tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69601226354519357172024-03-14T04:43:47.804-04:00Ecstatic E's JournalNot that many people still write nowadays with the rise of social media (Yt, Fb); I'm an exception!
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Whatever comes to mind, whether it be politics, news, or daily events. Comments welcome!Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-3107684596132784692013-02-20T19:30:00.000-05:002013-02-20T19:30:29.448-05:00Repost of Reply on Why NYC Subway Isn't BetterShort piece I wrote on a forum after many users were complaining about how bad NYC's subway system was and why it wasn't so modern and up-to-date.<br />
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Answering the questions on why NYC's Subway system is old, noisy, and shitty. <br />Qualifications: A lifelong New Yorker who has visited the Hong Kong MTR, Singapore MRT, Chicago El, Washington D.C. Metro. Interested in, studying, and have worked in transportation.<br /><br />1) Lack of financial support (aka taxes) from the government, both city, state, and national. Politicians lack a [B]long-term outlook and *commitment* (aka balls)[/B] to funding operating or capital projects for transit systems in the U.S., compared to European or Asian places. a majority of funding instead goes towards road/highway projects.<br /><br />2) NYC is very expensive for cost-of-living. Also, unions are quite strong in setting wages and benefits and in influencing the public. As can be seen during contract negotiations, the continual slow progression made by the MTA (transit agency) in revamping work rules, phasing in new technology, or getting workers to pay a higher share for medical bills is always slowed by the Union. [Reference: last contract negotiations; 2005 Strike]<br /><br />Unions also distort the facts to make the public appeal to their side - the recent suicides/homicides of several people who were hit by an oncoming train, although very, very, very rare, have made the Union to demand that their drivers (and for the MTA to make it a policy) to slow trains to 10/15 mph entering stations. They issued replicas of transit cards with "blood stains" on them to urge the public to follow them, claiming that there is plenty of room to add trains. [[url]http://secondavenuesagas.com/2013/02/11/a-union-goal-amidst-talk-of-a-subway-slowdown/][/url], [[url]http://secondavenuesagas.com/2013/02/07/on-slower-trains-fearmongering-and-a-public-hearing/][/url]<br /><br />3) Low fares. For the base price of a ticket, you can travel [B]anywhere [/B]on the subway or bus system, and it comes with a free transfer within 2 hours. The farebox recovery ratio (Google it) is not enough to cover operating expenses, and the MTA, unlike the Hong Kong MTR, barely invests in property development.<br /><br />4) Age & *Operational Characteristics*. The NYC Subway system is quite old, and like any other system in the world, would require BILLIONS of dollars of capital money if they ever want to modernize a system to say, Singapore MRT or HK MTR standards. BELIEVE ME - I made the same points after visiting their systems. Much of the system is built beneath aging infrastructure and/or skyscrapers (esp. in Manhattan) and any extensive overhaul work would require shuttering a line for a very long time. Of course, sometimes I hate it when newly renovated or built stations are already showing signs of bad construction - that is a question on Quality Control/Auditing and in budgeting.<br /><br />[B]LAST [/B]but not least, the NYC Subway runs 24/7. Not all lines run at all times, but generally, practically all stations are served. This means most track and station work has to take place at night to avoid disrupting passengers. Aside from Jay Walder (light applause for his short-termed yet highly functional efforts) and his "FasTrack" initiative, this means that any big renovation just cannot be done without closing a line. And [B]NOTE[/B]: multiple lines run on the same tracks at times - so if you really wanted to close a station, this could affect multiple lines.<br /><br />Hopefully this answers some questions; I know that it took me awhile to be a little better educated about this issue. I recommend subscribing to Second Avenue Sagas. Don't get me wrong, I don't like the current state of the NYC Subway as well, but it works. And some of it's historic character, when preserved and kept clean, really does make this system VERY unique.<br /><br />~[signed h] <br />
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Post 211
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<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" style="border-width: 0;" /></a> EcstaticE.blogspot.comEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-82655652715110959322011-08-27T16:33:00.005-04:002011-09-05T13:01:06.156-04:00Hurricane IreneThis is a dynamic post (will be updated if possible). For current post, click on "Read More"<br>
<span style="font-size: large;">General information</span> <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>Projected to hit NYC as a Category 1 hurricane Sunday morning. </li>
<li>Track the hurricane, along with other data via Google's </li></ul><a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2011/08/hurricane-irene.html#more">Read more »</a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-81220744037240878422011-08-23T14:50:00.000-04:002011-08-27T16:34:51.163-04:005.9 Earthquake (Virginia) felt in NYC<u>Quick Post:</u>
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale was felt at around 2 P.M. here in NYC. At first, I thought it was just strong winds blowing at my house but upon looking outside the trees were calm. The house was creaking. But after a few seconds it repeated and this time the floor shook for about 3 seconds. The chandelier in my dining room was swinging back and forth for back and forth 10-15 degrees off its normal position.
Perhaps because we New Yorkers typically don't experience major earthquakes as often as say, Californians do, so Facebook and the internet lit up in the moments after.
Local and live coverage here: <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_york&id=8322211">7 online - 5.9 earthquake hits Virginia, rattles NYC, east coast</a>
As of this post, over 9,500 people have "checked-in" to <a href="https://foursquare.com/venue/28246373">Foursquare - Earthpocalypse</a>.
Facebook statuses:
"<b>ahhhhhhhhh earthquake!!!</b>"..."Uhh, did anyone else just feel that earthquake?"..."<b>I just felt</b> a very small earthquake! did anyone else felt that?"..."Earthquakes are the <b>coolest</b> things ever. I'm moving to Cali."..."<b>totally freaked out right now</b>."..."<b>Too hungover</b> to notice the earthquake."..."Missed the earthquake back home. <b>Laaaame</b>"..."<b>i thought i was too heavy for my chair</b>"
Submit your reaction to the USGS' site to help them evaluate the effects of the earthquake here: <a href="http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/dyfi/events/us/c0005ild/us/form.en.disabled.html">USGS - Did You Feel It?</a> - http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/dyfi/events/us/c0005ild/us/form.en.disabled.html
Post 209 <i>(Dated today, see <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2010/05/happy-200.html" linkindex="41" title="Ecstatic E-'Happy 200!!!'-5/19/10">200th post</a> for reason)</i>
<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /></a> EcstaticE.blogspot.comEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-66376599812382932222011-08-14T22:32:00.001-04:002011-08-17T21:10:42.262-04:00Linkdump: Windows & Apple(s), Google & Paying MoreTaking a cue from Second Avenue Saga's recently titled post "<a href="http://secondavenuesagas.com/2011/08/11/vacation-linkdump-hugh-carey-apple-and-more/" target="_blank">Vacation Linkdump</a>", I'm posting a bunch of links with brief descriptions which have been sitting in my "To Be Posted" bookmark folder for a loooong while.<br>
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<b>2009</b><br>
<a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/174117/twentythree_years_of_wacky_windows_launches.html" target="_blank">PC World - 23 Years of Wacky Windows Launches</a> - A great amalgamation of videos of Windows launches from Windows 1.0 to Windows 7. Truly history-making and is remarkable seeing how something so simple eventually made all of today's technology possible.<br>
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<a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/microsoft/2010086000_microsoftkylie18.html" target="_blank">Seattle Times - Precocious 5-year old gives Windows 7 pitch</a> - Continuing with the Windows theme, this kid has been the talk of the town as Microsoft launched one of its most successful TV ads in awhile. From critic reactions, they're finally getting it right to fight back against Apple's successful 'Mac vs PC' ads.<br>
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Personal note - And have you ever seen the classic ad from Apple that told people to "Think different"? The ad is available for your review <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oAB83Z1ydE" target="_blank">here</a>; also see the infamous 1984 Superbowl one showing everyone following Windows and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhsWzJo2sN4" target="_blank">Apple helping break that monotony</a>. But today, things are different, indeed. Today, Apple's products look alike. Basically all white, all in a plastic case. The same design for mp3 players, the same phones, the same desktops, the same notebooks. This standardization <br>
<a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2011/08/linkdump-windows-apples-google-paying.html#more">Read more »</a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-46259516728897033362011-06-19T17:33:00.004-04:002011-08-23T16:10:21.730-04:00EcstaticE 2.0After some experimentation, this blog <i>finally</i> has a new look! After 3 years, 5 months since my <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2008/01/ayor-bloomberg-joins-governors-rendell.html" target="_blank">first post</a> (quite short) of the same, somewhat bland, blue and green and white backgrounds, it has a fresh design, using Blogger's somewhat new template designer. Links you haven't yet visited are in an easy-to-find <span style="color: red;">Red</span>, while ones you already have clicked on turn to <span style="color: blue;">Blue</span>. I chose blue instead of the default darker color to still allow you to be able to find a particular link in the future. In addition, a more concise footer (eliminating the redundant comment info), instant feedback, and new share toolbar! Also started using a page break feature to help redirect traffic to the site when people use RSS/shared links - Subscribe to see for yourself!<br>
Let me know what you think by commenting! And take a look at the before/after comparison after the break to judge for yourself!<br>
<a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2011/06/ecstatice-20.html#more">Read more »</a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-69094410907063225362011-06-05T23:29:00.007-04:002011-08-14T21:40:42.196-04:00Instead of a Picnic on Governor's IslandArghh forgot to take pictures of the two loverly couples!!! [two pictures here] We were supposed to go to Governor's Island to have a picnic, but with the threat of a thunderstorm later in the day, we opted to stay in Manhattan instead. Well anyways, today got off to a pretty long train ride to 14 St. My buddy J and I walked to Union Square before heading back to 7th Av to meet up with his girlfriend and his two other Columbia friends, G & D. As we passed by the L train stop at 6th Av we coincidentally saw his gf emerging from the exit. Greetings exchanged - this is E, this is JC!<br>
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Went to a really cozy but humble restaurant, <a href="http://www.elephantandcastle.com/" target="_blank">Elephant & Castle</a> (not the bar chain) in Greenwich Village to have brunch. Apparently, D was able to tell from the restaurant's decor and age of the furniture that the venue has been open since 1976. Or maybe because we all saw the menu, dated 1976 and with the pre-inflated prices on it, hanging by the entrance! :) The menu wasn't too expensive for the food we received. $11.50 for the "Canyonland Poached Eggs (two), with Balsamic Jus, Fresh Tarragon, Tomatoes, Avocado and Wild Mushrooms, and Toasted English Muffin." I felt that the best part about the restaurant was the restaurant physically stretched from one street to the next because of the relatively awkward block geometry (windows on both sides!). Also the antique cash register - it had rows of push-buttons with some going from 10 to 90! All 4 of us treated J, with my total coming to $18 - not bad compared to Jean-Georges last year haha.<br>
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Afterwards, we walked back to Union Square to <br>
<a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2011/06/instead-of-picnic-on-governors-island.html#more">Read more »</a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-84637902564528804092011-06-03T14:18:00.000-04:002011-06-03T14:18:56.634-04:00Cooper Exploits New Building, Hopefully for Cash<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever since the opening of the Cooper Union's New Academic Building, otherwise known as 41 Cooper Square, photographers and film crews have been all over the site. Every so often, I see such people outside and inside the building, from small photo shoots for a new line of Tumi luggage on 3rd Ave earlier this Spring, to huge productions such as the one for Ugly Betty in 2009, which I covered <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/09/cooper-unions-new-bldg-gets-ugly-betty.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Most recently, I have also seen IBM film an ad with actors playing doctors and patients, with old IBM equipment placed as props around the building. Hearsay indicates that just a few days ago the show "White Collar" also filmed there. But some of the most widely-seen shots of the building are probably in advertising.</span><br />
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Although most of the ad for Cadillac features a fake museum-like interior, the final 4 shots are of 41CS, in the following order: 1 shot facing North 3rd Ave of a couple exiting the (empty as of now) rental space on the southwestern corner of the building, 1 closeup head shot with the doors closing behind them, 1 of them staring back at the building's "skateboard ramp" aka emergency stairs with the car next to them, and 1 of them entering the car, now MAGICALLY parked on East 7th St, with a view of the Foundation Building in the background.<br />
<a href="http://evgrieve.com/2010/02/cooper-union-fit-for-caddy.html" target="_blank">EV Grieve: Cooper Union fit for a Caddy</a> and the ad it's referring to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEH0gcM-Jpg" target="_blank">Youtube: 2010 Cadillac CTS Gallery Arsenal FX</a><br />
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Bowery Boogie has a link to the Time Warner Cable ad, featuring <i>Yes, Dear</i>'s Mike O'Malley on a tour bus passing southbound by Cooper Square on 3rd Ave. As the blog points out, "<i>Landmarks featured most prominently are the new Cooper Union academic building (spacecraft) and the Cooper Square Hotel (glass dildo).</i>"<br />
<a href="http://www.boweryboogie.com/2010/04/time-warner-cable-on-cooper-square-video/" target="_blank">Bowery Boogie: Time Warner Cable on Cooper Square</a><br />
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With the shortest feature of 41CS, Samsung shows a slanted Eastern elevation of the building, which then cuts to a closeup of the lobby windows with fake TVs inserted in the lobby.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlsOoZ_8GLc" target="_blank">Youtube: Samsung Apps</a><br />
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And in a recent viewing of the indie film <i>Win Win,</i> Fiat had a pretty long commercial before the film to introduce itself to the US market. A shot of the building from across the Square with the words "Derivative of Nothing," implying that the building and the car were originals. I've got to admit, the ad was pretty catchy, confusing at times, but well-produced.<br />
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Post 205 <i>(Dated Today)</i> <br />
What do <i>you</i> think? Comment below! <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /></a> EcstaticE.blogspot.comEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-56777054926400995042011-05-26T13:16:00.006-04:002011-08-23T16:44:06.633-04:00Neighborhood Crime Wave - We're Just Never SafeDespite the Mayor saying that violent crime in NYC had fallen since 2001, similar to the nationwide fall, there has been a spike in the past 2 years in NYC, such as in Queens - <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/24/us/24crime.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=new%20york%20city%20crime&st=cse" target="_blank">NYTimes: Steady Decline in Major Crime Baffles Experts</a><br>
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<hr>The following is my eyewitness account. Times are based on approximate durations.<br>
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2:10 A.M.: Earlier this morning, I awoke to some loud sounds, as if people were hitting garbage cans and yelling. I then heard a car alarm - sounding like our car's - and lurched out of my bed and peered through my window blinds, looking for signs that it was our car. Indeed it was. The car lights flashed and I saw one person running to the right, another next to the side of our car. In retrospect, I probably should have waited to see the perps' clothing, but my fight or flight response made me turn on my and another room's lights. I yelled out to my parents that it was our car and that there were people outside. Running back to my window, I saw that the criminals had now ran off.<br>
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2:12 A.M.: Dad went outside to take a look - front windshield was badly damaged from their using a neighbor's bundle of cut <strike>tree trunks</strike> wooden fence slats waiting to be thrown out by the garbage truck later that day; the bundle was still sitting on the front hood. Worker across the street came out but said did not see anything. Several neighbors from the left side of the block came over - they said that some of their cars had been similarly vandalized. The first one had already called police.<br>
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2:14 A.M.: An SUV charges down to the right side of the street (against the one-way); I thought it was the perps' vehicle.<br>
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2:16 A.M.: SUV comes back; driver actually lives at the end of the block and heard the commotion and attempted to give chase as soon as the goons started running away. He said that he saw some teens at the gas station.<br>
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2:20 A.M.: One police car arrives. Hearing about the gas station, they go down <br>
<a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2011/05/neighborhood-crime-wave-were-just-never.html#more">Read more »</a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-37252798994313804492011-05-14T17:26:00.004-04:002011-08-14T21:44:33.018-04:00Healthcare Reform: Sept. 2009<a href="http://singlepayerwestchester.wordpress.com/2009/09/16/postcard-from-canada-why-i-missed-obamas-speech/" target="_blank">"Postcard from Canada: Why I Missed Obama’s Speech"</a> - Single Payer Westerchester. 9/13/09. After President Obama's speech on his push for healthcare reform in Fall of 2009, this blogger remarks on the benefits of a single-payer healthcare system based on their experiences in the Canadian system. An interesting first-hand account that many naysayers often hide.<br>
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<a href="http://www.timallen.com/journal/entry.php?id=35" target="_blank">"Class Warfare"</a> - Tim Allen Journal. 9/21/09. When I first read this I was amazed that Tim Allen wasn't only a funny man, but also someone who is able to understand certain economic ideas that some politicians and people just refuse to accept or think about. He makes a good point about how social programs such as a public option in the healthcare reform package are intended to be subsidized for the good of all, and profit-making isn't a primary goal. Only point is that the USPS is not directly subsidized by tax money.<br>
<blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 180%; font-weight: bold;">"</span>What’s the fuss with a public option?<br>
Well, the post office for one...As a business it’s hard to defend sometimes with lines and spotty service. As a ‘social’ program it’s a wonderful place to assure a reasonable fee to get written or printed material and packages anywhere. If you asked FedEx or UPS to mail a letter, the carrier would scan it and you would wonder why you are paying $12.96 to send something when you could use the Post Office and mail it for under 50 cents. That’s the cost advantage provided by a ‘public option’. We are taxed to keep the price ‘fixed’, the fix augments the price of <br>
</blockquote><a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2011/05/healthcare-reform-sept-2009.html#more">Read more »</a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-45104233795671956302010-09-01T14:33:00.002-04:002010-09-01T19:38:30.518-04:0041 Cooper Square is a Cleanroom Wrapped in FoilA cleanroom is typically thought of as a very sterile, white-finished place. It might look exceptionally clean, but it is not a place you would want to spend a lot of time in. The same can almost be said of Thom Mayne and Morphosis' new building for The Cooper Union in New York City. Cooper is a long-standing institution that has a (total) student body of about 1,000 each year, and has three major disciplines: art, architecture, and engineering. In 2007, the Cooper-Hewitt building located at 3av between 6th and 7th streets was torn down to be replaced with a new structure coined the "New Academic Building." This new building would be used by all three disciplines, with the engineering school moving from its place at 51 Astor Place. 51 Astor Place would be, like all other Cooper property, leased to a developer for 99 years and developed into a mixed-use condo.<br />
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[For those of you too lazy, pics taken Fall '09 at the end]<br />
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Now for the juicy bits. After 2 years of construction, the project's price tag reportedly <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/02/cooper-union-builds-new-building-its.html" target="_blank" title="Ecstatic E-'Cooper Union Builds (a New Building & its Status)'-2/15/09">ballooned 68%</a>, with plenty of construction-related delays, leading to an unfinished building opening Fall of 2009. Among those delays, courtesy of Sciame - the construction management company hired, are slanted concrete floors (a lot of places are awkwardly sanded down), unfinished spaces (Engineering office, Frankie's Lounge, faculty bathrooms), malfunctioning HVAC systems, and improper signage. A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) was issued only because Cooper had to move out of 51 Astor by Summer 2009 for the new tenant or face penalties. (The development deal has since appeared to have gone sour, as the New York Film Academy has moved in instead of new condos being built.) All of this led to construction crews working around the clock, during the school day and during the winter break to finish the job. Some bathrooms (e.g. 5th floor) have leaking sinks and stalls that flood. Even one year after the grandest opening where a bunch of politicians and Cooper's Board of Trustees had a nice photo op, the building is still not officially closed out (finished).<br />
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Now, construction-related delays are common, and every job has them. But what about the design of the building? <a class="tlink" href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/41-cooper-union-tour-thom-mayne-cutting-edge-green-building.php" target="_blank" title="Go to: Treehugger-41 Cooper Square: Thom Mayne's Brazen Stair-Obsessed Marvel [http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/41-cooper-union-tour-thom-mayne-cutting-edge-green-building.php]">Treehugger</a>, <a class="tlink" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/arts/design/05coop.html?_r=3" target="_blank" title="Go to: NYT-Architecture Review The Civic Value of a Bold Statement [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/arts/design/05coop.html?_r=3]">the New York Times</a>, and the architecture world might absolutely adore it, but from a practical standpoint, it is not all that brilliant. Standing from 3 Av or Bowery, you see a large metal mesh-covered building that stands out from the neighborhood. Boy, does it stand out - people have been calling it "the Death Star" for its resemblance to the Star Wars' enemy base. Now don't get me wrong - incorporating "green elements" in design is important these days - and if the mesh does really reduce energy usage then fine. But it sticks out like a sore thumb in a brick and stucco neighborhood. Every time I bring someone around the area, when they turn the corner at St Marks Pl they gasp and say something to the effect of, "Ugh, what's that?!" Sure, the folded metal letters spelling out the name of the place maybe cool - <a class="tlink" href="http://archidose.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-trends-in-signage.html" target="_blank" title="A Daily Dose of Architecture-New Trends in Signage [http://archidose.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-trends-in-signage.html]">Daily Dose</a> might refer to it as an interesting juxtaposition of "solid and void" - but the building stands out too much. So much so that during the first 3 months, wayward tourists often found themselves gawking at the building and attempting to enter the building, only to be strictly told by security that there is <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2010/03/tours-of-41-cooper-sq-starting-march-16.html" target="_blank" title="Ecstatic E-'Tours of 41 Cooper Starting March 16'-3/5/10">no tour available</a> and that no picture taking would be allowed of the lobby/staircase. In my opinion, the building looks too much like a museum rather than an educational institution.<br />
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And to some extent, that was Thom Mayne's original intentions. The 2-story art gallery open to 7th St, the two aptly-nicknamed "Fish Tank" classrooms (each featuring at least 2 sides of glass walls open to the street and the hallway) and the gigantic space-hogging staircase all make it oh-so distracting. In fact, the original design was to have ALL classrooms have glass walls opening to the hallways-boy would that be very distracting, as evidenced when <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/09/cooper-unions-new-bldg-gets-ugly-betty.html" target="_blank" title="Ecstatic E-'Cooper Union's New Bldg Gets Ugly (Betty)'-9/23/09">Ugly Betty</a> visited. The classroom windows only open with much force, and when the sunshades are in use, conflicts and accidents (like the window corners tearing the shades) arise. The positioning of recycling/trash areas on one side of the building on most floors led to the addition of wastebaskets in the corridors. On a side note, Cooper does not recycle - they just wanted a LEED point for having recycling areas. The fire stair on the Southwest corner of the building - originally intended to be an <i>exterior</i> staircase, was boxed in with a glass curtain wall and is always HOT HOT HOT. And whether they forgot to change it after they boxed it in or did not have the money for it, that staircase is not for one with vertigo or acrophobia since the treads are metal wire mesh, whose original intent was to not factor into the square footage of the building as an exterior staircase, according to professors related to the construction. Oh, and the building has 20% less space than 51 Astor and more students will be using it than before. Example: the student lounges never have enough space during peak hours of the day. To add to that, the Board of Trustees have now taken over a much-needed room in the Basement that was used for classes because 'classes can't take place in our boardroom!' So thoughtful of them.<br />
<br />
Last, but not least, is the grand staircase every critic ogles over. Initial fears by the faculty, staff, and students that its continuous 4 story path and (somewhat) polished concrete would lead to many trip-and-roll accidents and potential deaths (one professor named it "the Death Stairs") fell by the wayside to a general critique that it is a tremendous waste of space. I for one appreciate good design and it is a strong symbol that encourages the building's occupants to exercise more (NYC's Dept of Design & Construction <a class="tlink" href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/ddc/html/pubs/publications.shtml#active" target="_blank" title="NYC DDC-Active Design Guide [http://www.nyc.gov/html/ddc/html/pubs/publications.shtml#active]">loves it</a>) and use the stairs (which is also why 2 of the 3 elevators are each about 30sqft. and one of those is an express elevator, although the sign on the Ground floor says "Express Elevator<u><b>s</b></u>" and the other small elevator is frustratingly slow because like the freight elevator, in actuality stops on every single floor.) Digression aside, the staircase takes up a lot of space and has created plenty of small, cramped, offices underneath it on each floor it tramples over; which when added to the 20% less space has led to plenty of classes either not being offered as often or programming difficulties and class size restrictions (even into <i>required </i>classes in a major.) And one engineer remarked, "Is it a staircase for the building or a building for the staircase?"<br />
<br />
One more thing - as if the staircase hasn't already created awkward spaces, the walls and traffic spaces are also dangerous. Walls diagonally cut to create the bench space behind the gash on 3 Av are occasional hazards to the distracted passerby (yes, I have hit my head on them.) Obtuse staircases serving the 4th to 5th, 5th to 6th, 7th to 8th, and 8th to 9th (no 6th to 7th can be a pain when you have to walk to the ends of the building to use the fire stairs), built to encourage people to take the Express Elevator(s) to Express floors (LL2,LL1,G,5,8) and walk (to save on energy usage) are way too narrow for people to pass by, especially with the high protection wall obscuring your view of people walking in the direction against you. These staircases also have awkward railings that jut out into the open, creating negative spaces in between them and the protection walls.<br />
<br />
I appreciate good design and especially great architecture. I actually wanted to become an architect when I was deciding which college major I wanted to take. But the problem that I often see in architecture, often with "starchitects" (the famous ones), is that design becomes the number one priority and overshadows functionality, which is what matters most to the occupants of the structure. And when that happens, the building sucks. A good architect may dream of wondrous buildings and places, but unless he puts himself in a 1st person view of someone who will be a daily end user and brings a portion of those dreams into reality, then they have failed their primary role as an architect. And as one of the great architects of our times, Frank Lloyd Wright, said, "<span class="body">Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union." (Viewing some of his drawings and models at the Guggenheim's exhibit last Summer titled "Frank Lloyd Wright: From Within Outward," might actually attest to a priority of function over form, as evidenced from the title of the exhibition)</span><br />
<span class="body"> </span> <br />
And for that cleanroom reference? 41 Cooper's walls and desks are white; the ceilings are made up of dropped metal grids hiding the ductwork, metal sheathing is offset from elevator walls, and classrooms are windowless. Enjoy the building kids!<br />
<br />
<a class="tlink" href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/Cooper%20Union%20New%20Building/" target="_blank" title="Photobucket: Cooper Union New Building [http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/Cooper%20Union%20New%20Building/]">Album of 41 Cooper</a><br />
<br />
Post 202 <i>Dated 9/14/09, see <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2010/05/happy-200.html" linkindex="41" title="Ecstatic E-'Happy 200!!!'-5/19/10">200th post</a> for reason</i> <br />
What do <i>you</i> think? Comment below! <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /></a> EcstaticE.blogspot.comEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-31917118515729364642010-07-15T20:10:00.003-04:002010-07-21T19:09:43.853-04:00Seen/Scene in NYC: Transit & Road Improvements BeginShortly after the City of New York and the DOT <a class="tlink" href="http://secondavenuesagas.com/2010/06/09/when-bus-lanes-arent-a-subway/" linkindex="23" target="_blank" title="Go to: Second Avenue Sagas-When bus lanes aren't a subway [http://secondavenuesagas.com/2010/06/09/when-bus-lanes-arent-a-subway/]">announced game-changing bus and bike lanes</a> running along First and Second Avenues, DOT got right to work on them. Forgetting the fact that they are truly not and will never be "surface subways" as the bureaucrats put it (due to the bus lanes not being physically separated, problems will arise when cars, trucks, and yes, even emergency vehicles park or stand in it,) lanes have been popping up over the past few weeks. On <a class="tlink" href="http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/06/18/eyes-on-the-street-bus-bulbs-on-broadway-protected-lanes-on-second-ave/" linkindex="24" target="_blank" title="Go to: Streetsblog-Eyes on the Street: Bus Bulbs on Broadway, Protected Lanes on Second Ave [http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/06/18/eyes-on-the-street-bus-bulbs-on-broadway-protected-lanes-on-second-ave/]">Second Avenue</a> (with a better redesign of "bus bulbs" on Broadway as well) and <a class="tlink" href="http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/06/18/eyes-on-the-street-bus-bulbs-on-broadway-protected-lanes-on-second-ave/" linkindex="25" target="_blank" title="Go to: Streetsblog- [http://www.streetsblog.org/2010/06/18/eyes-on-the-street-bus-bulbs-on-broadway-protected-lanes-on-second-ave/]">First Avenue</a>.<br />
<br />
I got my first-hand look Tuesday along First Avenue: for the several minutes or so walking South along 1st it looked as if most vehicles were respecting the new bus, bike and parking lanes. But only time (and NYPD enforcement or <a class="tlink" href="http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/11/10/eyes-on-the-street-nypd-continues-to-mistake-bus-lane-for-parking/" linkindex="26" target="_blank" title="Goto: Streetsblog-Eyes on the Street: NYPD Continues to Mistake Bus Lane for Parking [http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/11/10/eyes-on-the-street-nypd-continues-to-mistake-bus-lane-for-parking/]">mockery of</a>) will tell.<br />
<br />
<i>Update 7/21/10: The problem with the Second avenue bus lane is that is adjacent to the curb, which means that trucks park there to load/unload. This is a clear difference from 1st Ave, where the bus lane is adjacent</i> <i>to a parking lane</i>.<br />
<br />
Here's some pics!<br />
<br />
<b>Clear view of new bike lanes at 1st and E 9th (looking South):</b><br />
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/?action=view&current=07132010261.jpg" linkindex="27" target="_blank"><img alt="Picture 07132010261" border="0" src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/07132010261.jpg" width="100%" /></a><br />
<b>DOT Contractors painting bus lane along 1st Avenue:</b><br />
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/?action=view&current=07132010263.jpg" linkindex="28" target="_blank"><img alt="Picture 07132010263" border="0" src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/07132010263.jpg" width="100%" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/?action=view&current=07132010264.jpg" linkindex="29" target="_blank"><img alt="Picture 07132010264" border="0" src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/07132010264.jpg" width="100%" /></a><br />
<b>DOT Contractors installing pedestrian refuge island at 1st and Houston:</b><br />
<a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/?action=view&current=07132010266.jpg" linkindex="30" target="_blank"><img alt="Picture 07132010266" border="0" src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/07132010266.jpg" width="100%" /></a><br />
<br />
Post 201<br />
Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" linkindex="31" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /></a> EcstaticE.blogspot.comEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-5481786595865155212010-05-19T15:42:00.001-04:002010-05-19T15:43:29.155-04:00Happy 200!!!<div style="background-color: black; width: 100%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #33cc00;">HAPPY</span> <span style="color: #ffcc33;">200th</span> <span style="color: red;">PUBLISHED</span> <span style="color: #00cccc;">POST</span><span style="color: #ffff33;">!!!!!</span></span></span></div></div>Yes, the 200th post is finally here and is a confirmation that I am still alive. Apologies for the extremely long hiatus since my last official post on <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/11/links-gone-wild-health-sesame-st-berlin.html" linkindex="15" title="Ecstatic E-'Links Gone Wild'-11/11/09">11/11/09</a>, school work and a sense of lethargy on writing a blog that no one really reads made me reluctant to continue blogging. However, with Summer break here and a enormous list of bookmarked websites and news articles in my browser's "ToBePosted" folder have persuaded me to resume. Although I will try my best to include everything I have wanted to talk about (politics, entertainment, rants), I can only include items that have been preserved in that aforementioned bookmark folder; stuff I thought about while in the shower maybe forever lost to time. Details/opinions may also be brief. I will also add a date to give it some context.<br />
<br />
Now, on to the celebrations! A quick recap of the last 100 posts! (The <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-100.html" linkindex="16" title="Ecstatic E-'Happy 100!!!'-2/5/09">100th post</a> was published 2/5/09.) Get ready for a barrage of hyperlinks but trust me, it is worth the read:<br />
<ul><li>Cooper Union <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/02/cooper-union-builds-new-building-its.html" linkindex="17" title="Ecstatic E-'Cooper Union Builds (a New Building & its Status'-2/15/09">builds</a>, <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/10/cooper-union-out-with-black-in-with.html" linkindex="18" title="Ecstatic E-'Cooper Union: Out with Black, in with Green'-10/19/09">completes</a> behind schedule, and gets <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/09/cooper-unions-new-bldg-gets-ugly-betty.html" linkindex="19" title="Ecstatic E-'Cooper Union's New Bldg Gets Ugly (Betty)'-9/23/09">'Ugly'</a> (future posts show Cadillac and Time Warner Cable are lovin' it too)</li>
<li><a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/09/case-for-healthcare-reform-part-1.html" linkindex="20" title="Ecstatic E-'The Case for Healthcare Reform'-9/10/09">Health Care Reform</a>: Why I Fought for my <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/10/death-in-family.html" linkindex="21" title="Ecstatic E-'Death in the Family'-10/31/09">Uncle Gen</a></li>
<li><a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/05/thank-you-streetsblog.html" linkindex="22" title="Ecstatic E-'Thank You Streetsblog!'-5/11/09">My</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/07/200-of-1800-miles-of-bike-lanes-added.html" linkindex="23" title="Ecstatic E-'200 of 1800 Miles of Bike Lanes Added, But Safety?'-7/8/09">growing</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/07/brt-not-as-efficient-but-cheaper-in.html" linkindex="24" title="Ecstatic E-'BRT Not as Efficient, But Cheaper in Long Run'-7/23/09">love</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/09/better-cash-for-clunkers-deal.html" linkindex="25" title="Ecstatic E-'A Better Cash for Clunkers Deal?'-9/1/09">for</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/10/tree-grows-in-not-bklyn-road.html" linkindex="26" title="Ecstatic E-'A Tree Grows in (not Bklyn) the Road'-10/20/09">livability</a></li>
<li>Re-electing Bloomberg <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/search/label/2009%20Election" linkindex="27" title="Ecstatic E-Search: 2009 Election">on my own</a>, but was it a mistake? (future post)</li>
<li><a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/02/r160s-on-e.html" linkindex="28" title="Ecstatic E-'R160s on the E!'-2/16/09">I'm</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/thoughts-on-mta-2010-2014-capital.html" linkindex="29" title="Ecstatic E-'Thoughts on MTA 2010-2014 Capital Program'-8/10/09">there</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/liberty-card-coming-soon.html" linkindex="30" title="Ecstatic E-'The Liberty Card: Coming Soon?'-8/12/09">for</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/6-trains-moving-on-down-for-uptowners.html" linkindex="31" title="Ecstatic E-'6 Train's Moving on Down (for Uptowners)'-8/13/09">you</a>, <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/mta-7-line-getting-cbtc-and-t-stands.html" linkindex="32" title="Ecstatic E-'MTA: 7 Line Getting CBTC and T Stands for Torture'-8/14/09">MTA</a>, but <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/dot-leads-3rd-try-at-bus-arrival-signs.html" linkindex="33" title="Ecstatic E-'DOT Leads 3rd Try at Bus Arrival Signs'-8/24/09">we</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/dont-block-bus-lanes-says-stringer-dot.html" linkindex="34" title="Ecstatic E-'Don't Block Bus Lanes says Stringer'-8/26/09">can</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-mta-ads-for-door-blockers.html" linkindex="35" title="Ecstatic E-'New MTA Ads for Door Blockers Ineffective'-9/8/09">all help</a></li>
<li><a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/seenscene-on-subway.html" linkindex="36" title="Ecstatic E-'Seen/Scene on the Subway'-8/19/09">My</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/seenscene-on-subway-2.html" linkindex="37" title="Ecstatic E-'Seen/Scene on the Subway #2'-8/25/09">attempts</a> at <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/seenscene-in-nyc-plazas-charming.html" linkindex="38" title="Ecstatic E-'Seen/Scene in NYC: Plazas Charming Hollywood'-8/27/09">super-local</a> <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/seenscene-in-nyc-forget-cabbies-34-st.html" linkindex="39" title="Ecstatic E-'Seen/Scene in NYC: Forget Cabbies, 34 St Bus Lane a Parking Lot'-8/27/09">reporting</a></li>
<li>And I'm still looking for my <a class="tlink" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/03/lost-my-obama-button.html" linkindex="40" title="Ecstatic E-'Lost My Obama Button'-3/30/09">Obama button</a> :(</li>
</ul>Here's to another 100 and thank you for stopping by and hope to see you again soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
Post 200 <i>Dated 5/19/10, see <a class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'Happy 200!!!'-5/19/10" href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2010/05/happy-200.html" linkindex="41">200th post</a> for reason</i><br />
Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/" linkindex="42" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" style="border-width: 0pt;" /> </a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-50292971559265177622010-03-05T17:40:00.009-05:002010-05-19T15:59:48.834-04:00Tours of 41 Cooper Sq Starting March 16Public tours of 41 Cooper Square, The Cooper Union's new academic building, are <span style="font-style:italic;">finally</span> being offered. I frequently see tourists/visitors being denied entrance into the over-hyped building. Heck, they the guards don't even allow people to take pictures of the lobby. Of course, the following tours also explicitly say that "Photography is Prohibited," but I could probably help you get around that with a private tour. :D Then again, if they did allow you to take pictures, Thom Mayne's reputation (but more of Sciame's) would be ruined. When I have more time, details on how bad the building has fared after less than a year in operation will make your head spin.<br />
<br />
<a class="tlink" title="Posted in front of building" href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/Cooper%20Union%20New%20Building/?action=view¤t=DSC00596.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/Cooper%20Union%20New%20Building/DSC00596.jpg" border="0" width="100%" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
Verbatim:<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;" >"</span>Starting March 16th, GUIDED TOURS will be given of 41 Cooper Square.<br />
Please contact Christine Romero at 212.353.4100 or cromero@cooper.edu to book a space on a tour.<br />
-Every Tuesday at 12:30pm with the exception of holidays<br />
-The maximum tour size is 15<br />
-You must arrive at the college 10 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time<br />
-You will be asked to show your I.D.<br />
-Wear comfortable shoes<br />
There may be limited access to certain classrooms and working labs. Photography is strictly prohibited."<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="tlink" title="Go to: Photobucket-Cooper Union New Bldg [http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/Cooper%20Union%20New%20Building/]" href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/Cooper%20Union%20New%20Building/" target="_blank">Album of pictures</a><br />
Post 201<br />
Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br />
<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-52943274286781244172009-11-11T21:04:00.001-05:002009-11-15T21:49:52.169-05:00Links Gone Wild: Health, Sesame St, Berlin Wall, DiarrheaJust a bunch of links to news stories which I had been meaning to talk about, but just never found the time to, and now I don't really feel like leaving it backlogged any longer. Enjoy!<br /><br />Health care reform barely passes House, awaiting annoying Senate: <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-healthcare-house8-2009nov08,0,2548053.story" class="tlink" title="Goto: LA Times-Historic healthcare overhaul passes House [http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-healthcare-house8-2009nov08,0,2548053.story]" target="_blank">LA Times</a><br />Sesame Street Turns 40! I wish it could still make my day everyday <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2009-11-06-sesame06_CV_N.htm" class="tlink" title="Goto: USA Today-At 40, 'Sesame Street' is in a constant state of renewal [http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2009-11-06-sesame06_CV_N.htm]" target="_blank">(USA Today)</a><br />Google celebrates importance of Sesame Street in educating the world's youth: <a href="http://www.google.com/logos/logos09-3.html" class="tlink" title="Goto: Google Holiday Logos [http://www.google.com/logos/logos09-3.html]" target="_blank">Google</a><br />20th Anniversary of fall of Berlin Wall, Communism?, but are world relations comparably better?: <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2372248/berlin_wall_history_berlin_wall_fell.html?cat=37" class="tlink" title="Goto: AC-Berlin Wall Fell 20 Years Ago Today [http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2372248/berlin_wall_history_berlin_wall_fell.html?cat=37]" target="_Blank">Associated Content</a><br />Why Won't My Parakeet Eat My Diarrhea?: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/11/why-wont-my-parakeet-eat_n_353913.html" class="tlink" title="Goto: Craziest Google Suggests [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/11/why-wont-my-parakeet-eat_n_353913.html]" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a><br /><br />Post 199/207<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-18590060086150981642009-11-04T21:53:00.003-05:002009-11-15T21:02:19.494-05:003rd for Mike, 3 More for ObamaCongrats to New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg for winning a third term. I hope that he will continue the progress he has made in the city as well as build on new ones. However, many pundits say that he will have a harder time getting things done due to an increased Democratic control in the City Council, as well as a much smaller margin of victory at the polls (see images).<br /><a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/?action=view¤t=20091103_BloombergElection.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/20091103_BloombergElection.png" border="0" alt="Screenshot of Election Results-Mayor"></a><br /><a href="http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/?action=view¤t=20091103_BloombergElection2.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/20091103_BloombergElection2.png" border="0" alt="Screenshot of Election Results-Comptroller, Public Advocate"></a><br /><br />In addition, it has been one year since President Obama's historic election, and there is still plenty of work to be done, all hampered by the recession and the racism exuded by certain groups in the country. Let's hope for a better 3 years.<br /><br />Best of luck to both men.<br /><br />Post 198/206<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-21790117193327142242009-11-03T08:00:00.006-05:002009-11-03T08:00:02.749-05:00Mike for Mayor<a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_topbanner.png" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Top Banner" border="0" width="100%" /></a><br />When Mike Bloomberg took mayoral control over the city's public schools, he got rid of the bureaucracy of the Board of Education, which was ineffective because it just could never decide on what was right for the city's students. Now, graduation rates, and test scores are up. Because of Mike's PlaNYC 2030, New York City is now the world model in pioneering environmental awareness, tackling climate change, and improving the quality of life in urban metropolises. Crime has fallen dramatically since Bloomberg took office. He works for $1 a year, which in these tough economic times, is a real boon for taxpayers. Which is why I, a Democrat who voted for President Obama in 2008, unequivocally place my full support behind Mike Bloomberg for Mayor today. And I'm not the only one:<br /><ul><li>Endorsed by <span style="font-weight: bold;">60 newspapers</span> including <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?objectid=3F170BAB-219B-8B95-7CAEB759B7FB86F8" target="_blank">NY Daily News, NY Post, The New York Times, Staten Island Advance, Sing Tao, Crain's</a></li><br /><li>Endorsed by dozens of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Democrats</span> including <a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?objectid=81DDB99D-C29C-7CA2-F24A62449DDF92D5" target="_Blank">James Gennaro, Former Mayor Ed Koch, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Bklyn Boro President Marty Markowitz, Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz, and Al Gore</a>.</li><br /><li>Endorsed by <span style="font-weight: bold;">39 labor unions</span> with one of the <a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?objectid=6E280070-C29C-7CA2-F39B008B158EE2F7" target="_blank">broadest coalitions of labor support</a> in NYC mayoral history.</li><br /><li>Endorsed by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=mikebloomberg#grid/uploads" target="_blank">people</a> representing all of the different <span style="font-weight: bold;">minorities in NYC</span>.<br /></li></ul><br />With Mike Bloomberg's 8-year experience and proven independent leadership, he can bring NYC through these tough times and into a better future. This Tuesday, re-elect one of the most progressive mayors in NYC history who has not only reached out to New Yorkers to improve the quality of living, but also across the country to make us safer by <a href="http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Mayors Against Illegal Guns [http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml]">making us safer</a>, <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/04/building-americas-future-2009-update.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'Building America's Future-2009 Update'-3/31/09">improving infrastructure investment</a>, and <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/home/home.shtml" target="blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: NYC.gov-PlaNYC">reducing our negative impact on the environment</a>. He is supported by <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/search/label/2009%20Election" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Search Ecstatic E-2009 Election">unions, celebrities, local newspapers, and average New Yorkers</a>. Plus, we only give him <span style="font-weight: bold;">$1 a year</span>-the best deal in NYC. This Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, vote for Mike Bloomberg.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;" >MIKE = PROGRESS, NOT POLITICS</span><br /><a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_botbanner.png" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Bottom Banner" border="0" width="100%" /></a><br />Post 197/205<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width: 0pt;" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-10117314645609542542009-11-02T22:11:00.000-05:002009-11-02T22:11:00.084-05:00Bill Thompson: Bad for Transit & Livable StreetsAs comptroller, he received <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/11/bill-thompson-corrupt.html" target="_Blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-Bill Thompson:Corrupt'-11/1/09">millions in personal contributions</a> while the city's pension declined. He gave billions to contractors who were willing to support him during his mayoral race. And if he becomes mayor, he will make quality of life in NYC worse.<br /><br />Under Mike Bloomberg, the Department of Transportation has improved quality of life for pedestrians by increasing pedestrian safety with <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/sidewalks/pedestrian_projects.shtml" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: NYCDOT-Pedestrian Projects [http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/sidewalks/pedestrian_projects.shtml]">wider sidewalks, </a>new <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/seenscene-in-nyc-plazas-charming.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'New Plazas Charming Hollywood'-8/27/09">pedestrian plazas</a>, and <a href="http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/10/23/nycdot-ups-the-livable-streets-ante-in-revised-strategic-plan/" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Streetsblog-DOT Ups the Livable Streets Ante in Revised Strategic Plan [http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/10/23/nycdot-ups-the-livable-streets-ante-in-revised-strategic-plan/]">safer routes to school</a> for children. <a href="http://www.1010wins.com/pages/4763799.php?" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: 1010Wins-NYC Adds 200 Miles of Bike Lanes in 3 Years [http://www.1010wins.com/pages/4763799.php?]">Bike lanes and bikers</a> have increased in the past 8 years that enable more New Yorkers to commute by bike and to encourage more to take part in physical activity.<br /><br />And yet, if Bill Thompson is elected as Mayor, he would do away with all of these safety and pedestrian space gains that other major cities worldwide have already instituted. He plans <a href="http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/08/27/thompson-avella-pledge-to-dump-sadik-khan-if-elected/" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Streetsblog-Thompson Pledges to Dump Sadik-Khan If Elected [http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/08/27/thompson-avella-pledge-to-dump-sadik-khan-if-elected/]">to get rid</a> of the Dept. of Transportation's Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan, despite her even championing the <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/08/dot-leads-3rd-try-at-bus-arrival-signs.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'DOT Leads Third Try at Bus Arrival Signs'-8/24/09">installation of working bus arrival signs</a>, something the MTA hasn't been able to do for a decade.<br /><br />Thompson has also attacked Bloomberg and the DOT's installation of bike lanes and how they were harming neighborhood businesses and would <a href="http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/09/18/bill-thompson-ill-rip-out-bike-lanes-and-review-safer-streets/" target="_Blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Streetsblog-Thompson: I’ll Rip Out Bike Lanes and “Review” Safer Streets [http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/09/18/bill-thompson-ill-rip-out-bike-lanes-and-review-safer-streets/]">rip them out</a>. <a href="http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/10/19/thompson-baseless-speculation-trumps-safety-gains-on-grand-street/" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Streetsblog-Thompson: Baseless Speculation Trumps Safety Gains on Grand Street[http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/10/19/thompson-baseless-speculation-trumps-safety-gains-on-grand-street/]">Not true</a>. In addition, he also claimed that the community was not consulted before bike lane placement. Also <a href="http://www.streetsblog.org/?s=community+board+bike" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Search Streetsblog on Community Boards overwhelmingly supporting bike lanes [http://www.streetsblog.org/?s=community+board+bike]">not true</a>. In fact, what the DOT has done in the past several years has made NYC <a href="http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/09/22/bill-thompson-was-for-bike-lanes-before-he-was-against-them/" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Streetsblog-Thompson Was for Bike Lanes Before He Was Against Them [http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/09/22/bill-thompson-was-for-bike-lanes-before-he-was-against-them/]">safer for pedestrians</a>.<br /><br />And although Bloomberg's congestion pricing plan to improve mass transit for the over 5.2 MILLION people that take it did not pass the <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2008/05/congestion-pricing-gone.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'Congestion Pricing Gone'-5/14/08">ever-ineffective State Senate</a>, Thompson barely has a plan to improve transit that moves NYC. Benjamin Kabak of SAS says on his transit plan, <a href="http://secondavenuesagas.com/2009/10/29/thompsons-weak-plan-for-transit/" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Second Avenue Sagas-Thompson’s weak plan for transit [http://secondavenuesagas.com/2009/10/29/thompsons-weak-plan-for-transit/]">"...the one about objecting to MTA service cuts. He won’t promise to fund the MTA, but he will object!"</a><br /><br />This Tuesday, re-elect one of the most progressive mayors in NYC history that will continue to improve New York City's quality of life.. He is supported by <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/search/label/2009%20Election" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Search Ecstatic E-2009 Election">unions, celebrities, local newspapers, and average New Yorkers</a>. Plus, we give him only <span style="font-weight: bold;">$1 a year</span>-the best deal in NYC. This Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, vote for Mike Bloomberg for Mayor.<br /><br />Post 196/204<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width: 0pt;" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-33488287655511212462009-11-02T21:26:00.002-05:002009-11-02T21:26:00.091-05:00Bloomberg '09: Really?!, Praise from Major Newspapers<a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_topbanner.png" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Top Banner" border="0" width="100%" /></a><br />With Mike Bloomberg's 8-year experience and proven independent leadership, he can bring NYC through these tough times and into a better future. This Tuesday, re-elect one of the most progressive mayors in NYC history who has not only reached out to New Yorkers to improve the quality of living, but also across the country to make us safer by <a href="http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Mayors Against Illegal Guns [http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml]">making us safer</a>, <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/04/building-americas-future-2009-update.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'Building America's Future-2009 Update'-3/31/09">improving infrastructure investment</a>, and <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/home/home.shtml" target="blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: NYC.gov-PlaNYC">reducing our negative impact on the environment</a>. He is supported by <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/search/label/2009%20Election" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Search Ecstatic E-2009 Election">unions, celebrities, local newspapers, and average New Yorkers</a>. Plus, we give him only <span style="font-weight: bold;">$1 a year</span>-the best deal in NYC. This Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, vote for Mike Bloomberg for Mayor.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FmBz5sq6ySs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FmBz5sq6ySs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />About Video: Building on the momentum coming out of Mikes win at last nights debate, the Bloomberg campaign today released a new ad entitled Really<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmBz5sq6ySs" target="_blank">Youtube: Really?!</a><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-BMTYxRP8NU&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-BMTYxRP8NU&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />About Video: <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BMTYxRP8NU" target="_blank">Youtube: Steady Hand</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >MIKE = PROGRESS, NOT POLITICS</span><br /><a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_botbanner.png" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Bottom Banner" border="0" width="100%" /></a><br />Post 195/203<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width: 0pt;" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-1406029227406159442009-11-02T10:15:00.000-05:002009-11-02T10:15:00.517-05:00Bloomberg '09: Bill Thompson Loves Bloomberg<a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_topbanner.png" border="0" width="100%" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Top Banner"></a><br />With Mike Bloomberg's 8-year experience and proven independent leadership, he can bring NYC through these tough times and into a better future. This Tuesday, re-elect one of the most progressive mayors in NYC history who has not only reached out to New Yorkers to improve the quality of living, but also across the country to make us safer by <a href="http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Mayors Against Illegal Guns [http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml]">making us safer</a>, <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/04/building-americas-future-2009-update.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'Building America's Future-2009 Update'-3/31/09">improving infrastructure investment</a>, and <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/home/home.shtml" target="blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: NYC.gov-PlaNYC">reducing our negative impact on the environment</a>. He is supported by <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/search/label/2009%20Election" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Search Ecstatic E-2009 Election">unions, celebrities, local newspapers, and average New Yorkers</a>. Plus, we give him only <span style="font-weight:bold;">$1 a year</span>-the best deal in NYC. This Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, vote for Mike Bloomberg for Mayor. <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ue8Mqfgy7dg&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ue8Mqfgy7dg&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />About Video: How can Bill Thompson run for mayor when he spends so much time running away from his record? On Education. On pension pay-for-play... as much as Bill Thompson tries to run from his record, the facts are the facts. Watch. <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue8Mqfgy7dg" target="_blank">Youtube: Facts are Facts</a><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Eq2D3kIIx5M&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Eq2D3kIIx5M&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />About Video: Thompson praises Bloomberg's record on NY1.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq2D3kIIx5M" target="_blank">Youtube: Praise from Thompson Himself</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_botbanner.png" border="0" width="100%" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Bottom Banner"></a><br /><br />Post 194/202<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-68751380069148647492009-11-02T00:51:00.000-05:002009-11-02T00:51:00.980-05:00Bloomberg '09: Support from Al Gore, for Education, and Middle Class<a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_topbanner.png" border="0" width="100%" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Top Banner"></a><br />With Mike Bloomberg's 8-year experience and proven independent leadership, he can bring NYC through these tough times and into a better future. This Tuesday, re-elect one of the most progressive mayors in NYC history who has not only reached out to New Yorkers to improve the quality of living, but also across the country to make us safer by <a href="http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Mayors Against Illegal Guns [http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml]">making us safer</a>, <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/04/building-americas-future-2009-update.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'Building America's Future-2009 Update'-3/31/09">improving infrastructure investment</a>, and <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/home/home.shtml" target="blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: NYC.gov-PlaNYC">reducing our negative impact on the environment</a>. He is supported by <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/search/label/2009%20Election" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Search Ecstatic E-2009 Election">unions, celebrities, local newspapers, and average New Yorkers</a>. Plus, we give him only <span style="font-weight:bold;">$1 a year</span>-the best deal in NYC. This Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, vote for Mike Bloomberg for Mayor. <br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EEYFccXHRDQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EEYFccXHRDQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />About Video: Mike Bloomberg's independent leadership has kept crime at record lows and improved our citys schools. Find out more about Mike's strong leadership and his Middle Class Affordability Plan, which will offer a new prescription drug card to lower costs, expand financial aid for hard-working middle-class students, and open new doors to bring companies and jobs to New York.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEYFccXHRDQ" target="_blank">Youtube: New York Minute</a><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lZyiSD1ALZo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lZyiSD1ALZo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />About Video: On education, the choice is clear. <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZyiSD1ALZo" target="_blank">Youtube: The Education Challenge</a><br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-lBM-tGUgOU&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-lBM-tGUgOU&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />About Video: Al Gore praised Mike's environmental leadership, calling the Mayor real deal when it comes to leadership on the environment.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lBM-tGUgOU" target="_blank">Youtube: FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE PRAISES MIKE</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_botbanner.png" border="0" width="100%" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Bottom Banner"></a><br /><br />Post 193/201<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-62767347421429166962009-11-01T23:49:00.001-05:002009-11-02T22:05:36.315-05:00Bloomberg '09: Endorsed by Colin Powell, Matt Damon, Oprah, & Bono!<a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_topbanner.png" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Top Banner" border="0" width="100%" /></a><br />With Mike Bloomberg's 8-year experience and proven independent leadership, he can bring NYC through these tough times and into a better future. This Tuesday, re-elect one of the most progressive mayors in NYC history who has not only reached out to New Yorkers to improve the quality of living, but also across the country by <a href="http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: Mayors Against Illegal Guns [http://www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org/html/home/home.shtml]">making us safer</a>, <a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/04/building-americas-future-2009-update.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'Building America's Future-2009 Update'-3/31/09">improving infrastructure investment</a>, and <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/home/home.shtml" target="blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: NYC.gov-PlaNYC">reducing our negative impact on the environment</a>. Plus, we give him only <span style="font-weight: bold;">$1 a year</span>-the best deal in NYC. This Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, vote for Mike Bloomberg for Mayor.<br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i7HBX6HOJqg&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i7HBX6HOJqg&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><br />About Video:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7HBX6HOJqg" target="_blank">Youtube: Colin Powell Endorses Mike!</a><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aEhk2Un8NxE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aEhk2Un8NxE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object><br />About Video:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEhk2Un8NxE" target="_blank">Youtube: Matt Damon & Mike Bloomberg make a special announcement</a><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Uwd1qd0uaNQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Uwd1qd0uaNQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object><br />About Video:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwd1qd0uaNQ" target="_blank">Youtube: Mike Appears on the Oprah Winfrey Show</a><br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LvhYKT1UK2E&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LvhYKT1UK2E&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><br />About Video:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvhYKT1UK2E" target="_blank">Youtube: Mayor Bloomberg is Bono's Rockstar</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_botbanner.png" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Bottom Banner" border="0" width="100%" /></a><br />Post 192/200<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width: 0pt;" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-59190795094500938892009-11-01T22:43:00.002-05:002009-11-02T21:25:58.176-05:00Bill Thompson: CorruptAre you voting for Bill Thompson for New York City mayor this Election Day? Well, think again. Thompson is embroiled with scandalous political connections and scandals that have and will cloud his judgment should he become our next mayor. Not only that, but as comptroller, he has handed city contractors millions in bonuses during arbitration on city projects. Check out these news reports:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/08/10/2009-08-10_east_side_nonprofit_tied_to_political_campaign_work.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: NY Daily News [http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/08/10/2009-08-10_east_side_nonprofit_tied_to_political_campaign_work.html]">Daily News: East Side nonprofit tied to political campaign work for Bill Thompson, Sheldon Silver</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/nyregion/19pension.html?_r=2" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: NY Times [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/nyregion/19pension.html?_r=2]">New York Times: As Pension Fund Lagged, Contributions to Comptroller Grew</a><br /><br />This Tuesday, vote for the mayor who has been one of the most progressive mayors in NYC history who has not only reached out to New Yorkers to improve the quality of living, but also across the country to make us safer by cracking down on illegal guns, improving infrastructure investment, and reducing our negative impact on the environment.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_topbanner.png" border="0" width="100%" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Top Banner"></a><br /><br />Thompson tried to help out his friend who was a felon, and now his friend is supporting Bloomberg:<br /><a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2009/10/bill_thompsons_close_friend_re.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: New York Magazaine [http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2009/10/bill_thompsons_close_friend_re.html]">NYMag-Bill Thompson’s Close Friend Really Terrible at Returning Favors</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/thompson_plea_for_crooked_pol_XRns39gC24eFNDtvpLSbWJ" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: New York Post [http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/thompson_plea_for_crooked_pol_XRns39gC24eFNDtvpLSbWJ]">NYPost-Newly released letter from 1982 shows Bill Thompson begged federal judge to spare then boss from tax evasion charges</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/1009/Fred_Richmond_haunts_NYC_Dem.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Goto: New York Post [http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/1009/Fred_Richmond_haunts_NYC_Dem.html]">Politico-Fred Richmond Haunts NYC Dem</a><br /><br />Post 191/199<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-57798156257573169972009-10-31T23:10:00.008-04:002009-11-06T18:18:10.103-05:00Death in the Family<span style="font-style: italic;">The following is a true recap of what has occurred these past two weeks. I felt like I wanted a way to remember what I've felt during this period, and hopefully see whether other people have felt the same way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, October 16</span><br />I had just finished my 2-3pm class early, the teacher let us out at about 2:45. There was going to be a Physics test on Monday, so I was pondering on whether I should stay with two other people to study for it. I went to the bathroom, then to my locker. I felt a buzz in my left pocket. It was my mom calling. I picked it up, and she asked me quietly in Chinese, "Are you still in class?" "No, we got out early." "Could you come to the hospital, your uncle's condition has drastically changed, and he may not have too long to live." "Oh...sure. Where is it again?" ... "I'll be there in I guess probably 20-30mins." "Alright, I'll wait for you there." I rushed back down to the classroom, where my three friends were still waiting. I said, "Uhh guys, my mom called and I have to go to the hospital now; my uncle's really sick and stuff." My friends were apologetic, with one remarking, "I hope he gets better." "Thanks," I said. I left with my friend to take the train. I gave a short description of what my uncle had gone through, including his '<a href="http://ecstatice.blogspot.com/2009/09/case-for-healthcare-reform-part-1.html" target="_blank" class="tlink" title="Ecstatic E-'The Case for Healthcare Reform Part 1'-9/10/09">battles</a>' with the insurance company and his assigned hospital doctor, who had frequently been ignorant and out-of-reach from his immediate family. Before I took the train, I went to buy a Mega Millions lotto ticket, (the prize was over $200million), and said to my friend, "If I win this, I'm giving all the money until he's cured."<br /><br />I took the local train, then switched to an express train, hoping to catch the preceding local, but ended up taking the same local train. I walked as fast as I could to the hospital, where I met up with my mom. She explained to me on how throughout the morning, other relatives, including my grandma, had also visited. I said, "Well, why didn't you call me earlier, I could have left class." Apparently, after going through a chemo just recently, his kidney was no longer functioning but his cancer cell count was at 99%. When I arrived at my uncle's room, his immediate family was there. He was already in a worse condition than in the morning. He had trouble breathing at times, and would frequently use the oxygen mask. He also had trouble talking and drinking, and seemed out of it at times. I now knew what the term "labored breathing" meant. I stayed there for awhile, until I left with my mom. That night, I prayed to the universe, to spare his life, and hoped that he would miraculously get better, because he was a strong man and had a strong and big heart.<br /><br />For the next two weeks, every time the phone rang, I would keep thinking that it was a call that my uncle had passed. At first, my whole mind would seize up whenever I heard the home phone ring. Thoughts would go by of the bad news and the reaction from it. About a week later, news came that he was getting better; his kidney had started to work by itself again and he was more livid and partly back to his cheery and jovial self of his. Whenever the phone rang, I would think about it being of bad news, but less so because of his improving condition. I felt like my prayers had been answered, and that he would be back to his good old self and his cancer had gone away forever. On Friday, 10/30, my mom told me that my uncle had received another round of chemo.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, October 31</span><br />It was 6:30am. I woke up from a sharp ringing home phone. At first, no one picked up, because who calls that early? The second time, one of my parents picks up. For the next half hour, several more calls, which I later find out are apparently from my grandma and my aunts. I thought that my worst suspicions had come true, and ever more so when I heard my mom go out the door and went into my aunt's car, which headed to my grandma's place and then to the hospital. I dozed back off to sleep, realizing that my dad was still here and no one had woken me up, so presumably, it wasn't that serious. A few hours later, I woke up and asked my dad in Chinese, "So, what's the news?" "Uncle has gotten much worse; his temperature is dropping and they fear that this may be the real deal." I asked, "Well, should we go to the hospital? Who else is there?" Although I could tell my dad wanted to go, he replied that he was not feeling too well (flu-like symptoms) and did not want to get other my uncle sick. I spent the rest of the day doing homework and constantly thinking about whether this really was the end of my uncle's life, and what would happen. I thought about how ironic and symbolic that it was Halloween. And yet, I kept on remaining optimistic, hoping that he would be able to pull through yet again. I wished this again. My mom came home later in the day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10:25pm</span><br />My family and I had finished watching <span style="font-style: italic;">Slumdog Millionaire</span> earlier, and my mom went to take a shower. I was watching a rerun of one of my favorite shows, <span style="font-style: italic;">Boston Legal</span>, when the phone rang. I thought it was just one of the many calls we had received earlier today. My dad, who was reading the newspaper, picked it up. My mom heard the phone ring and yelled, "Is it for me?" My dad gave the phone to her. A few minutes later, my mom came downstairs. She walked over to me and looked at me. I saw her, and looked back. She motioned with her hands a waving gesture. I perceived it to be to turn off the TV, but did not know why. She attempted to say, "Uncle has...," but then placed both of her hands over her face and started sobbing, sat down. I stared at her, thinking about whether It had just happened. I looked back at the TV and froze in place. I had no idea what to do - should I comfort her by hugging her?, or say I'm sorry?" I never personally went through a death in the family, and was in complete denial for several seconds. I shut off the TV. My dad, hearing her sobs, came over and sat down next to her. I then realized what had happened and leaned in close until our shoulders were touching. She sobbed so much, and just would not stop. I pondered to myself, should I get a tissue? But then I would be leaving her side? My dad then asked me to get a tissue, which I hastily got. She initially refused it until my dad said, "Come on, you're going to get a runny nose." I went back to get tissues a few more times. My mind was wiped empty, and I started to shed some tears a minute later. But I was thinking about how neither my dad nor myself really cried that much. When she stopped crying, I held her hand and tried squeezing it.<br /><br />More phone calls came. My aunt was now getting ready to repeat what she had done this morning-pick my mom up to go to the hospital. My mom went and got ready. We were all still in grief. I was speechless for the next 10 or so minutes, only asking my dad, "Should we go?" My dad said that he would have to talk to my mom about it. After my mom got dressed in dark jeans and a black sweater with a black tie, she called my older cousin at the hospital. She didn't pick up. She tried the other sibling. He picked up and said that his family was leaving the hospital, since the hospital would now take care of the rest and there was nothing else for them to do there. My mom told me to call my grandma to let her know about this change of plan. My cousin also said that we would not have to go to the hospital tomorrow either. I was still hoping that my uncle would somehow, someway, come back alive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dai Yut Geen.</span><br />Ever since that first Friday, I had been thinking about how I wanted to write a post about this experience and my feelings. And so far, it's been an hour since starting it. I still have not had such an emotional outbreak as my mom did, and my mind is oddly clear. Perhaps this is because I've been thinking about what a great man my uncle has been these past two weeks, and perhaps this was a way of preparing for the bad news. I still cannot believe this, or maybe I have. Perhaps denial is hard to get over, or maybe it helps us deal with sudden catastrophic events. Maybe denial is a mental thing that acts as a protective bubble and you really do not realize the magnitude of a situation until it pops. Whatever it is, I know my uncle has left this earth doing what was good for his family and friends. He was a well-liked, friendly uncle who always made his home open and never gave up on the New York Giants. :) My mom is now (12:15am) trying to call my uncle in HK. My uncle always wanted to go back to HK but never could because he was dedicated to raising his two kids and supporting his family. Perhaps he will get to go now. You will be missed, and I hope that you will live a happy afterlife - I'll see you there in the future. Goodbye and goodnight, Uncle Gen.<br /><br />12:28am<br />Post 190/198<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width: 0pt;" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-64223812890874408942009-10-30T02:23:00.001-04:002009-10-30T02:23:00.237-04:00Bloomberg '09: Better Transit for NYC<a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_topbanner.png" border="0" width="100%" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Top Banner"></a><br />With Mike Bloomberg's 8-year experience and proven independent leadership, he can bring NYC through these tough times and into a better future. He has been one of the most progressive mayors NYC has had and on this Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, vote for Mike Bloomberg for Mayor.<br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dmyHpwSlRUo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dmyHpwSlRUo&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />About Video: Mike toured the five boroughs to talk to New Yorkers about <span style="font-style:italic;">Moving NYC, </span>his plan to <span style="font-weight:bold;">improve our city's transportation network</span>. Watch Mike talk to supporters and explain why <span style="font-weight:bold;">building mass transit for the 21st century</span> is simply too important to our <span style="font-weight:bold;">economy</span>, to <span style="font-weight:bold;">hard-working families</span> in every borough, and above all, to our <span style="font-weight:bold;">city's future</span>.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmyHpwSlRUo" target="_blank">Youtube Link</a><span style="font-style:italic;"></span><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tvlXw20eZWA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tvlXw20eZWA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />About Video: <span style="font-weight:bold;">Faster </span>express buses for outer boroughs, <span style="font-weight:bold;">cleaner</span> stations, a 311 transit hotline, <span style="font-weight:bold;">upgraded security</span>—Mikes plan to improve our city's transit means reforms that would work for all New Yorkers. Mike's plan would transform mass transit in New York City while stressing <span style="font-weight:bold;">accountability to cut waste and save millions.</span><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvlXw20eZWA" target="_blank">Youtube Link</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_botbanner.png" border="0" width="100%" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Bottom Banner"></a><br /><br />Post 189/197<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960122635451935717.post-22920312260043747292009-10-30T01:11:00.001-04:002009-10-30T01:11:00.433-04:00Bloomberg '09: Better Education for NYC Students<a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_topbanner.png" border="0" width="100%" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Top Banner"></a><br />With Mike Bloomberg's 8-year experience and proven independent leadership, he can bring NYC through these tough times and into a better future. He has been one of the most progressive mayors NYC has had and on this Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, vote for Mike Bloomberg for Mayor.<br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vwwI9QdXpRw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vwwI9QdXpRw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />About Videos: Mike turned around the citys public schools by stressing accountability and focusing on results. When Bill Thompson was in charge of the Board of Education, it was dysfunctional, slow to adapt to better policies, and bloated. Mike cut millions in bureaucracy and placed it into the classroom. By cutting wasteful spending, stressing accountability, and demanding higher standards, Mike fixed a broken system and made our city's public schools work for our kids.<br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8mEk7lNILNI&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8mEk7lNILNI&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwwI9QdXpRw" target="_blank">Youtube Link</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mEk7lNILNI" target="_blank">Youtube Link</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?" target="_blank"><img src="http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h10/herenthere/BlogSite%20Uploads/bloomberg09_botbanner.png" border="0" width="100%" alt="Mike Bloomberg for NYC Bottom Banner"></a><br /><br />Post 188/196<br />Comment below! - and leave an ID/email to get replies<br /><a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/80x15.png" /></a>Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06338417648745772926noreply@blogger.com0