Common Sense in Ulster County and Beyond

This is why the Iraqi War is not Over

2011-12-15T13:38:00.001-05:00

Despite the popular thinking by our government, the Iraqi War is not over. It is not over because our government has failed to bring home all of our servicemen. Staff Sgt. Ahmed Kousay Altaie has been missing in Iraq since November 2006 when a ransom letter was received from his captors. In February 2007 a video surfaced showing that he was still alive.

No one gets left behind, and it is about time the government figures that out.

Rest in Peace Ulster Police Officer Travis Nissen

2011-12-13T16:28:00.002-05:00

General Patton once said, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank god that such men lived."

Even though his words were a little harsh, he is right. Officer Nissen's tragic passing this weekend creates a void in this community that will never be filled. He touched many lives not only through his traditional Police Officer duties on the streets of our town, but more importantly he worked hard to make a positive difference in the lives of our community's children at the Miller Middle School where he was assigned as an SRO. I personally only had a couple of encounters with him in the community where the UPD is ALWAYS there to watch the backs of those of us in the fire service as we carry out our duties. But I have been touched over the last couple of days as I have heard from friends of mine that worked with him at MCM as well as the accounts that I have read in the local media. I know my own daughter looks up to the SRO "Officer Harry" as she calls him at Bailey School, and I have been very impressed with the SRO program locally that I have observed. And by all accounts Officer Nissen was definitely one of the best.

This community was very lucky to have Officer Nissen even though it was for a very short time and the effects that he had on our community (especially the children of our community) will make a difference for many years to come. My most sincere condolences to Officer Nissen's family, the Ulster Police department, as well as his friends and co-workers at Miller Middle School. You are all in our prayers.

Below is a tribute to officer Nissen that was being passed around the internet:

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T09:46:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all that have served and are currently serving to protect our freedom. Happy Veteran's Day!!

Happy Day after Election Day!!!

2011-11-09T13:08:00.000-05:00

NOW CLEAN UP YOUR DARN SIGNS!!

Congratulations to all of last night's winners. There was really no surprise in the results. Pretty much how I thought, except for Kingston Ward 5, I really thought that one would have at least been closer.

Zombie Preparedness = Snowstorm Preparedness

2011-10-30T10:37:00.000-04:00

Just a quick follow up from my earlier post http://ulstercommonsense.blogspot.com/2011/10/are-you-ready-for-zombie-apocalypse.html.

If you were ready for Zombies, you would have been ready for yesterday's snowstorm and the power outages that many are experiencing right now.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!!!!

Are you Ready for the Zombie Apocalypse??

2011-10-26T16:41:00.000-04:00

Most people that know me, know that I am a big advocate of personal & family disaster preparedness. Partially out of interest and partially out of responsibility to make sure my family is ready for a disaster, I spend a lot of time researching and putting into place various preparedness strategies. Now I am not one of those people with an underground bomb shelter in the mountains, at least not until I can afford to start blasting bedrock at my upstate camp. But I am proud of the fact that my household could easily remain self sufficient for several months due to a disaster similar to the many that we all see on the news every day.

That brings me to the point of this blog post. People ask me quite often what type of disaster is the best one to prepare for. My answer: The Zombie Apocalypse. After they are done laughing at me and a short explanation they usually understand that I am right. Here's the thing, if you prepare for a hurricane it means you might not be ready for an earthquake. And if you prepare for a tornado you might not be prepared for a severe ice storm. And if you rattle off the list of disaster threats for our area that it would be prudent to prepare for, people usually feel overwhelmed and give up before they start.
But if you tell a person to prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse,

A: It gives them one defined disaster to think about and brainstorm possible situations and solutions.

B: Being prepared to live through a Zombie Apocalypse pretty much guarantees that you will be ready for any other disaster out there.

C: It's kind of fun. Not to mention all of the Zombie books and movies out there that you can use for "research purposes". I mean really how many movies are there about Tornado preparedness? Two, and all you learn from one of them is how to drive around the Midwest. And the other? Well let's just say that I don't see hooking up with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion to go on the quest given to you by a witch and some Munchkins, to be a viable disaster plan.

So, the next time you give some thoughts to how you should prepare your family for a disaster, just remember: Zombie Apocalypse.

Here is a good site to get you started:
http://zombiehunters.org/

And while these sites don't exactly get too much in to Zombies they do offer good information that will help you on your journey.

http://www.redcross.org/
http://www.fema.gov/

If you are already advancing well, then don't for get to try out some of your communications monitoring skills on November 9th at 2pm when the Federal Government will attempt their first ever Nationwide test of the Emergency Broadcast System.

Occupy Dietz Stadium!!!

2011-10-22T21:26:00.001-04:00

UPDATE: GAME TIME HAS NOW BEEN CHANGED TO 1:00PM BECAUSE OF THE IMPENDING STORM

Since the start of the Season most people (who supposedly know something about local High School Football) said it couldn't be done. But last night in Newburgh, our own Kingston High School did the impossible when they beat Newburgh and won their division.

After their first two away game losses, most of the faithful knew something was happening when the Tigers returned home and started winning. Then came Monroe Woodbury, a game that even the most die hard Tiger fans admitted (quietly) would probably be a Monroe blow out. But the Tigers did not go silently into that good night. They fought, and came within one point of ending Monroe's dominating win streak that spanned several years. Then with Newburgh's close win over Monroe, the Tigers got their chance and took it. They beat Newburgh 3 - 0, with an amazing 49 yard field goal by KHS kicker Korey Jubie. Click here for YNN video of the kick. (top video on the page)

Next Saturday KHS starts their playoff run with a game against Warwick at 7:00pm. So in the immortal words of Kathy Collins (Wife of KHS head football coach). IT IS TIME TO OCCUPY DIETZ. Come on out and show the Tigers that their community is behind them. And since you can't have an Occupy anything movement without some social media involvement, here it is: Occupy Dietz

COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR COMMUNITIES YOUTH!!!!!

Politics, Politics, Everywhere.....But who really cares.

2011-10-14T16:24:00.000-04:00

So, its election season. Not that I have been all that interested, but here is what I figure is going to happen. Not that it is all that hard to figure out because really on my ballot this year most are running unopposed. But here goes the contested races at least.

UC DA: This is clearly going to be the race that everyone will be watching because really, there is no other county wide race. (Except your particular County Legislator). I figure Carnright has this by a landslide. Sennett didn't have a chance from the word go. He has already lost once, he has a lot of baggage from his past outspoken views, and he has a lot of Democrats that I know who are not impressed with him or don't like him and are not planning on voting for him. Add to that Carnright's weekly appearances in the paper actually locking up bad people, and the everyday joe is going to vote for him. And really that's what it comes down to, if you are in either camp you can dole out all of the political propaganda you want. But the fact is if people open up the paper each day and see bad guys going to jail they are happy, Period.

Town of Ulster: As far as the Town Board and Supervisor go, they are all running unopposed. Now I want to preface this next comment with the following statement: I think the current Town Board (the Town Supervisor in particular) have done a good job trying to set the Town back on solid financial footing with some type of a plan for the future. That being said, I was very disappointed that the democratic party didn't put up a single candidate for Town Board. When you only have one voice in any level of government you are treading in dangerous water. Hopefully the party figures out their problems and looks towards the future.

UC Legislature: As far as the whole legislature goes, who knows, and who cares. I haven't seen any real progress from the last (at least) two groups through the legislature. It has been controlled now by both parties and both have done really nothing of any real substance. So about the best we can hope for is lots of changes. I could care less which party takes control, as long as they do something. This county is being trampled on by New York City and New York State and the only voice I have heard is from the County Exec, which in my opinion is very reserved and pre-planned. I would assume that he is already aspiring to higher office, so why fight for little ole us against people he may need to help him out if he goes for higher office. My district race has Jim Maloney vs. Mark Trott, and I did my litmus test with Trott and he failed. I can't stand when someone blows you off because they assume based on your affiliation what you already think. In years past Mike Berardi and Brian Cahill have gotten mine and my household's vote because they treated us like residents that they represent (or want to represent) not as voters from a particular party.

City of Kingston: Don't live there, don't really care. As long as the Town Government gives them a wide berth so that they don't try to shift the city's cost on to me through the guise of shared services.
However, I do need to put in a shameless plug for my sister-in law Janai McDonough for Alderman (Alderwoman?) of Ward 5. She is someone that actually gives a crap, and I think she will do a good job if elected, and even if she isn't elected which isn't something that you can say about most politicians. And yeah, yeah, yeah, I know she is represented by a party that I am not at all crazy about despite the fact that in theory I am the prime category of constituent that they supposedly represent. But hey, they endorsed her and if it gets a good person elected I will go for it and so should you if you live in Ward 5. And with a 3 way race it could go either way.

I think that is it, as far as predictions go. The best part about all of these unopposed races.........LESS LAWN SIGNS!!! That makes us all winners.

Sorry I haven't been around much, I really haven't felt much like blogging. But I think I will try some here in the near future though. I have come across some pretty cool things in recent months that I have meant to put up here. So we'll see how it goes.

Right now this has been my new life's mission. April 2012, 11 Miles, 28 Obstacles, Fire, 40 degree water, mud, snow, electric shocks and much more fun. And it raises money for the Wounded Warriors' Project.

So maybe I'll think of some other stuff to post and I will see you around.

Not That Anyone Really Cares but.....

2011-04-26T15:19:00.000-04:00

I realize it doesn't compare to Lindsay Lohan in Jail, who Britney Spears is sleeping with, or some guy that hasn't been able to find his birth certificate in a couple of years but.... Bowe Bergdahl is approaching the two year mark as a POW. At last report he was being held by the Taliban. The reason I say last report is because the last time it has shown up in any Google searchable media or news outlets was in December when he was in a video released by the Taliban (with a big black and blue mark on his cheek that didn't look like mascara). And since no one from our government, to our media, to the vast majority of the population in the country even seems give a crap, I figured I would put it out there again to remind us all where our priorities should be. Most people could really care less that soldier's are dying in defense of this country, families are being separated by deployments of our service men and women, and most of all that an Army Private First Class has been suffering through God knows what type of hell for the last two years. But hey as long as we can buy the next generation of the I-phone and see what stars are getting divorced this week, what do most people care.

Please keep PFC Bergdahl and all of our Soldiers, Seamen, Airman, (and even the) Marines, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

But for those that are interested, here are a couple of links for more info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowe_Bergdahl
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Bowe-Bergdahl-Home/105831760749

The best time of year

2011-04-15T18:41:00.000-04:00

Hopefully this is the start of a little more regular blogging. There is a lot going on locally and I'd like to put up some more post on the goings on.

Spring is here. The arrival of spring finally gives us the chance to get outside a lot more and enjoy our beautiful area. One of my favorite hobbies is hiking the Catskill Mountains. With the warm weather and a little bit of vacation I had the chance to hike one of my favorite spots and try a new one.

Our first family hike of the season was to Kaaterskill Falls. One of the main reasons is due to the heavy tourist traffic that makes hiking there near impossible later in the season. We were lucky enough to have a beautifully warm day to hike on. The only problem we ran into was some ice on the trail but we were able to get through to the bottom of the falls. In years past and better conditions we hike up to the first bowl and behind the falls which is an awesome experience if the water is running well. I highly recommend this hike to anyone.

(Some pics of the two different falls that can be seen on the hike)

My second hike of the season was not so easy. I along with two other hikers climbed (and I do mean climb) Double Top Mountain. Double Top in the western Catskills is the highest trail-less peak in the Catskills. A trail-less peak requires finding and signing in at a canister at the summit. The hike requires a fair amount of bushwhacking up a very steep side of the mountain. The hike itself from the end we went in was about 6.5 miles round trip. The last mile to top has an assent of almost 2000 feet and is pretty tough on a good day. Besides the tough steep hike, there was still anywhere from 1 to 3 feet (or more) of snowy happiness left for us left by old man winter. Due to the snow, we were forced to snowshoe the entire hike, which after a long winter of sitting around I can honestly say my body wasn't ready for. But in the end we made it and had a very exciting hike/slide back down. I look forward to doing this hike again in the late fall when there is no snow. Below is a (cell phone) pic of the sign in canister at the top. Unfortunately my camera died, but if I can get permission from a friend that took more pics to post them here I will.

Turbidity

2011-01-25T11:32:00.005-05:00

For those that live along the Esopus and are experiencing hardship or inconvenience by the DEP's release of polluted water into our environment for the last several months. The County Executive (who has been one of the few elected officials trying to fight the destruction of our waterways by our neighbors to the south) has a pretty interesting idea in this morning's Freeman. http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/01/25/news/doc4d3e4282d0233139153164.txt?viewmode=default

Good idea, start hitting from all ends. Whether through individual lawsuits, insurance claims, complaints and I would add requests to our Assemblymen, Senators, and Congressmen for investigations, the public outcry needs to be strong and create as much as a hassle as possible.

I have personally seen with my own eyes what happens when the DEP suspects that someone MIGHT be mistakenly (through system failure) losing pollutants into the ground 20 miles from the nearest Reservoir. They show up with police and threaten to arrest you and anyone else they can think of.

My question is: When they are polluting, who shows up on our behalf and starts threatening arrest?

Looking forward to Spring yet??

2011-01-24T15:39:00.007-05:00

In the immortal words of someone more famous than I: "It's Cucking Fold Out".

Let's think about Spring, and all of the great things that our area has to offer when it gets here. One of my favorite easy hikes of the Catskills, Overlook Mountain gives hikers of all ages the opportunity to hike to it's summit fairly easily. While at the top two great sights of note: First the remains of the Overlook Mountain House is very cool. And as mother nature does her work it may not be around for too many more generations to see. Here is a site with some great historical info about it: http://www.hudsonvalleyruins.org/yasinsac/overlook/overlook.html.

Second, from there just short hike up to the summit and you will find one NY's Fire Towers which is currently open to the public in the warmer months. You may have to battle a fear of heights, but the view from up inside the tower is more than worth it. On a clear day you can see several states from the top of the mountain. Also at the summit is a small museum that gives visitors more history about both the mountain house and the fire tower. It is definitely a great way to spend an afternoon. The total round trip hike is about 5 miles. There is a small wrap around, that used to take you past some old cabins as well as some great views, however the last time I hiked it, it was not well marked and I would hate to have someone unfamiliar with the area get lost on my advice.

So here is to the Catskill Hiking Season (warm weather) just a couple of weeks away.

The Uptown Pike Plan

2011-01-10T17:37:00.003-05:00

Recently in my trips to uptown Kingston, I have seen several signs to stop the Pike Plan renovations from taking place uptown. Aside from maybe being upset about where the money is coming from (if you happen to be against grant money), I don't understand where the opposition is coming from.

I and I am sure others would like to understand the opposing argument to repairing the overhangs. I have a couple of particular businesses that I shop in uptown on a pretty regular basis and I for one find the overhangs very convenient on a rainy day or a hot sunny day. I also think that the overhangs give uptown a very unique look.

If there is any thing that turns me off to shopping uptown, it would be two things. First the parking meters have to go. On several occasions I have caught myself rushing myself out of a store or skipping a unplanned stop for lunch because I was worried about how much time I have left on the meter. And as far as the free lot, I have yet to ever find a parking spot in them during the week. The second pain in the butt about uptown is the people that illegally park and tie up traffic. Most times I won't even drive through uptown. I chose rather to park down the hill near the Dietz Diner or other out of the way places and walk.

In my opinion time would be much better spent trying to fix these problems then opposing fixing up the overhangs which is already set to go.

Town of Ulster Residents

2011-01-08T10:28:00.003-05:00

Are you a Town of Ulster Resident and looking for something to do on a Saturday. For those that are interested the following email was sent out to the Town of Ulster Email list.

"Have a question, problem or issue you would like to talk over with our Town Supervisor?? Or maybe you would just like to stop and say "Hello". Supervisor Quigley's door at Town Hall will be open 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 8, 15, 22 and 29th. The Town Clerk's office will also be open at this time to accept tax bill payments."

This is probably good timing considering tax bills just came out. So if you have questions about that or any other Town Issue here is your chance to go to the source.

Local Man Missing

2011-01-05T20:36:00.004-05:00

Zachary E. Green, 32 of Saugerties has been reported missing. He was last seen Sunday around 9:30pm in uptown Kingston.

Here is the article from the Freeman: http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/01/05/blotter/doc4d24eb50c79f6241737431.txt

According to coments on the Freeman website, there is apparently going to be two search parties organized tomorrow (Thursday) at 9:30am. One will meet uptown at John and Wall St., and the other at Kingston Point. Volunteers are being asked to help search various remote areas near each meeting place. That is all of the info I have seen at this point. Anyone with more info feel free to post comments. Thank you

Purple Heart Hall of Honor

2011-01-04T17:49:00.002-05:00

One of the greatest things about living in the Hudson Valley is our easy access to so many amazing historical sites. Over the holidays I had an opportunity to visit one that I had not visited yet. The Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

Located at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site (another place I hadn't visited in many years), the Purple Heart Hall of Honor recognizes those members of the Armed Forces that have been wounded or killed in service to our country. This exhibit is beautiful to say the least. I found it very informative as well. Besides the exhibits which include many video taped interviews with Purple Heart recipients, there is also a research area available to look up family members or friends that have received this award.

As an added bonus you are right in the same building as several historic collections of Washington's final winter camp of the Revolutionary War. And downstairs is also a very cool exhibit of Revolutionary War Artillery. As well as narration and demonstrations by a "Revolutionary War Era Soldier" that is on site.

This was a great and educational family experience just a half hour from Kingston. And also very close to West Point which is another phenomenal museum. My only recommendation would be to try to get there in warm weather when they re-open the outside exhibits and buildings. Here is links to the websites of both sites:

http://www.thepurpleheart.com/

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/historic-sites/22/details.aspx

Time to Change Things Up

2011-01-03T15:59:00.003-05:00

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

I have been posting to this blog now for about two and half years. Originally I started it as an outlet to offer my opinions on issues and politics. I felt then and still feel that my opinions were of a unique perspective because I am just a normal member of the community. I am not an insider nor do I work for (or conspire with)any particular politicians or candidates although I do know and happily talk to many of them. But obviously like anyone, there are ones that I support. Most importantly the only representatives that I am loyal to are the ones that I feel are doing what is right for our community. Despite my affiliation and beliefs (or what people perceive to be my beliefs) I have no problem praising or ripping on an elected representative even if they happen to be a member of the party that I am affiliated with at that time. What I have refused to do in 2 1/2 years is post the dirt and other personal crap that is given to me almost on a daily basis. So in the scheme of local blogs, that puts me at a disadvantage.

It is safe to say that politics have been an interest of mine since I was 12 or 13. Not just the issues and elections, but the process and the game for lack of a better word. Well I can say that I am pretty well bored with politics at this point. One thing that I have come to realize after 20 or so years of watching the game is this. Despite what your representative or party tells you, government is a show. More so on the state and federal level, but even to an extent on the local level. The decisions are made long before you see them made and by much fewer people than you see actually make them. George Carlin said it best when he said that the purpose of government is to make people feel like they have a say. This doesn't mean that I think government or politicians are bad. Quite the contrary, I believe that almost all politicians start out to make a difference. And on the local level, I think that all of our representatives are doing what they believe to be the best course of action. But the longer they are in the system and the higher they go the more they sell out what is right and replace it with what gets them more power and better jobs. Unfortunately it is how the system is set up. You and I, even if we were to donate to a state or federal level politician can not and will never be able to compete with their powerful friends and lobbyists. It's the way is is. Personally I just put my faith in the fact that what comes around goes around, and eventually these people will have to answer for their actions. And as for those screwed by the system, it seems that eventually things work out for them.

But I digress (a lot). So let's talk about changing things up. There are enough politics blogs locally. And since I am just a voice in the crowd, and also since I am unwilling to try to compete with the other voices nor am I willing to become a propaganda board for anyone, here is what I am planning on doing.

Last month I was talking to a young man that I know, and he was telling me about his weekend plans to participate in Wreaths Across America with a group that he is involved with. Now this is a program that I have followed and supported for years. So I asked him if he was going to the Veterans Cemetery near Albany since I knew there were events scheduled there. He told me that he was participating at local cemeteries, which was a shock to me because I had not heard of local activities. I thought it pitiful of me to not know that a program I support was holding local activities. Furthermore, this like many "GOOD THINGS" that happen in our community received no attention in the local media that I saw.

So it has occurred to me, and I have decided that I am going to start focusing more on the issues that we can promote to have a positive impact on our community. As well as try to raise awareness on what some may consider negative issues but by bringing light to them maybe we can have a positive effect. And I am going to spend pretty much no time (except maybe a post or two in October) on the theater that is politics.

So to those that stop by for the latest gossip, (even though this was never a good place for that) hopefully you will continue to stop by for a change of pace. But if not I am sorry to see you go. And to those that are just interested in all things local.....stick around and bring your friends and maybe we can do some good. To all, thank you for reading over the last two and half years. What I initially started as an experiment has turned out to be a blast. Nothing is cooler than to see hundreds of people a day in some cases log in to see what you wrote.

PS: I case you haven't noticed, for the 2nd time in this blogs history I have deleted everything. Time to start fresh.

Blank!

2010-12-30T13:17:00.000-05:00

You know sometimes you need a change.