Posts
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Pacos Feet
MEET PACO, 3 yr old standard-sized Spotted Jack
Click on pics to enlarge - once enlarged, click again to enlarge even more
FRONT FEET; notice vertical ridges across hoofs and horizontal concave "groove" or "indentation" just forward of heels (appears as line or "crease" in pic)
LEFT FRONT 3- Standing on Toes, Heels too High? Check out how high up bulbs are!
LEFT FRONT 4 - Also showing dark horizontal (stress?) ridges across hoof wall and vertical concave "grooves" or "indentations" just forward of the heels (appears as dark line or "crease" in pic);
RIGHT FRONT; Heels not touching ground
RIGHT FRONT SOLE; Sorry for bad pic. Wanted to show "thickness of toe" or "lamaric-fill?"
LEFT FRONT SOLE;
LEFT REAR; Same ridges and indentations
LEFT REAR 2;
LEFT REAR 3;
LEFT REAR SOLE;
RIGHT REAR 2; Notice pinkish line mid-way round hoof
RIGHT REAR x;
RIGHT REAR;
Click on pics to enlarge - once enlarged, click again to enlarge even more
FRONT FEET; notice vertical ridges across hoofs and horizontal concave "groove" or "indentation" just forward of heels (appears as line or "crease" in pic)
LEFT FRONT 3- Standing on Toes, Heels too High? Check out how high up bulbs are!
LEFT FRONT 4 - Also showing dark horizontal (stress?) ridges across hoof wall and vertical concave "grooves" or "indentations" just forward of the heels (appears as dark line or "crease" in pic);
RIGHT FRONT; Heels not touching ground
RIGHT FRONT SOLE; Sorry for bad pic. Wanted to show "thickness of toe" or "lamaric-fill?"
LEFT FRONT SOLE;
LEFT REAR; Same ridges and indentations
LEFT REAR 2;
LEFT REAR 3;
LEFT REAR SOLE;
RIGHT REAR 2; Notice pinkish line mid-way round hoof
RIGHT REAR x;
RIGHT REAR;
Thursday, April 8, 2010
What Now for Our Little Acre?
What else but Worm-Farming and Composting?
(Vermiculture)
I bought this book because I live in a city, have a moderate size backyard and know without a doubt that I can join the ranks of hundreds of other worm growers around the US by growing worms and selling them on a monthly basis. I have just started my worm farm and have found every page of this book invaluable.
Peter Bogdanov is the president of VermiCo which is the leader in earthworm information and technology. His book is one of the best on the market today for anyone who would like to understand how they, with a minimal investment, can start their own profitable worm farm in the city, the suburbs or in a rural area.
Peter's book literally takes you by the hand... He explains commercial vermiculture (raising worms for profit) and gives you a clear picture as to where it started, where it is today and where it's going. The last part really excited me - where worm farming is going is so incredible.
The next section is devoted to answering every question most worm raising nubies ask. I sense that these questions and answers come directly from Peter's willingness to educate the public for the last twenty years. Incidentally, I'm going to one of his internationally famous seminars in October 2000 where he brings the top people in the industry together for a long information packed two days.
The next section details how to get started. These details are split up for the hobbyist, medium size farmer or for the person who wants to go for the gold and be a large scale worm farmer.
Following this comes great instructions on monitoring conditions in your worm beds. This is invaluable since many folks think you can do this by just tossing a few worms in a box and seeing what happens. Worm farming is ALMOST that easy but to be successful you have to know a little more than that!
Next come details on all the different ways you can feed your worms and also eliminate and worries about pests and predators (not a big problem for most folks).
Following this comes instructions on harvesting, (all the different ways to get your worms out of their worm bin) packaging and shipping, (how to avoid things like having 40 pounds of soggy worms let loose in the back of your UPS driver's truck) .
Peter then gives a really decent explanation of castings (worm poop) that drives home the point that you can profit in so many different ways from raising worms.
The book finishes up with a summary overview of worms yesterday, today and tomorrow, how one can basically guarantee their success and additional ways to profit from this fun and lucrative business.
While brief and concise, this book is NOT shallow, not necessarily JUST for the nubie and as far as I am concerned worth every penny. If you are just getting started or if you are already keeping worms and want to move into the commercial direction than this book really might be for you.
...
One thing kind of floored me - there are very few books available on Amazon regarding worms at this time. However, there are MANY excellent books out there - MANY! You will find a number of additional titles in Peter's catalogue and I recommend reading as many sources of information as you can because like anything in life, every expert finds their unique way to "skin a cat". I know Peter would encourage you to read widely as well, so start with his book, get on his mailing list and go for it!
(Vermiculture)
I bought this book because I live in a city, have a moderate size backyard and know without a doubt that I can join the ranks of hundreds of other worm growers around the US by growing worms and selling them on a monthly basis. I have just started my worm farm and have found every page of this book invaluable.
Peter Bogdanov is the president of VermiCo which is the leader in earthworm information and technology. His book is one of the best on the market today for anyone who would like to understand how they, with a minimal investment, can start their own profitable worm farm in the city, the suburbs or in a rural area.
Peter's book literally takes you by the hand... He explains commercial vermiculture (raising worms for profit) and gives you a clear picture as to where it started, where it is today and where it's going. The last part really excited me - where worm farming is going is so incredible.
The next section is devoted to answering every question most worm raising nubies ask. I sense that these questions and answers come directly from Peter's willingness to educate the public for the last twenty years. Incidentally, I'm going to one of his internationally famous seminars in October 2000 where he brings the top people in the industry together for a long information packed two days.
The next section details how to get started. These details are split up for the hobbyist, medium size farmer or for the person who wants to go for the gold and be a large scale worm farmer.
Following this comes great instructions on monitoring conditions in your worm beds. This is invaluable since many folks think you can do this by just tossing a few worms in a box and seeing what happens. Worm farming is ALMOST that easy but to be successful you have to know a little more than that!
Next come details on all the different ways you can feed your worms and also eliminate and worries about pests and predators (not a big problem for most folks).
Following this comes instructions on harvesting, (all the different ways to get your worms out of their worm bin) packaging and shipping, (how to avoid things like having 40 pounds of soggy worms let loose in the back of your UPS driver's truck) .
Peter then gives a really decent explanation of castings (worm poop) that drives home the point that you can profit in so many different ways from raising worms.
The book finishes up with a summary overview of worms yesterday, today and tomorrow, how one can basically guarantee their success and additional ways to profit from this fun and lucrative business.
While brief and concise, this book is NOT shallow, not necessarily JUST for the nubie and as far as I am concerned worth every penny. If you are just getting started or if you are already keeping worms and want to move into the commercial direction than this book really might be for you.
...
One thing kind of floored me - there are very few books available on Amazon regarding worms at this time. However, there are MANY excellent books out there - MANY! You will find a number of additional titles in Peter's catalogue and I recommend reading as many sources of information as you can because like anything in life, every expert finds their unique way to "skin a cat". I know Peter would encourage you to read widely as well, so start with his book, get on his mailing list and go for it!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Schagiticoke Health Care Facility Gets Failing Grade
Northwoods’ complaint rate above state average
Published: Friday, April 02, 2010
By Jessica M. Pasko
The Record
SCHAGHTICOKE — A state investigation resulted in charges against 14 former and current employees of a Rensselaer County health care facility this week, but state records show the facility has long been plagued with problems.
Documents show that from 2007-2009, the Northwoods Rehabilitation and Extended Care Facility in Schaghticoke had a complaint rate more than three times the state average.
There were 104 complaints about the Northwoods facility between January 2007 and December 2009, 41 percent of which were for facility-reported incidents, according to the state health department. That makes for a rate of 94.9 reports per 100 beds occupied, a rate the state determines based on daily occupancy rates to help with comparing a specific facility’s complaint experience with that of other nursing homes.
For the same time period, the statewide average rate of complaints received per 100 beds was 24.4.
The department of health investigates any allegations that a nursing home has violated federal or state regulations, or has provided inadequate care. With regards to the complaints against Northwoods between 2007 and 2009, state health officials conducted 48 on-site inspections that resulted in 30 citations, the bulk of which were in regards to quality of the care at the facility.
An updated inspection report from last month showed that Northwoods had a total of 57 deficiencies with regards to standard health and life safety code. That’s compared to the state average of 24, and of those 57, the state deemed 12 of them to be related to actual harm or immediate jeopardy.
Northwoods Health Systems, which also runs facilities in Cortland. Rensselaer and Niskayuna, was fined $6,000 last year for citations for quality of care, organization and administration, and quality assessment and assurance stemming from a Jan. 16, 2009 health department inspection of the Schaghticoke facility. That inspection found several instances of patient neglect, inadequate care and lack of proper documentation and monitoring in at least one resident’s case.
The facility was also fined $2,000 in 2008 for citations regarding quality of life and dignity stemming from a 2007 inspection. It was also fined $3,000 in 2004 for violations of residents’ rights on multiple dates, and it was fined $4,000 in 2002 for multiple violations of quality of care.
State health department records also show that between 2007 and 2009, the 120-bed facility exceeded the state and national averages for the number of patients suffering from bed sores.
Eighteen percent of high-risk patients suffered from bed sores, compared to the state average of 13 percent and the national average of 11 percent. As far as low-risk patients go, 3 percent of Northwoods residents suffered from bed sores, a slight rise above the state and national average of 2 percent.
Additionally, 27 percent of patients there for a short stay between October 2008 and September 2009 suffered bed sores, higher than the state’s 17 percent average.
The records also show that 11 percent of patients suffered from urinary tract infections from January to September 2009. The state average for this period was 8 percent, and the national average was 9 percent.
On Wednesday, 14 current and former employees at the facility were arraigned on multiple counts of neglect and falsifying business records. The charges followed a six-week video surveillance investigation by the state Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted from the end of February to early April in 2009.
According to Attorney General Cuomo, a hidden camera used with an unnamed 50-year-old patient, discovered that staff “routinely failed to turn and position an immobile resident, failed to administer medications and failed to treat bed sores. The patient suffered from multiple illnesses — including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and organ brain syndrome — and was completely reliant on staffers for all personal needs, according to the charges.
Nine of the staffers were immediately suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, which covered a six-week period from the end of February to early April in 2009, according to Northwoods administrators. The alleged abuse took place before the current administration took control of the facility in July, said spokeswoman Lisa Cupolo, and the new administrators say they’ve made significant improvements since taking over.
Several relatives of former Northwoods patients said they’ve complained to the state and facility administrators about the quality of care there before but have received little response. They’ve complained of bed sores, untreated urinary tract infections, and unanswered call buttons, among other problems.
Penny Marcy of Waterford said she put her 87-year-old mother in Northwoods in May when she suffered health problems of her own, and took her out in January after becoming disgusted with what she and family members saw as a gross lack of care.
“They wouldn’t let her walk,” said Marcy. “They filled her with pills she didn’t need so she was comatose when we got to her.”
Marcy also said her mother suffered from untreated bed sores, and that administrators lied to her about her mother having a stroke that caused the loss of the use of her left side.
“A neurologist told me she hadn’t had a stroke and it was caused by the pills they were giving to her,” said Marcy, who said her complaints to then facility officials fell on deaf ears.
Marcy’s mother is now staying with her sister in Halfmoon where she’s doing much better.
“The care that the administrators provide is a disgrace,” Marcy said. “Northwoods is the worse nursing home I’ve ever been in.”
Darcy Spencer of Troy and her sisters have obtained the services of the Martin, Harding and Mazzotti law firm in investigating their claims that Northwoods staff severely neglected their 66-year-old mother and ultimately caused her death in August.
The firm is also investigating at least four other similar cases.
Spencer and her sisters also accuse Northwoods of giving their mother, Mary Ann Poppielion, wrong medications, letting her call button go unanswered for long stretches of time and failing to properly treat a urinary tract infection that eventually led her to die of septic shock.
They said they’ve reported these and other complains to state officials and have also called the attorney general’s office.
In August, federal officials barred Northwoods from receiving Medicaid or Medicare payments for new residents following complaints that workers were ignoring the buzzer system used by patients needing assistance.
That restriction was lifted within a few weeks, according to Cupolo.
The facility suffered yet another blow in January when a former nurse’s aide pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a physically helpless 78-year-old woman in late 2007 and early 2008. Robert Gundersen, 52, of Middleburgh was sentenced to 10 years of probation as part of a plea deal.
The latest charges in Schaghticoke follow the 2007 conviction of Northwoods’ former owner, Highgate LTC Management LLC, for six misdemeanor criminal charges stemming from an undercover state investigation at its Cortland facility.
A few individual employees were convicted on neglect charges in the case as well, and Highgate was ultimately barred from the long-term care business.
Jessica M. Pasko can be reached at 270-1288 or by e-mail at jpasko@troyrecord.com.
http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/04/02/news/doc4bb572b96da50508862155.txt
Published: Friday, April 02, 2010
By Jessica M. Pasko
The Record
SCHAGHTICOKE — A state investigation resulted in charges against 14 former and current employees of a Rensselaer County health care facility this week, but state records show the facility has long been plagued with problems.
Documents show that from 2007-2009, the Northwoods Rehabilitation and Extended Care Facility in Schaghticoke had a complaint rate more than three times the state average.
There were 104 complaints about the Northwoods facility between January 2007 and December 2009, 41 percent of which were for facility-reported incidents, according to the state health department. That makes for a rate of 94.9 reports per 100 beds occupied, a rate the state determines based on daily occupancy rates to help with comparing a specific facility’s complaint experience with that of other nursing homes.
For the same time period, the statewide average rate of complaints received per 100 beds was 24.4.
The department of health investigates any allegations that a nursing home has violated federal or state regulations, or has provided inadequate care. With regards to the complaints against Northwoods between 2007 and 2009, state health officials conducted 48 on-site inspections that resulted in 30 citations, the bulk of which were in regards to quality of the care at the facility.
An updated inspection report from last month showed that Northwoods had a total of 57 deficiencies with regards to standard health and life safety code. That’s compared to the state average of 24, and of those 57, the state deemed 12 of them to be related to actual harm or immediate jeopardy.
Northwoods Health Systems, which also runs facilities in Cortland. Rensselaer and Niskayuna, was fined $6,000 last year for citations for quality of care, organization and administration, and quality assessment and assurance stemming from a Jan. 16, 2009 health department inspection of the Schaghticoke facility. That inspection found several instances of patient neglect, inadequate care and lack of proper documentation and monitoring in at least one resident’s case.
The facility was also fined $2,000 in 2008 for citations regarding quality of life and dignity stemming from a 2007 inspection. It was also fined $3,000 in 2004 for violations of residents’ rights on multiple dates, and it was fined $4,000 in 2002 for multiple violations of quality of care.
State health department records also show that between 2007 and 2009, the 120-bed facility exceeded the state and national averages for the number of patients suffering from bed sores.
Eighteen percent of high-risk patients suffered from bed sores, compared to the state average of 13 percent and the national average of 11 percent. As far as low-risk patients go, 3 percent of Northwoods residents suffered from bed sores, a slight rise above the state and national average of 2 percent.
Additionally, 27 percent of patients there for a short stay between October 2008 and September 2009 suffered bed sores, higher than the state’s 17 percent average.
The records also show that 11 percent of patients suffered from urinary tract infections from January to September 2009. The state average for this period was 8 percent, and the national average was 9 percent.
On Wednesday, 14 current and former employees at the facility were arraigned on multiple counts of neglect and falsifying business records. The charges followed a six-week video surveillance investigation by the state Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted from the end of February to early April in 2009.
According to Attorney General Cuomo, a hidden camera used with an unnamed 50-year-old patient, discovered that staff “routinely failed to turn and position an immobile resident, failed to administer medications and failed to treat bed sores. The patient suffered from multiple illnesses — including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and organ brain syndrome — and was completely reliant on staffers for all personal needs, according to the charges.
Nine of the staffers were immediately suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, which covered a six-week period from the end of February to early April in 2009, according to Northwoods administrators. The alleged abuse took place before the current administration took control of the facility in July, said spokeswoman Lisa Cupolo, and the new administrators say they’ve made significant improvements since taking over.
Several relatives of former Northwoods patients said they’ve complained to the state and facility administrators about the quality of care there before but have received little response. They’ve complained of bed sores, untreated urinary tract infections, and unanswered call buttons, among other problems.
Penny Marcy of Waterford said she put her 87-year-old mother in Northwoods in May when she suffered health problems of her own, and took her out in January after becoming disgusted with what she and family members saw as a gross lack of care.
“They wouldn’t let her walk,” said Marcy. “They filled her with pills she didn’t need so she was comatose when we got to her.”
Marcy also said her mother suffered from untreated bed sores, and that administrators lied to her about her mother having a stroke that caused the loss of the use of her left side.
“A neurologist told me she hadn’t had a stroke and it was caused by the pills they were giving to her,” said Marcy, who said her complaints to then facility officials fell on deaf ears.
Marcy’s mother is now staying with her sister in Halfmoon where she’s doing much better.
“The care that the administrators provide is a disgrace,” Marcy said. “Northwoods is the worse nursing home I’ve ever been in.”
Darcy Spencer of Troy and her sisters have obtained the services of the Martin, Harding and Mazzotti law firm in investigating their claims that Northwoods staff severely neglected their 66-year-old mother and ultimately caused her death in August.
The firm is also investigating at least four other similar cases.
Spencer and her sisters also accuse Northwoods of giving their mother, Mary Ann Poppielion, wrong medications, letting her call button go unanswered for long stretches of time and failing to properly treat a urinary tract infection that eventually led her to die of septic shock.
They said they’ve reported these and other complains to state officials and have also called the attorney general’s office.
In August, federal officials barred Northwoods from receiving Medicaid or Medicare payments for new residents following complaints that workers were ignoring the buzzer system used by patients needing assistance.
That restriction was lifted within a few weeks, according to Cupolo.
The facility suffered yet another blow in January when a former nurse’s aide pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a physically helpless 78-year-old woman in late 2007 and early 2008. Robert Gundersen, 52, of Middleburgh was sentenced to 10 years of probation as part of a plea deal.
The latest charges in Schaghticoke follow the 2007 conviction of Northwoods’ former owner, Highgate LTC Management LLC, for six misdemeanor criminal charges stemming from an undercover state investigation at its Cortland facility.
A few individual employees were convicted on neglect charges in the case as well, and Highgate was ultimately barred from the long-term care business.
Jessica M. Pasko can be reached at 270-1288 or by e-mail at jpasko@troyrecord.com.
http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/04/02/news/doc4bb572b96da50508862155.txt
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Troy 2 Get Food Co-Op
Troy Food Co-Op Website;
http://troyfoodcoop.com/
Click on title above to go to FaceBook Page;
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Troy-NY/Troy-Community-Food-Co-op/136696392141?v=wall
http://troyfoodcoop.com/
Click on title above to go to FaceBook Page;
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Troy-NY/Troy-Community-Food-Co-op/136696392141?v=wall
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
IM Conversations w/ my 13yr old Neighbor
Christine
I c u have the F wrd on you facebook page
6:30pmAllison
yeaa
6:30pmChristine
u think that is ok?
6:30pmAllison
my parents dont care. because its what my friend said.
6:31pmChristine
r u sure they dont care. if so, that is not a good reflection on them, or you. You are too young to use such language, I dont care what yer "friends" say
6:32pmAllison
i say it all the time
what are you gunna do? call the cops?
6:32pmChristine
And you say yur parents know?
6:33pmAllison
yea
6:33pmChristine
How about I call them to see?
6:34pmAllison
go right ahead.
even send my mom an email
6:34pmChristine
How about I call her now?
6:34pmAllison
sureee
6:35pmChristine
k
line is busy but i will check it out.
6:35pmAllison
send her an email
6:35pmChristine
It is NOT RIGHT for a young girl like you to use such language!
6:36pmAllison
have you seen jess? she does it ALL the time
6:36pmChristine
I prefer to talk to them by phone. Just know I dont want you to ever put any language like that on any of my sites.....I dont even like to be connected with children who use such language.
I dont know what she says or does "in real life," but if she is saying the F word on the internet I will tell her mom too!
6:38pmAllison
You dont need to contact them. It's my life, not yours. My parents dont even want me speaking to you or hanging out with you because your a bad influence.
Like hitting george with a chair.
6:38pmChristine
Ha! Thats it then.
Say what? When?
6:39pmAllison
like 2 or 3 years ago. when me and mariah were upstairs.
6:39pmChristine
What adults do is no concern to children...unless of course IT EFFECTS them
6:40pmAllison
But anyways, its MY mouth and MY body. I can do whatever i want to do.
6:41pmChristine
So if yer ma and dad dont want u hangin round me I suppose uyou had better not. Anyways, I dont much like NASTY little girls like you (apparently) are
6:43pmChristine
Kevin says dont bother him anymore on his facebook page either....he knows the deal
6:43pmAllison
what are you talking about? I dont even have him on facebook!!!!
6:45pmChristine
Well he is a liar too, I suppose.
6:45pmAllison
You can think what you want to, but im my case. YOU dont have to worry about me. It's my life and NO one else said anything about me saying that. SO you shouldnt worry.
Really? IM NOT A LIAR!
6:47pmAllison
infact, your a liar because he doesnt even have a facebook.
6:47pmChristine
Allie, any ADULT in their RIGHT mind would not be "ok" w/ their 13 yr old daughter using such language, particularly on the internet.....and I cant believe your parents would be ok with it. If they are, fine. But I gotta report it none-the-less
Enough of this name calling.Guess this is the end for us
6:48pmAllison
yeah, so delete me from your fucking life and NEVER fucking talk to me again!
6:48pmChristine
u got it
6:50pmAllison
Lateeerr. you bipolar syco bitch.
6:51pmChristine
So, the REAL u comes out now.
6:51pmAllison is offline.
I c u have the F wrd on you facebook page
6:30pmAllison
yeaa
6:30pmChristine
u think that is ok?
6:30pmAllison
my parents dont care. because its what my friend said.
6:31pmChristine
r u sure they dont care. if so, that is not a good reflection on them, or you. You are too young to use such language, I dont care what yer "friends" say
6:32pmAllison
i say it all the time
what are you gunna do? call the cops?
6:32pmChristine
And you say yur parents know?
6:33pmAllison
yea
6:33pmChristine
How about I call them to see?
6:34pmAllison
go right ahead.
even send my mom an email
6:34pmChristine
How about I call her now?
6:34pmAllison
sureee
6:35pmChristine
k
line is busy but i will check it out.
6:35pmAllison
send her an email
6:35pmChristine
It is NOT RIGHT for a young girl like you to use such language!
6:36pmAllison
have you seen jess? she does it ALL the time
6:36pmChristine
I prefer to talk to them by phone. Just know I dont want you to ever put any language like that on any of my sites.....I dont even like to be connected with children who use such language.
I dont know what she says or does "in real life," but if she is saying the F word on the internet I will tell her mom too!
6:38pmAllison
You dont need to contact them. It's my life, not yours. My parents dont even want me speaking to you or hanging out with you because your a bad influence.
Like hitting george with a chair.
6:38pmChristine
Ha! Thats it then.
Say what? When?
6:39pmAllison
like 2 or 3 years ago. when me and mariah were upstairs.
6:39pmChristine
What adults do is no concern to children...unless of course IT EFFECTS them
6:40pmAllison
But anyways, its MY mouth and MY body. I can do whatever i want to do.
6:41pmChristine
So if yer ma and dad dont want u hangin round me I suppose uyou had better not. Anyways, I dont much like NASTY little girls like you (apparently) are
6:43pmChristine
Kevin says dont bother him anymore on his facebook page either....he knows the deal
6:43pmAllison
what are you talking about? I dont even have him on facebook!!!!
6:45pmChristine
Well he is a liar too, I suppose.
6:45pmAllison
You can think what you want to, but im my case. YOU dont have to worry about me. It's my life and NO one else said anything about me saying that. SO you shouldnt worry.
Really? IM NOT A LIAR!
6:47pmAllison
infact, your a liar because he doesnt even have a facebook.
6:47pmChristine
Allie, any ADULT in their RIGHT mind would not be "ok" w/ their 13 yr old daughter using such language, particularly on the internet.....and I cant believe your parents would be ok with it. If they are, fine. But I gotta report it none-the-less
Enough of this name calling.Guess this is the end for us
6:48pmAllison
yeah, so delete me from your fucking life and NEVER fucking talk to me again!
6:48pmChristine
u got it
6:50pmAllison
Lateeerr. you bipolar syco bitch.
6:51pmChristine
So, the REAL u comes out now.
6:51pmAllison is offline.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Will Rensselaer County count calories?
March 25, 2010 at 5:14 pm by Kenneth C. Crowe II
The public counting of calories at fast food restaurants has become part of the effort to fight the national obesity epidemic. Albany County does it and so does Schenectady County. New York City does it and it’s included in the federal health care bill.
Now, Rensselaer County Legislator Peter Grimm, D-Troy, is proposing the county mandate it too.
Here’s Grimm’s take on the matter:
Legislator Grimm Calls on Rensselaer County Legislature to Consider Calorie Count Bill
Troy Legislator Peter Grimm has called on the Rensselaer County Legislature to consider a local law that would require chain food service establishments to post nutritional information – specifically, calories contained in menu items, at the point of consumer decisions at fast-food restaurants. Similar laws are now in effect in both Albany and Schenectady Counties affording responsible consumer choices at these restaurants. In a letter of memorandum, Grimm urged the County Executive and Chairman of the Legislature to join with him and support a local law initiative. “Calorie information is going to be in plain sight for all consumers to see, putting knowledge in the hands of people. I believe anything we can do to help children and families make wise and healthy decisions will make a difference”, said Grimm.
With the historic signing of a national heath care reform act, significant emphasis is being placed on preventative care as a means of controlling costs and promoting personal responsibility for good health. “As we await the numerous components of the new federal legislation to take effect, I believe Rensselaer County should be proactive in promoting healthy eating habits through increased consumer awareness and urge early initiation of this law”, stated Grimm. The local law will be presented to the Rensselaer County Legislature for consideration at its April meeting.
http://blog.timesunion.com/localpolitics/6509/will-rensselaer-county-count-calories/
The public counting of calories at fast food restaurants has become part of the effort to fight the national obesity epidemic. Albany County does it and so does Schenectady County. New York City does it and it’s included in the federal health care bill.
Now, Rensselaer County Legislator Peter Grimm, D-Troy, is proposing the county mandate it too.
Here’s Grimm’s take on the matter:
Legislator Grimm Calls on Rensselaer County Legislature to Consider Calorie Count Bill
Troy Legislator Peter Grimm has called on the Rensselaer County Legislature to consider a local law that would require chain food service establishments to post nutritional information – specifically, calories contained in menu items, at the point of consumer decisions at fast-food restaurants. Similar laws are now in effect in both Albany and Schenectady Counties affording responsible consumer choices at these restaurants. In a letter of memorandum, Grimm urged the County Executive and Chairman of the Legislature to join with him and support a local law initiative. “Calorie information is going to be in plain sight for all consumers to see, putting knowledge in the hands of people. I believe anything we can do to help children and families make wise and healthy decisions will make a difference”, said Grimm.
With the historic signing of a national heath care reform act, significant emphasis is being placed on preventative care as a means of controlling costs and promoting personal responsibility for good health. “As we await the numerous components of the new federal legislation to take effect, I believe Rensselaer County should be proactive in promoting healthy eating habits through increased consumer awareness and urge early initiation of this law”, stated Grimm. The local law will be presented to the Rensselaer County Legislature for consideration at its April meeting.
http://blog.timesunion.com/localpolitics/6509/will-rensselaer-county-count-calories/
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Emma Looses AA Rating
Report title: Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, New York Emma Willard School; Independent Schools
from S&P Credit Research
1944 word report published Mar 23, 2010
Price $400.00 available for immediate download
Report Overview
Search Inside
About S&P Credit Research
Abstract: Standard&Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term rating to 'A+' from 'AA-' on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for Emma Willard School. The rating outlook is stable. The downgrade reflects our assessment of the school's recent operating pressures, which resulted in large deficits based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) including a moderately aggressive endowment draw in fiscals 2008 and 2009. In addition, management has indicated it expects similar results in the near future as well as a significant deterioration of financial resources, which are at levels more comparable to the 'A' rating category. The 'A+' rating reflects our view of the school's: Strong demand profile as demonstrated by a strong
Brief Excerpt: RESEARCH Ratings Definitions Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, New York Emma Willard School; Independent Schools Publication date: 23-Mar-2010 Primary Credit Analyst: Marc Savaria, Boston (1) 617-530-8315; marc_savaria@standardandpoors.co...
Report Type: Full Report
Issuer: Emma Willard School
Sector: Global Issuers, Public Finance
Country: United States
Region: United States
Free Sample: Click Here to Download
Format: HTML
Enter the keyword(s) which you would like to search for within this document and click "Search"
S&P Credit Research provides analysis on issuers and debt obligations of corporations, states and municipalities, financial institutions, insurance companies and sovereign governments. S&P also offers insight into the credit risk of structured finance deals, providing an independent view of credit risk associated with a growing array of debt-securitized instruments.
Also from S&P Credit Research
Summary: Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, New York Emma Willard School; Independent Schools $175.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term rating to 'A+' from 'AA-' on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for Emma Willard School. The rating outlook is stable. ...
Debt Rating On Emma Willard School, NY Lowered To 'A+' On Diminished Operating Performance $100.00
BOSTON (Standard&Poor's) March 22, 2010--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term rating to 'A+' from 'AA-' on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for the Emma ...
Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency Emma Willard School, New York; Independent Schools $400.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'AA-' long-term rating on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for the Emma Willard School. The 'AA-' rating reflects the school's: ...
Summary: Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency Emma Willard School, New York; Independent Schools $175.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'AA-' long-term rating on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for the Emma Willard School. The 'AA-' rating reflects the school's: ...
Emma Williard School, NY Civic Facility Revenue Bonds Rated 'AA-'; Outlook Stable $100.00
NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) June 8, 2006--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' rating to Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s $31.4 million civic facility revenue bonds, series 2006, issued for the Emma Willard ...
Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, New York Emma Williard School; Independent Schools $400.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' rating to Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s civic facility revenue bonds series 2006, issued for the Emma Willard School. The 'AA-' rating reflects the school's: Strong ...
Summary: Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, New York Emma Williard School; Independent Schools $175.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' rating to Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s civic facility revenue bonds series 2006, issued for the Emma Willard School. The 'AA-' rating reflects the school's: Strong ...
http://www.alacrastore.com/research/s-and-p-credit-research-Rensselaer_County_Industrial_Development_Agency_New_York_Emma_Willard_School_Independent_Schools-784010
from S&P Credit Research
1944 word report published Mar 23, 2010
Price $400.00 available for immediate download
Report Overview
Search Inside
About S&P Credit Research
Abstract: Standard&Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term rating to 'A+' from 'AA-' on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for Emma Willard School. The rating outlook is stable. The downgrade reflects our assessment of the school's recent operating pressures, which resulted in large deficits based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) including a moderately aggressive endowment draw in fiscals 2008 and 2009. In addition, management has indicated it expects similar results in the near future as well as a significant deterioration of financial resources, which are at levels more comparable to the 'A' rating category. The 'A+' rating reflects our view of the school's: Strong demand profile as demonstrated by a strong
Brief Excerpt: RESEARCH Ratings Definitions Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, New York Emma Willard School; Independent Schools Publication date: 23-Mar-2010 Primary Credit Analyst: Marc Savaria, Boston (1) 617-530-8315; marc_savaria@standardandpoors.co...
Report Type: Full Report
Issuer: Emma Willard School
Sector: Global Issuers, Public Finance
Country: United States
Region: United States
Free Sample: Click Here to Download
Format: HTML
Enter the keyword(s) which you would like to search for within this document and click "Search"
S&P Credit Research provides analysis on issuers and debt obligations of corporations, states and municipalities, financial institutions, insurance companies and sovereign governments. S&P also offers insight into the credit risk of structured finance deals, providing an independent view of credit risk associated with a growing array of debt-securitized instruments.
Also from S&P Credit Research
Summary: Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, New York Emma Willard School; Independent Schools $175.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term rating to 'A+' from 'AA-' on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for Emma Willard School. The rating outlook is stable. ...
Debt Rating On Emma Willard School, NY Lowered To 'A+' On Diminished Operating Performance $100.00
BOSTON (Standard&Poor's) March 22, 2010--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term rating to 'A+' from 'AA-' on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for the Emma ...
Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency Emma Willard School, New York; Independent Schools $400.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'AA-' long-term rating on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for the Emma Willard School. The 'AA-' rating reflects the school's: ...
Summary: Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency Emma Willard School, New York; Independent Schools $175.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'AA-' long-term rating on Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s series 2006 civic facility revenue bonds, issued for the Emma Willard School. The 'AA-' rating reflects the school's: ...
Emma Williard School, NY Civic Facility Revenue Bonds Rated 'AA-'; Outlook Stable $100.00
NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) June 8, 2006--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' rating to Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s $31.4 million civic facility revenue bonds, series 2006, issued for the Emma Willard ...
Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, New York Emma Williard School; Independent Schools $400.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' rating to Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s civic facility revenue bonds series 2006, issued for the Emma Willard School. The 'AA-' rating reflects the school's: Strong ...
Summary: Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, New York Emma Williard School; Independent Schools $175.00
Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' rating to Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, N.Y.'s civic facility revenue bonds series 2006, issued for the Emma Willard School. The 'AA-' rating reflects the school's: Strong ...
http://www.alacrastore.com/research/s-and-p-credit-research-Rensselaer_County_Industrial_Development_Agency_New_York_Emma_Willard_School_Independent_Schools-784010
Msg. for Schumer on China Policy
From Jr. Deputy Accountant
China Currency Manipulation: Careful What You Wish For
Posted: 24 Mar 2010 09:00 AM PDT
Careful what you wish for, Chuck Schumer, you're treading a very dangerous line and I'm not quite sure you want to bite the hand that feeds you. Oh sorry, make that the hand that used to feed you before China got smart and decided it would go foam up its bubble all on its own over there.
Two U.S. senators vowed on Tuesday to push for action on a bill aimed at pressuring China to strengthen its currency on the eve of a senior Chinese official's visit to Washington to smooth differences.
Arguing that China's exchange rate policies cost American jobs, the lawmakers said such pressure was necessary to make China move.
"My belief is that China will not do anything unless they're required to, and every day we wait is a day we lose wealth, we lose economic advantage, we lose jobs," said Senator Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat.
Schumer told reporters on conference call that he and Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, would push for a vote on the bill by the end of May. The measure would allow U.S. companies to seek duties on Chinese goods to offset China's currency policies.
"If we took the currency issue off the table, we would be more competitive in every sector," added Graham.
Yo, Lindsey, it's not your table dude.
Here's a novel idea for the honorable (?!) Mssrs. Schumer and Graham: they have the fucking Fed to babysit and have failed miserably at taming that particular beast. They'd be wise to tend to their own house before they go judging their new Asian neighbors for having cheap furniture if you know what I'm sayin.
In honor of this large oversight on the part of Congress (you know, forgetting that it's their job to keep the Fed on a short leash), I resurrect Eliot Spitzer: The Fed is a Ponzi Scheme.
China Currency Manipulation: Careful What You Wish For
Posted: 24 Mar 2010 09:00 AM PDT
Careful what you wish for, Chuck Schumer, you're treading a very dangerous line and I'm not quite sure you want to bite the hand that feeds you. Oh sorry, make that the hand that used to feed you before China got smart and decided it would go foam up its bubble all on its own over there.
Two U.S. senators vowed on Tuesday to push for action on a bill aimed at pressuring China to strengthen its currency on the eve of a senior Chinese official's visit to Washington to smooth differences.
Arguing that China's exchange rate policies cost American jobs, the lawmakers said such pressure was necessary to make China move.
"My belief is that China will not do anything unless they're required to, and every day we wait is a day we lose wealth, we lose economic advantage, we lose jobs," said Senator Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat.
Schumer told reporters on conference call that he and Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, would push for a vote on the bill by the end of May. The measure would allow U.S. companies to seek duties on Chinese goods to offset China's currency policies.
"If we took the currency issue off the table, we would be more competitive in every sector," added Graham.
Yo, Lindsey, it's not your table dude.
Here's a novel idea for the honorable (?!) Mssrs. Schumer and Graham: they have the fucking Fed to babysit and have failed miserably at taming that particular beast. They'd be wise to tend to their own house before they go judging their new Asian neighbors for having cheap furniture if you know what I'm sayin.
In honor of this large oversight on the part of Congress (you know, forgetting that it's their job to keep the Fed on a short leash), I resurrect Eliot Spitzer: The Fed is a Ponzi Scheme.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Renss. Co Students: Historians in Training Program
Alexander Minton
Special to The Record
“Getting There: Historians in Training
Explore Travel Through Time:”
A piece of sheet music, a section of trolley track, an elegant, if faded, carriage, and a rusting horseshoe. All of these objects are among the artifacts from the Rensselaer County Historical Society collection researched by students from Tony Rieth’s and Karen Bechdol’s Humanities class at Troy High School. These 25 “Historians in Training” are part of an exciting collaboration among Troy High School, RCHS and The Record.
In early 2009, RCHS staff provided the students with a selection of transportation-themed objects from which to choose. The Historians in Training then picked the objects they wanted to research and uncovered their stories, writing articles that will appear in The Record each Monday, starting today. These stories provide an eclectic window into the impact that planes, trains, and automobiles (as well as boats and horses) have had on the history of Rensselaer County.
Through this collaborative, the Historians in Training developed research and writing skills and had the opportunity to explore careers in history museums and journalism. Most importantly, they discovered fascinating stories from the past, and through their research and articles, are making local history accessible to our community.
People need direction in life; they always have and always will. The Handy Pocket Guide to trains was the very direction people in turn of the century Troy needed. Their lives depended on the trains that ran through their city. So this little 50 page booklet was a godsend to people who needed to catch trains often.
This small book from 1902 has a worn feeling to it and the color is faded, yet even a century later, it is still in exquisite condition; a gallant effort at keeping the history of our fair county alive by the historians at the Rensselaer County Historical Society where this book resides. The first dozen pages of the guide are dense with information including many train schedules. Troy has always been an important center of transportation activity, and dozens of trains came in and out of Troy every day in 1902! The book also has many advertisements for chemists, druggists, shops and other services. Many businesses that distributed these pamphlets usually also posted their own ads in them.
The front cover of this book has the name Minnie Hunt written on it. A search of the Troy City Directory for the year 1902 uncovered some information about Miss Hunt. She was a milliner who worked at 363 Broadway, and boarded in Watervliet. She didn’t own the shop and there was no sign of distribution of these pamphlets from the hat shop so this must have been her personal copy. In 1903, she moved out of Troy, but to an unknown destination.
This booklet was very important to everyday people. It is difficult to understand the significance of this little book since passenger train services ended in Troy in 1958. But if your life revolves around a bus or subway schedule, then you probably have a good idea of the true worth of a small pamphlet like this one.
The Historians in Training program is collaboration among the Rensselaer County Historical Society, Troy High School, and The Record. For more information, please visit www.rchsonline.org or call 518-272-7232, x17. Educational programming at RCHS is made possible by the generous support of RCHS members and donors and is supported in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.
http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/03/22/news/doc4ba6db2f55374676716978.txt#blogcomments
Special to The Record
“Getting There: Historians in Training
Explore Travel Through Time:”
A piece of sheet music, a section of trolley track, an elegant, if faded, carriage, and a rusting horseshoe. All of these objects are among the artifacts from the Rensselaer County Historical Society collection researched by students from Tony Rieth’s and Karen Bechdol’s Humanities class at Troy High School. These 25 “Historians in Training” are part of an exciting collaboration among Troy High School, RCHS and The Record.
In early 2009, RCHS staff provided the students with a selection of transportation-themed objects from which to choose. The Historians in Training then picked the objects they wanted to research and uncovered their stories, writing articles that will appear in The Record each Monday, starting today. These stories provide an eclectic window into the impact that planes, trains, and automobiles (as well as boats and horses) have had on the history of Rensselaer County.
Through this collaborative, the Historians in Training developed research and writing skills and had the opportunity to explore careers in history museums and journalism. Most importantly, they discovered fascinating stories from the past, and through their research and articles, are making local history accessible to our community.
People need direction in life; they always have and always will. The Handy Pocket Guide to trains was the very direction people in turn of the century Troy needed. Their lives depended on the trains that ran through their city. So this little 50 page booklet was a godsend to people who needed to catch trains often.
This small book from 1902 has a worn feeling to it and the color is faded, yet even a century later, it is still in exquisite condition; a gallant effort at keeping the history of our fair county alive by the historians at the Rensselaer County Historical Society where this book resides. The first dozen pages of the guide are dense with information including many train schedules. Troy has always been an important center of transportation activity, and dozens of trains came in and out of Troy every day in 1902! The book also has many advertisements for chemists, druggists, shops and other services. Many businesses that distributed these pamphlets usually also posted their own ads in them.
The front cover of this book has the name Minnie Hunt written on it. A search of the Troy City Directory for the year 1902 uncovered some information about Miss Hunt. She was a milliner who worked at 363 Broadway, and boarded in Watervliet. She didn’t own the shop and there was no sign of distribution of these pamphlets from the hat shop so this must have been her personal copy. In 1903, she moved out of Troy, but to an unknown destination.
This booklet was very important to everyday people. It is difficult to understand the significance of this little book since passenger train services ended in Troy in 1958. But if your life revolves around a bus or subway schedule, then you probably have a good idea of the true worth of a small pamphlet like this one.
The Historians in Training program is collaboration among the Rensselaer County Historical Society, Troy High School, and The Record. For more information, please visit www.rchsonline.org or call 518-272-7232, x17. Educational programming at RCHS is made possible by the generous support of RCHS members and donors and is supported in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.
http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/03/22/news/doc4ba6db2f55374676716978.txt#blogcomments
Monument Square to host ‘Troygle’ event Tuesday
Published: Monday, March 22, 2010
By Dave Canfield
The Record
TROY — Supporters of the Collar City’s bid to become a Google test market will take to downtown streets Tuesday to show the company, literally, that they want its ultra high-speed internet.
Organizers plan on filming the event they’ve dubbed “The Need for Speed,” slated for 5 to 7 p.m. at Monument Square, for submission as part of their application to the rapidly expanding California-based company that is now a household name. Those applications seeking to prove worthiness for high-speed broadband internet are due Friday.
Lisa Powell Graham, who has been organizing the effort to bring Google to Troy, said she’s never seen as much extensive support as has been offered for the efforts of the group, which has established a Web site at troygle.org. She hopes as many people as possible will come out for Tuesday’s rain-or-shine event.
“We just need to have as big of a crowd as we can get,” Graham said. “We need to do this and have this presence now, before the applications are due.”
The Hellions of Troy roller derby team will be on hand, and the first 100 attendees will receive a free Uncle Sam hat. Organizers plan to make Google very aware that the Collar City was once home to the man behind that legend.
The video’s expected narration introduces Troy as a place “where history, culture and technology meet,” noting its architecture, 19th-century industrial prominence and its location in New York’s Tech Valley region. It references President Barack Obama’s recent visit to the city as well as the presence of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the oldest technological university in the English-speaking world.
The high density of technology companies and educational institutions in the area would give Google all the cooperation they needed to get the broadband system running and successful, Graham said.
“All the local colleges and schools are on board. The businesses are on board. City Hall is 100 percent behind it,” she said. “We think we’re poised to give them what they need in terms of partnership.”
According to Google, the fiber-optic broadband is capable of downloading up to one gigabit per second, which is some 100 times faster than connection speeds available to most Americans. Supporters say speed like that not only makes Troy a desirable place for residents, but could also be a deciding factor in bringing technology firms to the area.
Likely for those same reasons, Troy isn’t the only city vying to be the project’s guinea pig. Scores of Facebook pages exist to support different markets, and other cities have pulled stunts like the one Troy will see Tuesday. The mayor of Duluth, Minn., recently jumped into a chilly Lake Superior to get company’s attention, and Topeka, Kan., has temporarily and informally re-named itself “Google” for the time being.
Applications are also being submitted on behalf of other Capital District municipalities, though none have attracted the local attention that Troy’s has.
It has not been announced how many test markets Google will choose, or even if they will select more than one. But Graham said that, regardless of the outcome, supporters’ efforts won’t go to waste.
“No matter what happens with the Google application, we want to put Troy on the map anyways. We want to make Troy a Mecca for technology and arts, no matter what,” she said. “We think Google should pick us. But, regardless, we’re going to take the energy forward and really make great things happen in Troy.”
Dave Canfield can be reached at 270-1290 or by e-mail at dcanfield@troyrecord.com.
By Dave Canfield
The Record
TROY — Supporters of the Collar City’s bid to become a Google test market will take to downtown streets Tuesday to show the company, literally, that they want its ultra high-speed internet.
Organizers plan on filming the event they’ve dubbed “The Need for Speed,” slated for 5 to 7 p.m. at Monument Square, for submission as part of their application to the rapidly expanding California-based company that is now a household name. Those applications seeking to prove worthiness for high-speed broadband internet are due Friday.
Lisa Powell Graham, who has been organizing the effort to bring Google to Troy, said she’s never seen as much extensive support as has been offered for the efforts of the group, which has established a Web site at troygle.org. She hopes as many people as possible will come out for Tuesday’s rain-or-shine event.
“We just need to have as big of a crowd as we can get,” Graham said. “We need to do this and have this presence now, before the applications are due.”
The Hellions of Troy roller derby team will be on hand, and the first 100 attendees will receive a free Uncle Sam hat. Organizers plan to make Google very aware that the Collar City was once home to the man behind that legend.
The video’s expected narration introduces Troy as a place “where history, culture and technology meet,” noting its architecture, 19th-century industrial prominence and its location in New York’s Tech Valley region. It references President Barack Obama’s recent visit to the city as well as the presence of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the oldest technological university in the English-speaking world.
The high density of technology companies and educational institutions in the area would give Google all the cooperation they needed to get the broadband system running and successful, Graham said.
“All the local colleges and schools are on board. The businesses are on board. City Hall is 100 percent behind it,” she said. “We think we’re poised to give them what they need in terms of partnership.”
According to Google, the fiber-optic broadband is capable of downloading up to one gigabit per second, which is some 100 times faster than connection speeds available to most Americans. Supporters say speed like that not only makes Troy a desirable place for residents, but could also be a deciding factor in bringing technology firms to the area.
Likely for those same reasons, Troy isn’t the only city vying to be the project’s guinea pig. Scores of Facebook pages exist to support different markets, and other cities have pulled stunts like the one Troy will see Tuesday. The mayor of Duluth, Minn., recently jumped into a chilly Lake Superior to get company’s attention, and Topeka, Kan., has temporarily and informally re-named itself “Google” for the time being.
Applications are also being submitted on behalf of other Capital District municipalities, though none have attracted the local attention that Troy’s has.
It has not been announced how many test markets Google will choose, or even if they will select more than one. But Graham said that, regardless of the outcome, supporters’ efforts won’t go to waste.
“No matter what happens with the Google application, we want to put Troy on the map anyways. We want to make Troy a Mecca for technology and arts, no matter what,” she said. “We think Google should pick us. But, regardless, we’re going to take the energy forward and really make great things happen in Troy.”
Dave Canfield can be reached at 270-1290 or by e-mail at dcanfield@troyrecord.com.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
NY poverty rate tops national average
Published: Thursday, March 18, 2010
By Jessica M. Pasko
The Record
TROY — Close to 14 percent of New Yorkers live in poverty, the highest rate among Northeastern states, according to a new report released by the New York State Community Action Association.
More than 2.6 million New Yorkers live in poverty, including 852,000 children. That makes for a poverty rate of 13.8 percent, slightly higher than the national rate of 13.2 percent. The city of Buffalo was ranked as the third poorest city in the U.S., with close to 30 percent of the population there living in property. The poverty rate is defined as the percentage of the population living in households below or at the federal poverty line.
NYSCAA, which represents 52 communication action committees across the state, released the annual New York State Poverty Report Wednesday. The report is based on the latest poverty data available from the U.S. Census, covering 2006-2008, and doesn’t reflect the current economic crisis. Data from 2000 had to be used for some counties, including Hamilton and Schuyler.
“The recession has hit all New Yorkers hard and while parts of the economy are beginning to recover, we still have more families struggling to keep their head above water every day,” said NYSCAA CEO Denise Harlow.
A family of three would have to make $18,310 or less to be considered living under the poverty line, based on the federal guidelines. A family of four would need to make less than $22,050 to be counted in the poverty rate according to those same guidelines.
“The current poverty levels are unacceptable and we know the number of families struggling is even greater, especially when a family of three making more than $18,310 is not considered poor and [is] therefore uncounted in the rates on poverty our report discusses.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, poverty thresholds were originally developed in the 1960s based on then assumption that 30 percent of household income is spent on food costs. In today’s economy, that’s not always the case. The federal government sets the poverty line threshold across the board, regardless of the costs of living in a particular area.
“There is work being done statewide and nationally to redefine what poverty levels are set at,” said Harlow.
In the breakdown by county, Rensselaer County has a 10.1 percent poverty rate, compared to 12 percent in Albany County, 10.8 percent in Schenectady and just 6.9 percent in Saratoga County.
The city of Troy has a much higher poverty rate, with 21.4 percent or about 9,520 individuals living in poverty, including nearly 3,200 children.
New to the report this year is data highlighting the plight of the working poor and families headed by single women.
Nearly 50 percent of all families in poverty statewide are headed by single women with children, and 70 percent of Troy’s poor families are headed by single mothers.
The report also found that a major issue continues to be what’s called working poor – those employed but still living in poverty. Close to 28 percent of those living in poverty are employed, and the state’s unemployment rate reached nine percent in December.
Race continues to play a disproportionate role when it comes to poverty statistics, according to NYSACC. More than one in five black New Yorkers and one in four Hispanic residents live in poverty, as compared to one in 10 white residents.
New York State:
Total population: 19,428,881
Number/percent of individuals in poverty: 2,603,930/ 13.8 percent
Number/percent of children in poverty: 852,700/ 19.5 percent
Percent of senior citizens in poverty: 11.8 percent
Percent of poor who are employed: 27.5 percent
Rensselaer County:
Total population: 154,939
Number/percent of individuals in poverty: 15,158/ 10. 1 percent
Number/percent of children in poverty: 4,620/ 14 percent
Percent of senior citizens in poverty: 9.4 percent
Percent of poor who are employed: 33.4 percent
City of Troy:
Total population: 47,229
Number/percent of individuals living in poverty: 9,521/ 21.4 percent
Number/percent of children in poverty: 3,192/ 33.2 percent
Percent of senior citizens in poverty: 13.7 percent
Percent of poor who are employed: 32.6 percent
—Statistics from the New York State Community Action Association
Jessica M. Pasko can be reached at 270-1288 or by e-mail at jpasko@troyrecord.com.
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of troyrecord.com.
WellRed wrote on Mar 18, 2010 7:34 AM:
" Aint that something? And NY with the largest tax rates. Where is all the $$$ going? To the dirty politician and their friends and supporters, thats where. Thats one thing the article forgot to mention; NY has one of the most corrupt political systems in the nation too..right "up there" with Washington, DC. "
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http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/03/18/news/doc4ba188f22b493921894906.txt#blogcomments
By Jessica M. Pasko
The Record
TROY — Close to 14 percent of New Yorkers live in poverty, the highest rate among Northeastern states, according to a new report released by the New York State Community Action Association.
More than 2.6 million New Yorkers live in poverty, including 852,000 children. That makes for a poverty rate of 13.8 percent, slightly higher than the national rate of 13.2 percent. The city of Buffalo was ranked as the third poorest city in the U.S., with close to 30 percent of the population there living in property. The poverty rate is defined as the percentage of the population living in households below or at the federal poverty line.
NYSCAA, which represents 52 communication action committees across the state, released the annual New York State Poverty Report Wednesday. The report is based on the latest poverty data available from the U.S. Census, covering 2006-2008, and doesn’t reflect the current economic crisis. Data from 2000 had to be used for some counties, including Hamilton and Schuyler.
“The recession has hit all New Yorkers hard and while parts of the economy are beginning to recover, we still have more families struggling to keep their head above water every day,” said NYSCAA CEO Denise Harlow.
A family of three would have to make $18,310 or less to be considered living under the poverty line, based on the federal guidelines. A family of four would need to make less than $22,050 to be counted in the poverty rate according to those same guidelines.
“The current poverty levels are unacceptable and we know the number of families struggling is even greater, especially when a family of three making more than $18,310 is not considered poor and [is] therefore uncounted in the rates on poverty our report discusses.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, poverty thresholds were originally developed in the 1960s based on then assumption that 30 percent of household income is spent on food costs. In today’s economy, that’s not always the case. The federal government sets the poverty line threshold across the board, regardless of the costs of living in a particular area.
“There is work being done statewide and nationally to redefine what poverty levels are set at,” said Harlow.
In the breakdown by county, Rensselaer County has a 10.1 percent poverty rate, compared to 12 percent in Albany County, 10.8 percent in Schenectady and just 6.9 percent in Saratoga County.
The city of Troy has a much higher poverty rate, with 21.4 percent or about 9,520 individuals living in poverty, including nearly 3,200 children.
New to the report this year is data highlighting the plight of the working poor and families headed by single women.
Nearly 50 percent of all families in poverty statewide are headed by single women with children, and 70 percent of Troy’s poor families are headed by single mothers.
The report also found that a major issue continues to be what’s called working poor – those employed but still living in poverty. Close to 28 percent of those living in poverty are employed, and the state’s unemployment rate reached nine percent in December.
Race continues to play a disproportionate role when it comes to poverty statistics, according to NYSACC. More than one in five black New Yorkers and one in four Hispanic residents live in poverty, as compared to one in 10 white residents.
New York State:
Total population: 19,428,881
Number/percent of individuals in poverty: 2,603,930/ 13.8 percent
Number/percent of children in poverty: 852,700/ 19.5 percent
Percent of senior citizens in poverty: 11.8 percent
Percent of poor who are employed: 27.5 percent
Rensselaer County:
Total population: 154,939
Number/percent of individuals in poverty: 15,158/ 10. 1 percent
Number/percent of children in poverty: 4,620/ 14 percent
Percent of senior citizens in poverty: 9.4 percent
Percent of poor who are employed: 33.4 percent
City of Troy:
Total population: 47,229
Number/percent of individuals living in poverty: 9,521/ 21.4 percent
Number/percent of children in poverty: 3,192/ 33.2 percent
Percent of senior citizens in poverty: 13.7 percent
Percent of poor who are employed: 32.6 percent
—Statistics from the New York State Community Action Association
Jessica M. Pasko can be reached at 270-1288 or by e-mail at jpasko@troyrecord.com.
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of troyrecord.com.
WellRed wrote on Mar 18, 2010 7:34 AM:
" Aint that something? And NY with the largest tax rates. Where is all the $$$ going? To the dirty politician and their friends and supporters, thats where. Thats one thing the article forgot to mention; NY has one of the most corrupt political systems in the nation too..right "up there" with Washington, DC. "
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