MsKreed

"Changing audience tastes"????

More likely some of the drastic changes to content DEI that don't align with audiences' existing/historical tastes": movies like Top Gun that stuck with 'winning' themes did just fine.

5 hours ago, Elmira Telegram said:

Do you go to the movies less now than before? If so, why?

No change here....but I've never been a box office movie-goer.

Like....not since my first VCR.  I can't justify the "need" to see anything when it's released. I'd much rather wait and watch it at my leisure on my own time schedule than pay exorbitant prices for tickets and snacks....and then risk missing something relevant to the story because I can't even pause for a bathroom break. 

I love the idea of Alive After 5. It's a wonderful event that has been benefitting downtown for years.

But I don't see that hosting it at the Arena "adds" any traffic or revenue. 

It's jaw-dropping to me that, after whatever sales pitch he gave to convinces the skeptical legislators to give the Arena another shot of cash.....Margeson continues to insult the taxpayers and lay "blame" on them if his sales pitch doesn't deliver:

Quote

“We’re not out of the woods yet, simply because there are a lot of naysayers out there who are going to continue to talk about it.”

The truth is......we're not "out of the woods" because the facility has yet to offer events that fill the 3,784 seats that the Arena has. 

“As far as hockey itself, we’ve been doing quite well,” said Margeson. “Attendance is between 1,200 to 1,400." ...... That's a whopping one-third capacity. When attendance starts hovering at 80%, get back to me an we can discuss what it means to be 'doing quite well'. 

11 hours ago, Adam said:

"Coming up on February 18 is a Cabin Fever Carnival. It’s a family friendly event for children and their families with inflatables...."

hhmmm those inflatables wouldnt happen to be supplied by Bobby-K entertainment would they?

That's an excellent question. I'd like to hear Margeson and Roman publicly answer the question of whether the arena’s new Marketing & Sales Director is hiring his own company to provide services. 

And frankly, for as hard as they are pounding the table to defend operations, I'm beginning to get suspicious that they may be somehow drawing some profit from the IDA/Arena themselves. For instance, is the IDA allowed to be "self funding", or does it need to carry commercial property and liability on the Arena? And, if so, what insurance agency handles that?

There has been an increasing “voice” that questions Israel’s legitimacy for decades. I witnessed some of that on campus in September 2001. There were people offering “justification” for attacking civilians, because as a democracy, the civilians were fair targets who are directly responsible for the actions of their government representatives. That wasn’t at UC Berkley....it was Mansfield PA.

But, for the most part, US support for Israel and the Jewish population has been pretty much an uncontested “given” since WWII (and even moreso since 1967)....and the opposing ideas like I saw at Mansfield were rhetorical (and respectful) debate among a small minority.

I think a lot of people (including the Biden administration) were unprepared for how much active support there currently is for Hamas in the US.....Strong and vocal, threatening support (some with violent proclivity) from the Progressive “base” in Congress as well as college campuses, etc.

51 minutes ago, Chris said:

Yemen’s Houthi rebels vowed fierce retaliation Friday for American and British strikes against them, further raising the prospect of a wider conflict in a region already beset by Israel’s war in Gaza.

The bombardment — launched in response to a recent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships in the vital Red Sea

Orwell would be proud of how widespread the NewSpeak has become. 

Some of my earliest memories  of "World News" all the way back in the 1970s surround the PLO, Yasser Afarat, etc. From the 1972 Olympic massacre to planes being hijacked on an almost weekly basis....and continued through the 80s and 90s. A continuation of the same conflicts that had been going on since the 1920s and 30s (decades before Israel was created).

The American Embassy in Iran, Leon Klinghoffer, Pan Am Flight 103.

The "Palestinians" and various Iranian proxy groups dedicated to "freeing/liberating" them (Houthi, Hezbollah and Hamas) change names every now and then, but follow the same tactics have been been in practice since the 1920s and 30s......attacking civilian targets and claiming they were the ones being oppressed.

The entire terrorist playbook is a constant stream of "retaliating" against aggressions they claim to be victims of.....aggression that's in responses to their own aggression. 

Am I the only one who thinks some of the things she's touting as if they are major initiatives seem pretty small scale.....to an insulting degree?

16 hours ago, Elmira Telegram said:

deliver an electric bill credit of $40 per year to more than 800,000 households

Praise the Lawd!! Nearly 77 cents every week!!!

(for approximately 12% of NYS’s 7,600,000 households – the rest of us will presumably pay more).

16 hours ago, Elmira Telegram said:

Opening 200 new psychiatric inpatient beds under a multi-year expansion plan

Clearly, inpatient care for three more residents in each county will eliminate so many of the issues facing New Yorkers.

7 minutes ago, Elmira Telegram said:

Indeed, when my fellow parents bemoan the time our children spend online, I often make an optimistic counterargument: When we were growing up, we were stuck with whatever kids were in our high school, whether we had anything in common with them or not. These days, the entire world of teenagers is open to you. My 17-year-old, for example, has a direct line to people who share her identity, who understand her experience, who love the things she loves.

This is an extremely unhealthy argument.

Having real-world opportunities to expose yourself to diverse ideas and learn how to navigate differences is not being “stuck”....it’s the very definition of growth and maturity.

Being immersed in an echo-chamber of online personas that are carefully curated to appear in harmony severely impedes that 17-year-old’s development as a person.  

1 hour ago, Chris said:

The Jeffery Epstein thing simply won't go away, and there's a lot of talk about these new documents that are supposedly ordered to be released. 

I guess I didn’t really consider it a “conspiracy theory” to presume that people with power 'n influence would pull strings to protect those with power 'n influence who'd availed themselves of Epstein’s services.

Epstein and Maxwell were both convicted of sex offenses and trafficking women and underaged girls. The charges were trafficking - not "attempted" trafficking.  It’s an uncontested “fact” that they were pimping to a high-profile, wealthy client base.   

So, I have to say it’s a fair point when people question how no one has been charged with being a “customer” of the services they were offering.  They couldn’t be guilty of peddling something that no one was buying. 

It’s also very unlikely that any documents will be released that ever name the clients who molested those girls.

8 hours ago, Elmira Telegram said:

Future hikes will be tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, a measurement of inflation.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an aggregated compilation of retail prices that consumers pay for a "basket of groceries".

Any increase in employment costs is passed on to the consumer.... which raises the CPI. 

So.....Raising the minimum wage will trigger a rise in the CPI, and the rising CPI will be a trigger to raise minimum wage. 

Brilliant!

45 minutes ago, Adam said:

Ones right to exist should not be an excuse to eradicate another's 

And that is the issue that's been un-resolved since 1948 when Palestinians (PLO, then Hamas) began their campaign to exist 'from the river to the sea' by attempting to eradicate Israel.  

Without defending reports of indiscriminate bombing by the IDF, one must be careful not to let that be used as reason to condone the barbaric acts that Hamas has carried out on large scale....like the f%$k-sticks like "Queers for Palestine" marching across campuses and "protesting" by disrupting traffic, etc. 

(Warning: this video link contains extremely graphic descriptions of incidents that the NY Times has investigated and independently verified...Weaponized Sexual Violence).

On 12/26/2023 at 2:12 PM, KarenK said:

Horseheads went through that same backlash when they approved the apartment complex on Gardner Rd.  The neighborhood right behind is a little "high end" and had a fit about ruining their housing values, crime that would move in and all kinds of nonsenses.  Nothing of the sort materialized and they are beautiful well kept apartments.  Rent controlled, NOT section 8 although I believe some get subsidies.  You have to be employed to even be considered.  It's all about strong oversight and management of the complexes.

I remember that. In fairness to the residents, a good portion of their outrage was manufactured by local politicians. Some Village officials were peeved that the Town didn't include them in the decision (because....duh....it's not in the Village and not up to them).  It was made out to be some "secretive" plan that was kept from voters...blah blah blah. 

And....of course, the County Legislator for that location was (and still is) pushing the narrative of it causing "drugs and homeless" problems

28 minutes ago, Ann said:

Capitalism works, the consumer can make or break a business.  I’m curious as to whether there were complaints to the State about being closed on Sundays.

In situations like an airport layover or thruway service plaza where consumers are often "captives" that don't have options to take their business elsewhere, it really is in the consumers' interest to guarantee food to be available every day of the week. 

If there is going to be only one restaurant available to travelers without paying to leave the service plaza and detouring off the toll road....that should have been a conversation the State was having long before any plans and specific business names were considered. 

I have to start with the last comment about the horrible rest stops in NYS.....then I'll circle back to the topic, LOL.

Anyone who’s travelled across various states can attest that roads with fewer potholes and more available services are a real thing in most states....and that NYS is fairly unique in charging drivers exorbitant fees for the crappiest road conditions.

I don't think that anyone managing the Thruway Authority has taken any long road trips. Ever. Not around NYS and certainly not through other states where they could see real-life conditions and compare for themselves what ideas are better than others. They have no clue what Proletariat travelers want or need. Whenever they travel, it’s pretty obvious that they have the luxury of flying.

As for Chik-fil-A, a property owner has every right to set hours of operation in a lease agreement. It's common to set them to provide reliable expectations for customers and other tenants, etc.... I believe I’ve heard that some established tenants are leaving Arnot Mall due to (historically required) minimum operating terms being inconsistently lifted for some of the newer lease agreements. 

However, I may go look for full details on the story. If the any contract or Request for Proposal was in effect, and did not specify required hours of operation, then changing it later should be illegal.

16 hours ago, Ann said:

the band’s re-release of the album in 2021 for its 30th anniversary

I'd thought the re-release had the penis covered up. It seems stupid that they didn't blur or block over it. Not just to avoid Spencer's civil complaints, but because times have changed and a lot of stuff just isn't seen through the same lens as "back in the day". 

In this day and age, parents photographing their children's bare butt cheeks have been criminally charged for pornography for just having the pictures.....this case in Colorado and that case in Utah. In these cases, the parents had not shared the photos with anyone.....online, through texts or with friends on FB. Let alone high volume commercial distribution.

19 minutes ago, Chris said:

My guess is the difference is in the organization, or lack thereof in the case of Jan. 6th.

Exactly.

I think some post Civil War actions by the KKK may have been legally considered insurrection, as they carried out strategic campaigns to attack local governments established by Reconstruction, etc. 

Whereas, in the Jan 6th incident it was disparate groups answering the online "calls" to participate with no structured "plans" (more like "Storm Area 51", but just a larger turnout since there was a few months notice for the government to warn the Area 51 idiots to back off). 

While the Capitol protest exceeded the definition of ‘peaceful’....the events were disruptive and confrontational. And even though there are numerous “violent” riots and protests where offenders with much deadlier weapons have caused more destruction and injury....Jan 6^th could be considered “violent” as well.

But it did not rise to the level of “insurrection” by any judicial definition (any more than the 3,000 protestors burning down the Kent State ROTC facility was an "insurrection"). I’m not just saying that because of some layman's interpretation; but because if “insurrection” was at all applicable.......of the 1,000+ charges that have been filed, we’d have seen at least one person (up to and including Trump) charge for it.

My only hope is that SCOTUS overturns the Colorado ruling swiftly and unanimously. If it's a split decision, I worry that partisan "disgruntlement" with boil over and  controversy that tries to dissolve (or at least endanger) the 3-branch system that keeps the nation running. 

10 hours ago, Adam said:

it seems awful convenient as well that audio/video were not working for this meeting as well.

While I have continually questioned the IDA seemingly playing "Tricky Dick Nixon" with missing tape, I honestly doubt there was any planned video failure for this. 

I had tuned in for the Budget meeting right before and the live stream worked for the that in the conference room.  It was turned back on in the Chamber, but showing the test screen.  My guess is whoever turned the streaming off/on during the scurry to change rooms between meetings didn't know to switch inputs. 

21 hours ago, Adam said:

it would have been a tie( cant have that)

By my recollection, the Legislative Attorney (Bryan Maggs) has stated in the past that a “tie vote” would result in the resolution failing....as an affirmative majority would be required for it to pass.

So,, assuming Maggs is correct (he has been wildly wrong before).....a tie would have tanked the resolution.

This week's Full Legislature meeting had a video issue, so the live stream and recorded video were not available. 

The minutes are online (THIS link) where there was discussion among the legislators regarding Resolution 23-667 "Resolution designating salaries for County Legislators for 2024":

I'm more than a little skeptical of Mr. Stermer's math.  At their 2023 current salary of $17,591......his $3.62 per hour "rough calculation" would require him to spend 4,859 hours "working" for his constituents during the year.....over 93 hours every week. 

Who actually believes that????? 

I found it disappoint that, even though Brennan was absent, the arguments by Stermer and Sweet were apparently compelling enough to swing a Legislator who'd voted against the raises the prior week to support the final resolution.

I admit I'm a bit confused. 

Before last week's Special Meeting to vote on the 2024 Budget, I thought I'd seen some source (WETM and/or legislator?) refer to the pay raise being voting on at the regular Legislature Meeting tonight (12/11).  I assumed I'd recalled that wrong when they voted last week (12/04) and Moss announced that he signed the Budget. 

However......the Agenda for tonight (linked HERE) does in fact include a resolution specifically for the Legislative pay. 

Perhaps @Lawana Morse can clarify if (like the ARP funds) expenditures in the Budget require a separate vote to finalize??? 

(Although I'm sure it's very improbable to hope that one of the eight will swing their vote from last week.)

12 hours ago, Chris said:

I saw somewhere that in order to live the same lifestyle you did in 2021, you’d now need $15,000 more dollars a year.

At first that seemed crazy, but looking at inflation but also “shrinkflation” that’s happening at the same time I’m inclined to believe it.

The cost of the 'Home Alone' grocery trip has nearly doubled in the past year. And we had a spike of higher inflation the year before. 

When you add household bills, gas, clothes and everything else.....I have no doubt that the total for all the goods/services for a household is up $300/week ($15k/yr). 

Quote

Items including a half gallon of milk, a half gallon of orange juice, a TV dinner, bread, frozen mac and cheese, laundry detergent, cling wrap, toilet paper, a pack of army men and dryer sheets cost the character, played by Macaulay Culkin, $19.83.

Last year, the same grocery list cost $44.40, and this year, it costs a whopping $72.28 in 2023.

 Source

There seem to be a few competing price estimates, but many of them relied on "generic" brands at Walmart or Aldi to trim this years price down to around $50 to $60. 

While that is, in fact, how many consumers are managing to get by these days, the actual comparison is the kid buying name brand items at a local grocery store in his neighborhood. If he'd had purchased the suggested generic alternatives in 1990, it would have been a lot less then. 

8 hours ago, Adam said:

i can only see 3 actual posts there

That's FB completely useless algorithm that arbitrarily decides what is or is not "relevant".  I am constantly forced to select "All comments" when checking comments on any page I visit. 

I missed where he posted that garbage. 

I'd love to hear more of what Joe considers "better government". 

Speaking of taxes......Here’s something I have long contemplated: An option of monthly “budget” payments for property taxes would greatly reduce default for non-payment.

There is a reason why mortgage lenders prefer tax escrow. Paying 1/12th each month is easier for most people than being hit with a couple of large bills right before and after the Holiday season. They are less likely to fall behind and risk tax foreclosure.

I also suspect there is a reason why taxing entities have historically stuck with the lump sum tax bills. Because delinquent taxes were a huge revenue grab before this year’s SCOTUS ruling (HERE) that overturned “full forfeiture” laws that allowed tax collecting bodies (in 13 states including NYS) to keep the entire equity of a property....not just the amount of taxes/fees owed.  

Thankfully, that scheme is gone. So why not allow property owners to pay a monthly amount (even with a small processing fee) and help ensure that more people are able to keep up with their tax bills?

1 hour ago, Chris said:

I hope Moss vetoes this pay raise. 

Doesn't look like that will happen....

Quote

The County Executive has the power to veto the legislature’s budget amendments. In a prior report, Mr. Moss stated he doesn’t think legislators should be giving themselves raises when a property tax increase is being considered. However, he said he would not stand in the way of legislators voting for their own increase.

12 hours ago, Chris said:

Somehow, who voted how surprises me very little.

For sure!

Saglibene made some good points. I do think what they've accomplished (term limits, etc) has been positive...and should give them a sense of pride.....but it's tacky to assign a dollar number for their achievements while raising the tax levy. 

For what?? An extra $10-12 bucks a week?

The amount of the raises seem like a trivial "reward" for the negative vibe they're sending. It really seems petty to "stand their ground" over.

Legislator salary of $17,591 will increase to $18,119. ($528)

Majority & Minority leader will increase from $20,369 to $20,979. ($610)

The Vice Chairman’s salary will increase from $21,597 to $22,245. ($648)

The Chairman’s salary will increase from $42,217 to $43,484. ($1267)

Just now, Ann said:

The higher your salary the better your State pension.

Yes...and it occurred to me that many of the ones voting to keep the raises in the budget are the same ones who opposed term limits (and will not have as many more years to boost their incomes as they'd hoped).