Just saw the good news over at the Freeman. I'm assuming we're still stuck with the guy for another few weeks or months, but jeez, even in my disgusting condition, I'd gladly volunteer to help him pack if it'd help him on his way sooner.
So, now that Albany will almost surely coronate another bum like Poskanzer, we can at least pretend SUNY gives a crap about what we think. Who would YOU want as the new President? What qualities do we need in the new enthroned one?
Friday, April 23, 2010
"The word 'flu' is always dangerous. So, I figured I'd see what it was all about." - Bob Gray
Today begins my second day home with the lousy flu. I hate the flu. I don't really know anyone who doesn't. And, somehow, I ALWAYS manage to get it right around this time. Last year really wasn't very bad for sickness at all, so I can hardly complain. Perhaps it had something to do with palm trees and sunshine well into December. But now I'm back on the goddamn east coast, and back with my lousy gross sickies. And I'm taking Tamiflu, which from what I've been able to tell, probably does absolutely nothing. I guess it's supposed to decrease the lengthy of your symptoms or severity or some such nonsense. But by like a day. And only maybe. Not sure really what the benefit of it actually is, plus Rumsfeld had some hand in its development or marketing or SOMETHING like that which, if I was a crazy Dem, would probably make me really nervous and conspiratorial and lead to a panic attack which would cause my airways to close and kill me when I probably should've just taken the Tamiflu and gone to sleep for a while. I'm none of those things, though, so I'm just taking the silly stuff and suffering somewhat quietly.
I did basically nothing except sleep yesterday, and read "Brooklyn," a sweet, fast novel by Irish author Colm Toibin. I generally hate modern fiction, especially anything that has ever even been near the NY Times Bestseller List, but this one was gentle and easy, perfect for a day lying in bed coughing up all sorts of unspeakable things, well-suited for the type of spring we've been having this year.
I'm thinking that this unanticipated quarantine can also allow for a few bonuses - I'll finally write up Part 2 of the social networking series (poor Korn, I promised AGES ago!). I'll also get some work done on my tirade against the Board of Elections, which I'm sure you've all been anxiously anticipating since I alluded to it weeks and weeks ago. I'm sure I can also come up with a few local politics gripes, too. Oh, things are so exciting in Barbie Blog!
But, for now, I'm going to share a few lovely blogs, think about the embroidery and/or sewing I can do today without kicking my ass TOO much, and perhaps watch the Cider House Rules or A Place in the Sun because, even though I'm broke, I can't part with my Netflix.
Also, if anyone wanted to bring me vegetarian celery-free, cilantro-free, beet-free get well foods, I'd be forever indebted (or, really, just pretty grateful and appreciative).
Just came across This Mama Makes Stuff today and I really love it. Her ideas are great, her ART LESSONS for the kids are freaking PHENOMENAL, and I see tremendous value in her blog for anyone, regardless of whether you have a child-free existence or not. Her genius refashions alone are reason enough to add to your roster.
I was fortunate enough to meet Susanna at the NYC Easter Parade a few weeks ago, and am so impressed with her lovely, lovely blog. She is an amazing artist and I am just smitten with her winged messengers and I also really love her round robins (the royal confections are to-die-for). So, check out Susanna's Sketchbook and you'll probably be as enamored as I am.
I couldn't go completely non-local and apolitical. If you haven't checked it out yet, "Sweetie Petey" has been doing some outstanding blogging over at the PR Party website. If you want a chuckle, want something to think about, or just want to join those cranky Hinchey-or-Bust Dems in being mad at us, it's the perfect place to be.
My LLLL (Lovely Lesbian Lover Lagusta, as if you didn't know) has a few exciting blog developments! First, the much-loved resistance is fertile has a new URL at http://blog.lagusta.com. Also, her amazing Lagusta's Luscious (LLLLL? Luscious Lovely Lesbian Lover Lagusta?) now has it's own foodie home! So update your bookmarks and be sure to check both of them out!
Finally, the amazing Ivan Lajara appears to have organized a blog roll for the Kingston Daily Freeman similar to (but better than) that junk the PoJo tries to do. It's got a lot of really neat blogs and I'm so glad they're bolstering their online presence (I really wish Ulster Publishing would learn a thing or two from them and do something about the god-awful website). Of course, LB is one of the featured blogs and if you'd like to be included, too, just send your info over to Ivan! He also turned me onto an amazing live blogging tool called Cover It Live, which I hope to be using here soon. It's gotta work better than the running comment commentary over at the gadfly... oy. Anyways, check out the other blogs, keep up with a few that you like, and comment to let them know that you want to see more!
I did basically nothing except sleep yesterday, and read "Brooklyn," a sweet, fast novel by Irish author Colm Toibin. I generally hate modern fiction, especially anything that has ever even been near the NY Times Bestseller List, but this one was gentle and easy, perfect for a day lying in bed coughing up all sorts of unspeakable things, well-suited for the type of spring we've been having this year.
I'm thinking that this unanticipated quarantine can also allow for a few bonuses - I'll finally write up Part 2 of the social networking series (poor Korn, I promised AGES ago!). I'll also get some work done on my tirade against the Board of Elections, which I'm sure you've all been anxiously anticipating since I alluded to it weeks and weeks ago. I'm sure I can also come up with a few local politics gripes, too. Oh, things are so exciting in Barbie Blog!
But, for now, I'm going to share a few lovely blogs, think about the embroidery and/or sewing I can do today without kicking my ass TOO much, and perhaps watch the Cider House Rules or A Place in the Sun because, even though I'm broke, I can't part with my Netflix.
Also, if anyone wanted to bring me vegetarian celery-free, cilantro-free, beet-free get well foods, I'd be forever indebted (or, really, just pretty grateful and appreciative).
Just came across This Mama Makes Stuff today and I really love it. Her ideas are great, her ART LESSONS for the kids are freaking PHENOMENAL, and I see tremendous value in her blog for anyone, regardless of whether you have a child-free existence or not. Her genius refashions alone are reason enough to add to your roster.
I was fortunate enough to meet Susanna at the NYC Easter Parade a few weeks ago, and am so impressed with her lovely, lovely blog. She is an amazing artist and I am just smitten with her winged messengers and I also really love her round robins (the royal confections are to-die-for). So, check out Susanna's Sketchbook and you'll probably be as enamored as I am.
I couldn't go completely non-local and apolitical. If you haven't checked it out yet, "Sweetie Petey" has been doing some outstanding blogging over at the PR Party website. If you want a chuckle, want something to think about, or just want to join those cranky Hinchey-or-Bust Dems in being mad at us, it's the perfect place to be.
My LLLL (Lovely Lesbian Lover Lagusta, as if you didn't know) has a few exciting blog developments! First, the much-loved resistance is fertile has a new URL at http://blog.lagusta.com. Also, her amazing Lagusta's Luscious (LLLLL? Luscious Lovely Lesbian Lover Lagusta?) now has it's own foodie home! So update your bookmarks and be sure to check both of them out!
Finally, the amazing Ivan Lajara appears to have organized a blog roll for the Kingston Daily Freeman similar to (but better than) that junk the PoJo tries to do. It's got a lot of really neat blogs and I'm so glad they're bolstering their online presence (I really wish Ulster Publishing would learn a thing or two from them and do something about the god-awful website). Of course, LB is one of the featured blogs and if you'd like to be included, too, just send your info over to Ivan! He also turned me onto an amazing live blogging tool called Cover It Live, which I hope to be using here soon. It's gotta work better than the running comment commentary over at the gadfly... oy. Anyways, check out the other blogs, keep up with a few that you like, and comment to let them know that you want to see more!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Kimbiz? Kazmin? Whoever he is, he needs to STFU.
Village Trustee Brian Kimbiz aka Brian Kazmin owes Sally Rhoads and everyone participating in tonight's Village Board meeting a tremendous apology. Not only did he expose his complete ignorance of the legislative process, legal codes, and other areas, he also lied about his role in disseminating information about the noise ordinance and was completely disrespectful of his fellow trustees and the public.
Raising your voice when you don't get your way is for petulant children, and that's exactly what Kimbiz appears to be. His efforts to drown out individuals who had the floor, including Sally, amounts to bullying and temper-tantrums. His behavior was completely inappropriate and the only adequate remedy for this outrageous affront is a public apology for his immature conduct during this meeting. Mocking others by making faces, snickering, rolling eyes, interrupting and other childish behavior has no place in our public forums and he is setting a terrible example for those who have not had experiences with the many thoughtful, respectful, informative students that are involved in our community. He might be "pissed as hell," but that doesn't mean we should all be subjected to it. If revisions are made to the noise ordinance (which they clearly should be - it's a pretty lousy law in it's current form), perhaps they can include his offensive and embarrassing comments in the violations.
There are frequently valid reasons for disagreement between permanent community members and SUNY students; these issues arise independently of sensationalized efforts to fan the flames. While Kimbiz' Facebook group purported to operate under the context of civil discourse, his efforts on behalf of this issue ensured the contrary. He has manipulated just emotions of the very constituents he pretends to serve in order to bolster publicity and his absurd agenda of giving power to those who have never really had it taken away. Any efforts to increase animosity among various groups of our community should be discouraged, especially when those efforts are spearheaded by our public officials. We have enough warfare without creating new battles that never needed to be.
In addition, it's about time he get a few things straight. The learning curve he faced should be almost completely dissolved after nearly a year in his position. He serves on the VILLAGE Board, not the TOWN Board, "CDs" are NOT official minutes of a meeting, and there are huge differences between NYS laws, Village laws and SUNY policy. Perhaps if he is able to finally get these basic concepts down, he wouldn't be so obviously frustrated and obnoxious during meetings. Spell check would be a huge improvement, too. It's almost as painful to read the junk he puts on Facebook as it is to actually listen to him spout this nonsense in person. I know I've made fun of his goal to be a "great lesion" on the Village Board, but I'm only beginning to realize that he actually did mean it literally.
Finally, kudos to Police Chief Joe Snyder. Chief Snyder was the only person making an effort to diffuse an unnecessarily heated debate, returning it to the conversation it ought to have been in the first place. I've seen great things from him during his tenure and am constantly reassured of his competence and compassion each time he responds to difficult situations with such poise and respect.
Raising your voice when you don't get your way is for petulant children, and that's exactly what Kimbiz appears to be. His efforts to drown out individuals who had the floor, including Sally, amounts to bullying and temper-tantrums. His behavior was completely inappropriate and the only adequate remedy for this outrageous affront is a public apology for his immature conduct during this meeting. Mocking others by making faces, snickering, rolling eyes, interrupting and other childish behavior has no place in our public forums and he is setting a terrible example for those who have not had experiences with the many thoughtful, respectful, informative students that are involved in our community. He might be "pissed as hell," but that doesn't mean we should all be subjected to it. If revisions are made to the noise ordinance (which they clearly should be - it's a pretty lousy law in it's current form), perhaps they can include his offensive and embarrassing comments in the violations.
There are frequently valid reasons for disagreement between permanent community members and SUNY students; these issues arise independently of sensationalized efforts to fan the flames. While Kimbiz' Facebook group purported to operate under the context of civil discourse, his efforts on behalf of this issue ensured the contrary. He has manipulated just emotions of the very constituents he pretends to serve in order to bolster publicity and his absurd agenda of giving power to those who have never really had it taken away. Any efforts to increase animosity among various groups of our community should be discouraged, especially when those efforts are spearheaded by our public officials. We have enough warfare without creating new battles that never needed to be.
In addition, it's about time he get a few things straight. The learning curve he faced should be almost completely dissolved after nearly a year in his position. He serves on the VILLAGE Board, not the TOWN Board, "CDs" are NOT official minutes of a meeting, and there are huge differences between NYS laws, Village laws and SUNY policy. Perhaps if he is able to finally get these basic concepts down, he wouldn't be so obviously frustrated and obnoxious during meetings. Spell check would be a huge improvement, too. It's almost as painful to read the junk he puts on Facebook as it is to actually listen to him spout this nonsense in person. I know I've made fun of his goal to be a "great lesion" on the Village Board, but I'm only beginning to realize that he actually did mean it literally.
Finally, kudos to Police Chief Joe Snyder. Chief Snyder was the only person making an effort to diffuse an unnecessarily heated debate, returning it to the conversation it ought to have been in the first place. I've seen great things from him during his tenure and am constantly reassured of his competence and compassion each time he responds to difficult situations with such poise and respect.
Coffee Party Founder Annabel Park to Visit New Paltz THIS SUNDAY! 1pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Pete Healey - 845-399-3288
PHealey3@gmail.com
Brittany Turner - 916-384-6735
Turner.Brittany@gmail.com
RENEWING DEMOCRACY: THE FUTURE OF THE COFFEE PARTY
National Coffee Party Founder Annabel Park to Speak at Local Meeting
National Coffee Party Founder Annabel Park to Speak at Local Meeting
NEW PALTZ - On Sunday, April 18, the Hudson Valley Coffee Party will welcome Annabel Park, founder of the National Coffee Party, to New Paltz where she will discuss the origin of the Coffee Party, concerns surrounding the existing debate in the US, and her vision for the organization's future. Joining Park is local Coffee Party organizer Pete Healey, who will moderate an open discussion between Park and area activists.
According to Healey, "One of the major public policy questions currently being discussed in Coffee Party circles is money in politics. I'm afraid that the three campaign finance reform failures in recent years indicate that those efforts are not a sole solution to our complex problems. It seems like one way out is to consider strategies to renew our democracy by expanding opportunities for new parties to develop. We need to level the playing field for everyone who wants to participate in civil discourse and electoral politics."
Healey added, "The Coffee Party is all about civility and respect for different points of view; New Paltz is exactly the kind of place for that conversation to occur. We have a longstanding tradition of supporting diverse and unique viewpoints. Just this past February, an unprecedented civil conversation was had among state legislators and local representatives of varying political viewpoints. We look forward to replicating the success of that event, and believe the Coffee Party is a natural extension of the civility and innovative solutions demonstrated in the February meeting."
The event will be held at the Muddy Cup Coffeehouse, 58 Main Street, at 1:00pm. The event is free and open to the public; attendees are encouraged to support the Muddy Cup in return for their generous use of their space. Coffee Party members and interested participants will have an opportunity to ask questions of Park and engage in informal conversations on political issues of interest to the community.
The Coffee Party identifies itself as a "spontaneous and collective expression" of interest in cultivating "solution-oriented civic engagement." The organization is "made up of people acting independently of political parties, of corporations, and of political lobbying networks. . .demand[ing] a government that responds to the needs of the majority of its citizens as expressed by our votes and by
our voices; NOT corporate interests as expressed by misleading advertisements and campaign contributions." Additional information is available at the National Coffee Party website, www.coffeepartyusa.com or the Coffee Party of the Hudson Valley Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Coffee-Party-of-the-Hudson-Valley/399399095041?ref=ts.
###
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
