European 'Debt' Crisis

It should be called the European Union Crisis, but then again the media just muddles things up as is usual.

Shared Sacrifice!!

Hey Hamster, how about shared effort, shared opportunity, shared chanced. This is America for Crying out loud.

Had a meeting yesterday in DC. The other party was late due to the presidential motorcade. He took a video of it from the cab. No Prises in the line of escort vehicles.

CT Executive Order 9

Its pay back to the unions who helped steal the governors election in Bridgeport. That didn't take long. Yikes. 4 years with these jamokes is going to be tough.

Cheshire RTC Website

The C RTC website is being regularly updated as election time nears. Check it out and make comments.

CFL are Dangerous!

Ever notice how fluorescent bulbs start dull, then get brighter in a minute. Wonder how many people needing immediate light will get hurt due to this effect? When is the class action lawsuit?

Jimmy Hoffa

Maybe its time to boycott Jimmy Hoffa organization until the members boot him out.

Flash Mobs

Fox and Drudge have been reporting on flash mobs. Obviously twitter allows this to happen. Are these spontaneous or orchestrated? Is the coverage by design? Anyone have a take on this please comment, CT Curmudgeon is puzzled on this one.

Earthquake

This was an awakening. The curmudgeon was in between high rises in a major East Coast city at the time. Glad they stayed upright. Hope everyone is well in cyberland.

Poll Watching

We need to have video on every polling station in Bridgeport every November. It would be greta to document 30 people walking in and 600 ballots being counted. Pass the word.

Anti Bullying in Schools - 1 Amendment at risk

There is a call to arms by the nannies to have anti bullying rules put in place. How could this be anything but good?

As with so many rules aimed to help really hinder. Were crime ridden slums the intent of anti poverty laws? No, but they are the result.

Anti bullying will monitor too much of all children's interactions. Guilty til proven innocent one may conclude.

Worse, it makes kids think they need permission from NSA (Nanny States of America)

They will not except to be free. That is so sad.

$3.26 Gas in New Jersey

Sort of drives home how we are getting raked in CT. All taxes.

EPA Car Mileage 50 mpg required

Obama et al is calling for doubling mpg requirements. Hybrid technology will be mandatory. As will size reduction. Look out for small cars such as a Ford Focus being reclassified as the new large category. Not good for us car guys. Roller skates, here we come. The downward trend of highway fatalities will probably rise.

Hey Lefties

Did your candidate...

1 Close Gitmo?
2 End the War?
3 Provide shovel ready jobs?

Sorry, you got played.

Soros-China Alliance

The CT Curmudgeon wonders if PRC and Soros are in kahoots? Seems like it maybe.
Both would profit from the USA stumbling. Both are subversive. Both fund our puppet/president. The war is on and we didn't see it, until the S&P downgrade.

I am with Rick Perry, lets pray for the country.

Attack on Murdoch and Fox

The double standards here are unbelievable. check out the WSJ rebuttal
in an unrelated story Bush/Cheney cause MidWest heatwave...todays summary of libnews.

Google

Google made a sweet heart deal with the Obama campaign. Time to switch to Bing.

Bumper Sticker

Saw this on the road this weekend. Hilarious.

Dont Blame me
I voted for the American

Amazon cuts ties with CT retailers

Wow, that did not take long. The tax package has stabbed CT business in the back.
How many book stores etc that lose out we may never know. Sorry I don't have the link, but I saw it on WTNH webpage.

UPS is going back to NY.

Yikes. The people that stole the governors election in Bridgeport should be so proud!

Another Blogging Curmudgeon

This guy Fred is funny and right-on!

http://www.fredoneverything.net/

Malloy to spend 1B on UConn Health Center

Wow. The timing on this is unbelievable.

The tax burden in this state is going to go off the charts.

Taking a step to stop the Drug Problem

Went to Sam's store on 322 in Southington. They have drug paraphernalia in a prominent display in easy view of kids. The owner does not see a problem with this. Fine.

I see a problem with it, so let's go elsewhere. If you see crap like that for sale in a store, go elsewhere. It wont happen overnight, but it'll happen.

Tricks of the Big Media

Big Media creates the illusion of superiority by changing pronunciation of words during coverage. Appalachia went from a common pronunciation to one with a new syllable emphasis. It happens all the time with them, Koran became Q'uaran.

Nice try on fooling the people but were are on to you now.

Daily "Made in the USA"

Railing covers for porch posts. White PVC at Lowe's and Home Depot. Will skip picture as it is hard to do from the mobile.

Anne Giddings

One of Cheshire's best people will be missed. Peace to Bob and the family.

Earth Day

This is a big time pagan holiday, going head to head with Easter. Secularism creeps in. I think God can take care the Earth just fine. I am a outdoorsman and love it, but it is not my higher power.

Cheshire Teachers Union votes for Consessions!

Not that we want to encourage lower pay for these folks but nice to see a union admitting economic reality.

NPR

CT Curmudgeon remembers the good old days when NOR played classical music nearly all day....

Brad Davis -Radio Host

It would be hard to find a nicer gentleman than AM 1410's Brad Davis. I called in to discuss CT HR 1094 magazine capacity limit. He dismissed this bill as insignificant, saying they will never take guns from citizens. For all the good he does for the CT conservative resistance , I think he is unaware of what gun control laws are really about. Obama et al would love unarmed subjects.

Awesome Video / Song

This will get you all reved up about the protectors of freedom

http://www.thewarriorsong.com/video.html

Daily "Made in the USA"

From Illinois, Cat Heavy Equipment. This 950 is a 'medium' model. In researching this, I found some of the 'big' models are really huge, really powerful (over 500 HP) and really heavy (40,000 plus pounds).

From DC, 40,000 pounds of congressional dead weight, unfortunately, they are powerful too.

If you have any suggestions for DMITUSA, post them as comment! Thanks.

Cheshire Tea Party

Thanks to several hardy folks, the Cheshire Tea Party is still alive and well Mondays at 5. I expect attendance to shoot up again now spring is here.

Get ready for the big rally Friday in Hartford.

Cheshire Budget

Thanks to Adam Grippo for speaking at Town Council about the budget. Its about time all levels of government started belt tightening.

Daily Made in the USA

A company called Asleep in the Woods makes awesome furniture. They are in Calais VT

And from DC, they should all take naps!

ADHD a symptom????

Interesting commentary on education and the ADHD myth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U&feature=relmfu

Some other good Freakonomic type videos here as well.

Enjoy

CTC

Awesome Freedom Video from NutnFancy

Cant say it better than this.

http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy#p/u/0/OKbYKXqrMMg

Daily "Made in the USA"

Guillow's in Wakefield MA

CTC flew many of these as a kid. Better buy some for my crew!!

NYC

We all know NYC is a seriously liberal place.

However, driving through the city this week and flipping radio sgations, I was on one of the big FM talk channels, 99.5 if I recall. At 530 am they were broadcasting a new feed by Al Jazera./

I am speechless on this one.

Related
Watched some TV while on a trip, CTC is almost allergic to the idiot box, and haven't seen much since the kids came along. The volume of commercials is large, but near the end of an ABC movie, all the commercials were for the same network, all in house shows. They can't sell ads. They need to update their business model, (change content) or go broke. Hopefully the later, as if the go on govt support, the message will get even more biased.

Wow.

Observation of American Males

Heard this week from a national sales manager of a new and growing company. He hates the the male sales reps work. They will research their customers ad naseuam, build social networking etc. They do not go out and do the work, making the calls. He has become biased toward the age group.

Data point 2. More than half of new physicians are female. Sure the luster and money has left medicine to other areas, but is still a presitgous and competitive field.

Theory
The fire in the belly of young males is missing. Where did it go? It is being satisfied by virtual contest; Halo a virtual combat game has many offshoots, as well as the multiple player games like Runescape and World of Warcraft, even Lego are all about battles. There are lots of guys that fiercely compete on line. Does that drain them of their drive to suceed in real life?

Drug Stores Here There and Everywhere!

There are CVS Rite Aids and other drug stores popping up everywhere. I have heard people say, do we need another Drugs 'R' Us in our town?

In a Freakonomics kind of way, the answer is simple. W started the prescription 'benefit' for seniors. Who is going to sell free meds? CVS etc. So Uncle Sam is the reason they are going up. I wonder what the bust will be after this boom?

DOC another black hole

The CT Curmudgeon saw a patrol vehicle at the correction center. It was a Ford Super Duty pickup truck. Why a F150 or Crown Vic isn't used points to a fat budget. The SD are expensive, and if you are hauling a load, it is needed. But to patrol??

Rich Guys Read Up- Boycott Yale

You have made your money, your estate is sizable and trust are in place. Do not donate to your alma mater. Yale et al are so rich, it gives the faculty false ideas of how life works. Money comes to them out of nowhere, they think alot, talk more and get tenure. Who wouldn't love that? Stop the gravy train.

The Sloan Foundation and others get hijacked by NPR too. So the industrialists are finding the de industrialists.

Look what is going on at Dartmouth when alumni try and reign in the lefties.

Public School Teachers- Professional Development Days

The kids are off from school from time to time for "professional development day" of the teachers. Why dont they do that in the summer or on a saturday? The school administrator care more for staff than teaching.

Regulation in the USA

The second most regulated country in the world for medical devices. This cost us money and lives. Japan is Draconian.

2nd Amendment in CT-Alert

Bills pending in Legislature

Bad;1094;
Magazine capacity limit of 10. So many pistol mags would be illegal. Bad, call your rep now.

Good; 6377
Eliminates towns ability to restrict firearm, which reigns in New Brittan's renegades laws.

See CCDL.us or Hoffmans sites for details.

Daily "Made in the USA"

Made in Deep River CT by Whelen Engineering.

Emergency lights, that are on all the snowplows and emergency vehicles.

Made in DC

No Lawyer Left Behind....I mean No Child Left Behind.
Can't they ever stop mandating? Bush turned Teddy loose with this. Bad move W.

Airport Baggage

Ever notice how everyone crowds the luggage conveyors at the airport? Makes it hard to spot and get a bag. What if there were a line four feet back that people stood at? You could see better and no need to scramble to get your bag though a forest of gawkers.

Tolls and Mary Fritz

The CT Curmudgon spoke with Mary Fritz (CT state rep) recently. i remeber the tolls, they were bad. (not to 'green' to have cars idling, but i digress). i told her i did not wupport them. she says she likes gateway tolls and added there will be no lines, all electronic.

She forgets who works for who. If we the people's opinion is secondary to hers, theres is a problem. Secondarily, all electronic, sounds like Big brother foot in the door.

i amnot liking ghis one bit.

Daily "Made in USA"

From Shelton CT

Whiffle balls, what a great way to learn to play.















From DC

EPA mandates. Grrrrrrrrrr. Hey they both throw us curves.

Wisconsin

Got this today. It is so true.

"UNIONS---DO THEY PROTECT OR DESTROY JOBS ?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before I start, understand I was a union member for a little over the first 10 years of my working life. I firmly believe that unions are only as good as the INTEGRITY of the members and their leadership. They have to know their limits, this allows co-existence. One of my first jobs after high school (1963) was with the Kroger Co. as a cashier/stock boy. I belonged to the retail clerks union Local 590 (for about 3 years) and at that time the retail grocery business was one of the better paying jobs (well over minimum wage-3.20/hr, while minimum wage was 1.00/hr). With that our truck drivers belonged to Teamsters Local 249 (Allegheny county in Pittsburgh) and their demands got so outrageous that the company moved its warehouse from Pittsburgh to Ohio in the late 1960"s. With this move they also closed about 30% of their stores in the Pittsburgh market and I got laid off. Soon to follow Krogers would be many other MAJOR EMPLOYERS. To name a few--- Thorofare, A&P, Armour Meats along with all meat packing plants in Pittsburgh, also fleeing Pittsburgh were all the main Freight companies (nearly every major trucking company under the jurisdiction of Local 249 fled to another county or another state).

Another industry dismantled by the union was the dairy industry in Pittsburgh Local 205 (that was the second union I belonged to-7 1/2 years). All the milk companies and all the baking companies, Tip Top, Ward, Schwebels, Nickels, Wonder, Braun, Liberty (I can't remember the rest). This total dismantling of Pittsburgh's trucking force took 7-10 years and the cost of 1000"s and 1000"s of good paying jobs as well as all the related jobs that fell due to the moves and closures.

At the same time this was unfolding the steel industry unions were also getting GREEDY and the BREAKING POINT would be a 13 week paid vacation every 5 years. Knowing that this benefit was going to be part of the contract steel companies stalled negotiations while setting up steel plants overseas and signed the new contract. Shortly thereafter USS announced it would be closing down about 80-90% of its operations across America and moving overseas (Pittsburgh taking a another MAJOR hit)...another case of 100"s and 100"s of thousands of jobs and the destruction of economies in cities all over America.

While the legacy costs of UAW contracts cause the price of UAW produced autos to be more than their foreign competitors America is now under siege with the LEGACY COSTS for government employees as well as teachers. Remember now---back in the 60"s union membership was 20% + and now it is between 10-12%, and thru the last 50 year cycle the POWER and DEMANDS of unions first caused companies to relocate by county or state (where the unions were more friendly-not as demanding).  Later they caused companies to relocate overseas (where there are NO unions). And now the union legacy costs tied with government employees and teachers without a doubt WILL BANKRUPT AMERICA !!!

This blog is not to be misunderstood as anti-union, but an eye opening comment as to what has happened, and is now happening as you read this little story. This is REALITY. As I did, take a few moments and think back to any and all BIG BUSINESSES that you grew up with, if they are gone (in most cases they are) ask yourself why and draw your own conclusions. While unions are good for workers, they MUST realize where they ultimately will hurt those they represent and act accordingly (this is for the benefit of all). JUST THINK ABOUT IT. For all those that think unions are declining because of the fall of percentages from 20%+ down to 12%, think again. The 12% is based on a much larger population that when their numbers were 20%, plus their dues are much higher. So if anything they are much stronger and that is why they never defend their lower percentage. SMART LIKE A FOX. Can't we all just get along ?

Connecticut Highways

CT Curmudgeon is not a CT native. When I moved here, I was appalled by the highways layout. They guys doing the surveying must have had lots of martinis at lunch. We hear lots of talk about the transportation problems in CT. How about moving lanes so there are no more exit only lanes? Never build another left exit...ever! Add a second lane in the 91 N to 84 E exit bridge. I know if it comes down to doing something simple, or big and expensive, the state chooses the latter. Come on guys, try some easy solutions.

Board of Education Budget

We the teachers and administrators are using the usual union tool 'fear' here in Cheshire. In an email from Dodd staff as part of their regular communications.

In other news, I want to remind people of the Board of Education Budget Meetings at 7:30 pm on Tuesday and Thursday this week.  They are designed specifically for public feedback.  Tuesday’s meeting is at Dodd.  Thursday’s meeting is at Town Hall.  Dodd would lose four teachers, face music reductions, lose athletics (or face significant increases in participation fees), and numerous supports if funding remains consistent with previous years.  Your feedback is valued in the face of such challenging decisions.

CTCurmudgeon has worked in union and open shops.  The tactic they use are pretty effective, scare the heck out of folks. What they do not consider is the budget.

Time to talk to town council members. A small bump in class size won't hurt anyone. Good forbid we lessen their pensions. More on that later.

Hartford Politics

A republican ran against  a dem incumbent for state rep in the fall The campaign by the R was low budget and was not successful. Now the campaign is getting audited. is this how the dems in Hartford plan to stay in power. god help us.

Daily "Made in USA"

Made in Medina MN
Polaris SPORTSMAN XP® 850 EPS
Had a chance to drive one of these earlier this month, what a monster. 70 horsepower!!!! It can come with a snow plow too. I need one.

Made in Washington DC

Sales tax on house sales. Part of health care. Thank Chris Murphy for this. 3.8 percent of my money down the drain.

Gas

Citgo is owned by dictator Hugo Chavez

Lukoil  is owned by the Russians
Getty is owned by the Russians

I prefer to fund American companies rather than those evil regimes.

Daily "Made in USA"

Made by the good folks in Hatfield, Pennsylvania

K'Nex Toys


And in contrast...

Made by the lawyers in DC, 130 separate programs to serve the disabled. Not to ignore certain people with large burdens, but over one hundred different programs! Companies merge to save costs, and will do it even to eliminate one layer of redundancy. DC is way out of control. They make programs like KNex makes struts and connectors. You know which is less expensive.

SUVs

SUV have been the on the whipping post for quite a while from certain elements of society.

In the 70's Clean Air laws were passed. (I suspect they were backed by insurance to keep costs down on large powerful cars, but that is for another post.). Mileage standards were set up for cars, and truck were left alone and they were nearly exclusively work vehicles.

So Detroit is mandated to have high mileage cars. Prior to good fuel injection, they did what they had to and downsized. A 2500 pound car is much easier to go over Avon Mountain than a 4000 pound car.

Families don't want to cram themselves into Escort wagons. They need ore room. The execption for turck based vehicles, lets the car companies give the people what they want, room in their cars.

Without the laws, people would probably drive roomy cars, getting better mileage than the truck based SUVs.

Some folks bemoan the Suburbans and Explorers on the road. But is was Uncle Sam that put them there.

To point, the ugly crossovers nowadays are the same thing. The wedge shaped Toyotas and BMW are the market giving people room that the DC folks don't want us to have.

So for those who want to  "Save the Planet" maybe a good first step is to protest Washington.

Daily "Made in USA"

Cresent Wire Cutters (red handles in photo below)
Home Depot, $12 for a 2 piece set, Good quality


and in contrast...

Made in Washington DC

342 separate economic development programs.
Well, they are good at being redundant.

Florio Proposed a 5% Increase in the Cheshire School Budget!!!! What????

How about a 5 % decrease instead??? A reality check is in order.

Contact your councilman and raise hell about this!

Tony's blog has great detail on this http://tonyperuginilistens.blogspot.com/

Welcome Chief Dryfe!!!

Cheshire's new Chief was sworn in tonight. CtCurmudgeon wishes you all the best.

CTC really appreciates the men and women in blue keeping us all safe.

Daily "Made in USA"

Ford F150-Darn nice truck
Kansas City, KS

And in contrast,
made by the government, in Washigton DC, "Farm Subsidies". http://farm.ewg.org/

TEA = Turn the Elephant Around

TEA = Turn the Elephant Around

What a great slogan for the most active citizens in the country. The dead wood in the GOP needs to go.
PS Where is AlGore when I need help shovelling?