Just Cruisin

Open thread

2007-03-22T08:41:00.000-05:00

This is going to be a busy weekend for us. I now heard from a reliable source that the Friday night session with the Guardian Angels will be a demonstration patrol. The Radison is just a meeting point. It is also going to be a patrol until 2 or 3 am. So volunteers better get ready, if you've been on other demonstration patrols you know it can be a workout. I'm also working on switching some of the posts over to the new blog. I'll leave whatever I don't move here for a while, but will no longer post on this blog. I'm hoping by Monday to be done, and will post on the new blog when everything is switched. As mentioned above, we'll be busy, so consider this an open thread. If you have something to say, it may be your last chance on this blog. Your comments are welcome.

Pre-fab vs built here

2007-03-21T17:41:00.000-05:00

Some questions were raised that if the pre-fab are $200,000 each then the other building isn't out of line. As with all things there are two sides to every tale. So, with a nod to Alderman Meyer, here is what the City Finance dept. thinks should be done-

The CXT product line is heralded as durable, with promotional material indicating that it is all but impervious to any calamity; natural or man-made. Unfortunately, the product line has two other characteristics that require further consideration. The first is that some (or most, depending on your viewpoint) structures of the product line have all the charm of a facility one would find in a prison yard. Spartan and durable has its place, but whether this place is a neighborhood park or Davenport’s cherished riverfront is something to be considered.

Secondly, while the product line does offer some savings on a square foot basis, the Council may consider whether a better approach would be to spend tax dollars locally, with structures that are locally designed, and locally built. Pending options selected, the CXT products can cost in the range of $225 - $275 per square foot. They have been designed and would be constructed by a company located in Spokane, Washington. They would be trucked to Davenport, and placed on a foundation that represents the only substantive, local value added component to the project. Once placed on site, they will sit in their austere imperviousness for perpetuity, monuments to taking the easy path to a solution (picked from a catalog) rather than supporting local design and construction.

Capital improvements are a Council decision, but my recommendations are as follows:

Delete the purchase of the CXT Precast Products restrooms from the agenda

Approve an amended proposal with Gere / Dismer and Missman Stanley to design the Centennial Park building and restrooms for Junge and Garfield Parks. The amended proposal (attached) specifies a not to exceed $300 per square foot cost for the three structures, with a final design fee capped at 10% of the building construction cost. As part of the design process, Gere / Dismer will investigate the viability of design and construction of all three structures as LEED certified buildings.

That's their take on it, as always comments are welcome.

Centenial Park

2007-03-20T20:16:00.000-05:00

Seems Centenial Park will be the place to be. The City Council appropriated $2.4 million for FY2007 in the capital budget for improvements. The $945,673 for the skate park was from a separate account, and not included in this phase. The only project that would come out of the $2.4 million is the parking lot which cost $150,294.
In 2007 the city wants to put a $525,000 pavillion on the southwest corner of the skate park, above the flood plain.

The following amenities will be in the building;
1. Two restrooms
2. Drinking fountain
3. Concession stand
4. Vending machine and video game area
5. Small lockers for cell phones and misc.
6. Storage room
7. Transaction counter with rolling doors.
8. Indoor and outdoor seating
9. Mecahnical room servicing the total park north of the railroad tracks including;
a. Electrical transformer, switchgear, meters and panels
b. Plumbing, water meter, backflow preventer
c. Heating and air conditioning
d. Sound system and public address system
e. Public and house phone and data
f. Controllers for lights, security, irrigation, etc.
10. Trash room

The proposal is to rent the concession stand about 9 months a year. Access would be from a walkway/driveway, and is to be made of durable materials. The size is estimated to be 1,500 square feet. This is part of the Phase II development.

A thank you to the gentleman who shared this information, and your comments are welcome.

Weekend Guardian Angel schedule

2007-03-20T13:27:00.000-05:00

I've been getting conflicting reports, so consider this schedule tentative. When the Midwest representative of the Guardian Angels called me last night, he said meet at the Radison at 11 pm for a long patrol. Now through Alderman Meyer I have a schedule that's different. I'll post the information he sent me, and sort it out as it happens.

Mike will be arriving from Chicago to Davenport on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 11:00 p.m. at the Radisson. He will be meeting approximately 15 volunteers who have shown an interest in becoming Guardian Angels at that time at the Radisson. Friday night will consist of an application process.

Saturday at 1:00 training sessions will begin, location TBA. The GA have four areas of training: legal, medical, self defense and patrol. They have acquired volunteer training for self-defense from a long-time former Scott County Sheriff’s Dept. deputy. The rest of the training is still being worked on.

The GA will then patrol areas of the city, locations TBA, on Saturday the 24th right after training sessions and continue until approx. 2:00-3:00 a.m.

The Chief announced this morning at Dept. Head that the Sheriff’s Dept. will be conducting the background checks for the citizens who have volunteered to be GA.

I'm glad at least the Sheriff's department is willing to work with the Guardian Angels. On top of doing the background checks, they will keep copies to know who actually are Guardian Angels. It looks like it may get busy for a while. If you signed up, please show up.

What really cost America

2007-03-18T10:41:00.000-05:00

Some people seem to think that the minority of us who smoke are the biggest drain on our tax and healthcare dollars. Sorry. I have some figures again kids, and smoking isn't anything beside theses figures.

Congressman Gary Miller from California has a very interesting website. On it he has some figures-

-$7.4 billion of year of our tax dollars go to educaate illegal alien's children.
-Our hospitals along the southwestern border, in 2001, provided illegal aliens with $200 million in health care, and a rumored $100 more in extended care with not a dime repayed.
-Hospitals nationwide provided illegal aliens with $21 billion in uncompensated health care in 2001.
-In California alone health care cost in FY 2001 were over $648 million.
-15% of California's prison inmates are illegal aliens which costs that state $500 million dollars annually.
The Congressman's site is located here.

Another site that has a lot of information on this subject is Vdare.

Along the same lines, how about the fact that welfare costs taxpayers $23 million a day. That's almost a million dollars an hour. Before you argue, that fact came from a liberal website.

So illegal aliens are illegal, and smoking is not. Illegal aliens are costing us taxpayers billions more than legal smokers and no one's upset. Welfare cost tacpayers way more than smoking, and no one's upset. This is my take on America's money drain, I don't think it's us smokers. Your comments are welcome.

Busy Bad boy

2007-03-17T20:11:00.000-05:00

Saturday, March 17, 2007 1:30 pm 2902 East Kimberly Road
2:12 pm 320 West Kimberly Road

Peter T. Lindblad, 22, of Moline was arrested and charged with:
Robbery 1st Degree
Robbery 2nd Degree
Interference with Official Acts
Resisting Arrest
Public Intoxication

Lindblad is accused of robbing a 71 year old Davenport man in the parking lot of Miller Time Billiards, 2902 East Kimberly. The suspect hid behind the victim’s car and accosted the victim and demand money from him.

A short time later Lindblad threatened to “stick” a 68 year old Idaho City, ID, man with a screw driver as he robbed the man in the parking lot at Northpark Mall near the Barnes & Noble Bookstore.

The accused was apprehended by responding officers and he failed to heed the commands of the officers and advanced towards them. After being subdued he continued to resist the officers as they handcuffed him and placed him in the squad car.

There were no injuries reported in either of the robberies.

The suspect is being held in the Scott County Jail pending Court appearance. Bond is set at $46,475.00

A big thank you to my source.

Blowing smoke open thread

2007-03-17T13:49:00.000-05:00

The population of Iowa in 2,006 was estimated to be 2,982,085 people. Since most people agree that 20% of those are smokers, that means that about 596,417 Iowans are going to pay the $130 million more in taxes. And after we pay these taxes, the money is going to health care for other people. Kids. I you're buying into that, you need help. First off, all of us smokers who can afford to go elsewhere, have bought our last pack of cigarettes in Iowa. People from surrounding states who used to come here, buy cigarettes and gas, shop, and visit our businesses are gone. The only one's left with this tax are people who can't get out of state to buy smokes. Good going. As for saving lives, hogwash. The number one killer of teenagers is car wrecks; the biggest killer of older people is heart disease. That means they got old.
So when they put a 20 cent a can tax on beer, don't cry to us smokers. Just think of the drop in drunk driving. Or when they pass an obesity tax, because that's a rising cause of death, don't cry to us smokers.
That's my thoughts, this is an open thread so post yours. Anything that's on your mind, as long as it can be read by a family member. Your comments are welcome.

Sad day in New York

2007-03-16T18:32:00.000-05:00

This story really got to me. In this version from
the NY Daily News is fairly tame compared to some. I don't know what made these unarmed civilian New York Police employees chased an armed madman, but by the time they realized they were in trouble it was to late. To call this jerk crazy is an understatement. I don't shoot someone in the back 15 times because I have a beef with them.
These two auxillary Policemen were just kids really; one 19 and one 28. It's a shame. I only wish they could have taken him alive.

Thanks for the cigarette tax

2007-03-16T06:51:00.000-05:00

At first I was mad at Govenor Culver for passing this cigarette tax, but I think I'll thank him instead. Now we know our 17-year-old won't start smoking. Since my wife and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary later this year, and we both like to cruise, he did us a favor. With no more people from out of state coming here to buy cigarettes, we'll have less cars to slow traffic. With less of them eating over here after they buy their cigarettes, we won't have as long a wait at our favorite restaraunt.

Also because he decided to pass this, he gave us a good reason to cruise to Kentucky to purchase our cigarettes. Of course while we're there we'll get a room and spend the night, eat there, gas up, and maybe even do some shopping. And if we do this monthly we can get 12 mini-vacations this year. As a bonus we get to watch him squirm while he tries to explain why he closed all those small businesses and put those non-smoking clerks on unemployment. Then there's the fact that this tax isn't going to bring in anywhere close to what he's projected, life is good. Comments are welcome.

Bad heroin in town

2007-03-15T22:52:00.000-05:00

I just recieved a nod from a friend and thought it serious enough to post right away. Thanks for the nod, and without further ado-

Reference: DRUG RELATED INCIDENT

For Release: Immediate

Thursday, March 15, 2007 6:43 pm 2300 Boies Avenue

Three Tipton, IA., residents were hospitalized this evening after being found in a drug induced stupor in the 2300 block of
Boies Avenue. Two males, a 50 year old and his 26 year old son, were found in a pick-up truck parked on the street. The
49 year old wife/mother was found in a nearby house.

The three were transported by Medic EMS to Genesis West Medical Center for medical care. They have responded to treatment.

All three admitted to using heroin and it is quite likely that this heroin that is being distributed illegally is “bad” and
very dangerous to use. It is possible that even a small amount can cause serious illness or even death.

The investigation is continuing by vice and narcotics investigators assigned to the Tactical Operations Bureau (TOB).
Anyone having information regarding this investigation is requested to call the Davenport Police Department (326-7979)
or Crimestoppers.

Personnel or management problem?

2007-03-15T06:57:00.000-05:00

I want to start this by saying I have nothing but the utmost respect for the men and women in law enforcement. I've heard the NETS people are out in force on Gaines along with the mobile precint. The Police that patrol our streets are overworked and underappreciated. With that said I offer my opinion.

Chief Bladel claims we need more Police personnel to stop the rising crime rate. We have all heard how his department is the only one in Iowa, and the Country, to report crimes the way his does. 'This is why our rate looks higher than it really is' according to him. He obviously hasn't been reading up on how reporting is done. According to the FBI, all departments report the same way. Nowhere on the official FBI webpage does it say- except Davenport, Iowa, which reports differently.

Putting the politics aside, I have some real figures. In a survey of 18 midwest cities, ranging in population from 22,804 up to 412,126 we have exactly the average number of Police to citizen ratio. The average of these cities is 1 Police for 621 citizens. Right where Davenport is. Cedar Rapids, which has around 23,000 more residents than Davenport, has 1 Police for 639 citizens. Not much of a difference you say? Last year with 23,000 more residents Cedar Rapids had 1 murder; Davenport had 7. Iowa City with 63,280 residents has 1 Police for every 904 residents, with a lower crime rate. And a real kicker to me; in the figures Chief Bladel's department sent to the FBI, we have only 25 less Police personnel than Cedar Rapids, and they have 23,000 more residents. So are we short of personnel or management? So if someone could explain why people are buying this to someone with an IQ over room temperature and an ability to think for oneself, please do. Your comments are welcome.

Going to be moving on

2007-03-13T12:16:00.000-05:00

We’ve been just a tad busy lately with everything going on so we thought we’d clear up a few things. Family always comes first with me and my mother is in bad shape. So if I miss a few posts or comments, please bear with me. There is no timeframe on these kinds of things, and even though I’ve told both my parents I hope they live forever, I know that’s not to be. The next thing would be the blog. I am going to change over to the wordpress blog entiretly. I like everything about that blogger service so it makes sense. I’m not sure if I can keep all the posts and comments, but I will do my best. I think doing two blogs with almost identical posts is counter productive. I also want to thank Alderman Meyer for this quick response to my e-mail concerning a comment on the other blog, it means a lot. And to the couple of faithful posters, bear with me, it will all be changed over by the end of next week. In closing, the Guardian Angels will be back a week from this Saturday to give us more training. When the places and times of the demonstration patrols are announced please show up and walk along. If you can’t do that drive by and give us a thumbs up, believe it when I say that means alot more to us than the TV cameras. As usual your comments are welcome.

Open Thread

2007-03-12T06:54:00.000-05:00

After this weekend, we need a break. We met a lot of fellow citizens of our town with similar concerns and walked miles on demonstration patrols. But, while we were at the afternoon meeting Saturday a water pipe in the upstairs bathroom decided to start leaking. We lost the ceiling in the dining room below, and the carpet. So today I'll be busy again. There are a lot of things going on around town so this is going to be an open post. Your comments are welcome and I'll try to check in every so often.

Guardian Angel programs

2007-03-11T16:23:00.000-05:00

Some people wonder what the Guardian Angels do that Crime Watch's don't do. Here's some statistics-

1 out of 4 kids is bullied by another youth.
An estimated 160,000 children miss school every day for fear of bullies.
282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each month.
39% of middle schoolers say they don't feel safe at school.
Nearly 60% of boys who researchers classifed as bullies in grades 6-9 were convicted of at least one crime by the age of 24.
Harassment and bullying have been linked to 75% of school-shooting incindents.
What do Neighborhood Watch groups do, I don't know.
What do the Guardian Angels do- they hold 90 minute discussions with teachers and school districts to help find a way to deal with bullying. The Guradian Angels have a seminar dealing with several problems including; dealing with classroom misbehavior, combating teacher burnout, implementing programs for at risk youth, and how to recognize at risk behavior.
The Gurardian angels through their gang recognition and suppression program help school officials and others to define gangs, teach stratagies and techniuqes to reduce gang participation in schools, how to identify gang signs and signals, how to use students as a resource in gang education, and warning signs of gang membership drives. They also promote diversity and culteral awareness in another program. The Guardian Angels have a program that teaches school safety for the security and professional in school. The Guardian Angels also have the world's largest internet safety program. I also have some statistics on that-

Approximately 1 in 5 youth surveyed received a sexual solicitation over the internet last year.
1 in 33 received an aggressive sexual solicitation.
1 in 4 had an unwanted exposure to pictures of naked people or people having sex last year.
1 in 17 was threatened or harrassed.
Less tha 10% of sexual solicitations and only 3% of unwanted exposure episodes were reported to law enforcement.
Only 17% of youth and approximately 10% of parents knew who to make a report to.
25% of you who encountered a sexual solicitation told a parent.
In homes with internet access only 33% of parents said they had filtering or blocking software installed when interviewed.
Girls were targeted at almost twice the rate of boys
(66% versus 34%)
22% of victims of online sexual solicitation were between the ages of 10 and 13.

The angels have the online site that gives youth and parents the options to fight back. So, yeah I guess they must be a gang of vigilantes wanting to scare you. Comments are welcom

the Guardian Angel meeting

2007-03-10T12:06:00.000-06:00

We just returned from the Guardian Angels meeting. If I can say one thing about it, it's if you're free this afternoon, make the meeting at United Neighbors at 1p.m. Curtis Sliwa talked the entire one and a half hours non-stop citing cities, dates ,populations, and whether or not they had the co-operation on the local police. He stated that he though we had less of a crime problem than Peoria, but more of a problem than Green Bay, both close to Davenport in population and with Guardian Angel chapters. I was surprised to see Sheriff Conrad, and Mayor Winborn in attendence and don't know what their take on it was.

According to Mr. Sliwa, there is no age limit to join the Guardian Angels. From 16 to whatever. He also said that if a person had a health problem and they felt it may injure them to do patrols, they wouldn't be allowed to patrol. Voluteers of all kinds would be needed, from someone to answer the phones, to someone to help with fundraising. If you have a talent, and are able to help, you can. Mr. Sliwa also said the main difference between a Neighborhood Watch and the Guardian Angels is that they work with kids to keep them out of trouble, and do on occasion make a citizen arrest.

The Guardian Angels have been active for over 27 years, and have never been successfully sued. As to liability. The local chapter would be liable for it's own actions, but any bad press would end up affecting chapters all over the world. There is a 3 month training program for this involving martial arts, and physical training; and courses on the law, federal, state, and local laws. There is more to it than this, and I'll break it down later. They ask for no money from the city, state, or any other governement agencies. The local chapter would be self-supporting through fund raisers from the private sector.

I can honestly say I was leaning heavily towards this program, but after hearing Mr. Sliwa talk both my son and myself signed the volunteer sheet. This just makes a lot of sense to me. As always, your comments are welcome.

the Chief and the Angels

2007-03-09T12:35:00.000-06:00

In the QC Times is a statement from Chief Bladel about crime in Davenport. While it kind of follows his statement released, it doesn't appear to quoted word for word. I'm not going to pick it apart other than to say unless I'm reading it wrong, he's not against the Guardian Angels coming anymore. Makes me wonder what brought on the change of heart. I didn't realize that we could have all these shootings, stabbings, and the first in my memory, car jacking, with this many people protecting us. I know he didn't reassure me at all. If we have 66 Neighborhood Watch groups, over 200 full-time police, the civilian program, and all this is still going on, maybe we need the National Guard.

Guardian Angel schedule

2007-03-08T21:09:00.000-06:00

On the Just Cruisin2 blog I posted a schedule for the upcoming Guardian Angels visit. A link to the blog is on the 'Rumors and a change' post below. There are going to be at least 2 public meetings, and 1 demonstration patrol, all open to the public. There may also be a second demonstration patrol, and when I have it verified I will post it.

It's getting interesting

2007-03-07T08:30:00.000-06:00

My son and myself attended the 5th ward meeting last night, and I though Alderman Lynn hosted an informative meeting. One of the things that came up is the meeting change deal. Besides not being put on the agenda legally, or legally giving the public a 24 hour notice of the change, these people pushing it through didn't even change the proposal that much. Arthur Anderson, in a letter to the editor in the QC Times, says pretty much what I've been thinking all along. What he doesn't mention is the fact that it would further take away our public comments when there are meetings. I also think this is going to go down in flames at tonight's meeting. If people on the council don't start acting like adults soon, it's going to be hard to get anything done.

Since all the news seems to be at city hall, I'll mention Malin. Instead of studying dictionaries to come up with bigger words to confuse people, this guy should do his job. It's real convient that when this latest stage of the harassment suit gets mentioned he's out of town. Sounds to me like his lawsuit might be bigger than the original, and if so, how much is all this going to cost Davenport? There's a story on this at the QC Times.

The rumors I'm hearing about some of the council being kept in the dark is troubling. The Mayor has spent tax payer dollars for a consultant to tell them how to work together, then still condones a split council. From what I understand, some council members didn't even know about the harassment lawsuit until they seen it in the QC Times. While some people don't want to admit a crime problem, this goes on. Your comments are welcome

Rumors and a change

2007-03-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

On the other blog 'Retired and Tired' posted a comment that there is a petition floating around to remove the two alderman at large positions. I hadn't heard that. I also heard there was a petition to rework the sales tax. Something about cutting the general fund out completely and adding Police. If anyone knows, please enlighten us.

Also I've just about made up my mind to move this blog to wordpress. When I'm sure I'll put a notice on this blog and on the other. The other blog has more features, it seems commenting is easier, and everyone can use it, including webtv.
The other site is at Just Cruisin2
I've been a tad busy with everything going on, but you know your comments are welcome.

Open thread

2007-03-05T08:20:00.000-06:00

Recently there have been some compaints by users of WebTV that they couldn't comment on the blogger blogs since we switched to the new setup. Since the new blogger doesn't have much of a support system in place, we looked elsewhere. I just opened a sister blog to this one at Just Cruisin 2

For right now the two will remain separate. I may or may not combine the two and close this blog. If you have an opinion about this, now would be the time to say what you think. I don't know the differences with WebTV as to why they couldn't comment here, but I believe if someone has something to say, they should be able to do so. There are other things in the news, but for now I just wanted everybody to know there is an option. Comments are welcome on either blog, just go easy on me with the other one as I'm still learning what all the buttons do.

Crime, Angels, and Business

2007-03-04T09:59:00.000-06:00

Saturday I recieved Alderman Lynn's 5th. Ward newsletter in the mail. The 5th. Ward meeting is this Tuesday, March 6, at 6 p.m., at the Adler Education Center in the Genesis Heart Institute at 1236 East Rusholme Street, in Davenport.

This proved to be an interesting newsletter so I thought I'd share some of it for those who don't recieve it. First I'd like to mention the Guardian Angels. They will be in town March 9-11. A public informational meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, at a time and place to be announced. Curtis Sliwa is supposed to hold the meeting.

Crime is something I'm interested in and that was mentioned also. According to the newsletter and based on FBI statistics, our crime rate is about 60% above the national average, and growing faster than the national average. Alderman Lynn also states that we don't have a Police shortage and the many cities actually have fewer police and much lower crime rates. A copy of these studies will be on his website later at ProfBillLynn.com
It is also said that we're not gathering the statistics correctly and they are going to change the method of collecting the information. I think that's an old dodge most of us are getting tired of hearing. The FBI has standards so just such a thing doesn't happen. It's also stated in the newsletter that out of about 170 officers, we have only 68 patrol officers. This makes response time slower.

Of course Cigular bringing in 500 jobs is mentioned, along with the opening of 3 new businesses in the 5th. ward. The USA Cafe on East Locust, the Hilltop Diner on Harrison, and Dollar General next to Save-A-Lot on East Locust. Also mentioned is the fact that 6 new businesses have commited to opening in the Village of East Davenport. It also seems our property taxes are going to go up a little. Thank you Alderman Lynn for the information.

Your comments are welcome.

For the people who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

Crime thoughts

2007-03-03T11:25:00.000-06:00

I don't think I'll surprise anyone by stating that I think crime is a problem around here, and nationwide. As I have stated many times, I don't believe there's one answer on how to get it down. I think the problem starts at the top and works it way down. Congress has just spent a lot of time passing a non-binding resolution that says they don't back the war in Iraq. A huge majority of the citizens of this country already know that because these politicians have been all over the media proclaiming as much. But couldn't that time been spent on something more productive. How about an ethics bill? Or term limits? Or harsher sentences for violent crime?

In our Statehouse they are debating a cigarette tax when we have drugs everywhere in the state. We even have gangs from Mexico delivering drugs to our state. Lat week in a winter storm, we had an armed home invasion, grafitti damage, and other crimes along with the power outage to deal with. Our poverty level is up and the number of uneducated in our state is also rising. Violent crimes are at an all time high. In this day and age with no death penalties where the criminals have more rights than victims, and plea deals are the norm; am I the only one that has a problem with this?

I believe we, as citizens, deserve a relief from these problems. Stiffen the laws on crack, get tougher on juvenilles who are mutiple offenders, forget about criminal rights and give us citizens back our safety. The answer is out there, and I don't believe it would be extremely costly. I also believe it's doable. But until these people put aside their hidden agendas, egos, and party line thinking, I don't think it will happen.

That's what I think, and as usual your comments are welcome.

Fit over 50 open thread

2007-03-01T16:12:00.000-06:00

Just came across this exercise suggested for older adults, to build muscle strength in the arms and shoulders. It seems so easy, so I thought I'd pass it on to some of my friends. The article suggested doing it three days a week.

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.

Each day, you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks.

Then try 50-lb potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a f ull minute. (I'm at this level)

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each of the sacks.

Younger folks are welcome to try it too. This is an open thread, so here's where to post your thoughts.

Meeting changes

2007-02-27T22:09:00.000-06:00

I'm going to comment on this meeting change once. If you think my statements are crazy, fine. This is based on what I know, not what I think.

Some members of the City council brought up changing the meetings again. Regardless of the public statements they are making, they do not have the public's best interest in mind. I seen with my own eyes proof that these people want to restrict, or deny not only public input, but other council members, and also attendence at these meetings.

So here's the deal- I'm not going to release any information now, but if this passes I will post what I have right around election time. While it wouldn't affect the people not running, it would hamper the campaign of all who are behind this lie. This is a promise, not a threat. I know what's being said, and who said it, and if this isn't a lawsuit magnet, I will follow up on my promise. This little gang of four had better wise up and realize that some of the public have proof of what they're trying to pull, and how they really feel about the public input part of the meetings. Some of us know you refer to it as 'the worse part of the meeting.' Or my favorite 'When and how often should the Council meet, and how much, if any at all should it dialogue with the Public?' Ring a bell gentlemen? Some of us know you guys want total control with no opposition. Just remember some of us aren't afraid to let the rest of the public know what you're trying to pull. So take care of the real issues and quit trying to muzzle the people who elected you. That's what I know. Your comments are welcome.

Man shot dead, and rumors

2007-02-25T14:21:00.000-06:00

A Davenport man shot by Police Saturday night dies of injuries more information at QC Times. This guy was trying to commit suicide by cutting off his leg.

The jerk who shot the other jerk on Pershing in January was charged with another charge of felon in possession of a handgun when he was arrested. For more on this story go to the story.

There are also the usual rumors floating around. One that there was a shooting today involving one of the Howards. Another one there was grafitti sprayed on some SoLo garages last night. There were supposedly 3 more incidents involving cars being stopped and damaged by gangs of young men on West 14th. And a rumor that the City Council is going to bring back the meeting change issue again. Get ready people, it looks like they do want to limit public input. To all you people who give me a nod, I appreciate it. I don't normally name my sources unless I'm told up front it's ok. You know who you are and thank you. As is the norm, your comments are welcome.

----Addendum--------

The two pictures above are of two differnt garages that were victims of grafitti last night. There was also another garage and house, a wood fence, a shed, and a vacant boarded up house. All this happened Saturday night. Now these jerks don't even have the sense to go inside during weather like that.

Open Thread

2007-02-22T16:29:00.000-06:00

This is going to be an open thread post as I'm going to be a little busy Friday. Will the IOC stay downtown, but north of River Drive? Heard about the carjacking yesterday on Locust? Can't wait for the cigarette tax to be a done deal? Worried about Anna Nicole Smith?

A carjacking involving ballbats was in the news yesterday, if you didn't hear about it you can go
to the story. These punks should get the maximum sentence allowed, but I'm not holding my breath on that.

It appears the IOC will have some answers by mid-March. There will probably be a story soon in QC Times. It might even be tomorrow. It looks encouraging for the Downtown folks as the IOC is rumored to be looking at sites north of River Drive, but still in the Downtown area. It seems to be a shoo-in if the land based casino bill passes. Could this be the reason they backed out of giving the Blackhawk Hotel back to the city?

The cigarette tax mess, will have many of us spending our money in other states is due to be decided by next week. I see a string of new Convience Stores cropping up just south of the Missouri border if it passes. For more information you can go to that story.

The grandstanding judge in the Anna Nicole Smith body trial gave custody to the baby's guardian, attorney Richard Milstein. For more about this go to
that story. I have a feeling it's nowhere near over.

Comments are welcomed, as are suggestions.

SoLo problem starts early this year

2007-02-21T03:40:00.000-06:00

Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Sometimes they are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But my question would be; why? Shouldn't we as citizens be able to go where we want, when we want, without stupid hassles. Sometimes the problems are minor, sometimes scary, and sometimes they're deadly. Thankfully nobody was hurt in this one. But who gives punks the right to ruin our day. I don't think we want violence in our daily routine. I don't believe the Police or City Council do either. So why does it keep happening?

I'll print a letter that I edited slightly to protect the lady involved. I don't want her to have to worry about retribution after what's she's been through. So here's her letter-
---------------------

People of Davenport,

With the advent of warm weather, I have already encountered a problem in my
n'hood, near the frequently problematic intersection of 14th and Gaines. At
3 PM today, Tues., I was heading to Central to pick up my daughter. Just
east of Gaines on W. 14th, I encountered a large grp. [maybe 20?] of young
adult black males. There was no cross street for me to turn, so I had to
proceed. There were 2 cars ahead of me.

Several of the men jumped, yelling, on top of the first car's hood and roof.
They pounded HARD on that car, and on the 2nd car and mine as well. I was
frankly terrified that they would break in the windows. They were loud,
boisterous and acting like they were angry and looking for trouble.

I am dismayed to once again be unable [from a safety standpoint] to drive my
preferred route. During warm weather for several years, I have had to
choose a different way across that part of town. I have instructed my son
to do that as well. It makes me angry to be basically chased out of my own
n'hood by thugs. I hope there will be extra patrols in that area. I hope,
too, that police on that beat will sometimes be on foot, getting to know the
people in that area, heading off trouble. It is not fair that we citizens
are captives due to this foolish and dangerous behavior.

Thank you for your attention to this. Please let me know what the plans are
to address potential trouble in this area.

a concerned citizen
-----------------------

This is from someone's wife, mother, daughter, friend, and a really nice person. I don't think she, nor anyone for that matter, should have to deal with stuff like this. People don't want Guardian Angels around, the Police Chief says crime is exagerated, the Mayor and City Administrator don't think it's a priority, and some people feel safe. Tell that to this woman. It's time to get tough on these punks and get these gangs broken up. I'm tired of hearing about things like this happening and nothing being done to stop it. How much fun will it be when summer gets here? You're comments are welcome.

7 figure embezzlement

2007-02-20T11:21:00.000-06:00

It would seem the FBI has made 2 arrests. While Chief Bladel and the DPD were involved from the beginning, the case got fedalized a few weeks ago because of embzzlement and money laundering in the 7 figure range. While the DPD has been helping the QC Times and Lee Enterprises in the investigation for weeks, the FBI made the arrests. And for you people who say crimes are commited here by people who live elsewhere, the people arrested are from Illinois.

So to Chief Bladel and the DPD I say good job. When this comes out it will make for an interesting read.

------------Addendum--------------
snarky chick sent a link to the QC Times story that wasn't available when I posted this morning. A big thank you nod to you snarky. It's hard to read in the pop up comment section so I thought I'd put it here.
To read the story go here.

Cruisin in Heaven

2007-02-20T07:12:00.000-06:00

The street rodding hobby lost another friend Saturday. Dennis L. Van Theesmsche died at Genesis Medical Center. He helped me a great deal when we set up the disc brake front end on our 40'. He was a fixture at local cruises, loved his family and liked golf.

Is Ethanol the Answer?

2007-02-18T22:29:00.000-06:00

In the Frbruary 12, 2007 issue of U.S. News & World Report magazine is a story about ethanol. It asks 'Is Ethanol the Answer?'. It mentions Galva, Iowa as an example. This small town of less than 400 has put $13 million into the hands of investors since 2002. This is good for this small town. But is ethanol the answer? I think not. The government is paying out billions in subsidies to the ethanol industry. That's our money. While running alcohol in cars is nothing new; Henry Ford Ford built his 1909 Model T to run on gasoline or ethanol. While it's good for Archer Daniels Midland, Vera-Sun, and others, we as consumers get hit more than once. We pay for it with the federal subsidies, we are going to pay for it with higher meat prices and produce prices this summer, and we pay for it because it's extimated that we use 1.5 gallons of E-85 to go as far as 1 gallon of gasoline will get us. Last year's ethanol production used up 20% of the U.S. corn crop. This could grow to 50% by next year in the governments new push for ethanol. Feed corn, on the other hand dropped by 10%.

Now it's E-85 that's getting pushed. Even though it's only available at 1,000 of the Nation's 180,000 gas stations. The house should pass a bill this year that will direct federal agencies to figure out how to make the change. And even if E-85 was widely available, only 2.5% of all the cars in the country could run it. Automakers aren't making more E-85 vehicles because Congress created an incentive that allows them to produce more gas guzzlers so long as they make a minimum amount of flex fuel vehicles. Thanks to Congress's CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards fuel effiency has dropped since 1988, which is a problem since E-85 makes for lousy gas mileage. Ethanol CAN be produced with non-food based vegetation. Things like cornhusks and rice hulls, or even switchgrass. This would ease reliance on edible grain and add another bonus: Biotech enzymes rather than heat energy would break down the cellulose to fuel, reducing greenhouse gases to a fraction of those produced by corn. I'll keep running regular unleaded. And instead of pushing a product that ends up so costly, shouldn't research and development of other viable fuels be the priority?

Saturday musings

2007-02-17T19:46:00.000-06:00

Since it's Saturday, I got to thinking. Man, I hate that when it happens. Anyway what I was thinking about is why are there so many crime related shows on TV?
Almost everyone in a position of authority doesn't want to admit there's a problem, but year after year the shows stay on the air. COPS, America's Most Wanted, Real Stories of the Highway Patrol, Video Justice, Nancy Grace, Dateline's series on child molesters, etc. There's even a Court TV channel. If crime isn't an issue, why do these shows keep popping up? They're not as flashy as some shows, they don't have more drama, and they're real. Why don't we see something like Local Heroes of Government, or Developments of Central Cities, or How They Govern? Maybe it's just me but if you have any ideas I'd sure like to hear them.

Blowing smoke open thread

2007-02-16T22:52:00.000-06:00

Government is messing with some of my rights again and I don't like it. First off, I don't want to quit smoking, and our teenage son doesn't smoke. Iowa wants to raise the cigarette tax by $1 a pack. Claiming it would stop children from smoking and get older smokers to quit. In my case it would get me cruising accross a bridge to save $3.80 a carton. What it would do for local convient marts, is put them out of business. So that would mean less tax monies go into the state and city coffers in two ways. I'd be buying my smokes in Illinois and Iowa would be losing $13.60 in tax per carton. It would also mean no sales tax from closed gas station type convient stores.

They say it's for the children. Do you know the number one cause of death for kids 2 to 14? It's car crashes. And 21% of these kids killed in car crashes were killed by a drunk driver. In 2004 there was a fatal drunk driving accident every 31 minutes. To find out more about the facts go to the MADD website.

The government says smoking is the number one cause of death, and I believe it is. What they don't tell us is it's not the only car in the race. In 2,000 the leading cause of death was tobacco at 435,00 deaths. Number 2 was poor diet and physical inactivity at 400,000 deaths. Alcohol deaths were 85,000; and car crashes were 43,000 deaths. There are other figures for things like microbial agents, toxic agents, incidents involving firearms, sexual behaviors and drugs.

So here we go again; it's for our health. Bull! It's because the government is losing tax money because smoking is down, and since fewer people smoke they can work the non-smokers against use. I do not litter, I do not smoke in someone else's house, and I always ask before I light up. If you don't like my habit fine. Make it illegal, don't tax me to death. Because if you tax smokers now, you will be next. I can already see an obesity tax, an alcohol tax, a trans-fat tax. You see where it could go. The state cannot make money on a tax people won't pay. And Senator Kennedy has no business telling me my habit is killing others. I believe his habit has killed more people than mine. That's my thoughts, you're welcome to post yours. Post on anything, good, bad , complaint, compliment or praise.

Some changes and Daytona

2007-02-15T08:16:00.000-06:00

Sunday is the Daytona 500. Here's some NASCAR NEXTEL rule changes this year. I won't bring up the fines and suspensions because I don't know where it's going to end. And I can't say I have a favorite to win, but the Busch race should be as much fun to watch as the 500.

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series changes-
As expected, changes to the Chase format were revealed by NASCAR Chairman Brian France. The key elements: 12 drivers, instead of 10, will advance after 26 races; the 400-point cutoff is eliminated; the 12 drivers will have their point totals reset to 5,000 each plus a 10-point bonus for each race victory in the first 26 races; all race winners will get an additional five points. Changes to the Nextel All-Star race format include 10 fewer laps, in four 20-lap segments, with the finishing order of the Pit Crew Challenge used to determine pit selection. Roger Penske plans to build a test track on the grounds of his 400,000 square-foot race shop in Mooresville, N.C. Plans call for an oval of more than a half-mile in length, an infield road course, and skid pad. An official groundbreaking ceremony for the NASCAR Hall of Fame was held in Charlotte. For more information on NASCAR go to
nascar.com

Yes, He REALLY Said That
Dale Earnhardt Jr., on his on-going contract negotiations with Teresa Earnhardt. "The main factor is the ownership (of DEI) part. It has nothing to do with money and nothing else really . . . My father has been gone for almost six years now. I want majority ownership."

You don't stop laughing because you grow old--
You grow old because you stop laughing !!

Valentine's Day open thread

2007-02-14T06:53:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to my lovely wife, and everyone else. I don't know why she puts up with me, but I'm not complaining.

The post on moving part of the environmental inspections to the Solid Waste department got more comments than I figured. As I said from the beginning it made more sense the way it was. The crime post is as lively as that subject usually is, and the weather definitely needs a change for the better. And of course Alderman VanFossen made the newspaper again today. Sometimes decent men make bad choices, sometimes they make stupid choices, but neither is illegal. Something still doesn't smell right to me, but I'll leave it up the courts to decide. And remember our troops in harms way. It only takes a few seconds to say a little prayer for their well-being. Comments are welcome, except that I'm crazy, that one's been tried before. Like it, hate it, threw it against the wall and it stuck; here's where to post your comment.

New home for some inspections

2007-02-12T11:36:00.000-06:00

Beginning today, the Solid Waste Division will be responsible for all debris complaints to the city. We have established an Environmental Inspection Office at the Public Works Center with two inspectors that will handle this work. The inspectors are Brenda Hull and Scott King and they can be contacted at the main Solid Waste phone line 326-7732 Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Also, any weed complaints and rental inspections will continue to be handled by the Fire Department.
website- pitch-in.org

Bad crime or bad statistics

2007-02-11T09:21:00.000-06:00

It would seem there is a problem with reporting crime within the Davenport Police Department.
Chief Bladel claims the crime rate in Davenport looks high because of high statistics, not actual crime. He also claims that Davenport has a different reporting system than the rest of Iowa, and indeed different from the rest of the country! Chief Bladel should be asked if crime is the real problem, or if the reporting of the crime is the problem? I would like to have the crime brought up in a public meeting to see if the Chief can back up his claims. I don't think he can.

According to a some concerned friends;
meetings are being held out of the public eye in small groups, where the Chief is making just such claims of exagerated crime rates.
Who knows how many of these private meetings are going on, or why they are not made public. I have heard about the meetings from a few concerned people, and some business owners SoLo said they're not real happy with the way things are.
These taxpayers are just tired of the same old run-a-round. Favoritism
has no place in Police policy, and citizens with problems should all be treated to
the same level of service regardless of who the citizens know.

A search in the QC Times of Chief Bladel got 468 hits. Going back a year here's what I came up with, there are plenty more, these just prove a point.

Feb. 8,2007-Citizens take low priority with Bladel
Aug. 21, 2006-Police step up patrols after woman killed in drive-by
Jul. 28,2006-Quad-City homicide is 17th in 9 months
Jul. 9, 2006-Teen suffers gunshot wound to ankle
Jul. 6,2006-2 sought in fatal shooting
Jun. 13,2006-FBI:Violent crime hits 15-year high
May 18,2006-Serious crime is up in Davenport
May 18,2006-Q-C Robberies turn violent
Feb. 28,2006-Police union speaks out against chief
Feb. 27,2006-D-port police ask to meet with chief

So Chief, please explain how the crime reporting system works to the public. Comments are welcome.

Nothing bad to say open thread

2007-02-09T21:05:00.000-06:00

Here's some news from the latest City Council update. I like where they're heading, I just hope it isn't an election year grab for votes.

The five new Police positions will be three positions in the Juvenile Unit, one added patrol officer, and one new NETS officer. The city could add three new NETS officers in 2008, but they would either need to adjust the levey upward by 5 cents. I could live with that figure. They could also reduce the fund balance below what's recommended.

Also on a staffing note; DAI and Fire officials want to add four staff members to the Fire/NEO department. They think the extra funds could come from adjusted fees and fines, which would also promote better property management.

On the Public Safety side, Davenport has a Federal Grant which should make it's portion of area PSAP's (dispatch centers) around $75,000. It would be nice to have one dispatch center.

Public Works is going to recommend eliminating the Fejervary Learning Center. I think this is due to funding problems and could change.

The Blackhawk Hotel is in the works again, just a little behind schedule. Let's hope this goes through also.

The Urban Homestead Drawing was held and found 3 new owners for properties on 9th., Brown, and Wilkes.

Lastly the parking tickets; out of 11,485 tickets, 3,373 were collected on netting the city $46,561. Not bad for three months.

Comments are welcome. Let us know what you think.

Guardian Angels are coming to town

2007-02-07T21:14:00.000-06:00

Looks like the Guardian Angels are coming to Davenport to assess our crime problem. Sometime in March we can expect to see them. While I can't figure out why so many people are against this group; who only come to see if there is a problem, and if there is to set up a local group. Here's a link to see what they've been doing for another Iowa city, and what the residents think of the
Guardian Angels.

While I admit I have no experience working with these people, they've been doing what they do for 27 years. To go to their website and learn more go to The Alliance of Guardian Angels website.

I'd like to thank Alderman Lynn, and whoever else is involved in taking a step towards getting the crime down. Will it work? Can we get enough volunteers? Will there be an uproar because the Guardian Angels are coming? I really think it would help, I don't know about volunteers, and I'd almost bet there will be an uproar. Loudest will be Chief Bladel because then he will have to admit that the crime is out of hand. I don't care who they're shooting, stabbing, or bonking with beer bottles; it's time to take our city back. Comment are more than welcome.

Will the Taurus save Ford?

2007-02-06T23:41:00.000-06:00

Ford is expected to announce Wednesday (2-7-07) it's bringing back the Taurus. The plan is to rename the Five Hundred, the Taurus. Will a simple rebadge save them? Along with the new name, the Taurus will also get a more powerful engine and a cosmetic makeover in 2008.

Ford sold nearly 7 million Tauruses since 1985, and the Taurus was the best-selling car in the U.S. for much of the 1990's. But while Ford concentrated on high profit trucks and SUVs they let the Taurus stay unchanged too long. Ford killed the Taurus last year as sales were low profit. Since Ford dropped to number 4 in sales behind GM, Toyota, and DaimerChrysler they have to do something. Some people feel bringing back the Taurus is too little too late. Only time will tell.

There's also a rumor that by the end of this year, for the first time I can remember GM will not be in the top seller spot. The number one best selling car by the end of the year is projected to be Toyota. With GM and Ford sales dropping, and Toyota sales rising, it does seem posible.

Priorities

2007-02-06T09:13:00.000-06:00

In it's latest update the City mentions RiverVision.

RiverVision

At its foundation, the plan empasizes the following stragic goals:
Connect Davenport and Rock Island
Capitalize on the unique qualities of Davenport and Rock Island
Create new urban parks appropriate for each city
Identify catalysts for spurring economic development
Phase project implementation to demonstrate early success.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This means both cities want to bring back the water taxi with $3.5 million from the Federal Transportation Act. Both cities want to light Lock & Dam 15 at a joint cost of $650,000. I didn't see where either city mentioned maintainence and utility costs. While the water taxi is a neat idea I seem to remember the reason they stopped it is because it lost money. Development is fine, but it is not the only issue in this city.

This is just my take on it; shouldn't the city wait until some of the rumored 189 lawsuits against it are finalized? Two of the big ones are the cable fee, and the red light/speed cameras which would be millions if the city lost in court. I think before the city does much more spending, they ought to start thinking. Leave the meetings like they are, and run our city like professionals.

Nowhere is the crime problem mentioned. Maybe everyone feels like some posters on other blogs that because violent crimes lately involved people who know each other it's not a problem. While this seems true enough on the surface, when people are being shot outside of businesses, during business hours, I say it's a problem. Your opinions are welcome.

Water problem for downtown

2007-02-05T13:04:00.000-06:00

Seems the water main break is causing problems downtown. City hall, the Library, the Heritage, and Central Fire at least are affected. What will we do? The Fire Department has secured tankers, and water conservation measures are in effect for city buildings. The City has established an emergency operations center at the Police Department. Mayor Winborn has ordered a white van to be outside the Police Department, manned by a VIPS (Volunteers In Police Services) person in case someone needs a restroom break, to shuttle people to the School Administration Building at 16th and Main St. Nothing like being on top of things. I didn't hear the news converence at 11 a.m. as I'm looking after our son, who's out sick today. At least our water pressure is ok in the 5th ward where I'm at.

-----Addendum-----

Someone mentioned they didn't like how the comments pop up in a separate window now instead of how it used to be. Before it would open on the same page and when someone was done reading they had to backtrack to get back to the blog. So what do you think? The new way with the pop up window, or the old way? Let me know and whichever way gets more comments is how it will be.

What do you think II open thread

2007-02-03T14:11:00.000-06:00

This is going to be another open thread about the upcoming election. There were excellent comments on the last one. If the Bass vs the city of City of Huxley is upheld, the city council would have to pass a new resolution for Malin's tenure, and then renegotiate his contract. At worse, they may have to do the same for Chief Bladel. And of course we have the ongoing crime wave which with the cold weather seems to have shifted to vehicle thefts. So again I'll ask; who do you think should run, and who's out? I also think changing the meetings is wrong, and I believe that public statement session at the end should be longer. Yes there are people who get up to speak who don't say what you want to hear. But think of this, if they didn't get up to speak, the council would say there's no need for that part of the meeting. Remember Nicki Bowles? She took a beating from the public for being the most informed speaker at the meeting. Don't let them take this away from us, I believe that would be very bad for our city.
Keep the open mic.

I'm going to be in and out for a while so I'll close with this- I think if Wayne Hean ran for 5th ward, and Alderman Meyer for the At-Large position and won, we would see some changes in the crime problem. I know Hean took a lot of heat the last time he ran, but I still voted for him. Dan Lubel and Phil Yerrington did an excellent smear campaign on him to get him out. What were they afraid of? I think that would be better for the 5th ward and the city with two city council members who actually cared what voters thought and got things done around the city. So, please remember our troops in harms way. And let us know what you think. And I've already been called crazy so come up with something new.
Does any have a good city council roster in mind? Who should run, and who should stay on the porch?

Interesting City Council

2007-02-02T08:07:00.000-06:00

The City Council wants to change the way it does business. The story is an old one, told again in the
QC Times. I have to agree with Alderman Meyer on this one. I personally think it should stay as is. At first glance it doesn't sound like such a bad plan, but with a closer look, I smell a rat. If council memebers are too busy to allot 4 hours a week to city business, maybe some of them aren't qualified for the job. On the other hand, in an election year it would make for interesting blogging. You might want to get a second opinion from another legal department. Since your contracts with Malin might not be legal you do have other things to worry about.

On January 31, the Iowa Appeals court made an interesting ruling in the case of Bass vs. the city of Huxley, No. 06-0118. [6-918] If readers of this blog can download a pdf file its under Iowa Court of Appeals Recent Opinions. The court ruled that city managers are at will employees. Instead of trying to cut meetings at different hours, try doing what you were elected for, and govern. The crime rate is up again, your speed cameras aren't looking so promising. If anything you should add a meeting to your agenda.
And thanks to Jeremy Link, and Jim Fisher.

---------Addendum----------

I find it interesting kids that the Mayor, City Administrator, and City Legal have decided to hire outside counsel to advise the City Council on the effect the Bass decision has on Malin's contract. They are doing this to avoid conflict of interest. The day started out a little different with the city legal department saying this decision didn't effect Davenport.

Improbable History

2007-02-01T17:28:00.000-06:00

Sherman, set the wayback machine to 1979. We're going to investigate how since 1974 the EPA has been knowingly mandating a smog producing gas alternative on American citizens.

When our second energy crisis hit in 1979, a 40 cent per gallon tax credit went to push ethanol. Within 5 years 163 ethanol plants were built. When oil prices dropped in the 1980s and gas prices went down, ethanol couldn't compete and many plants closed up. Shortly after in another attempt to make people use more ethanol Congress enacted tax credits for E-85 vehicles. GM chose their Chevy Suburban which got 15 mpg, but with credits for being E-85 capable the credits earned gave its Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) ratings of 29 mpg.
In actuality, Congress knew that gas mileage would drop by at least 25%, or more. All these credits did was save Detroit millions each year in penalties for not meeting the CAFE mileage standards. This started the "Live Green, Go Yellow" ads that gave the impression that buying their vehicles and using E-85, we could reduce our dependence on foriegn oil. What GM left out of these ads is the fact that E-85 use would increase smog in summer months (the EPA attorneys admitted as much in 1995), and decrease fuel mileage. With E-85 selling for 13 cents a gallon more than regular, gas users would pay an extra $1,000+ in fuel costs per year.

Clinton's Clean Air Act of 1990 again tried to create an ethanol industry in America by having the EPA mandate that a full 30% of the oxygenates to be used in gasoline come from a renewable source, knowing that it poluted more and was not as efficient as gasoline. So Al Gore calls it an Incovenient Truth, I call it a Fractured Fairytale.

Go to Business Week Online Ethanol: A Tragedy in 3 Acts.

There is an excellent post from January 30,2007 on the
The Inside Dope blog entitiled 'Boland to further mandatory ethanol consumption.

One more time open post

2007-02-01T12:18:00.000-06:00

There were a lot of posts on my open thread about upcoming elections to City offices. This will be a continuance of that while I'm taking care of some personal things. I did recieve a nod that the sprinkler system on the Sky Bridge was damaged early Monday morning and water was running all over. Certain parts of said system couldn't be located, so I'll bet things got wet. While it was treated as a criminal damage incident, in English it's vandalism. Either the punks are getting smarter, or aiming higher. At any rate the total for repairs and clean up are sure to be interesting. A big nod for the information to my friend, thank you.

So this will continue the last open thread for a while longer. Let us know who you'd vote for, who you wouldn't vote for, who you're tired of hearing from, or whatever. If you're happy with how things are going, post that also. I'll be back with a new post shortly.

What do you think open thread

2007-01-30T06:18:00.000-06:00

I'm going to do a 180 here and hit the binders for a bit. I've been saying what I'm against, this post is about something I'm for.

Alderman Meyer, I hope you would consider a run for Alderman-at-large. You have been an asset to this city and I feel we would be better served if you considered this. You get things done for citizens in the entire city anyway. I've mentioned things on this blog I wasn't happy with and with a few e-mails the problem was fixed. Others never even acknowledged they recieved an e-mail, or that they cared. You have acted on dirty streets, grafitti, vandalism, and drug dealers while others ignored it. I respect and appreciate this kind of actions in a City Council member.

Now, I've got some things to get done, but if whether you agree, want to tell me I'm nuts, or have any comments, please post them. Maybe if enough people feel like me and post their thoughts he will run. What do you think?

My side Chief Bladel

2007-01-29T09:29:00.000-06:00

I recieved an e-mail from a trusted source that tells me Chief Bladel would like to shut down the blogs. I'd believe that even if I didn't trust the source. Well Chief, here's why you label me an againster-

Ten years ago three punks entered my house with the intention of killing my family and myself. We fought in our kitchen until I felt I was in trouble, grabbed my five year old son who I was shielding and ran upstairs locking doors as I went. The police were very efficient and arrived here within a few minutes. The punks were caught, tried for attempted murder, convicted and sentenced. I recieved death threat calls from jail and prison, and I said nothing. Now I do. My son was in therapy for years, and still has some troubles every October. Of the three jerks one was on probation with a rap sheet as long as my arm, one was in the Boot camp at Annie Wittenauer, and one was a tag-a-log. Yeah, probation works. We found after the fact teachers overheard these kids planning this and thought it was just 'talk'.

Then five years ago we lost our only daughter and and only grandchild in an auto accident. The one who caused it was a drunken illegal alien without a driver's license who fled to Mexico. There is no extradition for this charge. So you might say I have some pre-concieved notions on what's wrong with some of our laws.

I don't want sympathy, just understanding, there are two sides to the story and we know others have had the same experience. If that offends, or scares you, Chief Bladel, I am sorry. I also will not stop if one other person on God's green earth can benifit from our ordeal.

Safety tip

2007-01-29T07:57:00.000-06:00

Once in a while I hear some pretty good safety tips, and when I do I like to pass them along. If you have a newer car, or an older one with an alarm, here's one I hadn't heard before.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get into your house, just press the panic button for your car.

The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator.

Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this:

It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation.

Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.

It works if you park in your driveway or garage.

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your home, odds are, the burglar or rapist won't stick around.... after a few seconds, all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

Remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot.

The alarm can work the same way there ...... this is something that should really be shared with everyone.

And please remember our troops.

Now what? again

2007-01-28T11:24:00.000-06:00

Another part of this crime equation is us. We citizens have allowed ourselves to be walked down the primrose lane.
It takes a village to raise a child, there are no bad children, felons can be rehabilitated, probations works, it's that way everywhere. We bought the whole shooting match. It takes parents, plural, to raise a child. Parents who teach the child right from wrong, how to worship the faith of their choice, manners, how to act in public, and other life skills that will serve them when get to adulthood. The village only enters the equation with public schooling and making a safe haven to live in. And no matter how much compassion you have, there are some bad kids, most people cannot be rehabilitated, and probation isn't working. While I think it's getting bad all over, I don't see that as an excuse to let our city fall into ruin. What's wrong with no murders per 100,000? Why should we have a assault rate half of the National average? I'm accused of looking at only the negative side of our town, but if it wasn't there I couldn't do that; could I?

Just the other day a 17 year old girl got shot by her 27 year old ex-boyfriend. Everyone seems to be praying for the girl, and that's great. But not many are saying; what in the hell is a 27 year old man doing with a 17 year old girl? Shouldn't there be statutory rape charges and a place on the sex offender website in his future? Do they even have it on the laws anymore? We don't have all the details yet, but one still wonders. And why did he have a warrant for a controlled substance? This is where the Judiciary comes in. This guy should have been getting daylight pumped to him in a prison.

Two young children were tortured, supposedly for months, by their parents. I'm still worked up over this one. I don't see how a pregnant mother can be a party to this. After she has the baby, and they take it away, she should have her tubes tied, he should be casterated, they should get life in prison, in the same cell filled with 'soiled' diapers and made to watch Barney reruns for eternity. And that's too good for them.

And I wonder if more people will be shopping online and avoiding the Malls because of what's going on out there. The number of businesses hurt by this is growing. Alot of people won't go to Chuckie Cheese, the Village Shopping Center, Northpark Mall, Southpark Mall, and even Downtown. News Flash- If people aren't going, they're not making money. And yet I'm told things aren't that bad.

I'll end with this-
"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

Please take a moment to remember those who protect our right to agree to disagree.

Reinventing the wheel

2007-01-27T13:46:00.000-06:00

Some automotive news has had me wondering where the automotive industry was headed. I thought I'd post a couple of them. The first one is a Michelin tire called the TWEEL. Nothing new there you say? Take a look at the picture then go to the Michelin website.
You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.

A new car in our market is the Smart. If you're not claustrophobic, and don't mind a slower pace, it could be the car for you.
O'Rourke Motors in Tipton, Iowa has 5 of the new Smart (Superbly Manufactured And Reliable Transportation) cars in stock. They are called the Fortwo. They seat 2, get 50-60 mpg fuel economy, have a rear-mounted 3 cylinder turbo motor, Tridron hemispherical safety shell, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, electronic stabilization, and skid control. And are priced under $15,000. For more info on the car go to Smart car of America.

-------addendum-------

I recieved an e-mail from Chuck, who informed me the above website is not the official website on the Smart Car. The Smart website is located here.

Safety open thread

2007-01-26T08:05:00.000-06:00

The recent post on Safety generated some interesting points. snarky did some research and I appreciate the help. QCI mentioned that he thought things were a lot worse in Phoenix. Then ghost entered and said I might as well give up on the crime and post about cars fulltime. As I commented there, I'm not real good at quitting. So I went back and added Des Moines to snarky's orginal work and the following is the result.

In 2005, murders per 100,000 people Phoenix leads with 15, followed by Davenport with 7.1, then Des Moines with 2.6; the national average is 6.9

Rapes per 100,000 surprised me, Des Moines leads with 56.38, then Davenport with 54.68, the Phoenix with 36.35; national average is 6.9; national average is 32.2.

Robbery per 100,000- Phoenix had 289, followed by Davenport with 275,4, then Des Moines with 150.7; national average is 195.4; national average 340.1.

Aggravated Assault per 100,000- Davenport had 1002.5, Des Moines had 419.8, and Phoenix had 388.8; national average 340.1.

Now, while I know QCI has a problem with Sheriff Joe Arpaio, I still think his methods work. The numbers don't support the statement that crime is worse in Phoenix, and I'll say it again, Sheriff Arpaio is doing something.

These figures, and charts can be found on the area connect webpages listed below.
Davenport/Phoenix page

Davenport/Des Moines page

Say what you will, we need to get a grip on this crime problem. Post what you want, I'll be in and out all week end again. I'll close with a statement from Tony Blair I recieved via e-mail-

Thought for the day: In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America, he said: "A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in... And how many want out." Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:

1. Jesus Christ

2. The American G. I.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Safety

2007-01-25T09:22:00.000-06:00

I had good intentions of doing part two of the 'Now what?' post until I went on the porch to get my newspaper. I thought I could catch up on the City Council meeting as scheduling conflicts don't allow me to attend anymore. I'm surprised that according to the QC Times, nobody touched on the crime issue. In the two articles about the meeting the only things mentioned are articles about the removal of the new camera ordinance by Tory Brecht on the front page, and the Frieght House, by Tory Brecht on page B3. Both are excellent articles.

Along with an article by Barb Ickes about the proposal of Davenport firefighters including Bettendorf in their response area; the front page also had an article by Dustin Lemmon about the 'Brawl at the Mall'. On page B1 was an article by Kurt Allemeier telling us the 17 year old girl who was shot downtown is doing better; an artilce by Deidre Cox Baker about the guy who set the fire at the Edgerton Woman's Health Clinic, and an another article by Kurt Allemeier about the shooting where the victim drove down Pershing and wrecked a bunch of cars after being shot. Also excellent articles. Go to
QC Times for the stories.

Since we don't have cable TV, I can't watch the meetings, so I wait for the updates on the city webpage. I don't like where our city is going, and I don't care if the crime is everywhere. I don't care if people say our crime rate isn't high for a city of this size. I'm tired of seeing our town decay in the central city area, vacant buildings all over, and this new group of troublemakers who think we owe them something. Quit releasing them to Mom's custody, throw their butt in jail; and while we're at it, after 3 offenses throw Mom's butt in jail too. My people did not enslave your people, my people were forced out of Ireland due to famine. So if someone oppressed your great-great grandfather, deal with it , get over it, grow up, and quit blaming me.

Not only do we deserve, we should also demand, safety in our city.

Now what?

2007-01-24T12:05:00.000-06:00

What other avenues does a citizen have when nobody is listening? As I mentioned earlier this crime problem is neither local nor simple. There are a various reasons it has reached the level it has. Part of the problem is the legislature, the judiciary, the enforcement, and society. What can we do? While I don't believe any one person has all the answers, I believe most people have some ideas. If we can pool those ideas, maybe a workable solution can be reached. The Legislature isn't listening as they claim it's a localized problem and we cannot afford more prisons. The Judiciary isn't helping, they claim they can't sentence the criminals because of the prison shortage. The police are doing thier job by arresting the criminals only to see them set loose by the Judges who claim the prisons are full. Local government passes the buck by saying the crime came from Chicago. And lastly people, we let it happen. Our society in general has been in a downward spiral, and we accept it. Everybody is so afraid of hurting someone elses feelings, or seeming unsympathetic, because we want to live in a safe community. We now have sex on local TV and drugs in our streets. Truant officers are obsolete. Morals are in the gutter, and manners are something us old farts fondly remember.

Well let's work on it. If you are truely unhappy with the Police Chief, the City Council, the County Attorney, the Judges, or our Senators and Congressmen; let them know. In this modern cyberage, most have e-mails, all have phones. Contact them and politely state your case. Believe me, if they know enough of the people who put them in office are unhappy, they will listen. Below I have listed some links, or phone numbers to local officials, police, county attorney, and the 7th. Judicial District. I also included a link to the Police webpage that you can leave a comment on. I've been guilty of ranting and name calling myself, and this isn't how to get things done. If we inform them of our problems and concerns clearly, without name calling or threats, I believe they will start listening. If you have an e-mail address I don't, please include it with your comment so as many as possible can be reached. If they don't act, we still have elections coming up. There will be more posts on how we could handle this crime problem to follow.

Mayor Winborn
563-326-6163

City Hall
563-326-7701

Police (Administrative Assistant)
563-326-7778

Police (non-emergency)
563-326-7979

Police (on-line questions, comments, and ideas form)
Police Comments Page

7th Judicial District Administrator
District 7

Howard Thomas
District Court Administrator
Scott County Courthouse
416 West 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801
(563) 326-8783

Scott County
Attorney's Office
Scott County Courthouse
400 W. 4th St.
Davenport, Iowa 52801-1104
Phone: (563) 326-8600

Ian Frink
Alderman at Large
ifrink@ci.davenport.ia.us

Jamie L. Howard
Alderman at Large
jlh@ci.davenport.ia.us

Ron Van Fossen
First Ward Alderman
rvanfossen@ci.davenport.ia.us

Shawn Hamerlinck
Second Ward Alderman
shamerlinck@ci.davenport.ia.us

Keith Meyer
Third Ward Alderman
km@ci.davenport.ia.us

Raymond A. Ambrose
Fourth Ward Alderman
No email address available

Bill Lynn
Fifth Ward Alderman
bgl@ci.davenport.ia.us

Charles W. Brooke
Sixth Ward Alderman
cwb@ci.davenport.ia.us

Barney Barnhill
Seventh Ward Alderman
bbarnhill@ci.davenport.ia.us

Brian Dumas
Eighth Ward Alderman
bdumas@ci.davenport.ia.us

What's it going to take?

2007-01-23T18:15:00.000-06:00

It's wake up time people. You didn't want the Guardian Angels because they're 'vigilantes', you reelected some real boneheads to our city council. You reelected our judges and county attorney. You didn't want news to get out that there's trouble in town. Guess what? It's out there now. You danced around the issue and it's time to pay the band.

I'm wondering what it's going to take to get our city leaders moving on this problem. Will it take someone getting hit by a stray bullet in their living room? Will it take a child getting hit? How about another murder this month? Since these people don't have a problem with our crime rate, or in most cases, a suspect; what's it going to take? Riots at Chucky Cheese and Northpark weren't enough. What's it going to take?

Call me an againster, I'm proud to say I am against this kind of behavior. We offered solutions on our blogs, some bad and some very good, only to be ignored. What's it going to take? Does this city council want us to come down and hold their hand and show them where their backbone should be? Maybe we could give Chief Bladel a ride-along through our neighborhoods. I wonder if he seen what's going on with his own eyes how he explain that 'it's not a problem for a city our size'.
Excuses are like buttholes people and yours need a diet.

Crime wave

2007-01-23T08:21:00.000-06:00

With our local crime wave I thought I'd look up some information. This is a site where if you're planning to move, you can get a profile of the city you want to move to. On the home fair website, city profile page I typed in my zip code (52803). If you get past the 4% drop in population since 1990, it doesn't look too bad. Then go to Income and Jobs. OK. The average household income is listed as $49,257; but the average total household expenditure is $42,840. Going down to Education, it doesn't look too bad. In the climate section it's nice to see we're low on earthquake risk. Then to the Crime- no surprise here, it's high. For total crime risk we're over three times the National average, and almost four times the Iowa average. On to personal crime risk; we're over two and a half times the National average, and over four times the State average. On property crime risk; we're over two and a half times the National average, and over three times the Iowa average.

Now, while local politicians are distracting us with the speed cameras, and National politicians are distracting us with the war, and what they did or didn't vote for; the National crime rate is going up. All these people know about the crime. They all know about how it's been rising for some time. We people who bring attention to this subject are called 'againsters'. Call me what you want, but I have a problem knowing that it's been getting worse. It should be in newspapers, on TV, on more radio stations; it should be the topic of the day. With elections coming up it should be part of every candidates platform. It cannot be hidden any longer. If we want a safe place for our children to grow up, we have to start acting now. What good is universal health care for children if they get shot? If people don't feel safe going to shop, eat, or enjoy a sunny day; it's a problem. People have stopped going downtown, to Northpark, around the speed cameras; what's left? It's time for the people who are planning to run for office to put up or shut up. If you want my vote, don't tell me how much money you raised to run; tell me how you're going to keep America safer for the next generation.

Blowing smoke

2007-01-22T09:53:00.000-06:00

Chet Culver wants to raise Iowa cigarette tax by $1 a pack. He claims this will raise $130 million in new taxes annually which he would use to insure children. Excuse me; does Iowa have that many children who smoke? Why should we smokers be taxed at a much higher rate than we already are? Last time I checked drunk drivers killed more people on our roads than smokers. Last time I checked cigarettes are legal. Even if taxes increase by the 64 cents per pack that is being mentioned, Iowa will not see a jump in revenues. If anything there could be a decrease in revenue depending on how steep the tax is.

As someone who likes to cruise, if the tax went up by the 64 cents, I would cruise to Wisconsin and save $2.30 a carton. Or better yet, I would get the 40' Plymouth out and cruise to Missouri and save $8.30 a carton and be grinning the whole drive. If you think I am alone in my thinking Governor, you better think again. If the $1 tax increase was passed, Illinois would be $3.80 a carton cheaper and a lot closer.
Convience store owners in towns that border higher taxed states would lose 34% of their non-gas revenues. Talk about a business friendly plan. I'm getting tired of being told how smokers are a burden to society. We pay our own higher insurance premiums, most of us do not litter, and some of us even ask before we light up. If you say 'I'd rather you didn't smoke', I just go outside when the urge hits. So until someone makes it illegal, get off my back. Enacting tax hikes and spending non-existant windfalls are not going to help anyone.

Here's a link to the QC Times story about it.

-----Addendum----

I have done some thinking and came to the conclusion I would accept a 25 cent a pack tax hike if; all monies raised from this tax went to building more prisons. I would support a $1 per butt fine for all litterers with the same conditions attached. Then the judges wouldn't have an excuse to let the punks loose on our streets, and maybe each smoker could sponser a felon. The State could send us a picture of 'our' sponsered felon so we knew where our money was going.

Camera tricks part II

2007-01-21T10:36:00.000-06:00

The red light/speed camera debate is getting a little crazy. Chief Bladel says accidents are down at the intersections where cameras are installed. I have nothing against Chief Bladel, he's just doing his job for a department that could really use extra funds. In talking to him I think he is a nice guy. I also think he believes the cameras are for safety. It's just that myself, and others, do not. According to the Iowa DOT, accidents are down state wide. In most cases, from fatalities to property damage, the numbers have been going down for a decade. But what about other parts of the city? We just had a pretty bad wreck on Jersey Ridge; was that because they don't have cameras in the area, or was it driver error? These things are called accidents, not assault by distracted driver.

With the fewer accident defense comes the question of traffic flow. If the Iowa DOT was complaining that when gas went up people bought less gas; how can they drive more? Also, alot of the cameras are located on highways that truckers and others that have to drive use. While I believe traffic flow actually went down, it could also have gone up. But not by much. If people from out of town, and out of state, aren't visiting Davenport because of these cameras, it just doesn't make sense that traffic flow is up. Also working against the fewer accident defense is the weather. We haven't had any bad hail storms, freezing rain storms, snow storms, or other adverse weather that affects the accident rate.

Another snag is these people complaining they've gotten 5 or 6 of these tickets. If they were true tickets, turned into the state, they wouldn't have a license either. If the lawbreakers aren't learning from their mistakes, and the law abiding people aren't getting caught, it's not really safer.

If my wife takes our new car to the dealer, and the mechanic blows through a light test driving it, giving the car a ticket; you'll be hearing from me. How it can be legal to give the owner a ticket, without proving guilt, is beyond me. Until I get a day in court, with someone proving I broke the law, not just my vehicle, I cannot back these cameras. My wife and I haven't got a ticket because we don't speed and we don't blow through red lights. That's what tells me it's not about safety, it's about the money.

Drive up Brady south of the cameras, and you feel like you're at Daytona. Get within a block of the cameras and the brake lights come on. Get through the camera range and it's Daytona again. So it may be safer at these intersections, but until someone comes up with data that says it's keeping the whole city safer, no sale; it's about the money.

E-85 and Flex-fuel vehicles myth

2007-01-20T11:19:00.000-06:00

Consumer Reports magazine has an excellent article on E-85 and flexible fuel vehicles, in the October 2006 issue. The article is called 'The ethanol myth' and brought up some things I didn't know, and some things I hadn't considered.

I knew ethanol lowered gas mileage. I didn't know E-85 lowers gas mileage over regular fuel by 27%. This is because achohol has lower BTU's than regular gasoline. Add to this the fact that if you leave the midwest you can't find E-85; why is the government pushing this snake oil? While it is true that it lowers emissions, it's just not worth the trade off of lousy mileage.

CR claims the Government support for flexible-fuel vehicles is indirectly causing more consumption rather than less. It's also widely known that less than 1% of fuel sold is E-85. If you travel; they have NO E-85 in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Deleware, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana or Mississippi. California, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Florida have 5 or less E-85 stations open to the public.

So, if you're lucky enough to find the fuel, you are rewarded with really lousy gas mileage and the feeling that you are helping keep the world green. But if you are using more fuel, at a higher price, with the only real emissions drop seen with Nitrogen oxide, while adding acetaldhyde to our breathing air; where is the real benefit to anyone?

ICE

2007-01-19T20:51:00.000-06:00

April 13, 2005 the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, of the Committee on the Judiciary House of Representatives, 109th Conress. There is a link to the webpage at the end of this post. The following is some excerpts taken from testimony before this committee-

Over 631 gang-related homicides occurred in 2001, and by 2003 the number of gang killings had jumped to 819. In addition to homicide, gang members have been directly linked to the narcotics trade, human trafficking, document fraud, and violent assaults.

The majority of MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) members are foreign nationals in this country illegally. Newsweek has called this gang, the most dangerous gang in America. It has even been alleged to be negotiating with al Qaeda to smuggle terrorists into our country. Let's get them out. The problem? Some critics have complained, that flaws in our current immigration system hinder efforts to use the current immigration laws to curtail the alien gang epidemic. For example, some have pointed to the so-called 'sanctuary' laws that prohibit State and local law enforcement officers from contacting immigration aauthorities about illegal aliens, even if they are previously deported criminals. Such laws require the police to wait until those illegal aliens prey on the public before they can act. Some have asserted that temporary protected status, or TPS, has also protected alien gang members who would have otherwise been deportable. Gang members cannot be deported just for being gang members.

In 2003, ICE conducted a comprehensive threat assessment on violent street gang activity in the United States. The threat assessment identified MS-13 as having a presence across the nation, a significant foreign-born membership, and a history of violence.

The Law Enforcement Support Center checks MS-13 gang membe data provided by State and local authorities against DHS and other databases to locate gang members. In a cooperative effore, ICE and Bureau of Prisons identitied 102 records of MS-13 gang member in the Federal prison system database.

If you wish to find out more, the entire testimonial is on this page. It is a lengthy document.

Recent City actions

2007-01-18T20:00:00.000-06:00

Recent actions by our City Council reminded of a joke I recieved by email yesterday. Here it is-

Five surgeons are discussing who makes the best patients to operate on.
The first surgeon says, "I like to see accountants on my operating table because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered."
The second responds, "Yeah, but you should try electricians! Everything inside them is color coded."
The third surgeon says, "No, I really think librarians are the best, everything inside them is in alphabetical order."
The fourth surgeon chimes in: "You know, I like construction workers. Those guys always understand when you have a few parts left over at the end, and when the job takes longer than you said it would."
But the fifth surgeon shut them all up when he observed: "You're all wrong. Politicians are the easiest to operate on.
There's no guts, no heart, no brains and no spine, and the head and the rear end are interchangeable."

Now fearless City Leaders, get some guts, use some brains and stop all this nonsense before you end up costing us tax payers millions. With elections coming later this year someone should start using some common sense, or pick out your rocking chair.

-----Addendum-----
While I'm on the subject I also find it amusing that some City Council members, and others are trying to take credit for the Freight House, but neither Ahrens, Malin, or Winborm know the details of the deal worked out by Mr. Whitty and the owner of Penguin's.

Buchwald dies and ethanol

2007-01-18T12:14:00.000-06:00

Art Buchwald, Washington's columnist, died Wednesday at 81 years of age.

The colonel posted a piece entitled 'Redmond Jones, Ethanol, & The "WRONG" Editorial' on his blog. I'd like to take a moment and comment on the Ethanol statement. Scientists have been saying that even if we used all corn grown in America, the Ethanol output produced would only around 10% of the total fuel used. Politicians have been told that Ethanol is NOT a replacement for gas. It can be added to gas, at up to 85%, but cannot replace it entirely. To use E-85 you need a vehicle specially built to run the mixture. The cost to retrofit an older vehicle to run on E-85 is very costly. If an Ethanol crash happens it will be because of poor government planning, not lack of corn. Instead of backing Butanol development, which CAN replace gasoline enitrely, the government continues to go with Ethanol. Either product can be made with corn, and both cost about the same to make a gallon of finished product. Butanol can also be made with certain grasses or beets. The big thing, I think, is that with Butanol, you can run it 100% in an older vehicle with no modifications, and testing shows no adverse affects on new cars either. The icing on the cake is testing showed that Butanol also increased gas mileage by 15% over Ethanol, it burns hotter than Ethanol, and has lower emissions. Get ready kids about 4 years from now, if not sooner, you'll be hearing alot more about this real replacement fuel. It's just too bad research and development is going to be done in England instead of here. Oh yeah, Ethanol plants can be converted to make Butanol when the time comes.

Camera tricks

2007-01-17T17:24:00.000-06:00

All this talk about red light/speed cameras got me thinking. It's supposed to be about safety. Bull! In 2004 we had 6 murders in Davenport. Even before the cameras I don't remember that many traffic fatalities in town. In 2004 we had 997 violent assaults; I don't remember that many serious accidents.

So now the City Council wants to change the wording so it closer resembles the State code. I believe the new wording is more controversial than the old. Extortion comes to mind. Collection agencies and threats doesn't sound like safety to me. Fight the ticket, and we'll turn your violation into the state. It sounds like the city wants to bully citizens into paying up. I would almost be willing to bet that if the City Council passes this it will be contested before the ink is dry. It would be different if someone would admit that's it all about the money. Greed is pretty easy to understand, stupidity is not.

But let's remember this kids; while everybody is talking about these stupid cameras, they're not talking about the shootings, stabbings, vandalism and other crime that is a safety issue. And no, I haven't gotten a ticket of any kind in at least 10 years.

Nascar great dies

2007-01-16T10:45:00.000-06:00

Benny Parsons died this morning of complications from his lung cancer. He was 65. For the entire story go to MSN.

When is enough, enough?

2007-01-16T08:41:00.000-06:00

Since the first of the year, we have had two murders, a non-fatal, but serious stabbing, a non-fatal, but very serious shooting, and a disturbance involving a gun and a group of about 60 at a dance club, and vandalism. What's February going to be like? If things keep up at this rate we will easily break last year's record of highest murder/crime rate in the state. While the speed cameras are keeping us safe on the road; what's being done about the number of violent assaults? It would seem, to a casual observer like myself, that even buglary and auto thefts are on the rise this year.

When we live in an area that is losing population, or at the very least showing little signs of growth; wouldn't the safety of the citizens be a priority? Unless we bring in more illegal immigrants or homeless we may be paying higher taxes to offset the loss. Granted, the body found in the farm field may have been killed last year, or even somewhere else, but some as yet unknown woman is still dead. We should start a zero tolerance policy on violent crime. I think it is way past the time city leaders, the Police department, and the citizens should take a stance. We do not condone sex offenders, murderers, rapists, gangs, or any other of the various deviants who have invaded our community. We want them gone, we want our city back, and we want it done yesterday.

Good and bad

2007-01-15T22:42:00.000-06:00

In the January 14, 2207, issue of Parade magazine there is an article by David Wallechinsky about where America leads the world and where it doesn't. It's interesting that we lead the world in Billionaires, Olympic medals, internet users, Nobel prize winners, Military abroad, roads, Airports, and Gold reserves.

We are lacking in some areas that surprised me. Out of 172 nations, 43 countries have more physicians than we do. 33 countries have a lower infant death rate. 27 countries have a longer male life expectancy, and 29 countries have a longer female life expectancy. We have the 15th highest murder rate, and the highest per capita rate of people in prison. 71 countries have more women in national legislatures. And on voting, we are 139th. out of 172 on eligible citizens who vote.

If you don't get a Sunday newspaper, I would like to cite some other figures from this article. We spend more money per person on health care a year ($5,700) than any country, and a greater percentage of of gross domestic product (more than 15%) goes to health care. 33 nations, including Cuba, have a lower infant death rate and 28 have a lower maternal death rate. We consume more calories per capita than the citizens of any other nation, and we lead the world in the prevalence of obesity.

We have a greater rate of incarceration and we perform the fourth-highest number of executions. And we have an unusually high rate of violent crime. Of the 53 countries for which there are reliable statistics, only South Africa and Canada have higher rape rates. The U.S. also has the third-highest rate of major assaults and the 15th-highest murder rate.
For the entire article on the web go to Parade magazine.

You can draw your own conclusions, as I have.

Things

2007-01-14T13:39:00.000-06:00

This coming week is National Mental Health Care week.
You can do your part by remembering to contact
at least one unstable person to show you care.

Well, my job is done!

A lot of little things going on lately in our little burg. Having the County Treasurer come out and say he'd hold license plates on people who haven't paid an unenforcible fine, until such is paid is ludicrus. Then the city council goes behind closed doors to decide it's going to appeal the ruling on the cameras. And of course leaving the cameras on until a decision is made, up to a year, makes sense from a safety standpoint also. Changing the law now makes a lot of sense. Why waste the time? We've had a stabbing, a shooting, and a fight with a concealed gun SoLo. We've had 2 car chases with 1 vehicle caught.

Here's a thought. Make the tickets a traffic offense, they are. I'll bet the revenue would dry up pretty quickly when people lose their licenses and start paying for risk insurance. If this was truly a safety issue these offenses would go on the driving record.

No crime weekend open thread

2007-01-12T10:30:00.000-06:00

This is an offshoot of the open thread I posted on Wednesday. Some good points were made and I felt the subject deserved another post. Between the city's obsession with the money tree cameras, and the general apathy towards citizen's concerns for real safety, this is turning into a topic of discussion. Since I will be busy this weekend you can post your comments here all weekend.

While it appears Chief Bladel can't admit it, there is definitely a rise in violent crime again. It never ceases to amaze me that we have had at least 1 shooting, and a fatal stabbing in the new year, and the only thing in the news is about the cameras. Not a word about a crackdown on bangers, or new ordinances; it's all about the cameras. And as if to insult our intelligence they keep coming up with the "it's for safety" speel. Give us a break.

The problem of bad rental properties was addressed in the blogosphere. Not a word from downtown. Dealing with either the renter or property owner usually people nowhere. Rental inspections are rumored to be joke, an enviromental problem leaves people wondering what can be done. Having dealt with the fire department on this myself I can say my experience was worse than with the old system.

The revolving door policy of our courts really puzzles some people. If it truely is a problem with prison space, build more prisons. Wait to build another artificial rain forest and build them. The laws are there, enforce them. There are senteces on the other end of the scale from probation. It's the longest sentence a person can recieve. Use it.

So we should think of ways to help our city solve these problems, because they can't seem to be able do it on their own. I'll start things off. If every neighborhood SoLo held a bake sale, we could in turn give it to the police department when they show up for an emergency. Since the police department seems to be after the almighty dollar in the name of safety, maybe this would improve the response time. We couldn't match the revenue the cameras are generating; but if someone makes really good cookies, maybe it would make crime a priority downtown. So let's put on our thinking hats and see if we can help the city leaders get an original idea. I'll even let them claim mine if they want. For it, against it, or think it's stupid, it's time to let them know what we think.

Motorsports news

2007-01-11T17:17:00.000-06:00

Wow! What a day to be a car nut. Motorsports promoter Michael Goodwin is convicted on 2 counts of murder in the killings of Mickey Thompson and his wife in 1988. For more on this story go to the story.

A couple Nascar items also-
Benny Parsons is in the ICU due to complications for lung cancer. For more on this story go to that page.

Lastly, and sadly, Bobby Hamilton died Sunday of cancer at 49 years old. A nice guy and winner of 4 races in his Nextel career. For more on this sad passing go to his story.

A big hats off to the QC Times for covering Motorsports like this. Although alot of the news is sad, I'd rather get it now than in a magazine 3 months from now. Good job.

No crime open thread

2007-01-10T20:40:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday; do you know where the bangers are? I'm having a little trouble following the Police department actions on local problems. On December 21, 2006 there was a shooting in the alley behind Sav-A-Lot. No news there; but how can there be shooting if the police couldn't find the victim? It was smart of them to call the Hospitals to see if anyone was admitted with a gunshot wound. Since the first of the year we've had a stabbing, and a shooting. Someone was in custody in the stabbing, but the shooting is a bigger problem. The police spokespeople say they're having trouble finding witnesses, duh. If you live around here you know better than to be out at 2:45 a.m. We may be crazy for living here, but we are not stupid. It's a good thing the vicim crashed his car or they might not be able to locate a victim in that shooting either. I've said in my personal experience, I haven't had a problem with the police department, and that's true. But the more I hear of this kind of stuff going on the more I wonder. If I haven't had a problem does that mean one doesn't exist. I'm going to have to go with the QC Media blog author on this one. Start cracking down on these jerks. Bust them for hanging out, bust them for driving around, bust them because they need it. You didn't know about the drug house on LeClaire Street, you sure don't know about the punk who deals out of his car at the end of my alley. With 2 shootings you have 1 victim, and no suspects. That's not very impressive gentlemen.

And by the way, I've talked with neighbors that live in the area behind Sav-A-Lot and they still say there were 3 shootings last month. The police department will only acknowledge one so I don't know. Maybe the other two times the shooter picked up his shell casings, the victim walked away, and they couldn't find any evidence.
Add to that the vandalism with several car windows broken last week, and this area has a problem.
That's my take on it; anyone out there have a different take on it?

----Addendum---

The city council wants to rewrite the rules regarding the speed/red light cameras. We will still pay the city, at a smaller rate, but it will be turned into the State. It will go against our driver's license. While I personally haven't gotten a ticket in decades, this seems goofier than the old set up. These people need to be told we don't want this. It is not for safety, and like the storm water fee, is not mandated. Of course this new version of local law will cost us, the taxpayers, more money than the old one. If safety is the issue, put more policemen in our neighborhoods and make us safer. Put the cameras in front of schools, and make us safer. Get rid of the drug dealers and gang bangers and make us safer. Otherwise, it IS about the money and not safety.

Tale of 2 trials

2007-01-10T16:12:00.000-06:00

Here's a couple stories that are in the news this afternoon. Neither is really a surprise, but it is local.

QCTimes story by the times staff
Cassandra Bacon was found guilty of child endangerment this afternoon. Will be sentenced in March. Go to the QC Times.

From the Des Moines Register story by Jennifer Jacobs-
Brian Street was found guilty this morning of sexually exploiting his teenage stepdaughter Tracey Dyess by taking more than 50 color photos of her in sexual poses and engaging in sexual activity with him.

He was also convicted of possession of child pornography for keeping the photos of the 17-year-old girl – 20 years his junior – in a double-locked fireproof safe in his bedroom.

In 2005 the daughter set fire to the house, trying to kill Mr. Street, but instead two of her siblings died in the fire. For more on this go to the DM Register.

Hospital or Iraq safer?

2007-01-09T18:39:00.000-06:00

This article in the AARP Bulletin opened my eyes. According to the article, by Katherine Greider, 2 million patients a year are infected in the hospital. Of these 90,000 will die from that infection. Are our hospitals that dirty? I've never liked hospitals but I always chalked it up to liking to sit still for too long. Go to the AARP website. This makes me wonder if someone wouldn't be safer in Iraq than the hospital.

On the same subject, for a State-by-State guide to health care provider performance, you can click on this link. The story, by Christopher J. Gearon, makes me wonder why health care isn't a higher priority with more people.

Shifting gears and grabbing third, let's hope the colder weather keeps the bangers inside. Today is only the 9th. day of the new year and we've had a shooting and a mob scene outside a dance involving a gun. These issues need to be addressed. The same names seem to keep popping up. These people would have to be considered habitual offenders. Someone should enact a 3 strikes and you're out ordinance and enforce it. When you see juveniles with criminal records longer than your arm, the system isn't working.

Chicago, court, and car shows

2007-01-08T11:23:00.000-06:00

Chicago Ald. Arenda Troutman (20th) was arrested this morning in
connection with federal corruption charges. For the details, such as they are, go
here.

Cassandra Bacon goes to court today for child endangerment in the death of her infant. The shooting victim is still in hospital, someone will have to pay the property he destroyed. I doubt Terrell Lillybridge has a driver's license or insurance, which means the citizen's get screwed again for choosing to live SoLo.

January 19, 20, 21 there's an indoor car show at the Expo Center in Rock Island. The Detroit Auto Show is going. Chevy has the Camaro convertible concept while Ford has the Interceptor, among others. Sorry Ford, a four door with 22 inch wheels doesn't say muscle car to me.

The Federal Citizen Information Center updated it's recall list, and it's pretty long. Everything from Mercedes, to Christmas Beagles, to Dewalt tools. for the entire list go to the FCIC Recalls page.

Shootings and duck collecting

2007-01-07T12:39:00.000-06:00

It's still happening. Around 1 a.m. there were at least 2 separate shootings with 2 victims SoLo, and nothing on the news. It started out around 6th. and Pershing, and ended at 9th. and Pershing with shots fired calls. It's another case of "if they're aren't any fatalities, it's not news." This is right on top of some new developments; I wonder if these people are still feeling safe?

On a lighter note, I see Jim and Nancy Mullin made the paper about her duck collection. The reporter involved needs a speed course in identifying old car. Run Around Blue is not a 1954 Ford. If you attend any local car shows you know this car. For more of the story, and a few pictures go to the QC Times.

----addendum----

An annonymous poster on QCI's blog left a comment about the shooting calls. Whoever is quoted says the event on 6th. Street was not a shooting, but a car accident resulting from a shooting. My wife and son still swear there were two shooting calls, and two victims on 6th Street. They say there was a victim at 6th. and Pershing, and another victim at 6th. and Perry. To check out the posting on QCI's blog, look for anon. at 10:55 (1-07-07) here.

Busy open thread

2007-01-06T11:29:00.000-06:00

I'm going to be busy this weekend so here's a open thread. Comment on some of my stuff, make up your own, gripe about something, or just keep the shiny side up.

The grafitti problem is getting under control around S-A-L, nothing solved on the vandalism around it, and it's going to get colder. Here's a few other thoughts.

Being a person of the older generation, I remember when gas stations sold just gas. If this fad came back I would be among the first patrons. I think I remember paying for gas without waiting in a line of people buying milk, cigarettes, or lottery tickets.

I still say, if you rich dudes are reading my drivel, that someone should open an honest to God Drive-In restaurant. Something along the lines of the old A & W or Dean's. A real nostalgic place that would be a destination for young and old alike. Maybe even a big blank white wall outside to show movies on the weekend. Whoever does this would keep the kids off the street, the older generation happy; and I'll bet, make a healthy chunk of change without any local competition.Now the closest Drive-In is in Muscatine.

If things run as usual, the City Council will screw up the camera lawsuit and it will be George Bush's fault. Because almost the entire council, except 2 members that I know of, don't see a problem even if the judge did. It seems even the County Treasurer is getting into the act with his latest move. Enjoy the weather, it's not going to last much longer.

Iowa and our drug problem

2007-01-05T06:35:00.000-06:00

Today's post concerns gangs and drugs. The availability of these drugs is kind of scary to an old fart like me. I have included links to the websites I aquired the information from.

The following are all excerpts from websites. The first one is from the Schaffer Library of Drug Policy website-

Printed in the DM Register Dec., 14, 1997
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Ia., head of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, said it was "absolutely critical" to pressure Mexico to clean up its side of the border.
In Des Moines, Polk County District Associate Judge Carol Egly has noticed in the past four years an increase in the number of drug users. "We're getting many that are totally whacked out and crazy," she said.
She also has seen a growing number of Mexican nationals appearing on drug-pushing charges in her courtroom, unable to speak English or understand the charges against them. And yet, she said, they realize that even if they go to prison and then are deported to Mexico, it will not keep them from returning.
"Why Des Moines? Why Iowa?" Egly asks herself. "I still don't know the answer."

From the DEA Production and Trafficking webpage-

Regional Trafficking Trends-

Areas of the upper Midwest have been hard hit by the spiraling growth of methamphetamine trafficking and use. In Iowa, methamphetamine is cited as a contributing factor in an estimated 80 percent of domestic violence cases, and as a major reason behind violent crime. The user population consists primarily of young white adults from lower-middle income families. Many start by snorting methamphetamine and progress to injecting. In one year, from 1993 to 1994, methamphetamine seizures rose 4,000 percent in the city of Des Moines. Methamphetamine cases now account for 80 percent of the police department's drug investigations. Most of the methamphetamine available in the upper Midwest is trafficked by Mexican-controlled criminal organizations - connected to sources of supply in California and Mexico - that are based in smaller Midwestern cities with existing Mexican-American populations. Smuggling routes into the region incorporate a variety of transportation means, but the profit is a constant: a pound of methamphetamine purchased in California for $5,000 sells for as much as $16,000 in Iowa.

From the DEA Iowa website-

Drug Situation: Methamphetamine, both that which is produced in Mexico or the southwest United States and locally produced, remains the principal drug of concern in the state of Iowa. Cocaine, particularly crack cocaine, is a significant problem in the urban areas of the state. Iowa also serves as a transshipment point for drugs being transported to the eastern United States via Interstate 80. Interstates 29 and 35 also provide a critical north-south transportation avenue for drug traffickers. Northwestern Iowa is reporting a significant increase in the availability of crack cocaine in their area. The cocaine is believed to come from sources of supply who transport the cocaine through the Kansas City area on the way to Iowa.

Cocaine is readily available throughout Iowa. Cocaine availability in the Des Moines area remains stable after past increases. There has been a significant increase in the availability of crack cocaine in the Sioux City area of northwestern Iowa. Transportation of cocaine is primarily via mail services, personal vehicles, and buses from sources on the west coast and the southwest border. Suppliers from Chicago, Illinois, also supply cocaine to eastern Iowa. Mexican polydrug traffickers bring some of the cocaine into the state with shipments of marijuana and methamphetamine. Much of the cocaine is converted into crack cocaine for sale at the retail level. Street gangs control distribution in many of the urban areas of Iowa. An increase in violence accompanies this gang presence. In eastern Iowa, distribution is controlled primarily by Chicago-based street gangs, such as the Latin Kings ,Gangster Disciples, and Vice Lords, who have set up operations in the area. The availability of crack in Des Moines continues to be stable. Gang affiliates from Los Angeles, California; Detroit, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois control the crack market in Des Moines.

Mexican heroin is sporadically available in retail-level quantities throughout the urban areas of Iowa. Most of the heroin seizures are of the black-tar type, but intelligence from Des Moines and Cedar Rapids also indicates the presence of white and Mexican brown powder heroin. Both black-tar and white heroin are found here. There is a growing heroin problem in Eastern Iowa as evidenced by heroin overdoses.

Methamphetamine is the principal drug of concern in all parts of Iowa. All racial and ethnic groups abuse the drug. Hispanic trafficking organizations import large quantities of methamphetamine into Iowa, primarily via motor vehicles and mail delivery services. The large Mexican communities in Iowa provide an infrastructure to import and distribute the methamphetamine. Despite some abatement through State regulations placed on precursor chemicals, local small toxic laboratories continue to be a significant problem throughout Iowa. Most of the laboratories use the Birch method and produce only ounce quantities at a time. Law enforcement agencies throughout the state expend a large number of man-hours to combat the problem. Law enforcement reports that high purity crystal methamphetamine, or ice, is available in Northwest Iowa. The distribution organizations are selling the drug in the local market for $14,000-$16,000 per pound.

The state of Iowa continues to see the abuse of “club drugs” such as MDMA and GHB. MDMA (ecstasy) continues to be encountered at rave parties in eastern, south central and central Iowa. There is also intelligence indicating the trafficking of MDMA by Asian trafficking organizations in the state. Most of the MDMA in eastern Iowa is said to come from sources in California, New York, Spain, and the Netherlands. The organizations are believed to transport the MDMA via package services.

Vandalism

2007-01-04T11:43:00.000-06:00

I don't like what's been going on in the area around Sav-A-Lot on East Locust. In the alley behind S-A-L, a Pontiac had all it's windows broken out during the night. A minivan also had a broken window. The grafitti was bad enough, but this most recent activity is something else. It had better get resolved in a hurry or there are going to be a lot of unhappy campers in this area. The shootings were bad enough; both neighbors still say there were 3, the police say 1. I say with this added vandalism it's more than enough. Somebody better start paying attention soon, there's talk of "lock and load" people. I'd rather see these punks caught than shot.

---------addedendum---------

I just returned from taking a look at what happened and found another victim. A white Chevy in front of 1710 LeClaire Street also got it's windshield broken. At 1706 LeClaire, in the alley, the white Pontiac had windshield and side windows broken by what looked to be a ball bat. I couldn't find the minivan, but was informed by a neighbor that it was in the shop, getting repaired, so I don't have an address for that one. I am assured that police reports are being made. Whoever is responsible for this had better quit while they're lucky. If any of my vehicles get this kind of damage they'll be very sorry. It's the old story, these people are pretty sure who did this, but no proof. If it happens to our vehicles, I don't need proof. I'll make their lives miserable rather they did it or not.

Hats off to the Sav-A-Lot store for getting a crew to remove the grafitti so fast. They were hard at work while I looked over the cars that were vandalized. Whoever put the wheels in motion also deserves a thank you; you know who you are.

Scientific philosophies

2007-01-04T07:15:00.000-06:00

Here's some scientific philosophies that could save us alot of money if perfected.

When a cat is dropped, it always lands on its feet, and when toast is dropped, it always lands with the buttered side facing down. I propose to strap buttered toast to the back of a cat; the two will hover, spinning inches above the ground. With a giant buttered cat array, a high-speed monorail could easily link New York with Chicago. This makes for very low cost transportation, provided there are no dogs along the route.

Why Yawning Is Contagious: You yawn to equalize the pressure on your eardrums. This pressure change outside your eardrums unbalances other people's ear pressures, so they must yawn to even it out. Nice to know it's not what I'm talking about at club meetings that cause it.

The earth may spin faster on its axis due to deforestation. Just as a figure skater's rate of spin increases when the arms are brought in close to the body, the cutting of tall trees may cause our planet to spin dangerously fast. So if we only cut short trees, we could slow it down and save gas by not working against the forces of a faster rotation.

The reason hot-rod owners raise the backs of their cars is that it's easier to go faster when you're always going downhill. This also saves gas, because everyone knows you use less gas going going downhill as opposed to uphill.

The quantity of consonants in the English language is constant. If omitted in one place, they turn up in another. When a Bostonian "pahks" his "cah," the lost r's migrate southwest, causing a Texan to "warsh" his car and invest in "erl wells." Now we know.

---------Addendum---------

I also have some answers for the garment industry. See what you think-

Since kids today wear their pants with the waist around thier knees, companies could cut a foot off the inseam. With the foot they cut off the inseam, they could add 4 inches to the top of old mens pants so it's more comfortable when they pull the waistband up their chests. That's still saves them 8 inches per garment.

A natural extension of this thought is take 12 inches off the bottom of old men's shirts that they don't need because their waistband is up to their chest anyway. Add 4 inches to the bottom of kids shirts to cover their butt when their waist is at their knees. Another 8 inches per garment made.

Grafitti nights

2007-01-03T06:38:00.000-06:00

I've been seeing some grafitti around town; the 300 block of East Locust, behind Sav-A-Lot, on a garage in the alley behind Sav-A-Lot, and the old laundromat on East 12th to name a few. So I thought I'd run this post to give everybody an idea if the grafitti is just taggers or gang bangers, and a little more about gangs.

Tagging
Stylized signature
Part of hip hop art
Began in late 1960s
Gain fame by mass producing in
inaccessible locations

Gang graffiti
Styles vary between ethnic group
Hispanic graffiti more artistic, “placa”
Black graffiti is more plain, “hit-ups” –Territorial markers –Symbolism –Sentiments –Identity

Gang structure.

-O.G.s, original gangster. They are in it forever.
-Hardcore. Comprise approximately 5-10% of the gang. These are the die-hard gangsters, who thrive on the gang's lifestyle and will always seek the gang's companionship. The hardcore gangsters will most always be the leaders and without them the gang may fall apart. The gang's level of violence will normally be determined by the most violent hardcore members. They are usually the shooters.
-Regular Members (or Associates). Usually range from 14 to 17 years old; their jobs are robbing and stealing. They are money oriented. They are initiated into the gang and will back up the "hardcore" gang members. If they stay in the gang long enough, they will become hardcore. They usually join the gang for status and recognition. They will wear gang colors, attend gang functions, and may even participate in some gang related criminal activity all to fulfill their emotional need of belonging.
-Wanna-be's. Usually 11 to 13 years old; their jobs are tagging and stealing. They are not yet initiated into the gang, but hang around with them and usually will do most anything the gang members ask of them so that they may prove themselves worthy of belonging.
-Could-be's. Usually under the age of 10. Children of this age are at more risk when they live in or close to an area where there are gangs or have a family member who is involved with gangs. It is important to find alternatives for these children in order that they may avoid gang affiliation completely. Generally, the further into a gang that someone is, the harder it is to get out.

Make-up of different gangs.

-Scavenger Gangs (Wanna-be's): Have no backing from the "real" gangsters. They get killed for using sect names. They are usually trouble makers. They are commonly found in the suburbs. They join gangs because they want to be cool and are nick-named "weekend gangsters". They are usually white and usually join the gang for the intimidation factor.
-Territorial Gangs: They protect their block, neighborhood, or city. They are usually Latino or Spanish, but sometimes are black. Their purpose is to keep their gangs in their neighborhoods and they join for respect.
-Hardcore: They want all rival gangs dead. Their main objective is to make money and to get rid of their rivals. They are mostly black, but some can be Spanish.

Sects

There are two main sects: People and Folks; however there is a third sect that is beginning to form by the name of Family. In each sect, there are many gangs which will show an allegiance to one another.

People

-Some gang names: Bloods, Kings, Counts, Vice Lords, TMV's, TMC's.
-They dress to the right.
-Symbol: Pitchfork turned down, also, a 5 point star which stands for love, truth, peace, freedom and justice.
-Predominant colors: red, black and white.
-Latin Kings use a 3 point crown which is usually black and gold, or just black.
-They are called Slobs by Folk.
-When tagging they always cross out the "C's" (for "crip") and X out the "O's" (for rolling).
-Counts and Kings are from the same sect, but they are rivals. This is unusual since they are from the same sect.

Folks

Gang names: Crips, Cobras, Folks Incorporated, Black Gangsters Disciples, Young Guns.
-They dress to the left.
-Pitchfork turned up.
-6 point star: stands for love, unity, money, loyalty, wisdom, and understanding.
-B.G. Kings were the first Folk gang. They were black. It originated in a Chicago prison.
-Predominant colors: Blue, green and black.
-The Cobras use a diamond.
-The folk symbol is the Insane Heart: The horn for the voice of their tribe, the heart for the heart of their nation and the wing is for the rise of their people.
-They are called "Crabs" by the People sect.
-Crips always cross out the "B's" when tagging: "B" standing for "blood".
-Black is for Black Gangster Disciples and Young Guns.
-Blue is for Crip, Cash Flo, and Folks Incorporated.

Family

-Gang name: Cash flo
-They are territorial
-Their symbol is a triangle with a dot at each point and a "F" beneath it.
-Their colors are blue and black
-They are a small sect trying to be independent from the other sects; a spin-off sect if you will.

Gang attire.

Dressing to the right or the left. brim of hat turned to the left or right, pant leg rolled up, shirt collars turned up on one side only, any predominance of colors, colors displayed in wrist or ankle bands, shoe laces, rubber bands, barrettes, and bandannas, tongues hanging out of one shoe, earrings worn on one side only, bandannas or scarves hanging from belt loops, pockets, or tied to the leg. Eyebrows shaved or lines shaved through them. Small tattoos on the inside of the hand or between the thumb or index finger. Burn marks (brands) on the arms, hands, or chest. Look for writing on the inside of hat, or under the brims for gang writing.

Some clothes that have strong gang affiliation:

-Chicago Bulls: People
-North Carolina: Crip Nation, or Cobra Nation
-Detroit Tigers Hat: Disciples
-University of Texas/Long Horn: Insane Folk Heart; looks like heart with horns coming out of it.
-L. A. Kings: Latin Kings
-Green Bay Packers: "G" stands for gangster.
-Georgetown: "G" stands for gangster
-Seattle Mariners: "S" stands for rolling 60 Crip
-Houston Astros: "H" stands for Hoover; folk.

These are just a sample of some of the gang affiliated clothing . One thing to remember: No one wants to be mistaken for a gangster if they are not one. If your child absolutely refuses to part with an article of clothing because you suspect it could be gang related then chances are they want to be recognized as a gang member. Gang graffiti should not be tolerated; writing is common on school books, paper, etc. Hand signs are another way of identifying gang members. Any unusual hand gestures should be questioned.

Miscellaneous info.

How to treat a gangster? Treat them with kindness and respect and they will treat you the same way. It is all about respect. If you have a problem with them, you will accomplish more by talking nice to them and trying to get them to see your position than by being rude, disrespectful, or intimidating.

Remember that the "Real Gangsters" do have standards they live by. Their code of ethics are: Never mess with small children, old people, religious people, or innocent people. It is the "scavengers or wannabes" that act without remorse or guidelines in most cases. I have found that for that reason, the hardcore gangsters are willing to work with people like myself to get these scavengers out of the gang life. They have a tendency to cause more trouble and attention than they are worth.

Gang activity is more rampant in cities that have highway access; thus making it easier to escape from the police after committing a crime; etc.

Speed bumps for City Council?

2007-01-02T16:53:00.000-06:00

Just got word from a very reliable source of a couple things I thought were going to happen. First Dan Huber is leaving Davenport1 to go into private business. The second one was a little bit more of a surprise. Seems a judge in District Court ruled Davenport's speed and red light camera ordinance is contrary to and in conflict with the state traffic code. In essence, the city might have to stop using them. Unknown at this time is if the city will have to return the monies already made from fines. Look in the QC Times tomorrow to find out more. Looks like the camera deal is going to the Iowa Supreme Court. Could get sticky if the Iowa court upholds the district court decision. In all honesty, I don't know how it will go because there are two decisions by two different district court judges on the same legal issue with two different results.

Here's a link to a pdf file on the court's ruling.

Southern border problems

2007-01-02T11:53:00.000-06:00

I'm going to go out of the area for a change and talk about our border with Mexico. Although this may be considered old news to some, this is the first I've read about it.

The following is an excerpt from the Southern Border Security website. It is evidence compiled by the House Committee on Homeland Security.

10/24/2006-
"...individuals from countries with known al Qaeda connections have attempted to enter the United States illegally using alien smuggling rings and assuming Hispanic appearances."
- Robert Meuller, Director of the FBI, 2005

Plenty of grist for the American housed Jihadist program. Note the term OTMs -- it means Other Than Mexican nationals -- typically South American or Middle Eastern or Caribbean transients using Central or South America and Mexico as their route into the U.S.:

1. 30,147 OTMS apprehended in FY2003, 44,614 in FY2004, 165,178 in FY2005 and 108,025 in FY2006. The implication of double, triple or up to nine times the number who slipped through.

2.DHS has reported a 41% increase in apprehensions of Special Interest Aliens (aliens from countries such as Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Cuba, Brazil, Ecuador, China, Russia, Yemen, Albania, Yugoslavia and Afghanistan)
3. "The data indicates that each year hundreds of illegal aliens from countries known to harbor terrorists or promote terrorism are routinely encountered and apprehended attempting to enter the U.S. illegally between Ports of Entry." Examples given (by no means the only cases, these are only indicative of the problem):

A. Seven illegal alien Iraqis in Brownsville Texas in June of 2006
B. Afghani illegal found swimming across the Rio Grande near Hidalgo, Texas in August of 2006
C. Seven Chinese illegals apprehended in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas in October of 2006.
D. Neeran Zaia and Basema Sesi were arrested after being found to be operating a human smuggling operation by bringing in illegal middle eastern aliens through staging areas in Central and South America, into Mexico and then across the border into the U.S. Investigators documented more than 200 and fear the number is far larger.
E. Mahmoud Youssef Kourani pleaded guilty to charges aiding Hezbollah in Dearborn Michigan, soliciting funds and sending them overseas. He came into the U.S. across the Mexican border. He is the brother of the Hezbollah Chief of Military Operations in Southern Lebanon.
F. Salim Boughader Mucharrafille, a cafe owner in Tiajuna Mexico, was arrested for smuggling more than 200 Lebanese into the U.S illegally.

What's new?

2006-12-31T21:15:00.000-06:00

I was told by a friend who lives in the area, that there have been 3 shootings this month in the alley behind Save-A-Lot. He also claims other neighbors say they are drug related and tied to one house in the area. If this is true; how come it hasn't been in the paper? Perhaps the QC Times would say there were no fatalities. Makes one wonder. The police would have to know the house involved; how many shootings does it take to get this under control? While I consider this a rumor at this time as I haven't had my scanner on much lately, he has no reason to lie. I do however know of the house, and I know it's a drug house. If it is true, then something needs to be done. If true I think the police would say that the people involved are buying their home, which complicates things. No it doesn't. Arrest everybody in the house and pump daylight to them. If they are in prison they can't be terrorizing a neighborhood. As with a lot of areas SoLo, this used to be a real nice neighborhood. How much of our area has to go down the tubes before something is done. I don't have the answers, and I don't know who does; but do we want this mess in our little part of the world? I think not.

---------Addendum---------

Alderman Meyer, thank you for looking into this. He checked the facts, and according to the police department, there has only been 1 shooting in this area. As I said, I considered the number of incidents as a rumor. But even 1 shooting is too many.

Drag racing New Year?

2006-12-30T07:22:00.000-06:00

HangoverFest 2007
Monday, January 1st, 2007, Cordova Dragway Park

HangoverFest 2007

Gates Open - 10:00am
Racing Underway - 11:00am
Race or Watch only $10
Trophy Class $20
$1 Bloody Mary's (for those not in competition and 21 and over)
Free Asprin at the gate plus a special door prize (while they last)
Concession open in the heated "Interstate Batteries Cafe"

This year’s event will continue the New Year's Day tradition of Drag Racing with a new twist. One of the most popular online magazines, Dragracingonline.com will sponsor the event. Trophies will be given to those who are out of the ordinary at Cordova on New Years Day. The special awards called DRAGRACINGONLINE.COM "HANGOVERFEST" WACKY AWARDS will be distributed for the following categories:

Worst Appearing Vehicle, Best Appearing Vehicle, Quickest Motorcycle, Quickest Open Bodied Vehicle, Oddest Vehicle (Hearse, Company vehicles, Semi, Bus, Etc) and the Oldest Driver Award.

"Jeff Burk from Drag Racing Online called and said they wanted to be involved in the HangoverFest and do something for the participants" said Track Operator Scott Gardner. Their on-line magazine is awesome and we appreciate that they care about people just having a good time" continued Gardner.

Gates open at 10 AM on Monday, January 1, 2007 for the HangoverFest with racing underway at 11 AM. "We normally race no matter how cold it is" said CDP's Tazz Hines. "Maybe we will get lucky and temperatures will be higher than freezing."

---------Addendum-------------

Looks like rain or shine we won't be there this year. I had a trial run at a friend's place and the posi's making some noise around 100 mph. Don't think it's anything serious, but I don't want to chance having to get towed back from Cordova. There's always next year.

Gone

2006-12-29T21:36:00.000-06:00

Saddam is dead. Go here for the story. He has been executed. Makes me think if that's how our death penalty worked we'd have fewer jerks running around killing people.

Gangs in our state

2006-12-29T06:12:00.000-06:00

Here's one more post about gangs. This one will tell us what we're up against.

The following is a list of gangs known to be active in Iowa, including prison gangs. That is followed by a detailed list of gangs active in Iowa and Illinois.

From the Gangs Or Us website, Gangs in the United States

Iowa

Black Gangster Disciples, Black P Stones, Crips, El Rukns, Four Corner Hustlers, Gangster Disciples, Insane Vice Lords, Ku Klux Klan, Latin Kings, Skinheads, Vice Lords
Gangs in Prison- Arizona Aryan Brotherhood, Aryan Brotherhood, Black Gangster Disciples, Crips, Dirty White Boys, Latin Kings, Vice Lords.

From the MILNET website; Hispanic Gangs 3/17/2005-

Some of the gangs listed are involved in our area; they are-

Abbr-Norte
Full Name- La Nuestra Famila
Description- Established in 1960s at Soledad Prison, to protect inmates from the Mexican Mafia, a prison gang of mostly southern Californians. As the original members were released from prison, they began recruiting members into their street gangs. Due to the rivalry with the Mexican Mafia, there may be a link to or this is just another name for Nuestra Familia or the Norteños States with major activity-California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina

Abbr-LK
Full Name- Latin Kings The Almighty Latin Kings (and Queens)
Description- Puerta Rican Immigrants, formed in 1940s. Today is one of the largest latino gangs and is found in most major cities of the states listed, coast to coast, north and south. Today the population is mostly Mexican, however, the spectrum includes Spanish, Caribbean, Latvian, Italian, Portuguese, or South American. 1980's, Felix Millet and Nelson Millan, two inmates in the Connecticut prison system, created the Almighty Latin King Nation of Connecticut. In 1986, Luis Felipe, calling himself King Blood, took the Connecticut King Manifesto and added a few of his own writings and prayers. He formed the Almighty Latin King Nation of New York State at the Collins Correctional Institution. He was serving a lengthy sentence for attempting to kill his live-in girlfriend. Within a few years, the Latin Kings spread through the New York State Prison system and onto the streets. New York City, by the early 1990's had several hundred members which grew into the thousands throughout New York State and nearby New Jersey by the mid 1990's. Today the group has a wide latino population, and retains a high percentage of illegal immigrants. The actual numbers of illegals is not known, however, due to sanctuary policies in many of the cities in which they prey.
States with major activity- Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin

Abbr-NF
Full Name Norteños Northerners
Description- Organized in Folsom Prison in 1968, later became a loose organization of north and south memberships -- i.e if you lied north of Bakersfield you were a northerner and when you went to prison you would join the northern prison gang, if you lived south of Bakersfield you were a Sureno, a southerner and that would be the prison gang you joined when you went to prison. Notice the inevitability of going to prison, these are not garden clubs. The Nortenos associate themselves with the number 14 (the letter N is the 14th letter), 4 dots in a tattoo, and will invariably call themselves a family ("Nuestra Familia" or La Nuestra Familia). Today the group has a wide latino population, and retains a high percentage of illegal immigrants. The actual numbers of illegals is not known, however, due to sanctuary policies in many of the cities in which they prey.
States with major activity- Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington

Abbr-MM
Full Name- Sureños Southerners - Also known as the Mexican Mafia.
Description-Formed by Rodolpho Cadena and Joe Morgan in the correctional facility at Tracy, California. They prison gang became the most powerful in the prison system and as members were released from prison they began to recruit in their home locals. When prisoners who were members of the Mexican Mafia were released they formed the Surenos gangs on the outside. Chief Rivals are the La Nuestra Familia (Northern Familes). Today the street gangs "graduate" to prison and become members of the Mexican Mafia. The Surenos control much of the illegal prison activities in the prison systems of nearly every state in the union. The members may be found wearing a MM tattoo or SUR for Surenos. They also may refer to other chapters as being part of Le Eme (The M). In the last few decades, conflicts with Black prison gangs has led to a loose alliance (for mutual protection) with such unusual partner as the Aryan Brotherhood a white supremacist prison gang and domestic terror group.
States of major activity- Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington

People nation

2006-12-28T06:29:00.000-06:00

People
Some gang names: Bloods, Kings, Counts, Vice Lords, TMV's, TMC's.
They dress to the right.
Symbol: Pitchfork turned down, also, a 5 point star which stands for love, truth, peace, freedom and justice.
Predominant colors: red, black and white.
Latin Kings use a 3 point crown which is usually black and gold, or just black.
They are called Slobs by Folk.
When tagging they always cross out the "C's" (for "crip") and X out the "O's" (for rolling).
The structure of the beads are as follows:
They are red, white and black.
All red beads mean simply: gangster.
Multicolor beads alternating six of each means your moving up in rank.
Multicolor beads means that you have killed someone.
Red and black beads mean your a Vice Chief.
Black and white beads mean your a Chief or retired.
The Vice Lords use the colors of black and white.
Counts and Kings are from the same sect, but they are rivals. This is unusual since they are from the same sect.
Dealing with gang members; this is taken from the website listed below. It is at the bottom of the webpage and quoted as written.
How to treat a gangster? Treat them with kindness and respect and they will treat you the same way. It is all about respect. If you have a problem with them, you will accomplish more by talking nice to them and trying to get them to see your position than by being rude, disrespectful, or intimidating.
Remember that the "Real Gangsters" do have standards they live by. Their code of ethics are: Never mess with small children, old people, religious people, or innocent people. It is the "scavengers or wannabes" that act without remorse or guidelines in most cases. I have found that for that reason, the hardcore gangsters are willing to work with people like myself to get these scavengers out of the gang life. They have a tendency to cause more trouble and attention than they are worth.
Gang activity is more rampant in cities that have highway access; thus making it easier to escape from the police after committing a crime; etc.
no gangs

Folks

2006-12-27T08:29:00.000-06:00

Folks

Gang names: Crips, Cobras, Folks Incorporated, Black Gangsters Disciples, Young Guns.
They dress to the left.
Pitchfork turned up.
6 point star: stands for love, unity, money, loyalty, wisdom, and understanding.
B.G. Kings were the first Folk gang. They were black. It originated in a Chicago prison.
Predominant colors: Blue, green and black.
The Cobras use a diamond.
The folk symbol is the Insane Heart: The horn for the voice of their tribe, the heart for the heart of their nation and the wing is for the rise of their people.
They are called "Crabs" by the People sect.
Crips always cross out the "B's" when tagging: "B" standing for "blood".
Black is for Black Gangster Disciples and Young Guns.
Blue is for Crip, Cash Flo, and Folks Incorporated.
The beads are as follows:
All blue means gangster.
Multicolor alternating every six, means moving up in rank.
Multicolor (blue, white and black) means a regular soldier: the only way to get them is to kill someone.
Blue & black: vice chief
All black: retired or chief.

Gangs and Grafitti

2006-12-26T05:33:00.000-06:00

I figured I'd do a series on graffiti and gangs. It should be about three posts long. This one will be a primer on grafitti, the next on will be about the folk nation, and the last about the people nation; and how to talk to them if you need to.

At lease 400,000 youths are currently in gangs
nationwide. (FBI)
Violent street gangs are active in 94 percent of all medium and large sized cities in America.
(Journal of American Medical Association)
Many of these cities have up to 40 different gangs.
(The American Street Gang)

One of the first indications that gangs are being formed in your
community is the appearance of graffiti!

To most people, graffiti represents thoughtless vandalism and childish pranks. To gang members, graffiti is a marking of territorial boundaries and serves as a warning or challenge to a rival gang. Graffiti is the underground newspaper of gangs. It can point out which gangs are fighting with each other, immortalize deceased gang members and honor leaders within each gang.

Graffiti is typically found on the rear of buildings and gradually moves toward the front as gang activity increases. It is imperative that graffiti be reported to your local law enforcement agency and removed immediately.

________________________________________________________

HOW TO READ GANG GRAFFITI
Names: Gang names are usually abbreviated to two or three letters, but may include the affiliation of the gang written out (Crip, Blood, Surenos/SUR, Folk, etc.), as well as slogans, such as "Brown Pride."

Nicknames: The nicknames of gang members are frequently included within the graffiti, often in a roll-call list or placa. These names may be simple, and typically are descriptions of the appearance or personality of individual gang members: Green Eyes, Casper, Smiley,
Goofy, or other similar names.

Territory: The area claimed by the gang, including directional locators (east side), street names, city names, and telephone area codes.

Threats and Challenges: Often graffiti threatens or challenges rival gangs. A gang may "X" out or cross out the graffiti of a rival gang or gang member, or write "187" (homicide) next to it.
A gang member may also write "killer" in conjunction with a rival gang's name or abbreviate it with the initial of the gang and the letter K (i.e., B/K).

Numbers: Gangs often use numbers as part of their name (18th Street), or area codes to identify where the gang is located. The numbers 13 and 14 are very common in Hispanic gang graffiti, and the letters 5 or 6 may be found in Chicago-style graffiti.

Symbols: Some gangs use a common symbol to identify their affiliation. Examples of this includes 5-pointed stars (People Nation), 6-pointed stars (Folks Nation), and others.

Gang Related Websites:
Gangs Or Us
Street Gang Dynamics
Parents guide to gangs

REMEMBER THE 4 R'S OF GRAFFITI
1-Read – Read the graffiti to determine the gang(s) involved. If you are unable to interpret what is observed, find someone who can. Frequently, a great deal of intelligence can be gathered, such as the nicknames or monikers of gang members, warnings, threats to other gangs, availability of drugs, pending gang wars, and more.

2-Report -Educators, parents and other concerned citizens should report found graffiti to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Law enforcement or corrections personnel should report the existence of graffiti to the departments gang intelligence unit.

3-Record – Use a still or video camera to record the graffiti for possible later use. If graffiti continues to appear after removal, the photographic record may serve as a history of the efforts made to combat the problem.

4-Remove – Remove ALL graffiti as soon as possible after it is discovered. When removing graffiti, paint the entire wall, post, sign, etc. on which the graffiti is found. Studies have shown that "spot" painting to blot out the graffiti is not as effective for the permanent discouragement of graffiti as is covering the entire subject area.

Hot Rod Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T11:08:00.000-06:00

Have a Hot Rod Merry Christmas!

'Twas the night before Christmas and out in the garage,

There wasn't a trace of a Ford, a Chevy, or a Dodge.

The presents were wrapped and the lights were all lit,

so I figured I'd mess with the ole hot rod a bit.

I popped the release and I lifted the hood,

When a deep voice behind me said “looks pretty good."

Well, as you can imagine, I turned mighty quick,

and there, by the workbench, stood good ole Saint Nick!

We stood there a bit, not too sure what to say,

and then he said “don't suppose that you'd trade for my sleigh?”

I said “no way, Santa" and started to grin,

“but if you've got the time we could go for a spin!"

His round little mouth all tied up like a bow

turned into a smile and he said “Hey, let's go!!"

So as not to disturb all the neighbors' retreat.

We pushed the ole hot rod quietly into the street.

Then taking our places to drift down the hill,

I turned on the key and I let the clutch spill.

The sound that erupted took him by surprise,

but he liked it a lot, by the look in his eyes.

With the rear tires a' crying and side pipes a glow,

we headed on out where all the cruisers go.

And Santa's grin widened approaching his ears,

with every shift up as I went through the gears.

Then he yelled, “Can't recall when I've felt so alive!"

So I backed off the gas and said “you wanna drive?"

Ole Santa was stunned when I gave him the keys,

when he walked past the headlights he shook at the knees!

Then the engine exploded with side exhaust sound!

Santa let out the clutch and the tires shook the ground!

Power shift into second, again into third!

I sat there just watching, at loss for a word.

Then I heard him exclaim as we blasted from sight,

“Merry Christmas to all, it's very good night!

2006-12-23T18:22:00.000-06:00

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I'll be busy tomorrow so I'm going to post a poem from a Marine followed by the story behind the poem.

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone,
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.

His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owned their lives to these men who were willing to fight.

Soon 'round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one laying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the night's chill.

The true story of the poem is that while a Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th &I, Washington, DC, under Camandant P.X. Kelly and the Battalionn Commander D.J. Myers (in 1986), I wrote this poem to hang on the door of the Gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine.

He's coming

2006-12-23T07:50:00.000-06:00

Santa's getting ready, everybody's rushing around with last minute errands, and I'm seeing a lot more smiles lately. Post if you want, get your running done, and keep the shiney side up.

Worthless facts

2006-12-22T21:09:00.000-06:00

Here's some ideas for topics of conversation if the Christmas party gets boring.

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time television were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Coca-Cola was originally green.

Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury.

Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters.

Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better.

City with the most Rolls Royce's per capita: Hong Kong

State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska

Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28%

Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%

Barbie's measurements if she were life size: 39-23-33

Cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400

Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000.

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.

First novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.

If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

Priorities

2006-12-22T09:09:00.000-06:00

5 million of our older Americans have not signed up yet for their
Medicare, Part D, drug plan------they are old and confused.

We are NOT going to grant them an extension.

However, 12 million illegal aliens are in our country and we are going to allow them to stay, protest, procreate, receive support monies, attend schools, avoid paying income taxes, have our teachers take 300 hours of ESL(English as a Second Language) training at our expense, etc.

WE MUST REALLY DISLIKE OUR OLD PEOPLE......OR WE MUST REALLY LOVE TACOS!!!

Don't forget to pay your taxes......12 million illegal aliens are depending on you!

This is only a test

2006-12-21T20:12:00.000-06:00

This is a History Exam for those who don't mind seeing how much they
really remember about what went on in their life. Get paper and pencil
and number from 1 to 20.

Write the letter of each answer and score at the end.

1. In the 1940's, where were automobile headlight dimmer switches located?

a. On the floor shift knob
b. On the floor board, to the left of the clutch
c. Next to the horn

2. The bottle top of a Royal Crown Cola bottle had holes in it. For what
was it used? a. Capture lightning bugs
b. To sprinkle clothes before ironing
c. Large salt shaker

3 . Why was having milk delivered a problem in northern winters?
a. Cows got cold and wouldn't produce milk
b. Ice on highways forced delivery by dog sled
c. Milkmen left deliveries outside of front doors and milk would freeze,
expanding and pushing up the cardboard bottle top.

4. What was the popular chewing gum named for a game of chance?
a. Blackjack
b. Gin
c. Craps!

5. What method did women use to look as if they were wearing stockings
when none were available due to rationing during W.W.II a. Suntan
b. Leg painting
c. Wearing slacks

6. What postwar car turned automotive design on its ear when you couldn't
tell whether it was coming or going? a. Studebaker
b. Nash Metro
c. Tucker

7. Which was a popular candy when you were a kid?
a. Strips of dried peanut butter
b. Chocolate licorice bars
c. Wax coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside

8. How was Butch wax used?
a. T o stiffen a flat-top haircut so it stood up
b. To make floors shiny and prevent scuffing
c. On the wheels of roller skates to prevent rust

9. Before inline skates, how did you keep your roller skates attached to
your shoes? a With clamps, tightened by a skate key
b. Woven straps that crossed the foot
c. Long pieces of twine

10. As a kid, what was considered the best way to reach a decision? a.
Consider all the facts
b. Ask Mom
c. Eeny-meeny-miney-mo

11. What was the most dreaded disease in the 1940's?
a. Smallpox
b. AIDS
c. Polio

12. "I'll be down to get you in a ________, Honey"
a. SUV
b. Taxi
c. Streetcar

13. What was the name of Caroline Kennedy's pet pony?
a. Old Blue
b. Paint
c. Macaroni

14. What was a Duck-and-Cover Drill?
a. Part of the game of hide and seek
b What you did when your Mom called you in to do chores
c. Hiding under your desk, and covering your head with your arms in an
A-bomb drill.

15. What was the name of the Indian Princess on the Howdy Doody show? a.
Princess Summerfallwinterspring
b. Princess Sacajawea
c. Princess Moonshadow

16. What did all the really savvy students d o when mimeographed tests
were handed out in school? a. Immediately sniffed the purple ink, as this
was believed to get you high b. Made paper airplanes to see who could sail
theirs out the windo w c. Wrote another pupil's name on the top, to avoid
their failure

17. Why did your Mom shop in stores that gave Green Stamps with purchases?
a. To keep you out of mischief by licking the backs, which tasted like
bubble gum
b. They could be put in special books and redeemed for various household
items c. They were given to the kids to be used as stick-on tattoos

18. Praise the Lord, and pass the _________?
a Meatballs
b. Dames
c. Ammunition

19. What was the name of the singing group that made the song "Cabdriver"
a hit? a. The Ink Spots
b. The Supremes
c. The Esquires

20. Who left his heart in San Francisco?
a. Tony Benn ett
b. Xavier Cugat
c. George Gershwin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWERS

1. b) On the floor, to the left of the clutch. Hand controls, popular in
Europe, took till the late '60's to catch on.

2. b) To sprinkle clothes before ironing. Who had a steam iron?

3. c) Cold weather caused the milk to freeze and expand, popping the
bottle top.

4. a) Blackjack Gum.

5. b) Special makeup was applied, followed by drawing a seam down the back
of the leg with eyebrow pencil.

6. a) 1946 Studebaker.

7. c) Wax coke bottles containing super-sweet colored water.

8 a) Wax for your flat top (butch) haircut.

9. a) With clamps, tightened by a skate key, which you wore on a
shoestring around your neck.

10. c) Eeny-meeny-miney-mo.

11. c) Polio. In beginning of August, sw imming pools were closed, movies
and other public gathering places were closed to try to prevent spread of
the disease.

12. b) Taxi. Better be ready by half-past eight!

13. c) Macaroni.

14. c) Hiding under your desk, and covering your head with your arms in an
A-bomb drill.

15. a) Princess Summerfallwinterspring. She was another puppet.

16. a) Immediately sniffed the purple ink to get a high.

17. b) Put in a special stamp book, they could be traded for household
items at the Green Stamp store.

18. c) Ammunition, and we'll all be free.

19. a) The widely famous 50's group: The Inkspots.

20. a) Tony Bennett, and he sounds just as good today..

SCORING

17- 20 correct: You are older than dirt, and obviously gifted with mental
abilities. Now if you could only find your glasses. Definitely someone
who should share your wisdom!

12 -16 correct: Not quite dirt yet, but you're getting there.

0 -11 correct: You are not old enough to share the wisdom of your
experiences.

Just because open thread

2006-12-21T07:06:00.000-06:00

I'm just going to post a short open thread as I'll be busy again today. Beside today being our wedding anniversary, and the 19th year of my sobriety, I'm going to be getting some running done. So here are a couple things to check out, or talk about what's on your mind.

Child abuse rose 66% from 2,000 to 2,005 in Iowa according to a QC Times story by Charlotte Eby. Claim is direct connection to income. State officials have aggressively reached out to those eligible for food stamps to enroll them in the federally funded program rather than waiting for them to seek assistance. A record 233,000 Iowans were receiving food stamps in October, up from 154,000 in July 2003. Go to the QC Times.

The other thing is a letter to the editor from a young man who experienced the Summit program first hand. It seems to have made a difference in his life. Go to the
story on it.

Enough Social Service

2006-12-20T06:15:00.000-06:00

Social services seem to be in the news and a topic of conversation lately, so I looked in the phone book. If I counted correctly there are 44 social service agencies listed in Davenport. Most were what I expected; Anchorage House, Bethany Home, Bickford Cottage, Big Brothers, CASI, CADS, Cesar Chavez Center, Clarissa Cook Home, Community Action of Eastern Iowa, Community Health Care, Inc., Department of Corrections, Edgerton Woman's Health Center, Family Resources, Friendly House, Frontier Community Support, Goodwill, Handicap Development Center, Head Start, Humility of Mary Housing, Inc., Iowa East Central Train, Jaycee's, John Lewis Community Service, Junior League of the Quad Cities, Lend-A-Hand, Lutheran Service, Lydia Home Association, Meal Service, Project Renewal, Quad-Cities Interfaith, Quad-Cities Harvest, Retired Senior Volunteers Program, Salvation Army, Services for Seniors, 7th. Judicial District of Correctional Services, Socail Security Adm., Student Hunger Drive, United Neighbors, United Way, VFW Auxilliary, WIC Program, and YMCA. A couple not mentioned caught my eye- Children's Specialized Assessment and Referal Center, and the Davenport Refugee Resettlement OFC. I don't have a clue on what the last two are all about. Obviously, the Refugee Resettlement must have something to do with refugees; but are we a destination for these people? And if we are; why? As for the Children's center, I'm clueless. My next question is- do we really need any more social services? There has to be some duplication of services already I would think. And since these are, for the most part, non-profit; how much is costing us taxpayers. I didn't do the rest of the Quad Cities, but I figured most people have a phone book handy. So, when is enough, enough?

--------------Addendum-------------

I thought I would look around cyberspace to hone the search as I felt there were more than 44 Social Service organizations in Davenport. Unfortunately, I was right.
On the AOL Yellow Pages website I found 120 listings for Social Services in Davenport. Go to AOL Yellow Pages. While I was at it I thought I would also look up Non-Profit Organizations in Davenport, for the listing of 156 Non-Profit listings go to Non-Profit listings.

Wayward Congressman

2006-12-19T09:27:00.000-06:00

Here's an e-mail I recieved from an Arkansas Congressman who thinks I'm in his distict-

In January, the 110th Congress will continue the debate on many important issues. While the start of a new Congress means a fresh beginning and new ideas, there is the opportunity to continue important work for the 3rd District, including the fight against the meth epidemic in Arkansas.

Earlier this month, the Boozman Amendment to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Reauthorization Act was sent to the White House for President Bushâ€™s signature. I am proud of the amendment since it focuses on the impact of meth abuse on our children and exposes teens to the real-world consequences of methamphetamines.

In Arkansas, we are continuing to win the fight against meth. Labs have been cut in half, and workplace use is down nearly 40%. However, we still have plenty of work to do.

The human story of hurt, addiction and death is what drives me to continue fighting the scourge of meth. In the 110th Congress, I promise to use the full power of my seat in the House of Representatives to give parents, teachers, and law enforcement the tools to keep our children safe from this dangerous drug.

I value your opinion on the fight against meth in the 3rd District. I ask that you click here to give us your opinion on ways we can work to prevent addiction.

In addition, I wish to continue giving you updates on the work my office is doing on your behalf. E-mail is now the most cost-effective way of communication available, and I hope to hear from you about the issues important to you and your family. If you do not wish to receive e-mails from my office in the future, please click on the link below to be removed from my mailing list.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,

John Boozman
Member of Congress
Third District of Arkansas

FBI numbers

2006-12-19T06:55:00.000-06:00

The FBI says violent crime is up in 2006 murders, robberies, and aggravated assaults were all up after being stable for a decade. The numbers have been released and it doesn't look good. For one story on the problem go to MSNBC. Nobody seems to know why in this recent study the crime rose, only that it did. Let's hope it's a reversable trend. Now I gave you people who say Davenport doesn't have a crime problem some ammo. Now you can say, that's the way it is all over. And I'll still say, that doesn't make it right.

East end burglaries and a missed meeting

2006-12-18T03:38:00.000-06:00

Seems we have a bunch of burglaries in the east end, and the Police Department is using an autodial system with a recoreded message. We didn't get a call, but maybe they figured out where I live. Anyway for the story with tips to stay safe go to
QC Times story.

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I really should have the meeting held by Alderman at Large Frink. After looking over the notes, I have more questions than answers. The data base of bad renters seems to be going nowhere fast. The NETS program seems destined to be cut when funding goes down. And while it worked at Goose Creek, if they stay in the area it's not helping other areas where the criminals now hang out.

It seems like the city representitives at this committee feel that our crime problem lies with the state. We don't have enough beds because the state cut our money. Sorry, ain't buying it. We have money for everything else, find it. Get the money. We want, and deserve, a safe city. Lock them up. And someone was quoted "Stabilization is the key, but destabilization of other areas of city not our problem." Huh? Either I missed something, or someone has a cavalier attitude toward our little crime problem.
And to focus on repeat offenders, and working with the court liason is not the answer to our problems. The focus should be on the 17 year old with 20 offenses and getting his butt off the street. But at least our Police department got nation accredidation again. Speaking of the DPD; why not make them, and all city employees live in the city?

The Fairly integrate program, a neighborhood finance program, sounds interesting. I'd have to see and hear more on it before deciding if I like it, but it has promise. I do like the part that it's not based on income.

A citizen brought up a few points, too much building, cheap money, low interest, foreclosures up to 1985 level. Then mentions 20% vacancy rate in 5th ward. Sounds low to me. Claim is DPD would support moratorium on building for 36 months until population grows.

Didn't like Alderman at Large Frinks comment "We have what we have (for NEO), we need to move forward." No sir, we need to make for sure it's working before we move on.

The AA bond rating is good, can they keep it up? It sounds like maybe some excuses being made for a tax hike in the future.

Nothing much got answered about the IOC. Three options; which I said from the get go. Stay down town, move to interstate, or leave. Alderman at large Frink claims the city holds their license. And if they leave; what happens to the agreement about the Blackhawk Hotel, the Dock property, and the money for the sky bridge? Can you say, blowing in the wind?

General rantings open thread

2006-12-16T06:50:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I think you people have been shooting the messanger for delivering the message. Like it, hate it, or throw darts at it; we have a crime problem. There are other problems; roads are bad, the sewer system is in disrepair, businesses are having a hard time making it, taxes are up, George W. Bush for you Liberals. Pick one.

The state government made the 2,000 foot residency rule, not us. Let them know we don't want the sex offenders any closer, any time, period. They could also pass a law, that gives the offender a hearing to check the seriousness of the offense, and the possibility to expunge the offense from their record. If they kept their nose clean, remove their record. If they re-offend, give them life.

They're the ones who passed the welfare and low-income laws, and helped put up the complexes that doom these people to fail, when their own leader calls it a dismal failure. What's it take to get welfare reform? Hold them accountable.

They're the ones who let the criminals walk, or give them a lenient sentence. 30% of the voters let the Judges know we're not happy with the status quo. We voted no and will do so again if changes aren't made.

While they're at it they could quit spending our money so that when we retire we might get the honor of getting back 10% of what we paid in to Social Security for decades.

If the leaders and people of this city think that giving handouts to low income families is a way to increase the city's population, they are partly correct. Numbers will show an increase; and with it an increase in crime, juvenile problems, drop-outs, and the well being of our city as well. Davenport's poverty level is 10.5% now, the Quad City area's poverty level is over 20%. There are other things I would like this area to be known for.

How about something different? Why not try a new approach and let Congress, the House, the City Council, and the school board know that we, the people, expect them to do their job. Tell the judges to put these jerks in jail and pump them daylight. Make the prisons so terrible they don't want to go back. Make public records public. I don't know what part of this politicians don't get, but if it's public information it should be made available to the public.

I have a lot of things to get done before it cools off again, so this is also an open thread. I will try to check back over the weekend, but no guarantees. So, beat up on me if you must; agree, disagree, or come up with something else because I'll be wrenching all weekend. Come Monday I'll be cruisin with the kinda shiney side up.

And if you're for the war, or against it, please say a prayer for our troops in harms way. If you don't know one, I just happen happen to have one handy-

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

Housing thoughts

2006-12-15T09:07:00.000-06:00

For some reason people think we need more low income housing. I found a list from 2003 and I thought I would share a little of it with you.

In 2003 Davenport had- Brady Village, Castlewood, Davenport Manor, Heritage, JLCS, Spring Village, and Luther Towers.

In 2003 Rock Island had- Lincoln Homes, Rock Island Manor, Spencer Towers, Elderland Heights, HeatherRidge Apartments, Century Woods, Conventry, and Maple Ridge Apartments.

In 2003 Moline had- Spring Brook Courts, Spring Valley, Hillside Heights, Sanders Apartments, Highland Manor, and Pheasant Ridge.

In 2003 East Moline had- Oak Grove Manor, Fullerton Homes, Streed Towers, Diana Courts, Colona House, and Blackhawk Hills.

In 2003 Silvis had- Warren Heights, Warren Tower,and Loma Linda.

Granted some of these may have closed; but how many more have gone up? JLCS has had several projects since then, Horizon Homes just got the ok to rebuild. Not to mention the mixed rental properties. We must be the poverty capital of the Midwest. With this short list I cited it's easy to see how we can have a 10.5% poverty rate in Davenport. I shudder to think what it is for the entire Quad Cities.