Sunday, February 28, 2010
comparing quakes
Here is a link comparing the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti
The one in Chile was much more intense and stronger, yet damage and death toll was much smaller.
One thing that struck me was that in Chile, for decades people have been required to build buildings that are quake resistant. There are no building codes in Haiti.
What does this say about the role of government?
The one in Chile was much more intense and stronger, yet damage and death toll was much smaller.
One thing that struck me was that in Chile, for decades people have been required to build buildings that are quake resistant. There are no building codes in Haiti.
What does this say about the role of government?
Earthquakes
Mat 24:1 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.
Mat 24:2 "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
Mat 24:3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
Mat 24:4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you.
[Mat 24:5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, and will deceive many.
Mat 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Mat 24:7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
There does seem to be more natural disasters going on, earthquakes, major snow storms, hurricanes.
Some say its global warming, some say its the end times as predicted in the scriptures.
The above scripture is often cited as a prediction of end times. Others see it as a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 a.d., when it was destroyed by the Romans.
Here is an AP story about earthquakes in general
Mat 24:2 "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
Mat 24:3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"
Mat 24:4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you.
[Mat 24:5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, and will deceive many.
Mat 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Mat 24:7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
There does seem to be more natural disasters going on, earthquakes, major snow storms, hurricanes.
Some say its global warming, some say its the end times as predicted in the scriptures.
The above scripture is often cited as a prediction of end times. Others see it as a prediction of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 a.d., when it was destroyed by the Romans.
Here is an AP story about earthquakes in general
Friday, February 26, 2010
Story of character
Here is a story about a Jewish school that forfeited a playoff game rather than disrupt a religious event.
http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1056883
http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1056883
City Commission
Just got out of the city commission worksession.
The most interesting thing perhaps, was a proposal brought up by Mayor Jay Warren. He asked City Attorney Tamara Niles to look into the possibility of getting the city some representation on the county commission.
He noted that cities pay a lot of taxes into the county, so he would like to have more representation.
His proposal is to add a member from Arkansas City, and one from Winfield, to the county commission. That would make the county commission have five members instead of its current three.
It was not a formal proposal, but he was just raising the question.
The most interesting thing perhaps, was a proposal brought up by Mayor Jay Warren. He asked City Attorney Tamara Niles to look into the possibility of getting the city some representation on the county commission.
He noted that cities pay a lot of taxes into the county, so he would like to have more representation.
His proposal is to add a member from Arkansas City, and one from Winfield, to the county commission. That would make the county commission have five members instead of its current three.
It was not a formal proposal, but he was just raising the question.
Canadiens eh
Canadian women's hockey players celebrated winning their gold medal last night with beer and cigars on the Olympic ice, after beating the USA team. Causing quiet the stir in Olympic circles.
here is a link to the story and photos
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/vancouver/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/IOC-to-investigate-Canadian-women-s-hockey-team-?urn=oly,224338
no smoking
The State legislature passed a statewide smoking ban yesterday.
There has been a move to get one locally. The person behind that is Jerry Campbell.
Here is his response to the state's action.
By Jerry Campbell
The passage of HB2221 by the Kansas Legislature is a tremendous victory for the majority of Kansas citizens who don't smoke, nor do they want to be exposed to the toxicity of second hand smoke and third hand smoke residue as recent studies have discovered. This is truly democracy in action when people have a cause that is overwhelmingly supported by medical evidence, scientific research, commitment to healthier lifestyles, and ongoing successful litigation against the tobacco industry, can use the legislative process to protect the right to breathe clean air. As I have stated previously, we as concerned citizens don't tolerate contaminated food, we demand to have clean water, so it is a no-brainer that we also want clean air to breathe, particularly for our children and grandchildren.
I am grateful to announce that Ed Trimmer and Vince Wetta both supported the Clean Air Act with their votes today. I am dismayed however, that Kasha Kelley voted against this public health issue. I am also concerned that Sen. Steve Abrams voted against the measure in the Senate last legislative session. Apparently they haven't gotten the message from their constituents, that the desire for clean air trumps the smoker's (only 18% of the population) privilege to pollute our air. During the analysis of the voting today, approximately 53 of the 54 votes against the measure were Republican, so maybe they had to support the party line. However 24 of the 68 votes for the measure were Republican and 44 Democrats supported it. One of our goals is to start reducing the health care expense on the Kansas taxpayers, and reducing the tobacco consumption and exposure is a good start to achieving that, but that message hasn't been received by all those that claim to represent us in Topeka.
The Clean Air Act passed today is a long way from being perfect; there are exemptions that I personally don't agree with, but it represents a compromise to get something meaningful done, after many years of wrestling with the issue. It was the only logical choice considering the fraudulent HB2642 that was proposed by the tobacco supporters. Isn't is sad that they will compromise public health in favor selling out smoking space and wanted to repeal all the previous Clean Air legislation. We will continue in our efforts to strengthen policies that promote healthy lifestyles. Continuing education on the dangers of tobacco products, particularly with our youth is an ongoing project. Clean Air Cowley County Coalition will be launching a "Smoke is Poisonous" media campaign in April with a prescence at the Health Fair, the Why the Fog event at Cowley College and radio spots.
In closing some of the Clean Air opponents suggest that until tobacco is outlawed, they should have the right to smoke wherever. So, personally I will continue to advocate at the Federal level that tobacco should be abolished. If the Department of Justice prevails in the case that is now at the Supreme Court, after 11 years of litigation, and big tobacco has to cough up $300 billion, it could be the beginning of the end for an industry that has brought so much pain and suffering, not only to the United States, but throughout the world. It's about time.
There has been a move to get one locally. The person behind that is Jerry Campbell.
Here is his response to the state's action.
By Jerry Campbell
The passage of HB2221 by the Kansas Legislature is a tremendous victory for the majority of Kansas citizens who don't smoke, nor do they want to be exposed to the toxicity of second hand smoke and third hand smoke residue as recent studies have discovered. This is truly democracy in action when people have a cause that is overwhelmingly supported by medical evidence, scientific research, commitment to healthier lifestyles, and ongoing successful litigation against the tobacco industry, can use the legislative process to protect the right to breathe clean air. As I have stated previously, we as concerned citizens don't tolerate contaminated food, we demand to have clean water, so it is a no-brainer that we also want clean air to breathe, particularly for our children and grandchildren.
I am grateful to announce that Ed Trimmer and Vince Wetta both supported the Clean Air Act with their votes today. I am dismayed however, that Kasha Kelley voted against this public health issue. I am also concerned that Sen. Steve Abrams voted against the measure in the Senate last legislative session. Apparently they haven't gotten the message from their constituents, that the desire for clean air trumps the smoker's (only 18% of the population) privilege to pollute our air. During the analysis of the voting today, approximately 53 of the 54 votes against the measure were Republican, so maybe they had to support the party line. However 24 of the 68 votes for the measure were Republican and 44 Democrats supported it. One of our goals is to start reducing the health care expense on the Kansas taxpayers, and reducing the tobacco consumption and exposure is a good start to achieving that, but that message hasn't been received by all those that claim to represent us in Topeka.
The Clean Air Act passed today is a long way from being perfect; there are exemptions that I personally don't agree with, but it represents a compromise to get something meaningful done, after many years of wrestling with the issue. It was the only logical choice considering the fraudulent HB2642 that was proposed by the tobacco supporters. Isn't is sad that they will compromise public health in favor selling out smoking space and wanted to repeal all the previous Clean Air legislation. We will continue in our efforts to strengthen policies that promote healthy lifestyles. Continuing education on the dangers of tobacco products, particularly with our youth is an ongoing project. Clean Air Cowley County Coalition will be launching a "Smoke is Poisonous" media campaign in April with a prescence at the Health Fair, the Why the Fog event at Cowley College and radio spots.
In closing some of the Clean Air opponents suggest that until tobacco is outlawed, they should have the right to smoke wherever. So, personally I will continue to advocate at the Federal level that tobacco should be abolished. If the Department of Justice prevails in the case that is now at the Supreme Court, after 11 years of litigation, and big tobacco has to cough up $300 billion, it could be the beginning of the end for an industry that has brought so much pain and suffering, not only to the United States, but throughout the world. It's about time.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Intolerance
Here is an example of hypocrisy if ive ever seen it.
Not to get the gay marriage debate started - that isnt the point to me anyway.
A beauty queen says she doesnt believe in gay marriage, so she is getting trashed, just like the one did earlier.
Here is the link.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_miss_beverly_hills
They say they are tolerant, but how tolerant are they if someone doesn't agree with them? The real measure of tolerance is how you treat people who don't agree with you. Or, as someone else said, how you really feel about freedom of speech is how you treat those who dont agree with you.
The idea that you cannot say you are against gay marriage is a real threat to freedom of speech. That is what Id like to discuss, not the gay issue itself.
Not to get the gay marriage debate started - that isnt the point to me anyway.
A beauty queen says she doesnt believe in gay marriage, so she is getting trashed, just like the one did earlier.
Here is the link.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_miss_beverly_hills
They say they are tolerant, but how tolerant are they if someone doesn't agree with them? The real measure of tolerance is how you treat people who don't agree with you. Or, as someone else said, how you really feel about freedom of speech is how you treat those who dont agree with you.
The idea that you cannot say you are against gay marriage is a real threat to freedom of speech. That is what Id like to discuss, not the gay issue itself.
health care bait and switch?
A story is circulating on some conservative news sites and blogs about how a Canadian provincial premier - would be like a state governor here - went to Miami, Fla., for heart surgery instead of having it in Canada.
Opponents of health care reform are jumping on this hard. Here is a link.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584816,00.html
There are two things about this that I would like to talk about.
One is that it is not getting much mainstream media attention. Even Fox News isn't jumping on it too much, so there must be more to the story. I do think it is somewhat of a scandal that the "liberal" media has not covered it at all. I did a google search on CNN, NYT and LA Times, and there was nothing. not a word. I couldn't find it on the AP either. But that Fox isn't really jumping on it either is strange. Must be more to the story.
My second point is that I dont see how it can be used as a case against health care reform. The health system in the U.S. is the best in the world. How does making medical care more affordable to more people make it not the best?
The point of health care reform is to make it more available, more affordable, to more people.
If we have the best health care - and we do - what good is it if it is only available to the very wealthy?
We are also the richest nation in the world. I don't see how we can ethically not take care of poor people. Health care should be available to every person. If we cannot do that then we dont have the best.
To use a Canadian getting health care in the U>S> as an argument against health care for poor people is apples and oranges at best.
Opponents of health care reform are jumping on this hard. Here is a link.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584816,00.html
There are two things about this that I would like to talk about.
One is that it is not getting much mainstream media attention. Even Fox News isn't jumping on it too much, so there must be more to the story. I do think it is somewhat of a scandal that the "liberal" media has not covered it at all. I did a google search on CNN, NYT and LA Times, and there was nothing. not a word. I couldn't find it on the AP either. But that Fox isn't really jumping on it either is strange. Must be more to the story.
My second point is that I dont see how it can be used as a case against health care reform. The health system in the U.S. is the best in the world. How does making medical care more affordable to more people make it not the best?
The point of health care reform is to make it more available, more affordable, to more people.
If we have the best health care - and we do - what good is it if it is only available to the very wealthy?
We are also the richest nation in the world. I don't see how we can ethically not take care of poor people. Health care should be available to every person. If we cannot do that then we dont have the best.
To use a Canadian getting health care in the U>S> as an argument against health care for poor people is apples and oranges at best.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
city commission meeting
The city commmission worksession set for Thursday has been moved to noon on Friday, according to an email from city hall.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Library dream
Arkansas City Public Library Director Dalene Hawthorne has some big ideas for the library. They are so big they might have to move the library from East Fifth Avenue to Summit Street.
She is hoping to launch a major building project that will cost well about $1.5 million, but should result in a very nice library facility for the city.
She would like to have a computer room, a community room for meetings, comfortable seating and a coffee shop.
The library circulated 84,000 items in 2009 and averages 230 visitors a day. The library gets crowded at times, and it would be good to have more room in general, she said.
To get involved, call her at the library, 442-1280.
Go to the web site to see the entire story
www.arkcityrevived.com
She is hoping to launch a major building project that will cost well about $1.5 million, but should result in a very nice library facility for the city.
She would like to have a computer room, a community room for meetings, comfortable seating and a coffee shop.
The library circulated 84,000 items in 2009 and averages 230 visitors a day. The library gets crowded at times, and it would be good to have more room in general, she said.
To get involved, call her at the library, 442-1280.
Go to the web site to see the entire story
www.arkcityrevived.com
cowley sports update
Cowley men's basketball has clinched at least a tie for the region title, and can win it outright this week. They have no more home games in the regular season.
Track teams, men and women, won indoor region titles.
Cowley teams always do fairly well. Ive been curious as to why there is not more fan support. Sometimes there is a good crowd at basektball games.
You can read the stories on the site .. www.arkcityrevived.com
Track teams, men and women, won indoor region titles.
Cowley teams always do fairly well. Ive been curious as to why there is not more fan support. Sometimes there is a good crowd at basektball games.
You can read the stories on the site .. www.arkcityrevived.com
Socialized internet
There's a story about how a large percentage of the American public is still not on broadband, or the internet. Here is a link to the story.
http://slatest.slate.com/id/2245704/?wpisrc=newsletter
The biggest reason those that are not connected are not, is the cost. Its not all that expensive, but I do understand that. Another reason is that they just plain don't want it, which I also understand.
The story goes on to talk about how everyone can get hooked up. It started me thinking about socialized medicine. Can socialized internet be far behind?
The internet has changed everything, and you can debate whether that change is good or bad, but it is a whole new world now.
The conspiracy theorists might have fun with this as well. Just think of the reasons the government might want you to have internet in your home. It's not so that you can be happier and more well-informed.
:)
http://slatest.slate.com/id/2245704/?wpisrc=newsletter
The biggest reason those that are not connected are not, is the cost. Its not all that expensive, but I do understand that. Another reason is that they just plain don't want it, which I also understand.
The story goes on to talk about how everyone can get hooked up. It started me thinking about socialized medicine. Can socialized internet be far behind?
The internet has changed everything, and you can debate whether that change is good or bad, but it is a whole new world now.
The conspiracy theorists might have fun with this as well. Just think of the reasons the government might want you to have internet in your home. It's not so that you can be happier and more well-informed.
:)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Good morning
Good morning all.
Cop notes are posted.
What would you like to talk about today?
Looks like Obama is coming out with a new health proposal.
Cop notes are posted.
What would you like to talk about today?
Looks like Obama is coming out with a new health proposal.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Resurrecting Buckskin Joe
Next Friday, 7 p.m., at the Landrush Museum, I will be performing Buckskin Joe.
It's been awhile, but I am eager to do it again. Its lots of fun. There is a charge as this event is aimed at raising a bit of money for the museum.
Buckskin will give a talk - in character - and then there will be time for questions and discussion of the early days of Arkansas City.
Buckskin Joe was quiet a character. Of course, i've not met anyone who actually knew him, so my interpretation of his personality is just that - an interpretation. It is based on lots of reading and study.
It's amazing to me that one person could do all that he did.
He was a farmer, musician, showman, business man and gold prospector.
He ran the athletic grocery house, which was a grocery store with a gym in the back. he advocated regular exercise for good health, and for a time ran what amounted to a health club.
He taught music - could play 16 instruments. He started the city band.
He had been a circus performer. He walked a tight-rope across Summit Street, and there is a picture of him doing it at the museum.
The list of what all he did goes on and on.
The biggest thing to me, was that he was a visionary. He never doubted that he could do what he wanted to do, and more often than not, he was right.
Ive done Buckskin Joe for a few years now. That all started in Dexter at this seminar on story telling. That group isn't active anymore, but I really got the story telling bug there.
So come on out.
It's been awhile, but I am eager to do it again. Its lots of fun. There is a charge as this event is aimed at raising a bit of money for the museum.
Buckskin will give a talk - in character - and then there will be time for questions and discussion of the early days of Arkansas City.
Buckskin Joe was quiet a character. Of course, i've not met anyone who actually knew him, so my interpretation of his personality is just that - an interpretation. It is based on lots of reading and study.
It's amazing to me that one person could do all that he did.
He was a farmer, musician, showman, business man and gold prospector.
He ran the athletic grocery house, which was a grocery store with a gym in the back. he advocated regular exercise for good health, and for a time ran what amounted to a health club.
He taught music - could play 16 instruments. He started the city band.
He had been a circus performer. He walked a tight-rope across Summit Street, and there is a picture of him doing it at the museum.
The list of what all he did goes on and on.
The biggest thing to me, was that he was a visionary. He never doubted that he could do what he wanted to do, and more often than not, he was right.
Ive done Buckskin Joe for a few years now. That all started in Dexter at this seminar on story telling. That group isn't active anymore, but I really got the story telling bug there.
So come on out.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
City moves ahead on redevelopment district
A public hearing has been set for 7 p.m. on April 6 to establish an economic redevelopment district north of town. The property is off Skyline Road.
The plan could result in a Tax Increment Finance District, but after the city commission meeting Tuesday, City Manager Steve Archer said there are many different types of financial packages that could be used. The establishment of a redevelopment district does not automatically mean it will be a TIF.
After the public hearing the city may adopt a measure creating the district. At that time the county, USD School district 470 or Cowley College, can file papers saying such a district might harm them financially, and thus block its creation.
Later, if a company wants a TIF district, the city would have to accept it and the other entities in the area would again have an opportunity to block it.
City commissioners say the district is needed to develop the local economy.
Commissioner Jean Snell said the city should approach the other governing bodies and discuss the district, so that it will not be blocked.
Mayor Jay Warren said “it is important to be proactive now,”
He noted that jobs are needed, and a district like this could help.
“We need to get people back into this area,” he said.
Read the rest of the commission story here:
The plan could result in a Tax Increment Finance District, but after the city commission meeting Tuesday, City Manager Steve Archer said there are many different types of financial packages that could be used. The establishment of a redevelopment district does not automatically mean it will be a TIF.
After the public hearing the city may adopt a measure creating the district. At that time the county, USD School district 470 or Cowley College, can file papers saying such a district might harm them financially, and thus block its creation.
Later, if a company wants a TIF district, the city would have to accept it and the other entities in the area would again have an opportunity to block it.
City commissioners say the district is needed to develop the local economy.
Commissioner Jean Snell said the city should approach the other governing bodies and discuss the district, so that it will not be blocked.
Mayor Jay Warren said “it is important to be proactive now,”
He noted that jobs are needed, and a district like this could help.
“We need to get people back into this area,” he said.
Read the rest of the commission story here:
Objectivity takes a turn
Reporter Laid Off for Belief in "Objective Reality"
Added to the list of reasons why journalists now lose their jobs: a belief in "objective reality." Atlanta Progressive News senior reporter Jonathan Springston was let go last week after he failed to live up to the paper's standards, namely, by reporting on events based on facts. In a statement issued to the Fresh Loaf blog, the APN explained that "[Springston] held on to the notion that there was an objective reality that could be reported objectively, despite the fact that that was not our editorial policy at Atlanta Progressive News." The statement added that Springston would be better suited for other media outlets, like Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It also gave readers something else to look forward to: "we have already begun drafting a more programmatic statement on our editorial position regarding objectivity, inter-subjectivity, and news." According to Springston's Twitter feed (he goes by the moniker LegendOutlaw) he's currently looking for work.
Read original story in Fresh Loaf | Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010
Added to the list of reasons why journalists now lose their jobs: a belief in "objective reality." Atlanta Progressive News senior reporter Jonathan Springston was let go last week after he failed to live up to the paper's standards, namely, by reporting on events based on facts. In a statement issued to the Fresh Loaf blog, the APN explained that "[Springston] held on to the notion that there was an objective reality that could be reported objectively, despite the fact that that was not our editorial policy at Atlanta Progressive News." The statement added that Springston would be better suited for other media outlets, like Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It also gave readers something else to look forward to: "we have already begun drafting a more programmatic statement on our editorial position regarding objectivity, inter-subjectivity, and news." According to Springston's Twitter feed (he goes by the moniker LegendOutlaw) he's currently looking for work.
Read original story in Fresh Loaf | Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Cops are busy
The Ark City police have been busy the last couple of days with some burglaries, thefts and vandalism.
They are asking for information on one case involving vandalism at the Sleeth ball park. You can read the stories on the web site .. www.arkcityrevived.com
They are asking for information on one case involving vandalism at the Sleeth ball park. You can read the stories on the web site .. www.arkcityrevived.com
Tuesday morning
Cop notes are posted, and there is a short police story on the site.
Nothing gets people going like the TIF argument. I am curious as to where the supporters are though. They need to speak up.
But its still a long way off and may not happen. What the commission is doing is trying to set up an area that would be attractive to a new business. That could be a TIF, and it might not. It could be a local person.
Im wondering if a local person started a business out there, would there still be the same opposition?
Remember the opposition to the hospital? Now that its coming in under budget, you dont hear as much complaining.
Nothing gets people going like the TIF argument. I am curious as to where the supporters are though. They need to speak up.
But its still a long way off and may not happen. What the commission is doing is trying to set up an area that would be attractive to a new business. That could be a TIF, and it might not. It could be a local person.
Im wondering if a local person started a business out there, would there still be the same opposition?
Remember the opposition to the hospital? Now that its coming in under budget, you dont hear as much complaining.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Still winter
Good Monday morning. Cop notes are posted, AC, Winfield and county.
Nothing gets people going like a TIF district.
The city will have a public hearing at some point, people who support it need to get out there to the hearing, and make their voices heard. You can bet the naysayers will be there in force.
Anyways, two points need to be made.
One, is that this thing the city commission is doing is not creating a TIF district. They are annexing a piece of property that could be developed. It is a conditional annexation, meaning that it expires in five years if nothing happens. But it does give promoters of the city something to offer companies - a space to operate that is already zoned or business. It could become a TIF, . it also might not.
Second point is that anyone - anyone meaning any person or organization upon the earth including Arkansas City - can take advantage of this. One of the objections of naysayers is that it is helping big companies from outside instead of local business operators. There's nothing stopping any local person from starting a business or factory at this site.
Im kinda picking on naysayers this morning, but ... the thing is, there are people that will object to anything no matter what it is. There are some people who just oppose progress.
Maybe this is casting a vision for Arkansas City.
Anyone who does this - sets forth a vision - will get opposition.
But it still needs to be done.
Nothing gets people going like a TIF district.
The city will have a public hearing at some point, people who support it need to get out there to the hearing, and make their voices heard. You can bet the naysayers will be there in force.
Anyways, two points need to be made.
One, is that this thing the city commission is doing is not creating a TIF district. They are annexing a piece of property that could be developed. It is a conditional annexation, meaning that it expires in five years if nothing happens. But it does give promoters of the city something to offer companies - a space to operate that is already zoned or business. It could become a TIF, . it also might not.
Second point is that anyone - anyone meaning any person or organization upon the earth including Arkansas City - can take advantage of this. One of the objections of naysayers is that it is helping big companies from outside instead of local business operators. There's nothing stopping any local person from starting a business or factory at this site.
Im kinda picking on naysayers this morning, but ... the thing is, there are people that will object to anything no matter what it is. There are some people who just oppose progress.
Maybe this is casting a vision for Arkansas City.
Anyone who does this - sets forth a vision - will get opposition.
But it still needs to be done.
Friday, February 12, 2010
More TIF
Cop notes are posted. Winfield and Sheriff notes are updated as well.
Life is getting in the way of the web site and the blog at the moment. Im doing some freelance projects and cant get as much done.
I did want to comment on the possible TIF district that is in the works. I think it is good to set up a district so that a TIF could be used if a deal is presented.
You could argue that this is a way of preventing what happened with Lowes from happening again. Granted. But, we need leadership in Arkansas City, and I think this is that.
We need development and vision.
You cannot expect some major company to just show up and start doing business here. You have to recruit them, you have to go after them. You have to be able to give them a deal.
If we had 20 miles of pristine beaches, or maybe a 12,000 foot mountain peak with snow ... we might not have to try to attract people and businesses.
But we do have some things to offer here.
Setting the stage for a TIF is a good start, I think.
Life is getting in the way of the web site and the blog at the moment. Im doing some freelance projects and cant get as much done.
I did want to comment on the possible TIF district that is in the works. I think it is good to set up a district so that a TIF could be used if a deal is presented.
You could argue that this is a way of preventing what happened with Lowes from happening again. Granted. But, we need leadership in Arkansas City, and I think this is that.
We need development and vision.
You cannot expect some major company to just show up and start doing business here. You have to recruit them, you have to go after them. You have to be able to give them a deal.
If we had 20 miles of pristine beaches, or maybe a 12,000 foot mountain peak with snow ... we might not have to try to attract people and businesses.
But we do have some things to offer here.
Setting the stage for a TIF is a good start, I think.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
City commission
- Receive Presentation from Michael N. Aumack on the 2010
- Consider ordinance amending Section 5.08.020 of the Arkansas City Municipal Code, Building Trades Board to reduce the delay before reappointment.
- Consider resolution directing the SCKRMC Board to prepare a master plan for the Patterson Park Subdivision.
- Consider resolution authorizing Springhill Golf Course to use the Convention Center Fund to purchase new batteries for golf carts.
- Consider resolution amending the Recreation Commission Master Lease to cover the cost of operating the new ball fields at
- Consider resolution setting a public hearing to consider the establishment of the Goff Industrial Park Redevelopment District for
- Consider Mayor’s appointments to City Boards.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Cowley royalty
Clark is from Arkansas City. Fall is from New York.
Olympics
The Olympics start in two days. I always like watching that. The Olympics are in Vancouver this year, meaning that they are a couple hours ahead of us. We should be able to watch them live at a reasonable hour, instead of in the very early hours of the morning as when they are in Asia or Europe.
The Vancouver Olympic people have a nice web site.
here is the link
http://www.vancouver2010.com
We went to Vancouver in 2000. A really neat city.
The Vancouver Olympic people have a nice web site.
here is the link
http://www.vancouver2010.com
We went to Vancouver in 2000. A really neat city.
Bipartisan
Here is a story from Politico about Obama wanting to talk with Republicans about health care and so forth.
I do think it is an interesting commentary on our broken political system when the fact that one side wants to talk with the other side is "news."
Please dont take this as me taking up for the Dems. Im not. It's just another example of why we need more parties, and why we should reject both Dems and Pubs and seek out others.
Here is the link.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0210/32745.html
I do think it is an interesting commentary on our broken political system when the fact that one side wants to talk with the other side is "news."
Please dont take this as me taking up for the Dems. Im not. It's just another example of why we need more parties, and why we should reject both Dems and Pubs and seek out others.
Here is the link.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0210/32745.html
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
another example of politics as usual
Here is what is wrong with modern American politics.
President Obama has called for a bi-partisan meeting on health care. He wants to get both sides together and work something out.
Seems reasonable enough.
But Republicans are accusing him of laying a trap, or of being insincere ... yada yada yada.
Here is paragraph from the AP story.
"half-day meeting will be more showmanship than substance.
The House's top two Republican leaders openly questioned Obama's sincerity and hinted they might skip the meeting if he uses the Democratic bills as the starting point for discussions."
I understand Republicans being a bit wary, but at the same time they are showing that they are not really interested in making any progress on the issue. They want what they want regardless of how it affects the nation.
They are more interested in obstructing the dems than they are in actually solving a problem.
Now I do want to point out, that dems did exactly the same thing to Bush. Pubs did it to Clinton, and Dems did it to elder-bush. It goes back a long way, but I do recall a time when the acrimony was not quiet so intense.
The gulf widens between the two ideologies and nothing gets solved.
And the cynicism of Americans rises.
Politics as usual.
This is the problem with politics. If either side were truly interested in the betterment of the nation, they would have had this meeting over a year ago.
Here is the entire AP story.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100209/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul
President Obama has called for a bi-partisan meeting on health care. He wants to get both sides together and work something out.
Seems reasonable enough.
But Republicans are accusing him of laying a trap, or of being insincere ... yada yada yada.
Here is paragraph from the AP story.
"half-day meeting will be more showmanship than substance.
The House's top two Republican leaders openly questioned Obama's sincerity and hinted they might skip the meeting if he uses the Democratic bills as the starting point for discussions."
I understand Republicans being a bit wary, but at the same time they are showing that they are not really interested in making any progress on the issue. They want what they want regardless of how it affects the nation.
They are more interested in obstructing the dems than they are in actually solving a problem.
Now I do want to point out, that dems did exactly the same thing to Bush. Pubs did it to Clinton, and Dems did it to elder-bush. It goes back a long way, but I do recall a time when the acrimony was not quiet so intense.
The gulf widens between the two ideologies and nothing gets solved.
And the cynicism of Americans rises.
Politics as usual.
This is the problem with politics. If either side were truly interested in the betterment of the nation, they would have had this meeting over a year ago.
Here is the entire AP story.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100209/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul
This time of year
(Cop notes are posted)
This is my least favorite time of the year. Its cold, nuff said.
It was this time of year that I moved here. Actually tomorrow will mark the 7th anniversary of when I started working at the local newspaper. I came here from South Carolina. I used to think 35 degrees was a cold day.
There was some culture shock coming here. The first weekend I was here we had a big snow, something like 10 inches in two days. At that point I had not seen 10 inches of snow altogether in my whole life, so seeing it at once was quiet the shock. Even more shocking than the snow was the fact that live went on pretty much as normal.
I still remember that first day. Someone had quit the day before, and that meant I had no time at all to feel my way around and learn things at a normal pace.
Also my inlaw was here from California. Also that week I got my first glimpse of how mean he could be.
I wondered why I was here and really thought about hi-tailing it back to S.C. as quickly as possible.
I still wonder that at times.
But the place has grown on me some too.
I am a little more used to the cold weather, but that doesn't mean I like it.
But it is nice to have actual seasons. That was something we did not have in South Carolina. There we had summer and January as our two seasons.
I don't know what will happen now as far as the future goes. Just have to wait and see.
This is my least favorite time of the year. Its cold, nuff said.
It was this time of year that I moved here. Actually tomorrow will mark the 7th anniversary of when I started working at the local newspaper. I came here from South Carolina. I used to think 35 degrees was a cold day.
There was some culture shock coming here. The first weekend I was here we had a big snow, something like 10 inches in two days. At that point I had not seen 10 inches of snow altogether in my whole life, so seeing it at once was quiet the shock. Even more shocking than the snow was the fact that live went on pretty much as normal.
I still remember that first day. Someone had quit the day before, and that meant I had no time at all to feel my way around and learn things at a normal pace.
Also my inlaw was here from California. Also that week I got my first glimpse of how mean he could be.
I wondered why I was here and really thought about hi-tailing it back to S.C. as quickly as possible.
I still wonder that at times.
But the place has grown on me some too.
I am a little more used to the cold weather, but that doesn't mean I like it.
But it is nice to have actual seasons. That was something we did not have in South Carolina. There we had summer and January as our two seasons.
I don't know what will happen now as far as the future goes. Just have to wait and see.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday morning
Cop notes are posted. I have also updated winfield and cowley county sheriff notes.
more stuff is coming later in the morning.
more stuff is coming later in the morning.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Super bowling
Here is a link to a thoughtful column about the super bowl and the ads that go along with it.
The ads have become as much a part of the culture as the game itself.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Tebow-s-Focus-on-the-Family-ad-could-change-futu;_ylt=AqUaesmv7jtFHAZFTK_Ant45nYcB?urn=nfl,218119
Good game though. My two favorite teams were playing, so I was ok either way.
The ads have become as much a part of the culture as the game itself.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Tebow-s-Focus-on-the-Family-ad-could-change-futu;_ylt=AqUaesmv7jtFHAZFTK_Ant45nYcB?urn=nfl,218119
Good game though. My two favorite teams were playing, so I was ok either way.
My take on the Tea Party
The Tea Pary held its convention over the weekend. Sarah Palin was the keynote speaker Saturday night.
Im not ready to become a Tea Part-ier, but, I think it is a step in the right direction.
It seems a whole lot like the Republican Party, and is very conservative. They are against big government and all the usual things conservatives are into.
Palin was well-received, and there were chants for her to run for president. She could well be the Republican nominee next time.
The dems and liberals rip her for having no experience and not being qualified. Of course, Obama had that same problem when he was running.
The only qualification for being president is that the person be 35, not a felon and a natural born citizen. So that's not exactly high standards.
Palin said "America is ready for another revolution."
I think she is right.
I may not agree with the tea party all that much, but I like the idea of a group trying to start a new political base.
This group is basically republican by another name, but still it is a move in the right direction.
Palin also said the "movement is the future of American politics because it's a ground-up call to action to both major political parties to change how they do business."
I do agree with her on that point.
As ive said before, there are other ideologies and choices than just liberal or conservative.
Im not ready to become a Tea Part-ier, but, I think it is a step in the right direction.
It seems a whole lot like the Republican Party, and is very conservative. They are against big government and all the usual things conservatives are into.
Palin was well-received, and there were chants for her to run for president. She could well be the Republican nominee next time.
The dems and liberals rip her for having no experience and not being qualified. Of course, Obama had that same problem when he was running.
The only qualification for being president is that the person be 35, not a felon and a natural born citizen. So that's not exactly high standards.
Palin said "America is ready for another revolution."
I think she is right.
I may not agree with the tea party all that much, but I like the idea of a group trying to start a new political base.
This group is basically republican by another name, but still it is a move in the right direction.
Palin also said the "movement is the future of American politics because it's a ground-up call to action to both major political parties to change how they do business."
I do agree with her on that point.
As ive said before, there are other ideologies and choices than just liberal or conservative.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday morning
Good morning. Cop notes are posted. You may have also noticed the piece about the new drug dog the city has.
There will be some training for the officer who will be handling the dog, so it will be at least 10 weeks before the dog will be "on the street."
Chief Sean Wallace raised money to pay for the dog. He believes it will help with catching some of the drugs that pass through Arkansas City. Police believe a lot of drugs pass through the city.
Drug dealers are using state highways more than Interstates now.
Ill have more stuff later on today.
There will be some training for the officer who will be handling the dog, so it will be at least 10 weeks before the dog will be "on the street."
Chief Sean Wallace raised money to pay for the dog. He believes it will help with catching some of the drugs that pass through Arkansas City. Police believe a lot of drugs pass through the city.
Drug dealers are using state highways more than Interstates now.
Ill have more stuff later on today.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
AC's new drug dog
The Arkansaas City police took delivery of their drug dog Thursday.
Chief Sean Wallace and future K-9 Handler Eric Mata traveled to Hill Country Dog Center in the San Antonio, TX. area to select a dog for the Arkansas City Police Department K-9 Program. Lt. Kyle Moomau, Commander of the Kansas Highway Patrol K-9 Unit, accompanied Wallace and Mata. Lt. Moomau tested several dogs and made recommendations to Chief Wallace.
With the assistance of Lt. Moomau, Chief Wallace and MPO Mata chose “LEE” a two year old Belgium Malinois (see attached photos). “LEE” comes patrol trained from Holland, but will have to go through the Kansas Highway Patrol’s ten week K-9 school with MPO Mata to learn tracking and drug detection skills.
“LEE” will become a vital part of the Arkansas City Police Department’s efforts to irradcate drug trafficking in Arkansas City. A big thanks to the organizations, businesses, and individuals that helped male “LEE” a reality, Police Chief Sean Wallace said.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Politics
Ive talked about the "culture of the offended" before.
Here is another example. Someone says something fairly inocuous - or even true - and someone is offended. The media does stir this up to some extent, still, I think its an interesting comment on our culture.
Obama says people shouldnt blow money they are saving for education in Vegas. The Vegas tourism industry is up in arms. Apology offered... anyways, I thought it was interesting.
Here is the link
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_las_vegas
I know there are lots of conservative readers here. I still say i am neither - nor. That doesnt make me a moderate either. Im just an unafiliated cynic towards national politics.
Here is a link to another article that should tick you off. Conservatives yell about some poor guy bilking the system for a couple hundred bucks of welfare ... but there is no outrage when bailed out bank employees get millions in bonuses. What's wrong with this picture?
here is the link
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020203036.html?hpid=topnews
Here is another example. Someone says something fairly inocuous - or even true - and someone is offended. The media does stir this up to some extent, still, I think its an interesting comment on our culture.
Obama says people shouldnt blow money they are saving for education in Vegas. The Vegas tourism industry is up in arms. Apology offered... anyways, I thought it was interesting.
Here is the link
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_las_vegas
I know there are lots of conservative readers here. I still say i am neither - nor. That doesnt make me a moderate either. Im just an unafiliated cynic towards national politics.
Here is a link to another article that should tick you off. Conservatives yell about some poor guy bilking the system for a couple hundred bucks of welfare ... but there is no outrage when bailed out bank employees get millions in bonuses. What's wrong with this picture?
here is the link
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020203036.html?hpid=topnews
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Cowley hoops
Another newspaper threat
A new bill in the Kansas Senate threatens the already precarious nature of newspapers around the state. The bill would allow governments - city, county and school boards - to post legal ads on their web site, instead of in their local newspaper.
Some other states are also toying with the idea. Iowa has a bill like that it is considering, and perhaps others.
Kansas tried this bill a few years ago, but it fell by the wayside after an aggressive defense from the Kansas Press Association.
Last week it was there again, with the ways and means committee hearing testimony.
The bill would give local government the option of putting legal ads on web sites, but would not require it.
Doug Anstaett, director of the KPA, said "When did open government become optional?"
The KPA is arguing that this is a matter of open government and keeping government accountable.
What it really is about is money.
Newspapers can still cover local government just as well, whether it has legal ads or not.
It is no secret that newspapers are in trouble nationwide. Losing legal ads would be the death knell for many papers.
Legal ads are nothing more than a government subsidy of newspapers.
Currently governments are required to post legal ads in newspapers, and often they are required to buy the ads three times. This amounts to thousands of dollars for most cities of any size. Legal ads keep a lot of weekly papers from going under.
Seems to me the KPA should not be so arrogant in arguing its position.
This is not a matter of open government, it is a matter of financing.
People's tax money is going to subsidize newspapers. Legal ads are a great cash cow for newspapers, and state government is in a position to let local government keep their cow.
Arkansas City paid the local newspaper $2400 in December for legal ads, according to city figures, just to give an idea.
It will be interesting to see what happens.
Some other states are also toying with the idea. Iowa has a bill like that it is considering, and perhaps others.
Kansas tried this bill a few years ago, but it fell by the wayside after an aggressive defense from the Kansas Press Association.
Last week it was there again, with the ways and means committee hearing testimony.
The bill would give local government the option of putting legal ads on web sites, but would not require it.
Doug Anstaett, director of the KPA, said "When did open government become optional?"
The KPA is arguing that this is a matter of open government and keeping government accountable.
What it really is about is money.
Newspapers can still cover local government just as well, whether it has legal ads or not.
It is no secret that newspapers are in trouble nationwide. Losing legal ads would be the death knell for many papers.
Legal ads are nothing more than a government subsidy of newspapers.
Currently governments are required to post legal ads in newspapers, and often they are required to buy the ads three times. This amounts to thousands of dollars for most cities of any size. Legal ads keep a lot of weekly papers from going under.
Seems to me the KPA should not be so arrogant in arguing its position.
This is not a matter of open government, it is a matter of financing.
People's tax money is going to subsidize newspapers. Legal ads are a great cash cow for newspapers, and state government is in a position to let local government keep their cow.
Arkansas City paid the local newspaper $2400 in December for legal ads, according to city figures, just to give an idea.
It will be interesting to see what happens.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday
Greetings all.
Cop notes are posted. Looks like a bunch of Cowley students got popped for underage drinking over the weekend.
Was pretty cold and hard to get out and do much.
Cowley basketball tonight. City commission tomorrow night.
Ill try to post more later.
Is there anything that anyone is just dying to talk about?
Cop notes are posted. Looks like a bunch of Cowley students got popped for underage drinking over the weekend.
Was pretty cold and hard to get out and do much.
Cowley basketball tonight. City commission tomorrow night.
Ill try to post more later.
Is there anything that anyone is just dying to talk about?
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