IMAGE vs SUBSTANCE

In our world today it is fashionable to spend more energy and time on creating an "IMAGE" than being concerned and concentrating on what is really important. I guess that is the legacy of "Ronnie The Rat" and his Trickle Down Theory and the current nit-wit republicans in office. By that I am saying that when the boys in the White House find it expedient for their purposes to concentrate on perception more than substance, because they have no substance, the sheep will surely follow. I am not saying that image isn't important but it is liken to respect...IT HAS TO BE EARNED! You can't just spin into existence, by changing a name...( North Adams State Normal Teachers College to MCLA) and wham!!! now you are a player in the big league. You get a reputation, and it is usually earned. In their stampede to disasociate themselves with North Adams and grab onto the brass ring of higher learning and wanting to be in the forefront of political correctness they have lost more than they have gained, but then what do they really care, after the damage has been done they just move on! And another thing.....What's wrong with being called "THE MOHAWKS"? It certainty speaks to the heritage of the area and lends itself to respecting a people by wanting to remember them. So what do you think?.....Is IMAGE more important than Substance?........ IT's YOUR DIME

"THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING"

How quickly our world spins! One minute we are a sleepy backwater old mill hick town situated in a remote, can't get there from here, region of the North East, then the next minute we are on every map in bold letters listed as a "Must Go" destination. Why?....The INTERNET and WiFi. Finely all those anti North Adams, anti technology, naysayers have been overshadowed by those with real vision. I have to laugh at how quickly the BAND WAGON fills up when the wheels start to turn. Seems all those old tired excuses against progress just seem to blow off the back of the wagon like so much loose hay. Maybe there will even be a real since of pride in our City. Maybe MCLA will even bring back their real name, "North Adams State Teachers College", instead of trying to distance themselves from the City and hide behind a phony, sounds good, name..... MCLA WHO?...............................What do you think..... IT's YOUR DIME

"AS SURE AS THERE IS A SANTA, Wifi IS COMING:

Good Morning People! Sure can get crazy at this time of year! I have been a "Shadow Person" on other blogs just listing to what others have to say. Though it is hard to keep my mouth shut :~) I did have to add my penny's worth. Anyway..........There seems to be more people than was thought that want to see technology brought to the for front here in our City. It is probably only a matter of getting the facts and cost out in the open so everyone is on the same page. "Hard tellin not knowin!" It was very refreshing to find that Dan Bosley is in favor of the technology and the benefits that can be gained for the City and MassMoCa. Playing the scare card, as our mayor likes to do, is not going to help the City grow. As sure as there is a Santa Clause, the technology will come to the City. I am of the reasoning that government is an enety of the people, not of those in control at the moment. I can't think of anything in City Hall that shouldn't be open to the preview of the public. Even the "SNOOPERS", as the mayor called them, should have access to anything in City Hall. What is there that is so secret that the public shouldn't be privy to? I say digitize the whole shabang and give assess through a webpage. Hell, that will certainly create a couple of jobs! From what I have researched, a Webpage can cost from FREE to about $30 a month. The expense you may incur is having a person maintaining the page and some of the equipment, but I'm sure their are grant monies out there to cover this. The price of technology is coming down daily so there is no excuse not to have it.
What do you think?

"I'm BACK!"

Boy, this is a hectic time of the year! By now you all have your shoppin done, I'm talkin to the ladies here, I know you gentlemen out there are just gettin your lists organized. Hell why rush it, it's only the 20th ! I know "MY" system worked really great for many years and a lot of you guys had the same system.....I use to see you. On the 24th, usually we would abandon the employer at around the dinner hour, sometimes during coffee break, about nineish or so, if the opportunity presented it's self. We would all meet at the closest tavern so we could compare our shoppin lists and partake of lots of holiday libation. Hell it is only nine in the mornin, their is still plenty of time left to shop! Then after having snacked on hop and barley sandwitches all day and a few shots of some twelve year old gentlemen, we were ready to go mallin, besides it now was around three or so in the afternoon and the crowds were all gone, perfect time to shop and besides that's when everything started to go on sale. I would have to say that it only took us gentlemen about one hour to do the same shoppin that it takes you ladies two months to do, and we got a better price! That nice piece of jewelry you wanted? Half price! ..........Merry Christmas to All and to, hic, All Good, hic, Nigzzzzzzzzzzz!

"CHRISTMAS"

Yup, it's almost here again! I know why Santa's whiskers are white!.......... He saw the bill Mrs. Clause ran up at the mall buying gifts! He,He Ho,Ho,Ho! Now when I was a youngin,...here we go again, North Adams was a whole different animal. At this time of the year the main street was packed with shoppers. Back then we actually had a main street with two sides, the Sunny Side and I guess you would have to call it the Dark side...and to be realistic it probably was because that's where Bank Street was and we all know what that was famous for! Anyway lets not get off the track here. Besides being packed with shoppers there were lots of colored lights strung over the streets and the big Christmas tree with lots of colored lights. The shops were all spiffied up with ribbons and bows, with Christmas Songs emanating from within, with their show windows chocked full of wondrous toys and gadgets. And yes, Santa himself was here to update his list personally. Oh and the aroma of freshly popped popcorn and fresh roasting peanuts wifting in the air from J.J. Newberrys, mixing with the smell of freshly baked cookies and breads and pies from the bakeries on Main Street. It truly was a Wonderland. You would actually hear people wishing each other a Merry Christmas! There wasn't much you couldn't purchase right here in town. There were clothing stores, music stores, hardware stores, sporting goods stores, specialty shops, and general merchandise stores. But alas... never to be evermore! Thanks to progress....Urban Renewal? I think we are still waiting for the renewal part! So when you are all scurrying around the mall, spending next years income, just take the time to reflect on the season and the true meaning of Christmas...and don't forget to wish each other a "Merry Christmas"

"DEMOCRACY AT WORK"

Are we keeping warm this cold morning?..... Good!..... Did you happen to watch the City Council Meeting last evening? Of course you did. It was the event of the month. The mayor vs Mr. Deep! I have to say that I was very impressed with every member of that council last night. They conducted themselves like professional representatives of the citizens of this city. They should be proud this morning of their work last night. It was real "DEMOCRACY AT WORK" I believe the days of the "bobbleheads" are gone forever. I would like to talk about two things this morning, so you can take your pick. The first and most important is the sewer line issue. Their seems to be a lot more here than just trying to "Help the people" as the mayor stated. The second is the issue of access to city hall.....(the web page) Not to drag this out but I, as well as many others, feel that it is very important, although the mayor seems to think otherwise. He seems to believe that the citizens should not have access to their city hall and the different departments, through the net. He talked about E-Mail as some sort of monster to be avoided at all cost. Hell, In today's world your E-Mail address is about the same as your telephone number. Not a boogie man. Eighter he is real ignorant of the computer technology or he fears it for some reason. OK.....those are the questions for this morning. Go for it... It's YOUR DIME!

"THE CITY HOME PAGE"

And a frosty Good Mornin to all. Just since we are on the subject of this computer net thing, does anyone know the why and where for we don't have a home page anymore? I am curious as to the particulars. I don't remember it being discussed at a council meeting, though I may have missed it. It seems to me a presents on the NET is a sound investment for any municipality in today's world. Lets talk about it.....IT's YOUR DIME

"TO CONTINUE INTO THE 21st CENTURY"

Technology - A wonder to behold! The availability of knowledge by all finally drags some kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Their are those that would rather we were still living in the dark ages of three channels on our TV's. Lets expand further on into the future. Wifi in the City (town) Hall,... in the Schools,...in local business,...and yes even in your home! Now in this future world laptops now are the size of a paperback book, can be carried in the back pocket or your purse. Need to look up something in the Town records, no problem, just park in the parking lot and access. No need to walk in the rain or the snow...need a form of some sort? Again no problem just access and download. Need to look up a bylaw?... you got it ...no problem...Oh that would make City (town) hall sooooo user friendly! How about our future students...Oh such a great tool to teaching., The students can study to pass the State Mandated Tests without ever having to attend a formal class. Could graduate in just a couple of months. Think of the savings to the school budget! After all it doesn't seem to matter how much knowledge a student has acquired, but how good they are at passing The State Smart Tests! And we would not need those pesky teachers, that the State has certified but seems to think that they aren't qualified to teach, ( I have problems with that logic? ) Seems it is all their fault that our students are so stupid! Hmmmm.... Maybe less administration and more Education would help?....Nah...I forgot our State Certified Teachers aren't smart enough to do it on their own, they need administering, that's where all the smarts are! Business could take advantage of this too. They wouldn't have all those people sliding in and out of their store all day, never know what they may have swiped? Sit on a BENCH outside their establishment and look and see if they have the item you are looking for. Were talking accessibility here folks. Or you could just access the Chamber of Republicans and they could tell you where you could find the item you are looking for is, that is if the business pays their dues to the Chamber, otherwise good luck! See.... I told you you would like living in the 21st century! What do you think? IT's YOUR DIME!

"ADELPHIA NO SPEED INTERNET"

A frosty "Good Morning" to you all! Well I guess Old Man Winter is here to stay for another season! Isn't that just wonderful?.......... This morning I want to discuss one of my favorite subjects, as of late, Adelphia No Speed internet. What you say? Let me explain why I call them that. In the beginning he created the intranet, and behold he found it good so he created 28K dialup, this was good so he continued until behold he created high speed cable, and it was good. That was in the beginning!... Now we are in the modern ages, into book two, if you like! Those of the corporate cloth are still preaching the same old sermon......DOWNLOAD SPEED! Well let me open your eyes, let the blind see!.....it isn't about download speed any more it is also about UPLOAD SPEED. An item that they don't want to talk about. With Christmas almost here a lot of you will be out there buying your youngins that new computer game that is all the rage. The one they must have! Well a word to the wise...be in for a surprise! The new and expanding technology in computer gaming today depends heavily on two way communication.....DOWNLOAD SPEED as well as UPLOAD SPEED! But unfortunately Adelphia no speed internet doesn't seem to think UPLOAD SPEED is important enough to invest monies into, to keep up with the times. Well at least here in backwater U.S.A. When I talked to one of their reps he basically told me to sit on a rusty nail and rotate, they had no intention of taking any money away from their CEO to invest in infrastructure. Where does our $59 go to? Back to speeds...On my computer the best I can get for UPLOAD SPEED is only 13 % of the DOWNLOAD SPEED, which makes for real shitty gaming. That is the max that Adelphia No Speed allows, or is capable of. I suggest that the next time they come before the people of North Adams looking to renew their license that the Mayor does what he does best...Demand they upgrade their upload server to modern standards or go away. We are not a golden cow just here for the milking! What do you think........It's YOUR DIME!

COMING TOMORROW - ADELPHIA NO SPEED INTERNET"

I have been wrangling with Adelphia No Net for a month now. Tomorrow we will expose their true colors!.......... stay tuned!

"TIS THE SEASON"

I'm b-a-c-k!........I think I finely have my problems with Adelphia fixed, at least for the moment. Seems that it was a bad cable. If you would like to test your download speed here is a link, ( http://www.testmy.net ) , There are several links that you can test your speed at, but I having been using this one as a bench mark for a while. Any of you old techno puterites remember the "TANDY COLOR COMPUTER"? That was my first adventure into computing. There was an evil reason I was interested in the world of computing though, making a big killing at the track! I reasoned that if I could put all the statistics of the horse and the jockey along with other variables, and the "K-factor", into a program on the machine, I could walk away a winner! Ya RIGHT!..........Anyway, it was a great exercise in learning the computer. Hell back then you had to write a program just to draw a line. Boy have we come a long way. Remember the Slide Rule? That's not a baseball term! :~) ..........This is a sort of an open thread today till I can get back into the swing of things. The Holiday Season is a good time to reflect and curb our bitching, which is not a bad thing! ............It's YOUR DIME!

"THE POOL, SINK OR SWIM?"

Good morning people! I surely thought that yesterdays topic would have generated a lot of talk? It is such an important subject, not only in our personal lives, but in the life of the city (town). I attributed the almost nil conversation yesterday to people still napping from the holiday......well you had better wake up! As this POOL affects the city (town) government as well as the businesses that are here and their employees. Look at how the budget monies are divided up......the biggest portion going to education, and that is on the rise. The prediction from the state is that within a few short years INSURANCE will cost the same if not more and be as big an item on the budget. Then we have real problems! The fix is real simple, PRICE CONTROL, but you will never see that with Republicans running the show. You have to control cost, but not at the expense of the workers, you have to control what can be charged for Insurance premiums (all insurances - liability, medical, and auto), for a doctors visit, for an operation, for the price of drugs, for a hospital stay... "THE POOL" doesn't address any of the underlying factors that effect the rising cost. It only puts off the problem for someone in the future to deal with. Our city (town) people are doing a good job right now but soon it will be beyond their means to control...what will suffer....we all will! ..........What Do You Think? It's YOUR DIME!

SHOULD WE DIVE INTO THE INSURANCE POOL?

A very interesting Council meeting with our State Senator. His report on the Health Care situation in the City (town) was some what rosy, as compared to other cities, but still a dire warning as what is to come. When government gets involved with health care I get a little skeptical, when government gets involved with MANAGING health care, I get frightened! Any type of managed health care IS NOT in the best interest of the patients, it is strictly an insurance ploy to sustain their bottom line. We will discuss the Insurance Industry at a later Blog!....... OK, What I see happening here is again our elected officials trying to bandaid and avoid a real problem.....HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE! He said "It is a complicated situation", Well ain't that the truth! Here is how I see it..........Our government officials have a big problem. On the one hand medical cost have gone through the roof and are going to go higher, leaving the people that are working, shouldering more of the burden. The number of people without insurance or very little is on the rise. On the other hand, the Insurance INDUSTRY is big business and government needs big business. So how to appease the people without pissing off the Insurance people??? By doing what politions do best.....NOTHING!!..... All they seem to be doing with this NEW POOL PLAN is making sure that the MEDICAL INDUSTRY gets paid! It is still going to be a cluster flock with some office worker telling you what is best for your medical needs, except now you will have to call a government office instead of an insurance office. (that's real scary!) As far as an employer is concerned, the private sector and our City (town), I don't see any savings, if anything is to be learned from history their cost will go up! As food for though...who is going to pay for another layer of government bureaucracy....higher taxes!..... Ain't nuttin free, ya gots ta pay da fiddler!.......... So what do you think? Should we test the waters first (ask lots and lots and lots of questions) or jump right in?.......... It's YOUR INSURANCE DIME!

"HAVE A HAPPY THANKSIVING"

"ADELPHIA PROBLEMS STILL"

Sorry folks.....Still ongoing problems with ADELPHIA NO SPEED INTERNET SERVICE! They are going to send out a Technico to fix the problem on the 29th? So till then it is a hit or miss proposition for me. They don't seem to want to fix the real problem.....their system..... insted they will come and play with my equipment, find their is nothing wrong, try to sell me a faster connection, then when I say NO... they will say "Hmmm don't know? Must be the internet! This is getting very old in a hurry!

It's Your Dime!

Being that this is the holiday week I thought I would try something different, at least for this blog. I have been spewing out my thoughts and trying to get all of you involved in the conversation, with only a small few choosing to join in. The rest of you, "the shadow people", preferring to not to participate. So...for the purpose of engagement I would like to know what YOU would like to talk about? What is in your thoughts? No one can trace you, without an act of congress, so you can still stay in the shadows. I guess they call this an open thread, so open up!....Remember "It's Your Dime", the best buy you'll get this holiday season! :~)

"SIGNS":

I was hesitant to climb on this horse, for obvious reasons, but it is a part of our City (town) government that, unless you have to go through the process, we know almost nothing about. Any business needs to advertise their presents and how do you do that?.....with a sign! Each business has their own special logo and wording, that they need to have, so as to be unique and attract customers. But at the same time you have the esthetics of the neighborhood to consider and even more important the distraction safety factor. It would be pretty boring if every sign was the same size, same background color, same letter size, same letter color, you get the idea. Being that each business is unique, lends itself to a plethora of shapes and sizes and colors. So.....we want to hang a sign out.....what's the process? Is there a pamphlet we can get at City (town) hall, giving us guidelines, criteria that the city would like us to follow in designing our sign? Or do we have to go to the sign commission and get it from them? Or do we just submit our design to the sign commission and cross our fingers, relying on their whim of the moment? Those of you in the know.....Learn us!.................................. IT's YOUR DIME!

"HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW"

Our city (town) is presently considering more regulations on dogs. The so called "KILLER" dogs. Those nasty canines that have been bred from antiquities to the present to be just that...killer dogs. I find it hard to fathom why anyone would want this sort of animal as a pet, they are not pets. They are what is known as "WORKING DOGS" (not to be confused with those that are beneficial to the impaired or the farmer. ) Then again you have your other nasty breeds.....like those high strung little Mexican tamale dogs, ever try to pet one? Point here being there are a lot of dogs that are nasty but are kept as pets. Should it be Breed specific or Temperament specific, or Both? How far should we go to regulate that "Doggie In The Window"?

THE "NAKED" TRUTH

Anyone watch the Clarksburg Town Meeting last night? Of course you did, everyone did! The ongoing saga of..... "NOT IN MY BACKYARD"..... As I was watching I realized that this was nothing more than a rerun!..... What you say?..... Let me share my observations with you..... Not long ago we were involved with a citizen uprising over some trees at the end of the airport. Williamstown has had similar instances of citizens not wanting this or that in their back yard, as well as Adams also. I would venture that every community has faced the same sorry story.......So here is the first question that I would ask the complaining residents....."You knew that the (bar, airport,etc,etc) was there already, why did you buy a house there in the first place, knowing the situation already existed, stupid!" ..... Of course we know that all the complaints over noise and traffic, and other nonsense items are just that, nonsense. The real issue is "naked ladies". People get real...no one is going to make you get up and dance!
Just an after thought....I would bet the farm that some of the ladies complaining were in the front row on ladies night out, when they had the male strippers!

"DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER"

Good Morning......This blog was started because of my complete ignorance of the workings of our City (town) government and an interest in what was going on in the City (town). All I had to go by was what I would read in the local media and see on the TV. So what better way to get the real and inside information, than to ask questions in the hope that those in the know would respond. I have tried not to be confrontational, although some of the questions could be considered as that. I don't make the news nor do I have an agenda to sell newspapers. I suppose, just by asking a question can be considered being negative and anti -whatever. Anyway...... What better way to see how others feel, than to ask questions! SOoooooo.....DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER! ..... IT's YOUR TEN CENTS!

DOES THIS SOUND SOMEWHAT FAMILIAR?

A very revealing article can be read here........... http://www.benningtonbanner.com/editorials/ci_3213285 ..........Are we in the same boat...Almost? What do you think? IT's YOUR DIME!

A "REVELATION" part DEUX

Today I would like to further explore into the mind set that prevails on the city (town) council. It would be a learning process for those of us that are not privy to the internal workings of the council. As they say "hard tellin not knowin" So those of you that know...(shadow people) ...learn us sumptin!.....Remember "Questions are the keys to knowledge and knowledge is power, and that power will set you free!"..... It's Your Dime!

A "REVELATION"

As I was sitting in my easy chair watching the television, not really paying attention to what was on the screen, my mind wandering off to the far reaches of the universe, with little snippits of thought popping in and out, not concentrating on anything particular.......WHAM!.......From out of the blue it hit me like a 2x4 up side the head! "The reason why there is no dialog, questions and answers, at the city (town) council meetings!" It is a matter of me hearing but not listening!
A while back,on our favorite local TV personality's program, he was explaining why there is not any dialog at the meetings. He explained that there is no reason to ask any questions because the questions have already been asked in the various committee meetings! What struck me most, "THE REVELATION", is the mind set that must prevail on the council! Their are two possibilities, ONE...that they truly believe and are relying completely on the premise that all possible questions that could be asked were asked in committee meetings...and TWO...that by asking a question of a committee member, would be taken as an attack or an insult, so don't ask so as to keep the peace! I can't agree with the first one, but would be more leaning towards the second. All council members can't be on every committee and at every meeting,..... so I would be reasonably correct if I reason that they must have a few questions........ What do you think? IT's YOUR DIME!

"STORES"

This is a tough one, being that there are so many factors to consider. There has been a lot of gab about rejuvenation of the downtown area with more retail stores. That is all fine and dandy but that is up to the private sector and they first and foremost need a market for their items if they are to survive. We as a city (town) can only do so much to entice business to locate here, they need a market. Anyway...I thought it would be a novel idea if you, the shoppers, had a chance to give your opinion as to what you would like to see downtown...This will be the official -unofficial polling of what store you would like to see open in the downtown area...Come on you "Shadow People" here is your chance to be heard! ..... It's YOUR DIME!

"THE KING TRIES TO SUSPEND THE FIRST AMENDMENT AT COUNCIL MEETINGS"

Once again the "KING of North Adams" (the title bestowed on the mayor by a local TV personality) tries to limit the facts to one side...HIS! I will have to agree that the city (town) council is no place to engage in legal matters. But what I find appalling is the lengths that the "KING" will go to, to stop the truth from being heard. Why do you need a large police presents at a council meeting? Are they that lawless and rowdy? Or were they sent there for intimidation and if necessary physically stop free speech! Why is it so hard for the council to just listen to a citizen and then thank them for their input and move on? Be real people...citizens don't go to the council meetings and engage in the open forum because they want to praise anything...they go because they have a bitch and want others to hear it. If we are going to limit WHAT can be said and WHO can can speak, then do away with the open forum. OK, the question for today is.......Is the Open Forum Really Open?...........IT's YOUR DIME!

NORTH ADAMS "HOME PAGE"

Good morning people...Well, the elections are over,... wasn't that fun!?... Congratulations to all the winners... Now we can get back to some sort of normalcy here in cyber land...and speaking of such...what happened to the "North Adams Home Page"? I know we use to have one. I would think that if a city (town) is trying to attract attention, the very basic tool in today's world, is a presents in cyber space. A "HOME PAGE" is a portal to not only visitors, but an information medium for the citizenry. A city hall in cyber space!... Information needed!... It's Your Dime!

WINNER!

CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTOPHER!

VOTE FOR..." CHRIS TREMBLAY"

CHRISTOPHER J. TREMBLAY

for

CITY COUNCIL

WHAT'S THAT I HEAR?

Well tomorrow is the day......everyone exited? I think one of the most important aspects of this election has been that there seems to be a reawakening of the people. Just the fact that so many people are running for so few seats speaks volumes. I think the message has been clear..."What's that I hear?....Is that the wind of change blowing?"
Don't forget to get out tomorrow AND VOTE! Vote "CHRIS TREMBLAY" for city council! A vote for CHRIS TREMBLAY is a vote for yourself!

THE FUTURE

Well people, we have only two days left before the world as we know it, eighter explodes in chaos and anarchy (as some would have us beleve) or we continue with the same timid council. By now mostly everyone has their mind made up as to their choice for their favorite person. I personally would like to see a more pro active council, allowing for more than one voice to be heard, hence my backing of CHRIS TREMBLAY.... At this pont I would sincerely like to wish all the canadates for city council, Good Luck, and no matter what the outcome, the sky won't fall down...but if you vote for CHRIS TREMBLAY you will see much more sun shine! ....It's YOUR DIME

THE AMERICAN, DEMOCRATIC WAY!

In a few days we will be going to the polls to take part in a process, that our citizens have fought and died for, and are still fighting and dying for. Your right to vote! This is the one great tool , that you as a citizen have, that allows you to choose who you want to represent you in the affairs of the city. This year the people of North Adams have a rare opportunity to elect to the city council a vibrant, caring, dedicated individual , that is not a politico bobblhead. A person that truly cares for the city and its people...Chris Tremblay!... Contrary to what a small frightened few would have you believe, Chris Tremblay will bring honest, open debate to the floor of the council where YOUR concerns will be given a fair hearing, not behind closed doors and out of sight of the citizens. Some say we have a week council, they are only as week as they allow themselves to be. They control the purse strings of the city, which is pretty powerful. Chris Tremblay will watch over your tax dollars so that when requested for, YOU will know where they are going. Chris Tremblay has new and some not so new ideas...Ideas are what moves us forward. Some can be acted on directly from the council, others through another process, but without open honest debate within the council, and the key word here is debate, how can Any idea get a fair hearing? Chris Tremblay wants ALL voices given an opportunity to be herd. To ask questions is the DUTY of our council members and not anti anything or anti anybody. Being inquisitive does not impede the process or bring our city to a screeching halt...It allows for everyone to participate...That is the American Democratic System. So after all this said, I will have to endorse...CHRIS TREMBLAY for city council!

"THE SPORTSMAN"

I was sitting here pondering all the issues and answers that have been proposed in this time of political rejuvenation and one thing seems to keep popping up and also seems to be the center piece on the table...The ART Tourists. I personally would rather see our energies and resources directed more towards the Family Tourist and The Sportsmen Tourist. We always have been a Mecca for hunters, fishermen, hikers, campers, snowmobilers, hang gliders, history buffs, just to mention a few. We are so rich in natural attractions it staggers the mind......just give the tourist a gateway to the attractions. We have a city run campground...so why not a city run, or in conjunction with private enterprise, a tourist camp, a base for snowmobilers to leave from, a hikers respite, a hunters haven, etc. A nice rustic log building placed on city land where the sportsman can be catered to and be made to feel that they are wanted. Inexpensive rooms to be rented, good wholesome meals, a scenic four season view, a tavern, transportation to and from downtown. Ya, Ya I know it ain't that simple, is the standard answer, well it is! "BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME" Lets be real people...a large empty room, a boulder on a string, and half a 57 Chevy sticking out of a brick wall... ain't on most peoples list of things to see. Lets not just cater to that small group when some real money can be made with a minimal of investment, catering to the SPORTSMAN..... What do you think? It's YOUR DIME!

"BENCHES"

Good Morning Citizens! Before we get started today I must correct incorrect statements made on Mr. Billings TV show last night. First, I am NOT Chris Tremblays father. I don't know where he got that idea? Second, Chris Tremblay is not trying to hijack the City (town) council or the mayors office. He is just a concerned citizen that is willing to step forward and offer his time and talents and ideas to the people of North Adams. He is not a hand picked candidate of the mayor and hence attacked at every turn. Since when is having an opinion or an idea bad for the City? (town) Now lets talk about "BENCHES"... Chris Tremblay listened to people in the city (town) and their desire for a place to be able to sit and rest while downtown. The older people and the disabled need benches...so, Chris Tremblay listened, and it may be added here that it was with the mayors blessings and the within the existing guidelines, donated benches to the people of the city. Then all hell broke loose...the mayor, perceiving an imaginary threat of some sort, lashed out as usual and sent city employees around to try and harass and strongarm local businesses, and then mounted a campaign of verbal abuse. This is good for the city and its people? This is moving foward? This is helping the elderly and disabled ? This is helping bring people to the downtown to shop?... Mr. Mayor, what is wrong with you?... Comment if you like, I'm fed up!

SOAPS

Not two many years ago I had the displeasure of having to take a daily dose of three hours of SOAPS. You know... that make believe world where the bad guy always wins and the good guy always gets the shaft! I could never understand what the attraction was to entertainment that day after day, week after week, month after month, and yes, year after year, depicts depraved psychopaths messing with peoples otherwise utopian existence. They say with age comes understanding...well I believe I'm starting to understand...They are depicting real life... What do you think? IT'S YOUR DIME!

PARTY

No...this isn't an invite to a post Halloween Party. Those of you expecting to gorge yourselves with leftover candy form last night...sorry! The question for today is...Does Political Party Affiliation Matter in City (town) Politics? We rarely, if never, hear anyone making reference to their preference. Are we just to small a sac of potatoes to care about those lofty ideals? What do you think? It's Your Dime!

BOO!

Happy Halloween... Today's topic is...Condo or Time Share? From what I have seen most Condo projects that go sour usually end up in the time share market. That would bring the Family tourist to North Adams...Whats your opinion? It's Your Dime!... Be cautious this evening people, there will be a lot of our youngins runnin around tonight...Happy Halloween.

BLOG POLITICS

Sorry for my missing a day, but the old puter decided to throw a hissy fit..."User Friendly"...I don't think soooooo!...Anyway, I'm back! So what interesting topic can we discuss today that will generate a response, from all those people that just sit in the shadows and read but don't participate?.....(have to find a nifty name for them...any ideas, it's your dime?)...Today's blog is about Blog Politics and the North Adams City (town) council!...I believe what most people get frustrated about is the council's total lack of open discussion, hence...the term...bobbleheads. The council should be an open forum where the city openly and with the public watching, discuss the Cities (towns) business. The behind closed doors in a smoke filled room full of politico power brokers is not what we want in this city. They are doing the peoples business so the people should know. Yah...Yah...I know the different committee's give their reports and the mayor gives his report...and that's all folks! No input, Pro or Con...Why?...because it has already been decided upon behind closed doors. With this type of politics why even bother...just put a sticky note on a blackboard and show that on TV. ...,Hell, there may even be some infringements of the "Open Meeting Law"? ...What does all this have to do with Blog Politics...not a damn thing, but I hope it got your attention! These are my views...What are yours?...It's Your Dime!

"RESPONSIBILITY"

today's thought is on "Personal Responsibility". In today's world it seems that no one is responsible for any thing they do..."the devil made me do it"! It is a cancer that has silently pervaded our society over the years. When people see government officials avoiding responsibility for their actions, big corporations trying to blame someone else for shoddy products, and the ever present INSURANCE INDUSTRY, no wonder no one feels responsible for what they do. The cure is simple....teach responsibility in the home! Our children learn from our actions and our words. Teach them that they and they alone are responsible for their actions. What's your opinion? It's Your Dime!

LONG COLD WINTER

If the winter turns out to be as severe as is predicted in the almanac, are we prepared? With the cost of everything on the rise, a bad winter could bury the city literally. Fuel for the city vehicles, cost of salt, cost of man hours, cost of everything. Is there a looming crises or are we prepared? The city coffers only have a limited and set amount in them and as far as the state lending a hand...need I say more. The only option left will be a cut in services, less plowing, less sanding, less overtime for city employees.
What do you think? It's Your Dime!

WINTER IS HERE...HEATING vs EATING

It looks like it is going to be long winter. With the fuel prices being on the border of thiefery a lot of people living in our City are in real trouble. I'm not just talking about people that need assistance, but all of us. Are we looking into the face of disaster this winter, where you will have to make a decision whether to spend your money on food or fuel? What's your opinion?...IT's YOUR DIME!

IT KEEPS ON GOING AND GOING AND GOING!

Well so far we have covered a lot of ground. It seems to boil down to two camps of thought, one that wants to maintain the status quo and let one person run the whole show....and the second, that is progressive thinking and believes that it should be a cooperative effort involving all elected officials. So far Chris Tremblay has been the only person that has offered any realistic alternatives. He has a genuine desire to work with all the members of the council and the Mayors Office, to bring forth fresh initiatives and new ideas as well as revisiting some old ones whose time has come. I expect...no I DEMAND... that my elected officials work together...no matter which Charter, A,B,C,D,E or F...they hide behind. The People of this City don't want negativism that keeps on going and going and going, they want cooperation!... So all that being said...Chris Tremblay deserves your vote! What's your opinion...It's Your Dime!

PAY AS YOU GO vs TAXES

Sorry about yesterday my friends, but Adelphia High Speed, again decided to take a vacation? I had Adelphia No Speed all day yesterday....Ok, Anyway...Let me ask all you aspiring governmentos this!...Why is it when you go to city hall for anything, on personal matters not business matters, you have to PAY! Each department has a budget that is paid for with TAX monies...Salaries, supplies, etc, But every little piece of paper you get they want 5$ or more. Every permit you ask for they have there hand out...WHY ? Don't give me that lame excuse that it is to help pay the expenses of the department...Hog Snot...as Joe Smuck private citizen these services should be FREE. What do you think? Is City Hall a STORE or a SERVICE?...southview

"Freedom Fighter" Uncovered!

Being that I was in PSYOPs during WWVietnam, I learned how to find the skinny on anyone. So using my Army taught skills I went a huntin! Guess what I found...."Freedom Fighters" real identy!

What's Your Opinion?

Being that it is Sunday, I thought we could get away from the campain trail for a day and just Blog about what in the City (town) bugs you! We arn't looking for resolutions here, just some dialog. Maybe you feel telephone poles are the wrong color, or we should build a landing pad for flying sausers at Noel Feld? Whatever turns your crank...Remember, "IT"S YOUR DIME"

"OLD COOT"

When I was bringing up my youngins...many years ago...I liked to tell them of the GHOST that lives in our back yard woods...being that I live near The Bellows Pipe Trail. I delighted in the fact that the Transcript would run a story about "OLD COOT" and had pictures taken by Randy Trabold,1939, to back up the story. Well time passes and old news just goes by the way side. I happened to mention "OLD COOT" to someone the other day and their response was..."OLD WHO?"... {they may have thought I was referring to chbpod... :~) }... So I got out my SURFboard (an intentional pun) and went a surfing the net. All I could find was an article in...http://www. iberkshire.com/...written by Joe Durwin last year on Oct. 27. I couldn't find the Photo taken by Randy Trabold. Anyway, Pass this on to your youngins... TIS THE SEASON TO BE SPOOKY...HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Mt. Greylock's Bellows Pipe Trail - The Old Coot As the Civil War began, a North Adams farmer named William Saunders left home in 1861 to fight for the Union. About a year later, his wife, Belle, received a report that her husband had been gravely wounded and was in a military hospital. That was the last she heard of him. Alone and in need of help, she hired a local man to work the farm with her; later she married the man and he adopted her children. In 1865, a bearded, ragged man, wearing a Union blue uniform, stepped off the train in North Adams. You can guess who had finally returned home. Saunders walked to his farm, and while standing outside he saw his wife and happy family, his children calling another man "daddy." Crushed, he turned on his heels and walked away, heading toward Mt. Greylock, where he built a shack in the remote Bellows Pipe. He lived the rest of his days there, almost a hermit, hiring himself out occasionally to farms, known to locals only as the "Old Coot." War and time had ravaged his appearance and no one recognized him. It's said that he even worked his old spread on occasion, perhaps sitting down to meals with his family, only he knowing the truth. Folks say the Old Coot was insane, but whether it was caused by the horrors of war or grief at losing his family, no one knows. One winter's day, hunters came upon the shack to find the Old Coot cold dead. But they were startled to see his spirit fly from his body and head up the mountain. That was the first sighting of the Ghost of the Old Coot, but certainly not the last. To this day, his bedraggled spirit is sometimes seen on Mt. Greylock, always heading up the mountain, but never coming down. You might say you don't believe it, but are you brave enough to walk the Bellows Pipe Trail after dark? ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mount Greylock, it seems, may be home to an even more esoteric entity. He is known as the “Old Coot,” and is sometimes seen wandering up the mountain near the trail that runs through the Bellows Pipe area. As the story goes, the ‘Coot’ is the astral remnant (or should I say revenant?) of a man named Bill Saunders, who lived in Adams nearly a century and a half ago. Saunders left his wife and child to fight in the Union Army. A year later, his wife received word that he had been badly wounded and was in a field hospital. When, after many months passed, she heard nothing more of him, she assumed him to be lost. She hired a local man to help work the farm. Eventually they married. Then, after the war had ended, Saunders returned, only to find another man had taken his place. Devastated, he spent the rest of his life living as a hermit in a small shack in Bellows Pipe. Many years later, hunters discovered him dead in his cabin but were mystified to see a strange man-shaped shadow dart out of the shack and into the woods, heading up the mountain. Ever since, hunters and hikers have reported seeing a shadowy, bedraggled form walking through the woods up Mount Greylock. Twice, the North Adams Transcript has published photographs alleged to be of the “Coot,” one by Randy Trabold, in 1939, the second by Richard Lodge in 1979. The Lodge photograph seems to depict a tall, dark, man-like form walking through the woods with his head hung low. Was this the ghost of Bill Saunders?

CHRIS TREMBLAY for CITY COUNCIL

If you want a councilman that will ask questions:
If you want a councilman that is knowledgeable and forward thinking:
If you want a councilman that is interested in your needs:
If you want a councilman that isn't afraid to present new ideas:
If you want a councilman that can work hand -in -hand with all departments of the City:
If you want a councilman that you can depend on to answer your questions truthfully:
If you want a councilman that is responsive to your needs:
If you want real representation from within your City Government:
If you want a councilman that isn't tied to any "Special interest Group":
THAN YOU ONLY HAVE ONE CHOICE.........CHRIS TREMBLAY

Rome Revisited

If it is true that history repeats itself, which it does if the past is ignored, then I believe we are in deep shit. Are we going the way of the Great Roman Empire? A Government more concerned with perpetuating itself than the needs of the people. I'm not just talking about our Federal Government, which we know is out of control and the hands of the People, but even our own little insignifent City (town) Government. I have not heard anyone, newbees or oldbees, say anything about what they will do for the PEOPLE of North Adams. Remember the PEOPLE are the reason that there is a Government in the first place. Not to enhance the bottom line of business or The City Government, but to provide the needs of the Residents. All I have heard is MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! What's your opinion?

A City? or a Town?

This is the question for today. Are we really a City? What's your opinion? If we discount the transient students, who don't have a permanent address within the city ( are not native to North Adams ) should we in reality call ourselves a CITY?

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

A unique concept in Government... "Special interest Groups". Actually that is the dumbest argument any politico can use. Every one in politics is un to them selves a "Special interest Group". They all have their own agenda, their personal reason for being, or wanting to be, involved in the process. Each has his own idea as to how things should be...and if others share their vision....we have a "Special interest Group". Hmm, doesn't that sound familiar! The Mayor likes to throw around that term as a derogatory jab at anyone he feels threatened by. He should look in the mirror....he may see Joe Thompson looking back at him. (southview)

It's Your Dime!

Welcome! A Blog site where we can talk about our City. To get us started let me pose the first question. "Should the City encourage a more diverse business base or continue to only encourage "Art" related businesses?"