Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Back like a bad dream

Well, I am going to try this again. I have had so much going on this year and most of it new to me. The new stuff was getting a lot of attention.

I have loved horse racing ever since we moved to this area. Purchased a race horse and have spent a lot of time at Churchill Downs and Ellis Park.

"The Boys" as I call them will turn two this spring. We do spend plenty of time with the grand kids.

We now will have four weeks of vacationing and travel to get in on top of long weekends we take during the year.

In the past I pretty much focused on politics in NA. Though I enjoy the topic, I am going to try to touch on general life topics as well pertaining to our life here in the metro area.

Hope my readers come back and enjoy. I look forward to talking to you all again.

Coop

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Council meeting 2/28 AAAHHH Horse Feathers!!

John Gonder was absent from both the work session and the council meeting.

The work session on TIFs prior to the council meeting proved to be very helpful to both council members and interested citizens in attendance. Here is just a very brief overview of some highlight points.

The maximum life of a TIF is 30yrs. The only reason I could see to want to end one before maturity would be if there is no more redevelopement to take place in the TIF area.

TIF will free EDIT funds to be used on other projects in the city instead of having to be used within that TIF area.

TIF funds do not have to be invested intirely within the TIF borders. Funds can be used like a spider wed to reach out or, reach in if you will, to the TIF area. TIF funds can be used to fund projects that greatly effect or directly influence the TIF area. However there is an approval process to go through for this to happen.

There were a few questions about TIF area growth maybe outgrowing the capability of the New Albany police and fire services. Now that may be a matter of some concern but, I say the real reason for the no vote on TIF’s is plain and simple, POWER & CONTROL.
Redevelopement has control over TIF spending. When certain council members see the size of funds available from TIFs and see they will not have control over it, that’s just not acceptable.

Speaking of the NO vote could someone smart (since you put it in public record Randy Smith) tell me how CM Price who read info to promote TIFs, and what was important for the council to hear on how great TIFs worked for another city, then follow that up with the only NO vote cast? Unlike Mr. Smith I would never claim in a public forum or on public record that I consider myself a smart person. At the same time I would not consider myself dumb or stupid. I remember years ago stating to my mother that I was smart enough to make my own decisions. Shortly there after my girl friend was pregnant and 3 months after that I was married. No sir, you won’t hear me say I am a smart person. Besides the smartest (book smarts, and formally educated) people I know have also been blessed with the common sense of a turnip. (comment not directed at Mr. Smith) I will take my discernment and common sense over smarts any day.

I digress, Statement of benefits for Rite-Way Industries was tabled and will not be on Mondays agenda.

Enlargement of State Street/Green Valley economic development area passed with one NO vote, CM Price.

Creating a TIF for pretty much that same area passed with one NO vote, CM Price.


Economic development plan concerning the Monon development area passed with one NO vote, CM Price.

OK, I am sorry but I can’t help myself, here you go..... http://www.geocities.com/~jbenz/against.wav

Both Appropriations resolutions passed with all Yes votes. Are you kidding me??

There will be no State of the City Address from Mayor England at Mondays meeting.

Finally, something I may try to do for all council meetings. I award CM Caesar with the “CM of the Meeting Award” for asking a couple of very good questions during the evening. The runner up is President Gahan with another well run meeting and getting us out of the work session in time for restroom breaks and stretching.

Past my bed time or I would elaborate more on those Caesar questions.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Oscar Predictions

Maybe it is just me but, where is the excitement this year? There just doesn't seem to be much talk this year. Maybe I can stir up some conversation with my predictions.

BEST PICTURE-Atonement gets my nod as the best picture. Another film I really enjoyed watching was Juno. This could go to either film.

BEST ACTOR-Johnny Depp is my choice. Watched this performance with eyes wide open!
Look for Daniel Day-Lewis to get the award though.

BEST ACTRESS-Ellen Page was an absolute trip in Juno and is my favorite here. Look for the academy to give Cate Blanchette a close look though. Great role and performance but, in a movie no one liked. When was the last time that an actress won best and supporting roles? Hey, it could happen this year!

SUPPORTING ACTOR-Javier Barden is my hands down selection. I didn't see anyone even close. The academy however is in love with Hal Holbrook. This one could actually anger me slightly!

SUPPORTING ACTRESS-Again for me an easy selection here and it is Amy Ryan. And again here it is Cate Blanchette who had a great performance in a dud film. The academy could very well feel sorry enough for Cate's two great roles in bad movies that she gets both nods.

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM- Ratatouille, any film that can hold my grandson's attention at a drive in for "almost" the entire film gets my vote. By the way he will be 10 mos. soon and has seen 6 films with me. In case your interested the one he liked the least was Cloverfield.

ART DIRECTION-I like the Golden Compass in this category. I think the academy will go with Sweeney Todd.

CINEMATOGRAPHY-“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” is my choice. The academy I think may go with “No Country for Old Men.” Both are deserving. I did not see The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

BEST COSTUME-In consideration of the other choices which I didn't think really merit the nominations I will go with Sweeney Todd. The academy has always liked the style in Elizabeth.

BEST DIRECTOR-“Michael Clayton” (Warner Bros.) Tony Gilroy with a very good and well directed film. I can't see the academy shutting out There will be Blood. This category and editing may be there only shots.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE-OK call me weird here but I like “Taxi to the Dark Side." The academy I am sure will go with Sicko, which I rate as one of the worst I have seen.

DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT-You got me there! I have not seen any of these. I have however heard good things about "Sari’s Mother.”

FILM EDITING- I like “No Country for Old Men” here but, if "There will be Blood" has not scored by now give it to them.

FOREIGN FILM-"Counterfeiters" I love the moral issues and the drama they bring forth in this film. It makes me think! However I don't think the academy can pass up a well done film in which Israel gets whoooped. Look for "Beaufort" to get the trophy in this tough category. The only one that could get my gander up would be "Mongol." This was very well acted if not the best acted in all this years nominations. But, just the thinking that Genghis Khan was an inspiring and visionary leader makes this serious drama almost an accidental laugh. Come on now!! I have heard a lot about rewriting history lately and here is a great example.

MAKE-UP-Could yet another bad movie win an award "Norbit." No way Pirates takes this one in a landslide.

MUSIC-ORIGINAL SCORE-You got me, this is a sentimental pick because much to the surprise of my daughters I really liked the score in Juno. Since Juno is not nominated my pick is the best film not nominated for best film, “The Kite Runner.”

MUSIC-ORIGINAL SONG-I have to go with how the song actually works within the movie. For that reason alone I choose “That’s How You Know” from “Enchanted.”

VISUAL EFFECTS-Yet again not a very good film but I must go with “The Golden Compass.”

After writing this I may understand the lack of excitement. I don't remember the last time so many "bad" films were nominated for so many awards. Don't get me wrong the awards them selves can be justified (Maybe) within a bad film.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Yvonne Kersey Arrest

NA Confidential is correct in assuming that this process of prosecution of possession with intent to sell of the “Giggle Weed” will not be simple. Maybe they were just waiting for delivery of a vending machine. Weed: Marijuana Vending Machines Opening For Business in LA
There are lots of reasons one would have “Jolly Green” growing or stored in your home.

For instance one excuse might be that if the “sugar weed” tests to actually be “Indiana ditchweed” maybe they were going to replace their carpet with astro turf.

All kidding aside, (yeh right) as in most cases like this, I am quite sure there were warning signs. For instance if you ever heard the couple in question use any of the following phrases….

Frosted- doesn’t mean you’re cold or angry.
Fat Pappy- has nothing to do with any ones father.
To Blast a Roach-will not eliminate an insect.
Burning Logs-will not keep your house warm.
A Chocolate Thai-cannot be purchased at Starbucks
To Mow The Grass-will not improve the appearance of your landscape.
Sweet Grass-is not a grass you mow. Well, on the other hand, see above.
Queen Ann’s Lace-has nothing to do with sewing or clothes.
Tightening Someone’s Wig-will not require Rodolfo Valentin

….you should have seen this coming!!

Find more slang and fun at http://www.marijuanadictionary.com/

Peace New Albany

Monday, February 4, 2008

N/A Council

I will not be able to make the meeting tonight unless strange things happen at work today. Lot of stuff to get done with a deadline at the end of the week.

Boy Oh Boy do I have my own take on taxes!! YUCK!!!!

If you want real tax reform, stop taking takes out of paychecks or adding them into mortgage payments.
Everyone should have to write a check for the taxes they pay every year! Some people actualy think when they get a refund they didn't pay any taxes!! You think there is a lot of people on board for tax reform now? Let them write a check to feds, state and local at the end of the year and watch the revolt!!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Wow!! What a great idea for a fundraiser. I would sure like to think we could do something like this over here in Indiana. Maybe even for a little less money to keep it affordable for the average traveler..

Check out the web site http://www.bluegrass1000.com/ Links are not up and running yet but mark it. As a member of the British Sports Car Club I can see the fun to be gained. 1000 miles around the state of Kentucky. Included in the price; security, meals, lodging, wrecker, auto techs, luggage vans, medical staff, even an extra car if yours breaks. Funds donated to a good cause and tax deductable. I would go on this trip but already going to Daytona 500 in a couple of weeks and an Alaskan Cruise in July. I am fun money tapped for this year.

Maybe we can get our local curmudgeon to arrange micro- brewery stops, although the drinking and driving part may not be very popular. It was just a thought to throw out there. I have made winery trips where we hit 5 wineries a day. With lunch and dinner in the mix the tasting throughout the day didn’t have an effect on the driving.

Have any creative ideas out there New Albany? (Southern Indiana)

Sorry I missed the Council meeting and haven’t posted but that stomach virus nailed the whole family by weeks end. Then spent the weekend at French Lick, West Baden. Neither hotel looks the same inside and for the much better. The casino however will not be drawing a lot from very far. However on that note my wife and I did win enough to pay for our room!! Free stay, I am for all that!!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Gaming and Smoking

Good for Southern Indiana Bad for Louisville.

With the smoking ban back in Louisville, what would be the purpose of pursuing expanded gaming? Without smoking will Churchill’s attendance go up or down?
Will gamblers leave their machines to go outside and smoke? Leave it up to Kentucky politicians to push for expanded gaming at a huge cost to tax payers then, find it a losing proposition because people won’t sit and gamble where they can’t light up.

With Caesars, French Lick ( which I will visit for a weekend next weekend) and hopefully a Colgate casino, Louisville is in a gaming black hole. Churchill is unique with their thoroughbreds and will continue on regardless.

No smoking = no or limited gambling.

If you’re looking to take in more revenue, gaming is a proven. If you want to lose gaming pass a no smoking law.

New Albany is not going to get gaming and will not get a smoking ban. So why write this post? I don’t know, just thinking about our neighbors.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Benedetti-Recuse?

Concerning the vote on Gary McCartin's Charlestown Rd developement.

Just got off the phone with Ms Benedetti. She was very direct and to the point. She states she does not have to recuse if there is no capital gain for her.

She did not abstain because she said she was well informed, done her homework, had her facts straight and made an informed decision.

She insists her decisions will be made for the interest of New Albany not for any developer.

I have to agree with her statement legally, but personally for ethical reasons I would absatain, because I would not even be addressing a close relatives issues with my council. The last thing I would want is for someone to have reason to be investigating if there are capital gains to be made by my vote.

There are going to be several people watching her votes very close concerning developement issues. I guess I'll wait and see about her integrity as I will do with all new members of council and the re-new mayor.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Council Meeting Jan 7th, Some comments to revisit?

It was a full house, with standing room only. All members present.

Dan Coffey thinks they have a good group that can accomplish good things.

Jeff Gahan is elected president with 6 of 9 votes. Gahan allows a vote for vice president, (unlike his predecessor) that finds Coffee picking up 5 of 9 votes.

About 16 residents from the Charlestown Rd / Mt Tabor area got their wishes as the McCartin development was shot down. Getting to know the new council members got a shot in the arm as Mr. Caesar folded like a lawn chair on the issue. Just moments after stating “This needs to proceed” he voted no to help defeat it. He did take a substantial pause before casting his vote. Even though he did get it right, I still would admire a man who follows up his words with action. I am sure after he gets a couple of meetings under his belt he will grow a couple of rocks and vote what he thinks. As for Mr. Price, when confronted with tough decisions he will vote and side with the residents involved and concerned with the issue. How much do you want to bet we will be revisiting that comment before the year is over?

On the comments from officials, Mr. Price again played a popularity card and addressed the fact that New Albany is ranked #1 in Indiana. The re-new Mayor introduced his staff and appointees, forgetting a few names in the process and allowing the fire chief to introduce his self and comrades. Since the mayor is rooting for Ohio State tonight that will end my criticism. After all I have lost the names of my family members during introductions at times.

The Mayor’s address to council was aimed more at the residents in attendance. He is going to listen, learn and cooperate. There was a strong emphasis on “LISTEN” from the mayor tonight. He also stated he would cooperate with council as hard as he can and he “SWEARS”!! Even though that leaves a big loop hole I think we will be revisiting that one also. I will stop there again, after all how can I criticize anything else when the mayor asks the president to end the meeting soon because the national championship game is on tonight?

How many additional attorneys on city payroll? How many deputy mayors? How many more employees? Ooops, sorry no more criticism, the mayor did say go Buckeyes!!

Some side notes; Mr. Gahan did a good job of noticing the members who wanted to speak and getting them time. He sure knows how to use that gavel also. Did John Gonder look like he was mad at the world?

Of course there was more but, I am sure the coverage will be good at other blog sites. I have stopped the DVR enough, now it’s time to watch the rest of the game.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Coop Is Back

Free at last!!

Well maybe not completely free, but the 600 gal pond/water garden has been hand dug, landscaped, filled with water and gold fish. The fire pit area has been leveled and now in full family hot dog cooking condition. The tree swing for grandsons is working fine. The twin 8 person walk-in picnic tables are built and positioned between the pond and fire pit. House has new siding, gutters and downspouts. The daughters Honda Accord is road ready.

So, that is just a few of reasons I left the blogging sit for a few months.

Looking forward to the new city council and the meetings to come. I will be at the meeting Monday night. I cast my vote for Jeff Gahan for pres., though it doesn't count for anything.

I should be around more the next few months. The Christmas lights and deco are down and in storage. I have a speaking engagement Feb 9th and will be in Daytona for the Nascar race for 4 days. That is all I have on the plate for a while. People are calling asking about plans for Thunder '08 already. We will be there and in our usual spot but, I will be in Nashville, TN until at least noon that Saturday so I don't know how much partying I'll get in.

2008 will be the year Coop gets even more involved. Cleaning up New Albany of the Street Spam will be a priority. Look for this to be an issue before the new council and Mayor real soon.
After all, I believe cleaning up New Albany was a hot topic for the last elections.

That's it for now bloggers, see you late Monday night.