hard deadlines

Not often that I laugh out loud at a Republican Web site, but you have to check out John McCain's pathetic effort to create astroturf (i.e., fake grassroots support). On the "Spread the Word" page of his campaign site, you can read today's talking points, and receive credit for posting your mindless dittohead regurgitation to a variety of conservative blogs (including, hey, Rhode Island's own Anchor Rising.)

Unsurprisingly, the list of "Liberal" blogs is pretty short. And no, hard deadlines is not included, so no credit for you, dear readers, no matter what you say in support of Bush's Third Term.

Uh, a word in your ear, Senator? The whole point of astroturf is to make it look authentic.

Clueless.

h/t to Wonkette and Shakesville .

Nice story coming up in the Sakonnet Times about the use of videoconferencing in a language class at Portsmouth High School. Already up on the ST web site: PHS students make French connection.

Not only are the kids hearing French from native speakers, but they are also learning about videoconferencing. And by the time they're in the workforce, with the price of jet fuel, that will be de rigeur in our flattening world.

Just another reason not to cut the technology warrants, Councilor Gleason.

The Portsmouth Town Council tonight passed a provisional budget for 2008-2009 of $54,073,509, a number within the 5% tax cap, one which — subject to final approval on June 11 — would result in a tax rate of $10.77 per thousand (which is lower than last year due to the revaluation.)

There was substantial discussion of the school department budget, but there were also about two dozen school supporters in the audience (thanks, folks!) who cheered on the school committee members and administration who presented. In the end, even the contentious technology warrant items were approved by a 6-1 vote, with Tailgunner Gleason being the lone holdout.

"This town has been very generous trying to keep up our buildings," said Gleason, "I can't keep agreeing to borrowing the money for computer technology. We need to bite the bullet somewhere. I don't have anything against computer technology."

Councilor Jim Seveney remarked that this was essentially a verbatim recommendation of the performance audit. "We paid a lot of money for an audit, and this is what Berkshire told us," said Seveney. "This is good stewardship."

Seveney also managed to convince a majority of the Council to restore some of the funding for civic support. Just as he did last year. It was the right thing to do (even if Town Planner Bob Gilstein will no doubt be unhappy to see the planning department funds raided.) We do owe it to the folks who help our citizens. Thanks, Councilor Seveney.

Oh, and Forrest Golden proposed an all-volunteer army of Trash Sheriffs. No, really.

The rest of the meeting was 3-and-a-half hours, and if you really, REALLY want to get every detail, you can watch it on Cox. Expect another bite at the warrant apple at the final hearing in June. And thanks again to the school supporters who showed up. You folks rock.

And finally, just to piss off Stormie. If Tailgunner keeps talking to Fitzmorris, I'm going to keep running the pictures (1, 2, 3). In the foyer of the Town Hall, after the meeting adjourned.

I'm sure all our thoughts are with Senator Kennedy and our Rep. Patrick today. A glioma is not good news, obviously, but the Senator has fighting spirit and some of the best doctors in the world on his side. If you've got to have cancer, you want to have it in Boston.

In a statement released this afternoon, RI Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch said, "I join all Rhode Islanders in offering my prayers for Senator Kennedy and the entire Kennedy family, especially our own Congressman, Patrick Kennedy. Ted Kennedy is a giant in the Senate who has always been a good and loyal friend to me and the hard working families of our state. Without question, America is a better nation because of his leadership and years of dedicated service."

Our thoughts are with all the Kennedy family today.

Inspired by Bill Gerlach over at Sustainable Sakonnet, we spent the weekend putting up a clothesline in the back yard. Jack is excited (since it's good for the environment) and who couldn't use an extra $20/month in their pocket, at least for the summer months?

We also finally put together the composter we got over at URI. They have an event every year where you can get 'em cheap. Reduces your waste stream and makes great soil for your victory garden. Does anybody here remember Vera Lynn? But I digress.

To learn more, please check out the environment resources at OnAquidneck.com -- hey, you can get rain barrels at reduced price and save on your water bills too!

Citing multiple errors of fact in their coverage of the Elmhurst School infrastructure issue, Portsmouth School Committee Vice-Chair Richard Carpender demanded a correction from WPRI CHannel 12 News Director Joseph Abouzeid, according to a letter obtained by hard deadlines this week. Calling the station's May 6 news story "irresponsible reporting," Carpender details at least six serious misstatements in reporter Danielle North's 2-minute piece.

Click to view pdf.

You can judge for yourself. The original story, as aired, is attached, and you can read Carpender's analysis in this PDF of his letter.

Among the incorrect statements Carpender identifies are claims that "the school is literally dropping down into the dirt," and "the mortar in the elementary school is crumbling away and one wing is sinking." Neither of these are true, says Carpender, citing the recent engineering analysis by Odeh Engineers (which North explicitly claims to have a copy of in her on-air report). Carpender sums it up like this:

"This report left viewers with the impression that the school was in distress raising safety issues which is [not] true, a new school has been recommended raising issues for taxpayers that are unfounded, and that the school was continuing to sink and crumble which is not true. This piece should have been based on the Odeh Structural Investigation Report that contains the latest information according to an engineer’s assessment instead of bits and pieces that raised unwarranted concerns for the citizens of Portsmouth.

I believe that Channel 12 owes the town of Portsmouth some corrective action and an apology."

Just for reference, the address of the WPRI news director:

Mr. Joseph Abouzeid
News Director Channel 12
25 Catamore Street
East Providence, Rhode Island 02914

Don't imagine that Director Michael P. Lewis will be on hand with news crews and fancy ribbons when RIDOT slinks into town today to post a 10-ton weight limit on the Escape bridge. A recent inspection noticed problems, so large vehicles will need to seek alternate routes. Including school buses. Here's the scoop:

RIDOT inspects all of its bridges once every two years. The latest inspection and load rating analysis for the Cove Bridge showed some areas of deterioration in its concrete beams. This recent inspection prompted RIDOT to set its weight limit at 10 tons. Due to this posting, RIDOT will increase the frequency of its inspection process for this bridge.

All passenger vehicles (cars, pick up trucks, SUVs, vans) are permitted to pass over the bridge. With the new weight restriction, all trucks and school buses will need to seek alternate routes. Vehicles in excess of 10 tons seeking access to the Island Park Business District should use Exit 2 off of Route 24 to Boyds Lane. Drivers unsure of the weight of their vehicles should consult their registration, which lists the vehicle’s gross weight.
— via RIDOT press release

"Drivers unsure of the weight of their vehicles should consult their registration?" WTF? What freaking planet are these people from?

Can't wait to see what this does to the bus schedule tomorrow. Thanks for the great maintenance, guys!