Newt Body Slams Mitt in South Carolina, Republican Party In Disarray

They Ain't Going To Beat Me

It's official...CNN has called South Carolina for Newt Gingrich as he body slams Mitt Romney...this leaves the Republican party in disarray as they head towards a show down with the Democrats for the White House.  The Democrats and Obama have to be loving the Republican Primary this year as every candidate the Republicans have finds a way to self destruct.  

Meanwhile, Mitt just gave his concession speech, pretending he did not really lose anything, still trying to act as if he is the presumptive Republican Presidential Candidate...up next...FLORIDA.

Like Dante's Inferno, Fracking Waste Water Burns The Flames of Hell

FRACKING HELL...coming to your backyard in Sullivan County"

Dante's Inferno has nothing on a Fracking Waste Water Dump hole when it comes to uncontrolled flaming fires spewing contaminants into the night sky...and our BACK YARDS!...seems the Eagle Ford Disposal site in Texas had a bit of an issue last night...chalk up another hazard, and another accident for the fine folks in the Natural Gas Industry that keep assuring us they want to DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME THROUGH...seems they are failing miserably all over America at every step in the process...keep in mind that the NYDEC has failed to facture in the WHOLE PROCESS when it comes to their proposed guidelines for regulating FRACKING IN OUR STATE!

Three people have been injured after an explosion and fire at a disposal well in Pearsall, Texas Thursday night. The site is used for disposal of fracking fluids from the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas, about 50 miles from San Antonio.

Judge Rules Vermont Cannot Shut Down Dangerous Entergy Plant

Entergy...Vital, Safe, Secure?  THINK AGAIN

Lets not mince words...Entergy, in my opinion, is one of the most corrupt, dishonest companies in the nuclear industry, and it is my belief that the judge has erred in denying the citizens and government of Vermont their right to shut down the ailing plant.  

So the question is, what should Vermont do...my answer...violate the judges order,  use State Troopers, or if necessary the National Guard troops to forcibly shut down Vermont Yankee.  For those of you who think such talk is radical...leaving a dangerous reactor operating is far more dangerous, and if troops could be used to kill students at Kent State in the 70's for no good reason, surely using troops in 2012 for the GREAT REASON of shutting down a failing nuclear reactor that could kill people should be justified. 

The time has come for states to TAKE BACK OUR RIGHTS...on immigration (think illegal aliens), on natural resources (think fracking), and on nuclear energy...everyone knows that the NRC is rubberstamping license renewal applications to SAVE THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY with little if any concern for the local communities being forced to play host to these dangerous aging nuclear relics, so maybe it is time we deploy some basic self preservation, and do whatever it takes at a state and local level to shut down unwanted industrial complexes and dangerous nuclear reactors.  What is that Federal Judge going to do...hit the state with a contempt of court charge?  Sometimes, for the safety of ourselves, our children, and our communities, we have to take the law into our own hands, and this seems like one of those times.

Coming Soon To "Montaindale After Dark"...Community Bulletin Board

Just a little buzzzzzzzz...we here at Mountaindale After Dark will soon be launching a very exciting add on to this blog, the "Sullivan County/Catskills Community Bulletin Board".  It will include a fully accessible calendar where you can add your events, and we can add both public and private boards for your groups and interests, such as local music, gardening, Girl Scouts, or anything else...such as FRACKING.  If you are interested in having a public or private board, or would like to act as a moderator for a specific board, please contact Sherwood Martinelli at marcwoodsocialimaging@gmail.com

There will be boards for Mountaindale, Fallsburg, Morningside and Mountaindale Parks, as well as a few special interest boards.  More boards will be added as interest and membership grows. 

Check back in for more news as we get closer to the launch of this project.

Fracking News From Around The World

A Nightmare Coming To Sullivan County...FRACKING

Here in New York, fracking is big news as the NYDEC wades through some 40,000 comments deciding which ones they feel have enough merit to warrant a response...I guess that means most of us ordinary folks will see our comments ignored.  Meanwhile, thought it time for another news update here, so here are some of the fracking stories grabbing headlines this week.  Now I would like to pose one question...seems there is some concern on the part of the EPA about elevated levels of radioactivity in the waste water streams from Hydraulic Fracturing...seems to be, dependent on the elevated levels found in these waters from hydraulic fracturing activities, that operators/well owners should also be required to be licensed with the NRC? 

Out in Nebraska, Oil executives are defending fracking...so surprise there.  More importantly, they are lining up shoulder to shoulder in a full court press to defeat a bill that would require them to making chemicals used in the process a matter of public record.  One question oil company executives...if as you claim, all those chemicals being used in hydraulic fracturing are so SAFE FOR US, why are you all objecting to a law that would make you tell us what they are?  Birth Defects killed 153.1 out of every 100,000 babies born in Nebraska in 2001, the infant mortality rate due to birth defects accounting for 22.6% of all infant deaths...shouldn't citizens be allowed to know if some of those death causing birth defects were caused from chemicals being used in Hydraulic Fracturing Mr. Executive?

Leave it to companies like Haliburton to make something ugly hideous! As if fracking is not bad enough, we have companies trying to bring us SUPER FRACKING...you cannot make this up.  Love the quote at the bottom of this article, which pretty well sums it up:

The bottom line: Despite the furor over fracking to extract oil, energy companies are developing ways to make it more destructive—and profitable.

Last, but certainly not least...haven't we learned our lesson from the Nuclear Industry, that an industry should be required to have a plan to deal with its waste streams BEFORE they do something?  Sorry, but drilling 5,000 holes into the ground and dumping your waste streams IS NOT A PLAN, though that is exactly what the Hydraulic Fracturing industry is doing!

Governor Cuomo should adhere to the will of the people (as in the majority of New Yorkers) and ban fracking in our state...sadly, not only will he not do this, but he is bent on destroying our state parks in the process by selling Natural Gas rights in them to the villains he is supposed to be regulating.

Teenager's Homework Gets Him Arrested

Love reading strange news story...love them even more when they are local, as in Liberty New York.  Seems that a local teenager is in trouble with the law for breaking into a Auction House...how was he caught you ask? Apparently, he lost his homework in the woods behind the auction house....WHOOPS!  Do hope though that the police have more evidence than just his name on his homework page...last time I looked, walking around in the woods was not against the law...even if the woods is right behind a recently robbed Auction House.

Friday "News on the Run"

What a beautiful day outside...the snow last night is cleared off of our streets here in Mountaindale, while everything else is covered in a blanket of what, giving our little hamlet a picture post card feel, the sun seeing the crystals from the snow shining and sparkling like a field of diamonds.  We have more snow in the forecast for tonight, turning to rain tomorrow...that troublesome forecast of ICE PELLETS again rearing its ugly head, which would not bode well for tomorrow night's Salsa Dancing.  My understanding is the event will be moved to Sunday (January 22) if the weather refuses to cooperate tomorrow night. 

Another reminder of a local nature...if you have a birthday in January, then tonight Nadia's in Hurleyville is the place to be...come join in the fun as this wonderful little establishment (with some great food) celebrates those born in the month of January.  Everyone is welcome, even if you were born in a different month.  You might want to call in a reservation! (845) 434-8051

Friday "News on the Run"

Perhaps in the biggest news of the day, is Mitt Romney suddenly self destructing right before our eyes?  Mr. Big MoJo suddenly does not seem quite the candidate he was just a few days ago, and it is looking as if Mr (open marriage) Gingrich could pull off a stunning upset victory in South Carolina...or not.  Lets face it, all of the networks have spent a lot of money HYPING the Republican Primary season only to have it fizzle as one candidate after another self destructed, leaving Romney the winner by default...perhaps he still is, but he sure looked weak in the debate last night, while Gingrich has a couple of sterling moments that are creating quite the buzz.  Looking at Governor Arnold, John McCain, Newt Gingrich, and of course the pizza guy, do affairs matter, and more importantly, is it time that the Republicans stop portraying themselves as the "Family Values" party?  Must be something in the water they drinking...fracking chemicals perhaps?

Seems you can break the law and not be punished...IF YOU ARE AN ILLEGAL ALIEN.  That's right, the Department of Homeland Security is rushing to cancel the deportations of some 1600 illegal aliens because they do not present a National Security Risk.  I am curious here Janet...you don't mind if I call you Janet do you?  Curious, if I forged some documents, stole a social security number, borrowed someone else's credit history, and got a job I was not really entitled to, as a LEGAL CITIZEN of the United States, if I got caught would the Department of Homeland Security moved quickly to dismiss charges that might have been brought against me?...oh, never mind, sure I would be tossed in prison for awhile, but if I were an illegal alien, different story...right?

In news we are not hearing a lot of from CNN (they and their parent company are in support of it), seems that SOPA vote has been postponed by Reid.   

Anonymous teaches the feds a lesson...The justice department wrongfully shut down the 72nd largest site on the internet (Megaupload), criminally charged numerous employees...wasting no time at all, the folks at Anonymous SHUT DOWN the Justice Department and FBI websites.  Maybe the US government needs to realize the WEB BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE, not the United States government!  The feds are treating the "distributed denial of service" (DDoS) attack as malicious...here is a clue...it was a PROTEST, an exercise of ones Civil Rights.  Oh, but sure you folks would love to say a whole bunch of angry citizens suddenly visiting one site is against the law now, wouldn't you?

Hope you enjoy todays, "News on the Run".  Going to go take more cold meds here and get myself a little afternoon nap.

Goods News...Salsa In Mountaindale This Weekend

Janet with Radiant Yoga is bringing Salsa to Mountaindale this weekend!

Saturday January 21, 2012
7-10 PM
(lessons from 7-7:30)

Mountaindale Community Center
62 Main Street
Mountaindale, New York
Diagonally across from Radiant Yogo.

Instructors: Harold and Bette Fried.

Tea and refreshments will be served.  Sure it will be a fun night for all involved. 

Sorry For Absence, and Thursday "News on the Run"

Laying here in bed SICK AS A DOG...not sure there is anything worse than a winter cold that grabs hold of us and will not let go.  All the Nyquil, Dayquil, lozenges and netti pot washes I tried just would not beat it back this week, so am seriously under the weather here.  So, do apologize that I have not been here with my usual breaking news and events pieces.  That said, sitting here in bed with ringing ears, a pile of used Kleenex tissues, and morning coffee bringing you a Thursday edition of "News on the Run".

In news of a local flavor.  The folks at Trails and Parks New York have granted the "Rails to Trails" Committee here a grant of $2200!  Money will be used to complete and distribute  the new membership brochure, and sure there are many in the community happy to see this project finally moving forward to the finish line.  A special thanks to Adele and Allen for contributing to the work necessary to making this grant happen.  The funding grant also earmarks money for a new logo, so looking for exciting things in that area as well as our trail corridor gets branded.

Speaking of branding, some good news came up at our brochure subcommittee meeting this week.  It appears that Mountaindale's new banners (look for news on a design contest in coming issue) are still in the works, as well as some other things including new flower boxes, and it is assumed new table clothes as well.  The banners, and new flower boxes were mentioned as a part of the earmarked money that is going to be spent from MCDP's big win this past year with Sullivan Renaissance, in a discussion about money that could be spent on the trail. Exciting times for our community with all these positive improvements looming on the horizon.  In other trail news, the full "Rails to Trails" committee meets this morning at Tony's...being sick, I will be unable to attend, so if someone could call me with an update that would be great.

In other local news...Rock Hill, who came in Third last year behind Mountaindale has some BIG PLANS for 2012 when it comes to Sullivan Renaissance.  They will be parlaying win from last year, and the grant money that came with it into a major Category C application for 2012.   In full disclosure here, last year was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed working with the folks in Mountaindale on our great win, and wanted to continue my involvements with Sullivan Renaissance...it is that wish of wanting to continue working with Sullivan Renaissance that has seen me join the Rock Hill team for 2012, and really looking forward to working with those folks.

"News on the Run"

In BIG BREAKING NEWS, seems that Rick Santorum actually WON IOWA...problem is, the Republicans in Iowa are not watnting to declare him the winner, and instead are now claiming that Iowa was a tie....no, Santorum won it by some 39 votes.  As the old saying goes, give the devil his due...Mitt rode out of Iowa a winner, claiming a BIG MO that he was not entitled too, and declaring Santorum a winner is the only RIGHT THING TO DO.

Talk about HUMAN ERROR (more like wanton and egregious negligence), seems the folks at TEPCO had accidentally cut back up power to the melted down reactor MONTHS BEFORE the Tsunami, and then NEVER HAD IT RECONNECTED...this is the kind of stuff we expect out of Entergy, the kind of stuff the NRC turns the other way on in a routine matter.

"A Kodak Moment!"...the company is BANKRUPT.  This is sad news for this old photographer who still misses the good old days of taking a handful of TriX film out into the field, then coming home and spending days down in my basement darkroom.  Much like movie rental company that fell too the likes of Netflick who got a head of the curve, Kodak jumped into the digital photography game late, wrongfully assuming that digital would never push it's way to the top of the heap...well, it did, and roll film and the developing of it is all but obsolete now days.

Obama Bitch Slaps Boehner and Republicans, rightfully rejects Keystone Project!  Doing the Snoopy dance on this one!

Hacktivists...Beware of US Army Cyber Command

The news is racing through the ether's of cyberspace...The Department of Homeland Security is monitoring our Social Media Communications, basically infringing upon our "civil rights", threatening our "Freedom of Speech".  That news from my perspective is no news at all, it is something we all knew, or at least expected. Perhaps more alarming to hacktivists should be the US Army Cyber Command which was founded in 2010.  some "Cyber Security" experts have labeled 2012 as the year of the "Cyber War".

If one reads the McAfee  Report which forecasts cyber threats in 2012 you find disturbing ideas that require further scrutiny...for instance, would like to see the Pentagon report wherein our military says it will treat cyberspace as an "Operational Domain."  Included in said report, though little was made of it is a hint that the Department of Defense is creating a new doctrine that will highlight how the United States military will retaliate for a cyberattack, and one has to pose the question, "Will our military look to make a public demonstration of their doctrine by using our military might to go after say members of Anonymous?

(Reuters) - The Defense Department unveiled a new strategy for protecting military computer networks from hackers on Thursday, designating cyberspace as an "operational domain" U.S. forces will be trained to defend.

When you have determined individuals publishing attack codes, one can understand the worry that our military has...I mean it is their duty to protect America's corporate assets right?  God forbid that online protests using DoS are successful in shutting down say Mastercard or PayPals servers for awhile. Herein is the crux of that slippery slope...is the Pentagon's plans to make cyberspace a "Operational Domain" planned to protect military web portals and servers, or will said plans, and the force of the military be deployed to protect corporate interests and stifle free speech?  

Groups all over the world including our own "Occupy Movement" here in America use the internet, social media as an organizational tool to get their information out...could and would the United States Military shut down certain sites, or limit access in the name of "National Security"?  When one considers the new military vision for the future, when one realizes that the Pentagon sees a future where they use military assets to aid the Department of Homeland Security, the scary answer has too be yes, and in that yes is the very startling reality that our own American Democracy is now under attack from within, our military and the Department of Homeland Security threatening our civil liberties in the name of keeping us safe.

Army Cyber's Creed is a bit Scary

Cyber is not just a network. We operate in a contested environment which therefore makes it critical to improve our defense systems. These key defensive positions are manned by our Soldiers, civilians and contractors who need support to maintain the immediate tactical edge and expand strategic boundaries.
Network dominance is an integral part of the cyber fight – today and tomorrow. Cyber threats demand new approaches to managing information, securing information, and ensuring our ability to operate. Cyberspace is on par with the other war-fighting domains of land, sea, air and space. It is in cyberspace that we must use our strategic vision to dominate the information environment throughout interdependencies and independent systems.

The U.S. Army Cyber Command/2nd Army's breadth of responsibility spans the entire Army and the entire world - from the tactical edge to the strategic enterprise-level or national levels. Traditional boundaries no longer exist and anonymous attacks can occur literally at near light speed over fiber optic networks. Our enemies will deny the freedom of movement on our networks and use whatever they can from wherever in the world they are to gain advantage.

Army Cyber Command/2nd Army plans, coordinates, integrates, synchronizes, directs, and conducts network operations and defense of all Army networks; when directed, conducts cyberspace operations in support of full spectrum operations to ensure U.S./Allied freedom of action in cyberspace, and to deny the same to our adversaries. The total command strength will exceed 21,000 Soldiers and civilians and will be funded from within existing fiscal resources.

Cyber Command is composed of a professional team of elite warriors defending Army networks and providing full spectrum cyber, enabling mission command and providing global advantage! The cyber war fighting requires impact, integration, risk, and knowing ourselves, the enemy, and the cyber terrain.

We are the Army leader in operating, maintaining, and defending the network.

Homeland Security Monitors Social Media

Up Yours

Saturday Musings, and "News on the Run"

One of Our Local Residents

Up early here, the deep freeze we are in seeing me rise early to make a cup of coffee, and kick up the heat to knock the chill off of my apartment.  Slight flurries of snow are dancing about just outside my window, frost creeping up the pains of glass.  Went outside to look at my electric meter, frowned as I watched the little wheel whirling about, dollars ringing up for the utility company as I attempt to chase away the cold...this weather is truly a budget buster for those on a limited income.  The good news in all this is that any real chance of snow has been pushed off till Tuesday...so, today might be a good day to run out and do a bit of grocery shopping before we find ourselves shut in.

In local news, the "Rails to Trails" committee is hoping for some good news this coming week from the "Parks and Trails New York" folks...they have applied for a $3,000 grant.  The decision is slated to be made, and recipients notified this coming Tuesday, January 16, 2012.  The "Capacity Building" grant would be used for such things as a new membership brochure, and a full blown web presence for the trail.  This grant would dovetail nicely with Mountaindale's own plans for new banners, flower boxes and other improvements made possible through the $7,000 grant the community won in last year's Sullivan Renaissance program.  These types of grant funds from outside sources, administered properly bode well for our small hamlet.

Saturday "News on the Run"

Lifestyles of the Rich and Political...take a look at some of the homes Republican Politicians are living in, including one of Mitt Romney's worth almost TEN MILLION DOLLARS (he has several).  He and some of the others living high on the proverbial hog want us to believe they are men of the people.

Cruise ship capsizes after hitting a sandbar...at least three dead, though over 50 others are still missing, so look for the death toll from this tragic accident to rise.  129 Americans were on board when the ship ran aground. 

In more FRACKING NEWS, seems that Lisa Jackson is content to drag the US EPA's feet, content to duck the issues as the citizens of Dimock, PA continue to drink POISON WATER.    One has to wonder which New York communities will be forced to follow in Dimock's footsteps, our children's health being threatened as they have no choice but to drink water CONTAMINATED by the Natural Gas industry's unsafe Hydraulic Fracturing of our pristine lands.

Brilliant homeless teenager and her family now have a home, and they get their dog back in the bargain...this is a feel good story.

Hope you have enjoyed today's "News on the Run"...time to go out and brave the cold as I get my car started, and parked back out on Main Street here in downtown Mountaindale.

Brrrrr...It is SO FREAKING COLD....and of Course, Friday "News on the Run"

Brrrr....DANG, it is seriously cold outside, especially with the howling winds blowing down Main Street, the tattered awnings outside my window fluttering in the breeze.   Not saying it is cold out, but my car doors were frozen solid...took 10 minutes to get in.    This weather will seem like a CAKE WALK by tomorrow night when it is supposed to go down to single digits...as in 2 DEGREES!  So much for that theory I was working on about a mild winter.

To my local friends (Mike, Mark, Patty and Iris) who gave me venison this year, thank you so very much.  Having two small steaks for dinner this evening, and it is ever so tasty.  Pan cooked, some capers, Bermuda onion, herbs, spices, and some Merlot...OMG...so simple, yet so very good...did I mention garlic?

A local recommendation...went over to 2 Good Guys Auto Repair the other day to get a couple of new tires and a oil change.  Great folks, great work, and the price was very reasonable as well.  Give them a call at (845) 434-4107...they do towing to (nice to know in winter)...the towing number is (845) 428-0174.

Reginald Williams

2 Good Guys Auto Repair

49 Roosevelt Ave.

Woodridge, NY 12789

Friday "News on the Run"

The big news for those of us here in New York (besides the weather) involves FRACKING.  Seems that the US EPA beat the comments submission deadline by a scant three hours, and they have quite a bit to say, much of it ANGERING THE INDUSTRY.  Seems like many of us, they do not feel some of the rules go far enough, and specifically, they are calling for LARGER setbacks for our drinking water, while the industry (big surprise) wants even smaller set backs when it comes to protecting our water.  When I ponder the industry's wishes, why does the phrase, "Take a hike" jump quickly to mind.  Could it have anything to do with the fact that I know they are LYING to us?

In his harshest attacks yet on Mitt Romney's job creation claims, Newt Gingrich LAUGHED at him today in Miami...in breaking news...When Newt Gingrich smiled, his face cracked.  In all seriousness, even though I despise Mitt Romney, sure he is having the last laugh knowing that Newt is not n the ballot in his own home state of Virginia where he has lived since becoming a perennial Washington, DC insider. 

A report that made me smile...seems that Apple, who has no clue when it comes to customer service (waving at RW), also has no problems with its supply chain (manufacturing locations) having some pretty horrid work place practices!  Maybe it is time everyone seriously considers boycotting Apple till they can get their customer service and production issues resolved in a HUMANE FASHION?

When It Comes to Customer Service, APPLE NEEDS A CLUE

This morning, having received no contact from the apparently too busy to care RW at Apple Customer Care, either by phone or email, decided to call Apple  this morning in an attempt to resolve my issues with the company.  Part of me would like to think Steve Jobs is rolling over in his grave at this saga, but if being honest here, the customer service protocols at Apple were probably instituted under his watch, which leads to the conclusion he would approve of the manner in which his staff has handled this case.  As a sub note to this saga, don't bother calling the corporate headquarters at 408-996-1010 and asking to speak to the new Chairman of the Board Arthur D Levinson (see Genentech and NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc), as he does not deem to speak to mere mortals like you and I as Apple has us locked into a box that forbids us escaping from a non functioning Customer Care Department.

Apple...Bad To The Core?

Around 10:30 I placed my call, and when someone in customer service answered, I asked to speak to the manager of said department (knowing we common folk are not allowed such access).  A syrupy sweet calming voice on the other end of the line asked me to explain too them just what my problem was, asked that I give them a chance to see if they could help.  Been there, done that, but I proceeded to tell my story in four part harmony when I was told, "OK, stop it right there and let me put you on hold while I pass this call along to someone else that can better help you with your problem.  Do you mind if I put you on hold for a few minutes while I fill them in on everything."

Sure, be happy to hold, I just love sitting here holding a phone in my hand while you explain everything to someone else who will come on the line and ask me to repeat the whole story over to them again anyway."

Missing my sarcasm, the customer service representative placed me on hold, was gone for a little over ten minutes...it is assumed looking for someone that she could pass the call off to as it was well beyond their own skills, and the script booklet that was and is every phone reps holy grail of how to deal with members of the public.  Rule number one of which is, "Never let them speak to anyone that could actually make an executive decision that could  solve the problem."

Finally the rep in her syrupy voice pops online to inform me she is passing my call over to someone else who will be able to resolve my issues, make me again a "Happy Camper".  So now, passed along to person number two in my ordeal (not counting the robot who had assured me it could understand and comprehend complex phrases...which it cannot).  Wanting to save some time, I asked this person if the first customer service rep had adequately explained my situation.  

"Not really, can you tell me what you are having problems with?"

Biting my tongue, with great gnashing of teeth, pulling out some of my already thinning hair, I again start my tale from the beginning with four part harmony and various assorted lamentations about the insanity of the entire situation, when again I hear, "Stop it right there, I am going to need to escalate this up the ladder too someone else, can you please hold?"

Another long waiting period listening to Apple's insipid hold music (maybe they should do some shopping on ITunes), and this second person comes back on the line to introduce me to Robyn who will be helping me from here on out...happy, happy, joy, joy.  Now I knew this phone conversation was not going to end with me being a happy camper when she almost immediately informs me, that she is pretty much on an equal par with RW (remember RW), and so can only do so much in an attempt to solve my issues...cutting to the chase, what she was saying was she would not be able to give me what I had ordered at the price I ordered it for UNLESS people higher up were brought into the lope (tangled ball of string)...and we are talking for WHAT REASON?

I'd asked to speak to someone higher up the food chain over an hour ago, and though a mere mortal like myself is not allowed into that Apple Ivory Tower, not allowed too speak to any one above the level of peon and piss ant, it seemed I was going to need to give Robyn at least 24 hours to look into some things...every time RW (remember RW) asked for 24 hours, it was more like days, even weeks before (or if) I heard back from him.  Must like our dear RW, Robyn too gave me her DIRECT DIAL number (877 388-0879 ext. 48076) which when called funnels you into the same message and answering machine that RW has set up for himself.

She did ask me what I would like to resolve my issues with Apple...now, what I would like is the Apple iMac (28 inch screen) with all the bells and whistles, but we all know that Apple is not going to give me an almost $7,000 computer.  However, that is NOT WHAT I ASKED FOR...I said I wanted them to uphold and honor the deal they had made to me, and wanted a letter of apology from Apple...apparently that last one greatly complicates things, as Apple does not like having to admit in writing that they made some mistakes, does not want to write a letter of apology to ANYONE.

So, almost four months from when this saga originally started, the tale continues on.

Thursday "News on the Run"...Editorial

We had a nice snow overnight that is turning into an icy slush as a cold biting rain hammers our little hamlet, the sound of snow removal equipment waking me to this new day, almost but not quite blanking out the sound of my TV as CNN brings me the morning's newest breaking news, which in most cases is nothing more than a rerun of news they previously brought to my attention.

One headline caught my attention...Santorum (perhaps positioning himself as VP, or a nod to some other job on the taxpayers backs) is defending Mitt Romney, saying attacks on his time at Bain Capital amount to a attack on Capitalism.   While rolling this concept around in my head, saw another article wherein the Pew Institute says there is a greater resentment/conflict growing between the rich and poor...I know, can we have a duh moment here (just give me the money they spent on that survey, and I could have told you that).  

Could it be that both Santorum and the UBER RICH need to wake up to a basic reality?  Capitalism in its current form is not working for most Americans, few Reagan's trickle down economics nothing more than a cruel joke that kept the poor at bay for another years while the rich continue to get richer, stacking the deck in their favor at every step of the way.

Americans have traditionally been the most enthusiastic champions of capitalism.  Yet a recent American public opinion survey found that just 50 per cent of people had a positive opinion of capitalism while 40 per cent did not.  The disillusionment was particularly marked among young people 18-29, African Americans and Hispanics, those with incomes under $30,000 and self-described Democrats.

The American Dream taught to us was simple...if you worked hard, played by the rules you would get ahead in life, live comfortably, odds were good that your children would have a better life (style) than you had as a result of your efforts.  You were taught that being loyal to your employer would see your employer being loyal (and fair) to you.  Fact is, in 2012, that American Dream is all but DEAD.  The middle class is being decimated with each passing day, the richest getting ever richer, hard working Americans struggling just to keep a roof over their heads, and food on the plates of themselves and their family.  The few jobs that are out there pay a wage meant to see you barely surviving, paying you what amounts to SLAVE WAGES, all in the name of corporate profits and the bottom line.

According to the 2000 Census:

12.8% of US households lived on $25,000-$34,999 a year

12.8% of US households lived on $15,000-$25,999 a year

6.3% of US households lived on $10,000-$14,999 a year

9.5% of US households lived on less than $10,000 a year

This means that 44.1% of Americans lived on $34,999 or less a year even with both parents working FULL TIME.

There is no better example of Main Street America's anger with the UBER RICH (ruling class) than the "Occupy Movement" that spread across America this past fall.  That movement may be floundering in the winter winds, but look for the remaining embers to light a brush fire that spreads across America with the coming of spring, look for larger protests, and if the same tactics used to put a choke hold on the movement this past fall are used by police departments in the spring, perhaps protests will turn into open riots, as 150 years after the Civil War we again see Americans fighting Americans, brothers against brothers as the great uncleansed masses rise up and say, "ENOUGH".

Santorum's defense of Mitt Romney, his defense of Mitt's time at Bain Capital where he employed a scorched earth policy to the work force shows that he, nor Mitt Romney has a clue when it comes to the life and needs of Average Americans, shows them both unfit to hold political office, let alone hold the highest office in the land.  Millions of Americans have been disenfranchised, even though they want to work at a living wage, there are no jobs to be found, or if a job is too be found it pays a paltry wage, and is part time.  Sadness and despair are rapidly being replaced with anger, you can sense a deep seething hatred starting to bubble up too the surface as the tone of conversations outside  grocery stores, or in the local pub or bars is changing as people state boldly that something has to change, the words making it clear they feel sold out by those in government supposed to protect us, those who are supposed to keep the playing field relatively fair...it seems all the Republican candidates are ignorant of this growing rip in the fabric of America, and if truth be told, the Democrats are no better, both parties pandering to special interests, rather than doing what is RIGHT FOR THE NATION. 

It's Official...First Snow of 2012

It's official...it is just before 10:30 in the evening here in Downtown Mountaindale, NY and we have our first snow fall of 2012, the white stuff beginning to stick as the hamlet takes on an ethereal other world feel.  Not sure just how much we will get, but there is something magical about what it come down to the ground, each flake dazzling in the glare of the few street lights which brighten up our Main Street.

It has been a mild winter, temperatures almost balmy, even earlier in this day.  Now it is below the freezing mark, the earlier rain turned first to freezing rain, and then the white stuff that sees us huddling in our small places, a cup of fresh coffee keeping away the chill of the wintry night.

Welcome to winter everyone.

So You Want To Be In Politics?

So you want to be in politics, then you need to be rich like me...or is it the other way around, if you want to be rich you have to be in politics?  Other options?  Well, McCain married his gravy train, so suppose there are other options and avenues open and available.  Bottom line, ask yourselves one question...does someone in the upper one percent of the one percent really have the mental and emotional capabilities to represent the common man (or woman)?

Wednesday "News on the Run"

Sorry for the absence...been dealing with a few personal problems, such as having my living look like a scene from a bad movie while a section of my ceiling is repaired and re-plastered...fun, fun, fun.  Enjoy today's weather as it starts getting ugly this evening, and Thursday through Saturday does not look very good at all with freezing rain, sleet, and all around miserableness.  All in all though, we have been pretty darn lucky so far this winter...2.5 months still to go though, and we know we will get buried in snow before too long.

Wednesday "News on the Run"

The big news is no real news at all...Mitt Romney won in New Hampshire last night, and this morning all the pundits are on the airwaves telling all the Americans in the other 48 states that our votes don't matter, that the Republican Primary is now all but over.  The real news perhaps, is that controversial candidate Ron Paul came in a very STRONG second...on too the proverbial firewall, South Carolina.

The most trending of story of the morning...seems pot is actually safer for you than cigarettes are...in fact, one CNN reporter this morning compared it to Yoga, explaining that the breathing techniques in both smoking pot and Yoga are similar.

OMG...Hostess, maker of the Twinkie, that delicious cream filled sponge cake that would still taste fresh after a nuclear explosion is in BANKRUPTCY!  A sign of the times, carrot eating, tofu nibbling, drink a veggie smoothie healthy people putting a national treasure at risk of being no more...OH WOE IS ME.  The silver lining....we can all go out and buy a few cases and stick them down in the basement knowing they will still be there ready to eat when the grand kids come over.

 

FAA needs to just butt out and let the Whooping Cranes fly...OK, the this years grounded whooping cranes are going to be allowing too finish their migration to Florida, but the FAA never should have interfered to begin with, and needs to JUST BUTT OUT and let this group take care of saving this endangered species.

There is today's episode of "News on the Run" coming to you from DOWNTOWN Mountaindale NY.  I need to go put some sockies on and get on the road....just in time for tonight's ugly weather, having an oil change and putting two new tires on the car.  Have a great day everyone.

60 Percent of New Hampshire Voters SAY NO TO ROMNEY

OMG...the pundits are already lined up singing "Hail Mitt Romney", proclaiming his the Republican Presidential nominee in 2012.  Never mind the FACT that 93 percent of Republican Americans HAVE NOT VOTED YET, and never mind the fact that 60 percent of voters in New Hampshire, and 75 percent of voters in Iowa voted against him, fact is (according to CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS) none of the rest of us have a say in the matter, New Hampshire and Iowa have spoken!

Now let's just suppose for a few minutes...Santorum just missed (by eight votes) beating Romney in Iowa, and Ron Paul came in a strong third, and in tonight's New Hampshire vote Paul came in a strong second with the other Mormon a decent third.  Now, what if say the moron from Texas (the other George Bush) and Newt accept their fate and fade into the night...am I the only one who sees the possibility of things tightening up with just four candidates in the field, seeing the Republicans heading into a brokered convention where the gloves really come off, and it is any one's ballgame, including Sarah Palin, and perhaps even Joe the Plumber? OMG...imagine Ron Paul and his followers showing up for the party, right wing Republicans all with purple faces as they think to themselves, "This is not the big tent we'd envisioned, and no way are we letting any of their ideas into our platform this year."

CupcakeGate...TSA Needs a LIFE

Does This Look Like Bomb To You?

Americans need to stop LIVING IN FEAR, and sorry, but TSA confiscating cupcakes (even ones in a Mason Jar) is just too far over the top in KEEPING US SAFE.  Seriously, what is next in the TSA's quest to keep us safe by eliminating what we can bring onto a plane?  Maybe we should limit the size of a woman's purse, or tell men their wallets cannot be bigger than the palm of their hand, and no thicker than say 1/2 inch...I mean who knows, could a terrorist use plastic explosives disguised as CREDIT CARDS...sorry folks, no Visa or MasterCard allowed on the plane, only American Express cards, because those are only issued to rich folks, and we all know rich people are NEVER TERRORISTS.

We cannot carry cupcakes onto an airplane if they are in a Mason Jar, TSA agents there to seize them and eat them later, but full sized human beings in the form of illegal aliens can cross our Southern Border at will carrying CASES OF CUPCAKES (or bales of drugs), and that is OK?  Why do I even bother asking, of course if it OK, our dear Mr. Obama is changing the rules to give those folks AMNESTY while those flying United are being told too check their cupcakes at the door, and sorry no cans of hairspray or deodorant either, as we want to keep everyone safe while they fly.  Gestapo Airlines anyone...free naked strip search with every carry on pulled aside for closer inspection and evaluation.

Seems that Rebecca's wonderful Red Velvet cake was just too much for agent [REDACTED] to just let go, and after consulting with [REDACTED], said cupcake was CONFISCATED.  For the record, if Rebecca happens to read this, stop protecting the TSA agents in this cup cake caper, and use their real names...if you do not want to, send them to me, and I will post them.  Let's identify these overly paranoid numb nuts for who they are...Cup Cake bandits looking for their break time snacks.

Fracking News...Encana Wants To HALT PUBLIC COMMENT

Sign At Encana Site in Pavillion

Just in from Wyoming...Encana who the US EPA suspects contaminated the underground aquifer of the citizens of Pavillion, Encana who used their financial might and public relations people to TRASH the EPA report that is now out for peer review (which includes all stakeholders) has officially requested that the US EPA close/suspend the comments on the report.

So, Encana rushed to the press, trashed the report, its finding, as well as the US EPA staff  and are now wanting the US EPA to deny the citizens, other concerned groups the right to summit comments, thoughts and scientific information supporting our position. Officials from Encana contend the EPA hasn't been clear about which specific questions, topics and comments from the public, the company and government agencies are supposed to cover.  So, Encana has been submitting stuff for weeks, been on the airwaves for weeks, and now they want to deny other stakeholders their/our say?

It is suggested to the US EPA that they should give Encana the official, politically correct middle finger, deny their request, and let the process work its way through its course, rather than suspending the comments period until Encana and other members of the Natural Gas Industry can shape and LIMIT what we the public stakeholders can comment on.  It is also suggested here, that Governor Cuomo and the NYDEC start paying some VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION to all the dangers of fracking that are starting to appear every where that Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing is going on.

One other suggestion to the US EPA as relates to Encana request.  They have filed a FOIA request seeking additional data.  Rather than suspend the comments period, it is suggested here, that said comments period be EXTENDED for a period of 45 from the point that the US EPA has fulfilled Encana's FOIA request, and or denied it, and Encana has exercised it's legal remedies.  In this fashion, all parties will have adequate time to submit comments on any additional information/documents that end up being supplied to Encana.  Extending the comments period makes more sense, and is fairer to ALL STAKEHOLDERS than suspending the comments period, or limiting the scope of stakeholder comments.

Boogie Down Great Grandma...This Lady Has MOVES

Found this video on Technorati, and just had to show it.  Lets hope the rest of us have this much zest for life when we reach the age of 90!  The house all decorated for the holiday, her outfit...LOVE the whole thing, and hope this video goes VIRAL.

The Latest Fracking News

First Up...if you have not yet submitted comments to the NYDEC opposing the inadequate fracking regulations found in the SGEIS, now is the time to do it (deadline is January 11th...this upcoming Wednesday) is now. To make it easier for citizens to submit comments, Catskill Citizens has put up a page with 20 READY TO GO comments here. They are great comments, but if you want some serious IMPACT to your statement, want to have it receive MORE ATTENTION, it is recommended you use their suggested comments as a model to write your own. The more the merrier, so consider to some or even all of them! As a stakeholder, it is also recommended you ask to be put on the document SERVICE LIST.

Catskill Citizens will make sure that anything you send to us by Monday January 9th will be delivered to the DEC on time. After Monday the 9th, use the DEC's web-based comment form.[http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/76838.html]

Next up...is the US EPA going to start delivering water to the citizens of Dimock, Pennsylvania? Cabot has reneged on doing right by the citizens of Dimock, even though they are the guilty party that has contaminated the community water, and sadly, the state of Pennsylvania's own DEC is letting them get away with it...however, all is not lost. Seems that the US EPA is weighing to their own investigations, and bringing in water.

If the EPA delivers water to the village, it would be the clearest sign yet regulators are concerned about the effect of drilling on drinking water there.
Dimock may become pivotal in a national debate about the environmental impact of fracking, the drilling technique that could unlock decades' worth of natural gas trapped in shale deposits, but which environmentalists say contaminates water supplies.

11 minor earthquakes in Ohio attributed to FRACKING. First, this raises some serious question about allowing fracking anywhere near any earthquake faults. More importantly, it raises a much more serious question...why is the Hydraulic Fracturing industry being allowed to DUMP THEIR CANCER CAUSING WASTE STREAMS into the ground with our potable water supplies. Seriously, how safe can it really be to be dumping all these toxic chemicals into the ground, and will not those toxic chemicals PERCULATE up into the aquifers if said chemicals are causing earthquakes?

Now, seismologists have attributed a recent series of 11 minor earthquakes in Ohio to injection wells that disposed of wastewater byproducts from fracking operations.

Will opponents of Fracking here in New York be successful in getting another one year moratorium on the dangerous industrial drilling practice known as Hydraulic Fracturing, or would such a moratorium amount to putting lipstick on a pig. As it is, the DEC cannot issue permits before 2013, as there is no money in the budget for the added employees needed to enforce the proposed rules moving their way through the process now. Symbolically it would be a big victory for the Anti's, but we need to make sure it is not window dressing meant to appease.

Pointing to experiences in other states, including Pennsylvania and Colorado, critics say the practice could contaminate drinking water and air, cause small earthquakes and lower property values. Supporters say allowing fracking in New York would create an important domestic source of energy and thousands of jobs for depressed rural areas.

State Assembly Environmental Committee Chair Robert Sweeney said on Friday he would soon introduce a proposal to have a moratorium on fracking until June 1, 2013. Sweeney pointed to recent reports that fracking may have caused a series of small earthquakes in Ohio and contaminated drinking water in Wyoming and Dimock, Pennsylvania.

Bottom line is simple...at every step of the way, Fracking seems to get more dangerous, and at some point politicians and regulators have to accept that some risks are not worth taking, and Hydraulic Fracturing is one of those risks that small rural communities like our own cannot afford to have the DEC force us into accepting. How many examples of problems do regulators need to have presented before they just tell the Exxon's, Cabot's and Chesapeake Energy's of the world NO?

Apple Ipod Saga Continues...Apple FAILS When It Comes to Customer Service

Many of my regular readers probably recall my post on Apple, and the problems I was having in getting my faulty IPod replaced in a timely fashion. Though a solution was weeks in the making, though I was not happy to have my NEW IPod replaced with a REFURBISHED one, had thought the tale was finished, that a workable solution had been found.

I was pleased with the apology of one RW from Apple's customer care department, and the offer made to me to compensate me for my troubles. Specifically, RW offered me both a ten percent discount, and $100 off my next Apple purchase of $300 or more...COOL I thought, and tucked these two items away to be used at Christmas time.

Enter BLACK MONDAY! Apple was running their own specials, and one of them was right up my alley, the time has come to CASH IN on my discount and gift certificate...Below is the original copy from the sale page. Do the math, and I was looking at a mega deal, picking up the IPad of my dreams for a steal at $350...not a $199 flatscreen TV, but I was going to be VERY HAPPY.

Special Limited Time Price
Originally released April 2010 $499.00

64GB flash drive capacity Save $230.00
Wi-Fi + 3G (3G data plan sold separately)
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology
9.7-inch widescreen display
Multi-Touch screen
1.6 pounds and 0.5 inch

Now, per the directive of RW (Ransri Wije) at the time he made this offer, I picked up the phone000000 when I found this great bargain to close the deal, as he said he was the only one who could apply the extra 10 percent discount...OK. So, I called him and got his answering machine, so I also emailed him, sending him the link and information on what I wanted, just as he had instructed me too do.

First, RW takes his sweet time getting back to me (as in over a week after the sale ends), and when he calls me (late at night here on the East Coast), he informs me that the deal he offered me was only for NEW ITEMS, not REFURBISHED ITEMS. Two things here...first, when I complained about receiving a refurbished IPod when my NEW IPOD broke, RW assured me that both were of equal quality, even though the refurbished on sent me sells for over $100 LESS than a new one. Secondly, RW, nor Apple ever put a restriction on their compensation offer stating I could only get a new item.

I pointed this out to RW, but he was insistent that I could only cash in the offer on something NEW...I told him to go back and review the records and then get back to me, and hung up the phone before I lost my temper.

He did get back to me just before Christmas...again, late at night my time here on the East Coast, and said after reviewing the records, admitted that I was correct, he nor Apple had put such a restriction on my compensation package, and because of this, he was prepared to HONOR his word.

"GREAT, I want the IPad Touch I sent you the link for RW."

Sure you all know where this is going...after clicking on the link for the refurbished unit in my email (that clearly shows the unit on sale for $499.00) RW informs me that the unit is now $599.00 and he can give it too me for around $450! I point out the obvious, which is I would have had the unit in time for Christmas, would have paid around $350 for it had he and Apple honored their original offering in a timely fashion.

The way it was left, RW was going to look into things and get back to me if he could find the unit I wanted at the price it was offered when I tried to cash it in. We are now into a new year, a week into it actually, and still no IPad. Now maybe I am wrong here, but seems to me that my having to spend hours and hours of my time trying to get Apple to do the right thing is not the Apple of Steve Jobs. Would seem to me that this much aggravation is not something Apple customers should have to endure. Apple makes some GREAT PRODUCTS (iMac), but when it comes to taking care of customers after the purchase, they are even worse than Microsoft when it comes to creating customer satisfaction.

If you think Apple needs to address the troubles and problems they have created in this case, please drop RW a line at rwije@apple.com and tell him to MAKE ALL THIS RIGHT. At this point, not willing to be as accomadating as I was when all this first started back in October. Tell them I DESERVE the iMac of my dreams...I mean what is $6,483.00 compared to the hassles they have given me in the past almost 90 days.

Saturday Weather, and "News on the Run"

It is a bit overcast outside my front door here in Mountaindale, but otherwise we are in for what can only be called beautiful, unseasonably warm January weather through at least Thursday of this coming week. No snow in sight, and day time temperatures should be on average up in the low 40's, which is almost shorts weather for this citizen. Thinking some walks are in order to get the blood circulating, and to maybe snap a few pictures.

This week we lost a familiar face here in Mountaindale as Wes passed away from a recently diagnosed cancer. Going to miss walking past his place, seeing him outside puttering around his place, his cat across the street relaxing on the school house lawn.

My colonoscopy went well yesterday, though being honest, do not remember much past being rolled into the operating room...once the white stuff started flowing into my veins, I was out like a light. They found two very large precancerous polyps, so sitting on the proverbial pins and needles here waiting for official results on Wednesday or Thursday. Benign is the word I am wanting to hear when the phone call comes in...we shall see. Either way, the doctor's words when I came too are a sure fire reminder that I am getting older, even if I loath having to admit that fact.

Saturday "News on the Run"

First up...Obama for political reasons is WRONGFULLY wanting to grant a back door amnesty to some 12 million Illegal Aliens. I will be the first to admit, I have ZERO TOLERATION for those in America illegally, for those STEALING American Jobs...I know, surprising seeing as I am so liberal in most of my views. If Obama and illegal aliens want to keep families together, let the family return home with the law breakers. Time we take care of our own here in America, and time that the National Chamber of Commerce and its MEMBERS stop using illegal aliens in the job force to depreciate the American wage base...make E-Verify the law of the land, penalize all those who rent to, or hire illegal aliens. In these hard economic times, when so many Americans are out of work, our government has a responsibility to take care of our own, and Illegal Aliens ARE NOT OUR OWN...deportation of those working here illegally, and criminal prosecution of those renting to, or living here illegally (can we say enforcement of laws already on our books) will see the vast majority of illegals self deporting.

We can all breath a sigh of relief...after her 90 day contract ends, looks like Chelsea Clinton will be ending her association with NBC. This is no surprise if you followed her debut, which was in a word, "deplorable". A typical review...

The Washington Post's Hank Stuever wrote after it aired, "Either we're spoiled by TV's unlimited population of giant personalities or this woman is one of the most boring people of her era."

The NRC should follow Japan lead, and stop relicensing of aging, dangerous nuclear reactors like Indian Point. After the meltdowns this past year, the Japanese government is moving to decommission ALL REACTORS once they reach 40 years in age.

In local news...would encourage everyone to show their support for the "Members of the Landfield Avenue Synagogue" in Monticello this Sunday, January 8th. Burglars broke into the Synagogue making off with their Torah which is valued at $35,000. The "Support Rally" begins at 3 PM.

18 Landfield Avenue
Monticello, NY 12701 USA

Mailing Address:

P.O.Box 410
Monticello, NY 12701 USA

845-794-8470

Hope everyone has a great day, and do hope my long suffering Cincinnati Bengals win this weekend, as they barely made it into the playoffs via the backdoor. A lot of people don't realize that the team of the 80's (San Francisco) beat the Bengals in the final minutes of the Super Bowl for two of their four wins.