Erie Street Market & Memories Of My Youth

Now that you've read the title and become completely confused (and especially for those of you reading this and not residing in Toledo), let me attempt to explain. An article in the Toledo Blade on 7/31 points out what many of us have recently suspected, that the improvements of the Erie Street Market have been made in a rather questionable manner. Now I have spoken on the ESM before, but the Mayor appears to want to take the situation to the next level by secretly funneling money into the facility in order to find new uses for it.

I say secretly because these improvements were not included in budget numbers released as recently as a week ago, showing that the ESM has made a profit for the 1st six months of the year. (This subject is probably covered and more fully by Maggie Thurber here.) These improvements were broken into 13 separate contracts of less than $10,000 in order to allow the mayor to proceed without city council notice and approval. Further, these improvements were performed on the ESM in order to allow the city to compete with private businesses as a concert venue, something the building was not designed for and which appears to be contrary to the "business friendly" environment that the city of Toledo advertises.

But what could all of this possibly have with the memories of my youth ...

This is where I finally have to admit that I am recovering from a serious childhood addiction to television. It is not something that I am proud of, but must cop to if you are to understand my thinking (yeah I know this is dangerous, but read on...). This was especially true when it came to cartoons. From "Rocky and Bullwinkle" to "Woody Woodpecker", from "Space Ghost" to "Yogi Bear", it was a constant battle for my parents to drag me away from the idiot box long enough to perform necessary functions like eating, bathing, or occasionally exposing my body to sunlight. (This may account in some part for how thin I was then as opposed to ... oh, never mind.) Two of the cartoons that I watched in those days were "Popeye" and "Spy vs Spy".

Setting aside the title character in this first example, with his mutant forearms and his anorexic girlfriend, one of my favorite characters was Wimpy. Now Wimpy was a mooch and a panhandler whose only seeming line was, "I will gladly pay you Tuesday, for a Hamburger today". This appears to be the philosophy of Mayor Carlton S. Finkbeiner (for those of you non-locals, yes that is his real name). Having worked his way around the charter limitations of $10K for non-reviewed contracts, he justified the use of over $80,000 in city money (during a $2.5 million budget shortfall) by saying that the money would be paid back by concerts yet to be held in the facility. Now businesses often make investments to gain future profits; but if this was the case, why hide it? If this is the key to making the ESM profitable, why not trumpet the investment as a step forward instead of a pattern of skullduggery and secrecy until it was finally exposed in the media too late to stop anyway?

In the second example of "Spy vs. Spy", this simply points to the relationship that the city has with business in Toledo. The only difference is that in this case, the city is the only one with access to explosives. Taxation, regulation, and competition are the weapons of choice in this battle, with a 2.25% total city income tax leading the charge, and a list of levies longer than my arm following closely behind to make this an unfriendly neighborhood for businesses to play in.

As for regulation, one merely needs to see the recent restrictions that the city has placed on locations, numbers, and method of operation of convenience stores and day care centers to begin to comprehend the city's attitude to the business community. It appears that the city only wants certain businesses in certain numbers, and wants to strictly regulate how they do their business. I don't know about you, but my experience with a government control of markets quickly leads to the term "socialism". 

This brings us to the final leg of the tripod, the competition of city owned business. Toledo has recently gotten into the ambulance and towing businesses, and most if not all of the private companies have either laid off staff or closed. Now the city wants to run a music venue, in competition with privately owned, non-taxpayer funded facilities. (Doesn't seem quite fair, does it?) Now governments are not normally known for their business acumen, but with taxpayers undoubtedly on the hook for utilities and security, my suspicion is that this venture can't help but succeed. The questions however, are what the costs are to privately owned, tax paying operations and at what costs to taxpayers? Additionally, we should ask what business would consider coming to Toledo know that this is the environment that they would have to look forward to?

I loved those cartoons in my youth, and with the relationship now established between the the present and the past now, they may well now be ruined for me. While it may help in the continued control of my former addiction, a little part of my treasured childhood has now been destroyed. Say, now that I think about it, the mayor kind of reminds me of the "Fearless Leader" character from "Rocky and Bullwinkle" with the never-ending series of misguided and failed plots against society. Damn, that ruins another one...

Quote of the Day

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather one to skid in sideways Cabernet in one hand, chocolate in the other; body thoroughly used up, totally worn, out and screaming, What a hell of a ride!"

- Anonymous

Run For Your Lives ... COSI Is Back

Yes ladies and gentlemen, COSI is indeed back. David Waterman, chairman of the COSI board is bringing a request for inclusion on the November ballot to the Citizens Levy Review Committee of the same levy that has been defeated twice before. After all, as the Toledo Blade points out "the third time will be the charm". Mr. Waterman's feelings, according to the story are that the larger voter turnout in a presidential election will help the efforts of COSI to gain taxpayer funding for COSI's operation, even though it is a private organization. (It qualifies for this through a special change in state law)

Mr. Waterman is correct when he points out that the previous levies were only defeated by narrow margins (71,249 to 70,001 in 2006, and 43,248 to 41,571 last November). He fails to point out a couple of things however:

1. That a loss is still a loss, as any professional sports team (or amateur one for that matter) can tell you.
2. That both the margin of loss and the percentage of loss has increased from one election to another, in spite of lower voter turnout.
3. That the planned levy being put forward is still based on the city providing the Portside building for a rent of $1.
4. That the planned levy being put forward is likewise based on city continuing to pay the utility bills that it was covering before COSI closed (and still covers today in order to maintain the building).

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it appears that while dead (COSI closed last December), this sinkhole of public funding has more lives than Jason Vohees in the Friday the 13th series. No matter how many times somebody kills the damn thing, it just keeps coming back ... and uglier each time than the one before.

• There is still no discussion of creating or having created an efficient business plan, even though the board has had over 6 months to come up with one.


• There is still no discussion of using something other than the Portside building for this effort, even after admitting that the facility is inefficient for such use.


• There is no discussion of seeking money other than taxpayer money, though the COSI board has found funding for marketing their levy effort. (Unless of course, they get the taxpayer money first, and then that future effort is listed only as a "hope".)


• There is no direct benefit listed for the reopening of COSI, other than an emotional appeal loosely associated with kids and education.

Evidently the will of the people is only realized when it gives more of its money to government to dispense on its behalf. Evidently such will can only be expressed during presidential election years (as was pointed out by a County Commissioner who will remain nameless 'Konop', but who was not elected during one). Evidently "no doesn't mean no" when expressed by the voters of Toledo and Lucas County. Well Mr. Waterman, at the risk of contradicting the Toledo Blade and yourself on the potential outcome of this levy, let me use my own metaphor to describe your upcoming effort:

"Three strikes and you're out!"

In the spirit of full faith and disclosure, I should mention that I have written before on the subject of such an entity as a cautionary tale or fable. I should likewise point out there may be an economic benefit to the passage of this levy. I previously compared COSI to the Titanic.I now have heard a rumor that Clive Cussler is waiting in the wings with a book and movie deal if this Titanic is successfully raised.

Marine Corp Reunion - Quantico, A Lesson In Respect

I have mentioned before attending a recent reunion of my late father's Marine Corp Battalion, held on the Marine base in Quantico, VA. There is not much left of Company A these days, and fewer still of them are capable of traveling. The bond that these men and their families still share after over 60 years however is absolutely amazing to behold.  As I was to discover however, this was not the only thing that would amaze me during this brief visit however, and I would like to share a few of the weekend's events:

The Marine Corp Museum: I have already posted on this subject, as the link shows, but let me reiterate for anyone who can manage to get south of Washington DC for a day, you will find this well worth your while.

Arlington Cemetery: Though better known as the home of Robert E Lee, Arlington was originally the mansion constructed on the property by George Washington's adopted grandson, George Washington Parke Curtis. Robert E Lee became part of the story here when he married their daughter (and his distant cousin Mary Anna Randolf Curtis), but you can read more about all of this here. 

Our visit here was to pay homage to Colonel Peck (only a captain then), the leader of this battalion during its service in World War II. Even though I had never met him in life, it was impossible not to see someone exceptional and to get to know him through his wife, daughter, and the men that served under him. It was likewise impossible not to begin to understand something of the true meaning of service and sacrifice while strolling this hallowed ground. So many lives cut short while serving something far greater than themselves and so many as well, who returned at the natural end of their days to be with those with whom they had served. Only someone with no heart could fail to be moved.

The Evening Parade: We were privileged as well to get tickets to see the Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks at 8th and I in Washington. This is the original Marine Corp Barracks, and was built in 1801. There are a number of amazing facts surrounding this barracks (available through the link), but I was struck by the fact that even the bricks that make up these barracks were made by Marines. I was likewise struck by the members of "The President's Own", the Marine Corp Band and the Drum and Bugle Corp who performed (every one of which is a college graduate and a professional musician); and the members of Alpha and Bravo Company who marched. One of the young men who explained the evening's events to us (looking as if he was not yet old enough to shave) had served before in Bravo Company; but had just returned to it from a tour in Iraq, something which he had volunteered for as soon as it became available and hoped for yet again.

Marine Corp Base - Quantico: We were fortunate to be staying at a hotel right in the middle of the Marine Corp Base in Quantico, VA. (Oh sure they let the FBI and the DEA put some facilities there as well, but make no mistake people, this is a Marine Corp operation.) It was amazing to me to watch the true respect with which the current crop of Marines treated the veterans I accompanied. While taking breaks outside near the reunion banner, it was rare that one of these men wasn't asked about their experiences in the Pacific, the landings that they made, and the meaning of the term "Lost Battalion". 

Even a wedding group that was also at the hotel paused in the haste of their preparations to speak with us and introduce the entire wedding party. Every Marine that we met was routinely helpful, courteous, and respectful (heck, they even let our group off on a speeding violation while returning one evening). Our final dinner together at the Officer's Club, surrounded by the memorabilia of many wars was a wonderful experience and fitting tribute to those I was lucky enough to be with.

This is not to say that this trip did not hold some disappointments. Some of those at the last reunion had passed in last year (including my father). Some were in ill health and were unable to attend. Some are just not able to get around without great difficulty which makes these events more challenging than they should be for those who have served. These men and these families treasure each other though, and vowed this year to continue until simply no one can make it any longer. I expect that there will indeed be reunions to come. It is difficult to grasp or impede the resolve of Marines.

I must make note of a rather serious personal disappointment during this trip. Seeing so many Marines is such fighting trim (there was a Marathon going on the weekend that we were there), made looking in the mirror every morning a rather grim experience. Thank Goodness that I don't spend much time shaving or I might never have found the strength to stop cowering in embarrassment and leave the room. I will be going into training soon to attend the next reunion.

Three Little Pigs - Update

 It seems like only yesterday that I was posting on COSI here in Toledo using the metaphor of the story of the The Three Little Pigs. I warned you at the time that:

"This is not anywhere near the end. In fact, it may be that we will never see the end of this story. After all, these are 3 very determined little pigs."

I hate to say that I told you so, but it appears that I was right, and that the board at COSI will be asking for a levy to be placed on the ballot for November.

I will have more to say on this when I have a chance to do the subject proper justice, but I felt that it was important to make you aware that even wildly outlandish Fairy Tales ultimately have their basis in fact. I would also caution you when using the link. Please do not read this Fairy Tale to your children at night unless you are prepared to deal with screaming and crying throughout the rest of the evening. (Oh not from your kids, but from from you and your spouse. At least that's how it always affects me.)

Man In The Mirror

Every now and again, life demands of us that we take a serious look at the "Man In The Mirror" (or Woman, as the case may be). These are times when the world outside gives a subtle (or not so subtle) nudge to remind of of who we really are and what our true place in the world is. Sometimes the image that we see has no reality beyond that we perceive.

I got one of these recently in a comment to a posting, in which it was pointed out rather strongly that my opinion is no better and no more valid than anyone else's in the world. They were right of course. While I take some pains to make sure that any insight that I try to present is based on logical argument and facts which I check assiduously, this does not mean that it can or should count more than anyone else's. The fact that I have recently commented so much of a political nature (which is not my profession) leaves me open to even greater error and potential criticism.

I may not reduce the amount of political commentary that I do going forward, but having made this introspective examination, I will try to recognize that others may not share my opinion, nor particularly care for the methods that I use to present it. Irony, sarcasm, and pithy commentary are not for everyone, though I hope that I keep enough of a sense of humility and humor about it most of the time to at least make it palatable. On the other hand, it seems that there are times when strict adherence to the facts, and reasoned and logical argument seem to be equally difficult to digest for some. I guess that it's just that political discussion can be unruly at the very least, and down right life-threatening at its worst. (As for religion, the other "third rail" of reasoned discussion, I think some subjects are best left alone by those still in training as Village Idiots.)

After all is said and done, this is the lot of position Court Jester position that I have taken up in writing this blog. I believe that speaking truth to power can be fun, but know that it always means walking a fine line (and sometimes crossing it) in the process. There are no "Falling Rocks Ahead" or "You Are Entering A Minefield" signposts to warn one of impending danger. Even when trying to make a joke to those who rule (or think that they do), one always runs the risk of sometimes severe disapproval (or worse yet, not being funny). Such disapproval has cost more than one guy with a funny hat the the funny little head that he fit it on.


For those of you who choose to take an opposing view and seek to criticize the things that I write, please know that I will never restrict your right to do so unless you cross the line of good manners as I define them for comments. Reasoned discussion and divergent opinions are always welcome. Bad breeding and poor upbringing, when they rear their ugly head, are not. Know also that I will read these criticisms closely, and will weigh them using my own good judgment regarding the positions that I have taken. I can and have been convinced of my own error in the past (though certainly such cases are a rarity, of course). Remember however, that your criticisms (even the personal ones), unless soundly backed by fact and logical argument, are nothing more than opinions. As you know, everyone has an opinion, much as everyone has a rear end (even me, though mine is mostly scar tissue these days). Unfortunately for the world, most of both stink.

The reserve of modern assertions is sometimes pushed to extremes, in which the fear of being contradicted leads the writer to strip himself of almost all sense and meaning.
- Winston Churchill

On a more personal note, I want to wish my sister Maureen a "Happy Tweener" (inside joke) on this auspicious day...

The Marine Corp Museum: Tradition Remembered

The spike at the top of the building is at the same angle and

is pointed in the same direction as the flag raised on Iwo Jima

I recently attended a reunion of the Marine Corp Battalion of my late father down in Quantico, Virginia. There are a few things that I have to say about that visit, but will do that in a separate posting. As part of that trip however, we were able to spend part of a day at the Marine Corp. Museum that is part of that base. For any of you who have friends or family that are serving or have served in the Corp. (or anyone as fascinated as I am with this organization), this is a pilgrimage that you will have to make. Rather than bore you with any of my usual nonsense on a subject however, I will instead simply share with you some of the pictures that I got while touring this facility.

Enjoy ...

 

Tony Snow 1955-2008

Perhaps no man since Ronald Reagan has served his country and the cause of conservatism as well as Tony Snow. His good natured, positive, and principled approach to politics and life is one that we can all use as a shining example of how to be not only a good citizen, but a truly good person.

I could wax on poetically about the particulars of a man who will be missed greatly, not only by the family he leaves behind, but by a nation that has see far too few like him.  

In the end however,  I think that no one can put it better than Mr. Snow himself, in this quote from the most recent Patriot Post:

"You want to make every pundit look bad? Then stand tall for what you believe. Don’t be shy. You want to stun the establishment? Then become a mighty force for conservative principles, and tackle the task with confidence and cheer... This may be a time of testing. But it’s not our swan song. Not by a long shot. Instead... this is our moment. This is the time to do what we do best—turn adversity into strength."

His passing lessens us all...

It's Like Oil & Water

I was taken by the discovery recently that not all of the oil currently floating on our oceans is the result of a tanker spill or the discharge from the bilge of a passing container ship. In fact most of this seepage is the result of a natural process.


You see, it turns out that that most oil doesn't like staying under the ground. Instead, it would rather rise to the surface. We have known about this since the 1860's, when it was noticed in areas as diverse as Pennsylvania and Azerbaijan. 

In fact, in a study published in the 90's by BP among others, it appears that there is seepage in 75% of the "petroliferous basins" (places where there is oil underground for those unwilling to pick up a dictionary or too lazy to follow the enclosed link). This fact is also true when the oil is under the ocean floor, and because oil is lighter than water, when it seeps out of the from these areas, it floats to the surface. This sub-surface seepage in the oceans can actually be detected by oil companies using a satellite-based Synthetic Aperture Radar, and is used as a indication of where they should be able to successfully drill for oil on the ocean floor.

Now if you believe (and I do) that oil floating on the ocean is a bad thing, impacting the fish and wildlife of this watery habitat, you must therefore agree that drilling for it and pumping it out from beneath the ocean's floor may be the only way to prevent this pollution of the world's oceans from continuing. It is not only environmentally sound therefore to do this drilling; but as good "Stewards of the Earth", it is the only compassionate thing to be done for the life of the planet. Please write or call your elected Representatives to make sure that any prohibition, regulation, or impediment to this off-shore drilling is removed immediately. This may be the last chance that we have to save Mother Earth.

Note: The fact that the actions described above will bring down the price of oil, stimulate the economy, and make us energy independent of a bunch of Third World despotic "hell holes" who would rather see us all dead should play no part in this argument. We are not talking here about feeding profiteering oil companies simply to promote the lifestyles of an uncaring American bourgeois class driving their SUV's. We are talking about saving the very planet that we live on.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm ... #3

I was feeling a little bored this morning, so I thought I would throw down the challenge and get answers to some of the questions that just bother me (Well at least this week). Here they are:
 

• Why does a psychic have to ask your name?
• Why does the phone company give you a phone number to call if the phone doesn't work?
• Is atheism a "non-prophet" organization?
• If a cannibal ate a clown, would he taste funny?
• If horrific describes something horrible, why doesn't terrific describe something terrible?
• Do vegetarians eat animal crackers?
• Where do the Interstate highways in Hawaii go to?
• If you choke a Smurf (something that I have always wanted to do) what color does it turn?
• What was the best thing before sliced bread?
• If a book about failure doesn't sell, is it a success?

I will be awaiting those answers...