"Do we deserve what we get?" written by Changeisgood on estrip.org

01/06/09 09:21 - 17ºF - ID#47303

Do we deserve what we get?

Please tell me Byran Brown is not running for Mayor again. Please tell me that Buffaloians cannot be so foolish as to reelect him...please...*much gnashing of teeth*

james writes at 06:22:56 01/06/09 - Comment #44130: Change,

I will be working on something this primary. I don't know what yet, I am just a grunt.

changeisgood writes at 05:24:45 01/06/09 - Comment #44124: James. I am very impressed. The seminal rule of lying is providing lots of detail. Good work. In fact, what are YOU doing for the mayoral term?

joshua writes at 04:36:24 01/06/09 - Comment #44122: Goddammit my response got lost. But to summarize - no.

joshua writes at 04:31:06 01/06/09 - Comment #44121: (e:james) you know damn well that a 12-3 majority is going to get anything and everything they want, and they have the votes to easily override Collins anyway, as they did with our most recent budget calamity. As for their supposed infighting, in my view it has always been entirely parochial and is usually to do with assigning blame for why things have gone wrong. Unfortunately they cannot blame the GOP for the county's problems.

A budget is never a values based document... it is this approach, frankly, that has gotten NYS and California in the position they are in, which is that they have no money and are looking for more "streams of revenue." I don't think they thought of the irony of the "values-based document" line when discussing soda taxes, iTunes taxes, eradicating the cap on state gas taxes, increased property taxes, etc. etc. etc. You wouldn't do it with your own personal budget if survival was on the line, and neither would any of the legislators. If Erie County were a company it would have been dissolved long ago.

NYS and Erie County in particular have never been responsible with public money. If you as a trustee of public dollars insist on including items in the budget that have no way of being funded, other than to drive taxes and fees up continually as they are here, then you are insane and the voters who put these people in deserve what they get. What the hell are we going to do, run a deficit for 100 years straight because there is no tax base to fund all the stuff we'd love to do? Ok, so we've saved "essential and vital services" but people are fed up with the cost of living and the taxes and leave?

The idea of a budget being a "values-based document" has put our locality in the situation it is in. You do not create a budget by starting with what you'd like to do, without certainty, or at least a rational and realistic estimate in certain streams of revenue. Period. Erie Cty. is already complaining about loss of sales tax revenue because of the economy, and this is after they raised it due to previous alleged budget shortages. For these people, the problem is never the budget, but finding the funding needed to enact the budget. Hell, NYS will tell you that they cut their budget, but no they didn't - they merely slashed "intended spending." NYS's budget is actually still growing next year. This is why a "values-based" budget is only created by irresponsible people that should be removed from office. I don't see a lot of people thinking NYS or Erie Cty. has done a great job of budgeting and it would be absurd to give them credit for keeping and expanding services, when to do so requires more taxes and an expansion of the Buffalo diaspora.

So, a "values-based document" approach to budgeting is only useful if you have the means to actually go through with it. If you don't, then you create a dysfunctional government, will continually impose higher taxes and fees to enact that which you've promised, and people won't eat/live/shop/work here anymore. NYS is the first or second most expensive state to live in terms of taxation, on every level. Why the hell *should* people come to Buffalo when the government can't produce a responsible budget or encourage economic growth? Add the draconian house reassessments every other year, which is an imposition of increased taxes without a vote, and I wonder why people would come here at all. Altruism only gets you so far.

james writes at 03:43:12 01/06/09 - Comment #44110: rubber stamp county legislature?

The fighting that goes on in that body is amazing. And why shouldn't the budget be a values based document? When the Chris Collins wants to slash funding for services for the poorest members of the county but throw money at the richest, I say a values based document is pretty darn useful.

joshua writes at 03:35:54 01/06/09 - Comment #44109: But to answer your question C.I.G. - yes we do deserve what we get, which also includes, incidentally, a rubber stamp majority in our County Legislature that refers to the county budget as a "values based document."

joshua writes at 03:34:34 01/06/09 - Comment #44108: 'Tis the season for Democratic scandals, so I was sort of hoping that we'd luck out and something would come to light about our dear Byron. I like Kevin Gaughan and have seen him many times in Wilson Farms, for some reason. Pop trivia regarding Mr. Gaughan (according to Wiki) - he was RFK Jr.'s roommate at Harvard. He might be one of the best educated people in Buffalo - undergrad at Harvard and graduate degrees from Georgetown and London School of Economics.

james writes at 02:52:44 01/06/09 - Comment #44104: wait, we just have this news coming in. Senator Hilary Clinton is resigning from the senate and withdrawing her name from the SOS nomination. She says she will run for mayor of Buffalo. "At least I am from the rust belt, unlike that silver spooned Browny." She said, noting current Buffalo mayor's birth place of Brooklyn, NY. "I mean, come on, did you see the Buffalo office I had? That place was a dump. It is time I moved offices into the art deco masterpiece across the street." Clinton then added "oh snap!".

changeisgood writes at 02:04:52 01/06/09 - Comment #44101: Arrg. Lie to me James, Lie To ME!

james writes at 11:10:02 01/06/09 - Comment #44095: Buffalo has never given a mayor less than two terms. Byron has spent the entirety of his term preparing himself for a second term or higher office. He will win.

Permalink: Do_we_deserve_what_we_get_.html
Words: 29
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: recently learned

12/27/08 12:51 - 55ºF - ID#47197

Don't Look Back

It is December 27th and already I cannot take any more 2008 â€˜retrospectivesâ€™. I have a difficult enough time with the here and now. I donâ€™t think one should look back until there has been quite a bit of distant between oneâ€™s self and oneâ€™s decisions, and until the first three beers have time to sink in.

Permalink: Don_t_Look_Back.html
Words: 59
Location: Buffalo, NY

12/22/08 03:43 - 17ºF - ID#47140

Recently Learned

I havenâ€™t posted in a year. That pretty much tells you how the last year has gone.

Whatâ€™s interesting is that the post regarding holiday-shopping-procrastinating which I wrote last year applies in whole to this year. [Notice I used hyphens like â€œholiday-shopping-procrastinatingâ€ is a real word].

It dawns on me I may never become Wonder Woman and I am appalled as I realize I may have reached my MMI (maximum mental improvement). I guess it (meaning me) never really gets any better than this. *bangs forehead on desk*

Permalink: Recently_Learned.html
Words: 90
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: recently learned

12/17/07 09:35 - 20ºF - ID#42552

The Latter of My Life

When it comes to Christmas, there are two kinds of people - people who shop ahead of time and people who do not. I am the latter.

Of the people who do not shop ahead of time, there are two kinds of people - people who did not shop ahead of time because they are very busy and people who just plain do not like to shop. I am the latter.

Of the people who do not like to shop, there are two kinds of people - people who do not like to shop because they are making a strong and personal statement that they are adverse to commercialism or people who are lazy. I am the latter.

Permalink: The_Latter_of_My_Life.html
Words: 118
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: recently learned

12/14/07 08:52 - 35ºF - ID#42512

Secret Life as a Caroler Looking at Hats

I have been remiss in posting updates to my less than eventful life. Not sure anyone noticed.

December is a whirlwind for me just as it is for others. I am involved in a four-part acapella caroling group and this, ladies and gentlemen, is our hot time of year.

You see lots of interesting things when you are a caroler. People usually smile at you because for some reason people like hearing songs they have heard a million times but those songs seem more interesting as they are actually been sung by human beings in front of them. But I have also learned that people also become instantly uncomfortable the second you make eye contact with them. Maybe its because this is very different that hearing music coming out of speakers, a one-way direction that does not require interaction. You would be uncomfortable if speakers made eye contact with you. That's my theory.

So I look over their heads. Next time you see carolers, look directly at them and wear an interesting hat.

Permalink: Secret_Life_as_a_Caroler_Looking_at_Hats.html
Words: 173
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: recently learned

11/20/07 12:30 - 52ºF - ID#42213

My Thanksgiving Goddess

This blog is fast becoming about my mother. Today its about the fact that I could never throw the huge parties I do or provide the holiday feasts that I do without her. Nor my sister.

In my family, we alternate who hosts Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners. The funny thing is Mom is the one who cooks the elaborate meal no matter where it takes place.

I have been so busy with my jobs that this year, she even did the grocery shopping for me - for the meal I supposedly am cooking. (I actually don't think anyone is fooled). She checked the sales at each of four grocery stores and spent Monday getting the best deals. She spent clearly half of what I would have if I had gone to the same big fancy grocery store to which I usually go. She cut coupons and used rebates. I merely showed up at her house yesterday, loaded the groceries into my car and gave her a check.

To top it off, she made me dinner that was served with ice cold beer. I did get to help her by choosing which one of the rug samples looked best in the room that is her next project. But that's it. Tomorrow she comes to my house to help me prep the meal and make the desserts. She will bring all the utensils and households items I do not own. We will laugh, discuss all the current political races, and lament the state of the union.

So I ask you, what have I ever done in life to deserve the super-mom? Maybe its what I did in my last life. I wish I knew what that was so I could do it again.

Permalink: My_Thanksgiving_Goddess.html
Words: 292
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: recently learned

11/19/07 02:01 - 42ºF - ID#42199

More things Wasted on the Young

It's gotten to that point. Since I moved back to Buffalo from NYC, I have gained 20 - count 'em - 20 pounds. Let me be clear, it is not Buffalo's fault, it is completely mine. Oh, and the changes in my life - my martial status has changed, my lifestyle has completely changed, my habits due to the lifestyle changes have completely changed, I'm older, and I have gone from working one job for 10 hours a day to working three some days fourteen hours a day. I have moved from eating low-carb for about seven years to eating was is readily available and quick. Not good.

There is good news. I think I am happier. Problems is because I am older, I just can't remember details enough to determine if the previous statement is in fact correct.

My mother tells me its okay that I have gained weight because she says before I was too thin. When I told her how much weight I gained, she said nice mommy things like "you can drop those couple pounds". Moms. Got to love 'em. That's the way it used to be. But my metabolism has really changed and I don't seem to be able to drop weight like I used to. It is a cruel joke your body plays on you. Insert evil snicker in here.

When I was in graduate school, I would drop between 5 and 10 pounds every exam period. That occasional life-altering event gave me lots of leeway in the weight department. Maybe I just need to go back to graduate school.

Permalink: More_things_Wasted_on_the_Young.html
Words: 261
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: recently learned

11/15/07 04:00 - 40ºF - ID#42147

Thank You Strong Women Before Me

As a follow up to my earlier post "I am a Disappointment in Some Depts.", we had our company Thanksgiving-themed lunch today. And let me tell you, it was fabulous. The food was amazing and different. Everyone looked like they were trying everything. Some things were clearly homemade. Some things were not but were eaten anyway. Now we are all fighting the urge to nap at our desks, but all are very satisfied.

I walked into one of the rooms and could not help but smile. I work in a really rare office - one where everyone gets along and no one seems to be that negative undercurrent that steals everyone's enthusiasm. People were talking and laughing and having a good time.

I openly admitted to all that I did not bring anything and that I did want to subject them to any attempts on my part. I donated towards the flowers. That's really all I am good for when it comes to dinner parties. I have come to terms with this. I bring bottles of wine that the guy in the wine store were good.

People were passing out recipes and I obligatorily took one. It will spend quality time with the other recipes that I have taken from other parties and they will keep each other company until someone finds them after my death and donates them to a loving home.

The really good news was there were several men that I work with who also did not bring anything. Maybe I am more like the 1950's male. Maybe my mother's generation's struggles in the workplace were not in vain, as I make as much if not more money than some of my male counterparts and I do not bring dishes to pass. Women, perhaps we have achieved equality. Thank you strong women who have come before me. I now have the freedom to be just like the men with whom I work. Well, sort of.

Permalink: Thank_You_Strong_Women_Before_Me.html
Words: 332
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: rencetly learned

11/14/07 02:49 - 59ºF - ID#42115

I am a Disappointment in Some Depts.

More dread of dreads. The company Thanksgiving luncheon. Everyone brings a dish to pass. Sounds lovely I guess (this is my first year of this, as I have only been at this job since late last December). I am supposed to sign up to bring something - something fabulous no doubt.

People in this office bring in beautiful things all the time. They make elaborate cakes for each employee on their birthday to share with the office. Some good ole fattening lusciousness I tell ya.

Problem is I have a night job too. A really busy, encompassing one. I am very very careful to never give the impression that my moonlighting ever impacts my day job. And I hate to shop, grocery or otherwise.

Oh and there's also another problem - I hate to cook. In fact I suck at it. I am dealing with some talented folks who so ruin the curve for people like me who consider saltines and beer separate and important food groups unto themselves.

My mother's generation fought for equality. I do not want that to be in vane. I want to be equal to so many of the men I know who just come home from work some nights, watch hockey and eat foods that might be consider bar snacks for dinner. I fact, I am really good at that. It is fulfilling merely because I am home, my puppy is at my feet, hockey is on and beer is plentiful. I am a cheap date. I do not wish for more. I want to be the 1950's male.

I have no desire to strive to be better, to be everything. There is a great David Shire tune in the musical "Baby" called "I Want it All" sung by characters wanting to be everything - career women, mothers, role models.

But I do not want it all. My mother's generation would likely not be happy with me. My gene pool will never replicate. I do not wish to download recipes and bring creative things to work to impress my co-workers. My idea of creative is creatively choosing something at Delish. I am happy with that.

Maybe I'll bring some Delish cookies and claim I made them.

metalpeter writes at 05:16:52 11/14/07 - Comment #27939: The way those things works are two ways.
1) You like most of the people there, so they are fun.
2) You don't like people there or would never want to hang out so it isn't fun.
3) it is forced by the company and isn't a couple peoples ideas is what makes it not fun.

They can be a lot of fun and you don't have to make anything you can bring something. The people who make all that fancy shit are not doing it for the right reasons. It is supposed to be a way to be social and have fun with eachother not show off, your office sounds like it is doing it the wrong way for the wrong reasons.

Just to give my perspective where I used to work it was fun and we did it and enjoyed it and it was done for the right reasons. But I also had a boss (who didn't know what he was doing and was an asshole and micro manager) who wasn't liked and put up a sheet and a couple things went up and then when no one signed up had a tantrum and ripped the sign down. He was trying to make us all buddy, buddy when no one liked him, and he did this with everything really.

What you should do (might be a bad idea but I say go for it):
1. Go to tops or some other store and buy lots of those chocolates that have the alcohol inthem.
2. Sneak in and don't get caught with a huge tray of brownies, make sure you you don't want the pan back. It is important that you take the first piece and that everyone sees that you take a nice big piece. You may say brownies are boaring but these will be those "Special Brownies". If you have the money to pull both of those off it sure will make and interesting afternoon!!!

jbeatty writes at 04:43:39 11/14/07 - Comment #27937: I always hated those company gatherings while on the clock. No booze and people usually brought lame ass crap e.g. cocktail wieners bathing in a crockpot full of bbq sauce. I usually just brought something I didn't make.

jason writes at 04:04:28 11/14/07 - Comment #27936: No, do what I did, have your brother cook something and then take all the glory for yourself!

joshua writes at 03:57:39 11/14/07 - Comment #27935: You are amongst friends, my fellow lazy bretheren! Your dinner description hit home. Some nights I just want to smoke CLEARLY LEGALIZED SUBSTANCES (in Holland that is) and watch the Gold and Blue play while eating... Wheat Thins. Help?

Josh

PS - go buy something that looks homemade. Nobody will be the wiser and you'll look like a genius.

leetee writes at 03:44:34 11/14/07 - Comment #27934: Eegads! Don't bring something from Delish... unless stale overpriced baked goods are considered a positive contribution.

changeisgood writes at 03:18:55 11/14/07 - Comment #27932: janelle, I look forward to your post. Non-cooking Martha-Stewart-Under-achievers Unite!!

janelle writes at 03:03:55 11/14/07 - Comment #27929: I absolutely dread/hate/despise these kinds of office gatherings. Mandatory holiday cheer at its best! I actually love to cook, but to have to cook for work and make it fun, creative,and crowd pleasing is too much stress for me - I botch whatever I'm making - and so I usually end up buying something from a deli on my way to work. I could write a whole post about mandatory holiday parties at my old job...maybe, I'll work on that tonight.

Permalink: I_am_a_Disappointment_in_Some_Depts_.html
Words: 372
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: recently learned

11/09/07 03:35 - ID#42060

The Silent Chicken Majority

I have lunch every Friday with a dear friend who works in a line of work that has a ton of people contact and his employment is completely at the whim of his clientele. For clarity's sake, he is not a stripper. Problem is the job has been held by a succession of people who have left because of just a few bad apples. The bushel in question apparently has a couple of folks who just need someone about whom to bitch. It seems they just need some controversy to motivate themselves to get out of bed in the morning. Its like the melodramatic soaps in Spanish only with less hairspray. It's the old "pay attention to me me me or I take my business (and my checkbook) elsewhere."

I really feel sorry for his predicament. I want him to fight but I have a feeling you can never really win these kinds of battles short of a rampage with a gun. The sad part is that it seems there are some folks who really like him and his work but they are not vocal. In fact, they have allowed this to happen to others before him and failed to stand up. They lament the loss only after the meanies have run the next one off. The silent chicken majority.

I realize some of us grow up but even as grown ups, are we still bullied by the bullies? So is adulthood really just uber high school? Does the squeaky wheel still always get the grease? Do any more clichés apply?

Permalink: The_Silent_Chicken_Majority.html
Words: 262
Location: Buffalo, NY