other bond debt, has been included in the budget. That is one-time money that will not be available next year initially.
Right after the meeting where the budget was passed, Commissioner Kay Cashion was already starting to distance herself from it. When asked about the budget she said, "Well, I don't agree with everything that's in there."
Well Kay, when are you going to start doing the job you were elected to do? The people that voted for you didn't send you up there to be a "yes" lady for your party. They sent you up there to do what's right for the people of this county. If you don't "agree with what's in there", don't vote for it or at least try to change it. I don't remember reading about anything you were promised in the budget. To be a rubber stamp is unbelievable.
Commissioner Kirk Perkins. "I'm sure they're good projects. I just don't know anything about 'em."(In reference to some High Point programs funded.)
Kirk, isn't part of your job to find out about these things you are spending the taxpayer's money on? TAXPAYER money. Not yours. Seems like you would have a little more desire and ambition to at least "try" to be informed on what you're voting on. That's the "budget process."
Commissioner Carolyn Coleman, who voted for the budget, when asked how the county will be able to pay for this budget and address future debt, said that maybe the county economy will improve this year, and the Commissioners may be able to find some places to cut in the future to help pay for things.
I doubt it Mrs. Coleman. You didn't try to find any cuts this year so why should we expect any difference in years to come?
I will keep my fingers crossed and hope the economy improves though. Then I might be able to find a job, pay my taxes, and keep my home, unless the county is willing to "forgive" my tax burden this year.
Commissioner Bruce Davis got $20,000 into the budget again this year for a youth league football program. It bought uniforms last year anjd those are good for several years. What are we gonna get this year?
Other sports spending includes $5,000 for the High Point Golf Swingers Youth Program, and $5,000 for the Macedonia Baseball Little League Program.
Hell, I need golf lessons. Wonder if they'll teach me?
Commissioner Paul Gibson has to be my favorite.
Gibson said he supports the civil rights museum but has no idea how the $250,000 will be used. That wasn't discussed, he said.
"We spent less time talking about the budget than I spend with my home budget," Gibson added. He didn't like everything in it but,"I held my nose and voted for it."
So much for the budget process.
A day or so after the budget vote Mr. Gibson had second thoughts about the Commissioners raise in the budget. He said he wasn't upset about the raise but the process in which it was achieved. (No discussion)
Playing both sides of the fence??
Must be. The raise still stands as of today. With the Republicans in the minority it will probably stay that way.
Republican Trudy Wade said she wasn't planning on taking the raise. Republican Mike Winstead said he'd turned it down already. Kudos to them.
I have to agree with Skip Alston on one thing.
There is a "Good Ol' Boy" network alive and kicking in Guilford County.
It's just not the people he thinks it is.
I wonder why Skip Alston thinks everyone should play by the rules except him?
Earlier this year, he declared that employees of Greensboro's housing department were racist because he didn't like the way a black- owned apartment management company was treated.
He accused Jenks Crayton of "special tax favors" (on hearsay from one of the Tax Dept. employees) to Commissioners Steve Arnold and Billy Yow. Even after the State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Department of Revenue cleared Crayton of any wrongdoing, he is still not satisfied.
Yet he managed $250,000 dollars in this budget for his Civil Rights Museum, with a pledge of $250,000 over the next three years, for a total of $1 million dollars.
The county's rules say grant applications must be filed by March 11 and contain enough information so that officials can evaluate how the money would be used. The Civil Rights Museum "did not apply for funds during the stated application process," say county budget documents. Nor did it meet the requirement of providing tax-exempt documentation and an annual certified audit and management letter in advance.
Although future boards are not required to fund the $250,000 pledge the next three years, with this bunch in power, do you really think it won't happen??
You got to have the "power."
Then there's the 40% raise for the County Commissioners, making them, on average, the highest paid board of County Commissioners in the state. At a time when jobs are leaving the state by the thousands leaving people un-employed, housing needs, and health insurance needs, this is nothing but a slap in the face to the taxpayers of this county.
So Skip, Bruce. You claim to represent the maligned, downtrodden, and the poorest of poor in this county. Hope you've already picked out your charity or food banks to send that $500 a month too. Show 'em you really care.
Nearly $800,000 is going to local corporations to fulfill economic incentives commitments. Save your incentive money. Get off your asses, stop partisan bickering, back room politics and trying to "get one up" on the other party. Work together to make Guilford County a model county and you won't have to pay anyone to come and create jobs and contribute to the tax base. Make them "want" to come here and be a part of this county. The way it is now I don't see how anybody wants to live here anymore. (This advice meant for both parties. Not just the one responsible for the budget.)
This budget leaves the county's operating reserves at the bare minimum suggested by the NC Local Government Commission. The three top finance officials in Guilford County, Budget Director J. D. Rowland, Guilford County Manager Willie Best, and Finance Director Brenda Jones-Fox, all warned the commissioners not to take money from one-time sources to pay for operating costs.
Alston said budget officials wouldn't have let the commissioners use one-time money and money from a bond repayment fund if it were problematic. What he didn't say is they have no vote on the matter. So $3.4 million from one-time sales tax revenue, $1 million from the county's reserves, and $2 million from a fund meant to pay off school bond debt and other bond debt, has been included in the budget. That is one-time money that will not be available next year initially.
Right after the meeting where the budget was passed, Commissioner Kay Cashion was already starting to distance herself from it. When asked about the budget she said, "Well, I don't agree with everything that's in there."
Well Kay, when are you going to start doing the job you were elected to do? The people that voted for you didn't send you up there to be a "yes" lady for your party. They sent you up there to do what's right for the people of this county. If you don't "agree with what's in there", don't vote for it or at least try to change it. I don't remember reading about anything you were promised in the budget. To be a rubber stamp is unbelievable.
Commissioner Kirk Perkins. "I'm sure they're good projects. I just don't know anything about 'em."(In reference to some High Point programs funded.)
Kirk, isn't part of your job to find out about these things you are spending the taxpayer's money on? TAXPAYER money. Not yours. Seems like you would have a little more desire and ambition to at least "try" to be informed on what you're voting on. That's the "budget process."
Commissioner Carolyn Coleman, who voted for the budget, when asked how the county will be able to pay for this budget and address future debt, said that maybe the county economy will improve this year, and the Commissioners may be able to find some places to cut in the future to help pay for things.
I doubt it Mrs. Coleman. You didn't try to find any cuts this year so why should we expect any difference in years to come?
I will keep my fingers crossed and hope the economy improves though. Then I might be able to find a job, pay my taxes, and keep my home, unless the county is willing to "forgive" my tax burden this year.
Commissioner Bruce Davis got $20,000 into the budget again this year for a youth league football program. It bought uniforms last year anjd those are good for several years. What are we gonna get this year?
Other sports spending includes $5,000 for the High Point Golf Swingers Youth Program, and $5,000 for the Macedonia Baseball Little League Program.
Hell, I need golf lessons. Wonder if they'll teach me?
Commissioner Paul Gibson has to be my favorite.
Gibson said he supports the civil rights museum but has no idea how the $250,000 will be used. That wasn't discussed, he said.
"We spent less time talking about the budget than I spend with my home budget," Gibson added. He didn't like everything in it but,"I held my nose and voted for it."
So much for the budget process.
A day or so after the budget vote Mr. Gibson had second thoughts about the Commissioners raise in the budget. He said he wasn't upset about the raise but the process in which it was achieved. (No discussion)
Playing both sides of the fence??
Must be. The raise still stands as of today. With the Republicans in the minority it will probably stay that way.
Republican Trudy Wade said she wasn't planning on taking the raise. Republican Mike Winstead said he'd turned it down already. Kudos to them.
I have to agree with Skip Alston on one thing.
There is a "Good Ol' Boy" network alive and kicking in Guilford County.
It's just not the people he thinks it is.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Lady On The Move
Patrick's first pole in only her eighth career start, giving Team Rahal the first three starting positions.
"I know a lot of this started because I'm a chick in a race car," Patrick said. "Now it's turning into, "Look what this rookie can do."
Indeed.
A win in the near future??
"I know a lot of this started because I'm a chick in a race car," Patrick said. "Now it's turning into, "Look what this rookie can do."
Indeed.
A win in the near future??
Floyd Back?
Watching the Live 8 broadcast today and saw the much anticipated reunion of Pink Floyd, rumored to be just this one time gig.
Awesome set if you ask me.
Roger Waters says that a Pink Floyd reunion "is highly unlikely, but I'll never say never".
I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope these guys get their differences worked out. Of all the group reunions and reunion tours going on lately, this is one I'd really like to see happen.
Awesome set if you ask me.
Roger Waters says that a Pink Floyd reunion "is highly unlikely, but I'll never say never".
I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope these guys get their differences worked out. Of all the group reunions and reunion tours going on lately, this is one I'd really like to see happen.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Racism or Stupidity
It looks like Oprah's playing the race card now.
While in Paris, doing a little after hours shopping, Oprah and some friends stopped by Hermes boutique to buy a watch, minutes after the boutique closed. They saw shoppers inside but neither the sales clerk nor manager would let them in.
No S*#T! What is it that you don't understand about being CLOSED? That means no, not, nada, on coming in to shop. We're CLOSED!!
Do you expect everybody in the world to kowtow to you just because you are a celebrity and made $225 million dollars last year? Hell, go buy your own store and make it a 24/7 one stop shop.
Hermes said that a "private public relations event was being prepared inside". Maybe, maybe not, but they don't have to have an excuse. They were CLOSED.
"If it can happen to Oprah, it could happen to anyone".
I can vouch for that. I can't count the times I've been to the grocery, drug store, gas station, post office etc., minutes after they closed, and have not been let in. Yea it pissed me off, but it was my stupidity not getting there before they closed---not the sales clerk or managers fault for not letting me in after they had closed. Of course I didn't make $225 million last year and I didn't expect them to.
I've also been in stores picking up a few things when they closed, locked the doors, and had to get someone to open the door to let me out. So much for seeing shoppers inside the boutique. They were probably finishing their shopping because they got there minutes before they closed.
What Oprah needs to do is get it through her head that bad things happen and sometimes they're not racially motivated.
You want to shop? Fine.
Shop when the store is OPEN!!
Blame yourself, not everybody else.
While in Paris, doing a little after hours shopping, Oprah and some friends stopped by Hermes boutique to buy a watch, minutes after the boutique closed. They saw shoppers inside but neither the sales clerk nor manager would let them in.
No S*#T! What is it that you don't understand about being CLOSED? That means no, not, nada, on coming in to shop. We're CLOSED!!
Do you expect everybody in the world to kowtow to you just because you are a celebrity and made $225 million dollars last year? Hell, go buy your own store and make it a 24/7 one stop shop.
Hermes said that a "private public relations event was being prepared inside". Maybe, maybe not, but they don't have to have an excuse. They were CLOSED.
"If it can happen to Oprah, it could happen to anyone".
I can vouch for that. I can't count the times I've been to the grocery, drug store, gas station, post office etc., minutes after they closed, and have not been let in. Yea it pissed me off, but it was my stupidity not getting there before they closed---not the sales clerk or managers fault for not letting me in after they had closed. Of course I didn't make $225 million last year and I didn't expect them to.
I've also been in stores picking up a few things when they closed, locked the doors, and had to get someone to open the door to let me out. So much for seeing shoppers inside the boutique. They were probably finishing their shopping because they got there minutes before they closed.
What Oprah needs to do is get it through her head that bad things happen and sometimes they're not racially motivated.
You want to shop? Fine.
Shop when the store is OPEN!!
Blame yourself, not everybody else.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Friday, June 24, 2005
Robin Hood in Reverse
In a party line vote the Guilford County Commissioners approved a budget giving the taxpayers a 2.44 cents per $100 valuation tax increase.
The 6 Democrats voted for and the 5 Republicans voted against.
Included in the budget:
A 41% ($6000) pay raise for the Commissioners from $14,700 to $20,700 per year.(Some may have needed more spending money for their Hawaii trip next month)
Doubled the school board's salary from $6000 to $12,000 per year.
A $250,000 dollar donation to Commissioner Skip Alstons pet project, The International Civil Rights Center & Museum. (I guess this passed to keep the "race card" factor out)
Cut 5 patrol positions for Sheriff B. J. Barnes while increasing the number of positions in the jail by 8. (Looks like we should be more concerned with getting the criminals off the street, not baby sitting them after we do)
Looks like a screwing to me.
Wish you'd have kissed me first..
The 6 Democrats voted for and the 5 Republicans voted against.
Included in the budget:
A 41% ($6000) pay raise for the Commissioners from $14,700 to $20,700 per year.(Some may have needed more spending money for their Hawaii trip next month)
Doubled the school board's salary from $6000 to $12,000 per year.
A $250,000 dollar donation to Commissioner Skip Alstons pet project, The International Civil Rights Center & Museum. (I guess this passed to keep the "race card" factor out)
Cut 5 patrol positions for Sheriff B. J. Barnes while increasing the number of positions in the jail by 8. (Looks like we should be more concerned with getting the criminals off the street, not baby sitting them after we do)
Looks like a screwing to me.
Wish you'd have kissed me first..
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
What Do You Do When There's No Help?
I have been unemployed since April 7 of this year and have been beating the bushes trying to find another job.
My printing job of the last 24 years has, like so many manufacturing jobs in North Carolina, moved overseas.
The Trade Act of 1974, amended 2002, created a program of Trade Adjustment Assistance to provide assistance to individuals who became unemployed as a result of increased foreign competition, return to suitable employment. Part of that assistance is payment of tuition, books, and fees if you enroll in approved training.
Since I have not been able to find employment in this area I decided to go back to school and try another profession. This will be an experience for me as my son who just graduated from high school will be attending also.
Maybe more of an experience for him.
If I ever get in!
I went to the unemployment office on Monday to talk to my TRA "specialist" and she told me I would have to talk to their counselor. She set me an appointment for 9:45 am on Wednesday, which was today.
She gave me an appointment card with explicit instructions to call if I couldn't keep the appointment.
I arrived at the unemployment office this morning at 9:30 (I like to be prompt), and the light in the counselors office was off. The receptionist told me to have a seat and wait.
At 10:00 am I got up and left having never seen the counselor. She never showed and I haven't had one phone call explaining why.
I wonder why their time is so valuable that you must call them if you can't make it but they don't have the decency to call you if they can't.
Maybe they consider me a second class citizen because I don't have a job. Hell, if everybody had a job what would we need the unemployment office for. I'm giving her job security. Maybe she thinks I can just come and sit and wait on her all day. I can't and I won't.
I've worked for 36 years and have never, ever, been on unemployment until this year.
I think I deserve a little better than that---------------
or at least a reason as to why you can't do your job.
My printing job of the last 24 years has, like so many manufacturing jobs in North Carolina, moved overseas.
The Trade Act of 1974, amended 2002, created a program of Trade Adjustment Assistance to provide assistance to individuals who became unemployed as a result of increased foreign competition, return to suitable employment. Part of that assistance is payment of tuition, books, and fees if you enroll in approved training.
Since I have not been able to find employment in this area I decided to go back to school and try another profession. This will be an experience for me as my son who just graduated from high school will be attending also.
Maybe more of an experience for him.
If I ever get in!
I went to the unemployment office on Monday to talk to my TRA "specialist" and she told me I would have to talk to their counselor. She set me an appointment for 9:45 am on Wednesday, which was today.
She gave me an appointment card with explicit instructions to call if I couldn't keep the appointment.
I arrived at the unemployment office this morning at 9:30 (I like to be prompt), and the light in the counselors office was off. The receptionist told me to have a seat and wait.
At 10:00 am I got up and left having never seen the counselor. She never showed and I haven't had one phone call explaining why.
I wonder why their time is so valuable that you must call them if you can't make it but they don't have the decency to call you if they can't.
Maybe they consider me a second class citizen because I don't have a job. Hell, if everybody had a job what would we need the unemployment office for. I'm giving her job security. Maybe she thinks I can just come and sit and wait on her all day. I can't and I won't.
I've worked for 36 years and have never, ever, been on unemployment until this year.
I think I deserve a little better than that---------------
or at least a reason as to why you can't do your job.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Friday, June 17, 2005
Words Words
Sue's Place has a post about the quandary the editorial board at GSO101 was put in over a word in a post on the site.
Seems Gate took offense to a slang word describing a female body part.
Calvin Williams, the coordinator of the blog, edited the blog and all is well, although he did bring up some valid questions that need answering.
Like Sue, I have read f**k, a**, a**holes etc. on several blogs that I read, and have even used a**holes on mine in describing my former employer.
I do have a disclaimer saying that I may use "strong language depending on my mood". Will that keep someone underage from reading it? My posting might but I doubt a disclaimer will.
The problem I see on the horizon is that as the blogosphere, Triad Blogs, and 101 continue to grow, sooner or later you're going to have someone that is "offended" by these words too.
Whatcha' gonna do then?
Are we just going to ban things like this when 1 or 2 people complain?
I say either ban it all or let it stand.
Is F**K really that much different than P***Y???
Seems Gate took offense to a slang word describing a female body part.
Calvin Williams, the coordinator of the blog, edited the blog and all is well, although he did bring up some valid questions that need answering.
Like Sue, I have read f**k, a**, a**holes etc. on several blogs that I read, and have even used a**holes on mine in describing my former employer.
I do have a disclaimer saying that I may use "strong language depending on my mood". Will that keep someone underage from reading it? My posting might but I doubt a disclaimer will.
The problem I see on the horizon is that as the blogosphere, Triad Blogs, and 101 continue to grow, sooner or later you're going to have someone that is "offended" by these words too.
Whatcha' gonna do then?
Are we just going to ban things like this when 1 or 2 people complain?
I say either ban it all or let it stand.
Is F**K really that much different than P***Y???
Monday, June 13, 2005
Verdict In
Michael Jackson was found "not guilty" on all charges today.
In the juror interviews they kept talking about the "beyond reasonable doubt" factor and how they did not think of MJ as a celebrity.
I can't help but wonder that if it had been any other black man with the same charges, without the notoriety and celebrity status of MJ, would he have ended up with the same verdict??
In the juror interviews they kept talking about the "beyond reasonable doubt" factor and how they did not think of MJ as a celebrity.
I can't help but wonder that if it had been any other black man with the same charges, without the notoriety and celebrity status of MJ, would he have ended up with the same verdict??
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Friday, June 10, 2005
Hawaii
It looks as if the Guilford County taxpayers aren't the only ones up in arms about Commissioners taking a tax paid vacation in Hawaii.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
From Fury to Forgiveness
On June 7, Jamestown resident Zach Osborne was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from an unlikely source.
Death Row inmates from across the country have raised money through their bimonthly publication "Compassion". The publication was started in 2001, to raise money to send murdered victims' family members to college.
Zach's scholarship was the seventh awarded so far. It will be used to help the 19 yr. old rising sophomore pursue a Criminal Justice Degree at East Carolina University.
Zach's 4 yr. old sister, Natalie, was raped and murdered in April 1992 when Zach was 6 yrs. old.
Jeff Kandies, his mother's then-boyfriend, was arrested, tried, and convicted of the crime. He was sentenced to death and is now on Death Row at Central Prison in Raleigh.
"Kandies is moving closer to an execution date," said Matt Stiegler, an attorney at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation in Durham. He has no more legal challenges in the state court and one pending with the U.S. Supreme Court.
"He's one of only a handful of prisoners for whom an execution date could be imminent," Stiegler said.
Zach submitted an essay on the effect Natalies murder had on his family, his life, how he came to forgive Jeff, and how the experience will make him a better law enforcement officer.
"I think it will motivate me more to solve cases or to put more effort in them," Osborne said. "It will motivate me to try to prevent events like what happened to my family from happening to others."
At the time of the tragedy the family was worried about what effect the murder would have on Zach. He's had his problems and his "demons" to fight. He rose above them, "exorcised" them and has grown into a fine, respectable, responsible young man, who is intent on helping others.
He has forgiven Jeff Kandies.
Being a family member, and one who helped carry Natalie to her final resting place----------------I wish I could.
Death Row inmates from across the country have raised money through their bimonthly publication "Compassion". The publication was started in 2001, to raise money to send murdered victims' family members to college.
Zach's scholarship was the seventh awarded so far. It will be used to help the 19 yr. old rising sophomore pursue a Criminal Justice Degree at East Carolina University.
Zach's 4 yr. old sister, Natalie, was raped and murdered in April 1992 when Zach was 6 yrs. old.
Jeff Kandies, his mother's then-boyfriend, was arrested, tried, and convicted of the crime. He was sentenced to death and is now on Death Row at Central Prison in Raleigh.
"Kandies is moving closer to an execution date," said Matt Stiegler, an attorney at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation in Durham. He has no more legal challenges in the state court and one pending with the U.S. Supreme Court.
"He's one of only a handful of prisoners for whom an execution date could be imminent," Stiegler said.
Zach submitted an essay on the effect Natalies murder had on his family, his life, how he came to forgive Jeff, and how the experience will make him a better law enforcement officer.
"I think it will motivate me more to solve cases or to put more effort in them," Osborne said. "It will motivate me to try to prevent events like what happened to my family from happening to others."
At the time of the tragedy the family was worried about what effect the murder would have on Zach. He's had his problems and his "demons" to fight. He rose above them, "exorcised" them and has grown into a fine, respectable, responsible young man, who is intent on helping others.
He has forgiven Jeff Kandies.
Being a family member, and one who helped carry Natalie to her final resting place----------------I wish I could.
Monday, June 06, 2005
More Fodder For Our "Non-Blogging" Greensboro and County Politicians
in this article.
"Blogs can boost your career".
"A strategy for career enhancement".
"Shows you are up to date on latest ideas and news"
"Having an on-line presence is an important part of managing your career".
Will they be anyone joining, other than the ones already blogging, to indulge us with their views and ideas and let us know where they stand on the issues, and in turn find out what we think?--------------
or will it be not so easy to "backtrack" on something you have already stated in print?---------------
or do you think its just none of our business where you stand on anything?
"Blogs can boost your career".
"A strategy for career enhancement".
"Shows you are up to date on latest ideas and news"
"Having an on-line presence is an important part of managing your career".
Will they be anyone joining, other than the ones already blogging, to indulge us with their views and ideas and let us know where they stand on the issues, and in turn find out what we think?--------------
or will it be not so easy to "backtrack" on something you have already stated in print?---------------
or do you think its just none of our business where you stand on anything?
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Friday, June 03, 2005
Twin Oaks Sold
The deal is 95% complete and the par three golf course will be turned into condos and townhouses.
If you like par three night golf, you'll have to October.
If you like par three night golf, you'll have to October.
Alabama Teen Missing
On a trip to Aruba, from Mountain Brook High School in Alabama with 124 seniors and 40 chaperones, the 18 yr. old has been missing for 5 days. Searchers are still looking for her.
Maybe it's just me, but the end of the article is no place to be advertising Luxury Aruba Vacations, Aruba Accomodations, and the Aruba Ocean Club.
Maybe it's just me, but the end of the article is no place to be advertising Luxury Aruba Vacations, Aruba Accomodations, and the Aruba Ocean Club.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
REO
Speedwagon's show at Arizona Pete's was awesome last night and the place was packed.
Thirtysome years and the band still "rocks".
Thirtysome years and the band still "rocks".
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
5th and 6th Graders on Science
SCIENCE ANSWERS FROM 5TH & 6TH GRADERS
* The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top, and you sit on the bottom.
* It is so hot in some places that people there have to live
in other places.
* Momentum is something you give a person when they go away.
* Mushrooms always grow in damp places which is why they look like umbrellas.
* The four seasons are salt, pepper, mustard, and vinegar.
* The alimentary canal is located in the northern part of Indiana.
* Thunder is a rich source of loudness.
* Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun, but I never have been able to make out the numbers.
* When planets run around and around in circles, we say they are orbiting. When people do it, we say they are crazy.
* One of the main causes of dust is DIRT.
* A monsoon is a French gentleman.
* To keep milk from turning sour, keep it in the cow.
* Genetics explains why you look like your father, and if you don't, why you should.
* Water vapor gets together in a big cloud. When it gets big enough to be called a drop, it does.
* There is a tremendous weight pushing down on the center of the Earth because so many people are stomping around there these days.
* The cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.
* You can listen to thunder and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you don't hear it, you got hit, so never mind.
(via e-mail from a friend)
* The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top, and you sit on the bottom.
* It is so hot in some places that people there have to live
in other places.
* Momentum is something you give a person when they go away.
* Mushrooms always grow in damp places which is why they look like umbrellas.
* The four seasons are salt, pepper, mustard, and vinegar.
* The alimentary canal is located in the northern part of Indiana.
* Thunder is a rich source of loudness.
* Some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun, but I never have been able to make out the numbers.
* When planets run around and around in circles, we say they are orbiting. When people do it, we say they are crazy.
* One of the main causes of dust is DIRT.
* A monsoon is a French gentleman.
* To keep milk from turning sour, keep it in the cow.
* Genetics explains why you look like your father, and if you don't, why you should.
* Water vapor gets together in a big cloud. When it gets big enough to be called a drop, it does.
* There is a tremendous weight pushing down on the center of the Earth because so many people are stomping around there these days.
* The cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.
* You can listen to thunder and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you don't hear it, you got hit, so never mind.
(via e-mail from a friend)
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Very Proud Father
Jr. just came home with a grade of 90 on his Senior project that ensures he WILL be graduating high school next Friday night.
He picked Multiple Sclerosis to do his project on as his 24 yr. old big sister was diagnosed with the disease late last year and he wanted to learn more about what she would be going through in the years ahead. In his quest to learn more about the disease I think he has helped the whole family understand and come to grip with what Tree is facing.
Grades were:
Research Paper: 2.7 out of a possible 4
Product: 3.1 out of a possible 4
Speech: 3.7 out of a possible 4
Although he didn't get a grade on community service, he had to perform at least 10 hours of community service pertaining to the topic of his project, which he did for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Greensboro.
His 10 minute speech was what worried him the most. Looking at the grades it must be what he worked on the hardest.
Very fine job Jr. and one proud papa!
Guess he's a large chip off the old block.
He picked Multiple Sclerosis to do his project on as his 24 yr. old big sister was diagnosed with the disease late last year and he wanted to learn more about what she would be going through in the years ahead. In his quest to learn more about the disease I think he has helped the whole family understand and come to grip with what Tree is facing.
Grades were:
Research Paper: 2.7 out of a possible 4
Product: 3.1 out of a possible 4
Speech: 3.7 out of a possible 4
Although he didn't get a grade on community service, he had to perform at least 10 hours of community service pertaining to the topic of his project, which he did for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Greensboro.
His 10 minute speech was what worried him the most. Looking at the grades it must be what he worked on the hardest.
Very fine job Jr. and one proud papa!
Guess he's a large chip off the old block.
Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't
Government auditors say that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) paid $31 million in disaster relief for Hurricane Frances, to 12,000 Florida residents who did not deserve the payments.
"FEMA did not adequately inspect homes and used a system of aid payments susceptible to potential fraud, waste and abuse".
What do you expect??
Hurricane Frances, coming 22 days after Hurricane Charley (which killed 27 and damaged 40,000 buildings) was the 4th costliest Hurricane in U.S. history, behind Andrew '92, and Charley and Ivan of 2004.
FEMA had to hire and quickly train 2,000 extra inspectors, who, needless to say, were probably still not very well qualified.
FEMA is charged with going into an emergency situation, (people with no shelter, food, water, clothing, electricity) and getting those people aid as quickly as possible.
Sure there are going to be some bogus claims. Hell, if they had to verify each and every one we'd still be down there verifying from Andrew in '92.
So what do you want??
If FEMA starts doing more inspections and verifying prior to giving aid, they will be criticized for taking too long in getting aid to the victims.
If FEMA does what they need to do to get the aid out more quickly, it becomes easier to defraud.
It's a no win situation.
Personally I think FEMA did a damn fine job in Florida, with 4 storms in 5 weeks.
The auditors evidently have 12,000 names of bogus claims paid. I suggest they contact these people, make them pay restitution or go to jail.
Then they can worry about other "systems of aid susceptible to fraud, waste and abuse", such as welfare, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid.
"FEMA did not adequately inspect homes and used a system of aid payments susceptible to potential fraud, waste and abuse".
What do you expect??
Hurricane Frances, coming 22 days after Hurricane Charley (which killed 27 and damaged 40,000 buildings) was the 4th costliest Hurricane in U.S. history, behind Andrew '92, and Charley and Ivan of 2004.
FEMA had to hire and quickly train 2,000 extra inspectors, who, needless to say, were probably still not very well qualified.
FEMA is charged with going into an emergency situation, (people with no shelter, food, water, clothing, electricity) and getting those people aid as quickly as possible.
Sure there are going to be some bogus claims. Hell, if they had to verify each and every one we'd still be down there verifying from Andrew in '92.
So what do you want??
If FEMA starts doing more inspections and verifying prior to giving aid, they will be criticized for taking too long in getting aid to the victims.
If FEMA does what they need to do to get the aid out more quickly, it becomes easier to defraud.
It's a no win situation.
Personally I think FEMA did a damn fine job in Florida, with 4 storms in 5 weeks.
The auditors evidently have 12,000 names of bogus claims paid. I suggest they contact these people, make them pay restitution or go to jail.
Then they can worry about other "systems of aid susceptible to fraud, waste and abuse", such as welfare, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid.
"We See The Light"
It looks as though Tax Director Jenks Crayton will be re-instated at the County Commissioners meeting tonight, after more than a month of paid leave while a N.C. Dept.of Revenue investigation was taking place.
Seems that 4 of the 6 Democrat Commissioners that voted to place Crayton on leave have finally "seen the light", after their personal vendetta (second investigation) turned up no wrongdoing on Craytons' part.
It should have never gone this far after the first SBI investigation cleared Crayton, but with our partisan politics in Guilford County, the Democrats had to wage their own little war.
Let's hope that now they can stop all their childish bickering and bullshit, and try to do something good for the county.
Jenks, I'd keep one eye over my shoulder. Bruce and Skip have made you their target, and no doubt they'll keep shooting until they hit you.
Seems that 4 of the 6 Democrat Commissioners that voted to place Crayton on leave have finally "seen the light", after their personal vendetta (second investigation) turned up no wrongdoing on Craytons' part.
It should have never gone this far after the first SBI investigation cleared Crayton, but with our partisan politics in Guilford County, the Democrats had to wage their own little war.
Let's hope that now they can stop all their childish bickering and bullshit, and try to do something good for the county.
Jenks, I'd keep one eye over my shoulder. Bruce and Skip have made you their target, and no doubt they'll keep shooting until they hit you.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Jenks Crayton---What's Next??
The second investigation report is out.
After the SBI found no wrongdoings on Craytons part, the N.C. Dept. of Revenue presented its findings today.
The N.C. Dept. of Revenue found "no evidence of any wrongdoing by Crayton as it relates to his duties under the state's property tax statutes."
Isn't this what he has been saying all along?
Seems like our Democrat Commissioners have a burr up their ass when it comes to Jenks Crayton,(well 2 or 3 do but they always vote along party lines) and are trying their best to get rid of a tax director that consistently ranks at the top for tax collections in the state.
In the meeting where they voted to suspend Crayton until the second investigation was complete, Bruce Davis, Paul Gibson, and Kay Cashion with her index cards of notes, all said they have heard "serious accusations" against Crayton.
Not one wanted to come forward and discuss the accusations in public, or give Crayton a chance to respond, they just wanted an investigation and Crayton suspended.
So now Crayton has been cleared for the second time and the Democrats are not happy.
Now we can have a Democratic Commissioner Investigation of the Tax Department of Guilford County, North Carolina. Then they can spin it anyway they like and get rid of Crayton.
As I've said before, Crayton works at the will of the Commissioners. If they don't like him, why don't they fire him? Why spend taxpayer money and time on unnecessary investigations, or are you trying to make it not look political?
GOOD LUCK!
I just hope Crayton has the balls to sue you all for slander and defamation of character.
UPDATE: Sue from "Sues Place" was at the meeting today and has a good rundown of things.
After the SBI found no wrongdoings on Craytons part, the N.C. Dept. of Revenue presented its findings today.
The N.C. Dept. of Revenue found "no evidence of any wrongdoing by Crayton as it relates to his duties under the state's property tax statutes."
Isn't this what he has been saying all along?
Seems like our Democrat Commissioners have a burr up their ass when it comes to Jenks Crayton,(well 2 or 3 do but they always vote along party lines) and are trying their best to get rid of a tax director that consistently ranks at the top for tax collections in the state.
In the meeting where they voted to suspend Crayton until the second investigation was complete, Bruce Davis, Paul Gibson, and Kay Cashion with her index cards of notes, all said they have heard "serious accusations" against Crayton.
Not one wanted to come forward and discuss the accusations in public, or give Crayton a chance to respond, they just wanted an investigation and Crayton suspended.
So now Crayton has been cleared for the second time and the Democrats are not happy.
Now we can have a Democratic Commissioner Investigation of the Tax Department of Guilford County, North Carolina. Then they can spin it anyway they like and get rid of Crayton.
As I've said before, Crayton works at the will of the Commissioners. If they don't like him, why don't they fire him? Why spend taxpayer money and time on unnecessary investigations, or are you trying to make it not look political?
GOOD LUCK!
I just hope Crayton has the balls to sue you all for slander and defamation of character.
UPDATE: Sue from "Sues Place" was at the meeting today and has a good rundown of things.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Saturday
Saturday.
No work. 74 degrees. Beautiful sunny day.
Whatcha' gonna do? Work in the yard? Wash the car? Clean the house?
NOT!!
Then come on down to the Carolina Blues Festival in Center City Park, Greensboro NC.
The Matt Hill Blues Band, John Dee Holeman, Kenny Neal, The Holmes Brothers, and Michael Burks will all be there performing and will make for one great festival.
Saw Michael Burks at the Blue Bayou on Thursday night and his set alone will be worth the price of a ticket. The guy is just awesome.
Beer, wine, food will be there. They even have a kids area in which Abe Reid will be performing.
What better way to spend a Saturday?
I'll see you there. Just look for the old man wearing glasses with a goatee.
Hopefully in a vertical position, but with Jr. as the designated driver, who knows.
No work. 74 degrees. Beautiful sunny day.
Whatcha' gonna do? Work in the yard? Wash the car? Clean the house?
NOT!!
Then come on down to the Carolina Blues Festival in Center City Park, Greensboro NC.
The Matt Hill Blues Band, John Dee Holeman, Kenny Neal, The Holmes Brothers, and Michael Burks will all be there performing and will make for one great festival.
Saw Michael Burks at the Blue Bayou on Thursday night and his set alone will be worth the price of a ticket. The guy is just awesome.
Beer, wine, food will be there. They even have a kids area in which Abe Reid will be performing.
What better way to spend a Saturday?
I'll see you there. Just look for the old man wearing glasses with a goatee.
Hopefully in a vertical position, but with Jr. as the designated driver, who knows.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Will It Ever End?
With this happening and more to come, is there an answer?
Recently becoming unemployed myself, due to my printing job of 24 years "moving" overseas, I know how these people feel.
If we keep this pace up, pretty soon we'll all be working in grocery/fast food, for the government, or in healthcare.
Unless someone finds a way to ship the sick people out.
Recently becoming unemployed myself, due to my printing job of 24 years "moving" overseas, I know how these people feel.
If we keep this pace up, pretty soon we'll all be working in grocery/fast food, for the government, or in healthcare.
Unless someone finds a way to ship the sick people out.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
The Lighter Side
Great Truths of Life
* Once over the hill, you pick up speed.
* I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.
* If it weren't for STRESS I'd have no energy at all.
* Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
* Some days are a total waste of makeup.
* If the shoe fits......buy it in every color.
* If you're too open-minded, your brains will fall out.
* Age is a very high price to pay for maturity.
* If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
* My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
* If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
* Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
* A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.
* Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
(via a friend)
* Once over the hill, you pick up speed.
* I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.
* If it weren't for STRESS I'd have no energy at all.
* Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
* Some days are a total waste of makeup.
* If the shoe fits......buy it in every color.
* If you're too open-minded, your brains will fall out.
* Age is a very high price to pay for maturity.
* If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
* My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
* If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
* Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
* A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.
* Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
(via a friend)
Sunday, April 24, 2005
GTRC and Finances
In the City Council meeting the other night when the Greensboro Truth and reconciliation Commission vote came up, Councilwoman Florence Gatten had some questions:
*Who's funding this?
*How much? $300,000.00?... $600,000,00?
*Who is the Andrus Family Fund?
*How is the money being spent?
*Who is profiting?
*Why is the money coming from out of state? Possibly as much as 80%.
*Why are no local foundations funding this?
*What exactly is restorative justice beyond technical jargon beloved of sociologists......?
*What is the rationale for expending vital resources in this cause
when there are so many worthy causes in our community that cry
out for funding and attention?
These unanswered questions was her reason for not supporting the Truth and reconciliation Commission.
Sandy Carmany also weighed in on her blog saying there was a " lack of trust in the process, and in the GTRC."
Then all the bloggers took to the cause with their takes on the whole thing.
While reading all of the blog posts and the comments, I did some follow up and found something a little disturbing to me.
In some comments, John D Young said you could go here to find the answers to the funding questions. I did, and the Andrus Family Fund name popped up along with lauding the Local Task Force and the college students giving thousands of hours of their time.
In this press release from the TRC they say that the Andrus Family Fund gave them a $60,000 grant, and that the JEHT Foundation also gave them a $75,000 grant.
I can't speak to the grant from JEHT, but while visiting the Andrus Family Fund website, this is what I found:
Beloved Community Center of Greensboro/Greensboro Justice Fund
417 Arlington Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
www.gjf.org
Grant Amount: $20,000 (3 months)
Purpose of Grant: To support the planning phase of a reconciliation process that would attempt to address the conflict in Greensboro surrounding the 1979 killing of five labor and civil rights demonstrators by Klu Klux Klansmen and American Nazi Party members.
Beloved Community Center of Greensboro/Greensboro Justice Fund
417 Arlington Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
http://www.gjf.org
Grant Amount: $330,000 (3 years)
Purpose of Grant: To support the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that will attempt to address the conflict in Greensboro surrounding the 1979 killing of five labor and civil rights demonstrators by Ku Klux Klansmen and American Nazi Party members, and to work with community residents and stakeholders to implement the TRC's recommendations.
Just looking at the CTRC website, their address is 122 N. Elm St, Greensboro NC.
The Greensboro Justice Fund's address is P.O. Box 1594, Northampton MA. Don't really understand why a Greensboro Justice Fund is based in Massachusetts, but what the hell, there's a lot I don't understand about this whole mess.
WHY is the money going to an address on Arlington Street?
WHY did you need the City Council's endorsement to begin with? As Gate says "You don't need an endorsement to study history.
After you've heard two eyewitness accounts of an automobile accident, it makes you wonder about history.
WHY is there a discrepancy of $290,000 in the grant total? You say the grant was for $60,000 and their website clearly states that the grants were for a total of $350,000 over 3 years.
WHO is the Beloved Community Center? Since the grant money was paid to them and the Greensboro Justice Fund, do you just get $60,000 and they get the rest?
WHO is the Greensboro Justice Fund and why are they sharing (from MA) in the grant money from this "project"? (Maybe the GJF does some good in Greensboro. It said on their website that one of their "funding hero's" was Project Homestead. They gave them a grant to erect a small monument at the site of the Klan/Nazi shootings of which you are reconciling. Wonder if it ever got erected?)
I don't know for sure, but after reading an earlier post of Ed Cone's, it seems that Nelson Johnson may be the man behind Beloved Community Center, and holding your purse strings, and I know already that Dr. Marty Nathan is the force behind the Greensboro Justice Fund.
These two people, having been involved in the shootouts that you are investigating, with both being tied to the grant money that your "commission" was founded on, reeks of bias and will never be accepted by the majority of people in Greensboro.
You wouldn't send a fox to guard the henhouse, would you?
Maybe Councilwoman Gatten's questions and commentary weren't as far out of line as everyone thinks.
I wouldn't say you have been untruthful, but you haven't been as forthcoming as you need to be. If you want the endorsement of the people in Greensboro, "truth" and "transparency" would go a long way in achieving that goal.
Put it ALL out there and let us be the judge.
UPDATE: Chewie sets me straight in her comments to this post.
In comments to different posts about this, and at least one speaker from the floor in the Council meeting, everyone has said that the answers to Councilwoman Gatten's questions about finance are easy to find. All you have to do is look.
I have looked. At the GTRP, GTRC, and the Andrus Family Fund websites. Still haven't found anything about a $60,000 grant to GTRC, so, no, it's not easy to find the answers.
Just reinforces my stand on "truth" and "transparency".
*Who's funding this?
*How much? $300,000.00?... $600,000,00?
*Who is the Andrus Family Fund?
*How is the money being spent?
*Who is profiting?
*Why is the money coming from out of state? Possibly as much as 80%.
*Why are no local foundations funding this?
*What exactly is restorative justice beyond technical jargon beloved of sociologists......?
*What is the rationale for expending vital resources in this cause
when there are so many worthy causes in our community that cry
out for funding and attention?
These unanswered questions was her reason for not supporting the Truth and reconciliation Commission.
Sandy Carmany also weighed in on her blog saying there was a " lack of trust in the process, and in the GTRC."
Then all the bloggers took to the cause with their takes on the whole thing.
While reading all of the blog posts and the comments, I did some follow up and found something a little disturbing to me.
In some comments, John D Young said you could go here to find the answers to the funding questions. I did, and the Andrus Family Fund name popped up along with lauding the Local Task Force and the college students giving thousands of hours of their time.
In this press release from the TRC they say that the Andrus Family Fund gave them a $60,000 grant, and that the JEHT Foundation also gave them a $75,000 grant.
I can't speak to the grant from JEHT, but while visiting the Andrus Family Fund website, this is what I found:
Beloved Community Center of Greensboro/Greensboro Justice Fund
417 Arlington Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
www.gjf.org
Grant Amount: $20,000 (3 months)
Purpose of Grant: To support the planning phase of a reconciliation process that would attempt to address the conflict in Greensboro surrounding the 1979 killing of five labor and civil rights demonstrators by Klu Klux Klansmen and American Nazi Party members.
Beloved Community Center of Greensboro/Greensboro Justice Fund
417 Arlington Street
Greensboro, NC 27406
http://www.gjf.org
Grant Amount: $330,000 (3 years)
Purpose of Grant: To support the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that will attempt to address the conflict in Greensboro surrounding the 1979 killing of five labor and civil rights demonstrators by Ku Klux Klansmen and American Nazi Party members, and to work with community residents and stakeholders to implement the TRC's recommendations.
Just looking at the CTRC website, their address is 122 N. Elm St, Greensboro NC.
The Greensboro Justice Fund's address is P.O. Box 1594, Northampton MA. Don't really understand why a Greensboro Justice Fund is based in Massachusetts, but what the hell, there's a lot I don't understand about this whole mess.
WHY is the money going to an address on Arlington Street?
WHY did you need the City Council's endorsement to begin with? As Gate says "You don't need an endorsement to study history.
After you've heard two eyewitness accounts of an automobile accident, it makes you wonder about history.
WHY is there a discrepancy of $290,000 in the grant total? You say the grant was for $60,000 and their website clearly states that the grants were for a total of $350,000 over 3 years.
WHO is the Beloved Community Center? Since the grant money was paid to them and the Greensboro Justice Fund, do you just get $60,000 and they get the rest?
WHO is the Greensboro Justice Fund and why are they sharing (from MA) in the grant money from this "project"? (Maybe the GJF does some good in Greensboro. It said on their website that one of their "funding hero's" was Project Homestead. They gave them a grant to erect a small monument at the site of the Klan/Nazi shootings of which you are reconciling. Wonder if it ever got erected?)
I don't know for sure, but after reading an earlier post of Ed Cone's, it seems that Nelson Johnson may be the man behind Beloved Community Center, and holding your purse strings, and I know already that Dr. Marty Nathan is the force behind the Greensboro Justice Fund.
These two people, having been involved in the shootouts that you are investigating, with both being tied to the grant money that your "commission" was founded on, reeks of bias and will never be accepted by the majority of people in Greensboro.
You wouldn't send a fox to guard the henhouse, would you?
Maybe Councilwoman Gatten's questions and commentary weren't as far out of line as everyone thinks.
I wouldn't say you have been untruthful, but you haven't been as forthcoming as you need to be. If you want the endorsement of the people in Greensboro, "truth" and "transparency" would go a long way in achieving that goal.
Put it ALL out there and let us be the judge.
UPDATE: Chewie sets me straight in her comments to this post.
In comments to different posts about this, and at least one speaker from the floor in the Council meeting, everyone has said that the answers to Councilwoman Gatten's questions about finance are easy to find. All you have to do is look.
I have looked. At the GTRP, GTRC, and the Andrus Family Fund websites. Still haven't found anything about a $60,000 grant to GTRC, so, no, it's not easy to find the answers.
Just reinforces my stand on "truth" and "transparency".
Friday, April 22, 2005
Perspective
The next time you hear a politician use the words "billion" casually, think about whether you want that politician spending your tax dollars. A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into perspective:
A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate Washington spends it.
(via a friend)
A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate Washington spends it.
(via a friend)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
GTRC
The City Council voted last night on a resolution to endorse the work of the GTRC. The resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Claudette Burroughs-White, failed on a 6-3 vote along racial lines as had been predicted.
Is Councilwoman Burroughs-White the City Council's version of Skip Alston, by forcing a vote and playing the "race card".
Looks like it to me.
UPDATE: Roch corrects my post in his comment. Seems the resoultion voted on was one made by Councilman Robbie Perkins to "oppose" the TRC program.
Councilwoman Burroughs-White still "forced" a vote by introducing her resolution. Councilman Perkins offered his "substitute resolution", and Mayor Holliday couldn't get a motion to table (although he tried) so a vote was forced on the substitute motion. It passed 6-3.
Is Councilwoman Burroughs-White the City Council's version of Skip Alston, by forcing a vote and playing the "race card".
Looks like it to me.
UPDATE: Roch corrects my post in his comment. Seems the resoultion voted on was one made by Councilman Robbie Perkins to "oppose" the TRC program.
Councilwoman Burroughs-White still "forced" a vote by introducing her resolution. Councilman Perkins offered his "substitute resolution", and Mayor Holliday couldn't get a motion to table (although he tried) so a vote was forced on the substitute motion. It passed 6-3.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Keepin' It Here
Looks like everyone is doing their part to ensure the Furniture Market stays in High Point.
The floodgates are about to be opened and the demise of High Point is about to begin.
The floodgates are about to be opened and the demise of High Point is about to begin.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Turkeys
Turkeys in Da' Hood
Surprised to see wild turkeys standing by the side of the road about 100 yards from the house today.
Picture quality not worth a damn though.
Thinking of getting a new camera. Any suggestions on a good inexpensive one??
Monday, April 11, 2005
Black Thursday - Corporate Destruction
It's Monday and I should be at work.
I should be but I'm not because I got laid off on Thursday. Laid off with about 30 to 35% of the other employees I worked with. After 24 years with the same company, I am now going to be forced to "sign up" for un-employment for the first time in my 37 year's of working.
WHY??
"We're not making any money" they said.
I find that hard to believe considering that we worked 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, from October of 2003 through 2004. That's the most I have worked since I have been employed there. Almost 200 hours of overtime. (Just so you know, I didn't work straight through. We had 4 rotating shifts. We would work 7 days, then off 7 days.) 12 hour shifts.
The "family owned" business I worked for was bought out two years ago, by a $5 billion a year "corporation", which was our competitor.
That's when the trouble started.
They started making changes. They started having lay-offs every 6 months, and our 250 plus employees started dwindling fast. They kept telling me that my job was secure. We ARE going to sell your machine later but it WILL be replaced with a newer and more modern one, knowing they couldn't tell me the real truth because we were working 7 days a week and they needed me. Well, my machine, along with 3 others have been sold, and WILL be re-placed. In Hong Kong, El Salvador, or Mexico.
When we were bought out, the ONLY thing that changed was the MANAGEMENT. We still had the same people, the same accounts, and were working more than we ever have. How were we losing money? How did they run an $85 million company into the ground so fast? To me it's totally the managements fault. Bad news is, I'm the one in the un-employment line.
I guess the Six Sigma bullshit and the bulletin board about how much money we were saving was a "crock". It said we saved $3 million last year, you said we lost money. I guess the big "corporations" can make it say what they want to on paper to justify their means. Say they "project" to make $25 million and only make $22 million, that is a $3 million "loss" to them, even though the $22 million was more than they made last year.
Justify their means.
It cost me my job.
I believe it was the plan from the beginning so I probably should have expected it.
What better way to get rid of a competitor than to buy 'em up and shut 'em down.
Thanks ASSHOLES!
I should be but I'm not because I got laid off on Thursday. Laid off with about 30 to 35% of the other employees I worked with. After 24 years with the same company, I am now going to be forced to "sign up" for un-employment for the first time in my 37 year's of working.
WHY??
"We're not making any money" they said.
I find that hard to believe considering that we worked 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, from October of 2003 through 2004. That's the most I have worked since I have been employed there. Almost 200 hours of overtime. (Just so you know, I didn't work straight through. We had 4 rotating shifts. We would work 7 days, then off 7 days.) 12 hour shifts.
The "family owned" business I worked for was bought out two years ago, by a $5 billion a year "corporation", which was our competitor.
That's when the trouble started.
They started making changes. They started having lay-offs every 6 months, and our 250 plus employees started dwindling fast. They kept telling me that my job was secure. We ARE going to sell your machine later but it WILL be replaced with a newer and more modern one, knowing they couldn't tell me the real truth because we were working 7 days a week and they needed me. Well, my machine, along with 3 others have been sold, and WILL be re-placed. In Hong Kong, El Salvador, or Mexico.
When we were bought out, the ONLY thing that changed was the MANAGEMENT. We still had the same people, the same accounts, and were working more than we ever have. How were we losing money? How did they run an $85 million company into the ground so fast? To me it's totally the managements fault. Bad news is, I'm the one in the un-employment line.
I guess the Six Sigma bullshit and the bulletin board about how much money we were saving was a "crock". It said we saved $3 million last year, you said we lost money. I guess the big "corporations" can make it say what they want to on paper to justify their means. Say they "project" to make $25 million and only make $22 million, that is a $3 million "loss" to them, even though the $22 million was more than they made last year.
Justify their means.
It cost me my job.
I believe it was the plan from the beginning so I probably should have expected it.
What better way to get rid of a competitor than to buy 'em up and shut 'em down.
Thanks ASSHOLES!
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Friday, April 08, 2005
Jenks Crayton Suspended
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Last night the Cuilford County Board of Commissioners voted, along party lines, to suspend Tax Director Jenks Crayton pending the outcome of a second state investigation.
The State Bureau of Investigation already cleared Crayton of any wrongdoing in the reappraisal of Republican Commissioner Steve Arnold's property. Arnold even said that the Board of Equalization and Review made the appraisal changes against the recommendation of Crayton's staff.
Commissioner Paul Gibson said "If he did nothing wrong, we should clear his name."
I agree, and in the "true spirit" of that statement, I vote that while the N. C. Department of Revenue is conducting their audit of Crayton, that they audit every single Commissioner on the board. Pull out all the stops and see what little tid-bits of sordid info we can come up with.
Maybe we can find out why Bruce Davis, while being a member of the board that sets property tax rates for the county, can't pay his on time like the majority of taxpayers in the county.
Maybe we can find out, once and for all, where the $1 million loan to the St. James apartments and managed by Skip Alston, went.
I wonder if the majority on the board would go for this?
Yes, this is Guilford County partisan politics at it's best. The Board members who called for the audit have the majority. Crayton works for the county at the will of the Commissioners. If YOU don't like what he is doing, FIRE him. Or can't the man who is pulling the strings get enough votes to do that?
The SBI's time has already been wasted and now you want to waste the time of the Dept. of Revenue.
Ouit your penny-anny crap and get on with the business of running this county and TRY to do some good.
UPDATE: This just posted. Seems Bruce Davis might have some tax and revaluation issues himself. Like I said, if the Dept. of Revenue is here doing an audit, why not audit every single commissioner on the board. Let's really see who has something to hide.
Last night the Cuilford County Board of Commissioners voted, along party lines, to suspend Tax Director Jenks Crayton pending the outcome of a second state investigation.
The State Bureau of Investigation already cleared Crayton of any wrongdoing in the reappraisal of Republican Commissioner Steve Arnold's property. Arnold even said that the Board of Equalization and Review made the appraisal changes against the recommendation of Crayton's staff.
Commissioner Paul Gibson said "If he did nothing wrong, we should clear his name."
I agree, and in the "true spirit" of that statement, I vote that while the N. C. Department of Revenue is conducting their audit of Crayton, that they audit every single Commissioner on the board. Pull out all the stops and see what little tid-bits of sordid info we can come up with.
Maybe we can find out why Bruce Davis, while being a member of the board that sets property tax rates for the county, can't pay his on time like the majority of taxpayers in the county.
Maybe we can find out, once and for all, where the $1 million loan to the St. James apartments and managed by Skip Alston, went.
I wonder if the majority on the board would go for this?
Yes, this is Guilford County partisan politics at it's best. The Board members who called for the audit have the majority. Crayton works for the county at the will of the Commissioners. If YOU don't like what he is doing, FIRE him. Or can't the man who is pulling the strings get enough votes to do that?
The SBI's time has already been wasted and now you want to waste the time of the Dept. of Revenue.
Ouit your penny-anny crap and get on with the business of running this county and TRY to do some good.
UPDATE: This just posted. Seems Bruce Davis might have some tax and revaluation issues himself. Like I said, if the Dept. of Revenue is here doing an audit, why not audit every single commissioner on the board. Let's really see who has something to hide.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Our Governor Is GAMBLING???
Our Governor is gambling.
Looks like he made a little wager on the game tonight. Problem is, I thought gambling was "illegal" in North Carolina sans the big Texas Hold'em poker bust at Ham's, and the canceling of the Bassett Texas Hold'em game with John Elway promoting their new gaming table for the furniture market. Although all the money was going to be donated to the American Cancer Society, a charity.
Bassett officials said "The law was the law."
Alan Fields, an ALE district assistant supervisor, said three conditions must be met for an activity to be classified as gambling: It must be a game of chance, involve something of value and include a prize.
So Governor, is pizza and barbecue not a prize or something of value?
I know the argument coming. It's not a game of chance.
A game of chance is a game whose outcome is strongly influenced by some randomizing device, and upon which contestants frequently wager money. (Our laws state something of value and a prize hence shutting down the Ham's game for a chance to win a trip.)
In ordinary language, the word random is used to express apparent lack of purpose or cause. This suggests that no matter what the cause of something, its nature is not only unknown but the consequences of its operation are also unknown.
What could be more "randomizing" than a basketball player? You never know who is going to show up. Jawad Williams, on Saturday night, played his best game since February. Sean May has been playing good lately, but who knows which Sean May will show up tonight? Same can be said for Deron Williams, Rashad McCants , Luther Head, and all the other players on the court.
Basketball not a game of chance and not gambling? If not, why do all the "bookies" get arrested for taking bets on basketball, football, baseball, etc. when our own Governor is making bets? Shouldn't the law be enforced equally, no matter who you are and what position you hold?
I know it should be and I also know it never will be.
Leave the little fish alone if you're not going to take the big ones.
IMHO, "what's good for the goose, is good for the gander."
Even if it's only a little "friendly" wager.
GO HEELS!!!
Looks like he made a little wager on the game tonight. Problem is, I thought gambling was "illegal" in North Carolina sans the big Texas Hold'em poker bust at Ham's, and the canceling of the Bassett Texas Hold'em game with John Elway promoting their new gaming table for the furniture market. Although all the money was going to be donated to the American Cancer Society, a charity.
Bassett officials said "The law was the law."
Alan Fields, an ALE district assistant supervisor, said three conditions must be met for an activity to be classified as gambling: It must be a game of chance, involve something of value and include a prize.
So Governor, is pizza and barbecue not a prize or something of value?
I know the argument coming. It's not a game of chance.
A game of chance is a game whose outcome is strongly influenced by some randomizing device, and upon which contestants frequently wager money. (Our laws state something of value and a prize hence shutting down the Ham's game for a chance to win a trip.)
In ordinary language, the word random is used to express apparent lack of purpose or cause. This suggests that no matter what the cause of something, its nature is not only unknown but the consequences of its operation are also unknown.
What could be more "randomizing" than a basketball player? You never know who is going to show up. Jawad Williams, on Saturday night, played his best game since February. Sean May has been playing good lately, but who knows which Sean May will show up tonight? Same can be said for Deron Williams, Rashad McCants , Luther Head, and all the other players on the court.
Basketball not a game of chance and not gambling? If not, why do all the "bookies" get arrested for taking bets on basketball, football, baseball, etc. when our own Governor is making bets? Shouldn't the law be enforced equally, no matter who you are and what position you hold?
I know it should be and I also know it never will be.
Leave the little fish alone if you're not going to take the big ones.
IMHO, "what's good for the goose, is good for the gander."
Even if it's only a little "friendly" wager.
GO HEELS!!!
Saturday, April 02, 2005
TESTING
Thunderstorm, Surfside Beach, July 2004
Just seeing if I can get this picture thing to work. LOL May take me a while too.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Terri Schiavo
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Monday, March 28, 2005
Friday, March 25, 2005
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Terri Schiavo
The Supreme Court turned down Terri's parents today, refusing to intervene to keep her alive.
I have no problem with Terri dying to end her suffering, I do have a problem with the manner in which they intend to end her suffering.
Starvation.
"The basic metabolic response to starvation is conservation of energy and body tissues. However, the body will mobilize its own tissues as a source of energy, which results in the destruction of visceral organs and muscle and in extreme shrinkage of adipose tissue. Total starvation is fatal in 8 to 12 wk."
Eight to twelve weeks? I thought the doctors said a week or two. Do you starve quicker when you are brain-damaged??
"In more prolonged starvation, weight loss may reach 50% in adults and possibly more in children. Loss of organ weight is greatest in the liver and intestine, moderate in the heart and kidneys, and least in the nervous system. Emaciation is most obvious in areas where prominent fat depots normally exist. Muscle mass shrinks and bones protrude. The skin becomes thin, dry, inelastic, pale, and cold. The hair is dry and sparse and falls out easily."
Is it acceptable to starve her to death simply because she is brain-damaged and probably can't comprehend what is happening to her? What happened to "cruel and unusual punishment" or is that only reserved for criminals and prisoners of war??
You can go to jail in this country for starving animals yet we are going to starve her to death. Just doesn't make sense to me when we have people hollering about people starving in Ethiopia, Darfur, and Sudan. Starving is starving no matter where you do it, or is there a different set of rules for her because she is incapacitated?
Maybe it's time we let Dr. Jack Kevorkian out of prison. At least he could be a little more humane and end her life quicker without all the extra, unnecessary suffering she is going to go through.
If she really, really did NOT want to be kept alive by artificial means, as her husband Michael contends, then WHY wasn't she allowed to die back in 1990, when her heart stopped and brought on the brain-damage?????
I'm glad I have a living will with all my desires spelled out. That way there is going to be no he said/she said bullshit for anybody to fight over.
PULL THE PLUG.
SEE YA!!!!
I have no problem with Terri dying to end her suffering, I do have a problem with the manner in which they intend to end her suffering.
Starvation.
"The basic metabolic response to starvation is conservation of energy and body tissues. However, the body will mobilize its own tissues as a source of energy, which results in the destruction of visceral organs and muscle and in extreme shrinkage of adipose tissue. Total starvation is fatal in 8 to 12 wk."
Eight to twelve weeks? I thought the doctors said a week or two. Do you starve quicker when you are brain-damaged??
"In more prolonged starvation, weight loss may reach 50% in adults and possibly more in children. Loss of organ weight is greatest in the liver and intestine, moderate in the heart and kidneys, and least in the nervous system. Emaciation is most obvious in areas where prominent fat depots normally exist. Muscle mass shrinks and bones protrude. The skin becomes thin, dry, inelastic, pale, and cold. The hair is dry and sparse and falls out easily."
Is it acceptable to starve her to death simply because she is brain-damaged and probably can't comprehend what is happening to her? What happened to "cruel and unusual punishment" or is that only reserved for criminals and prisoners of war??
You can go to jail in this country for starving animals yet we are going to starve her to death. Just doesn't make sense to me when we have people hollering about people starving in Ethiopia, Darfur, and Sudan. Starving is starving no matter where you do it, or is there a different set of rules for her because she is incapacitated?
Maybe it's time we let Dr. Jack Kevorkian out of prison. At least he could be a little more humane and end her life quicker without all the extra, unnecessary suffering she is going to go through.
If she really, really did NOT want to be kept alive by artificial means, as her husband Michael contends, then WHY wasn't she allowed to die back in 1990, when her heart stopped and brought on the brain-damage?????
I'm glad I have a living will with all my desires spelled out. That way there is going to be no he said/she said bullshit for anybody to fight over.
PULL THE PLUG.
SEE YA!!!!
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Uncomfortable
Maybe the fur-lined model with velcro strips to facilitate easy removal would better suit your taste.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Engineering 101
What parent's want their kid's to learn in college.
The fine art of construction.
(Link sent by a friend.)
The fine art of construction.
(Link sent by a friend.)
Monday, March 07, 2005
Last Word on Skip..............I Hope
March 1, 2005 City Council meeting.
In response to Skip Alston charges of racism in the Housing & Community Development Department in Greensboro, Councilmember Florence Gatten outlined the effort that department has put forth to help such affordable housing projects succeed.
Councilmember Claudette Bouuoughs-White defended Alston. "Racism is a problem in Greensboro. Distrust is a problem in Greensboro" she said.
Councilmember Tom Phillips asked her for an example. He said, "Weve been asking for specifics. If you feel there's been racism, tell us about it".
Burroughs-White responded by saying, "It is alive and very well".
Specifics. Specifics. Specifics.
Skip, Claudette, it's time to PUT up or Shut up!
In response to Skip Alston charges of racism in the Housing & Community Development Department in Greensboro, Councilmember Florence Gatten outlined the effort that department has put forth to help such affordable housing projects succeed.
Councilmember Claudette Bouuoughs-White defended Alston. "Racism is a problem in Greensboro. Distrust is a problem in Greensboro" she said.
Councilmember Tom Phillips asked her for an example. He said, "Weve been asking for specifics. If you feel there's been racism, tell us about it".
Burroughs-White responded by saying, "It is alive and very well".
Specifics. Specifics. Specifics.
Skip, Claudette, it's time to PUT up or Shut up!
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Loans vs Grants
Why not call them grants if you never expect to be re-paid?
City leaders say that providing affordable housing to poor people outweighs the financial risk.
Managers at these 24 complexes have re-paid a total of $881,000. of a total of $12.5 million. That leaves a total of $11,619,000.00 owed to the TAXPAYERS with the promise of collecting ....Nil.
Councilwoman Claudette Burroughs-White says "The issue for me is that people have a place to live".
I agree with that but if the need for affordable housing in Greensboro is so great, why are the vacancy rates at these complexes so high?
Florence Gatten said "A decade ago the citizens made a commitment to spend money on low-income housing. Maybe it's time to revisit that choice with Taxpayers".
I second that.
Better yet, since the taxpayers are paying for those apartments to sit empty, why don't we use them to REALLY help someone. Why don't we get some homeless people off the street and out from under the bridges and abandoned loading docks. Really try to help someone. Give them a place to live and a fresh start.
After all the apartments are sitting there empty and the taxpayers have already paid the rent.
City leaders say that providing affordable housing to poor people outweighs the financial risk.
Managers at these 24 complexes have re-paid a total of $881,000. of a total of $12.5 million. That leaves a total of $11,619,000.00 owed to the TAXPAYERS with the promise of collecting ....Nil.
Councilwoman Claudette Burroughs-White says "The issue for me is that people have a place to live".
I agree with that but if the need for affordable housing in Greensboro is so great, why are the vacancy rates at these complexes so high?
Florence Gatten said "A decade ago the citizens made a commitment to spend money on low-income housing. Maybe it's time to revisit that choice with Taxpayers".
I second that.
Better yet, since the taxpayers are paying for those apartments to sit empty, why don't we use them to REALLY help someone. Why don't we get some homeless people off the street and out from under the bridges and abandoned loading docks. Really try to help someone. Give them a place to live and a fresh start.
After all the apartments are sitting there empty and the taxpayers have already paid the rent.
Damn Headlines
After my last post chiding the N&R for not giving a correction story headline as much weight as the original story headline, they come out with a whopper today.
John Robinson responded to my last post with something about an ideal world, the real world, placement and weight of the daily stories, and never really answered my question.
Where in the hell did this headline come from?? I don't remember reading anything that ever said he was drunk. This is WAY over the line.
All this to capture readers attention?
Or to add to the suffering these families are already going through?
John Robinson responded to my last post with something about an ideal world, the real world, placement and weight of the daily stories, and never really answered my question.
Where in the hell did this headline come from?? I don't remember reading anything that ever said he was drunk. This is WAY over the line.
All this to capture readers attention?
Or to add to the suffering these families are already going through?
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Correction??
The headline in the News & Record on Wednesday morning said "Alcohol found in SUV after deadly wreck" (can't find a link), in updating the readers on the tragic accident that took two teenagers lives early Sunday morning.
On Thursday we get a headline "Highway Patrol revises report in fatal wreck".
Why not an equally bold headline with the "correction" article?
Something like "Highway Patrol says no alcohol found in SUV". This "revises report in fatal wreck" seems a little slack to me, as some people just scan the headlines in the newspaper, never reading the article.
The Wednesday headline confirmed (falsely) , most peoples pre-conceived notions that this was a bunch of teenagers out drinking, driving, and acting foolish.
It just seems to me that the Thursday article could have carried a headline with equal weight disputing the Wednesday article.
Why didn't it?
In the Thursday text you did say that no alcohol was found in the SUV and that the father of the driver said that tests at the hospital showed no signs of alcohol, but what if no one read the article?
Of course, if the Highway Patrol had not given out incorrect information, these articles would have never been in the paper.
I just feel like you ought to correct with as much veracity as you condemn.
On Thursday we get a headline "Highway Patrol revises report in fatal wreck".
Why not an equally bold headline with the "correction" article?
Something like "Highway Patrol says no alcohol found in SUV". This "revises report in fatal wreck" seems a little slack to me, as some people just scan the headlines in the newspaper, never reading the article.
The Wednesday headline confirmed (falsely) , most peoples pre-conceived notions that this was a bunch of teenagers out drinking, driving, and acting foolish.
It just seems to me that the Thursday article could have carried a headline with equal weight disputing the Wednesday article.
Why didn't it?
In the Thursday text you did say that no alcohol was found in the SUV and that the father of the driver said that tests at the hospital showed no signs of alcohol, but what if no one read the article?
Of course, if the Highway Patrol had not given out incorrect information, these articles would have never been in the paper.
I just feel like you ought to correct with as much veracity as you condemn.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
72 Murderers Spared
The U.S. Supreme court spared the lives of 72 convicted murderers today when it handed down a decision that said it was unconstitutional to execute underage killers due to their lack of maturity and intellectual development when the crimes were committed.
BULL%@IT!
Prince William County, VA said they would not prosecute a murder case against Lee Boyd Malvo because of the ruling. Malvo was one of the Washington DC area snipers in 2002 that killed 10 people and wounded 3. Their 1990 Caprice was a "killing machine" as some police officers described it. With two holes cut in the trunk, one for the barrel of the gun and the other for the scope, one would never have to exit the car.
Missouri. Christopher Simmons, who was 17, kidnapped and raped a neighbor. Then he hog-tied her and threw her off a bridge to drown. He bragged about getting away with it because of his age.
Fayetteville NC. Kevin Golphin fatally wounded at point blank range, NCHP trooper Ed Lowry and sheriff's deputy David Haithcock after his brother Tilmon had already wounded them with a semi-automatic rifle and they lay on the ground bleeding.
Don't give me this crap about a 17 yr old lacking maturity and intellectual development. I have a 17 yr old son and I know how mature and developed they can be when they want to be.
You can't tell me these "kids" didn't know or understand what they were doing.
Are people EVER going to be responsible for their actions??
All the supreme court did today was let a bunch of murderers off the hook and opened up the door for a bunch more "underage murderers".
BULL%@IT!
Prince William County, VA said they would not prosecute a murder case against Lee Boyd Malvo because of the ruling. Malvo was one of the Washington DC area snipers in 2002 that killed 10 people and wounded 3. Their 1990 Caprice was a "killing machine" as some police officers described it. With two holes cut in the trunk, one for the barrel of the gun and the other for the scope, one would never have to exit the car.
Missouri. Christopher Simmons, who was 17, kidnapped and raped a neighbor. Then he hog-tied her and threw her off a bridge to drown. He bragged about getting away with it because of his age.
Fayetteville NC. Kevin Golphin fatally wounded at point blank range, NCHP trooper Ed Lowry and sheriff's deputy David Haithcock after his brother Tilmon had already wounded them with a semi-automatic rifle and they lay on the ground bleeding.
Don't give me this crap about a 17 yr old lacking maturity and intellectual development. I have a 17 yr old son and I know how mature and developed they can be when they want to be.
You can't tell me these "kids" didn't know or understand what they were doing.
Are people EVER going to be responsible for their actions??
All the supreme court did today was let a bunch of murderers off the hook and opened up the door for a bunch more "underage murderers".
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Skip's Card
Hogg'sblog has an interesting take on comments made at the Thursday night County Comissioner meeting by Skip Alston. (full transcript here)
It seems we missed the truth by one un-uttered word. Maybe it was divine guidance that caused him to stop and think before inserting his foot in his mouth again.
We all know what he was going to say.
Skip has to keep the black and white communities divided and separate. Then he can lobby for the grants and entitlements that keep the black community dependent on government. He needs to keep the black community "down" to keep his power and control.
Playing the "race card" is his most powerful weapon.
It seems we missed the truth by one un-uttered word. Maybe it was divine guidance that caused him to stop and think before inserting his foot in his mouth again.
We all know what he was going to say.
Skip has to keep the black and white communities divided and separate. Then he can lobby for the grants and entitlements that keep the black community dependent on government. He needs to keep the black community "down" to keep his power and control.
Playing the "race card" is his most powerful weapon.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Dr. Krishnaraj's Agreement
Looks like the Health Board fixed it to where Dr. K will get all his money and all the taxpayers and naysayers should just STFU now.
"We as a board could have been a little bit more clear and maybe a little bit more concise....."
I don't know what could have been more CLEAR and CONCISE than a signed contract. Or do they not mean what they say they mean?
Or is it that after all the public outrage, the threats of lawsuits, the handwritten notes on the contract trying to make it say what you wished it had said months before, you just finally decided it was time to "cover your ass".
Well, ass covered, taxpayers screwed once again.
"We as a board could have been a little bit more clear and maybe a little bit more concise....."
I don't know what could have been more CLEAR and CONCISE than a signed contract. Or do they not mean what they say they mean?
Or is it that after all the public outrage, the threats of lawsuits, the handwritten notes on the contract trying to make it say what you wished it had said months before, you just finally decided it was time to "cover your ass".
Well, ass covered, taxpayers screwed once again.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Deja Vu
St. James II is in the news again and is looking just like another Project Homestead.
Late audits turned in, payments with no invoices to back them up, no oversight by the leaders in Greensboro of the taxpayer money doled out, and an African American leader crying "racism".
What, you think that because you're African American you have unlimited, unchecked access to the taxpayer funds of the City of Greensboro to do with as you wish?
Would you be considered a "racist" if you asked your bank for a audit of funds you deposited into your business checking account every week? How about the grocery store, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Lowes, and every where else you shop. Do you not check the receipt to make sure you were charged correctly? Is that "racist"?
Same with the taxpayers. We have a RIGHT to know where our money is spent and that it is spent properly.
It seems funny to me, as with the Project Homestead fiasco, anyone with any knowledge as to what went on doesn't want to talk.
Sarah and Donald Graham just want to move forward. Carolyn Tarpley hung up the phone. Why?
All Skip can say is everything was fine when I left.
So what happened?? If the city really wanted this to fail, as Sarah Graham alleges, all they had to do is NOT give you the $1 million. It would have surely failed then and would have saved the taxpayers $1.4 million.
It looks like it's time for the City of Greensboro and the taxpayers to get out of the business of low income housing.
Late audits turned in, payments with no invoices to back them up, no oversight by the leaders in Greensboro of the taxpayer money doled out, and an African American leader crying "racism".
What, you think that because you're African American you have unlimited, unchecked access to the taxpayer funds of the City of Greensboro to do with as you wish?
Would you be considered a "racist" if you asked your bank for a audit of funds you deposited into your business checking account every week? How about the grocery store, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Lowes, and every where else you shop. Do you not check the receipt to make sure you were charged correctly? Is that "racist"?
Same with the taxpayers. We have a RIGHT to know where our money is spent and that it is spent properly.
It seems funny to me, as with the Project Homestead fiasco, anyone with any knowledge as to what went on doesn't want to talk.
Sarah and Donald Graham just want to move forward. Carolyn Tarpley hung up the phone. Why?
All Skip can say is everything was fine when I left.
So what happened?? If the city really wanted this to fail, as Sarah Graham alleges, all they had to do is NOT give you the $1 million. It would have surely failed then and would have saved the taxpayers $1.4 million.
It looks like it's time for the City of Greensboro and the taxpayers to get out of the business of low income housing.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
CAIR and Gen. Mattis
I'm a little late commenting on this,but the more I think about it the madder I get, so I am going to get my 2 cents in anyway.
It seems that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Executive Director Nihad Awad wants the Pentagon to discipline Lt. Gen. James Mattis, for comments he made last week saying it was "fun to shoot people."
"These disturbing remarks are indicative of an apparent indifference to the value of human life", said Awad.
Excuse me, Nihad.
I missed your post condemning the Islamist A$$HOLES that plant car bombs that indiscriminately murder anyone in their path (women and children included). The ones that cut the heads off of innocent hostages. The ones that strap bombs to their bodies and detonate themselves in stores, night clubs, and crowded shopping areas. Yeah, the same ones that pull occupants from cars only to murder them in cold blood in the street.
"An apparent indifference to human life."
I missed that post. Could you send me a link??
I agree that Gen. Mattis's comment should not have been said and not have been made public.
To be shooting at an enemy who is trying to kill you, your fellow soldiers, or civilians should not be made out to be a sporting event.
But for you, Nihad, to condemn one side and call for discipline, while totally ignoring the other and saying nothing, does nothing for CAIR's cause of building coalition's and mutual understanding.
It seems that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Executive Director Nihad Awad wants the Pentagon to discipline Lt. Gen. James Mattis, for comments he made last week saying it was "fun to shoot people."
"These disturbing remarks are indicative of an apparent indifference to the value of human life", said Awad.
Excuse me, Nihad.
I missed your post condemning the Islamist A$$HOLES that plant car bombs that indiscriminately murder anyone in their path (women and children included). The ones that cut the heads off of innocent hostages. The ones that strap bombs to their bodies and detonate themselves in stores, night clubs, and crowded shopping areas. Yeah, the same ones that pull occupants from cars only to murder them in cold blood in the street.
"An apparent indifference to human life."
I missed that post. Could you send me a link??
I agree that Gen. Mattis's comment should not have been said and not have been made public.
To be shooting at an enemy who is trying to kill you, your fellow soldiers, or civilians should not be made out to be a sporting event.
But for you, Nihad, to condemn one side and call for discipline, while totally ignoring the other and saying nothing, does nothing for CAIR's cause of building coalition's and mutual understanding.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Mardi Gras Party
Road trip to the Blue Bayou Club tonight for their Mardi Gras party.
Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos brand of swamp blues and Cajun boogie makes for a very entertaining evening and should bring the Mardi Gras atmosphere right into downtown Hillsborough.
Nicknamed "The Zydeco Chef" by friend and former bandmate C. J. Chenier, rumor has it that Mel may even cook up some of his famous "Louisiana Gumbo" for tonight's show.
Looking........Looking........
Tylenol.............Check.
Rolaids............Check.
OK. Ready to go.
Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos brand of swamp blues and Cajun boogie makes for a very entertaining evening and should bring the Mardi Gras atmosphere right into downtown Hillsborough.
Nicknamed "The Zydeco Chef" by friend and former bandmate C. J. Chenier, rumor has it that Mel may even cook up some of his famous "Louisiana Gumbo" for tonight's show.
Looking........Looking........
Tylenol.............Check.
Rolaids............Check.
OK. Ready to go.
My Calling In The Afterlife
This Body Worlds exhibit sounds like it's made for me.
At least my son thinks it is.
He said, "Dad, You ought to sign up for it. You could be put on display as a 5' 10" 165lb A$$HOLE!"
My are'nt they greatful at 17.
But he's probably right. ( PHOTOS)
At least my son thinks it is.
He said, "Dad, You ought to sign up for it. You could be put on display as a 5' 10" 165lb A$$HOLE!"
My are'nt they greatful at 17.
But he's probably right. ( PHOTOS)
Friday, February 04, 2005
WWF In Guilford County Schools
WWF wrestling match at Jackson Middle School. (via Woody Cavenaugh)
They teach this in middle school then wonder why in the hell the high school kids are so violent!
I can't say much more about this now but needless to say I can't wait to see a copy of the video.
They teach this in middle school then wonder why in the hell the high school kids are so violent!
I can't say much more about this now but needless to say I can't wait to see a copy of the video.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Will They Ever Learn?
Will the powers that be in this freakin city ever learn??
These people just cost the Greensboro taxpayers $1.4 million dollars.
What is the city's answer to it?
Give them another $25,000.00 of taxpayer money.
Think I'll go up there and get my ass in line.
These people just cost the Greensboro taxpayers $1.4 million dollars.
What is the city's answer to it?
Give them another $25,000.00 of taxpayer money.
Think I'll go up there and get my ass in line.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Excedrin and Alka Seltzer
sales should increase dramatically in the next few weeks as tax filing season gets into full swing.
I completed mine yesterday in just under two hours with the 'ole computer and some store bought tax software.
I was pleasantly surprised when a sizable refund popped up on the screen. A refund had not been in my thoughts this year. I expected to have to pay them some because I had worked almost 200 hours of overtime last year. Wonders never cease.
However, the joy of the refund didn't last long---I found this little tidbit on the net:
Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
How true!
Now if my lottery numbers would.......
I completed mine yesterday in just under two hours with the 'ole computer and some store bought tax software.
I was pleasantly surprised when a sizable refund popped up on the screen. A refund had not been in my thoughts this year. I expected to have to pay them some because I had worked almost 200 hours of overtime last year. Wonders never cease.
However, the joy of the refund didn't last long---I found this little tidbit on the net:
Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
How true!
Now if my lottery numbers would.......
Monday, January 24, 2005
A Brand New Me
I finally found out why I'm so ill tempered and irritable all the time.
TOXINS.
With this kit I can flush all the toxins away.
I will then have a sense of renewed energy, a clean fresh feeling, my moods can be balanced, and I'll have a free wad of energy.
Well not exactly free, the kit costs $89.50.
Might have to stay ill tempered and irritable.
TOXINS.
With this kit I can flush all the toxins away.
I will then have a sense of renewed energy, a clean fresh feeling, my moods can be balanced, and I'll have a free wad of energy.
Well not exactly free, the kit costs $89.50.
Might have to stay ill tempered and irritable.
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