Posts
and of course
Nov 27, 2008
Nov 26, 2008
Go Golden Weasels
The Bloomsburg Golden Weasels will be playing California (PA) on Saturday. Here are their mascot and cheerleaders. We mock, but we cheer.
Nov 24, 2008
Most Liberal Senator
We were all assured during the campaign that Obama was the most liberal Senator. But read the comments from Fox News Sunday yesterday:
Wallace: So, let's review what's shaping up as the Obama team, both the selections we know and the leading contenders in other cases for his economic team. Tim Geithner at Treasury, Bill Richardson likely at Commerce, and Larry Summers definitely directing the National Economic Council.
On the national security side, Hillary Clinton at State, General James Jones the leading contender for national security adviser, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates being seriously considered to stay on at the Pentagon.
Brit, when you see all of that, does it make you re-assess the way that Mr. Obama will govern as president?
HUME: Well, it's certainly -- I would say there are two things that characterize this group, experience and, generally speaking, centrism and moderation.
So I would say that, particularly in terms of the economy, these are - - these names are pretty reassuring to anybody on Wall Street, for example, who was worried about Obama trying to impose early on a very intense liberal economic agenda.
So he's now a centrist. He didn't appoint Communists or even Socialists to his cabinet. It would be nice if pundits would admit they were wrong - that Obama is not a crazed leftist terrorist, but instead a thoughtful Liberal to Centrist President who will hire experienced, smart people to advise him.
Nov 21, 2008
The Big Issues
What are the big issues facing America today? Off the top of my head I'd say the economy. Next, probably the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Number three health care. Who would disagree?
Janice Shaw Crouse of Townhall would (edited for brevity).
Obama plans — as his first official act, he told Planned Parenthood — to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).
Obama plans to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and oppose any Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) that will be put forward.
Obama will support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and indicates his support for expanding the bill to cover “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.”
On the three big issues of today — life, marriage, homosexual behavior — President-elect Obama has plans to turn far left and ignore the will of the people. He will act by fiat, and he will appoint activist judges. We must expose the Emperor’s new clothes and make sure the public is aware of how drastically these decisions will change American society. We could see a greatly weakened American culture where life is treated cavalierly, marriage is weakened and our religious liberty is trampled. To be forewarned is to be armed for the culture battles that are ahead.
Wow, how out of touch. Makes you wonder if she even watched the election.
Janice Shaw Crouse of Townhall would (edited for brevity).
Obama plans — as his first official act, he told Planned Parenthood — to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).
Obama plans to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and oppose any Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) that will be put forward.
Obama will support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and indicates his support for expanding the bill to cover “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.”
On the three big issues of today — life, marriage, homosexual behavior — President-elect Obama has plans to turn far left and ignore the will of the people. He will act by fiat, and he will appoint activist judges. We must expose the Emperor’s new clothes and make sure the public is aware of how drastically these decisions will change American society. We could see a greatly weakened American culture where life is treated cavalierly, marriage is weakened and our religious liberty is trampled. To be forewarned is to be armed for the culture battles that are ahead.
Wow, how out of touch. Makes you wonder if she even watched the election.
Nov 20, 2008
Subject: Gun control
Wet's comments are in red
These are the proposals from 2000 of the new Attorney General, Eric Holder, on gun control. Curious if you would support these.
-----
I want to add my voice to those who are calling on Congress to finally -- to finally -- pass these very common-sense gun measures.
First, to require child safety locks for all handguns that are sold (My understanding is that this was done and every hand gun sold comes with a trigger lock). Second, to ban violent juveniles from ever having the ability to own guns. (Gun ownership is a right. If they were tried and found guilty as adults I would have no problem with them losing that right as is the case today. As a juvenile it is difficult to allow the sins of the past follow into adulthood.) Third, to pass the president's handgun licensing proposal, which requires safety certification for all handgun purchasers. (I would not support that. Most users will take some kind of hunter/safety course but to mandate it would be difficult for me to support.) Fourth, to support research in smart-gun technology, which can limit a gun's use to its authorized owner. (Yes but again I would not mandate it. Rather I would provide tax incentives to those manufactures that would pursue that technology. I would also send all government business their way. If it were mandatory it could create an economical hardship. I prefer to see the carrot rather than the stick in this instance.) And finally, to close the gun show loop hole by requiring a background check for all gun purchases at gun shows. (This makes excellent sense, and I have always supported that idea as do most reasonable minded firearms owners.) (One thing I have learned in my 10 plus years of service is that you CAN’T LEGISLATE COMMON SENSE.)
Every day that goes by, about 12, 13 more children in this country die from gun violence. We need these common-sense measures and we need them now.
Wet's comments are in red
These are the proposals from 2000 of the new Attorney General, Eric Holder, on gun control. Curious if you would support these.
-----
I want to add my voice to those who are calling on Congress to finally -- to finally -- pass these very common-sense gun measures.
First, to require child safety locks for all handguns that are sold (My understanding is that this was done and every hand gun sold comes with a trigger lock). Second, to ban violent juveniles from ever having the ability to own guns. (Gun ownership is a right. If they were tried and found guilty as adults I would have no problem with them losing that right as is the case today. As a juvenile it is difficult to allow the sins of the past follow into adulthood.) Third, to pass the president's handgun licensing proposal, which requires safety certification for all handgun purchasers. (I would not support that. Most users will take some kind of hunter/safety course but to mandate it would be difficult for me to support.) Fourth, to support research in smart-gun technology, which can limit a gun's use to its authorized owner. (Yes but again I would not mandate it. Rather I would provide tax incentives to those manufactures that would pursue that technology. I would also send all government business their way. If it were mandatory it could create an economical hardship. I prefer to see the carrot rather than the stick in this instance.) And finally, to close the gun show loop hole by requiring a background check for all gun purchases at gun shows. (This makes excellent sense, and I have always supported that idea as do most reasonable minded firearms owners.) (One thing I have learned in my 10 plus years of service is that you CAN’T LEGISLATE COMMON SENSE.)
Every day that goes by, about 12, 13 more children in this country die from gun violence. We need these common-sense measures and we need them now.
would love to find out what rocket scientists came up with this idea. I fully support the sunshine laws and right to know but this is ridiculous. Talk about governmental red tape and the burden to the tax payer. Read this from the bottom and I will leave you with one last thought it is not meant to be a dig on the D’s or R’s just an observation that I agree with.
Wet
'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.' - Ronald Reagan
From: Jules Mermelstein [mailto:jules.mermelstein@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:11 PMTo: Leonard, PaulCc: CommissionersGroup; Department HeadsSubject: Re: FW: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
Have you included any of this (Gil's advice) in the budget?
On Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 3:41 PM, Leonard, Paul <pleonard@upperdublin.net> wrote:
I will keep you posted.
From: Gilbert P. High [mailto:ghigh@highswartz.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 11:52 AMTo: Narducci, Lorraine; Leonard, PaulSubject: RE: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
The new law creates a presumption that all informational material relating to Township matters created by any Township department, by any public official, or by any person dealing contractually with the Township is a public record. There are 30 exceptions, many of which do not apply to municipalities, however the burden is on the Township to identify why a particular exception applies. The new law comes into effect the first week of January, 2009 and will apply to any information materials the Township or any of these people has on hand at that time no matter when the materials were created. It is predicted that an onslaught will occur and we must prepare for it. I recommend the following:
1. Schedule an informational meeting for anyone who might be receiving a right to know request (all department heads and their immediate assistants) so that they understand what their departments must do in order to facilitate a proper response to such requests. This meeting could take the form of getting everyone to view the informational program advertised below. I would then be available to respond to any questions.
2. Schedule an informational meeting for the commissioners for the same purpose. (Note: all correspondence and email generated by a commissioner relating to Township matters can be the subject of a right to know request.)
3. A Right To Know officer must be selected. This Right To Know officer must be able to devote the time to prepare responses and control the process of gathering responsive information – and must have the time to learn the nuances of the statutory requirements, including the application of the various exceptions available. Responding to Right To Know requests must be a substantive part of this person's job description.
4. The Board must pass a resolution designating a Right To Know Officer and approving certain procedures, such as the Township will not accept verbal or anonymous requests – the copying charge for each page of materials (25 cents will be the maximum permitted) – the cost of other forms in which information is held (such as plans, videotapes, etc.).
5. The forms for making a request and responding thereto must be updated.
6. The web site should be updated to provide a link to right to know information – including the form to be used in making a request.
7. The Right To Know policy must be updated, including updating the appeal procedure set forth in the policy.
I will prepare the Resolution and update the policy and the forms. You will need to decide on the scheduling and the selection of a Right To Know officer
Gilbert P. High, Jr.
High, Swartz LLP
40 E. Airy Street
Norristown, PA 19404
610 275-0700
610 275-5290 (fax)
ghigh@highswartz.com
The information contained in this e-mail message is privileged attorney work product and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If this communication is received in error, please immediately notify us by telephone or reply e-mail and delete the original message from your computer. Thank you.
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS in Circular 230, we inform you that, unless High Swartz expressly states otherwise in this communication (including any attachments), any tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or other matter addressed herein.
From: Narducci, Lorraine [mailto:lnarducci@upperdublin.net] Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:54 AMTo: Gilbert P. HighCc: Leonard, PaulSubject: FW: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
Gil,
Are we required to pass new ordinances or resolutions regarding the new Right to Know Law. Also, please let us know of any new changes to our procedures for responding to these requests. See Paul's question below.
Thanks,
Lorraine
From: Leonard, Paul Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:21 AMTo: Narducci, LorraineSubject: FW: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
Do we have new stuff from Gil?
From: Gail Markovitz [mailto:gmarkovitz@plcm.org] Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:13 AMSubject: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
Overview of the New Right to Know Law
A two hour informational on-line training program featuring Terry Mutchler, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Office of Open Records
No travel involved, reasonably priced, this on-line training addresses your questions regarding implementation of the new law.
Don't be out of touch! View the program at a time and place that fits your schedule. Take away material that you can refer to in the future and email addresses for our speakers give you a direct pipeline for the answers to questions as they arise in the future. Visit the link below for the full brochure and registration information.
http://plcm.org/vertical/Sites/{816DF97F-59D7-4E12-B207-1434C6304092}/uploads/{01CB4B1A-47D1-470F-BA2A-A1F32FADB283}.PDF
Wet
'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.' - Ronald Reagan
From: Jules Mermelstein [mailto:jules.mermelstein@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:11 PMTo: Leonard, PaulCc: CommissionersGroup; Department HeadsSubject: Re: FW: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
Have you included any of this (Gil's advice) in the budget?
On Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 3:41 PM, Leonard, Paul <pleonard@upperdublin.net> wrote:
I will keep you posted.
From: Gilbert P. High [mailto:ghigh@highswartz.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 11:52 AMTo: Narducci, Lorraine; Leonard, PaulSubject: RE: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
The new law creates a presumption that all informational material relating to Township matters created by any Township department, by any public official, or by any person dealing contractually with the Township is a public record. There are 30 exceptions, many of which do not apply to municipalities, however the burden is on the Township to identify why a particular exception applies. The new law comes into effect the first week of January, 2009 and will apply to any information materials the Township or any of these people has on hand at that time no matter when the materials were created. It is predicted that an onslaught will occur and we must prepare for it. I recommend the following:
1. Schedule an informational meeting for anyone who might be receiving a right to know request (all department heads and their immediate assistants) so that they understand what their departments must do in order to facilitate a proper response to such requests. This meeting could take the form of getting everyone to view the informational program advertised below. I would then be available to respond to any questions.
2. Schedule an informational meeting for the commissioners for the same purpose. (Note: all correspondence and email generated by a commissioner relating to Township matters can be the subject of a right to know request.)
3. A Right To Know officer must be selected. This Right To Know officer must be able to devote the time to prepare responses and control the process of gathering responsive information – and must have the time to learn the nuances of the statutory requirements, including the application of the various exceptions available. Responding to Right To Know requests must be a substantive part of this person's job description.
4. The Board must pass a resolution designating a Right To Know Officer and approving certain procedures, such as the Township will not accept verbal or anonymous requests – the copying charge for each page of materials (25 cents will be the maximum permitted) – the cost of other forms in which information is held (such as plans, videotapes, etc.).
5. The forms for making a request and responding thereto must be updated.
6. The web site should be updated to provide a link to right to know information – including the form to be used in making a request.
7. The Right To Know policy must be updated, including updating the appeal procedure set forth in the policy.
I will prepare the Resolution and update the policy and the forms. You will need to decide on the scheduling and the selection of a Right To Know officer
Gilbert P. High, Jr.
High, Swartz LLP
40 E. Airy Street
Norristown, PA 19404
610 275-0700
610 275-5290 (fax)
ghigh@highswartz.com
The information contained in this e-mail message is privileged attorney work product and confidential information intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If this communication is received in error, please immediately notify us by telephone or reply e-mail and delete the original message from your computer. Thank you.
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS in Circular 230, we inform you that, unless High Swartz expressly states otherwise in this communication (including any attachments), any tax advice contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or other matter addressed herein.
From: Narducci, Lorraine [mailto:lnarducci@upperdublin.net] Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:54 AMTo: Gilbert P. HighCc: Leonard, PaulSubject: FW: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
Gil,
Are we required to pass new ordinances or resolutions regarding the new Right to Know Law. Also, please let us know of any new changes to our procedures for responding to these requests. See Paul's question below.
Thanks,
Lorraine
From: Leonard, Paul Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:21 AMTo: Narducci, LorraineSubject: FW: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
Do we have new stuff from Gil?
From: Gail Markovitz [mailto:gmarkovitz@plcm.org] Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:13 AMSubject: New PA Right to Know Law - On-line Training
Overview of the New Right to Know Law
A two hour informational on-line training program featuring Terry Mutchler, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Office of Open Records
No travel involved, reasonably priced, this on-line training addresses your questions regarding implementation of the new law.
Don't be out of touch! View the program at a time and place that fits your schedule. Take away material that you can refer to in the future and email addresses for our speakers give you a direct pipeline for the answers to questions as they arise in the future. Visit the link below for the full brochure and registration information.
http://plcm.org/vertical/Sites/{816DF97F-59D7-4E12-B207-1434C6304092}/uploads/{01CB4B1A-47D1-470F-BA2A-A1F32FADB283}.PDF
Nov 19, 2008
Stomps' Desktop Picture
Creative Commons License by
Erik.Nielsen.Photos
Imagine living by the 91 Freeway Fire. Beautiful and terrifying.
Welcome to the Stomps and Wet Show. We'll see who else shows up to post.
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