So Many Things, So Little Time

Take your pick, lots going on in the area starting tomorrow.

• Friday afternoon/evening-Park Hill High Homecoming Parade and Football Game 
• First Friday, Crossroads
• Royal BBQ
• Royals last home stand through Sunday (we're going Sunday)
• NASCAR @ the Speedway
• Weston Applefest
• Bye Week for  the Chiefs-Means honey do list might be in play (Do Not Tell the MRS, I forgot to tell Lisa there is no game). 
• What did I miss?

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See Point

See the Pavillion at C Point no longer, part of the Phase 1 redo of C Point.

Update(s)

Mike Henderson Obit

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=michael-oneil-finan-henderson&pid=145700402

Brad Regehr

Who's he? Yesterday @ 2:37 he and his wife became the first folks to cross the Mighty MO via the Bond Bridge according to the KC Star.  The Star notes " it should be completely open by the end of the year".  Meanwhile, the Barry  Road Culvert project continues,...on and on.  I understand the ribbon cutting ceremony is already taking shape,... sometime in 2012.

Image by +++CoolValley+++ via Flickr

Mike Henderson

Mary Hoy sent an email yesterday morning indicating Mike Henderson had passed away.  Mike had been battling numerous health issues in recent years.

I don't know if he was a Weatherby Lake "icon" but he was surely a Weatherby Lake "character".  He co-founded the WL Irish-American Club which hosted the annual St Patty's Day bash at the CC.  The benefactor of the proceeds was the WL Police Department, quite a few items over the years were purchased for the PD.

He used his "I Like Mike" theme as his campaign slogan for WL mayor.  He won by a narrow margin and had his share of ups and downs during his one term.  We had our fair share of disagreements but did manage to come to middle ground on occasion.

According to Mary's email, services will  be held at Pine Ridge Presbyterian this Friday at 5 PM followed by an Open House at the CC.    
 

No Comment

For whatever reason Comments has picked up the past couple of weeks...don't think it's the topics necessarily.  Thanks for playing, I like reading Comments, as goofy as some are.  Paul Gross is gone, he was always good for mega-comments and views as well.  Your assignment is to forward this blog address to one other WeatherbyLakean, the more the merrier?  BTW who is this?

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Stree Naming Committee

In the northwest Conference Room on the 16th Floor of City Hall, 414 E 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, the Street Naming Committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, September 23, 2010, commencing at 2:00 P. M. to consider the following matters.  You may contact the City Planning and Development Department at (816) 513-2846 for further information.

Sorry I didn't post this in time for you to attend.  But I did want to show you other cities have some cuckoo committees as well. Pssst, do not tell Jerry about this, last time I looked we didn't have a Street Naming Committee. 

Image by dinglemunch via Flickr

Double Dealing "Good Neighbors"

If anyone believes that KCMO has intentions of being a "good neighbor" (as Mayor Bos has echoed in the past) here is another example of them saying one thing and doing another.  The local news yesterday/today reported on the KCMO Council hedging on promises made to former MAST employees.  When flirting with MAST, the opportunity to be part of the City pension program was dangled as a carrot to gain support from MAST employees.  Of course the leadership of the Fire Department (and union) was complicit as well, MAST adding numbers to their fold.

But wait a minute...Ed Ford (one of our "neighboring" KCMO councilmen) has qualms about some former MAST employees taking the money and running after just a pittance of contributions to the pension fund...of course this was known during the courtship of MAST.  Now that it is time to pay up Ford, and others have cold feet.  And the union for the firefighters (the power behind the throne) has questions as well.  KC problem right?

Wrong.  If you believe the same City which back stabs its own employees wouldn't do the same to us...just look around.  Relatively little has been done to protect WL from a major sewage spill...did you read yesterday's post?  How about that Barry Road project...If you believed their original blather we'd (WestSiders) be happily leaving Wildwood behind for Barry Speedway (which you can do if you have 4wheel drive and trespass).  We will be paying for the next 25 years to help KCMO take care of a water and sewer system they failed to take care of themselves.  Nice.

You'd think the Mayor and  BOA would be concerned, upset and angry.  Nah.  It's virtually ignored during BOA  meetings.  Bigger fish to fry (This Sunday CC) like having emergency meetings to discuss booze in the parks.  Good neighbors..have I got a deal for you.

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Bypass

Bypass does not mean a heart procedure, it is a polite word to describe SPILL or OVERFLOW, yikes!

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Water Services Department reports that due to storm related issues and mechanical failures more than 13 million gallons of wastewater was discharged into Todd Creek, First Creek, Shoal Creek and Second Creek Watersheds this past weekend.

Bypasses occurred at:
- Todd Creek Wastewater Plant, 7600 NW 114th St.
- Tiffany Lakes Pump Station,  NW 108th Street, west of Skyview
- Birmingham Pump Station, located at 11011 Birmingham Road
- First Creek Pump Station, located at 10990 N. Wyandotte

The bypasses have been stopped.

"More than 5-inches of rain was recorded at our flood monitoring station at I-35 and Chouteau Trafficway Saturday night, " said Acting Water Services Director Terry Leeds. "This amount of rain and the large electrical storm may have contributed to the bypasses. Water Services staff will work to identify the issues that caused these overflows and make any necessary repairs or improvements."

The release of untreated sewage from sewer systems, such as this, is known as a sanitary sewer overflow and represents a potential threat to public health and the environment. Most of the overflows occur during wet weather events.

For more information, contact Colleen Doctorian, public information officer for the Water Services Department at (816) 513-0232.

The Kansas City, Mo., Water Services Department maintains and operates water collection, processing and distribution systems, stormwater management and control systems, and waste water collection and processing systems for residential and business customers in Kansas City and for wholesale customers in the Kansas City region. Operation is funded entirely by fees charged to customers based on their use of products and services, not by taxes.

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Neighborhood Watch

Wouldn't you like to have this next door, your neighbor's front yard with bags sitting there for almost two months?  Slums in KCMO right?  Nope.  8003 NW Pleasant Ford.

"Doggone Poop On C Point"

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 September
WLIC Report

Tom Henke, board member of WLIC delivered a quick update on C Point renovation.  Water is being released at the rate of 1.5 inches per 24 hours, with the closing of C Point ramps and gazebo being 26 September.  (Rains the past two weeks have probably slowed the rate of lowering, we got a little over an inch Saturday according to Farmer John)

Image by adria.richards via Flickr

The Mayor commented on a gigundo pile(s) of poo, by some large animal, presumbably a doggie on C Point.  This despite a sign nearby that requests dog owners to pick up after their pets and a dispenser of bags nearby.  Tom noted the mayor's comments and told the BOA it is a concern of the Board.

Image by Evil Erin via Flickr

Vic wanted an update on the Ecoli readings noted in C Cove a couple of weeks previous.  Tom mentioned serial collections were taken, including upstream, but just the one came back over standards.  Could have been a matter of heat and water not moving.  Retest indicated A-OK. 

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Nanny Cam Nabs Thief

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA

7 September
Police Report

Reports of missing items from one household start investigation that leads to at least another WL home...and more beyond the City.  Chief McMullin reports crime spree by a hired domestic, confirmed by a "nanny cam".  The detective work reveals the thievery is linked to other homes.  Apparently the woman had been working in one home and them picked up work in another home here in the City.  Word to the wise, check references.  That bargain helper may not be the bargain you wanted.

Image by mollystevens via Flickr

Open Mike

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 September
BOA Comments

Vic mentioned the initiation of a new program by MARC (Mid America Regional Council). The program is a certification process for lawn services and landscape companies as part of the regional conservation district. Apparently the goal is to credential companies that practice "green" behaviors as part of their services. The program is just beginning so we will have to see how it develops.

Mary asked about the BOA request of the Planning Commission to review the Codes requirement for 15,000 sq ft for lots. This has been on the back burner for some time. Clerk Gwen mentioned she thought another matter was coming forth for the Planning Commission and she waited to combine the two issues. The issue didn't develop, so the BOA request is being sent to the Planning Commission for scheduling.

Tanya brought up the difference in cost to the City for hearings, Planning and BZA, versus how much the petitioners paid for fees to have the hearings. The cost for legal and court reporting exceeds the amount collected from fees. Attorney John responded the fee schedule could be revised based on the cost discrepancy. This lead to a discussion on how the cost of a new home or remodeling project is estimated in regards to a building permit (the fee is 1% of the project). George gave a somewhat vague discussion of the checks used to calculate sq ft and costs. When the it was suggested an applicant could halve the estimate to save money on the permit, George replied, "Bert (Woods) won't let them do that". I think the discussion was aimed at a couple of permits issued in the recent past that were remarkably cost efficient in the scope and nature of the finished structure.

In Case You Didn't Notice

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 September

Resident Judy Shafe' submitted a resolution for consideration of the BOA.  The Daughters of the American Revolution proposed the recognition of September 17-23 as Constitution Week.  Motion by Mary, second by Tanya, motion passed.  How would you know?  Read it here (as the most informed citizens of WL do) or trip on down to the Bulletin Board at City Hall where the resolution is posted.  Speaking of that, posting at City Hall, the practice of posting meetings on the BB at City Hall meets the requirements of the State "Sunshine Law" but it is somewhat a sham.  An example, The Special Board Meeting held this week on Thursday.  Posted at 7:35 AM the day before, it met posting requirements...but unless you checked the BB daily, how would you know?  An alderman could call you or you might be on a mail list of one of the aldermen (we had both) or you could be clueless.  During the discussion Vic mentioned our meetings are posted, so everyone has a chance to give feedback, referring to a public hearing conducted during the "alcohol ordinance" consideration.  I guess that is factual in that these meetings meet the muster for Sunshine but as a practical matter with a 24 hour notice posted on the BB and the meeting held at 8AM on a work day...is the public really informed?  Maybe it's time for an email list for postings of meetings...if the BOA really wants to keep the public informed.

Another resolution was submitted to the BOA by citizen Linda Cone.  It dealt with transfer fees and double taxation, the proposed resolution was never fully read aloud, and there was not a motion for adoption.

Busy weekend, City Cleanup today and tomorrow, take your yard waste to City Hall, your tax dollars at work, WLYC shindig tonight and SWAT at Birmingham Park tomorrow, party on!

Mayor High On Crack(s)

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA

7 September

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Although the brand new crack sealer (purchased three years ago) sits unused in the City garage, there are intentions of dusting it off and using it this fall.  Why has it never been used?  According to George, "problem has been rain".  He went on to explain how cracks have to be devoid of moisture, lest the sealing material "bubble up".  Odd.  I invited Alderman DeJong on a walking tour de Potomac a year ago.  We walked from the intersection of Venita and Pleasant Ford to Barry and Potomac.  We noted the numerous potholes and the crack that runs prominently down Potomac and others.  Some of the larger potholes on the street were filled in the next two months, others are still there, more than a year later.  In the meantime, winter weather has increased the size of the cracks.  Same is true for Weatherby Drive, a street redone not all that long ago.  A little maintenance might have gone a long way.  There are other streets in the City in the same condition.  Just walk/run/bike and you'll see.  It's tough to get an appreciation for the condition of the streets if you just drive in your car.

Curiously, the City did have time earlier this year to make repairs on the Dam road, WLIC private property.  The best analogy I can give is the City and WLIC are dating...and the City has gotten to third base...while WLIC squeals with delight.  Parents, shield the eyes of your children.

Drink Up

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
Sept 16 Special Board Meeting

The issue of alcohol in public places was revisited this morning after a hastily called meeting (posted 7:35AM yesterday) to take up the matter.  You may recall the crisis was precipitated by a tie vote of the BOA to table repealing the ordinance banning alcohol in public places.

Hoy moved for moving the ordinance off the table, second by Bossert, all four aldermen voted for reconsideration of the ordinance repeal.  Discussion by the BOA and members of the public followed (there were at least 16 members of the public in attendance, the most in recent memory.  The BOA basically echoed their previous points of view.  Vic mentioned calling residents near the parks on the West Side with mixed results.  Mary read an email from Park Board President Lisa Moratz who felt if the ordinance was not repealed they would be obligated to post signs regarding the ban.

Norm Runyon was the most vocal in voicing his opposition to the repeal.  To be sure he gave a thoughtful perspective on why alcohol should not be allowed in the parks/public places.  There was no other support for maintaining the current ordinance.

Vic offered an amendment "consumption of intoxicating liquid shall be with a non-fee permit issued by the Park Board with notification to the Police Department".  The motion for the amendment died for a lack of second.

Vote for repeal was then conducted, unanimous for repeal...champagne corks popping in the peanut gallery...just kidding.

Image by theqspeaks via Flickr

Chief McMullin mentioned parking would be restricted  to one side of the street in the vicinity of the SWAT event on Sunday.

Late Breaking News

The BOA is having a special board meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 8AM, City Hall,  to reconsider the ordinance repealing the alcohol ban in public places.  Apparently the pressure of the upcoming Concert in the Parks and the SWAT BBQ has weighed heavily on some of the aldermen, thus the emergency meeting.  No new information to consider, just plain old arm twisting.

Image by Ma1974 via Flickr

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Another Run at Entrances, + $100,000

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The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 September

The Mayor gave the results of the rebidding of the Entrance project.  The new bid process included only the entrance at East Side by City Hall and requested the bid for hardscape only.  Two bids(double the number from the first try) were received, after a much ballyhooed pre-bid full court press to get more firms interested in the contsruction.  The two firms submitting bids were both from WL, Downing Construction, and The Greensman, aka, Christopher Dabner.  Dabner in on the EAGC.  The mayor mentioned the submissions weren't exactly alike, apparently The Greensman also included some landscaping.  The full Committee will get to review and discuss the bids at a date to be determined.  Yours truly had to ask the question...how much?  Apparently the bids are around "$100,000 to  $110,000". 

10,000 gallons of Poop and Pee

Sorry, "wastewater" is just too sanitary for me. 
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 13, 2010 – A lift station power outage late Friday resulted in the release of an estimated 10,000 gallons of wastewater to a Kansas City creek, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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City officials reported to the department Saturday that between 10:30 p.m. Friday and midnight Saturday approximately 10,000 gallons of wastewater flowed from a manhole near 7430 NW Mace Road into an unnamed tributary to Pied Creek. A power outage at the Mace Road Lift Station caused the wastewater to back up in the collection system until it began to overflow from the manhole.

The city has sampled the water in the Pied Creek tributary to document the effect the overflow had on water quality. Clean water regulations require the city to submit a report detailing the release to the department within five days.

The department considers discharges of wastewater from sanitary sewer collection systems to be potential threats to public health and the environment. Such discharges have the potential to contaminate lakes and streams, causing serious water quality problems.

BOOZAPALOOZA I & II

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA

September 7th

Follow-Up to Got Booze posting

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Just a reminder, the two largest demonstrations of Civil Disobedience in the history of WL are scheduled for this coming week.  The Park Board's Concert in the Park series concludes this Friday evening at Cristhaven Park.  The OFC will be out in force, swilling Chardonnay in full view of authorities (matter of fact, some of the authorities (BOA) will probably be doing some of the imbibing themselves).  It is my understanding First Student Transportation has been secured to haul off the lawbreakers to be fingerprinted and mugged.  At least the Park Board is coy about the event, nothing in print (lately) to encourage breaking of City ordinances.

Not so with SWAT (Supporting Weatherby's Adopted Troops) group.  Their flyer boldly proclaims "FOOD, BEER, WINE" September 19th, 1 to 7 PM in Birmingham Park.  A confrontation with Police could get ugly as the troops might be present themselves, forcing authorities to call for back up.  It is my understanding Police from Lake Waukomis, Farrelview, and Northmoor have already been put on alert.  Which side will Mayor Bos choose? He has always been a big supporter of SWAT...will he direct the Police to report to a contrived DONUTFEST at the Community Center or man up and arrest the lawbreakers?

Image via Wikipedia

One thing for sure, you'll get the straight skinny right here.          

Fire Levy Going Up

 The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 September

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Bob Renton from the WL Fire Protection District was on the agenda to make an appearance but was a no show.  Alderman Finn provided the information he was going to share with the BOA.

• YTD South Platte Fire made 11 fire calls and 28 calls for assistance.
• The WL FPD set the levy higher by 2 cents, increasing from 1.0238 to 1.045, passing along the increase by South Platte.

Discussion followed.  Alderman DeJong was amazed at the cost of fire protection for the City, commenting, "This is as much as to run the City" (I guess he has never looked at his tax bill, wonder what he thinks about the cost of Police?).  He also seemed to be unaware the FPD was an independent board, elected by the citizens of WL (if a seat is uncontested it does not appear on the ballot).  He seemed to insinuate we (not sure who the we is) should look into other provides.  Vic mentioned he had seen the article in the Star regarding slow response times...it was pointed out to him that was the jurisdiction of the South Platte Ambulance District, a different entity.  A citizen in the audience pointed out the issue of fire protection had been looked at in the past, ie, KCMO Fire, as an alternative.  He cautioned care in comparison, the South Platte bid includes 911 calls besides fire, KCMO does not (as you know MAST is now run by KCMO Fire).  Mary reported a call for assistance at her home for a visitor covered by South Platte Fire, their performance was "marvelous", although she wondered if  it was worth it (I believe this was tongue in cheek, she did have a smile on her face).

Chief McMullin summed it up fairly succinctly, "You have three choices: 1) South Platte Fire, 2) KCMO Fire, 3) Start your own Fire Department".  At that point the City Attorney pointed out if the City decided to start a Department it would have to be funded under the current maxed out levy, impossible of course.  That is one of the reasons we have a separate entity for the purpose of raising funds.

The BOA decide to request a member of the FPD to make an appearance at the next board meeting to discuss all matters related to Fire.  Certainly will be a hot topic...sorry couldn't help myself.             

West Side Woes To Continue

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA7 September

What Was Not Discussed @ BOA, Updates on Barry Rd, East, West and In Between

The interest level regarding the project has evidently waned, neither Jerry nor the BOA had questions/comments on the status.  As reported here, the bid opening for Barry Road from Potomac to Chariton was held two weeks ago.  Via a reliable source here are the results:

• The $3.1 million project will have three phases
• Phase 1 will begin in 30 to 45 days, Barry will be closed West of West Side to the east side of Arcola.
• Phase 2 will begin in the "Spring" of 2011, Barry will be closed from the KCMO connection (if it is done) just east of  Potomac to West Side.
• Phase 3 will begin presumably after school finishes in May and complete the project to Chariton with the entire project closing Barry from Potomac to Chariton for completion.
• Jerry's wish to have PC pay/or copay for an upgraded water line isn't going to happen. 

Waiting for the other shoe to drop?  The timing of Amity as well as Barry east of East Side is not known.  For more information call Jerry or your alderman.
  

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"I Wouldn't Say It's Dangerously Low, But...

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The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA

7 September

Words of financial guru Mayor Bos referring to the Water Fund.  Although the City has passed up the opportunity to increase water rates raised by KCMO the last two years running, looks more and more like a rate increase is imminent...with another rate from KCMO in the offing in May of 2011.  The nest egg built up prior to Bos' election has eroded between the lack of increases and needed projects...with more needs for the Water Department on the way.  Comments from the Aldermen?  None.

Got Booze?

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
7 September

Part 2
Where was I ?  Oh, yeah, Mary's committee does their due diligence, returns a reasonable (I believe) recommendation, all it takes is the vote by the  BOA and next agenda item...Not so fast.  Alderman  DeJong voices his concern about booze in the parks (mind you it has been going on for years).  Alderman Finn chips in with her survey of three communities, Gladstone, Riverside and Parkville which mostly do not allow liquor in their parks (not that I would compare those cities or parks to ours).  DeJong moves to table the motion that would repeal the booze ban.  During the discussion Chief Gary mentions they have never made an arrest in the parks when alcohol has been involved (30 plus years) since he has been on the force. City Attorney John warns if conditions are made on who can consume (by permit for example) there could be serious issues based on how the criteria were constructed.  It was also pointed out the current rules for CC rental require a police officer if alcohol is served...so, although it is technically illegal to drink in public places, we require a cop to be there to observe the proceedings.  Jerry, to add his style of humor, mentions it is illegal to walk across the street to his neighbors with a glass of wine in his hand.  yuk-yuk.
So with that, the question is called on the motion to table the repeal ordinance.  Vic, yes.  Mary, no.  Ed, no.  Tanya, yes.  Tie vote.  Jerry, for the first time in his tenure as mayor, gets to break the tie.  His preamble to explain his vote is rambling and almost unintelligible.  I did get a sense of almost remorse when he mentions commissioning the committee then ignoring their counsel.  With that he cast the vote, yes to table, siding with Vic and Tanya making the current ordinance the law of the City.  Odd how his vote could have done what he wanted to do in the first place...change the ordinance so the OFC could guzzle at Cristhaven.  The benefit is the Hell's Angels won't pick our parks for their next beer bust.

Cover of Howard Hughes' Hell's Angels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3s8sEYzHWQ

Mayor Bans Public Drinking

Image by bookgrl via Flickr

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA

September 7


Kinda.  Hang in there while I sort this one out for you, as Ricky said, " there's splainin to do"
You might recall some months ago the discussion of drinking in the parks, specifically Cristhaven Park, came up.  This was propagated by the fact that many concert goers who attended the Concert in the Park series brought their own liquid refreshments while listening to Oldies.  It was discovered, technically, that alcohol was illegal because there was a ban on alcohol in public places.  Mayor Jerry, a card carrying member of the Old Farts Crew (OFC), set out to right the wrong so the Crew would not be in violation of City Code.  In true  fashion, he appointed a Committee, chaired by Alderman Hoy to come up with a solution.  Also in their mandate was to sort out issues regarding curfew in the Parks.  Committee members included, Alderman Bossert, Parks board members Moratz (L) and Phillips, Police Chief Gary, and  City Attorney John for legal advice.  The issues were discussed at the Park Board monthly meeting as well as the "Alcohol Committee" meeting.  Recommendations were prepared for the BOA.
Mary Hoy presented the recommendations to the BOA, simply put to remove the ban on public consumption of alcohol and the Park Board would post all parks banning use (of the parks) from the hours of 12:01 AM to 5AM.  Straightforward right?  Wrong.
For the rest of the story, come back tomorrow...on my way to Memphis on biz.

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Back to Work

Shortened work week and tonight of course is the monthly BOA meeting, @ 7 PM.  Haven't seen the agenda,  not on the City web site...we're kind of old school at WL, post the agenda on the BB at City Hall.

Free Fireworks

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Lucky enough to be taking a cruise just as it got dark last night to be entertained by a fireworks display...presumably from the National.  About fifteen minutes in length, there were a few boats on the lake who saw them as well.  Maybe you were able to see them from you home? I thought the show was nice, the breeze had abated enough where I could drift with the motor off and watch.  A terrific day ending with a free treat, as Yakov would say, "What a country!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GK8ewRec7c 
 

Blogging and Mass Psychomanipulation

 

Interesting piece from Michael Arrington at TechCrunch blog


"If I ever write another book it will probably be about one of three topics. The first is the truth about how the press and journalism really works – the sausage making – to show just how much of a beautiful, subjective and chaotic mess it all is. The second idea is to talk about how perfect blogging is, with its constant feedback loop, as a training ground for mass psychology and manipulation. The third idea I’m keeping to myself for now, but it’s more startup focused.
It’s the second one that’s been on my mind lately. Mostly because it’s become pretty clear to me that any blogger worth her salt could start, say, an extremely successful militant religious cult.
Any blogger will tell you how frustrating the early days are. Getting someone, anyone, to link to you. Your first comment! etc. And as your audience grows you are introduced to the first rule of anonymous human behavior – it’s dark and brutal, and reminds me how thin the veil of civilized behavior really is. If there is something nasty that can be said, someone will say it. Over and over.
A big part of blogging is simply keeping the peace. You set rules on whether or not you’ll allow anonymous commenting, or commenting at all. You decide if/how to moderate comments. You decide if/how to respond to opposing arguments and (more often) personal attacks. And you, involuntarily for the most part, evolve your writing in response to the feedback loop. Those are the days of innocence, simple joys and simple sadnesses.
But then you start to get really good at what you do. You write something and you get trashed. The next time you try it a little differently and it the commenters love you. You don’t even do it consciously – but over the years you just get better at it. To the point where you pretty much know exactly what the reaction will be to any given post, and how to tweak things to get the reaction you want.
Zynga talks about constant A/B testing in its games to maximize revenue, a huge competitive advantage for them. Bloggers go through the same thing every time they write a post.
Old media types don’t have quite the same experience because they generally have an editorial agenda, certain writing rules, and editors to please. There are too many layers between them and the direct feedback loop. so they evolve much more slowly. Bloggers have a direct line to the collective mind."

For the complete post:

http://techcrunch.com/2010/09/05/blogging-and-mass-psychomanipulation/

Adios

The rainstorm this week (Farmer John says it was 2.8 inches) will be the last time the Lake is at full pool for some time.  Enjoy the weekend and the water.

He Said-He Said

A hearing is set for 9am, Friday, September 3, 2010 in the case of WLIC vs WLIC member Daniel Costello in the courtroom of Judge Hull.

Do not respond to this e mail. Direct your questions to the WLIC at 741-5556

Email from "WLIC News" by Alan Jennerich

!!Food Fight

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I try to stay out of Comments unless I just can't resist.  The Recent Comments feature on the blog gives you a heads up on Comments...a food fight has broken out on the !!Urgent posting.  The strange thing about the Comments section, to me, is when and how the food fights start.  There are times when I post something I believe will generate a firestorm of Comments, only to be surprised by no Comments at all.  Then, like !!Urgent, things get a bit out of hand...at the hands of you the loyal blogite.  Two observations, 1) if you use the Anonymous button, your Comments are truly anon, no way for me to spy, 2) to date, although I can delete comments, I never have...and don't intend to, it is truly a free for all food fight.

 

OverExposed

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News of PC Alderman Charles Cook's excellent adventure in alleged display of Mr Perky to an unsuspecting passenger reached St Louis yesterday evening (I'm in the Gateway City on biz).  Slow news day I guess.  I know, I know, innocent until proven guilty.  Received Tweets throughout the day from the Landmark editor, might be interesting to get a copy and get the scoop. 

Of course this isn't the first time a public official has gotten caught with his/her pants down.  While there is a graphic difference between literal and figurative, WL officials have shown their penchant for exposure of the figurative nature quite often, as documented here.  While grateful that the episodes have been virtual in nature, the end results have been the same...not pretty.

Mr Foley from the Landmark says there may be "thong underwear" involved, let's hope for public safety that is not the case
(Sorry, no pics of thong underwear...after reviewing possibilities, I defaulted to public decency)