To save money, Thruway ticket dispensers could be replaced with a machine. Others do it, why not us?
With the passing of Jesse Helms, now is a good time for this, our greatest senator in history, with the possible exception of Strom Thurman, to have his own national holiday. He was a super person and a super senator.
Gas is higher than $4 in a lot of countries because they tax gas for the free medical services they provide. If you took that tax off, it would be lower than what we pay.
Happy Birthday to the greatest country in the world the United States, where most of the world wishes they could come and live.
The liberal media in this country is really upset that they have to report that a grand jury of good Texans refused to indict our hero, Joe Horn of Pasadena, Texas, who shot those illegal immigrants breaking into his neighbor's house. Joe Horn is an American hero.
How come the local leftists who are spokesmen for the Democrat Party don't tell the public that the Democrats in the House of Representatives just reduced Medicare by 10 percent for older people. What's the secret?
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1234567890p wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:39 PM:
stevedallas wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:28 PM:
stevedallas wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:27 PM:
chris van note wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:50 PM:
http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/3401
An excellent article. "
chris van note wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:44 PM:
(liberals) in Britain, but read posts by AJ and Karl...the same definition applies to libs in the US:
Why is it we constantly see White British liberals attacking not only the British and their culture, but everyone and everything, in the name of anti-racism? Most suggest that they are driven by self-loathing, and this, no doubt, counts for much. They hate British culture, and they are suspicious of the British people — and these more than anything. But, the truth of the matter is that they hate culture, and they are suspicious of humanity itself. They hate high ideals: religion; nation; the flag; virtue; virtus; character; fortitude; justice; honor; freedom of expression; freedom of thought; freedom of conscience. And they are suspicious of anyone who would cultivate himself through them. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:02 PM:
logic wrote on Jul 10, 2008 12:01 PM:
quiveringthigh wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:34 AM:
" I had a neighbor growing up who carried a hockey stick in her car (it was DETROIT, after all). If throwing the car in reverse when kids grabbed her bumper didn't put them off, the hockey stick sure would. "
Only in Detroit. On hopping bumpers, those were some really fun, but crazy times. The last time I hopped a bumber was when I was in my late 20's. It wasn't as fun as it used to be. Nothing but memories! "
movedsouth wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:24 AM:
cm wrote on Jul 10, 2008 9:29 AM:
Last week I wondered why Bill Cosby was slammed for his speeches to blacks about themselves, yet I saw Obama using lesser harsh words but stating the same as Cosby-and No one was making it newsworthy.
UNTIL Jackson thinks he's off the mic!!
I have also noticed Obama doesnt use the same words/speeches when talking to white groups--as if there are NOT white dead-beat dads or NOT single white families!
in short Obama is either only for "the better of blacks" or has "no bxxxs" "
chris van note wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:57 AM:
Funny how everything comes back to your BDS ailment. Because the congress hasn't impeached Bush and Cheney for some imagined crime, thats why Pelosi and crew have a single digit rating? Really? How about gas prices doubling since the Democrats won the house and senate? How about the Dems being against oil and gas production on our own shores? How about the Dems saying that we've lost in Iraq? I can go on and on...
And remember: Obama-failure we can believe in! "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:48 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:47 AM:
Still, you'd think that after so many decades, engineers would figure out how to build roads that would be appropriate to the conditions of any given location and would last. Instead, I think a lot of contractors are making a lot of money re-doing the same roads over and over instead of building them to last in the first place.
Definitely my OPINIONS. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:44 AM:
That's why Congress has a pitiful rating, Democans and Republicats alike -- because they do nothing. "
quiveringthigh wrote on Jul 9, 2008 11:39 PM:
" please fix the roads ,think about the kids out there tring to hop bumpers... "
Perrine street was a good place to hop! "
brew1234 wrote on Jul 9, 2008 11:23 PM:
AJ wrote on Jul 9, 2008 11:10 PM:
No matter how many times it is pointed out to you that ANWR is not the panacea your ne0-con kooks think it is, you keep trotting out the same old tired and ridiculous arguments.
As for the 9% approval rating of congress - did it EVER occur to you that it is because they haven't done anything to put your favorite crooks in jail yet or hold them accountable? And the fact that they have shown themselves to be better republicans than democrats?
You should be praising congress about now for saving your favorite politicians' skin.
Like I said before, you're a dolt. "
richard102167ny wrote on Jul 9, 2008 11:04 PM:
quiveringthigh wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:08 PM:
" QT, put your roads thru NY winters and see how they hold up! "
I used to live in Upstate NY. But now you made me think about something... News Flash!!! Southern California gets snow! Not everywhere, but if you drive, like say, Idyllwild or Big Bear, you will see snow in the winter. They get dumped on a lot more than the snow belt does. And you know what, they require chains on vehicles. And, furthermore, they do keep the roads in really good, safe shape. WAY better than Central New York. We don't use salt; which besides damages your car; also, damages the roads. So, Moved South, I guess I can safely say, I have seen "your" winters, and have seen "mine". Our roads are better maintained. Come on out sometime in the winter and see for yourself. Do you Ski or Snowboard??? "
movedsouth wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:33 PM:
horseradish wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:15 PM:
quiveringthigh wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:02 PM:
budobrubbie wrote on Jul 9, 2008 6:08 PM:
theking wrote on Jul 9, 2008 5:22 PM:
The Bone wrote on Jul 9, 2008 4:28 PM:
nature lover wrote on Jul 9, 2008 3:21 PM:
nature lover wrote on Jul 9, 2008 3:16 PM:
Where is the resident brain and Capt Obama lover? - heads explode in the heat? Kind of refreshing to be able to express matters that are more down to earth for a change... "
Andy b wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:20 PM:
vic wrote on Jul 9, 2008 12:33 PM:
It's like Chinese water torture "
excnyer wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:13 AM:
excnyer wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:06 AM:
" You want a free thruway? Go check out Pennsylvanias...I don't think you will want a free thruway anymore. I will gladly pay a few bucks to use it just to have such a smooth road. In contract, pennsyltucky's thruways are as bumpy and unpaved as possible. please, no. "
Apparently you haven't been on the NY thruway recently. Route 81, a free highway, may have a lot of construction on it, but at least you can see the tax dollars at work. Route 90, the toll road, the tax/toll dollars are paying for the toll takers. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 9, 2008 9:20 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 9, 2008 9:19 AM:
News you may have missed -- from the CELDF:
"On July 7, 2008, the Ecuador Constitutional Assembly – composed of 130 delegates elected countrywide to rewrite the country’s Constitution – voted to approve articles for the new constitution recognizing rights for nature and ecosystems."
The CELDF has helped pass similar local laws in several states here in the U.S. and was called in to assist the Ecuadorean lawmakers in their work. It will be interesting to see how things go in other countries.
The issue in a nutshell:
"By most every measure, the environment today is in worse shape than when the major U.S. environmental laws were adopted over thirty years ago. Since then, countries around the world have
sought to replicate these laws. Yet,
species decline worldwide is increasing exponentially, global warming is far
more accelerated than previously believed, deforestation continues unabated around the world, and overfishing in the world’s oceans is pushing many fisheries to collapse.
These laws – including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and similar state laws – legalize environmental harms by regulating how much pollution or destruction of nature can occur under law. Rather than preventing pollution and environmental destruction, these laws instead codify it. In addition, under commonly understood terms of preemption, once these activities are legalized by federal or state governments, local governments are prohibited from banning them."
How these new laws address this problem:
"Those local laws recognize that natural communities and ecosystems possess an inalienable and fundamental right to exist and flourish, and that residents of those communities possess the legal authority to enforce those rights on behalf of those ecosystems. In addition, these laws require the local governments to remedy violations of those ecosystem rights.
In essence, these laws represent changes to the status of property law, eliminating the authority of a property owner to interfere with the functioning of ecosystems and natural communities that exist and depend upon that property for their existence and flourishing. The local laws allow
certain types of development that do not interfere with the rights of
ecosystems to exist and flourish."
The CELDF has helped pass similar local laws in several states here in the U.S. and was called in to assist the Ecuadorean lawmakers in their work. I'll be curious to see how things go in other countries now Ecuador is writing the rights of Nature into their Constitution. "
cm wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:41 AM:
I have never been on Rt.81 without a section being under construction for the past 30 yrs!
I think when they begin at the NY line and end at MD line its a 10yr job, then they begin again and do the same thing over and over!
I havent been on PA toll roads, maybe officials could stop doing Rt.81 and work on toll roads instead. "
cm wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:32 AM:
(yous cant see but I am doing a happy potato dance...lol)
Of course I am not cooking them until SAT when the sis leaves-I AM NOT sharing--besides she can get them everyday in NY..
plus getting 2 kids that are 8 & 12 for 5 wks, I need to buy Calgon and extra advil! lol "
cm wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:20 AM:
I have yet to see a YOUNG employee/or one in training at any of our toll booths--
I have traveled thru several different ones in the AM/AF/PM/and wee hrs of morn--always needing a receipt for work,so I saw employees face-to-face.
The average age worker here was about 50.
I am betting the majority are 10+ year employees with high-pay. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:49 AM:
Anyone who works with computerized equipment knows how often it breaks down and has to be repaired....
Just a passing thought. "
horseradish wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:21 AM:
brew1234 wrote on Jul 9, 2008 12:09 AM:
brew1234 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:54 PM:
cm wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:20 PM:
I have never been in a grocery store (until today) when the power has gone out--it was total blackness for 5 seconds-then the emergency lights came on.
Driving back home-I thought I should have purchased a boat--made me think of last weeks topic of flood insurance!
Just in case I might add it to my policy...I am not on the map to have it but I sloshed thru water ankle deep until I hit my front steps.
ps..the frogs will NOT shush!
Will someone please invent frog killing insecticide?! "
cm wrote on Jul 8, 2008 9:40 PM:
We had that happen here-one expressway and one bridge--as if it wasnt bad enough they kept the tolls rolling--they raised them!!
It's pretty much a guarantee that if they added a toll or a tax IT IS staying for good!
sorry bone:
My area has nearly wasted millions of dollars on an expressway due to tolls--If they gave some discount more people would USE it..
many feel, with gas prices so high, and the GOV/state getting tax on the fuel for the infastructure already--why give them more in tolls.
Plus most do not have an extra 3.00 round-trip daily to waste.
Which in the long run many would still lose jobs-since the road doesnt recieve nearly the volume of traffic as officials had planned on, hence lay-offs
cause & effect.... "
excnyer wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:15 PM:
chris van note wrote on Jul 8, 2008 5:00 PM:
From Monday, April 24, 2006, a speech by Pelosi:
"With skyrocketing gas prices, it is clear that the American people can no longer afford the Republican Rubber Stamp Congress and its failure to stand up to Republican big oil and gas company cronies. Americans this week are paying $2.91 a gallon on average for regular gasoline – 33 cents higher than last month, and double the price than when President Bush first came to office.
“With record gas prices, record CEO pay packages, and record oil company profits, Speaker Hastert and the Majority Congress continue to give the American people empty rhetoric rather than join Democrats who are working to lower gas prices now.
“Democrats have a commonsense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices by cracking down on price gouging, rolling back the billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies, tax breaks and royalty relief given to big oil and gas companies, and increasing production of alternative fuels.”
I'm wondering what that brilliant plan is. Not having us drill more at home?
If President Clinton hadn’t vetoed the idea of drilling in ANWR back in 1995, we’d have that oil on the market today. Ditto if Congress had approved ANWR drilling in 2002, when President Bush requested it.
Even so, the larger point is false anyway. New oil will be flowing in some cases within three to four years, according to industry estimates. But the impact on prices will be immediate. Why? Because markets would suddenly have to discount future oil prices for the expected gain in oil supply. That would cause oil prices, especially in futures markets, to drop.
By the way, this isn’t just conjecture. President Reagan, within a week of his inaugural in 1981, removed domestic controls on oil. Energy prices began tumbling almost immediately, with oil falling from $34 a barrel in early 1981 to just $11 by 1986.
It worked before, and it’ll work again.
Also, what doesn’t get said is that while oil companies have profit margins of about 8%, about 12% of the price of a gallon of gas goes to the government in the form of taxes. When indirect taxes are included, the share is even higher.
So who are the real crooks? "
The Bone wrote on Jul 8, 2008 4:31 PM:
BREW1234 writes " They should raise the tolls again for cash on the thruway and reduce the EZpay toll so that more people use EZpay and less tolltakers will be needed. Eventually the few cash payers will have to go to a special lane to pay cash and wait in line to get through. "
So let us lay off workers have unemployement be high good idea---stupid "
Andy b wrote on Jul 8, 2008 3:53 PM:
Ya the need for unions is passed. Especially in government jobs. "
cm wrote on Jul 8, 2008 3:50 PM:
If I was buying something big-I saved up the 20.00..made it alot easier when baby arrived.
Even if you have a baby shower--you will always need more diapers/more crib sheets/more baby wipes!!
Your whole life will change but no matter the worries you have it will all be just fine and you'll have many happier moments!
again CONGRATS!
FG: we have more toll roads than NY--so here the gadget is time saving. lets not go towards the airport subject--the whole thing cracks me up! I tell anyone flying to go to the airport nearly naked--that will save them time!! lol
time to head to the pool store before the frogs move in, hopefully beat the storm that about to pound our area! "
teacher1 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 3:28 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 8, 2008 3:06 PM:
nature lover wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:57 PM:
Congrats Andy B...
I thought Havens had their street wide already?
I for one am for an automated system on whatever toll roads we have besides Rt 90? Is there another? BUT, u will NOT c that happen any time soon because those "positions" although pretty low key on the intelligence level, are a civil service test job. Which then puts those people in the position to join a union and reap the benefits of the over bloated Empire system. So not to worry grasshoppa u will c a human face for a long time in NYS. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:30 PM:
A gadget is fine for a company car, but I am never driving such a vehicle, only my own personal vehicle. It doesn't matter that I am not doing anything illegal -- I still prefer to keep my comings and goings my own private business. That's a bad argument, like saying, Oh, we shouldn't mind being strip-searched at the airport -- if we have nothing to hide, it won't matter! Yes, it does, it's an invasion of privacy.
(I'm back to my Constitutional thing again, aren't I? ;-) "
Andy b wrote on Jul 8, 2008 1:55 PM:
I think an automated system would work great for the card when you first get on the thruway. You just pull up, grab your card and continue on your way. When you pay you have a human or ezpass. "
cm wrote on Jul 8, 2008 1:40 PM:
sadly we have entrusted our leaders with our lives today and our futures, which they have in turn, made it for the better financial good of THEMSELVES.
Thats why I get so frustrated when the select few simply blame the PRES./Vice Pres. Its not ONE or TWO its the 536 in total.
Voters fall for hype/the talk/the words but they never look deeper and do more indepth research on the person.
Even worse when the person 'clears' and seems good--he/she spends 1 year with the 535 and adds/corrupts themselves to make it 536.
Overall we are STUCK, and the best we can do is complain untill the next vote!
While keeping very close eyes on those in our immediate areas, not wanting them to Move up the ladder should they not perform for the greater good of the majority.
I say the majority because no official can please the whole neighborhood/city/state/or country! "
mark wrote on Jul 8, 2008 1:35 PM:
In regards to the Thruway toll - it's the friendly service you receive from the person that makes you reach out of your car to get the ticket. "
chris van note wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:21 PM:
Congressional Approval Falls to Single Digits for First Time Ever
The percentage of voters who give Congress good or excellent ratings has fallen to single digits for the first time in Rasmussen Reports tracking history. This month, just 9% say Congress is doing a good or excellent job. Most voters (52%) say Congress is doing a poor job, which ties the record high in that dubious category.
Gotta love the Democratic "leadership" led by Pelosi and Reed... "
cm wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:02 PM:
on-ramp toll booth-no person at all..and realized I didnt have the full amount in change.
I was frantic searching the car--with cars beeping behind me-so I dumped all that I had with about 25 cents short.
There was no way to move aside/or back up-I awaited a ticket in the mail.
nothing came-but a gadget would have been handy that moment.
Yes if employers keep them in company vehicles they will know when and where you used it--but if you have nothing to hide then why worry.
basically all companies are using GPS-hubby has one on his vehicle--
his company found it useful when an employee got drunk ended up in jail and had no clue as to where his vehicle was--they went on the CPU and found it in a minute!
with a trailer hooked to it with over 20 grand in tools--it was a life-saver to the company owner.
(it was found safe and employee fired)
Its usually the ones that take company vehicles home.
hubbys vehicle is a truck-once we needed it -personally--to move something big--it was a phone call to ask the boss permission and pay for the gas VS lie and get fired. "
cm wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:41 AM:
We moved from NY to CA while in CA to 2 locations-then to here-to another 2 locations-lugging ALOT/everything one would need for a baby--
hubby got tired of it taking up so much space in his work shed---"how much longer are you going to keep crib, playpen, changing table, stroller, high chair, carseats, baby bath, and 10 bins of clothing?"
and 3 babies were born in our family in NY in a month--SO we lugged it ALL back to NY and gave it away!
THEN 3 months later:
I had 3-the youngest was 12 when I told hubby I was prego!
his first sentence was "how did that happen?" DAH!!!
then he asked if it was the mailmans
(I mail ALOT to NY)
I said 'yepper'
then I said "so hows all that space in the workshed going for ya"!!!
It then hit him like a rock!!!!
the look on his face was PRICELESS!!
hahaha "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:39 AM:
Farmers Gal wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:35 AM:
I only drive on the Thruway infrequently, and it would not make sense for me to be forced to pay for some gizmo to carry in my car. I don't always have the right change. Sometimes I need a receipt (but why waste paper when I don't need one?) I like to be able to ask a person to confirm the directions I've been given when I am going somewhere new.
Just like when you call some company and don't want to be forced to work your way through their annoying and cumbersome automated answering system when your question doesn't fit their predetermined set of offerings, I prefer to have a real live person in the toll booth on the Thruway. We pay plenty enough to deserve the service of a live person.
It creates a handful of local jobs as well. "
cm wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:22 AM:
I do know many homeowners along the mexican border have been getting sued alot by illegals getting hurt on their properties --such as climbing a 8ft wired fenced-falling-and needing paramedics to come take them to local hospital..
the illegals then SUE the homeowners for their injuries--and win!
with their new found riches they DONT pay their hospital bill--
the homeowners insurance go up too..
personally I wouldnt blame the homeowners for sitting in a chair at their property line in the dark and shooting anyone the second they are on their side!
After several bodies are returned the illegals might think --this is not the way to go! "
cm wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:14 AM:
One yr ago the added an expressway that hardly no one uses because of the tolls.
YET this expressway has only been opened a year and they now want to EXPAND it to six lanes?!--planning on traffic in 20 yrs.
1. why didnt the build it six lanes to begin with?
2. its usually NOT used
lowering the EZpay tolls would get more people on board, and NO way am I getting onboard to vote Yes to expansion!!
most times I think these city/county/state/federal officials HAVE NO BRAINS! "
Andy b wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:00 AM:
But more importantly my wife told me she's pregnant! "
justventing wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:19 AM:
brew1234 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:26 AM:
brew1234 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:22 AM:
cm wrote on Jul 7, 2008 11:42 PM:
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/thousands-expect-apocalypse-in-2012/20080706152409990001 "
cm wrote on Jul 7, 2008 11:09 PM:
In my area we have pre-paid transponders-just leave it on our dash and drive-thru.
They are portable so you can use them in any vehicle.
Makes it easier for any toll road in the state.
Most companies like it-less paperwork and receipts to deal with from employees, plus eliminates needing the cash on hand!
The company recieves one monthly statement--so YES they know where you have used it at..
If you travel the Toll roads alot its a handy gadget! "
cm wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:56 PM:
Her potty training begins today--the parents tried to talk me into doing it--but I am so nice --I wanted my kids to enjoy the experiences that I had with them!!!!! hahahaha
I just found out my sis is leaving NY tomorrow-heading here with salt potatoes!
Plus leaving her two kids here for a 5 wk visit, everyone always wants to come to Aunt CM's house!!
My daughter is thrilled she misses her cousins!!
When hubby returns from work in Miami-he heads to NY(the city) for 2 wks then 2 wks in PA--bringing back....MORE salt potatoes!!!
has anyone every tried to freeze salt potatoes? hmmm? "
ANGMOM3 wrote on Jul 7, 2008 4:14 PM:
Thanks. I needn't to vent. In the meantime, how are all the rest of you "Two Cents" people? "
nature lover wrote on Jul 7, 2008 2:56 PM:
chris van note wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:52 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:46 PM:
I know sometimes I beat the dead horse on this one, but I also realize most folks aren't going to have the time, energy or interest to look up and read a whole article on the subject.
If you do have that level of interest, I highly recommend this survey of 51 studies, of 4 different types, across 50+ years which summarizes the negative effects of industrial farming in 3 categories: Socio-economic well-being, Community social fabrc and Environmental outcomes:
Lobao, Linda and Curtis W. Stofferahn. "The community effects of industrialized farming: Social science research and challenges to corporate farming laws." Agriculture and Human Values Volume 25, Number 2 / June, 2008. p. 219-240.
It's a paid subscription article, so I can't give you a link to the article itself, but you can get the abstract at: http://springerlink.com/content/b82hg7kh5653138v/ "
yetanotherpinhead wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:39 PM:
nature lover wrote on Jul 7, 2008 11:46 AM: