The Montana Association of Jewish Communities (MAJCO) Holocaust Poster exhibit will be displayed in our State Capitol building in Helena on Yom HaShoah, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 25.
The showing is sponsored by MAJCO and the Montana Human Rights Network (MHRN).
The MAJCO Holocaust Poster exhibit consists of forty framed posters that show the progress of the Holocaust in a chronological manner. The posters were produced by the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Monday, January 30
Friday, January 27
Hamas Oath
As reported by the Jerusalem Post, I thought that it would be educational and instructive to post the oath of allegiance taken by members of Hamas.
With yesterday's vote, this has been revealed to be truth behind a majority of the Palestinian peoples allegiance. Remember this the next time a bus explodes in downtown Tel Aviv, and remember this when Israel is forced to retaliate.
"Our struggle against the Jews is very great and very serious...The Movement is but one squadron that should be supported by more and more squadrons from this vast Arab and Islamic world, until the enemy is vanquished and Allah's victory is realised...
The Islamic Resistance Movement is one of the wings of Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine. The Muslim Brotherhood Movement is a universal organization which constitutes the largest Islamic movement in modern times...
It strives to raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine, for under the wing of Islam followers of all religions can coexist in security and safety where their lives, possessions and rights are concerned...
The Islamic Resistance Movement is one of the links in the chain of the struggle against the Zionist invaders. It goes back to 1939, to the emergence of the martyr Izz al-Din al Kassam and his brethren the fighters, members of Muslim Brotherhood. It goes on to reach out and become one with another chain that includes the struggle of the Palestinians and Muslim Brotherhood in the 1948 war and the Jihad operations of the Muslim Brotherhood in 1968 and after...
The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him salvation, has said: 'The Day of Judgement will not come about until Muslims fight the Jews (killing the Jews), when the Jew will hide behind stones and trees. The stones and trees will say O Muslims, O Abdulla, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him...'
Resisting and quelling the enemy become the individual duty of every Muslim, male or female. A woman can go out to fight the enemy without her husband's permission, and so does the slave: without his master's permission...
There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are all a waste of time and vain endeavors. The Palestinian people know better than to consent to having their future, rights and fate toyed with...
The day The Palestinian Liberation Organization adopts Islam as its way of life, we will become its soldiers, and fuel for its fire that will burn the enemies...
The Zionist invasion is a vicious invasion... It relies greatly in its infiltration and espionage operations on the secret organizations it gave rise to, such as the Freemasons, The Rotary and Lions clubs, and other sabotage groups. All these organizations, whether secret or open, work in the interest of Zionism and according to its instructions...
We should not forget to remind every Muslim that when the Jews conquered the Holy City in 1967, they stood on the threshold of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and proclaimed that 'Mohammed is dead, and his descendants are all women.'
Israel, Judaism and Jews challenge Islam and the Muslim people. 'May the cowards never sleep.'"
With yesterday's vote, this has been revealed to be truth behind a majority of the Palestinian peoples allegiance. Remember this the next time a bus explodes in downtown Tel Aviv, and remember this when Israel is forced to retaliate.
I welcome the victory by Hamas
As has been reported in many other places, Hamas won a clear victory in yesterday's Palestinian election. An ugly, terrorist group of thugs are now the official government of the Palestinian Authority.
I welcome this development. Over the past 13 years, we have pretended that Fatah was a partner in the desire for peace. It was never true, but Arafat and his corrupt cronyies made enough side noises to allow people the fantasy.
Hamas is not so burdened. They are nothing more than a violent, radical Islamist cadre of killers.
Apparently, a clear majority of the Palestinian people prefer such leadership. At least now we can honestly evaluate who is on the other side of the table.
I welcome this development. Over the past 13 years, we have pretended that Fatah was a partner in the desire for peace. It was never true, but Arafat and his corrupt cronyies made enough side noises to allow people the fantasy.
Hamas is not so burdened. They are nothing more than a violent, radical Islamist cadre of killers.
Apparently, a clear majority of the Palestinian people prefer such leadership. At least now we can honestly evaluate who is on the other side of the table.
Saving $50 Grand by Switching the Color of Folders?
The Cascade County Office of Public Assistance recently switched their filing system to less expensive, brown manila folders. In doing so, they saved a great deal of money.
Let's get our head around this one. By switching to less expensive folders, the State saved FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.
How many other simple steps could we take to more efficiently utilize our resources? This is a great example of public employees treating their allocated dollars like they would treat their own. We need to encourage this kind of thinking.
Let's get our head around this one. By switching to less expensive folders, the State saved FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.
How many other simple steps could we take to more efficiently utilize our resources? This is a great example of public employees treating their allocated dollars like they would treat their own. We need to encourage this kind of thinking.
More Competition = Higher Prices !?!?!?
Apparently, the health care industry doesn't follow the same market realities as the rest of us.
Take a look at this article. More competition will increase prices.
It may be true. The Clinic's surgery center may well take some of the more profitable work from the hospital. However, the hospital could try to keep some of that work by LOWERING PRICES. Isn't that how markets work?
I admit it. I may be too simple to understand how more competition will increase prices. We will see ...
Take a look at this article. More competition will increase prices.
It may be true. The Clinic's surgery center may well take some of the more profitable work from the hospital. However, the hospital could try to keep some of that work by LOWERING PRICES. Isn't that how markets work?
I admit it. I may be too simple to understand how more competition will increase prices. We will see ...
Wednesday, January 25
Analysis of Presidential Signing Statements
To go along with a question I asked a few weeks ago, I have been directed to this memorandum, written by then-Assistant Attorney General Walter Dellinger in 1993. The memorandum was written specifically to discuss the use and implications of these statements.
Interesting reading.
Interesting reading.
Why does a polling place need a handicapped accessible bathroom?
I have been voting for almost twenty years now. I try to never miss an election; city, county, State or federal.
In all that time, I have never had to wait in a polling place for more than about 5-10 minutes. I go in, sometimes have to wait for an extremely short time in line, vote, get my sticker and go out.
So, the county is now considering more than halving the number of polling places. At least at my polling place, the closure is considered because of the need for a handicapped accessible bathroom.
Let's review; food is not served, and "patrons" use the facility for an extremely limited time.
So why the fuss? Why is a bathroom inherently necessary in a polling place?
In all that time, I have never had to wait in a polling place for more than about 5-10 minutes. I go in, sometimes have to wait for an extremely short time in line, vote, get my sticker and go out.
So, the county is now considering more than halving the number of polling places. At least at my polling place, the closure is considered because of the need for a handicapped accessible bathroom.
Let's review; food is not served, and "patrons" use the facility for an extremely limited time.
So why the fuss? Why is a bathroom inherently necessary in a polling place?
PPL Disengenious in Tax Protest
The long running tax dispute over PPLs electricity generating dams took a sharp zag yesterday. The school board was forced to use some of the money that PPL has paid under protest.
This ridiculous situation has gone on long enough. Year after year, our municipal budgets are strained and reduced because PPL will not pay their taxes. Great Falls kids have to deal with cuts in school programs. Our police and sheriff departments have to work with less resources. City and county operations are similarly affected.
If PPL were a victim of overzealous property valuations here, I would be the first to come to their defense. However, I think it wise to remember what happened throughout Montana the year before their tax protest.
Go back to 1999. There was a state initiative on the ballot that would have started the process for the State to buy back the dams from PPL.
PPL fought that initiative tooth and nail. One of the arguments with which they flooded the media was that State valuations (wait for it) undervalued the dams.
They won that battle.
Fast forward one year. Suddenly, PPL starts protesting all of their property taxes. Apparently, these same valuations were now so overvalued that PPL was paying too much in property taxes.
PPLs protests should all be thrown out. Immediately. With prejudice. They should just pay their dam taxes!
This ridiculous situation has gone on long enough. Year after year, our municipal budgets are strained and reduced because PPL will not pay their taxes. Great Falls kids have to deal with cuts in school programs. Our police and sheriff departments have to work with less resources. City and county operations are similarly affected.
If PPL were a victim of overzealous property valuations here, I would be the first to come to their defense. However, I think it wise to remember what happened throughout Montana the year before their tax protest.
Go back to 1999. There was a state initiative on the ballot that would have started the process for the State to buy back the dams from PPL.
PPL fought that initiative tooth and nail. One of the arguments with which they flooded the media was that State valuations (wait for it) undervalued the dams.
They won that battle.
Fast forward one year. Suddenly, PPL starts protesting all of their property taxes. Apparently, these same valuations were now so overvalued that PPL was paying too much in property taxes.
PPLs protests should all be thrown out. Immediately. With prejudice. They should just pay their dam taxes!
Sheriff's Race is Opportunity for Community Discussion
I have a great deal of respect for our Sheriff, David Castle. Everything I have seen shows that he is a good cop, and takes his responsibilities (including his fiduciary responsibility over our tax dollars) seriously.
The Sheriff's office is probably one of the most significant local elected positions in our County. It oversees a very large number of personnel, and has one of the largest budgets of any municipal organization. As well it should; there is a lot of ground to protect in this county.
Retired Sheriff's Captain Dan Smrdel has filed to run against Castle in the upcoming election. Whoever ends up winning (and I have no dog in this fight), this race will be an opportunity to discuss the proper allocation of our municipal law enforcement dollars.
In the late 90s, our county spent a great deal of money to build a big jail. At the time, we were all told that it would make money for the county, because beds could be leased out to the State.
It hasn't worked out that way. Since the jail was built, the meth crisis has kept the jail filled with county inmates. In addition, we see in today's paper that the county and the State are in the middle of a pissing match over how much the State should pay the county to house an inmate.
I am not going to say we shouldn't have built the jail. If the meth crisis wouldn't have happened, then the builders projections might have been met. However, I do say that we need to be very sure that a municipal budget this big is being well managed, with transparency in its financial operations.
I think that Castle is doing a good job here. He ran on a platform of opposition to increased taxation for his department, and has spent the last year and a half doing good work using his resources. However, he has since made an about face and called for more money for his department.
Enforcing law and order is not a cheap venture. The executive we hire to manage that enforcement is an important figure in our community. I look forward to learning more about the two men applying for the job.
The Sheriff's office is probably one of the most significant local elected positions in our County. It oversees a very large number of personnel, and has one of the largest budgets of any municipal organization. As well it should; there is a lot of ground to protect in this county.
Retired Sheriff's Captain Dan Smrdel has filed to run against Castle in the upcoming election. Whoever ends up winning (and I have no dog in this fight), this race will be an opportunity to discuss the proper allocation of our municipal law enforcement dollars.
In the late 90s, our county spent a great deal of money to build a big jail. At the time, we were all told that it would make money for the county, because beds could be leased out to the State.
It hasn't worked out that way. Since the jail was built, the meth crisis has kept the jail filled with county inmates. In addition, we see in today's paper that the county and the State are in the middle of a pissing match over how much the State should pay the county to house an inmate.
I am not going to say we shouldn't have built the jail. If the meth crisis wouldn't have happened, then the builders projections might have been met. However, I do say that we need to be very sure that a municipal budget this big is being well managed, with transparency in its financial operations.
I think that Castle is doing a good job here. He ran on a platform of opposition to increased taxation for his department, and has spent the last year and a half doing good work using his resources. However, he has since made an about face and called for more money for his department.
Enforcing law and order is not a cheap venture. The executive we hire to manage that enforcement is an important figure in our community. I look forward to learning more about the two men applying for the job.
Camp Rotary permit renewal deserves community support
Camp Rotary, one of the oldest (if not the oldest) camps in the entire Forest Service, is applying for a renewal of its permit to operate. The camp is located off US89 near Monarch.
The camp has been operated by the Great Falls Rotary Club since 1917. The camp is primarily operated for the benefit of area children, and is used by over 800 youth campers each year.
Annual camps that take place at the facility include weeklong trips for children whose parents are deployed in the military; children with deceased parents and children with incarcerated parents. The facility is also used by many church groups and faith based institutions.
Last year, Camp Rotary was home to the annual Shabbaton for the Montana Association of Jewish Communities.
As its age suggests, the camp is also in need of several significant improvements.
The first needed improvement is a replacement of the camp septic system. The existing system is of unknown age, condition and mechanism. It dates back to 1917 and needs to be refurbished.
Going along with the septic system is the bathhouse. The current bathhouse is crumbling and needs to be replaced. The Rotary Club has drawn plans for a new, aesthetically pleasing building that will house showers, sinks and toilet facilities.
Other needed improvements spelled out in the 10 year renewal include refurbishing the foundation of the main lodge (which was built in 1917 and has no underground supports) and leveling the playing field to better accomodate sports.
The permit renewal requires public comment. To support the renewal, please send a letter to District Ranger Alan Koss, Belt Creek Ranger Station, 4234 US Highway 89, Neihart, MT 59465. The deadline for comments is February 17.
Disclosure: I am a member of the Great Falls Rotary Club, and strongly support the permit renewal.
The camp has been operated by the Great Falls Rotary Club since 1917. The camp is primarily operated for the benefit of area children, and is used by over 800 youth campers each year.
Annual camps that take place at the facility include weeklong trips for children whose parents are deployed in the military; children with deceased parents and children with incarcerated parents. The facility is also used by many church groups and faith based institutions.
Last year, Camp Rotary was home to the annual Shabbaton for the Montana Association of Jewish Communities.
As its age suggests, the camp is also in need of several significant improvements.
The first needed improvement is a replacement of the camp septic system. The existing system is of unknown age, condition and mechanism. It dates back to 1917 and needs to be refurbished.
Going along with the septic system is the bathhouse. The current bathhouse is crumbling and needs to be replaced. The Rotary Club has drawn plans for a new, aesthetically pleasing building that will house showers, sinks and toilet facilities.
Other needed improvements spelled out in the 10 year renewal include refurbishing the foundation of the main lodge (which was built in 1917 and has no underground supports) and leveling the playing field to better accomodate sports.
The permit renewal requires public comment. To support the renewal, please send a letter to District Ranger Alan Koss, Belt Creek Ranger Station, 4234 US Highway 89, Neihart, MT 59465. The deadline for comments is February 17.
Disclosure: I am a member of the Great Falls Rotary Club, and strongly support the permit renewal.
I'm Back!
Reading the paper this morning, there were several articles that struck my eye. While reading them, I thought about how each one deserved some extra attention.
So, I guess the hiatus is over. That is one of the great things about this hobby; when work, kids or life gets too busy, you can just put it down for a while. I hope that that hasn't inconvenienced too many of my regular readers (if there are any), but if it has -- too bad. I needed the break.
So, I guess the hiatus is over. That is one of the great things about this hobby; when work, kids or life gets too busy, you can just put it down for a while. I hope that that hasn't inconvenienced too many of my regular readers (if there are any), but if it has -- too bad. I needed the break.
Monday, January 16
It's not just a problem here ...
Well, as you may have guessed I am a bit of a mini-hiatus on blog posting. I hope to get back to writing what I hope are cogent posts soon, but things are very busy now.
In the meantime, take a look at this. Good to know that people have the same problems everywhere.
In the meantime, take a look at this. Good to know that people have the same problems everywhere.
Thursday, January 12
Windows XP + Quickbooks 2006 = No Sleep for Me
It is now about 6 a.m., and I have been in the office for about two hours. Why, you ask?
Well, I will tell you. In the thick of W2 preparation season, we were forced to install Quickbooks 2006 on the main XP machine in the office. That machine is also the office fileserver. I know, not a great practice but money is also an issue.
So, it turns out that Quickbooks 2006 is a major re-write of the program. The install completely crashed the computer. Even the XP recovery console wouldn't touch the damage.
So, here I am rebuilding the machine. I am just glad that I have a strict backup regime in place.
No wonder I use linux whenever possible. I have never seen a Windows installation that is stable.
I have a few choice words for Intuit as well. They insist on releasing a new version of Quickbooks every year, and then making the file formats incompatible with prior years. Worse, they force you to upgrade by cutting off access to payroll tables for old versions of the software. Oh, and these new versions seem to be barely beta software.
In this whole fiasco, I have only one vendor whose products I recommend. Mirra makes a backup appliance that just works out of the box. It syncs all files on all network computers each time that file is modified. Too bad that it only syncs Windows boxes.
Well, I will tell you. In the thick of W2 preparation season, we were forced to install Quickbooks 2006 on the main XP machine in the office. That machine is also the office fileserver. I know, not a great practice but money is also an issue.
So, it turns out that Quickbooks 2006 is a major re-write of the program. The install completely crashed the computer. Even the XP recovery console wouldn't touch the damage.
So, here I am rebuilding the machine. I am just glad that I have a strict backup regime in place.
No wonder I use linux whenever possible. I have never seen a Windows installation that is stable.
I have a few choice words for Intuit as well. They insist on releasing a new version of Quickbooks every year, and then making the file formats incompatible with prior years. Worse, they force you to upgrade by cutting off access to payroll tables for old versions of the software. Oh, and these new versions seem to be barely beta software.
In this whole fiasco, I have only one vendor whose products I recommend. Mirra makes a backup appliance that just works out of the box. It syncs all files on all network computers each time that file is modified. Too bad that it only syncs Windows boxes.
Wednesday, January 11
How did they arrange this one?
Apple's share price today closed at $80.86.
Heh. Haw!
If you don't get the joke, don't worry -- you probably have a life and, you know, friends.
Heh. Haw!
If you don't get the joke, don't worry -- you probably have a life and, you know, friends.
A Few Questions about the CEM
I am hearing from many of my co-workers that the foregoing civil emergency message was partially relayed on their televisions during the noon hour. No radio station I have been able to find has relayed the message.
The television alert is not relaying the details of the message. It is just saying that there is a civil emergency affecting a series of counties.
This is wrong. Many people depend on the television for information like this. Right now, there are probably many scared people in Cascade county who may be thinking that a tornado or prairie fire is coming their way. It is certainly windy enough today to worry.
Sheriff Castle should have ensured that the entire message was relayed instead of just notification of an emergency.
My next problem is timing. The message says that Haggard escaped between 7 and 7:30 this morning. The CEM was not issued until 12:25 p.m. This guy is far away by now.
I am interested in your thoughts. Is this an appropriate use of the civil emergency notification system?
The television alert is not relaying the details of the message. It is just saying that there is a civil emergency affecting a series of counties.
This is wrong. Many people depend on the television for information like this. Right now, there are probably many scared people in Cascade county who may be thinking that a tornado or prairie fire is coming their way. It is certainly windy enough today to worry.
Sheriff Castle should have ensured that the entire message was relayed instead of just notification of an emergency.
My next problem is timing. The message says that Haggard escaped between 7 and 7:30 this morning. The CEM was not issued until 12:25 p.m. This guy is far away by now.
I am interested in your thoughts. Is this an appropriate use of the civil emergency notification system?
Civil Emergency Message
MTC001-005-007-013-015-027-031-035-041-043-045-049-051-057-059-073-
099-101-120030-
CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGE
FROM THE CASCADE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT
RELAYED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREAT FALLS MT
1225 PM MST WED JAN 11 2006
…CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGE FOR A PRISONER ESCAPE IN EFFECT UNTIL 530
PM MST THIS AFTERNOON…
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF
CASCADE AND LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENTS.
BETWEEN 7 AND 730 AM MST WEDNESDAY MORNING…A CASCADE COUNTY INMATE
TRANSPORT VAN TO DEER LODGE ARRIVED MISSING ONE STATE PRISONER. THE
PRISONERS NAME IS DUESTON ANDREW HAGGARD…BORN 8/3/1977. HE IS A
WHITE MALE…5 FEET 11 INCHES TALL…BLUE EYES…BROWN HAIR WORN
SHORT…CLOSE TO HIS HEAD. HE ALSO WEARS A GOATEE AND MOUSTACHE AND
HAS A PIERCED LEFT EAR. HE ALSO HAS A TATOO ON HIS BACK OF AN
ANGEL AND A DEVIL.
THE PRISONER LEFT HIS CHAINS AND CLOTHING IN THE
TRANSPORT VAN…AND FLED CLOTHED ONLY IN BLACK UNDERWEAR…A WHITE
T-SHIRT AND BLACK SHOES WHILE THE VAN WAS STOPPED FOR A TRAFFIC
CONTROL SIGN IN THE AREA OF I-15 AND LINCOLN ROAD…IN THE HELENA
AREA.
HE IS A DANGEROUS OFFENDER BEING HELD ON THEFT…ROBBERY AND
PROBATION VIOLATION CHARGES…AND IS A HOMICIDE SUSPECT IN CASCADE
COUNTY.
POWELL COUNTY…LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY…AND CASCADE COUNTY SHERIFFS
OFFICES ARE INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION AND NOTIFICATION HAS GONE
OUT STATE WIDE TO ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT VIA THE TELETYPE SYSTEM.
HAGGARD HAS NO FAMILY IN MONTANA…THEY ARE IN WASHINGTON STATE.
ANY SUSPICIOUS PERSONS SEEN OR CONTACTED SHOULD BE REPORTED TO LAW
ENFORCEMENT IMMEDIATELY. ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS SHOULD BE PLACED TO
THE CASCADE OR LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENTS.
099-101-120030-
CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGE
FROM THE CASCADE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT
RELAYED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GREAT FALLS MT
1225 PM MST WED JAN 11 2006
…CIVIL EMERGENCY MESSAGE FOR A PRISONER ESCAPE IN EFFECT UNTIL 530
PM MST THIS AFTERNOON…
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF
CASCADE AND LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENTS.
BETWEEN 7 AND 730 AM MST WEDNESDAY MORNING…A CASCADE COUNTY INMATE
TRANSPORT VAN TO DEER LODGE ARRIVED MISSING ONE STATE PRISONER. THE
PRISONERS NAME IS DUESTON ANDREW HAGGARD…BORN 8/3/1977. HE IS A
WHITE MALE…5 FEET 11 INCHES TALL…BLUE EYES…BROWN HAIR WORN
SHORT…CLOSE TO HIS HEAD. HE ALSO WEARS A GOATEE AND MOUSTACHE AND
HAS A PIERCED LEFT EAR. HE ALSO HAS A TATOO ON HIS BACK OF AN
ANGEL AND A DEVIL.
THE PRISONER LEFT HIS CHAINS AND CLOTHING IN THE
TRANSPORT VAN…AND FLED CLOTHED ONLY IN BLACK UNDERWEAR…A WHITE
T-SHIRT AND BLACK SHOES WHILE THE VAN WAS STOPPED FOR A TRAFFIC
CONTROL SIGN IN THE AREA OF I-15 AND LINCOLN ROAD…IN THE HELENA
AREA.
HE IS A DANGEROUS OFFENDER BEING HELD ON THEFT…ROBBERY AND
PROBATION VIOLATION CHARGES…AND IS A HOMICIDE SUSPECT IN CASCADE
COUNTY.
POWELL COUNTY…LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY…AND CASCADE COUNTY SHERIFFS
OFFICES ARE INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION AND NOTIFICATION HAS GONE
OUT STATE WIDE TO ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT VIA THE TELETYPE SYSTEM.
HAGGARD HAS NO FAMILY IN MONTANA…THEY ARE IN WASHINGTON STATE.
ANY SUSPICIOUS PERSONS SEEN OR CONTACTED SHOULD BE REPORTED TO LAW
ENFORCEMENT IMMEDIATELY. ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS SHOULD BE PLACED TO
THE CASCADE OR LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENTS.
Go read good posts at these sites
The January work stack just keeps on coming. I probably won't have time for cogent posts today.
In the meantime, go to GeeGuy's blog and read about the planning board's denial of a zoning change to Walgreens. His comments are right on spot, and deserve your attention.
Also, go to the LBP and read his very cogent, well informed and well written posts about Israel and his review of Speilberg's movie Munich.
More later.
In the meantime, go to GeeGuy's blog and read about the planning board's denial of a zoning change to Walgreens. His comments are right on spot, and deserve your attention.
Also, go to the LBP and read his very cogent, well informed and well written posts about Israel and his review of Speilberg's movie Munich.
More later.
Tuesday, January 10
Schoolhouse Rock never covered that ...
Call me naive, but I have always thought that Schoolhouse Rock did a pretty good job outlining how a bill becomes a law.
I have been listening to the Alito hearings, and have just found out about something called "signing statements."
Apparently, the President has been attaching these statements to laws he has signed. By itself, that sounds pretty innocuous.
However, these statements have made interpretations on the laws he has signed. He has used these statements to declare what portions of that signed law he will follow and those he will not.
In our system of government, an executive should not be able to unilaterally strip the power to make law from the legislature and the power to interpret the law from the judiciary.
The President can say whatever he wants when he signs a bill. However, that statement should have no bearing on that law's application. The executive has the power to say yea or nea when the legislature passes legislation. That should be the entire extent of the legislative power given to the executive.
I have been listening to the Alito hearings, and have just found out about something called "signing statements."
Apparently, the President has been attaching these statements to laws he has signed. By itself, that sounds pretty innocuous.
However, these statements have made interpretations on the laws he has signed. He has used these statements to declare what portions of that signed law he will follow and those he will not.
In our system of government, an executive should not be able to unilaterally strip the power to make law from the legislature and the power to interpret the law from the judiciary.
The President can say whatever he wants when he signs a bill. However, that statement should have no bearing on that law's application. The executive has the power to say yea or nea when the legislature passes legislation. That should be the entire extent of the legislative power given to the executive.
Monday, January 9
My Deepest Sympathies
I just learned that Bette Bohlinger passed away this morning after her long battle with leukemia.
At our MAJCO Shabbaton this summer, we were graced with John and Bette's attendance. They joined us for lunch and then stayed for a few hours, talking politics and participating in our torah study on the parsha Pinchas.
I wish the Lt. Governor and his family my deepest sympathies. May she rest in peace.
At our MAJCO Shabbaton this summer, we were graced with John and Bette's attendance. They joined us for lunch and then stayed for a few hours, talking politics and participating in our torah study on the parsha Pinchas.
I wish the Lt. Governor and his family my deepest sympathies. May she rest in peace.
Friday, January 6
Good Management Practices in GF Municipal Government
Never let it be said that I don't give credit where credit is due.
I just found out from a city employee that city W-2s were handed out today. January 6.
I thought my company was on the ball, and we aren't getting ours out until late next week. And we have less employees by at least an order of magnitude.
Three cheers for the city accounting and payroll department!
I just found out from a city employee that city W-2s were handed out today. January 6.
I thought my company was on the ball, and we aren't getting ours out until late next week. And we have less employees by at least an order of magnitude.
Three cheers for the city accounting and payroll department!
Consulate Update on Sharon
-----Original Message-----
From: Israeli Consulate, SF [mailto:paffairs@sanfrancisco.mfa.gov.il]
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 10:46 AM
To: Israeli Consulate, SF
Subject: Consulate Update Regarding Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
Consulate Update
January 6, 2006
Dear Friends,
By now you have all heard about the stroke that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered Wednesday. Although the Prime Minister's condition is grave, he is currently in stable condition.
We would like to thank all of you who called or sent emails wishing the Prime Minister a speedy recovery.
In light of the Prime Minister's health, Finance Minister Ehud Olmert has been designated Acting Prime Minister, and the government continues to function accordingly.
Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest
456 Montgomery Street #2100
San Francisco, CA 94104
www.israeliconsulate.org
From: Israeli Consulate, SF [mailto:paffairs@sanfrancisco.mfa.gov.il]
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 10:46 AM
To: Israeli Consulate, SF
Subject: Consulate Update Regarding Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
Consulate Update
January 6, 2006
Dear Friends,
By now you have all heard about the stroke that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered Wednesday. Although the Prime Minister's condition is grave, he is currently in stable condition.
We would like to thank all of you who called or sent emails wishing the Prime Minister a speedy recovery.
In light of the Prime Minister's health, Finance Minister Ehud Olmert has been designated Acting Prime Minister, and the government continues to function accordingly.
Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest
456 Montgomery Street #2100
San Francisco, CA 94104
www.israeliconsulate.org
Conflicted Reports on Sharon
Courtesy of Dave Budge, the World Tribune is reporting that Ariel Sharon passed away.
All other news sources I can find, including the Jerusalem Post and Ha'Aretz, are reporting that the PM remains in serious, but stable, condition.
So, I think it is still time for misheberach, not kaddish.
All other news sources I can find, including the Jerusalem Post and Ha'Aretz, are reporting that the PM remains in serious, but stable, condition.
So, I think it is still time for misheberach, not kaddish.
Thursday, January 5
Prayers for the Health of Sharon
Thanks to Mike for originally posting this information.
The Chief Rabbinate and all of Israel have requested special prayers to be recited on the behalf of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Ariel ben Devorah, recommending the recitation of five mizmorei Tehillim - 6, 20, 121, 130, 142.
The Chief Rabbinate and all of Israel have requested special prayers to be recited on the behalf of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Ariel ben Devorah, recommending the recitation of five mizmorei Tehillim - 6, 20, 121, 130, 142.
While we are talking about crazy kooks with too much power ...
Pat Robertson today announced that God struck down Ariel Sharon for dividing the Land of Israel.
Was it a full moon last night? I mean, really? While the man is likely on his deathbed you say this?
Was it a full moon last night? I mean, really? While the man is likely on his deathbed you say this?
Post Office Policy Encourages Identity Theft
I just had to do some business at the local Post Office. As is my habit, I presented the clerk a Visa card to pay the charges.
On the back of all my credit cards, I have written "Please Check ID". I also gave the clerk my driver's license.
The clerk told me that she could not accept that card, as she could only accept signed cards.
What brainless buffoon of a bureaucrat made up this policy?
I have made a choice to attempt to protect my identity by marking all of my cards so that an ID must be presented and matched to the card and my person before making purchases. Post Office policy undermines that attempt, and I suggest that it encourages identity theft.
Oh, she didn't have any problem with me signing the back of the card in front of her and then giving her the card.
Unbelievable.
On the back of all my credit cards, I have written "Please Check ID". I also gave the clerk my driver's license.
The clerk told me that she could not accept that card, as she could only accept signed cards.
What brainless buffoon of a bureaucrat made up this policy?
I have made a choice to attempt to protect my identity by marking all of my cards so that an ID must be presented and matched to the card and my person before making purchases. Post Office policy undermines that attempt, and I suggest that it encourages identity theft.
Oh, she didn't have any problem with me signing the back of the card in front of her and then giving her the card.
Unbelievable.
He Said What?!?
As many of us are praying for the refreshed health of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, news reports indicate that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is quoted as praying for his death.
If you haven't been paying attention, in recent weeks he has also said that the holocaust did not happen, and that his regime intends to "wipe Israel from the map" and "destroy America."
Oh, let's also not forget; he probably has the bomb.
If you haven't been paying attention, in recent weeks he has also said that the holocaust did not happen, and that his regime intends to "wipe Israel from the map" and "destroy America."
Oh, let's also not forget; he probably has the bomb.
Stunning picture of a Martian Sunset
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover "Spirit" took this picture on May 19. Absolutely stunning.
An Immodest Proposal
Today's Trib published a story about the city's golf debt. We knew it was high, but I have to confess that I did not realize that we have foregiven $725 thousand in golf debt. Talk about a subsidy!
Some of you might say that this is just sour grapes from a non-golfer, but I think we need to look at some radical solutions. As I posted here, we need to start treating our golfing assets as their own profit center. A profit center that does not perform needs tough love in order to make it turn around.
We have a great deal of debt and some very attractive assets. We also have two golf courses when most cities our size only have one. We should divest ourselves of one of the courses, and use the funds to retire the debt.
The sale of the Gannon course this month proves that a market exists. It also shows that golf can be profitable, or at least break-even for a non-profit entity like our municipal government. There is no excuse for the red ink that is bleeding from these courses.
I have nothing against golf, and would actually like to learn the game. However, we need to at least investigate the sale of one of our two municipal courses.
Some of you might say that this is just sour grapes from a non-golfer, but I think we need to look at some radical solutions. As I posted here, we need to start treating our golfing assets as their own profit center. A profit center that does not perform needs tough love in order to make it turn around.
We have a great deal of debt and some very attractive assets. We also have two golf courses when most cities our size only have one. We should divest ourselves of one of the courses, and use the funds to retire the debt.
The sale of the Gannon course this month proves that a market exists. It also shows that golf can be profitable, or at least break-even for a non-profit entity like our municipal government. There is no excuse for the red ink that is bleeding from these courses.
I have nothing against golf, and would actually like to learn the game. However, we need to at least investigate the sale of one of our two municipal courses.
Linux Distribution Chooser!
In the past few months, I have been asked by quite a few people what distro is best for them. I have done my best to ask good questions to give them a good answer, but the truth is that I have not used many distros.
In the dark ages, I played around with RH (3 and 4) and Corel Linux. I successfully installed RH 7 as my first production system. I am now pretty wedded to Mandriva, but did use PC Linux Online for a time last year. I really don't know anything about a non-rpm based distro; so I don't know if my answers are really relevant.
Anyway, here is an online tool that will help you pick a distro, matched to your requirements. It doesn't include RH, but does include Fedora Core. Shockingly enough, it recommended that I use Mandriva.
In the dark ages, I played around with RH (3 and 4) and Corel Linux. I successfully installed RH 7 as my first production system. I am now pretty wedded to Mandriva, but did use PC Linux Online for a time last year. I really don't know anything about a non-rpm based distro; so I don't know if my answers are really relevant.
Anyway, here is an online tool that will help you pick a distro, matched to your requirements. It doesn't include RH, but does include Fedora Core. Shockingly enough, it recommended that I use Mandriva.
Wednesday, January 4
Small and Interesting Self-Test
I just found a very interesting self-test on the web, here. It is from a non-partisan group called Advocates for Self Government, and it bills itself as the world's smallest political quiz.
Shockingly, I came out as a centrist.
Shockingly, I came out as a centrist.
Update on Sharon
More information is coming out about Sharon's stroke today. The following is from the WSJ Evening Wrap:
Sharon Suffers 'Significant' Stroke
The life of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon appeared in danger after he suffered his second stroke since Dec. 18, this one "significant," according to a hospital official. Mr. Sharon had been scheduled for surgery tomorrow to close a tiny hole in his heart caused by the first stroke. Instead, he was rushed to the operating room today, suffering from a cerebral hemorrhage that caused "massive bleeding," according to one of his doctors. An Israeli news outlet said the lower half of his body was paralyzed. Mr. Sharon's duties were transferred to Vice Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Sharon Suffers "Significant" Stroke
News reports are now coming out that late today, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was rushed to the hospital after suffering a "significant" stroke.
Tuesday, January 3
No longer Mayor-elect!
Dona Stebbins was sworn in as our mayor about an hour and a half ago. Congratulations!
Dona, you have your work cut out for you. You have asked for and received a tough job, one that quite frankly gets too little compensation and too much tsuris. However, it is an important trust and we expect great things from you.
At the most basic level, we need a sea change in the management of city resources and assets. City employees and officers need to understand that they are operating those assets under a fiduciary trust for us. I don't think that that is the current perception with many that are so entrusted.
Perhaps more importantly, we need a new foundation for our economy. We have floundered for over a generation since Anaconda closed down. A first class city can not be solely base its economy on a nearby military base and a few call centers.
If you drive around the mid-West, you will find all sorts of cities and towns with a major manufacturing plant. Montana seems to have a dearth of these plants, and I have never fully understood why. We produce a huge portion of the grain and beef consumed in this country, and a good share of its minerals. This food and these minerals go to other States and countries to be processed before they are sold to end customers.
One Montana company, Wheat Montana, seems to get it right (I am not affiliated with this company in any way). They grow the wheat. They mill the flour. They sell the flour and also bake the bread. The whole idea is a simple thing called vertical integration.
Another example of this common sense idea is Pasta Montana. They even built that plant right next to the mill, so that they would not have to truck the flour. (They just blow it through a tube to the pasta plant).
I propose that we start working toward vertical integration of North-central Montana's economy. Instead of paying the railroad excessive fees to load a 26 or 52 car train with wheat, mill more of it here. Turn that flour into end products manufactured by Great Falls residents. Make Great Falls the market instead of Seattle or Chicago.
Working toward this goal will take a lot of work. We need to try.
Dona, you have your work cut out for you. You have asked for and received a tough job, one that quite frankly gets too little compensation and too much tsuris. However, it is an important trust and we expect great things from you.
At the most basic level, we need a sea change in the management of city resources and assets. City employees and officers need to understand that they are operating those assets under a fiduciary trust for us. I don't think that that is the current perception with many that are so entrusted.
Perhaps more importantly, we need a new foundation for our economy. We have floundered for over a generation since Anaconda closed down. A first class city can not be solely base its economy on a nearby military base and a few call centers.
If you drive around the mid-West, you will find all sorts of cities and towns with a major manufacturing plant. Montana seems to have a dearth of these plants, and I have never fully understood why. We produce a huge portion of the grain and beef consumed in this country, and a good share of its minerals. This food and these minerals go to other States and countries to be processed before they are sold to end customers.
One Montana company, Wheat Montana, seems to get it right (I am not affiliated with this company in any way). They grow the wheat. They mill the flour. They sell the flour and also bake the bread. The whole idea is a simple thing called vertical integration.
Another example of this common sense idea is Pasta Montana. They even built that plant right next to the mill, so that they would not have to truck the flour. (They just blow it through a tube to the pasta plant).
I propose that we start working toward vertical integration of North-central Montana's economy. Instead of paying the railroad excessive fees to load a 26 or 52 car train with wheat, mill more of it here. Turn that flour into end products manufactured by Great Falls residents. Make Great Falls the market instead of Seattle or Chicago.
Working toward this goal will take a lot of work. We need to try.
So Why is the City Throwing Away $120k?
Now that I have your attention, I would like to start telling a story that dovetails nicely to the discussions about golf course mismanagement we have been discussing in recent weeks.
Apparently, last Fall the staff at the Nat procured a grant for $120,000 to install a new pool liner and piping system for that pool. The work was supposed to begin in November and take a month. As the Nat always closes for a few weeks in late December, that schedule would work nicely.
However, just before work was scheduled to begin, one of our esteemed city commissioners (I don't know for sure who, but my suspicion would rest with the one commissioner who is also building contractor) put the kibosh on work to begin because of some questions about pipe integrity. The company that was going to begin work answered those questions, but the commission never gave the final go-ahead for work to proceed.
Now, the Nat just re-opened after a three week closure. We have lost that window to perform that work. Worse, I understand that the grant funds must be returned if not used soon.
I am told that the same commissioner who stopped that work from proceeding has cavalierly told the city employees who received that grant to just "re-apply." Now, there is no guarantee that the re-application will be approved, and in any case many tens of city hours (on our dime) will be wasted in grant preparation.
Proper management of our city assets includes not deferring maintenance on those assets, especially when funds exist for that maintenance. I would like to know the whole story here. Anyone know more about this situation?
Apparently, last Fall the staff at the Nat procured a grant for $120,000 to install a new pool liner and piping system for that pool. The work was supposed to begin in November and take a month. As the Nat always closes for a few weeks in late December, that schedule would work nicely.
However, just before work was scheduled to begin, one of our esteemed city commissioners (I don't know for sure who, but my suspicion would rest with the one commissioner who is also building contractor) put the kibosh on work to begin because of some questions about pipe integrity. The company that was going to begin work answered those questions, but the commission never gave the final go-ahead for work to proceed.
Now, the Nat just re-opened after a three week closure. We have lost that window to perform that work. Worse, I understand that the grant funds must be returned if not used soon.
I am told that the same commissioner who stopped that work from proceeding has cavalierly told the city employees who received that grant to just "re-apply." Now, there is no guarantee that the re-application will be approved, and in any case many tens of city hours (on our dime) will be wasted in grant preparation.
Proper management of our city assets includes not deferring maintenance on those assets, especially when funds exist for that maintenance. I would like to know the whole story here. Anyone know more about this situation?
The Nat is Now Open!
The Moroney Natatorium has reopened after its winter refurbishment! Over the past three weeks, the pool was emptied, scoured and cleaned. Some new paint is on the walls, and there was some minor electrical work completed.
For one, I cheer the reopening. In the interim period, I have been swimming at the PEAK, a private health club. The PEAK is fine and good (and very expensive), but I don't like the pool as much as the Nat. The PEAK uses a salt-water purification system that adds too much boyancy to the water. In my opinion, that extra boyancy makes swimming too easy, and makes it harder to get a good workout. The 1,000 yards I just swam are much harder in the Nat than in the PEAK, and that is a good thing indeed.
That said, the Nat keeps its water much too warm.
For one, I cheer the reopening. In the interim period, I have been swimming at the PEAK, a private health club. The PEAK is fine and good (and very expensive), but I don't like the pool as much as the Nat. The PEAK uses a salt-water purification system that adds too much boyancy to the water. In my opinion, that extra boyancy makes swimming too easy, and makes it harder to get a good workout. The 1,000 yards I just swam are much harder in the Nat than in the PEAK, and that is a good thing indeed.
That said, the Nat keeps its water much too warm.
Sunday, January 1
A Few Thoughts for the New Year, and What to Expect Here
With the beginning of the New Year, I thought today would be a good time for a quick meta-post; something to talk about the subjects that currently interest me, and which will therefore be topics for future posts.
I started this blog primarily to talk about what I call "purple" politics; the idea that there are good people from both parties, and excess attention to one's party just makes for bad policy. I still believe that to the core of my being. Almost all people that become politicians do so because they believe that they can make the world a better place. They then become Democrats or Republicans because of our paradigm politics; partisanship is the rules of the game.
Unfortunately, party membership just becomes a square peg in which you have to stuff the round hole of your actual ideology. When you do so, you begin making compromises to your ideology and the problems begin. Before you know it, you are decrying members of the other party as evil or misguided.
Washington said it best when he warned us to beware of factions. He was right. These pages will continue to highlight actions by members of both parties that rise above petty partisan squabbling.
What else gets my attention? Lots.
Local issues. Great Falls will have a new mayor, and she has her work cut out for her. Managing city assets is an important job, and one for which there has not been enough public input in recent years. In his op-ed today, outgoing Mayor Randy Gray blamed his defeat on many causes. However, I believe that anger over the management of the golf courses and swimming pools was as much a cause as anything.
The meth crisis. As a lower North-side resident, I see first hand what this scourge is causing. We have to do more to fight it. What we can do, I don't know. However, we have to try.
Judaic thought. My religion is an important part of who I am. Whether or not anyone reads these posts, I will be posting more on Judaic theology. I also will be posting more on rural Judaism, which is very important to me.
The evolution "debate." I can't really believe that we are still talking about this in 2006. I put debate in quotes because debate is an activity between rational people, making reasoned, provable arguments. The fossil record is clear; evolution happened, and is still happening. Evolution theory is a rigorous science. The other "argument," whether you call it Intelligent Design or Creation Theory, is just theology. Theology has its place, but not in a science classroom. Anyway, I will be posting more about this in upcoming weeks.
Linux. This isn't a tech blog. However, a good part of my interests revolve around tech. I will be making lots of little posts with ideas, tips and tricks on the operation of my favorite open source operating system and applications.
Israel. I make no bones about it. I am American, Pro-Israeli and proud. Israel has the right to exist, and its neighbors do not agree with that right. She is a beleaguered country, and I will use these pages to support her.
There it is in a nutshell. I hope you enjoy the read!
I started this blog primarily to talk about what I call "purple" politics; the idea that there are good people from both parties, and excess attention to one's party just makes for bad policy. I still believe that to the core of my being. Almost all people that become politicians do so because they believe that they can make the world a better place. They then become Democrats or Republicans because of our paradigm politics; partisanship is the rules of the game.
Unfortunately, party membership just becomes a square peg in which you have to stuff the round hole of your actual ideology. When you do so, you begin making compromises to your ideology and the problems begin. Before you know it, you are decrying members of the other party as evil or misguided.
Washington said it best when he warned us to beware of factions. He was right. These pages will continue to highlight actions by members of both parties that rise above petty partisan squabbling.
What else gets my attention? Lots.
Local issues. Great Falls will have a new mayor, and she has her work cut out for her. Managing city assets is an important job, and one for which there has not been enough public input in recent years. In his op-ed today, outgoing Mayor Randy Gray blamed his defeat on many causes. However, I believe that anger over the management of the golf courses and swimming pools was as much a cause as anything.
The meth crisis. As a lower North-side resident, I see first hand what this scourge is causing. We have to do more to fight it. What we can do, I don't know. However, we have to try.
Judaic thought. My religion is an important part of who I am. Whether or not anyone reads these posts, I will be posting more on Judaic theology. I also will be posting more on rural Judaism, which is very important to me.
The evolution "debate." I can't really believe that we are still talking about this in 2006. I put debate in quotes because debate is an activity between rational people, making reasoned, provable arguments. The fossil record is clear; evolution happened, and is still happening. Evolution theory is a rigorous science. The other "argument," whether you call it Intelligent Design or Creation Theory, is just theology. Theology has its place, but not in a science classroom. Anyway, I will be posting more about this in upcoming weeks.
Linux. This isn't a tech blog. However, a good part of my interests revolve around tech. I will be making lots of little posts with ideas, tips and tricks on the operation of my favorite open source operating system and applications.
Israel. I make no bones about it. I am American, Pro-Israeli and proud. Israel has the right to exist, and its neighbors do not agree with that right. She is a beleaguered country, and I will use these pages to support her.
There it is in a nutshell. I hope you enjoy the read!
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