New Year Trashing

Can the Boston Globe sink any lower? Yes, they most certainly can.

The latest was a 10 page puff piece disguised as “investigative reporting” when the reality was it was piled higher and deeper with excuses for the Tsarmaev family. Of course the usual victimization of the two bomber brothers took place. All their “poor upbringing.” On and on with assorted psycho babble and, of course, no real input from the victims. You know, the 260 injured. The four dead cannot speak for themselves.

So this entire family has drained resources that should go to our own domestic needy. The various welfare benefit’s the entire clan has received has been well documented - the total for all the years the “political refugees” have enjoyed our system is in seven figures. And this is immigration reform? This is now know in Massachusetts as “The Full Tsarmaev.” The whole ride from Mass Health to EBT cards and, of course, public defenders for other members of the clan who have been nabbed shoplifting.

So now the idea is to spend another boodle of dough providing a defense. Great. That is our “system.” We also enjoy a “Free press” so the Boston Globe can write anything they wish to write. What I and others can do is simply point out that the Globe is full of manure and that the death penalty should be applied as quickly as possible to this “Tussle haired youth.”

Why does it take “Up to ten days to unsubscribe,” yet the other crap is immediate. Sign up and you get buried.

Massachusetts unemployment is now higher than the national average.

Elizabeth Warren (AKA - Princess Liz) is one of the signers on having no credit checks for potential hires. In the next few years I imagine companies will be required to have a federal stooge sit in on all interviews.

The EPA had a high level employee be a virtual no show for years. Told his superiors he was on “Special assignment” from the CIA. They bought it. 900K later he finally got nailed. Bet they ran no credit check.

Will Brennen’s Smoke Shop open up an outlet at Highpoint?

Now 7,500 EBT card photo ID requests have been returned as “undeliverable.” Gee….wonder why? Better get on it, Deval, these are lock votes.

Middleboro is certainly looking up. Our downtown will be wonderful with a pawn shop, “smoke” shop, numerous nail salons, drug “rehab” facility, and Steve’s Sports Den. I guess that means a transformation from a historic district to a hysteric district.

The intersection of route 28 and route 105 is one of the few times I can state “I told you so.” Having three lanes in two directions and two lanes in another two directions is a recipe for congestion and that is what you get. I’m sure the wizards that devised this will also cure the rotary issue.

Our glorious new cop house will be Reedy’s archery until the glorious new cop house part Deux is completed - if it gets voter approval. I find it amazing that the department is understaffed and then they built a 9-12M dollar complex. I guess brick and motor is more important than feet on the pavement.

The new library parking lot is a fine addition. Children’s room at the library has always been exceptional.

A glitch in the Delta Airlines reservation system allowed certain fares to be a fraction of their normal cost. This occasionally happens within reservation systems for airlines and I am a pure skeptic at this point. What a great way to get site traffic and be on the news nationwide.

A gimmick in the Dodd-Frank Act requires companies to disclose CEO compensation ratios, with that ration being based on corporate average. Just another way to fuel the fires of income inequity.

Xmas trees will now be picked up. Maybe Andy’s math was defective are there were, in reality, more that 40 trees.

Chicken wings at Dave’s Diner are the best in the area. A close second is Boston Tavern and Harry’s.

The greater D.C. area is 73% above the median national income average. I guess that is what “The Big Zero” means by income inequity. Government does pay - both above and below the table.

Computer controlled trains are everywhere. In Shanghai their baby buzzes along at about 300MPH. And it is passenger loaded. I fully expect drone technology to eventually result in commercial aviation without pilots.

The Failure That Is Obama

Just when I think our President can sink no lower he manages to do just that. I thought his race baiting had been the nadir, once again I am proven incorrect.

The latest is his “Selfie” photo with two other intellectually questionable characters. One being the PM of Denmark and the other of England. Like three frat boys and girls and a kegger in which too mush was consumed they decided to take a camera photo of themselves.

The wonderful choice of this self indolent behavior was midway through the sendoff of Nelson Mandela. What a wonderful display to put on the world stage. I imagine the usual suspects for this dismal failure in the corner office will surface and probably blame it on Bush.

The simple fact is this representative of those who have adopted an alternative lifestyle via handouts, is just continuing down the path that will label him as the premier example of mediocrity to hold the presidency in the last 100 years or so. Move over corrupt Republicans of the 20s - make way for Obama!

I am a firm believer that health care should be available for all. After all isn’t the responsibility of government the safety and well being of the citizens? Amazingly….or maybe not, the ACA is in a continuous stage of crash and burn - and I am not making reference to the web site. That will most certainly improve.

Where the problem exists is millions of policies have gone to dust and with it an even larger group of formerly insured who must now fend for themselves. Some of the more ardent supporters of this dismal president have all of a sudden noticed they are getting a BIG HIT with premiums and deductibles. Way to go, 18-34 age group. You wanted him and now you got him. The fact is as more comes to the shine of light the more reality sets in with the ACA. Wait until the tax burden - hidden or not - start to surface.

The most important thing is providing services for your constituents. Mayor to be Walsh met with Mayor to leave “Mumbles” and the most important part of the discussion was city services - meaning trash pickup, snow removal and answering the phones. Blow millions on a bad police contract? No problem. Schools underperform? No problem. Sweetheart developer deals surface? No problem. Trash not picked up? HUGE PROBLEM.

That is exactly why the Democrats better get in full damage control and not the verbal platitudes and barbs the president incompetent tosses out. This is real personal when you mess with a key element such as health care and it screws up. Even the I’ve got mine so what crowd have the “That could have been me” mantra going on. This really hits home.

But why stop with health care? The scandals, domestic spying, mis-management, foreign policy blunders, outright executive lying, misuse of government agencies and on and on and on are well documented. You don’t have to be a Koch Brother to realize that an incompetent is now in command. Great. Can it get worse? Well….a few more years will certainly muck it up even further.

The good thing is the executive screw-ups are so bad that they just maybe fatal to the Democrats in the 2014 elections. Many are already scurrying around to attempt to distance themselves from the mountain of failures that they just may be held accountable for. I thought there was no possible way the Republicans could capture the Senate and maintain control of the House. Internal divisions and those pesky “T” types seem to have placed the party in reverse. Then they were rescued. The titular head of the party is the president and, folks, he is flawed to the nth degree.

I am sure I will occasionally be able to give president incompetent his props, but I expect them being fewer and fewer.

More Great Stuff

Power lines are great places to run simply because other trail systems often cross over them. Side trails that were in place for horseback and ATV’s are quite common and can run for miles. I am very familiar with the area in which the current version of forest strip mining is taking place.

Over the years I have run those lines from one end to the other. So when they say a 300’ cutting is taking place the big question is why? Rarely do you have tress causing an issue along transmission lines especially those. You would need a freaking 2,000 year old Redwood to cause an issue. This is a real overreach by a utility and should be treated the same way as any environmental disaster.

The headlines in the Enterprise: “Governor Comes Bearing Gifts.” The article mentions 27.4M to Massasoit, 4M to City Hall Plaza, 2.5M to Ames Shovel Works Housing and a few more. Does the Enterprise realize these “gifts” represent tax dollars? It is not a “gift.” but a redistribution of money collected from all of us.

Hal had a great profile on his Enterprise bog on who the eventual perp would be on the tragic hit and run in Middleboro. Hal was totally wrong.

A dope shop in Middleboro. I want all drug laws gone so this means nothing to me except it will be a cash cow for the proprietor.

Using the internet and social media only for marketing specials excludes a good portion of your customer base. Why do it? I was recently at Ocean State Job Lot where they have internet only coupons. I asked what happens to those that don’t have access - especially seniors. The reply was “get a computer” and for seniors “Go to the library or COA.” Real marketing wonders at that company.

Ban out of state use of EBT cards. Guess how the Democrats voted?

Proof of seeking a job. Guess how the Democrats voted?

Green card holders getting welfare benefits. Guess how the Democrats voted?

The last thing the Democrats in Massachusetts want to do is rile up their base. This pattern is clearly demonstrated in the lack of enthusiasm and common sense when it comes to welfare reform.

The Tsarnaev was milking the system endlessly. Mass Health, Section 8, SNAP, EBT, and just about every other handout available. The whole clan was living on our dime and could care less about America or anyone here.

“If you don’t have health insurance, you don’t have to do anything.” That famed proclamation by The Liar In Chief. His arrogance is only equaled by the incompetence his administration has demonstrated.

So now Obama has a luke warm admittance that things are not what they should be. Brilliant!

I have some real issues with Republicans and their social positions, and, likewise, some real issues with the overreach the Democrats seem so fond of. Is there anything they are not willing to go all Nanny on?

The recent actions of Democrats show that on the track to nonsense they are in a neck and neck race with the Tea Party.

Francis Slay is my new political hero. I know nothing of his politics but I do know he is the mayor of St. Louis. What did he do that has me thinking some real man-love? Slay didn’t make one of those dumb arse bets pols like to make when a sporting event takes place. He passed on making a “bet” with “Mumbles” over the series outcome. Thank you, Mayor Slay!

Appears the recent government shutdown had nil impact on the economy, if you wish to believe various articles that have appeared in financial apparatus such as the WSJ to The Economist. So much for the blather from the failed administration and their supportive economist. Turns out the economy is rather resilient.

Winners - Red Sox And Losers - Obama

The usual simple and common sense legislation was once again rejected by the Massachusetts House. The idea was welfare audit, especially EBT card use. Naturally, our local Republican contingent was in favor of it and the outcome was a done deal - rejected! The last thing the Democrats want is a burden on their primary voting block.

Also on the House agenda was at least six hearings before implementing a tax hike. Imagine having a light shined on the Democrat cockroaches that infiltrate our system? Of course this was rejected.

According to Forbes magazine Massachusetts is now ranked 49th as a business friendly state. Companies leave for a reason. Burdensome taxes, convoluted regulatory system, questionable mandates and almost an endless list that makes a company feel unwelcome. Did I forget the recently scuttled tech tax?

New Hampshire claims they do not need to encourage Massachusetts companies to head north. The business climate in Massachusetts is enough of an inducement.

The Tea Party is now the focal point of campaigns by Democrats. Amazingly the TP is exactly as obstructionist and down right vile as that collection the Democrats have sitting on Beacon Hill. Sometimes what appears as opposites are in reality quite close.

Originally the TP had quite a narrow focus - virtually all of it was fiscal policy, a guaranteed weakness of both parties, especially Democrats. But along the way the loonies were looking for a home and found one in the TP. Too bad the TP could or would not eject them. Far too loud a voice and certainly capable of giving those moment in time pitchers and sound bites for Democrat fodder.

So one reason for a doubling of some fees is other towns are higher. Hey, Charlie, other towns have lower meals tax so why not drop that down. The comes the “Hasn’t been raised in five years.” So if something has not increased that is a bad thing? Does that means if someone working for the town has not received a raise for five years they could get their salary doubled?

The Obama administration has created a nation addicted to dependency on government handouts. Some pundits claim this is by design to insure a consistent voting block that is attached to such largess. I could not agree more. In 35 states one can collect more planted on your duff than working minimum wage. Yeah, I know, the defenders of the faith will say “It’s for the children.”

The season for the Red Sox is over and it is still difficult to comprehend. I had them down for finishing fourth. Their new manager, John Farrell, had done absolutely nothing in his tenure in Toronto. The new signings were rather ordinary and several returning core players had some serious question marks regarding ability and intensity.

Sometimes the results exceed the parts and they did for 2013. A refreshing approach by a new manager, rebounding performances by key players, a productive farm system and the new additions performing beyond expectations. Amazing.

2004 was a given after defeating New York. In 2007 any Red Sox or baseball fan knew the Rockies did not have a chance. So 2013 became the real shocker during the season and especially the post season. They went through the best pitching in baseball with barely a bump to win it all.

Groupon And Living Social

I have been booking hotels and restaurants using Groupon and Living Social with their promotion deals and here is some advice, especially on hotel booking, since almost all require a purchase first.

What you do is get ready to purchase and then call the hotel, lodge, resort, et al you wish to use. Ask for the dates you are planning on using and if they are available tell them you are using a coupon. They need the codes so all you do is click purchase and in less than a minute it is available on your account. Did it today and it took a grand total of 45 seconds.

I see far too many reviews of folks buying a stay somewhere and then getting ticked when the dates they want are sold out. Some will purchase the coupon and then wait a few days or weeks before attempting to book. This is promotion items! They sell out fast. Use your noodle, people, and do the above.

The place I purchased had some negative reviews on Trip Advisor (great site) and all were over a reservation issue. They buy and then can’t book. IMHO it is not even a worthy complaint. With a stay you have limited flexibility, but with a restaurant or other activities you can choose when you wish to go. Some places sell thousands of coupons on Living Social, Groupon and the other similar sites that have sprung up.

The coupons for hotels (I use that term as a generality) are often based on rack rate - traditionally the highest rate a hotel will charge. So when a promotion is run the savings is based on that rate and not the discounted rate(s) that vary extensively. So, to me, it is a bit misleading when a savings of say 75% or so is stated. Example. On a recent rip I had the chance to use a Groupon to save 70%. I checked the hotel reservation site and saw I could get the same rate with a ten day advanced purchase. So it is not always what it seems to be, but most times I find the discount sites give you a healthy savings.

The various discount sites have ended my use of the Entertainment Book. You can get similar savings, especially dining, by using the web sellers. Maybe not the same places, but very similar. Morton Steak House can easily go $100 for a dinner for two - and that is without adult beverages. When I can get a two-for-one that is exceptional savings. I have also found that restaurant.com is an excellent site since their coupon has spending requirements and that allows you to purchase adult beverages that will certainly get you to that magical spending number. Have used one for LeBaron Hills several times. Pay $37.50 and must spend $75. Half price of your normal expense.

Tipping is always an issue with the various coupons. To this day a far too large portion tend to pay on the discounted bill and not the original. We do not have the Japanese model in this country. Tipping is actually a social requirement.

While on the topic of tipping. Should you leave a 50% tip? Or even a 100%? We went to Persy’s Place for breakfast and the total bill was about $24 including tax. I left $10. Those who know me realize I am not exactly the magnanimous type but the waitperson (formerly waitress) did as much if not more work than some five star meals I’ve had.

Now back to Trip Advisor. I’ve been on that site since it started and it has changed significantly. I don’t book on TA. The only thing I do is read reviews and write the occasional review. I generally examine how many reviews fall in the middle up or down range and I’ll stick to hotels for the most part. I’ll look at see how a place rates in that particular area. What is the value compared to other places. Examine folks suggestions on things to do in the area. Very basic stuff and the site has been a wonderful source.

Nearing The Fall

I looked at the voter demographics for the presidential election of 2012. Clearly, demonstrates the GOP needs 12 million , mostly poverty stricken, low skilled illegal immigrants to become new voters.

No casino because of potential crime, reduction in real estate values, public safety issues and addiction (gambling). Yet Highpoint is acceptable to some? Addiction, potential impact on real estate, safety calls and potential crime. Huh?

Well, at least the blight of a building will be cleared up. What will that leave? Oh, yeah, virtually the rest of downtown.

How long before Mayflower Bank packs it in? New owner usually means “consolidation.”

Article in The Enterprise about sea food restaurants closing. I’d been to one that recently shuttered - Pier 18 - and it was a great place for a meal. Not much for ambiance but the food was outstanding.

Has there been a recent disaster as great as the beginning of term two for Obama? I’d say this was Carter Part II, but even Jimbo was not even close to being the screw-up this president has been. Jobs, to foreign entanglements, to race baiting, to Obamacare, oh it just goes on and on.

In Massachusetts they are lined up to run for governor. The usual suspects will eventually surface and be weeded down to the obligatory ultra liberal Democrat and Republican no one ever heard of.

The recent software tax is the highest in the country of any state that uses it. Massachusetts is the 5th to implement it and will be the first to jettison it.

Revenues (again) have exceeded predictions in Massachusetts. Naturally that does not put a damper on the tax increases. Still more to feed the machine.

I have a friend on a posting board who has been attempting to open a small restaurant in Boston. In two years he has not completed the various road blocks the city (and state) have in place that makes the permit process so daunting. Not to fear, your Boston Red Sox received permission to use the streets around the ballpark in a matter of days. Nah…handing out tickets to the various government underlings has nothing to with it. Jock sniffers.

The 4,564th proposal for the Middleboro rotary is now brought forth. This will eventually be Middleboro’s answer to The Big Dig.

Unreasonable search appears to be a non issue when the Department of Homeland Security is involved. So much for warrants.

The value of Face Book stock has risen 120% since the IPO. Twitter will do the same.

Unions are starting to line-up against Obamacare. Get out those waivers, Mr. President!

The Red Sox will now win the division.

Bought some nice yard sale items at the soon to be shuttered camp ground.

The pension funds in Massachusetts are currently unfunded by billions - so into the void steps the Looney Tunes. Divestment of evil “Big Oil” that is stashed in the various funds has been raised by the Daffy Duck element. I always thought conservatives had a screw loose.

Highpoint will help with the Middleboro drug issue? Please. This is a written invitation for more problems. In 67 square miles of town they can certainly find an area with less of a neighborhood and business area impact. Try and check out that camp site.

NIMBY Highpoint

Not In My Back Yard or NIMBY seemed to be used with a certain inflection of distain towards those who questioned having a drug treatment facility near their abode. Rang up some casino memories.

I am sure those who pontificate from their bully pulpit(s) on having such a facility in Middleboro would gladly become NIMBY’s if the locale was changed to directly across from their home or business. The proverbial walk in my shoes.

Seemed that Chief Gates had done some diligent research on the issue in regards to a similar facility in Plymouth and was able to connect the potential fiscal and service call dots. Expect services to potentially be taxed. Imagine a response in town being late since resources were diverted to Highpoint. And this is in a town where public safety officials have consistently gone on record as being severely understaffed. Great. Bring in another few hundred - if we are lucky - calls a year.

I know addiction first hand and I also know the very real disasters that can happen with a less than structured day treatment program in a neighborhood. And this will have that very component, which is where I draw my personal line. To be blunt - you have to be absolutely bonkers to have a day treatment facility in a neighborhood and business district. Bad enough with McLean but, hey, why stop with just one facility. Maybe we can get a six pack of them?

With our antiquated drug laws the cost of product causes significant crime. That should be of concern for those seeking day treatment and those who may accompany them. Are they thieves? Certainly may be a bit of a stretch on my part but that risk is there.

I found the attitude of Highpoint rather dismissive during the recent hearings. Seems their course of action is to minimize any problems at other facilities, and for their supporters to actively toss forward the emotional blackmail card. To the various hand wringers, of course there are drug issues in Middleboro and this facility will not solve that problem, but may actually magnify it. This is just the wrong place. Simple as that. Take the emotional blather and just stuff it. Does not pass my personal litmus test.

Now if Highpoint was strictly a lock down facility that just might be a different story to this observer but it is not, nor does Highpoint seem in any way willing to negotiate that point. Maybe eventually they will. So just enjoy the people watching when and if the project is completed.

Now we are faced with another nefarious argument that has zero merit, and that is the building is a blight! No kidding. Smart thinking. So one way of correcting that blight is to bring in a non tax paying facility that could severely tax our safety system! Now that is absolutely genius thinking to me. I’d rather see it sit vacant until nature solves that problem.

The programs and services that Highpoint provides are necessary, but also a judicious dose of common sense needs to be applied and that is sorely lacking. And why didn’t anyone question how successful Highpoint is? Fact is when dealing with drug dependency issues the recidivism rate is astronomical. But that also means return customers.