LEATHER & FISHNETS BARBIE

I know a lot of doll collectors in Kingston. Tonner’s distribution and manufacturing outlets in the Kingston area makes most of them swoon every time some new doll is revealed, but the queen of all dolls is still Barbie.
Barbie's always been the girl-next-door type. The cheerleader, prom queen or farmer's daughter you'd bring home to meet your folks. Definitely not the kind of girl you would want to dominate you with nipple clamps.

That's probably why people are up in arms about Mattel's new "Black Canary Barbie," which comes equipped with fishnets, a motorcycle jacket, black gloves and boots.

Mattel claims the new Barbie is modeled after the DC comic superhero Black Canary.
That doesn’t stop people from protesting and trying to block its September release.
Upon a little research, I found some history on Black Canary. (pictured right)

The Black Canary's courage, fighting prowess, and her sex appeal has resulted in her being referred to as "The Blonde Bombshell" in the comic world.Kidnapped and tortured, before being rescued by Green Arrow, left her with severe physical and mental afflictions. She and Green Arrow would have major conflicts in their relationship as a result of her struggles.

I pulled this one Wikipedia definition on this DC Comic Heroin:
Black Canary's name is derived from the seedy bar she works in; the clothes she wears while tending the bar comprise her costume. The male patrons of the bar relentlessly harass her verbally. Deciding that she has finally had enough, Black Canary beats up all of the male patrons in the bar. When her boss asks her what got into her, she simply replies "Batman," and then leaves the scene on a motorcycle stolen from one of the men she has just battered.

Welcome to the brave new world of abuse recovery therapy Barbie.

Next up:

Pooper scooper Barbie.

ANNUAL MAYOR'S BOAT RIDE

Thursday’s boat ride with the Mayor was fun. Sure it was a warm evening, but the river breeze howling through the boat made it a comfortable experience.

Everyone was in good spirits, the food was good and the crowd was ready to dance on the upper deck.

This year, a portion of the money raised will go to the Children’s Home of Kingston. As reported in the Freeman, the cruise raised about $14,000, with at least $2,500 of the total earmarked for the Home. Located on Grove St in Ponkhockie, the donation will offset the cost of capital improvement projects at their campus.

I invited Larry Delarose, the NY State Senate candidate, to this years event. Sharing the spotlight with Mike Hein, Elliot Auerbach and Jim Noble as the Mayor read the list of attending notables, we all experienced a positive applause this year.

What a difference a year makes.

With pictures of happy faces on and off the boat, you get to see what you missed this year.

Many thanks to Jim, Jim, the Rip staff and those who help make this happen year after year.

Its a rare chance to mix and mingle without policy issues as the cause.

And what better place to gather than downtown Kingston on a hot summer night?

BUSH SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

I just got word through the AP that the voters in San Francisco will have the opportunity to rename their Sewage Plant this November. I know it’s across the country, but the proposal will make you laugh.

A measure seeking to commemorate President Bush's years in office by slapping his name on a San Francisco sewage plant has qualified for the November ballot
The plant is currently called the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant.

The ballot will create the title: The George W. Bush Sewage Plant.

According to the AP, Supporters say the idea is to commemorate the mess they claim Bush has left behind after 8 years of his administration. Don’t think it will go through without a fight…local Republicans say the plan stinks and they will oppose it.

I wonder if our sewer treatment plant (pictured above and left) here in Kingston deserves a new title? Im taking suggestions...

QUICKCHEK BREAKS GROUND IN KINGSTON

Below are two quick videos taken on my Kodak Digital camera. The video option is new to me, so I thought I would play with it and also show everyone the QUICKCHEK developments.

Here is the newly completed site in Ulster NY...With me humming in the background.

Now here is the former Albany Ave Garage site, where the new Quick Chek is coming to Kingston...

From this still picture you can see the foundation is about to be poured, follwed by the slab, judging by the rapid construction of the Ulster site, we should see an OPEN sign in the window by New Years.

I guess the big question is, why was there so much fuss about QuickChek coming to Kingston? Compared to the commercial theme of that corridor, it should fit in perfectly, and if they are willing to build within our borders and pay property taxes, the rest of us taxpayers say WELCOME QUICKCHEK!

COMMERCIAL GROWTH ON BROADWAY?

Yes! The Planning board met last Monday July 14th.

One applicant, Kamran Khan, presented the board with a plan to redevelope the corner Mobile Station on Henry and Broadway. It is a dramatic proposal for an area that most feel is neglected.

So I followed the discourse. The owner, Cheekam King, intends to build a Convenience Mart type of building on the adjoining lot on Henry. The little Kiosk you see in the picture will be raised and the parking will increase.

The Planning Board gave the "Go-Ahead" and initiated the paperwork to begin the project.

I like it, actually. Its an agressive and daring investment for the area. It will be open about 20 hours/day and releive some of the traffic We see around W Chester St all night long.

Building will be under way shortly, and hope to be open by March.

Note: Sales Tax and Property Tax will be generated.

Can somebody say Hallelujah?

KPA PRODUCERS GATHER

Kingston Area Public Access Producers met at the Muddy Cup Tuesday evening to brain-storm on options for the continual service of KAPA.

About 20 producers showed for a one hour gathering and we came up with some ideas.

First, weve set up a Yahoo Group to communicate better amongst ourselves, then after review of the closure events and the landlords refusal to modify the basement for C of O, we set out with homework assignments.

Everyone is looking for an alternative space to the hole were in now. Any landlord who would offer a space to FOPA, could write off the loss because of the 501(c)3 status.

TWC is willing to move our broadcast cable again and is contemplating housing the "RACK" at their Pt Ewn location if wee asked.

I set out to speak with Mike LeFever, building inspector regarding using tapes from the Sterling location. After the conversation, I was given the OK to write up the proposal and thus, open the studio for taped programming. I will develope the language for him with the stipulation that one producer is urged to stay clear of the city employees and will not be a tape designate.

Anyone who knows of a storefront or office space (not in a basement) where the landlord is worthy of respect, let me know. Time is wasting.

McLAUGHLIN GOING SENILE? 81

John McLaughlin, that conservative icon of opinion television, used the term "Oreo" in reference to Sen. Barack Obama this weekend.

You’ve heard of "The McLaughlin Group," right? John was discussing Obama's relationship with Jesse Jackson since stating that Obama has been condescending toward black people.

So here’s the quote from McLaughlin: “Does it frost Jesse Jackson, that someone like Obama, who fits the stereotype blacks once labeled as an Oreo — a black on the outside, a white on the inside — that an Oreo should be the beneficiary of the long civil rights struggle which Jesse Jackson spent his lifetime fighting for?”

Just like that New Yorker cover, it is stirring up wild chatter on the talk shows.

McLaughlin is 81, he may be from a different era, but you’d think someone would pull him aside and remind him of what century we’re in. Oreo, really!?

AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER

Monday night's meeting of the Planning Board included the review of the addition to the Kingston Hospital.

With pretty pictures and site plans ready, the Director, Project Manager and Architect described what is now a downscale version of the proposed Ambulatory Surgical Center located at the back of the Hospital along Foxhall Avenue.

Due to increasing building costs, the new footprint is smaller than originally planned and has stepped away from the cement retaining wall along the street.

The lower elevation will eliminate the handicap maze from the parking lot and the landscaping will increase a bit.

Using oversize brick, they hope to blend in with the rest of the hospital complex with the plan to eventually connect the Women’s Health Center proposed at the Foxhall/Hasbrouck corner.

It looks pretty sharp. February is the tentative schedule for completion, but it’s just a guess. It seems, the managerial merger of the two hospitals has freed up some funds to make this happen. Quality service is the ultimate goal and we expect no less.

NEW YORKER MAGAZINE COVER FLACK

Did anyone see the cover of the latest edition of The New Yorker Magazine?

This is going to be a fun election season.

The illustration on the cover and titled "The Politics of Fear" and drawn by Barry Blitt, depicts Barack Obama wearing traditional Muslim garb and Michelle, dressed in camouflage, combat boots and an assault rifle strapped over her shoulder.

The editing board let this one through? They are both standing in the Oval Officeand doing a fist tap with an American flag burning in the fireplace. Can you imagine?

Here's the kicker, look at the portrait of Osama bin Laden on the wall.

If the New Yorker Magazine wanted to publicity, it's going to get it now. Im sure every cable news network is having fun with this one.

GOV PATERSON PAC RAISING FUNDS

So, David Paterson is already raising funds for his 2010 race. His campaign committee said Sunday that it raised more than $3.2 million in just over two months.
With most of the funds coming from more than 600 donors, we see that “big money” people have invested in Paterson’s reelection already.

Jonathan Rosen, his campaign spokesman said “Most of the money was raised at small events over the past several weeks.”

I guess this puts to rest any questions about his intent to run for Governor on his own. In an interview on NPR last week, Alan Chartock, the station director, said Paterson will have a tough time if Bloomberg jumps in and that he feels Mike would do a better job.

Paterson, The Harlem Democrat rose from the lieutenant governor's office on March 17, after Eliot Spitzer resigned.

I would like to see if Tom Golisano contributed to the campaign and what he thinks of the Governors management style. This is the year Tom has decided to contribute to changing the way New York is represented.

The no-nonsense billionaire has run and failed for this position himself, and knows Dave is vulnerable, but will he convince Bloomberg to jump in next year?

That’s the kind of race the whole country will be watching.

I WENT TO GREG BALL's FUNDRAISER

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, such as this one, what would you do?

Well, I read on Jeremy's Blog that Assemblyman Ball was having a fundraiser BBQ in Patterson NY. So I called Blaber and said, lets go!

A 55 minute drive, we got there, and to my suprize, it was a joint fundraiser for the NRA. I said...cool! Something for my resume'.

Anyway, Ball is considered the most conservative member of the Assembly. He has pushed issues that havent been embraced by either party and is poling 3 to 1 against an oponent in a Republican primary.

What brought me to this event? I saw some clips on YouTube from a rally he had pertaining to the Illegal Alien work station in his district. I agree with a number of his points, as do many of my colleagues here in Kingston. It's not a partisan issue.


Jeremy and I were welcomed, no-one was shot, and we enjoyed the country band during our 2 hour visit. I wish Greg Bell the best in his challenge for re-election in November.

Matt (pictured right) is doing a great job as campaign manager and we expect to see him in an elected position himself very soon.

This will make some friends of mine upset, but hey, youve got to support what you believe in.

LEI ISAACS AS PARADE SPECTATOR

THE CHILDRENS DAY PARADE

I just thought to post some pictures from this Friday's Childrens Day Parade here in Kingston.

I didnt see many of the Ward Nine residents along the street so I thought to take pictures and let you all see the kids and their parents having fun. (101 dalmations pictured left)

The parade starts at Andrew St and ends at the Kingston Plaza where the carnival is set up as the reception.

The city busses offer free rides back to midtown east for those who parked in the school area. But the effor tis worth it.

Fire engines and DARE officers as well as local churches and youth groups all made their way down Broadway. (finding Nemo pictured right)

For those who know what a good walk through town can do for you, I make the most of it and walk back, but not without seeing the parade that follows.

Here is one video of the participants in mid-parade:

U S TRUTH COMMISSION OVERDUE

Retired General Antonio Taguba, was responsible for investigating the physical and mental abuse of the alleged accomplices of national terrorism in Iraq. Upon retirement, this distinguished American military commander accuses the United States of committing war crimes in its handling of said detainees.

One quote in his final report states: “There is no longer any doubt as to whether the current administration has committed war crimes, the only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account.”

Taguba, has said as much in a powerful new report on American torture from Physicians for Human Rights which he has injected a plethora of experiences from his tour of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Taguba has asked that we need a national Truth Commission to lead a process of soul searching and national cleansing. (we’ve heard this for years)

When I looked up the term Truth Commission on Google, I discovered: That was what South Africa did after apartheid, with its Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and it is what the United States did with the Kerner Commission on race and the 1980s commission that examined the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

So, I would ad my voice to the list saying, we need a similar Truth Commission, with subpoena power to better investigate the internal abuses following the attacks on 9/11. What our government got away with in the name of national security went beyond the pale when it comes to our personal civil rights.

According to the AP: more than 100 inmates have died in American custody in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantánamo and many of the people we tortured were innocent .

In a recent editorial in the NY Times by Nick Kristof, (pictured right)he points out that the McClatchy newspaper group has just published a devastating series on torture and other abuses, and it quotes Thomas White, the former Army secretary, as saying that it was clear from the moment Guantánamo opened that one-third of the inmates didn’t belong there. Oops!

Kristof goes on to say: “These abuses happened partly because, for several years after 9/11, many of our national institutions didn’t do their jobs. The Democratic Party rolled over rather than serving as loyal opposition. We in the press were often lap dogs rather than watchdogs, and we let the public down.”

The Truth Commission investigating these issues ideally would be a non-partisan group heavily weighted with respected military and security officials, including generals, admirals and top intelligence figures. Such backgrounds would give their findings credibility across the political spectrum.

Kristof continues: Both Barack Obama and John McCain should commit to impaneling a Truth Commission early in the next administration. This commission would issue a report to help us absorb the lessons of our failings, the better to avoid them during the next crisis.

I would have to agree. What has been done to the civilians and the accused in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in our name, by Blackwater and KBR, will diminish whatever efforts we’ve made across the middle-east in the way of aid.

The Truth Commission would offer the world a glimmer of hope that America could once again rise to her image of justice and glory world wide.

Nicholas D. Kristof Go to Columnist Page »

PATERSON SUPPORTS NET-METERING

Governor Paterson has made it known that he will sign what is called the Net-Metering Bill if the Legislature ever gets it to his desk.

Net-metering refers to the credits utility customers receive for putting electricity back into the grid from wind, solar and biomass technologies. The option has been limited to residential and farm customers.

Net-Metering would extend the “sell back” benefit to municipal governments and schools powered by solar and wind technologies. This; at a time when the state is pushing toward a goal of 25% renewable energy use by 2013, should be no surprise.

City Hall, Kingston High School and the two local hospitals could participate in the Net-Metering program as well as reduce the demand on the Central Hudson supply. There must be grants to help with such an investment. I bet we could find some if we looked.

If any building needed attention regarding power efficiency, it would be City Hall. It wasn’t built with fuel conservation in mind. Heating and cooling that monster takes plenty of energy. I wonder if the Governor would consider new thermal repro windows for our historic landmark? But I digress.

Those of us who have created our own solar and wind power as residents have sold back the extra electricity to Central Hudson. This will allow small business to join in and provide a real incentive to invest in the self sufficient, albeit, expensive equipment for local entrepreneurs.

Thank you Governor Paterson.

GEN. CLARK PICKS ON McCAIN

Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark, a former Democratic presidential contender, said some comments recently regarding McCain’s military record.

As a supporter of Obama for President, he was speaking about the qualifications of either candidate and where military experience plays a part.

Pointing out that that McCain spent a considerable amount of time in a POW camp during the years of service isn’t the same as leading troops into combat, managing the war funding and being responsible for the lives of thousands of soldiers in war and peace time.

As a still bitter supporter of Hilary Clinton, I figured I would just watch the national race and work on the locals, but this is where I defend Wesley Clark.

We got to see his credentials twice, in two prior attempts at this race, and through poor management in both cases, he was eliminated early. However, with 38 years in the Army and significant experience through the ranks, Clark has the right to say McCains experience in the military doesn’t necessarily qualify him for Commander-in-Chief.

I like General Clark, had he been a choice and not Hilary, I would have campaigned for him. Obama may still pick him as VP, we don’t know. But I might get involved if Hilary or Wesley were on the ticket.

The Freeman has a similar take on this issue in Monday’s edition. They quoted Obama “Sen. McCain endured physical torment in service to our country and no one should ever devalue that service”

I agree with the editorial staff, that DEVALUE is a strong interpretation, but I suppose Barack had to attempt to squelch this potentially hazardous attack from the right. The instant reaction from McCain supporters, with the feigned shock and exaggerated dismay is fun to watch. Considering the military experience they touted with George AWOL Bush Jr. BACK IN 2000.

GREEN YOUR WAY BACK to where you came from!

Common Fire Foundation is looking in the wrong neighborhood. Let me add to that, they’re looking in the wrong county.

If this “Group Home” style of Not-for-Profit housing works in Tivoli, buy another home in Tivoli. Have you compared the taxes in Tivoli to Kingston? Its like Woodstock and New Paltz. They need all the commune living they can get to provide affordable housing over there.

If you’re looking for towns to drain Property Taxes from, look somewhere else. Kingston has provided enough. This community has already demonstrated the financial fortitude of helping the most needy, but enough is enough.

Stuyvesant Street is not a co-op street. This historic district has had attacks in the past, successfully beat them back and continues to thrive, regardless of the city Reval catastrophe. Now this?

I don’t care how GREEN they want to be, Jeff Golden and company should be looking somewhere else.

Quoted in the Freeman: Golden said “This type of housing is beneficial for communities because it allows professional people who are not highly paid to keep their expenses low while performing social services, environmental work and community-based projects.” Horsefeathers!

I have an idea, The condos on Barman Ave have suffered financial setbacks. What a prime location for Common Fire to develop their green co-op living experiment.

Just keep it on the tax rolls.

All four buildings could be modified to suit their shared expenses.

Alderman Robert Senor is correct when he points out the Not-for-profit status of the organization. This GREEN theme is a nice twist to the proposal, but it isn’t working.

The Council would have to approve a zoning change for this to happen at this location.

You can Count me out.

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE SAFELY

I am proud to be an American. I have always believed that I was fortunate to be born here and raised in a society that values liberty, equal rights, individuality and personal opportunity.

Even with her minor flaws, which we all chatter about daily, I wouldnt live anywhere else.

We celebrate the brave acts of our founding fathers who severed the ties to England. Essentially setting us on our own path, with plenty of room to grow and mature. Many people have struggled, sacrificed and lost thier lives since then to secure America's promissing future. Im sure you join me in my deepest grattitude toward those men & women.

So while most of us join family and friends for BBQ and beer, remember, a young colonial experiment called Democracy took hold on this soil back when no-one even knew the word.

We still have some growing up to do, but am I glad to be here.

Celebrate your Independence safely.

CVS: THE PHARMACY INVASION

Did you think I would let Tom Hoffay and AnnMarie DiBella get the only press on this? When the Walgreens on Broadway is finally complete, we will be saturated. Drug Store saturated.

Sure, the general population is getting older, but this is overkill.

Jim, we need to excite the masses with a multi-modal transportation hub, right here within our city limits. Our only two choices are the former parking garage and this corner next to Trailways. (pictured above)

With City Bus, UCAT and the Commercial bus companies all focused on one location, the service will increase in efficiency and that will be the draw. Convenience to our Uptown Business District will be a plus, and frankly, anything we do with that Washington Ave corridor would be an improvement.

The State Grant for traffic flow from the Traffic Circle to Lucas Ave. is still in the works and must include this corner of development.

Granted; Utility Platers has been dormant for years and the Diagnostic Center has been screaming to be developed since they moved. But why a CVS? Do we really need another CVS? I know we need more commercial tax base to help with revenue, but just how many Pharmacies do we need?

On that note: The former Sheriff HQ on Schwenk Drive, is now Ulster Federal Credit Union. It’s on the tax rolls! Wait, I'll say it again...It's on the tax rolls!

When fully assessed, it will bring in the same revenue as the CVS proposed for Wash Ave, Who knew?

So lets slow down, look at the big picture, and have patience with the state’s traffic research. It will happen.

EARTH MOVERS AROUND TOWN

This seems to be the summer for large excavation equipment in our city.
Most of which had been approved by the Council and Planning Board.
All of it exciting to witness.

I took some pictures of specific locations where commercial development is happening.

The corner of Broadway and E Chester has been a cause for unrest for many people in the Ward Nine area, because the project required the removal of the Trolley Barn and the Walgreens that is planned for the property will increase traffic. But, with soil samples complete, these large earth movers have cleared the way for the engineers.

At another corner, Foxhall and Hasbrouck, we see the machines scraping the soil off the rock ridge and the sidewalks being formed for the proposed Women’s Health Center behind Kingston Hospital.

The structure will incorporate some of the existing parking lot above, but the on-sight access connected to the Hospital is well worth those spaces lost. It will be interesting to see how a brick building right on the corner will affect the traffic patterns here, but we all overcome the changes brought about by progress.

The key thing here is, one of them will be a source of commecial tax revenue. In a big way. The other: a needed service that cannot be measured in dollars.

TRAGEDY DURING KINGSTON CELEBRATION

It wasn’t the best scene to approach Tuesday afternoon, but I happened upon the recovery of a man found on Delaware avenue, who fell down the forgotten train tracks below.

Fire Trucks, police officers and a coroner. Never a good sign.

Identified as Billy Joe Mack, from Pt Ewen; Mack fell down the secluded drop onto the track below when he was seperated from family and friends observing the fireworks on the 9W overpass.

There’s something that affects you personally when you witness the retrieval of someone’s loved one from a sad demise.

Sure I took a few pictures, but to see the many crews working together, taking such care of the deceased and securing the site, it brings you back to reality. Frankly, our mortality. Anything can happen at any time. We tend to forget that while we carry on our lives.

Det Tim Matthews told the Freeman: "We believe it was accidental, there’s no sign of foul play”

The missing-person report about Mack came in around 2:30 am .Monday at the Highland State barracks and they informed the Kingston Department shortly after.

The Mayors Task force did a terrific job in the aftermath of the discovery, More will be done on both sides of the intersection to trim and remove brush that hides safety issues.

My sympathy goes out to the Mack family for their loss.