Wednesday "News on the Run"...Editorial on Fracking

sniffle, sniffle, sneeze...I have a told and (as the commercial would say) need some stuffy, sneezing, coughing so I can rest medicine. Coffee tastes good, and peeking out my window, looks like a bit of a dismal day out, but there is some good news...no snow pellets. It is wet, damp, nippy, spitting and nasty out...a good day to just stay inside with my cold and give the house a complete cleaning for Christmas Day. Speaking of Christmas, I will be putting up a post on Christmas Eve that has links to all of my own favorite Christmas songs on You Tube, and hope all of our readers will find these beautiful songs a great addition to your own celebrations.

Editorial:

Last week the US EPA came out with a preliminary report which in part says a water aquifer out in Wyoming is most likely contaminated with chemicals from fracking...those in favor of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling (Encana) have taken to the airwaves trying to tarnish both the report, and the agency. Additionally, these industry shills have tried to convince Americans that even if the findings are born out to be true, the report should in no way have any effect on their desires to drill in the rest of the nation because the underground conditions in Wyoming are far different than anywhere else, with the fracking there taking place at shallower depths than in the rest of America.

Fact...the only difference a far greater depth will make in the end line results (contamination of our water sources) is the time it takes for those contaminants to reach our aquifers and underground fresh drinking water supplies. Once you crack/fracture a rock, boulder or stone, it will continue to crack until said stone or boulder or rock formation splits into two or more pieces. Thus, it is not a matter of IF these cancer, birth defects, health risk causing chemicals reach our fresh drinking water supplies, but a question of when they reach and contaminate our fresh water supplies. What the Natural Gas Industry is counting on, is being able to get in and get out before that contaminate is found out.

Hydraulic Fracturing is the biggest CON GAME to come along in decades, and it is the people of rural America who are being asked to pay a horrible price in the name of Natural Gas company profits. As example, the Energy Secretary (DOE, who cannot be trusted, have no interest in protecting our environment) likes to trot out the lie, "at current usage rates, the Natural Gas play here in America will last at least 110 years". Lets explore this myth.

1. There is much lobbying going on in every state capital, and in Washington DC to greatly increase the consumption rate of Natural Gas. As example, lobbyist for the Natural Gas industry convinced Pennsylvania officials to give the industry $50 million of our taxpayer dollars to help the industry built Natural Gas stations along the interstate, and to give grants to municipalities to convert their fleets to natural gas. Both of these actions aimed at greatly INCREASING current rates of consumption.

2. By some estimates, as much as 60 percent of the Natural Gas plays here in America have been sold to foreign companies...the largest player being China's state owned CNOOC. In short, this means the lions share of America's natural gas will be shipped overseas...which would explain why it is that most Natural Gas companies are investing their own capital into building large plants to liquify the natural gas, load it onto ships to be sent offshore (just like our jobs) to China and other countries such as India, while our tax dollars are being used to increase domestic supply and demand, which in turn will DRIVE UP PRICES, making Natural Gas just as expensive as the petrol we now put into our cars.

These two realities change the whole argument. Ask yourselves a question, "Are you willing to risk your family's health, your community's property values and fresh drinking water supplies for a gas play that will last fifteen years or less? Oh, I am sorry Chesapeake Energy, Exxon and Cabot, is that an inconvenient truth you would prefer not to speak upon? are we in rural America not supposed to realize that the DOE, our government and the Natural Gas industry refer to this Natural Gas Energy as a TRANSITIONAL ENERGY source...curious here...what are we transitioning to? Add to this the fact that the lions share of this transitional energy source is promised to China and India, and that fifteen year energy supply actually represents only a seven and one half year energy supply here in America...barely enough supply for you to pay off that new Natural Gas burning car they want us all to go out and purchase based on say a 60 month car loan.

"We need to consider the depletion rate of these rigs, which is surprisingly 60% in one year! It means a gas well uses up its own supplies after 2 years of time!"

The natural industry, and even our own government are spending tens of millions of advertising dollars telling us it is our patriotic duty to allow fracking in our communities. We are told these natural gas reserves locked in such places as the Marcellus Shale will allow America to break our dependence on Foreign oil...if this were true, then why are there no laws stipulating that said Natural Gas reserves if mined from under our lands are for DOMESTIC USE ONLY? If these reserves are meant to break us of our dependence on foreign oil, why are companies like Exxon, Chesapeake Oil, Cabot and others being allowed to sell off their plays to foreign companies owned fully by foreign governments?

The underground aquifer in Wyoming WAS CONTAMINATED by Hydraulic Fracturing chemicals, and waters in other states including Pennsylvania have been contaminated by Hydraulic Fracturing chemicals, and by well pad accidents. Our fresh drinking water supplies will be contaminate, the question being when, not if. Our government, the DOE, and the US EPA know this...is it why Congress under the direction of Dick Cheney exempted this industry from the regulatory requirements of both the Clean Water and Clean Air acts. The industry knows this as well, and it is why they want to GET IN, suck out the gas and be gone before the contamination of our waters is noticed so that they can hide behind their attorneys and say, "Was not us. and even if it was, PROVE IT".

New York's DEC is in the process of approving regulations by which FRACKING will be regulated...the rules are inadequate, and the department does not have the manpower to enforce them even if they were adequate. The only solution for the state of New York that protects citizen health, and our clean water supplies is an OUT RIGHT BAN OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING in our state, rather than simply banning it in a few protected areas. Locally, both the Town of Fallsburg and Sullivan County should be passing local zoning laws that FORBID FRACKING in our communities.

Articles You Should Read

Fracking rules to be more stringent Youngstown Vindicator By Karl Henkel Ohio plans to scrap some fracking regulations in lieu of more- stringent rules, but some antifracking advocates remain skeptical about the proposed changes. Ohio Legislative Service Commission Final Analysis of Sub. ...

Fracking may test water law Independent Online Asked what international reports on fracking had been studied by her department, she said technical papers and reports “have also been consulted” from Canada, Europe and Australia – in addition to the US – where hydraulic fracturing for shale gas ...

Earthquakes, Water Pollution and Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions? Fracking ... FXstreet.com The last decade has seen a sustained campaign by the hydraulic fracturing ('fracking") industry against its critics, as the fracking industry in the US alone was worth an estimated $76 billion in 2010 and is projected to grow to $231 billion in 2036 if ...

Food stamps...a Startling FACTOID

Just in on CNN...when this Great Recession started back in 2007 under George W. Bush we had 27 million people on food stamps. As we go into the Christmas Holidays here in America, we have 46 million people on food stamps.

The Holidays Are Upon Us...And Tuesday "News on the Run"

Just five days till Christmas, and Hanukkah (Chanukah) starts today...the Holidays are upon us, and for the most part you can feel the spirit of the season everywhere you go with people smiling more, and hello's falling off the tips of tongues with ease. Often times wish there was a way to take some of this kindness of heart and soul and spread it out more evenly throughout the year. The world would be a much better place if we could.

The weather outside is still comfortable for this time of the year, though the weather forecast for the rest of the week is looking iffy...ICE PELLETS tonight and tomorrow...ice pellets? WOW, that just does not sound good, and snow is in the forecast for both Friday and Saturday. Not what I want to hear knowing I have to drive on Friday over to Peekskill and back. The good news for children...looking like we will have a White Christmas, which as we all know is ideal weather for Santa and his sleigh.

Looking to bake two more batches of cookies here today including my Hungarian Butterhorns, so for those who love trying new recipes, look for a cookie recipe (or maybe two) later on in the day.

Tuesday "News on the Run"

For a really beautiful story, check out "Rolling with Zach", a new show on the Oprah Network. You have to love a story where the main character refuses to be defined by their disabilities, and Zach is just such a guy. This is a real feel good story.

Under "tacky rots the brain but sells, how about Redneck Wine Glasses? I am serious, and this novel idea has caught hold to the tune of $5 million dollars...I find myself wanting a set for my Tiki Bar out at camp. Hats off to Carson Home Accents for this wonderfully irreverent creation.

In not unexpected political news, seems the more Newt opens his mouth, the more he drops in the polls as Republicans remember why it was he was run out of town as Speaker of the House. Course, then there is that little matters of a Family Values party electing a man that has been married three times, leaving his first two wives in less than honorable conditions.

Forked tongued Boehner is itching for a fight on Capital Hill today...seems he wants a one year extension of Payroll Tax Holiday instead of the two months voted for in the Senate...how about this Boehner...you get the 12 months, but the forced early approval of the Pipe Line project that you forced through along party lines is stripped out of the bill in Committee?

Personal Commentary on Life...one has to love "Instant Karma". Thanks for this great song and message John Lennon.

Calling All Anti Fracking Folks To Action...

Was just on Twitter, which led me to an article on Tree Hugger (cut and pasted below) that shared a call for help on the Reddit site...seems the Bureau of Land Management is trying to sneak through a lease over the Christmas Holidays that would allow FRACKING on 30,000 (YES, THIRTY THOUSAND) acres out in Colorado.  WE need to jump on this for several reasons, including the underhanded manner in which it is all being handled.  Read the article, and if you feel compelled, PLEASE GET INVOLVED.

BLM/Public Domain
In an age when corporate interests routinely overpower ordinary citizens, ordinary citizens have had to become ever more resourceful to make their voices heard. And information technology, or course, is playing an increasingly large role in uniting and rallying those voices. We've seen this trend at work in the open source-style platform behind the Occupy Wall Street protests, which has received a boost from social network sites, live-streaming software, and digital forums that aid in organizing.

Today, while browsing the popular social media site Reddit, I noticed yet another novel effort to harness a digital forum for the public good: A farmer in Colorado is calling on his fellow Redditors to help him halt a 30,000 acre offering to fracking companies. The Bureau of Land Management appears to be rushing the sale through the holiday season to avoid notice, and the Coloradan believes his organic farm is threatened.
Here's the post, from the user registered as ambulanceblues (a bona fide Reddit user, his account has been active at least 12 months, according to the site), entitled 'Help, Reddit! The Bureau of Land Management in Colorado is trying to lease 30,000 acres for fracking, including land completely surrounding the farm I live on!':

The Bureau of Land Management in Colorado is attempting lease 30,000 acres of farmland and wilderness for fracking in the North Fork Valley. The BLM somewhat suspiciously pushed this through over the holidays, and the public comment deadline is January 9.  

This land in question is smack dab in the middle of a vibrant organic farming community and will obviously affect the irrigation and drinking water of hundreds of farms and homes, not to mention the air/light/ground pollution, etc fracking brings.

I live on a beautiful organic farm in the area which relies on its pristine watershed, as do all the other farms along the entire valley.

Any advice, angles on precedents, or other ideas? Anyone willing to help sign/spread the info?

He then links to a number of sources for more information on the case, which you can find here. One includes the above map of the lands intended for fracking.

Indeed, residents of the North Fork region, where the fracking land sale is planned, have been pushing back. Denver's Westword Blog chronicles those efforts here, and points us to a Facebook page where locals are uniting to oppose the fracking plans.

Will this farmer be able to inspire Redditors to help him give the BLM hell, and raise the profile of the issue? Will the local fracking opponents be able to band together, with the help of social media and old school-style protest and opposition? You can, of course, help answer both those questions--check out the Reddit post if you think you can lend your expertise, and the Facebook page to voice your support.

As Promised...Christmas Morning Coffee Cake

When I was a small child (as in about six) our family faced some very hard times after my father declared bankruptcy.  We had to sell our home and move into a cold water walk up on the proverbial wrong side of town.  There was not the money for some of the things we all tend to take for granted these days...if you had to make a phone call you walked up to the corner and put a nickle in the slot, steaks, pork chops and other meats had been replaced with a lot of soups and bread purchased at the day old store across the river from where we lived.  During those tough times, the one Christmas Tradition my mother kept going was her baking, and tops on that list was her coffee cake, which to this day some 50 years later is one of my own favorites.  Hope you give it a try as it is truly a wonderful taste treat that dates back quite a long way.

Crumble Cake (Mom's Christmas Morning Coffee Cake)

Prepare a 9 1/2 X 13 inch pan (I prefer the Pyrex ones)...butter bottom/sides and dust with flour.

Coarsely chop and set aside 1 cup pecans (half and eight ounce bag)

Next, sift together into a large bowl 3 cups flower and 2 cups white granulated sugar.

Cut into this mixture one cup butter (do NOT substitute margarine) until you have nice pea sized pieces.

Measure out one cup of this mixture and set aside.

Take remaining mixture and add in:

2 tablespoons cinnamon

4 teaspoons cocoa (Hershey's of course)

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground clove

Add in your chopped pecans and one cup of Sun Maid dark seedless raisins. Stir mixture together, and make a well in the center of this mixture.

Pour in two cups of buttermilk (you can add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice too 2 cups of milk as a substitute) and gently mix until all dry ingredients are moist...DO NOT OVER MIX.

Pour mixture into your baking pan and sprinkle the cup of saved mixture over the top to create your crumb topping.  Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, or until toothpick stuck into cake comes out clean.  

Posted in honor of Rosemary Holman Bauman...miss you Mom.

*Will try to remember to post up a picture of this Coffee Cake after I make it.

Mountaindale Fire Department With Assist From Woodridge Respond Quickly To Incident At Upstate Karate Studio in Mountaindale

Well, we have had more than our fair share of excitement here in Mountaindale this afternoon. I was coming up from the laundry room when I saw one of our Mountaindale Fire Department trucks going by, lights on...coming up out of the driveway onto Main Street I was greeted by a lot more commotion than we are used to in our quite little hamlet.

I saw Janet from Radiant Yoga, and Alexandra the owner/instructor of Upstate Karate carrying some things out to a car, Emergency responders from both Mountaindale and Woodridge parked out on the street (3 trucks), and a fireman putting on an emergency breathing apparatus as hoses were being laid down.  As is usual, our first responders, the Mountaindale Fire Department acted both quickly and professionally as they went about dealing with the crisis at hand...apparently a problem with the furnace in the basement of the Upstate Karate Studio according to one officer I spoke with at the scene...you could smell the smoke from across the street.

 

Mark and Kelsey who live behind the karate studio were understandably distressed until they were sure their two pets were safe...we are happy to report that they are.  Sometimes, we are all where we are supposed to be when we need to be there...was a good thing that Alexandra was there, smelled the smoke and acted as quickly as she did.  Was a good thing that our small hamlet is blessed with such a great group of men and women in our local Fire Department who always seem to be RIGHT THERE when you NEED THEM THE MOST.

The good news...no one was hurt, and whatever the problem was, it was dealt with quickly with no visible damage done to the structure, though there might be some smoke issues to deal once the trucks are gone, though sure fire department fans alleviated most of it.  

A hearty thanks to the Mountaindale Fire Department (and Woodridge as well).  For those of you looking for a GREAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY, the Mountaindale Fire Department and EMT Squad are both looking for a few good persons to join the team. 

*Note-guessing by the dark storefront windows that tonight's classes at Upstate Karate have been cancelled.

*Update-Karate Classes have been moved across the street too 62 Main Street.
**Additional Update-Just how lucky were we today.  Just spoke to Alexandra, and the furnace is completely gone, going to have to be replaced.

Thanks To Our Readers We Are Moving Up The Technorati Rankings

For about as long as I have been blogging (that's been a LONG TIME), the gold standard for ranking blogs has been Technorati, who follows, ranks and tracks blogs that count up to the millions...that is a lot of blogs.  Thanks to our loyal followers, thanks to our visitors that stop by on a very regular basis from all around the world, our little blog here in Mountaindale in it's first two months (less than) has just moved under the number 6000...out of over one million!

5902. Mountaindale After Dark http://mountaindalesoapbox.blogspot.com/
 

Technorati Auth

A very special thank you to everyone who helps to make this possible, to everyone who helped us move up some 46 spaces.  Wondering what is next on Mountaindale After Dark?  Later today look for my Mother's Christmas Morning Coffee Cake recipes...a family tradition in my house for over half a century now.  For now, have to head down to our little hamlet's laundry room and swap laundry over into the dryers...do wish at times we had washer/dryer hookups in our apartments, as it would make life so much simpler.

Have a GREAT DAY everyone.

Christmas Is Coming and Monday "News on the Run"

Yesterday from around four till seven, there was hustle and bustle all about our Main Street as vendors hawked their wares (to few customers) in the Art Center, and Janet's Radiant Yoga Studio played host to a lot of guests there to donate some food to a good cause, and enjoy the showcased local talent gathered therein.  Spent a bit of time down in the art center myself and shopped with two of the five talented artisans.  Picked up a unique wine bottle holder for the kitchen table, and a beautifully rendered small porcelain plate in a rose glaze created by Kathy Jeffers that works well on the Christmas table.  The art center having artists in it looked quite alive and festive, and one set of windows in town stood out above the rest...snapped a few pictures, and including a couple here.

Afterwards a large contingent of participants converged on Uccelli Restaurant around the corner at 4 Post Hill Road where they were tempted with special treats (and prices), and if you listened from outside you could hear great laughter and merriment from within, the soft lighting of the establishment beckoning people to come in and join the fun.  All in all, the "Christmas Lights of Mountaindale" event was a huge success, and Janet did a wonderful job in creating this seasonal event.

The weather outside just six days from Christmas is stunningly beautiful...almost but not quite sweater weather with the sun melting off last night's frost on the windshields of the few cars parked on Main Street.  Potential chance for freezing rain on Wednesday, and we may yet see a white Christmas.

Monday "News on the Run"

Obviously, as we reported last night, the most powerful dictator in the world, Kim Jong Il is dead, dying of a massive heart attack while traveling on a train.  His death leaves a disturbing power vacuum in the isolated nation of North Korea...the only good news, is that China will continue to prop up this desolate outpost nation to avoid serious ramifications in their own troubled lands.

Payroll tax holiday in Jeopardy...in an odd way, for different reasons, happen to agree with Republican numb nut Boehner...lets stop playing chicken with the political process and make the tax cut extension last for the entire year...MINUS the early approval language for the Pipe Line project.  Obama once again caved, and it would be so nice if our president grew a set of balls so that his veto threats actually held some substance.

Swedish automaker files for Bankruptcy...I have always liked SAAB's....except when they have to go in for repairs which is far to often.  Problem is, there are not a lot of mechanics who can really work on these cars, but they are breautiful too drive, and would still love to own a 9.5 Turbo Convertible...black with black leather interior...sometimes, do wish I were a part of that one percent.  Especially when it comes to cars...my true love would be too own an old Bentley...say 1956-63 vintage.

In sad news, NASA has officially pulled the plug on Discovery, thus bringing to an official end America's Space Shuttle program.  It is scary too watch America slide from its position as the leader of the free world to the position of being just an also ran, and I wonder if we can ever get back to the heights we once knew as a nation.

Earth Shattering Breaking News...Kim Jong Il of North Korea Dead

In fast breaking news on world stage, mini me ruthless dictator and Elvis lover Kim Jong Il of North Korea has died.  All joking aside, this is a serious game changer on the world stage, and a very dangerous time in that part of the world.  Will North Korea's starving masses try to cross over into China, and what would that do too destablize China?  Will North Korea invade South Korea, or decide on the death of this dictator to make peace?

Going to be a long few weeks, as the funeral for this vile man is not going to be held until December 28th.  I mean do we really care that this monster is going to lay in state for over a week, and are any nations of merit going to send representatives to the funeral...we can hope not.

Cause of death...massive heart attack while traveling on a train. 

Living In Mountaindale

So, ever wonder what Mountaindale is like, wondered what it would be like to live in Mountaindale, or own a business in Mountaindale. If you have an interest in Mountaindale, have questions about Mountaindale, are curious about Mountaindale, then please ask me about Mountaindale. Sure you are wondering, just where is Mountaindale. Mountaindale is located in Sullivan County, New York and Mountaindale is just over eight miles from Monticello New York. Mountaindale is also a hamlet of Fallsburg, and Fallsburg has governmental control of Mountaindale, provides Mountaindale with our police enforcement, though Mountaindale does have its own volunteer fire department.

Mountaindale's Sunday "News on the Run"

WOW...what a beautiful day it is outside...not a cloud in the sky, and the temperatures this close into Christmas are almost comfortable, the 29 degrees seeming warmer than it is.  As the week progresses, look for it to get warmer (40?) with a chance of rain later in the week.

Last night's Ugly Sweater Christmas Party was a roaring success, with ugly sweaters (and vests) as far as the eye could see.  Kelsey and Mark had some great nosh food, and there were even prizes for the ugliest sweaters...my lips are sealed on who the winners were, but every one in attendance had a great time.  Hope most of your are planning on being at today's "Christmas Lights in Mountaindale" festivities.

Sunday "News on the Run"

Sullivan County is trying to bring winter tourists to our area, and to keep abreast of the latest events, visit Catskill Social.   Wondering what efforts are being taken here in the Mountaindale/Fallsburg area to encourage people to use our beautiful "Rails to Trails" corridor for both cross country skiing and snow shoeing?  As is pointed out in the article, the biggest problem seems to be a serious lack of quality hotels in the area.

In more local news, a reminder that "Crime does not pay" as 13 suspects were arrested earlier this week on federal narcotics charges.  You can view the suspects here...do hope the pit bull was found a good home.  My own theory on drugs is that prohibition has never been shown to work, and we would be much better off legalizing various drugs, regulating and taxing them (kind of like the pharmaceutical industry which gets people addicted legally)...your mileage may vary. 

In news we really do not care about, Britney Spears is engaged...I mean seriously, do we really care...oh wait, the story was on CNN, NBC, CBS and NBC, so it must be an important breaking story.  What happened when these kinds of stories were relegated to shows like Entertainment Tonight?

America officially ended our occupation of Iraq over night as the last 500 American troops withdrew into Kuwait.  Now the pundits are asking "Was the war worth it?" when we all know in a single word the answer...NO.

Not a Mitt Romney fan here (or a Republican fan for that matter) but this article on his wife's illness, and how they have dealt with it is worth the share.  Just goes to show you, that even if you disagree with a person's politics, there are areas of life where you can find common ground...this for myself is an area where I can relate to Mitt Romney.

Protesters Arrested While Seeking New Camp - NY1.com (video)

Protesters Arrested While Seeking New Camp | NY1 News is Time Warner Cable's 24-hour news channel in New York City, delivering breaking news and features about the five boroughs.

http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/top_stories/152735

For those wondering, the "Occupy Wall Street Movement" is alive and well, and the NYPD is still wrongfully arresting them in droves as Mayor Bloomberg tries to keep the un-cleansed (unemployed) masses from interfering with his vision of the city as a MECCA for the one percent.

Everyone have a GREAT SUNDAY.

Saturday "News on the Run" and Other Stuff

Don't forget to stop by Mountaindale tomorrow to see our Main Street Christmas lights, and enjoy a host of wonderful delights and treats thanks to the Organizatgional Efforts of Janet, owner/instructor at Radiant Yoga.  Some of the fun includes:

• Poetry and Short-Story Reading by Larry Miller and John Miller
• Accoustic Folk Music with Alan Sorensen
• BellyDancing with Ahleana (Lorrie Blank-Frishman)
• Learn to make an origami ornament
• Juggling for Brain Health
• Steve Erny serenades us on the banjo
• LED-lighted Hoopdancing by Sammy Sackstein and
• Magic by the GREAT ZAMBINI!!! (Allen Frishman)Enjoy delicious food.

Please bring a (or three)  non perishable food item too support the Benjamin Cosor Children's Food Pantry.  For more details visit Janet's website.  I will be out and about with my camera during this grand event, so look for a few great pictures on Monday.

Another local reminder...

Catskill Harvest
 Holiday Wine & Cheese Receptions

Saturday Evening, December 17

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

5% of all sales made during this reception will be donated to our friends at Liberty's C.A.C.H.E.

(Community Action Commission to Help the Economy)

If you are free late this afternoon, early evening this is a fun way to do a bit of last minute shopping while supporting another great Sullivan County charity.

Saturday "News on the Run"

In breaking news on CNN...with my own commentary.  No citizenship check (EVerify) for Illegal Aliens looking for a job, but one congressman (Rep Kingston) wants to do a drug test on all out of work Americans. Drug Screening of Jobless  How about we DRUG TEST ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS?

On the subject of low expectations...Democrats cave to Republicans, give them controversial Pipe Line early approval for a paltry two month extension of Middle Class payroll tax break.

If you need more breaking news today, recommend you visit Google Breaking News as I have to clean my apartment for the Christmas Holidays, do laundry (ugggg) bake more Christmas Cookies, and get myself ready for Mountaindale's Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

Christmas Cookies Are Baking While Bing Crosby Sings Along

Hello Mountaindale...it's just after five in the afternoon, and my small second story apartment smells so like the holidays as I pop tray after tray of cookies into my oven.  Peanut Butter Cookie dough is in the fridge stiffening up as are the Ginger Gems.  Hopefully will have some of the later in the oven at just after six.

In the mean time, one of my favorites from childhood are Johnny Apple Seeds and they are done, cooled and laid delicately into a tray meant too hold an abundance of Holiday Treats.  For those wanting to experiment a bit, going to share the recipe below.

Johnny Apple Seeds

1/2 cup butter (or shortening)
1 cup granulated (white) sugar

1 cup unsweetened apple sauce (I like Mott's)

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup raisins

3/4 cup chopped pecans

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cloves

Directions

Cream butter (shortening) and sugar together.  Add in the applesauce and blend until smooth.  Blend all dry ingredients in separate bowl and sift.  Add sifted ingredients to butter mixture slowly (I like to do this by hand rather than using a mixer), then add nuts and raisins.

Drop onto cookie sheet about 2 inches apart, then sprinkle with sugar (optional) and bake at 375 degrees for approximately 12 minutes.

Mountaindale After Dark Welcomes Our Readers From Around The World

Our Small Main Street

As a new blog, we are so very excited to have surpassed the milestone of 1,000 visitors this week, and for that we want to thank our readers.  We are also pleased to see how many of our visitors have come from other nation's, making our little hamlet of Mountaindale news blog a truly global publication.  In our short time in existence, Mountaindale After Dark has garnered regular visitors from 10 nations (including the USA) on a regular basis.  So to all of our readers from around the world (USA, Russia, UK, Germany, France, Latvia, Brazil, Canada, Iceland and the Philippines) a very special thank you for being such LOYAL readers of our little blog coming to you from Downtown Mountaindale in the state of New York.

If you are visiting our little blog from a foreign land, please do leave us a comment and tell us where you are from.  If anyone would like to contribute an article to our blog (from here in Mountaindale or from anywhere around the world) or become a regular guest author or contributor on our blog, please contact Sherwood Martinelli at marcwoodsocialimaging@gmail.com We welcome all content, including press releases, photographs, articles, and political commentary and debate.

Friday "News on the Run" and Other Things

WOW...where does the time go. There are just NINE days until Christmas, so hope everyone is almost done with their shopping, and for those of you who bake, hope your kitchens smell as delightful as my own. For those that are wondering what Christmas is like for that one percent that the Occupy Movement is railing against, a couple web sites you might enjoy.

Drool over Bentley's latest offering.

There is ALWAYS the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

My own least favorite commercial during the holidays...Mercedes Benz with Santa out on the assembly line checking on a gift for a very good boy or girl. What kind of a message does that send to our kids, imagine being that poor child with parents who cannot afford a Mercedes the family that Santa does not present with a new car.  Mercedes is not the only car company playing the Santa Card, just the one I find the most distasteful.

Let's get right to the Friday edition of "News on the Run"

In Republican Primary news I am sure we are all tired and bored with, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is endorsing Mitt Romney for president...as the Church Lady would say, "Well isn't that SPECIAL".  Her reasoning for the endorsement...out of all the Republican candidates, Obama seems most afraid of Mitt.  Scary fact folks...with that kind of reasoning, she is a RISING STAR in the Republican Party.

KGB & CIA Not What They Used To Be

In far more serious news, Moscow has seized radioactive material bound for Iran...the bad news...in an episode worthy of the Keystone Cops, Moscow Security forces seized the materials while allowing the Iranian citizen carrying it TO ESCAPE.  Guess now the Pentagon/CIA does not have to feel so bad about Iran having one of our Drones.

MOSCOW (AP) -- Russia's customs agency said Friday that it seized radioactive metal from the luggage of an Iranian passenger bound for Tehran.

From Japan...after spewing radioactive contaminants into the ocean, air and environment for eight month's, the "cold shutdown" has finally been achieved at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant's multiple reactors.  The Japanese government wants too spin this as an important milestone in the worst nuclear accident known to mankind, but if truth be told, it will take CENTURIES for the damage caused to be undone...meanwhile, our own NRC chooses to ignore the lessons of this horrific accident, and push through the license renewal for Entergy's trouble prone accident on the Hudson waiting to happen known as Indian Point. 

Occupy Movement Gaining Momentum As National Anger Grows

With marching orders from Federal Government (Homeland Security) Police Forces in cities across America stepped forward using fear tactics, and out right brutality tried to crush the "Occupy Movement" here in America. Tear gas, rubber bullets, billy clubs and percussion bombs were the call of the day as camps were ransacked, protesters forcefully evicted, many of them wrongfully arrested for doing nothing more than exercising their "First Amendment" right to freedom of speech, their right to demand redress. Local ordinances and laws meant to control or coral society used to supersede our federally protected rights.

Sure, local government succeeded in evicting these protesters from parks across the land, but as the shutting down of major ports on the west coast this week have shown, these cities, their police intimidation tactics have failed in crushing, even killing the Occupy Movement. The paper of our nation's capital, the Washington Post, reported on the success of the movement, stated for all of our elected officials to see the undeniable fact that protesters were successful in shutting down various ports including shipping terminals in Oakland, California, Portland, Oregon and Longview, Washington. The timing of these actions could not have been more perfect as Time Magazine this week announced that Protesters" were their choice for "Person of the Year".

America is becoming a powder keg, the tactics of local police departments (under orders from local government) are driving protesters to take steps to protect themselves, yet the press wants to use these attempts at self protection and paint them and the protesters here in America as militant actions, and militant groups. What is one supposed to do when they believe in their cause, and find themselves faced with overwhelming force...police on horses swinging billy clubs, police in riot gear shooting tear gas, rubber bullets and god knows what else into the crowd of peaceful protesters.

It has been reported that some of this weeks protests did not remain peaceful, news sources reporting that some protesters threw bags of paint, lighted flares and debris at the police who were attacking them...asking the obvious question here, what did the police hurl at these PEACEFUL PROTESTERS? More importantly, where is our Armed Forces? Are they not charged with protecting the rights (Freedom of Speech) of American Citizens? We applauded the Egyptian Military early this year when they protected citizens against "Local Policemen Gone Wild" yet are content watching our own policemen here in America use those same out of control tactics, are content to let the press put out government orchestrated propaganda, rather than accurately reporting ALL SIDES OF THIS IMPORTANT STORY.

The Vietnam War protests were a grassroots movement that fermented and grew over a period of years, finally reaching maturity during the 1968 Presidential Elections. The same dissatisfaction that fed that movement has been growing here in America since 2007 when, under George W. Bush and the Republicans our economy crashed. Four years now have passed, four years where 7.5 million illegal aliens have been allowed to keep their jobs and depress American lower and middle class wages. Four years where the one percent have grown ever richer while 16 million Americans remain under employed or out of work as jobs continue to be shipped overseas. Four years where America allows China to flood our nation with cheap inferior goods while our factories continue to close. Four years since Main Street taxes were used to bail out Wall Street fat cats while average citizens lost their homes or saw their mortgages under water after the real estate market collapsed.

Anger is rising like the wave of a Tsunami, and more and more citizens are saying enough as Washington DC goes about politics as usual. Local police can try to stamp out protesters, but Time Magazine's person of the year choice says it all. The Occupy Movement is growing, becoming stronger, and the 2012 Elections may be remembered for something other than who our next president will be.

A Special Thanks To Our Loyal Readers

A very special thanks to our loyal readers. Mountaindale After Dark's daily readership is going up, and we are fast approaching the threshold of 1000 viewers (should cross that barrier some time later this week). Our daily reads have almost doubled this month from last, and just wanted to thank everyone who follows us.

Wednesday "News on the Run"

Good Morning Mountaindale...said in my best Robin Williams voice.

Was outside just a bit ago, and wish I had taken my camera out with me. Saw the most beautiful male Cardinal up in the branches of one of the birch trees out behind my apartment. Was a stunning treat with which to start the day.

Big news of the day from my perspective...Time's person of the year is the "protester". Tipping my hat to protesters around the world, saluting all those in the "Occupy Movement". Nice to see that Time got it right this year.

Republicans muscle tax cut bill through House knowing it is dead on arrival in the Senate...nice try Boehner, but hitching the pipe line to the deal IS DIRTY POLITICS. When I think of you, why does SCUMBAG come to mind? How about acting on behalf of the people, rather than acting on behalf of Big Business and the Republican Party.

Rep. Terry: Boehner will link pipeline bill to jobless insurance, payroll tax bill

By Ben Geman - 12/02/11 11:00 AM ET

House GOP leaders plan to attach legislation to speed up approval of the controversial Keystone XL oil sands pipeline to a broader package that extends unemployment insurance and payroll tax cuts, a Republican lawmaker said.

No texting or cell phone calls while driving...sounds good in theory, but HOLD THE PHONE, and read the fine print. Seems there is an exemption to this newly proposed bill. You could talk on a cell phone that is actually INSTALLED INTO YOUR CAR. Isn't that convenient. We'll outlaw hand held cell phones, even with a Bluetooth, but if spend more money, get another line that is permanently hitched to the car, you can talk while driving. GM and Ford MUST LOVE THIS EXEMPTION.

After ten years America's troops are coming home from Iraq, and it turns out WE WERE DUPED. When the question is asked, "Was the sacrifice worth it?" the answer has to be a very resounding NO. Thousands of our troops dead, tens of thousands more injured, a price tag into the trillions, and all we accomplished was replacing one dictator with another one.

Enter The Winter Wing Fling Challenge

Do you have what it takes to be crowned the "Winter Wing Fling King (or Queen)"?

Winter Wing Fling 2012:

Does your restaurant sell Chicken Wings? Showcase your wonderful Wings at the Chamber Winter Wing Fling 1/28/12!

You must provide:

• 250 of your specialty wings
• Chaffing dish and heat
• Decorations for your table
  

You will get:

• Framed commemorative print for your participation.
• Pre-event, day of event, and post press advertising through radio, website, eblasts and newspaper
• Someone will be crowned the Winter Wing Fling King!
• A whole bunch of new customers!
  

Contact Cathy at the Chamber (845) 791-4200 or email chamber@catskills.com to find out more! Advertising & promotion for your restaurant business!

Winter Musings and Tuesday "News on the Run"

Weather in two words...plummeting temperatures. Seriously, the weather has gotten COLD OUT, and shorts are out of the question today. The forecast of snow on Thursday and Friday is looking far more likely than it did yesterday morning, yet the Weather forecast has changed to mostly cloudy and rain...possibility of an ice storm? Whatever the weather, winter seems to be snuggling in with the plan of staying around for awhile...as in say April.

For those in the area staying home for Christmas. A little bird told me that Ed over at the Mountaindale Inn is planning a Christmas Feast on Friday December 23rd. Rumor has it that Prime Rib will be on the menu that night, and reservations will be required. Not sure, but music could be included as a part of the festivities.

Mountaindale Inn
69 Main Street
Mountain Dale, New York United States 12763
(845) 434-1023

In other local news, come "View the Christmas Lights of Mountaindale". On December 18th, compliments of Janet and Radiant Yoga, come experience the LOCAL flavor as members of our community show off their wares and their talents. to find out more, visit Janet's blog article on the event which will be held from 4-7 PM. The event will benefit Benjamin Cosair Children's Food Pantry, so please bring consider bringing a gift of food or cash donation.

Tuesday "News on the Run"

Losers weepers, finders keepers...Iran smirks, tells Obama they will be keeping the downed Drone. We could have swooped in at the time, and bombed our drone into itty bitty pieces, but Pentagon decided that would be an Act of War...hello, we ARE AT WAR with Iran, its just a Cold War.

Supreme Court taking on three huge cases with serious political ramifications...the first one is Obamacare. I'm split on this one. Too many young people choose to drive a new car, rather than getting major medical insurance and that is wrong. Conversely, not sure the government should be allowed to DICTATE the purchase of anything, but then we are required to have insurance on our cars to have a license. That said, there is no license needed to go to the doctor. Second one has to do with a Texas redistricting map created by judges that would give more sway too Latinos in four districts. Be it a judge, or elected politicians at a state level, Gerrymandering is Gerrymandering. The last big case has to do with Arizona''s strict law on Illegal Aliens...for political reasons, our Federal Government has not been doing its job for decades, so if they will not do it, LET THE STATES DO IT. On a separate note...we need a moratorium on ALL IMMIGRATION.

News on Occupy Movement...Occupy Oakland protesters successfully shut down port operations overnight. Oakland's mayor is whining, while union workers were told not to come in for work. The ONE PERCENT needs to be nervous in this country, as middle and lower class dissatisfaction is growing with each passing day millions of us go without work.

Boehner still pushing for a fight, hitches controversial pipeline to Middle Class payroll tax cut. To bad this Scrooge seems to have forgotten his own Midwestern Middle Class roots and values, has sold out to BIG OIL AND GAS INTERESTS. Reader suggestion...follow the money, as in go to the FEC and look at some of Boehner's big donors.

Enjoy your day out there folks...for those who still have shopping to do, Macy's has announced a BIG SALE with select stores staying open TWENTY FOUR HOURS A DAY. Maybe it is just me, but just do not see Macy's shoppers jumping into their Beamer's at 3 in the AM, stopping at a closed Starbucks for a Cappuccino and going to an empty mall parking lot to go into Macy's to pick up some perfume and a robe.

VOLUNTEER YOUR GARDEN

This is seriously benefiting A GREAT CAUSE, so if you have a beautiful garden you are wanting to show off, this is an opportunity you should avail yourself of. The folks at Sullivan Renaissance are great people to work with, and the Sullivan Arc Horticulture Program is a great program for all of us to support.

SullivanArc and Sullivan Renaissance to Host 4^th Annual Garden Tour

[SULLIVAN COUNTY] – Exhibit your private garden next summer to a limited number of individuals as a benefit for the SullivanArc Horticulture Program. SullivanArc and Sullivan Renaissance are looking for homeowners to be part of the 4^th Annual Sullivan County Garden Tour on Saturday, June 23, 2012.

Next year’s tour will feature approximately eight flower gardens in Sullivan County. The event provides a fun, inspirational and educational experience for garden admirers and enthusiasts, while benefiting a good cause. Volunteers can assist at each garden if needed.

Individuals interested in having their gardens considered should contact Kathleen Capozzoli at Sullivan Renaissance at 845-295-2452 or kcapozzoli@sullivanrenaissance.org .

The 2011 garden tour featured gardens along the Route 17 corridor and ended with a wine and cheese reception at Bashakill Vineyards in Wurtsboro. The 2010 tour was in western Sullivan County and finished at ECCE Bed and Breakfast in Barryville.

To purchase an advanced ticket – a perfect gift for the holidays – contact SullivanArc at 845-796-1350 ext. 1050

SullivanArc is a not-for-profit agency dedicated to providing support and services to over 850 individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and to their families. Sullivan Renaissance is a beautification and community development program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.

Monday "News on the Run"

The beautiful weather seems to be holding here in downtown Mountaindale New York...it is crispy outside, but the sun is shining, the sky a vivid blue. Enjoy it while we can folks, as it is looking like winter weather with snow is heading our way...think snow for Thursday and Friday.

In local news, Sherwood Martinelli (that would be me), Committee Chair and Designer for Mountaindale Community Development Project's Award Winning Train Garden will be working with the folks in Rock Hill on their 2012 Sullivan Renaissance Project. I'm very excited at this opportunity, and very much looking forward to participating in a Category C project in 2012. For those wanting to follow that project, we have started a blog (not much there yet) that will share with our readers our plans and progress as next year unfolds.

Without further delay, Monday's "News on the Run"

Last night Anderson Cooper hosted the "CNN Hero of The Year" awards, and the big winner of the night is Mother Robin, though all those on the show ARE WINNERS. My own favorite of the night was Richard St. Denis and his World Access Project. Love this show, as it shows us all that average normal every day folks can and do make a difference in the world every day of the year, and I encourage all of you to support this Heroes in their work.

In a mirror of American Politics, a Russian Billionaire is going to run against Putin. Nice to know that politicians in Russia like here in America come up from the UBER RICH class. Seriously, can people that rich really understand the needs of, and represent THE PEOPLE?

Occupy Movement is alive and well, trying to shut down American Ports on the West Coast. Sadly, the unions are waffling on their support, so this story will need to be watched more closely as it unfolds today.