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Wednesday, July 09, 2008

The Straw Men of Educational Reform

Opponents of true educational reform (the teachers' unions and their left wing allies) seem to have only one form of weapon - straw men. You would think that in the course of earning all those Masters degrees and PhD's, these folks would have learned that "the straw man" is a classic fallacy.

Wednesday's Daily Times provides an editorial that infers proponents of merit pay want to base such a proposal on raw test scores. STRAW MAN. Proponents of merit pay for teachers want OBJECTIVE criteria for the award of merit pay. One common proposal is to use IMPROVEMENT in test scores as one measure. There is a big difference.

As the Daily Times notes with its clever burlap and silk analogy, merit pay based on test scores would not be fair:

It (merit pay based on raw test scores) sounds plausible. But it isn't, not if it's tied to test scores -- and especially not if it's calculated by comparing one class's test scores to another. That would be like comparing the work of two seamstresses, one of whom is handed a bolt of burlap and the other, a bolt of fine silk. Each is told to make a dress; compensation will be
based on which dress is more attractive. Assuming similar experience and sewing ability, in nearly every such instance the teacher who was handed the bolt of silk will receive the higher compensation. How could burlap ever compete with silk?
However, if a teacher increases the test scores of a failing class by 20% then we can infer that this teacher has done an excellent job - even if the class's overall performance is below average.

Eric Luedtke over at Free State Politics builds another STRAW MAN. Luedtke claims that I argue:

...a few quick things (merit pay, ending teacher tenure, charter schools) will magically fix education, and calling teachers unions socialist. Because calling the other side names makes you right.

True to leftist form. Sorry, Eric - PROGRESSIVE. It's still a rose by any other name.

First I specifically claim that reform needs to INCLUDE merit pay, abolition of tenure and school choice (not exclusive to charter schools). As for calling the NEA and the MSTA socialist, I make no apologies there. The NEA has pursued a decidedly leftist agenda for as long as I can remember. As Mark Newgent so ably points out, labeling the NEA as leftist - if not Marxist - is accurate.

During the course of its history the NEA has called for using the public schools to dismantle our free market economy and for the social engineering of our children. The organization has been an apologist for Communist spies, saboteurs and agitators. They have argued that teachers who lie, both about their credentials and their teaching content, are OK as long as they are pursuing a "politically correct" (read leftist) agenda. In other words, the ends justify the means if you are promoting a leftist agenda.

Personally, I have no problem with the NEA being a left-wing, if not Communist, organization. I just want them to stand up and admit what they are. This is the root of Luedtke's STRAW MAN of "calling names".

People like Luedtke realize that the vast majority of Americans will not tolerate their children being indoctrinated by a bunch of Marxists. If the NEA, and their affiliates confessed to their true ideology, the school choice movement would grow 100 fold - overnight.

Of course we can't have any of that. The NEA is the nation's largest labor union. They are also one of the largest contributors to "progressive" candidates like Barack Hussein Obama.

We should also note that, while Luedtke and his fellow travelers in the NEA and MSTA decry the abolition of tenure they don't make a credible effort in defending it. Tenure in public education is nothing more than civil service protection which protects bad teachers and administrators. It's not about academic freedom. There is no academic freedom in public education, nor should there be. Universities have gone so far off the reservation that their arguments for academic freedom are fast losing support.

They also seem loathe to discuss school choice. Why? Despite every effort to undermine school choice, parents still flock to it at every opportunity. The NEA and their satellites cite studies and claim that school choice is not effective. If that is so, why do so many parents want their children in charter schools or wish to receive vouchers?

Teachers of the world UNITE! Stand up. Tell America what your union's true agenda is. Don't build little straw men.

A Special Thanks to Mark Newgent for his well researched and written piece regarding Eric Luedtke's piece in FSP.


cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Shore Transit Bus #48

I don't mean to bore many of you with complaints but I just this very moment saw a Shore Transit Bus come past my Office on the Plaza where she had almost a complete load of people on the Bus, she was taking the hard curve with one hand on the steering wheel and the other on a cell phone, laughing her a$$ off in a conversation with someone.

I don't know about all of you but for me, the Driver better be OFF the phone while I'm taking a ride and paying for it and concentrating on the road! There has to be a Policy in that company forbidding such a thing, hence the Bus number on the title, hint, hint. If they deny it, look at their cell phone records for a call at 6:34 PM.

If you need any more information, well, you know where to reach me. Safety first, RIGHT?

SALISBURY NEWS . . . HOTTEST THING GOING!!!

Joe:

I want you to know that I just returned from Sam's Club where I ran into several of my colleagues.

Every single one of them have asked me if I had visited www.SBYnews.com site. Each one of them said that SBYnews was 'the real deal' in news and encouraged me to visit the site if I haven't already. They insisted that your news media was making 'in roads' into areas that have otherwise have been forgotten.

I encourage you to keep-up the work as it is the HOTTEST THING GOING in and around Wicomico - Salisbury.

Reports Concerning Recent WWTP Spills

Reports Concerning the WWTP Spills of June 17 and 19
By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

The two files you can review with this post relate to the most recent Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) spills in June. On June 24, I followed up my questions posed between the two spills by asking for copies of the City's report to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). The first file, City Report to MDE is that report, dated June 20, 2008.

The second file, Sewer Spills Report to Council June 25 2008 is a more general response by the administration (particular author not shown, but sent to us by Mr. Pick) addressing accountability questions and next steps for reducing risk of further incidents. Both files were sent to council on June 25 by Mr. Pick, and I appreciate his follow up.

While some of this information is of a technical nature, it may provide concerned members of the public some insight into what is taking place with the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), administrative action and involvement by the MDE. In addition to all of us wanting accountability and prevention for the health of the Wicomico River, the public's trust and confidence in their government is strengthened when we can talk openly and straightforward about problems when they occur. I hope sharing these files will contribute to achieving those goals.

You can view this post and the linked files,in its entirety at www.onyoursidesby.blogspot.com

Although I am grateful for everything Debbie Campbell and Terry Cohen do for the city of Salisbury, it is quite distressing knowing, without them we would NEVER have any of this information. Thank you, doesn't seem like enough.

Did you get YOUR tax bill yet?

I just got one of mine and I have to tell you......I am a bit confused. I looked at one of my bills and it was $135.00 more than it was last year. 11%! What happened to a 2% property tax revenue cap?

I called County Fianace and expressed my concern over an 11% tax increase. The young lady told me that my property assessment had gone up and that explained the increase. I asked her about the 2% cap and she stated that she had never heard about anything like that.......and asked where I got that from. I explained that several years ago it was a pretty big deal here in this county. So big, in fact, that it was brought to a vote of the people by a tremendous effort of a handful of people.......a vote which put a law in place that capped the total increase in revenue generated by property taxes to 2% per year. She placed me on hold and then came back to tell me that the 2% cap was on everything - not just property taxes. That's not the way I understand it........anyway.......I contacted Don Coffin. Don was one of the people who spearheaded the effort to bring the whole matter to a referendum vote. Don stated that it was in fact a 2% cap on only revenues generated by property taxes.

SO.....if my taxes went up by 11% - and I'm sure I'm not the only one - other peoples taxes would have had to go down DRASTICALLY in order to stay within the 2% cap.....right?

Has anyones taxes gone down 11%?

Keep this in mind. In Wicomico County the total property assessments have increased in value over 1/2 a BILLION dollars - yes BILLION.

Someone tell me where I'm wrong.

AHOY SALISBURIANS: Help Is On The Way!

It's official. The Mayor has finally asked for professional guidance to clear up the chaos and confusion in the City's finance department (now called "Internal Services"), and the Council has agreed to contract with a consulting firm for a mere $30,000 fee. Barrie ("I'm responsible") Tilghman has no excuse for the absurd situation that she has created in the finance office during her tenure as Mayor, but neither she nor John Pick (City Administrator) or the department head, Pamela Oland, seem to be offering to fund even part of that fee by reduction of their pay.


The RFP for the consulting services resulted in three proposals, as follows:

$24,500 - Management Advisory Group, Inc.

$30,000 - Government Finance Officers Association*

$41,500 - consortium including Pigg, Krahl & Stern, P.A.

* Bid selected at the City Council meeting on July 7, 2008

The selected firm is a professional association for state and local officials that offers guidance to localities that need it, such as Salisbury. Its fee will be in addition to the fee for special bookkeeping services that has already been awarded to the firm that did the last several audits.

Although it's comforting that (hopefully) competent advice will at last be obtained and applied, it is ludicrous that the Mayor and the "experts" in her administration have let this situation occur and can't rectify things without getting special services. In the private sector and other cities and towns, those who caused and cannot cure the problem on their own would have been let go by now. But this is Salisbarrie.

The true cost of Ms. Tilghman's tenure as mayor is becoming humongous. Just for advice and emergency assistance for the mess in the finance department the cost is already (with this contract) over $50,000. Another sewage spill fine by the State MDE has just become public, and there are more to come. The legal bill for Barrie's vendetta to "get even" with Mr. Leer is about $20,000. The property tax rate has skyrocketed, and the water/sewer rates are scheduled to increase by more than 50%. And that may be only the tip of the iceberg - we don't know what's yet to surface because of the extent to which Barrie will go to conceal things that she does not want us to know.

Wake-up folks. There's a mayoral election next year and we can't afford to let Barrie stay in the mayor's office or to let Comegys become her successor.

There's No Need To Fear, UNDERDOG Is Here!


While trying to get around in Downtown Salisbury has proven to be a joke any more, Geese, Dogs and all sorts of animals don't seem to have any problems whatsoever. I wonder how many people are breaking the law in this one photo alone?

BURGER KING SUCKS!



Dear Joe,

As I know that you yourself has had problem at the Burger King on the north end of Salisbury, I had my own bad experience at the Burger King on the south end of town.

My son and I went to the Burger King on Rt.13 near Collage Ave around 11:30 for lunch today. We walked in and my son wanted the #7 Chicken Fries and requested the new Smoke House Burger. Well when the order came out and we sat down. I started to open the wrappers and noticed that the #7 that my son ordered was really a BK Double Cheeseburger.

I walked back up to the counter and told the gentleman that he gave us the wrong food, he said to bring the sandwich back up and he would bring out the chicken fries when they were cooked. Well I did just that, I gave him back the cheeseburger that I already opened and he simply re wrapped it in the same wrapper and put it back on the warming shelf for the next customer.

As we waited to my sons food to cook we noticed the gentleman walking around on a cell phone talking and laughing to whom ever he was on the phone with. He then walked somewhere for about 5 mins and I saw my sons lunch come up and a guy in the back just boxed it up and sat it on the warming tray. A few minutes later the cook and another female employee started looking at me and whispering back and fourth. They yelled through the eating area if I was waiting on the chicken fries and I replied yes. They just sat them on the counter and I had to get up and get them.

As I was leaving the guy that waited on us in the first place came back out from and was still talking on his cell phone and even waiting on customers as seen in the photos I snapped with my cell phone. The man never even offered to give me the difference in the cost of the #7 value meal $5.99 and the Chicken Fries $4.69.

At one time you can see 2 employees on their cell phones at the same time.

I WILL NEVER GO BACK THERE AGAIN. LETS SEE IF THE OWNER GETS WIND OF THIS AND FIXES THE PROBLEM?

I will stay anonymous at this time, Joe knows who I am and if the owner / manager of Burger King would like to get in contact with me, please call Joe and he will give you my info.

Thanks for you time Joe!

"DE Firefighters Head To East Coast" WHAT?


OK, help me out here Folks..... Just how much further EAST can they go? Perhaps they meant WEST Coast?

The Plaza Just Isn't What It Used To Be


As things continue to deteriorate in Downtown Salisbury, things like this are being missed for days on end and the City just doesn't seem to have the interest or money to fix it. Sound familiar? How much is that booth at the Crisfield Crab Fest?

Another Great Comment Worthy Of A Post

EarlsSister, this is troubling, to say the least. Why didn't the auditors catch this? Why isn't PAC14 raising hell about this?

Where is the law enforcement? Is this something Mike Lewis could go after, like he did the landfill? Lot of customers in the county.

I don't have a clue how this works, but I did look up the Federal Communications Commission online.

There's complaint information at this link and see below. Will this help?

http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm?sid=d1e640&id=d1e676

PHONE: Our Consumer & Mediation Specialists are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET to answer your questions and assist you in filing a complaint. Call toll-free at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL- FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY.

For all the other methods, download/print the complaint form:
›› Form 2000A English (PDF)
›› Form 2000A Español (PDF)

POSTAL: Send your complaint to the following address, making sure to include copies of all supporting information.

Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Complaints
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554

FAX: The completed complaint form may be faxed toll-free to: 1-866-418-0232. Be sure to include all required information to prevent delay in the processing of your complaint.

EMAIL: You may email your completed complaint form and supporting documents to fccinfo@fcc.gov.

How Much City Money Is Barrie Burning For This?

PRESS RELEASE

July 9, 2008

CITY HOSTS TENT AT ANNUAL TAWES EVENT

The City of Salisbury will be hosting a tent at the 32nd Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, Maryland, on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 12:30pm–4:00pm. Businesses that would like the City to display their items in the City tent (tent number 33) should contact Loré Chambers, Assistant City Administrator, at 410-548-3100. Tickets for this famous outdoor all-you-can-eat affair featuring crabs, clams, fish, corn on the cob, hand battered onion rings, watermelon, sodas, bottled water and beverages, are available for purchase at $40 apiece from the City. Call 410-334-3031 to buy tickets.

PS -- will they let us "display" the latest citation from MDE imposing another fine on the City for the sewage spills at the WWTP? How about the court decisions against the City in the Stu Leer case and Barrie's vendetta to "get even" with him, along with the bill for Wilber's court fees? The world should be aware that we will have a "high-maintenance" cost mayor until next spring.

MDE Fines City of Salisbury

City Incurs MDE Fines for Consent Order Violations
By Terry E. Cohen, Council Member

Just received by the city council on July 8, 2008, is a memo from the Office of the Mayor concerning a $10,200 in fines by the MDE for violations of the consent order discharge limits. This relates to a period from June 2006 through April 10, 2008. The bulk of the violations (11) and fines ($6,500) relate to the period November 2007through February 2008.

The memo covers a June 13, 2008 correspondence from Department of Public Works Director Jim Caldwell, with which he attached the communications from the MDE received June 4, 2008.

These fines are not related to the two spills in June of this year.

I won’t speculate as to why this information took about a month to make its way to council. Given the great concern expressed by many about the WWTP and the possibility of fines, I wanted to share this information with our citizens as soon as possible.

City Administrator John Pick was kind enough to send me my requested information for any communications from the City to the MDE about the June 2008 spills. I will post that information later today. To the best of my knowledge, we are still awaiting communications back from the MDE.

To view this article and document files, go to www.onyoursidesby.blogspot.com

Note from Earls Sister: Looks like the city is on a roll...DOWNHILL. These fines don't even include the most recent spills, can't wait to see what they will be. What took the city a month to get this information to the council members? All of this withholding of information certainly doesn't do anything for their credibility.

Tune In To OC 104 FM


It looks like OC 104 is going to throw out yet another plug for Salisbury News. If you're near a radio, tune in. It will be on momentarily.

Is The City Cheating PAC 14?

Before I get started on this, I'd like to make my position quite clear. I think PAC 14 is a fabulous project that provides a great service to everyone in the community, that takes advantage of it, absolutely free of charge. I also, don't have an issue with the requested 85 cents per month increase in cable service, to pay for a larger, better equipped, state of the art, community media center either. In fact, I support it. For more, in depth information about their servicessite

This post is not to promote PAC 14 as much as it is to maybe wake up a few people in this town, especially those folks over at PAC 14. Having said all of that, lets get down to brass tacks.

Recently Mike Goodson, from PAC 14 appeared at a special work session, before the 3 bobble headed council members, making his pitch for the proposed 85 cent increase. Before PAC 14 or anyone, for that matter, trusts another word out of this city administration they might want to consider asking some pretty hard questions and demanding solid answers, not the standard "WE'LL GET BACK TO YOU ON THAT" crap. The answers should be in the form of documents such as actual revenues received from Comcast, then take the formula, which is part of the Municipal Code, Title 5 to be precise 5.22.270 Franchise fee , and figure out exactly what was owed them annually, then compare it to their own receipts from the city. (I don't have a certificate on the wall or anything like that but, doesn't municipal code mean LAW?) Just thought I'd ask.

If I were Mike Goodson or anyone at PAC 14, I think I'd go all the way back to the first year Barrie Tilghman took office, 1998 and start auditing everything to this day forward. In 3 quarters of this year Comcast paid the city $232,089, the most recent check received, that I am aware, was May 13 for a total of $79,453. (Honestly, I don't know if that most recent check was part of the first 3 quarters or not, let's assume it is.) The city projected $75,000 so they were off by $4,453, this quarter. How many quarters have they been off prior and for how much? How many years have they been off? I don't care who you are, those nickles and dimes add up. If they have nothing to hide they'll give you honest, straight answers. Oh, sorry, we're talking about the city administration, what the hell was I thinking? If you doubt my words Mr. Goodson, just listen to John Pick and Pam Oland plainly state, in their own voices, they NEVER make up the difference in revenue. You get a percentage of what they project. Not one cent more, even if it is owed to you, they DO NOT settle up at the end of the year.

Of course it had to be that thorn in Barrie's a$$, Mrs. Debbie Campbell, that just had to ask the question, of Pick and Oland. Why, would Debbie ask this question? Could it be due to the fact she is a duly appointed representative to the PAC 14 board? A couple of our council members DO take their appointments seriously. What a novel concept.

I do have a lot of questions, well a few anyway, maybe some of you legal eagles, LEO's or accounting types would be willing to answer? Is it really a smart idea to cut a few grand from a PUBLIC UTILITY franchise fee payment because, you're to lazy to figure out the actual amount owed? Isn't there something like federal laws that apply to public utilities and franchise fees? Can someone please explain to me how the numbers projected went down when every blade of grass a developer wanted annexed into city limits was approved, the housing stock has increased and they're all wired for cable, in most areas? How about the newer University housing at the end of Onley Road? Aren't they wired for cable? Is it possible SU is giving the students free cable? (I don't have a CPA license on the wall or nothing like that but, doesn't an increase in subscribers mean an increase in revenue for Comcast? Wouldn't this equate to an increase in revenue in the city franchise fees?) Looks like basic math to me, guess I don't need that CPA license after all. Maybe I'll work harder at getting one of those QUEEN OF TIF'S certificates like Pammie has on her wall. Having that certificate sure seems to cover her a$$, especially at audit time. That's the way it appears to me and many, many others.

A lot of things have happened and a lot of GOOD, HONEST people have been fired or got fed up and resigned, since Barrie took office. They weren't good enough for "you didn't support me, I'll get even" Barrie Tilghman. If, the truth were ever to be told, I would bet the reason Barrie got rid of all those good men was because they brought their cajones to work with them. She just couldn't have that.

So, what have you got to say for yourself Barrie? Nevermind, we've heard it far to often. As always, you take full responsibility, blah, blah, blah. NEWSFLASH: That responsibility and $2 will get you a cup of coffee, somewhere.

In the meantime, the city is in ruins, and, as one lady put it at a recent budget hearing, "we're fast forward to bankruptcy". Turn the TV off once in a while and show up in person at a council meeting. It will drive Barrie absolutely insane, especially if she doesn't know who you are.

NOW is the time for something she and her flunkies fear the most. Demand it with me folks. Ready? 1...2...3...ACCOUNTABILITY

I GUESS I'LL HAVE TO DO YOUR WORK FOR YOU!!!

Greg:

The figure you quoted in today's Daily Times article ($288,000) - that it is going to cost Wicomico County to privatize the dispensary system is in error.

You don't really know the true cost because our County doesn't hasn't yet hired an auditor to investigate the books. And the books as they exist, can't even be inspected because the Liquor Control Board won't turn them over to the Council for review.

Moreover, if my memory serves me correctly, Paige Elmore sponsored considerable liquor legislation to raise the borrowing levels for, both, Wicomico and Worcester Counties - (which you need to also be reporting). In addition, there were other State sponsored legislation that has been passed for wine tasting events to be exempted from issuance of certain licenses.

SO WITH ALL OF THIS NEW INFORMATION, I GUESS I'LL JUST HAVE TO WRITE AN ARTICLE MYSELF TO HELP EDUCATE OUR TAXPAYING PUBLIC ABOUT THE WHOLE PROCESS.

And I wouldn't be so certain that if the County were to privatize the Liquor Dispensary system that it will actually save the taxpayers considerably more than the $288,000 that it is alleged to have cost them to begin with.

Johnnie Miller

WCLCB - Will Privatization Cost County Taxpayers Money?

That seems to be the $64,000 question; or according to the Daily Times - the $288,000 question. The answer is almost assuredly - NO!

My only quarrel with this morning's well researched piece by Greg Latshaw is the title - "Privatizing liquor would cost $288K". As Latshaw addresses in the article, increased licensing fees and/or other taxes would more than make up for the loss of the annual dispensary contribution to county coffers. Drinkers would still receive lower prices and better selection from a privatized system.

The Daily Times editorial page is on record as supporting, if somewhat softly, privatization. The paper's coverage of the issue has been fairly well balanced. Why, then, did the news editors pick such a misleading headline?

I can't even speculate. However, we shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth given the above average coverage of the issue to date.

cross posted at Delmarva Dealings

Question of the Day, Wed 7/9

This question brought to you by Joe:

DOCTORS OFFICES !!!! The wait time at the doctor's office can drive a person mental! I swear they make you wait in the "corral" just so you can get every other person's sick germs so you'll have to come back. Some doctors' offices want you to come 15 minutes earlier than your appointment for paperwork. . . for what?!?! You're already going to wait at least a minimum of 15 minutes before your turn.

How long should a person have to wait for their appointment? How long have you ever waited? After being called, did you still have to wait EVEN longer before the doctor comes in? Have you ever left the doctors office without being seen due to the wait time? Where has your best "wait time" been? Where has your worst "wait time" been?

Salisbury Area Chamber Of Commerce


General Membership Luncheon

Where: Ramada Inn ( Salisbury )

When: Thursday July 17, 2008 @ Noon

Cost: $15.00

Guest Speaker: Frank Kratovil, the Democratic Candidate for the First Congressional District

R.S.V.P. by Noon on July 15, 2008 by replying to this e-mail, thanks!!

410-749-0144; fax-410-860-9925; chamber@salisburyarea.com

UPBRINGING

Subject:Methodist Upbringing

As I walked down the busy footpath, knowing I was late for an important meeting, my eye fell upon one of those unfortunate, homeless vagabonds that are found in every city these days.

Wearing what can only be described as rags, carrying every worldly possession in two plastic bags, my heart was touched by this persons condition.

Some people turned to stare. Others quickly looked away as if the sight would somehow contaminate them.

Recalling some long ago pastor who made an admonition to 'care for the sick, feed the hungry and clothe the naked,' I was moved by some powerful inner urge to reach out to this unfortunate person.

Yes, where some people saw only rags, I saw a hidden beauty. A small voice inside my head called out, 'Reach out, reach out!'

So I did.......

I Won't be in Church this week.

Madonna, A-Rod? Nonsense!

Alex Rodriguez wife, if you have not heard yet and I doubt many haven't, has divorced the Yankees star and claims that Madonna broke up their marriage. Who or what is to blame? Kabala, a sex symbol, marital differences? Maybe it is the Red Sox trying to railroad the Yankees once again?

A conspiracy theory would make for great drama, as well for baseball lore (remember the Ortiz jersey in the foundation of the new stadium for the Yanks). Hoping for this scenario is most likely fruitless, I have nearly resigned to the fact that it is the insanity of celebrity relationships and the aura of Yankees. Marilyn and Joltin Joe for example.

Athletes receive demands from everyone; coaches for performance, teammates for them to keep their heads, fans ask for all access to their lives, and significant others, well I haven't figured that one out and this episode throws me for another loop like a stunt plane.

The drama which exists is the same as any one else at its most basic elements, but it is super sized because of the limelight they live in. Quite simply these athletes having relationship problems is ridiculous. Madonna was linked with Jose Canseco in the early 90's, then take your pick of men throughout the years, hell we could link her with terrorism or global warming as A-Rod's wife has done.

Imagine the headline "Madonna melts icebergs causing massive flooding and seals without homes." I think the only thing that might take it's place is "Farve comes out of retirement with the Falcons". The shock value of such headlines seems to captivate everyone and take the attention away from the headlines which should be on front pages; great feats, heartwarming stories, or a squirrel water skiing.

I've had enough of this kind of stuff because the real pure drama, not manufactured drama from "reality shows", is the only type of drama that affects the mystery of the game. The drama I talk of is a trade, an injury, a botched call, or something along the lines of Spygate. Substantial actions and mistakes which fundamentally alter some perception and judgment on competition.

The Giants beating the Patriots this years was so much more than it would have been without Spygate. Spygate did add a new dimension to the playoffs and the season, in fact it was the toast of the town. I have to admit that, I think pretty much everyone would have to, but was it really worth it? Would we have wanted this past NFL season to be any other way?

There is a big difference between A-Rod and Madonna and Spygate; one is realistic and the other is not; one will blow over in a few weeks and the other will linger on forever in the annuls of the NFL and pro sports. Spygate intricately effected the season, the outcome of the Super Bowl, and how everyone will see the game. A-Rod and Madonna will not effect how we see the game and in that sense it is not drama but rather nonsense.

Drama can be good as long as it is compatible with the mystics of athletic competition and will have a profound impact upon the game and its' fans.

Now where's that video of that squirrel water skiing?

Update to Free Sod

(Found in classified section......)

So here I sit no more than 5 hours after posting about having some free sod available and I thought I would repost with some of the interesting topics from the 30 plus emails which I have received.

1. I have no idea how many rolls of sod will fit in the back, front or on top of a Saab Hatchback, Saturn Coupe, or 2005 BMW. However, seeing sod loaded into a beamer intrigues me so please show up.

2. I am sorry, but the point of my listing this as a free item was to get rid of it, therefore I am unable to hold 3-5 rolls and keep them properly stored for you for 'no more than two weeks' in case you need them. I thought offering to help you load the FREE SOD was pretty nice, but that is all the further I am willing to go.

3. When I made the joke about selling grass, that apparently wasn't clear to many people. Just so we are on the same page I am offering the type of grass which I would assume would either give you a headache from smoking, kill you from the chemicals it has been treated with, or most likely do nothing at all. Some people really didn't seem to be all that clear as to whether or not the item offered was illegal. I assure you it is completely legal to grow, possess, and sell (which I assume includes getting it for free)

4. I was astounded at the number of women who are in the market for free sod. As a quasi single man (don't ask) this really got my mind going and I am now considering ripping up my entire lawn and starting some sort of yardcare dating service. Something about a woman who not only wants her yard to look nice but also wants it for free is a bit of a` turn on (this is the only sarcasm free line in this post).

Well, thats all. As for now all the sod is still here. Several people have offered to come and get it but no one has shown up yet. I am sorry i haven't replied to the last dozen people who inquired but I felt that those who replied first should get first dibs.

And a big thanks to Tanya for emailing me to say that my first post made her day!!!

Lost Hendrix Recordings Found!

From Ultimate-Guitar.com.

World Entertainment News Network reports that a lost album Jimi Hendrix recorded with rocker Stephen Stills has been discovered more than 30 years after it was recorded.
Stills recently found the recording among a stack of material he taped during the 1970s, and his Crosby, Stills And Nash bandmate Graham Nash is helping him prepare it for release.

Nash tells the Las Vegas Sun, "He has an enormous history of recording. In the '70s, he was a recording fool. He just found a bloody album he made with (Jimi) Hendrix.
"'Oh yeah, I forgot that.' We've got to listen to that... I want to listen to every track he ever recorded in case he recorded with Al Jolson."

Hendrix's solo work in progress at the time of his death has previously been issued as the album First Rays Of The New Rising Sun, but the news of extensive recordings with Stills is a revelation.

Stills' 1970 self-titled debut album did feature Hendrix on one track, Old Times Good Times, but now it seems that there is an album's worth of material. Stills' album also featured Eric Clapton, but it's not known whether there is attack featuring all three guitarists – Clapton has never claimed he recorded with Hendrix, even though the two were friends.

Special thanks to PR-Inside.com

Ferocious Attack Kitten

Ferocious attack kitten is available for adoption to any home willing to accept him.

This destructive kitty has been trained as a proud warrior and will fiercely defend your house, even against you. Well-trained since 10-weeks of age to attack anything in his presence, he will protect your family from evil things, including the following:

* insects

* other trained attack kittens

* babies

* toilet paper

* anything under a blanket

* unwanted house guests
* paper bags

* floor rugs

* Feet.

Great with children (assuming you don’t like the children). Probably best used for professional catfighting. He is housebroken, but only because he wants to be. This attack cat has trained himself to seek out his food anywhere you hide it and rip the bag open to feed himself, great for those who travel extensively. Also trained to drink water out of toilet bowls and dishwater from items in the sink. Knows how to open some doors. He will find you wherever you hide.

Neutered (trust me, you wont want to him to procreate). Has not been declawed, but you'll figure that out really fast.

Understands and responds to a variety of vulgar and profane verbal commands. Has a very soft and furry belly, like a teddy bear - however he will bite your face if you try to touch it.

Willing to accept trades. Potential adopters must have experience with trained attack-kittens... please be prepared to show scars.

For the love of God, someone please take this thing out of my house.