Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Death from above.
Yesterday afternoon, about 4:15, I was on the home stretch of Cojack's daily walk.
As we approached a large field - i.e., about 5 or 6 available lots all in a row - I saw two splotches of white on the well-mowed field. My first thought was that old Jack had run over some paper with the mower. Then I thought, no, that's not like Jack. He always picks up the trash before he mows.
When we came up to the piles, it became obvious that it was two piles of white bird feathers. The piles, about ten feet apart, consisted of both wing feathers and body feathers. From the black tips on the wing feathers and the fact that I had seen white ibis in the neighborhood earlier, I knew immediately what it was.
The question was how had it met its demise. Clearly, it had happened only minutes earlier because the wind had not yet dispersed the lighter feathers. My first thought was a feline predator. As we traveled on towards home, I thought, no, that's not likely because there was absolutely no cover within 50 yards of where the kill took place.
About 50 feet on up the road from the feather piles, I caught the killer out of the corner of my eye. About ten feet from the edge of the woods, there sat a Cooper's Hawk. He was holding down the de-feathered carcass with his talons and tearing off strips of flesh with his beak.
Long-time readers may recall my recounting looking out my kitchen window one day and catching a life-and death aerial battle between a piliated woodpecker and a pursuing Cooper's hawk. That time, the intended prey escaped by zig-zagging between thickly planted pine saplings like a pin ball.
Yesterday's winner might well be that same Cooper's hawk. I've seen him around ever since. All of this essentially clear-cut space surrounded by woods makes a perfect hunting area. I doubt the unwary white ibis knew what hit him.
As we approached a large field - i.e., about 5 or 6 available lots all in a row - I saw two splotches of white on the well-mowed field. My first thought was that old Jack had run over some paper with the mower. Then I thought, no, that's not like Jack. He always picks up the trash before he mows.
When we came up to the piles, it became obvious that it was two piles of white bird feathers. The piles, about ten feet apart, consisted of both wing feathers and body feathers. From the black tips on the wing feathers and the fact that I had seen white ibis in the neighborhood earlier, I knew immediately what it was.
The question was how had it met its demise. Clearly, it had happened only minutes earlier because the wind had not yet dispersed the lighter feathers. My first thought was a feline predator. As we traveled on towards home, I thought, no, that's not likely because there was absolutely no cover within 50 yards of where the kill took place.
About 50 feet on up the road from the feather piles, I caught the killer out of the corner of my eye. About ten feet from the edge of the woods, there sat a Cooper's Hawk. He was holding down the de-feathered carcass with his talons and tearing off strips of flesh with his beak.
Long-time readers may recall my recounting looking out my kitchen window one day and catching a life-and death aerial battle between a piliated woodpecker and a pursuing Cooper's hawk. That time, the intended prey escaped by zig-zagging between thickly planted pine saplings like a pin ball.
Yesterday's winner might well be that same Cooper's hawk. I've seen him around ever since. All of this essentially clear-cut space surrounded by woods makes a perfect hunting area. I doubt the unwary white ibis knew what hit him.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
The map of Camden County comings and goings.
When the map comes up, click on "Clear Lines" then move your cursor to Camden County and left click. You can do that for any county in any state.
http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/04/migration-moving-wealthy-interactive-counties-map.html?preload=13051
Want to see something interesting? Go to the bottom left- hand corner and click on "Detroit." Damn!
http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/04/migration-moving-wealthy-interactive-counties-map.html?preload=13051
Want to see something interesting? Go to the bottom left- hand corner and click on "Detroit." Damn!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday Funnies; Volume 147.
BOY: May I hold your hand?
GIRL: No thanks, it isn’t heavy.
GIRL: Say you love me! Say you love me!
BOY: You love me…
GIRL: If we become engaged will you give me a ring?
BOY: Sure, what’s your phone number?
GIRL: Darling, I want to dance like this forever.
BOY: Don’t you ever want to improve?
MAN: You remind me of the sea.
WOMAN: Because I’m wild, romantic and exciting?
MAN: NO, because you make me sick.
WIFE : You tell a man something, it goes in one ear and comes out of the other.
HUSBAND : You tell a woman something: It goes in both ears and comes out of the mouth.
MARY : John says I’m pretty. Andy says I’m ugly.What do you think, Peter?
PETER : A bit of both. I think you’re pretty ugly.
Girlfriend : “….And are you sure you love me and no one else?”
Boyfriend : “Dead Sure! I checked the whole list again yesterday”.
Teacher : “Which is more important to us, the sun or the moon?”
Pupil : “The moon”.
Teacher : “Why?”
Pupil : “The moon gives us light at night when we need it but the sun gives us light only in the day time when we don’t need it”.
Teacher : “What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?”
Pupil : “A teacher”.
Waiter : “Would you like your coffee black?”
Customer : “What other colours do you have ?”
Teacher : “Sam, you talk a lot!”
Sam : “It’s a family tradition”.
Teacher : “What do you mean?”
Sam : “Sir, my grandpa was a street hawker, my father is a teacher.”
Teacher : “What about your mother?”
Sam : “She’s a woman”..
Tom : “How should I convey the news to my father that I’ve failed?”
David: “You just send a telegram: Result declared, past year’s performance repeated”.
Teacher : “Now, children, if I saw a man beating a donkey and stopped him, what virtue would I be showing?”
Student : “Brotherly love”.
Teacher : “Now, Sam, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?”
Sam : “No sir, I don’t have to, my mom is a good cook”.
Patient : “What are the chances of my recovering doctor?”
Doctor : “One hundred percent. Medical records show that nine out of ten people die of the disease you have. Yours is the tenth case I’ve treated. The others all died”.
Teacher : ” Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE?”
One Student : “Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day and at the same time.”
Teacher : ” George Washington not only chopped down his father’s Cherry tree, but also admitted doing it.
Now do you know why his father didn’t punish him ?”
One Student: ” Because George still had the axe in is hand.”
GIRL: No thanks, it isn’t heavy.
GIRL: Say you love me! Say you love me!
BOY: You love me…
GIRL: If we become engaged will you give me a ring?
BOY: Sure, what’s your phone number?
GIRL: Darling, I want to dance like this forever.
BOY: Don’t you ever want to improve?
MAN: You remind me of the sea.
WOMAN: Because I’m wild, romantic and exciting?
MAN: NO, because you make me sick.
WIFE : You tell a man something, it goes in one ear and comes out of the other.
HUSBAND : You tell a woman something: It goes in both ears and comes out of the mouth.
MARY : John says I’m pretty. Andy says I’m ugly.What do you think, Peter?
PETER : A bit of both. I think you’re pretty ugly.
Girlfriend : “….And are you sure you love me and no one else?”
Boyfriend : “Dead Sure! I checked the whole list again yesterday”.
Teacher : “Which is more important to us, the sun or the moon?”
Pupil : “The moon”.
Teacher : “Why?”
Pupil : “The moon gives us light at night when we need it but the sun gives us light only in the day time when we don’t need it”.
Teacher : “What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?”
Pupil : “A teacher”.
Waiter : “Would you like your coffee black?”
Customer : “What other colours do you have ?”
Teacher : “Sam, you talk a lot!”
Sam : “It’s a family tradition”.
Teacher : “What do you mean?”
Sam : “Sir, my grandpa was a street hawker, my father is a teacher.”
Teacher : “What about your mother?”
Sam : “She’s a woman”..
Tom : “How should I convey the news to my father that I’ve failed?”
David: “You just send a telegram: Result declared, past year’s performance repeated”.
Teacher : “Now, children, if I saw a man beating a donkey and stopped him, what virtue would I be showing?”
Student : “Brotherly love”.
Teacher : “Now, Sam, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?”
Sam : “No sir, I don’t have to, my mom is a good cook”.
Patient : “What are the chances of my recovering doctor?”
Doctor : “One hundred percent. Medical records show that nine out of ten people die of the disease you have. Yours is the tenth case I’ve treated. The others all died”.
Teacher : ” Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE?”
One Student : “Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day and at the same time.”
Teacher : ” George Washington not only chopped down his father’s Cherry tree, but also admitted doing it.
Now do you know why his father didn’t punish him ?”
One Student: ” Because George still had the axe in is hand.”
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year to all men of good will from
Jay and Cojack.
Others - not so much.
Jay and Cojack.
Others - not so much.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Georgia picks up one House seat.
http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-12-22/story/census-numbers-hand-georgia-additional-us-house-seat
Note that neither Florida nor Texas have a state income tax.
Note that neither Florida nor Texas have a state income tax.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Another episode of "Downtown Dogs-In-the-Manger."
As you all know, the soon to be resigned Director of the St.Marys Downtown Development Authority has mostly engaged in efforts to bring more business to existing downtown businesses as opposed to bringing in new businesses.
One such effort is the Saturday Farmers Market (or whatever they call it - I've never been). As I recall, it started out in the T&G parking lot and has since moved to right in front of the old pavilion just across the street from the Riverview Hotel with Seagles Bar and whatever the restaurant is called this week.
Now, it turns out that one of the vendors at the Saturday market runs a hot dog stand. Said vendor pays a fee of $20.00 per month to do so.
Gaila Brandon, co-owner of The Riverview, has complained bitterly that the hot dog stand is competing with her restaurant business ( having recently eaten at her place, I can well understand her concern over being outclassed by a good hot dog.)
Now, can you just imagine how bitterly opposed to the development of the boathouse property the ungrateful dogs-in-the-manger of the Downtown Merchants' Association are?
On another related matter, I found this site interesting:
http://www.stmarysdda.com/main-street/economic-development/
Check out his paragraph:
"Economic Restructuring involves improving the competitiveness of Main Street’s traditional merchants, creatively converting vacant space to new uses, and recruiting new complementary business."
Why is it the obligation of the other 99% of us to fund with our tax dollars an authority with the mission of "improving the competitiveness of Main Street's traditional merchants?"
Are entrepreneurs not expected to take responsibility for their own competitiveness? And what the hell is a "traditional merchant." It sounds like another term for the downtown "we were here first - you owe us" crowd of "dogs-in-the-manger."
And then there is "recruitng new, complementary businesses." Translation, the dogs want to make damned sure that no business which would compete directly with them and perhaps provide the other 99% of us with better products or services at more competitive prices is recruited. In fact, we all know that the dogs will call in political chits to block any such "damned outsiders" from opening a business downtown.
Update: 12/22/10 @3:00PM
I just got off of the phone with my good friend, Katie Bishop, our county clerk and daughter of Gaila Brandon.
Katie was telling me how badly Gaila's feelings had been hurt when she read the above post, re: the hot dog stand.
I am now given to understand that Gaila buys all of her vegetables at the Saturday market, loves the hot dogs, has never complained about them, and has never been a memeber of the Downtown Merchants' Association.
Speculation is that my source was confused and thinking about the time Gaila and the former owner of the Silver Star Steak House complained bitterly about a guy selling barbecue (which neither The Riverview nor the steak house sold) because the intent of the market was only to draw people down town to spend money with the "regular merchants." Apparently, they did succeed in getting Alyce to run the bar be cue guy off, but I'm now led to believe there is no resentment whatsoever of the hot dog vendor.
Moreover, I'm now assured that other than being their bar hosts, Gaila and Jerry have nothing what soever to do with the insurgent anarchist activities of Bob Nutter and the Nutter Buddies.
Insofar as my friend Katie has always been most helpful and Gaila most cordial, I am glad to publish this clarification.
One such effort is the Saturday Farmers Market (or whatever they call it - I've never been). As I recall, it started out in the T&G parking lot and has since moved to right in front of the old pavilion just across the street from the Riverview Hotel with Seagles Bar and whatever the restaurant is called this week.
Now, it turns out that one of the vendors at the Saturday market runs a hot dog stand. Said vendor pays a fee of $20.00 per month to do so.
Gaila Brandon, co-owner of The Riverview, has complained bitterly that the hot dog stand is competing with her restaurant business ( having recently eaten at her place, I can well understand her concern over being outclassed by a good hot dog.)
Now, can you just imagine how bitterly opposed to the development of the boathouse property the ungrateful dogs-in-the-manger of the Downtown Merchants' Association are?
On another related matter, I found this site interesting:
http://www.stmarysdda.com/main-street/economic-development/
Check out his paragraph:
"Economic Restructuring involves improving the competitiveness of Main Street’s traditional merchants, creatively converting vacant space to new uses, and recruiting new complementary business."
Why is it the obligation of the other 99% of us to fund with our tax dollars an authority with the mission of "improving the competitiveness of Main Street's traditional merchants?"
Are entrepreneurs not expected to take responsibility for their own competitiveness? And what the hell is a "traditional merchant." It sounds like another term for the downtown "we were here first - you owe us" crowd of "dogs-in-the-manger."
And then there is "recruitng new, complementary businesses." Translation, the dogs want to make damned sure that no business which would compete directly with them and perhaps provide the other 99% of us with better products or services at more competitive prices is recruited. In fact, we all know that the dogs will call in political chits to block any such "damned outsiders" from opening a business downtown.
Update: 12/22/10 @3:00PM
I just got off of the phone with my good friend, Katie Bishop, our county clerk and daughter of Gaila Brandon.
Katie was telling me how badly Gaila's feelings had been hurt when she read the above post, re: the hot dog stand.
I am now given to understand that Gaila buys all of her vegetables at the Saturday market, loves the hot dogs, has never complained about them, and has never been a memeber of the Downtown Merchants' Association.
Speculation is that my source was confused and thinking about the time Gaila and the former owner of the Silver Star Steak House complained bitterly about a guy selling barbecue (which neither The Riverview nor the steak house sold) because the intent of the market was only to draw people down town to spend money with the "regular merchants." Apparently, they did succeed in getting Alyce to run the bar be cue guy off, but I'm now led to believe there is no resentment whatsoever of the hot dog vendor.
Moreover, I'm now assured that other than being their bar hosts, Gaila and Jerry have nothing what soever to do with the insurgent anarchist activities of Bob Nutter and the Nutter Buddies.
Insofar as my friend Katie has always been most helpful and Gaila most cordial, I am glad to publish this clarification.
Methinks Councilman Trader has a valid point.
From: Chuck Trader
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:56:57 -0500
To:;
Subject: Biased and negative poll posted by The Tribune and Georgian
RE: Biased and negative poll presented by the Tribune & Georgia (SEE BELOW)
Friends:
As many of you know, the negative approach that seems to be regularly taken by our local press can be a cancer to our community (St. Marys and Camden County as a whole). I believe much of the reporting and negative connotation is something that needs more facts and balance. Whether you believe the St. Marys City Council is doing a good job or poor job in light of the difficult times and difficult decisions, it should be an individual and personal opinion. It should not be impacted by the negative approach of reporting and selling newspapers.
My approach in sending this e-mail is not intended to change your opinion but rather to point out the biased online poll that the Tribune and Georgian has posted on their website. This poll regarding the recent grand jury presentation by 3 citizens and their attorney has led to choices that only have negative connotations. My frustration is that there is no question or option in the ONLINE POLL that provides for any citizen to provide a positive response that is supportive of the City Council. I know there are many that believe the City Council is doing the best job they can and a good job in fulfilling their responsibilities with actions and efforts that are in the best LONG TERM interests of the citizens of the city. I also know there are those out there that disagree with some of the decisions and I respect their opinions.
Whether you live in St. Marys or Camden County (It affects us all) I would ask that you consider contacting Jill Helton at the Tribune and Georgian and request that their reporting be factual and fair and without a biased approach. This biased approach in this poll is not fair to the citizens of this community and will only lead to reporting of results that have negative connotations. I want to know the public’s opinion but much of the news is generated from a small organized group of citizens that choose to find fault as opposed to work together for a better cause.
Thank you for allowing me to share in my frustration as I attempt to work toward a fair and balanced approach based on facts as opposed to bias. Unless we work together to contact Jill and make a formal request for balance, we will continue to allow for actions that negatively impact our community. Her e-mail is publisher@tribune-georgian.com and she can be reached at 912-882-4927.
I appreciate your kind consideration and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Chuck Trader
ONLINE POLL
Do you think that the St. Marys residents' presentation to the Camden grand jury will effect any change in the city?
( )Yes, I think the city council will finally realize that they need to get their act together.
( )Yes, I think the grand jury will make a ruling that will force the city to re-examine the way it does business.
( )No, I don't think things will change at the city until elections next year.
[Vote] View Results
Update at 10:18, 12/21:
Well now! Very interesting. This morning, the T&G has blinked.
They have added a 2 new choices (the last 2.) .
Compare the way the poll reads now to the way Chuck accurately listed the original version in his e-mail above.
ONLINE POLL
Do you think that the St. Marys residents' presentation to the Camden grand jury will effect any change in the city?
Yes, I think the city council will finally realize that they need to get their act together.
Yes, I think the grand jury will make a ruling that will force the city to re-examine the way it does business.
No, I don't think things will change at the city until elections next year.
I think the presentation is not valid
I think the city council already does a great job
View Results
Thanks, T&G. Now, why don't you run the poll again tomorrow to give equal time to those who are satisfied with the current mayor and council?
To cast your vote on the T&G poll, click here:
http://www.tribune-georgian.com/
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:56:57 -0500
To:
Subject: Biased and negative poll posted by The Tribune and Georgian
RE: Biased and negative poll presented by the Tribune & Georgia (SEE BELOW)
Friends:
As many of you know, the negative approach that seems to be regularly taken by our local press can be a cancer to our community (St. Marys and Camden County as a whole). I believe much of the reporting and negative connotation is something that needs more facts and balance. Whether you believe the St. Marys City Council is doing a good job or poor job in light of the difficult times and difficult decisions, it should be an individual and personal opinion. It should not be impacted by the negative approach of reporting and selling newspapers.
My approach in sending this e-mail is not intended to change your opinion but rather to point out the biased online poll that the Tribune and Georgian has posted on their website. This poll regarding the recent grand jury presentation by 3 citizens and their attorney has led to choices that only have negative connotations. My frustration is that there is no question or option in the ONLINE POLL that provides for any citizen to provide a positive response that is supportive of the City Council. I know there are many that believe the City Council is doing the best job they can and a good job in fulfilling their responsibilities with actions and efforts that are in the best LONG TERM interests of the citizens of the city. I also know there are those out there that disagree with some of the decisions and I respect their opinions.
Whether you live in St. Marys or Camden County (It affects us all) I would ask that you consider contacting Jill Helton at the Tribune and Georgian and request that their reporting be factual and fair and without a biased approach. This biased approach in this poll is not fair to the citizens of this community and will only lead to reporting of results that have negative connotations. I want to know the public’s opinion but much of the news is generated from a small organized group of citizens that choose to find fault as opposed to work together for a better cause.
Thank you for allowing me to share in my frustration as I attempt to work toward a fair and balanced approach based on facts as opposed to bias. Unless we work together to contact Jill and make a formal request for balance, we will continue to allow for actions that negatively impact our community. Her e-mail is publisher@tribune-georgian.com and she can be reached at 912-882-4927.
I appreciate your kind consideration and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Chuck Trader
ONLINE POLL
Do you think that the St. Marys residents' presentation to the Camden grand jury will effect any change in the city?
( )Yes, I think the city council will finally realize that they need to get their act together.
( )Yes, I think the grand jury will make a ruling that will force the city to re-examine the way it does business.
( )No, I don't think things will change at the city until elections next year.
[Vote] View Results
Update at 10:18, 12/21:
Well now! Very interesting. This morning, the T&G has blinked.
They have added a 2 new choices (the last 2.) .
Compare the way the poll reads now to the way Chuck accurately listed the original version in his e-mail above.
ONLINE POLL
Do you think that the St. Marys residents' presentation to the Camden grand jury will effect any change in the city?
Yes, I think the city council will finally realize that they need to get their act together.
Yes, I think the grand jury will make a ruling that will force the city to re-examine the way it does business.
No, I don't think things will change at the city until elections next year.
I think the presentation is not valid
I think the city council already does a great job
View Results
Thanks, T&G. Now, why don't you run the poll again tomorrow to give equal time to those who are satisfied with the current mayor and council?
To cast your vote on the T&G poll, click here:
http://www.tribune-georgian.com/
Monday, December 20, 2010
The TRUTH about the county bonuses.
Here is an exact copy of an e-mail exchange between me , County Administrator, Steve Howard, and County Finance Director, Mike Fender, regarding this month's year-end bonuses for county employees.
Thanks, guys. Only the most unreasonable people would have a problem with that given they’ve forgone even a simple COLA for years.
Jay
From: Mike Fender [mailto:MFender@co.camden.ga.us]
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 11:36 AM
To: Jay Moreno
Cc: Steve Howard
Subject: RE: Bonuses?
The "bonus" was really an extension of salary adjustment. By giving a smaller salary adjustment (2%) instead of say 2.5%, it will help future budget line items. The "bonus" was given to all employees including constitutional officers since they are considered department heads. No bonus or salary adjustment was given to the Commissioners. The bonus parameters were as follows :
All full time employees that were with the County prior to January 15, 2010 received $400.
Full time employees that were hired after January 15, 2010 were prorated by the number of full month equivalents worked through December 31, 2010….hired until the 15th of the month receive credit for the month, hired after the 15th of the month no credit received.
Part time employees received a max of $200 based on the number of hours worked over the last year ……normal part time employee in the court would make 1040 hours per year working part time (8-5 , M-F for full time would be 2080), if they worked 780 hours last year, their share would be 75% of the $200.
If you are interested in the exact amounts or someone specific, I will be glad to share that info with you. This is not a annual policy or an annual event. It was simply a way to give a salary adjustment to the employees that haven't had one in several years. Please call or email me with any additional questions.
Thanks,
Mike
From: Steve Howard
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 10:49 AM
To: Jay Moreno; Mike Fender
Subject: RE: Bonuses?
Importance: High
I will have Mike provide you all the details.
The Commissioners did not receive anything.
________________________________________
Thanks,
Steve
________________________________________
From: Jay Moreno [mailto:jaymor@tds.net]
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 10:34 AM
To: Steve Howard
Subject: Bonuses?
Steve,
Congrats on the long overdue 2% across-the-board pay raises.
I’ve had several phone calls and e-mails about an end-of-the-year bonus for all hands that was not announced in the T&G.
Can you tell me if there was; who got it (especially commissioners); and how much?
Is this a new policy or a resumption of an old one?
Thanks.
Jay
Georgia has a very broad Public Records Law. Virtually all written communications to or from State and Local Officials and employees are public records available to the public and media upon request. Camden County policy does not differentiate between personal and business emails. E-mail sent on the County system will be considered public and will only be withheld from disclosure if deemed confidential pursuant to State Law. If you have received this email in error please notify the Camden County, Georgia IT Division at 912-510-4379.
Thanks, guys. Only the most unreasonable people would have a problem with that given they’ve forgone even a simple COLA for years.
Jay
From: Mike Fender [mailto:MFender@co.camden.ga.us]
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 11:36 AM
To: Jay Moreno
Cc: Steve Howard
Subject: RE: Bonuses?
The "bonus" was really an extension of salary adjustment. By giving a smaller salary adjustment (2%) instead of say 2.5%, it will help future budget line items. The "bonus" was given to all employees including constitutional officers since they are considered department heads. No bonus or salary adjustment was given to the Commissioners. The bonus parameters were as follows :
All full time employees that were with the County prior to January 15, 2010 received $400.
Full time employees that were hired after January 15, 2010 were prorated by the number of full month equivalents worked through December 31, 2010….hired until the 15th of the month receive credit for the month, hired after the 15th of the month no credit received.
Part time employees received a max of $200 based on the number of hours worked over the last year ……normal part time employee in the court would make 1040 hours per year working part time (8-5 , M-F for full time would be 2080), if they worked 780 hours last year, their share would be 75% of the $200.
If you are interested in the exact amounts or someone specific, I will be glad to share that info with you. This is not a annual policy or an annual event. It was simply a way to give a salary adjustment to the employees that haven't had one in several years. Please call or email me with any additional questions.
Thanks,
Mike
From: Steve Howard
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 10:49 AM
To: Jay Moreno; Mike Fender
Subject: RE: Bonuses?
Importance: High
I will have Mike provide you all the details.
The Commissioners did not receive anything.
________________________________________
Thanks,
Steve
________________________________________
From: Jay Moreno [mailto:jaymor@tds.net]
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 10:34 AM
To: Steve Howard
Subject: Bonuses?
Steve,
Congrats on the long overdue 2% across-the-board pay raises.
I’ve had several phone calls and e-mails about an end-of-the-year bonus for all hands that was not announced in the T&G.
Can you tell me if there was; who got it (especially commissioners); and how much?
Is this a new policy or a resumption of an old one?
Thanks.
Jay
Georgia has a very broad Public Records Law. Virtually all written communications to or from State and Local Officials and employees are public records available to the public and media upon request. Camden County policy does not differentiate between personal and business emails. E-mail sent on the County system will be considered public and will only be withheld from disclosure if deemed confidential pursuant to State Law. If you have received this email in error please notify the Camden County, Georgia IT Division at 912-510-4379.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A hearty sandwich for a cold winter's day.
First, you'll need a roll of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braunschweiger.
Next, a loaf of a good, sliced pumpernickel bread. Arnold's is good.
Also some good real mayo, like Hellman's, a jar of bread-and-butter pickles, and a red onion (or white, if you prefer.)
Apply light coating of mayo to both slices of pumpernickel (not toasted).
Add pickles sufficient to cover one slice of the bread.
Follow that with a couple of slices of raw onion.
Add 1/4 inch thick slices of Braunschweiger sufficient to cover bread, top, cut, and enjoy.
I had mine this afternoon with hot Earl Grey tea, but it is also quite good with a cold beer.
Next, a loaf of a good, sliced pumpernickel bread. Arnold's is good.
Also some good real mayo, like Hellman's, a jar of bread-and-butter pickles, and a red onion (or white, if you prefer.)
Apply light coating of mayo to both slices of pumpernickel (not toasted).
Add pickles sufficient to cover one slice of the bread.
Follow that with a couple of slices of raw onion.
Add 1/4 inch thick slices of Braunschweiger sufficient to cover bread, top, cut, and enjoy.
I had mine this afternoon with hot Earl Grey tea, but it is also quite good with a cold beer.
Sunday Funnies; Volume 146.
Jack wakes up with a huge hangover after attending his company's party. He is not normally a drinker, but the drinks didn't taste like alcohol at all. He didn't even remember how he got home from the party. As bad as he was feeling, he wondered if he did something wrong.
He forced himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins next to a glass of water on the side table. And, next to them, a single red rose!!
He sits up and sees his clothing in front of him, all cleaned and pressed! He looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotlessly clean. So is the rest of the house.
He takes the aspirins, cringes when he sees a huge black eye staring back at him in the bathroom mirror. Then he notices a note hanging on the corner of the mirror written in red with little hearts on it and a kiss mark from his wife in lipstick: 'Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to get groceries to make you your favorite dinner tonight. I love you, darling! Love, Jillian'
He stumbles to the kitchen and sure enough, there is hot breakfast, steaming hot coffee and the morning newspaper.
His 16 year old son is also at the table, eating. Jack asks, 'Son.what happened last night?'
'Well, you came home after 3 A.M., drunk and out of your mind you fell over the coffee table and broke it, and then you puked in the hallway, and got that black eye when you ran into the door.'
Confused, he asked his son, 'So, why is everything in such perfect order and so clean? I have a rose, and breakfast is on the table waiting for me??'
His son replies, 'Oh THAT... Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your pants off, you screamed, 'Leave me alone, I'm married!!'
Broken Coffee Table $239.99
Hot Breakfast $4.20
Two Aspirins $.38
Saying the Right thing, at the Right time:
PRICELESS
He forced himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins next to a glass of water on the side table. And, next to them, a single red rose!!
He sits up and sees his clothing in front of him, all cleaned and pressed! He looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotlessly clean. So is the rest of the house.
He takes the aspirins, cringes when he sees a huge black eye staring back at him in the bathroom mirror. Then he notices a note hanging on the corner of the mirror written in red with little hearts on it and a kiss mark from his wife in lipstick: 'Honey, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to get groceries to make you your favorite dinner tonight. I love you, darling! Love, Jillian'
He stumbles to the kitchen and sure enough, there is hot breakfast, steaming hot coffee and the morning newspaper.
His 16 year old son is also at the table, eating. Jack asks, 'Son.what happened last night?'
'Well, you came home after 3 A.M., drunk and out of your mind you fell over the coffee table and broke it, and then you puked in the hallway, and got that black eye when you ran into the door.'
Confused, he asked his son, 'So, why is everything in such perfect order and so clean? I have a rose, and breakfast is on the table waiting for me??'
His son replies, 'Oh THAT... Mom dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your pants off, you screamed, 'Leave me alone, I'm married!!'
Broken Coffee Table $239.99
Hot Breakfast $4.20
Two Aspirins $.38
Saying the Right thing, at the Right time:
PRICELESS
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday Funnies; Volume 145.
SPIN – THE AUSTRALIAN WAY
No matter what side of the AISLE you're on, THIS is FUNNY and VERY telling! It just all depends on how you look at same things.
Judy Rudd, an amateur genealogy researcher in Queensland ’s Southern Cross University, was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that ex Prime Minister Kevin Rudd great-great uncle, Remus Rudd, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Melbourne in 1889. Both Judy and Kevin Rudd share this common ancestor.
The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows at the Melbourne Gaol:
On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription:
'Remus Rudd horse thief, sent to Melbourne Gaol 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Melbourne-Geelong train six times. Caught by Victoria Police Force, convicted and hanged in 1889.'
So Judy recently e-mailed ex Prime Minister Rudd for information about their great-great uncle, Remus Rudd...
Believe it or not, Kevin Rudd's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:
"Remus Rudd was famous in Victoria during the mid to late 1800s . His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Melbourne-Geelong Railroad.
Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad.
In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the Victoria Police Force. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honour when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."
NOW That’s how it's done, folks - that's real POLITICAL SPIN!!
No matter what side of the AISLE you're on, THIS is FUNNY and VERY telling! It just all depends on how you look at same things.
Judy Rudd, an amateur genealogy researcher in Queensland ’s Southern Cross University, was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that ex Prime Minister Kevin Rudd great-great uncle, Remus Rudd, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Melbourne in 1889. Both Judy and Kevin Rudd share this common ancestor.
The only known photograph of Remus shows him standing on the gallows at the Melbourne Gaol:
On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription:
'Remus Rudd horse thief, sent to Melbourne Gaol 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Melbourne-Geelong train six times. Caught by Victoria Police Force, convicted and hanged in 1889.'
So Judy recently e-mailed ex Prime Minister Rudd for information about their great-great uncle, Remus Rudd...
Believe it or not, Kevin Rudd's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:
"Remus Rudd was famous in Victoria during the mid to late 1800s . His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Melbourne-Geelong Railroad.
Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad.
In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the Victoria Police Force. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honour when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed."
NOW That’s how it's done, folks - that's real POLITICAL SPIN!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Flash: Gordon gone!
This just in.
I am told by a reliable source that Gordon Jackson is no longer with the Times Union. Apparently, his last day was last Friday. He reportedly fell victim to a sizable staff reduction at the T.U.
It should be interesting to see what effect his no longer being "useful" has upon his, uh, social life.
Surprisingly, I'm told that the T.U. does not plan to maintain a reporter in Camden any longer.
Not sure whose orbit news in Camden will fall under now. Brunswick, I suppose.
More as I learn it.
Update: I just checked the GTU website. The last thing published with Gordon's by-line was published at 12:00 AM on Friday, Dec. 5th. He no doubt wrote it on Thursday. My guess is that he was completely blindsided on Friday. Happy Holidays from you old friends at the T.U.
I am told by a reliable source that Gordon Jackson is no longer with the Times Union. Apparently, his last day was last Friday. He reportedly fell victim to a sizable staff reduction at the T.U.
It should be interesting to see what effect his no longer being "useful" has upon his, uh, social life.
Surprisingly, I'm told that the T.U. does not plan to maintain a reporter in Camden any longer.
Not sure whose orbit news in Camden will fall under now. Brunswick, I suppose.
More as I learn it.
Update: I just checked the GTU website. The last thing published with Gordon's by-line was published at 12:00 AM on Friday, Dec. 5th. He no doubt wrote it on Thursday. My guess is that he was completely blindsided on Friday. Happy Holidays from you old friends at the T.U.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Can I interest you in what may well be the best tasting, most satisfying soup you'll ever put into your mouth?
You will recall that not too long ago I alerted you to Progresso's delicious, new, "3-Bean Chili Soup," available at Walmart and other stores, I'm sure.
I decided to have a can of that for lunch today. As I was reaching into the pantry, that's when it hit me.
I always keep a thawed container of my famous Jay's Killer Black Bean Chili http://camdencommentary.blogspot.com/2008/12/jays-killer-balck-bean-chili.html in the refrigerator.
It's very handy for making omelets, chili dogs, etc.
I had about a cup of the thawed chili left (with backup containers in the freezer, of course.) I added that cup of my 2 bean chili to the can of Progresso.
Truly, a marriage made in culinary heaven. Now it became a 5 bean chili soup: my chili beans and black beans and Progresso's kidney, northern, and pinto beans. Added to their green chiles were my jalapenos. Then there was their sweet red peppers and corn. Of course, my chili mix flavor completely supplanted theirs.
Between my beef and theirs, it was plenty meaty.
Let me tell you, this mixture with some fresh corn muffins is all you'll need to fortify yourself against the coldest day. It would be great to have a Thermos full for fishing or hunting.
Try it - you'll absolutely love it! I guarantee!
I decided to have a can of that for lunch today. As I was reaching into the pantry, that's when it hit me.
I always keep a thawed container of my famous Jay's Killer Black Bean Chili http://camdencommentary.blogspot.com/2008/12/jays-killer-balck-bean-chili.html in the refrigerator.
It's very handy for making omelets, chili dogs, etc.
I had about a cup of the thawed chili left (with backup containers in the freezer, of course.) I added that cup of my 2 bean chili to the can of Progresso.
Truly, a marriage made in culinary heaven. Now it became a 5 bean chili soup: my chili beans and black beans and Progresso's kidney, northern, and pinto beans. Added to their green chiles were my jalapenos. Then there was their sweet red peppers and corn. Of course, my chili mix flavor completely supplanted theirs.
Between my beef and theirs, it was plenty meaty.
Let me tell you, this mixture with some fresh corn muffins is all you'll need to fortify yourself against the coldest day. It would be great to have a Thermos full for fishing or hunting.
Try it - you'll absolutely love it! I guarantee!
Sunday Funnies; Volume 144.
It all began with an iPhone...
July last year was when my son celebrated his birthday, and I got him an iPhone.
He just loved it. Who wouldn't?
I celebrated my birthday in April , and my wife made me very happy when
she bought me an iPad.
My daughter's birthday was in February so I got her an iPod Touch.
October this year came by so for her birthday I got my wife an iRon.
It was around then that the fight started......
What the wife failed to recognise is that the iRon can be integrated into the home network with the iWash, iCook and iClean.
This inevitably activates the iNag reminder service........
July last year was when my son celebrated his birthday, and I got him an iPhone.
He just loved it. Who wouldn't?
I celebrated my birthday in April , and my wife made me very happy when
she bought me an iPad.
My daughter's birthday was in February so I got her an iPod Touch.
October this year came by so for her birthday I got my wife an iRon.
It was around then that the fight started......
What the wife failed to recognise is that the iRon can be integrated into the home network with the iWash, iCook and iClean.
This inevitably activates the iNag reminder service........
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A tasty new product line at Walmart.
Click on image to enlarge, then click again.
Every once-in-a-while, diabetes-be-damned, I'll have a cookie or two. Actually, I have them in lieu of a meal and no more than 40 to 50 grams of carbohydrate worth.
At any rate, Walmart has come out with a new lnie of cookies they call "World Table." They are located up high on the end of the cookie aisle nearest the center of the store.
The idea is that they have taken some of the best cookie recipes from countries all around the world.
The only one I've tried so far is a "Taste of Scotland" called Caramel Pecan Shortbread Squares. They are absolutely delicious, absolutely on an equal par with Pepperidge Farm quality, and a lot cheaper - about $2.50 for a 6 oz box.
Try 'em you'll like 'em.
Friday, December 3, 2010
A brilliant business move that will likely go national.
http://www.good.is/post/tennessee-will-get-electric-car-chargers-at-cracker-barrel-restaurants/?GT1=48001
Who says capitalists can't be "green" and turn a profit doing it? THAT's my kind of green activism - the PRO-capitalist, ergo, PRO-America kind!
Who says capitalists can't be "green" and turn a profit doing it? THAT's my kind of green activism - the PRO-capitalist, ergo, PRO-America kind!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A constructive review of Miss Hattie's Cow Patty restaurant.
Folks, we have a new restaurant in Kingsland. It's called Miss Hattie's Cow Patty.
It's located at 105 N. Lee Street (the Kingslander's name for Hwy 17.) If you are coming from east of Hwy 17 on Hwy 40 (i.e., from St. Marys) take a right onto Hwy 17 (okay, "Lee Street.") After you turn right, the first building on your right is the used appliance store. The restaurant is in the first door of that next building, right next to the cheesy quickie marriage joint. If you can't find parking on the curb, just do what I did - go down to the parking lot for the EMA building (the old post office) unless, of course, a hurricane is coming.
As you will see below, they have a very interesting menu that I look forward to working my way through, IF they work out a few start-up bugs. I would note, however, that between my two grandmothers and one great-grandmother, other than the pies, puddings and cobblers, they never ever served up anything remotely like the other interesting stuff on this menu. I'd love to know where these folks grew up.
When you walk in the door, you are warmly greeted by at least one, if not several, staff members. The place looks immaculately clean with pleasing decor and ambiance. Contrary to the canard on Topix, there was no unpleasant odor whatsoever, much less that "odor that you get when you cook with gas (and yes, I would know it if I smelled it - both of my grandmothers cooked with gas (great grandma used a wood burning cast-iron cook stove until the day she died in her 90s!)
My friendly waitress was prompt to hand me a menu and take my drink order - unsweetened iced tea.
The tea, served in a Mason jar, was a huge disappointment. It was extremely weak. Later, what turned out to be the middle-aged woman who had made the tea stopped by my table and asked how everything was. I believe that the worst thing you can do is lie to people trying to make a go of a new restaurant. I politely told her that the tea was much, much too weak and that "Down south, we like it strong." I told her that the solution was very simple: instead of putting just one of those premeasured bags of tea into the tea maker, put two. Works like a charm. She said she would. Caution: when you go, take a look at some one's tea before you order. If that has not been corrected, try a milkshake or water - and tell them why you did not order the tea.
I ordered the "Miss Hattie Moo" (see menu.) Note: It came out with a least a quarter of a cup of those always nasty, cheap, dill pickle chips. I removed those immediately. No, it does not say on the menu that it comes with pickles, but look up above that where it says "All burgers topped with lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, and Dill Pickle Chips..". You guessed it: ALL of that plus what was listed for the Miss Hattie Moo, specifically, came on one burger. The raw tomato completely overpowered the fried tomato taste which I was looking forward to. The caramelized onion flavor was also lost amongst the sea of competing flavors. The roasted garlic cream cheese was good, though I wish it had not been refrigerator-cold. Room temp would have been better.
Now, let's talk about the meat. I phoned them up after I got home to make sure I had the right patty weights for the three different burger sizes. You can see in my handwriting that they are ostensibly 6 oz., 4 oz., and 3 oz.
I ordered the $6.95 Big Moo-sized patty which is ostensibly 4 ounces or a quarter-of-a-pound. I've cooked a many a quarter-pound burger patty. Trust me, the pre -cooked weight on this hand-made (i.e., in store) patty was not a quarter of a pound. It was about twice the thickness of the meat on a Krystal burger and about twice as broad. Incredibly, in spite of it being so thin, whoever cooked it managed to send it out raw in the middle, a fact which I did not discover until I was about to eat the last bite.
Suggestion: Go with one, high quality, 80/20, frozen, 1/3- pound burger patty. Take them straight from the freezer and onto the grill. They are every bit as good as fresh and I will not have to worry about how thoroughly you washed your hands before hand-making the patties and I will know for a certainty that the pre-cooked weight I'm paying for is what I'm actually getting.
The hamburger bun was quite different than any I've ever had and quite good. That's a keeper.
Now, the menu says that their skin-on fries are fresh sliced , real potato French fries. If that's true, more the pity because it is really hard to screw up fresh fries but they did.
I also asked for a small sample of their chili. It was, as I suspected, a mediocre version of what I call red neck chili. No self-respecting Hispanic cook would claim it. Along with a copy of this critique, I am mailing the owners a copy of my chili recipe http://camdencommentary.blogspot.com/2008/12/jays-killer-balck-bean-chili.html. I hope they will take advantage of this chance to become famous for the best, authentic chili in the county.
In conclusion, I wish them well. I'll give 'em a couple of months to get it together then go back and try out some of their other very interesting dishes.
To enlarge menu, click on each page once, wait a second, then click on it again.
Note: An exact copy of this review went in the mail to the owners of Miss Hattie's on 12/3/10, along with a signed note wishing them success.
It's located at 105 N. Lee Street (the Kingslander's name for Hwy 17.) If you are coming from east of Hwy 17 on Hwy 40 (i.e., from St. Marys) take a right onto Hwy 17 (okay, "Lee Street.") After you turn right, the first building on your right is the used appliance store. The restaurant is in the first door of that next building, right next to the cheesy quickie marriage joint. If you can't find parking on the curb, just do what I did - go down to the parking lot for the EMA building (the old post office) unless, of course, a hurricane is coming.
As you will see below, they have a very interesting menu that I look forward to working my way through, IF they work out a few start-up bugs. I would note, however, that between my two grandmothers and one great-grandmother, other than the pies, puddings and cobblers, they never ever served up anything remotely like the other interesting stuff on this menu. I'd love to know where these folks grew up.
When you walk in the door, you are warmly greeted by at least one, if not several, staff members. The place looks immaculately clean with pleasing decor and ambiance. Contrary to the canard on Topix, there was no unpleasant odor whatsoever, much less that "odor that you get when you cook with gas (and yes, I would know it if I smelled it - both of my grandmothers cooked with gas (great grandma used a wood burning cast-iron cook stove until the day she died in her 90s!)
My friendly waitress was prompt to hand me a menu and take my drink order - unsweetened iced tea.
The tea, served in a Mason jar, was a huge disappointment. It was extremely weak. Later, what turned out to be the middle-aged woman who had made the tea stopped by my table and asked how everything was. I believe that the worst thing you can do is lie to people trying to make a go of a new restaurant. I politely told her that the tea was much, much too weak and that "Down south, we like it strong." I told her that the solution was very simple: instead of putting just one of those premeasured bags of tea into the tea maker, put two. Works like a charm. She said she would. Caution: when you go, take a look at some one's tea before you order. If that has not been corrected, try a milkshake or water - and tell them why you did not order the tea.
I ordered the "Miss Hattie Moo" (see menu.) Note: It came out with a least a quarter of a cup of those always nasty, cheap, dill pickle chips. I removed those immediately. No, it does not say on the menu that it comes with pickles, but look up above that where it says "All burgers topped with lettuce, sliced tomato, onion, and Dill Pickle Chips..". You guessed it: ALL of that plus what was listed for the Miss Hattie Moo, specifically, came on one burger. The raw tomato completely overpowered the fried tomato taste which I was looking forward to. The caramelized onion flavor was also lost amongst the sea of competing flavors. The roasted garlic cream cheese was good, though I wish it had not been refrigerator-cold. Room temp would have been better.
Now, let's talk about the meat. I phoned them up after I got home to make sure I had the right patty weights for the three different burger sizes. You can see in my handwriting that they are ostensibly 6 oz., 4 oz., and 3 oz.
I ordered the $6.95 Big Moo-sized patty which is ostensibly 4 ounces or a quarter-of-a-pound. I've cooked a many a quarter-pound burger patty. Trust me, the pre -cooked weight on this hand-made (i.e., in store) patty was not a quarter of a pound. It was about twice the thickness of the meat on a Krystal burger and about twice as broad. Incredibly, in spite of it being so thin, whoever cooked it managed to send it out raw in the middle, a fact which I did not discover until I was about to eat the last bite.
Suggestion: Go with one, high quality, 80/20, frozen, 1/3- pound burger patty. Take them straight from the freezer and onto the grill. They are every bit as good as fresh and I will not have to worry about how thoroughly you washed your hands before hand-making the patties and I will know for a certainty that the pre-cooked weight I'm paying for is what I'm actually getting.
The hamburger bun was quite different than any I've ever had and quite good. That's a keeper.
Now, the menu says that their skin-on fries are fresh sliced , real potato French fries. If that's true, more the pity because it is really hard to screw up fresh fries but they did.
As a former fast food manager, I can just about assure you that those were frozen potatoes (albeit cut from whole potatoes as claimed) and tell you what went wrong. The fries came out limp and soggy and room temperature. That will invariably happen to some degree when you let frozen potatoes thaw before you cook them. The ONLY way to make frozen fries that rival fresh is to literally reach into the bag of fries while it is still in the freezer and hard frozen, pull out just enough for an order or a basket full, and then immediately immerse them, still hard frozen, into the hot grease. Grease temperature is critical. The ideal temp for French fries is 360 degrees F. My guess is their grease was not quite hot enough for one of three reasons: A, they had the thermostat on the Fryolator set too low and it never reached 360 degrees, or, B, they were putting in too many fries at one time and causing a precipitous drop below the critical 360 degree temperature of the grease, or C, they forgot to turn the Fryolator on the minute they walked in the door this
morning and it did not have time to reach steady state operating temperature.
I also asked for a small sample of their chili. It was, as I suspected, a mediocre version of what I call red neck chili. No self-respecting Hispanic cook would claim it. Along with a copy of this critique, I am mailing the owners a copy of my chili recipe http://camdencommentary.blogspot.com/2008/12/jays-killer-balck-bean-chili.html. I hope they will take advantage of this chance to become famous for the best, authentic chili in the county.
Note: An exact copy of this review went in the mail to the owners of Miss Hattie's on 12/3/10, along with a signed note wishing them success.
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