MsKreed

38 minutes ago, Ars76 said:

Today I learned that the President's desk is called the Resolute desk because it was made from wood from the HMS Resolute (artic exploration ship) and lifted to President Hayes from Queen Victoria in 1880

I sort of knew that from watching the Nick Cage movie National Treasure.  But didn't recall that including the whole history. 

But just saw a show that explained the whole story that the HMS Resolute had been lost at sea. When it was discovered and retrieved by Americans, the President had it restored and returned to Great Britain as a gesture of good will.   And then the desk was built and gifted when the ship was retired.

Sadly, world leaders just don't have that kind of class anymore. 

11 minutes ago, Briggs said:

How do you trespass on public property? 

There are many (in fact, most) public properties where people are prohibited from free and unrestricted 24/7 use and access.

We all know that City Hall and State or US Capitols are “public property”.....but we can be arrested for trespassing if we’re there outside of permissible hours.  

And that also applies to outdoor public spaces, as I mentioned in the Topic about the SCOTUS ruling that municipalities are legally allowed to ban homeless encampments.......

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State and Federal parks and forests (always have and still do) absolutely prohibit the kind of encampments and vagrancy that this ruling has simply extended to municipal "public land".

The homeless aren't allowed to take up residence at Yellowstone, Letchworth or WG State Park,etc.... and no one has seemed to offer any legal challenge to those policies. 

Researching where I'm allowed to stay (in my fully equipped RV) is something I've spent considerable time looking into. If I want to "camp" on state or federal (taxpayer owned) land, I'm often required to pay an admission fee. With or without a fee, I could face fines and possibly jail time if I "camp" beyond the allowed time (anywhere from 3 to 14 days). And even within the permitted time limits, I'd still be subject to steep penalties if I leave any litter behind. 

So how is it "oppressive" or inhumane for a City or County to impose restrictions on the same behavior that state or federal authorities have set for taxpayer owned property that they control? 

 

56 minutes ago, Chris said:

If you're like me, you're wondering the rationale behind that. So I asked. He said things like hygeine are now considered a "cultural difference" and you can't send someone home because they smell like a rutting goat. Apparently it's the same for the inability to tell and manage time. So if someone consistently comes in late, you have to walk on eggshells if you're going to attempt to so much as speak to them about it. 

Absolutely!

Managers must be aware and sensitive to ‘micro-aggressions’ that are allegedly rooted in cis-gendered, white dominance. And make accommodations to counter any (real or perceived) ‘privilege’ imbalances.

If someone with a special diversity designation is unable or unwilling to meet time or performance expectations, some of their duties need to be reallocated to other employees. So, even if their pay grade, title and job description are supposedly the same, some can be required to perform more work than others.  

Another (yes, extreme and fortunately not common) bizarre practice is essentially an exemption from long-existing sexual harassment violations. Instead of “don’t ask, don’t tell”.....the new paradigm is that asking questions is still unacceptable, but a non-binary employee is free to discuss uncomfortably explicit details of their identity. 

Historically, everyone was prohibited from making suggestive, intimate and/or graphic comments of a sexual nature. Full Stop (as it should be).

We all know stuff that will get a straight white guy fired whether it's directed at anyone or not.....like telling a coworker "Boy howdy, I sure enjoy [insert fetish here]". But a non-binary person making the same comment? That's probably fine. 

Now there’s a double standard (that’s completely undefined and untenable). Those in a privileged class (whatever that may be) still face harsh consequences for such behavior. However, a DEI designated employee can’t be discouraged or prevented from ‘sharing their truth’....and coworkers, supervisors and subordinates need to STFU and appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate their tolerance.

I don’t what industry or job sector you work in, or what position you hold.

Speaking from my own experience, I know that the impact of DEI policies on some functions, job titles and aspects of a business and/or public agency are less noticeable than others.

As a supervising manager at a state agency, I can tell you we received considerably more “trainings” than our direct reports did. We received “guidance” that did indeed shape decisions on hiring, promotions, distribution of job duties, performance expectations and disciplinary actions.  Those DEI rules carried as much (or more) weight as ADA compliance.

It also dictated vendor and contractor considerations. Basically, straight up “quotas” for awarding bids on a DEI basis, that result in scarcity of qualified contractors and higher costs.  

Another overall impact that almost any industry faces is staffing cost/resources.

At the upper management level.....DEI comprises entire departments/divisions. Just like facilities/operations, IT Security, production, or marketing divisions. For most large companies....DEI requires assistant VPs and administrators having meetings and forming committees to develop strategies, measure “success”; an entourage of support staff to disseminate training materials and track metrics; and dedicated “DEI Managers” job titles to oversee local sites and manage reporting requirements.  

That added payroll affects the bottom line. If it’s a government agency, that cost tax dollars. For a retail business, it unnecessarily drives up consumer costs.

1 hour ago, Chris said:

Obviously I havent' paid attenttion or haven't been through there enough this time of year. I like that!

Quite a difference from 10 years ago....

23 minutes ago, Chris said:

When I first looked at the pics I was a little skeptical and it seemed more like she just was t mowing it.

Our first impression of the carefully selected and curated "landscaping" at the entrance to Watkins Glen State Park was similar. It seemed 'shabby' and unkept'....particularly when some varieties aren't in bloom.

Since it's not the manicured image that urban/suburban society has promoted for decades, we've sort of forgotten what native plants look like.

1 hour ago, command_prompt said:

What is it that makes any business "affirming"? It's very much a buzzword nowadays. 

As far as definitions.... “affirming” and “affirmation” are the same as “validating” and “validation”. They’re pretty much synonymous.

At some point, it became universally understood that excessive or constant need for validation is widely discussed in the DSM-5 as a clear symptom of several mental health disorders.  

As far as I can tell, that’s why social movements decided to use the word “affirm” to describe their demand for constant “validation” in all interactions.

It’s like when governments impose a “fee” or “surcharge” and pretend that’s not the same as a “tax”.

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CATSKILL, N.Y. (WRGB) — A woman in Catskill took the town to court on Monday after she was ordered to mow her lawn.

Janae DiNapoli calls her lawn a ‘natural garden,’ having transformed it into an oasis of native plants and a safe haven for pollinators.

Specializing in rare heritage plants, she says her lawn is a mixture of pollinator plants, orchard, fruits and common herbs.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While her ‘natural garden’ is her paradise, Matthew Carlile, Code Enforcement Officer with the Town of Catskill, said some of her neighbors have complained to the town, saying it’s a problem.

My first thought was that NYS strongly promotes 'native gardens'.

Part of the multi-million dollar renovations to Watkins Glen State Park a few years ago was native plants at the entrance and sidewalk. The state's nicer newer rest areas also proudly feature native plant life. The concept of this woman's yard is well-recognized as superior to grass. 

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But DiNapoli is defending her ‘natural garden’, taking the town to court on Monday. She argues her lawn is a garden and does more than just help pollinators.

“It’s interplanted with a lot of things to prevent ticks and rodents and things like that. I have a 130 pound dog that hasn’t gotten a tick this season and I attribute that a lot to the work that I’ve done in the garden,” she said.

“It benefits the ecosystem in our area, from pollinators to preventing runoff of water,” DiNapoli added.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, mowing less and including native plants into your lawn can not only support pollinators and fireflies, but improve air quality.

 

Read More Here

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Bob Newhart, the deadpan accountant-turned-comedian who became one of the most popular TV stars of his time after striking gold with a classic comedy album, has died at 94.

Jerry Digney, Newhart’s publicist, says the actor died Thursday in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses.

 

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I'm not sure how long TSC had a DEI program before this reversal, but I wonder.........

When they had a DEI policy, would it have been a violation to assume the gender of the chicks that were sold as egg layers?

35 minutes ago, Elizabeth Whitehouse said:

So what is your solution to the very real problem of homelessness in Elmira?

The voluntarily homeless could alleviate a lot of the problem if some of them were willing to do this:

On 7/15/2024 at 1:37 PM, MsKreed said:

They could choose to abide by basic rules of safety and security (prohibiting drugs/weapons) and accept services from one of facilities and programs available.

There are numerous programs (aside from temporary shelters) that provide housing, assist with job placement, offer mental health and substance abuse help, and assist in applying for public assistance services.

The recipients of those services just need to be willing to follow rules and put at least some effort into behaving like a civilized human beings. I've known far too many people facing "hard times" (including myself). There is help. New York State is abundant with help. But it's not (and shouldn't be) unconditional help.

Whether the "hard times" are partially due uncontrollable circumstances, or purely from poor choices.....making more poor choices will never improve the situation. Not accepting help because one refuses to agree to the "conditions" (basic human behavior, in a civilized environment) is a choice. 

35 minutes ago, Elizabeth Whitehouse said:

And what do you do to preserve  our "precious environment"?

Well, just off the top of my head....I don’t dump trash and noxious waste into the river every day as a lifestyle.

Instead I reuse/recycle whatever possible, and properly dispose of other trash. And whenever I can, I also make an effort pick up trash that people with no respect toss on roads and other public places.

OH...And when a horrific fire breaks out, I don't make wild false accusations about local government "burning" stuff. 

The City didn’t burn anything. The “possessions” caught fire due to the negligence of the trespassers camping under the bridge....(or arson/meth cooking).

The City put its staff in harms way to extinguish the fire....inhaling noxious fumes from piles of poly-plastics and countless other unknown harmful flammables.  

There's a reason why the DEC (the agency we have tasked with trying to preserve our precious environment) ordered the encampment cleared out. Aside from the disregard for polluting the water by staying there, the encampment is now responsible further senseless damage to the environment.

They could choose to abide by basic rules of safety and security (prohibiting drugs/weapons) and accept services from one of facilities and programs available.

Thanks.

Wasn’t sure if I missed something.

9 hours ago, Andy said:

He just has Steve Roger’s trust and blessing. If I remember correctly Falcon and Winter Soldier was about Sam struggling to accept this but ultimately embracing his new role

I actually did plan to watch Falcon & Winter Soldier again at some point. 

I’ve always liked Sam. There’s more than enough characters with an ego or self-interest. It’s good to see someone who’s just a good guy.

This looks excellent. 

But I need some help.

I know that Sam got Cap’s shield at the conclusion of Endgame, but not clear how the shield by itself makes him Captain America without the serum that made Rogers a super-soldier.

Am I having a memory lapse where Sam got super-soldierized in Avengers....or do I need to re-watch the Falcon & Winter Soldier miniseries and/or someplace else in the MCU realm before this comes out next year?

When they stated people could be arrested and the DEC needed to clean up the  "flood plains", I guess I assumed they were completely cleared out. 

Why wouldn't the same environmental concerns apply under all the bridges, on both sides?

Reports say it was the homeless encampment burning, but no cause determined yet. 

I wonder if the crews cleaning up debris encountered dangerous flammable, or are the voluntarily unhoused are back already?

I think "Shark Week" is just dumb. 

There's probably about 2-3 hours of interesting, informative programming.....and 60+ hours of nonsense. 

24 minutes ago, Chris said:

Can you even get the stuff that is loaded with DEET anymore? Seems to me I had a repellent way back in the day that was later taken off the shelves so I got rid of it as well. 

You may be thinking of DDT.....that was banned years ago. I  seem to recall it was found toxic to fish and wildlife (something about endangering condors by damaging eggs?).

DEET is a known neurotoxin, with substantial evidence of causing seizures in children. But it's approved by the experts at government agencies to be freely sold OTC...with just minor "use as directed" labeling. And many municipalities spray it across populated areas as a 'public service'.

So I guess settled science has determined that the risks of malaria, Zika, West Nile, etc are a bigger concern to the experts than long term brain damage?

🤔

1 hour ago, Chris said:

This might be considered in-patriotic today, but I have to say that the Nathans Hot Dog eating contest just grosses me out. 

For one, soggy hot dug buns is just plain disgusting. But also, it feels to me like a celebration of gluttony. 

I know, I'm probably in the minority on this one. 

Nope. It turns my stomach too. Apparently lots of people watch it, and think it's fun and entertaining.  I have no clue why

I've been to a few Aldi stores and know they have some good choices. Like prices on varieties or brands that Sam's doesn't carry, etc. 

It's not the "only place to ever go....or always better deals on everything", like some of their cult members have raved about, but worth a walkthrough to check what they have.

14 minutes ago, KarenK said:

I never ever even think to stop in there.  I'm either at Sam's or don't go further than Walmart pickup.  

Same here.

I'm really not sure why I never think of them. Even when I'm driving by and sitting at the stop sign right at their entrance! LOL

10 minutes ago, Chris said:

Unless I’m reading something wrong, he just got elected to the Chemung County Republican Committee in addition to being the GOP candidate for Horseheads Town Council.

That's what I read from the final results link (not the preliminary results that were first posted).

11 minutes ago, Chris said:

Is there even a Democrat running for the town council position?

Hard to say. The BOE page doesn't have anyone listed yet for general elections. 

All four things on the list are environmental factors that we can modify/mitigate. 

It's also worth noting that multiple studies have shown that mosquitoes land on and bite people with Type O Blood more often than other blood types.

On 6/29/2024 at 11:40 AM, Twin Tiers Living said:

We work hard to live up to our Mission and Values every day and represent the values of the communities and customers we serve. We have heard from customers that we have disappointed them. We have taken this feedback to heart. 

Yeah. I believe this is an honest statement. 

I'm sure most of demographic they serve really does prefer not to have rising costs compounded by resources and expenses supporting symbolic gestures and virtue-signaling about "causes" that don't affect them as a consumer.    

The manufactured outrage I've seen from a few people is just dumb.

It's doubtful that most of the pearl clutching bunch avowing to "boycott" them have even ever visited a TSC store. 

10 hours ago, command_prompt said:

Can we try moving the glider to the right side of the sun, and see how the avatar would look like then? 

Just a trivial aesthetic thought.....I like the glider facing upward rather than down.

I don't know why that struck me as relevant (perhaps a little subliminal reaction since the soaring eagle in the first post was rising).