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.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Thanks for the cigarette tax
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.
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.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Bad heroin in town
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.
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?
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Going to be moving on
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.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Open Thread
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.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Guardian Angel programs
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
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
Saturday, March 10, 2007
the Guardian Angel meeting
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.
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.
Friday, March 09, 2007
the Chief and the Angels
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.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Guardian Angel schedule
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.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
It's getting interesting
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
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
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Rumors and a change
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.
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.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Open thread
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.
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.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Crime, Angels, and Business
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.
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.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Crime thoughts
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.
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.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Fit over 50 open thread
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Meeting changes
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.
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.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Man shot dead, and rumors
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.
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.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Open Thread
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
SoLo problem starts early this year
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.
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.
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