Labor Day

Labor day has been with us as a holiday for quite a while. In 1882 New York Citys’ Central Labor Union sought a way to give the working citizens a day off. In 1894 Congress made it a National holiday. It has been celebrated the first Monday of September in our country since the 1880s. The first Labor Day proposal was to have a parade to exhibit to the public the strength and brotherhood of the trade and labor groups. This was to be followed by a festival for all workers and family. In 1909, the American Federation of Labor passed a resolution that the Sunday preceeding Labor Day be adopted as Labor Sunday in dedication to the spiritual and education aspects of the labor movement.

Today, Labor Day is oftern referred to as a day of rest. Families with school age children consider see it as the last time to travel before school begins. As of late though, some areas have schools starting before the holiday. A lot of teenagers and younger adults see it as another excuse for a party, and of course it has typically been the beginning of the NCAA football season, and the NFL season.

We may not be around much tomorrow because We’re one of the people that will be working. The wife’s a nurse and scheduled to work and I took on an impossible job nobody else wanted. Since I’m told it can’t be done, I figure it’s just going to take a little longer.

So if you have tomorrow off, enjoy it; and if you have to work, we hope you at least get holiday pay for doing so. The weather looks to be great and we hope you have a good one.

As you know, comments on this or anything else are welcome.

Labor day doings

There’s some things going on this holiday weekend and shortly after, so here’s a few we know about. It’s not all of them, but it’s the ones we know about. If you didn’t have plans, one of these events might be to your liking.

Tonight is the Venetian Lighted Boat Parade on the river between Davenport, Ia., and Rock Island, Ill. We believe it should start around dusk.

Monday, September 1st is the Labor Day Car Show in McCausland, Ia. We’re not sure of the hours, but it’s usually a fun show.

Tuesday through Thursday, September 2nd-4th, The Velie Club is going to display their cars at the Mark in Moline, Ill. This is to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company.

Friday, September 5th, is the last cruise-in at Dick-N-Sons in Blue Grass, Ia. This is a nice little display and usually runs from 6-9 pm.

Next Saturday, September 6th there are a few events going on. We’ll list them below.
The Classic Car Rally & Military Charity Benifit Show will be from 10 am to 6 pm at Bettendorf Christian Church, 3487 Towne Pointe Dr., Bettendorf, Ia. For those not familiar with the area, it’s located behind Linquist Ford right off Middle Road. Car entry fees are $10, and all proceeds go to the charity.

Also next Saturday is the Antique Vehicle Show/Swap Meet in Springfield, Ill.

And next Saturday starts the QC Riverfront Pops Symphony. For more on this go here. Next Saturday and Sunday is the Beau Arts Fair in downtown Davenport, Ia.

Comments on events or any other subject are welcome.

Casey Anthony arrested again

Around an hour ago police went to the home of Casey Anthony’s parents and arrested her. They arrested her on several charges, but none are concerning harm to her daughter Caylee. We’re sure this will be on the news tonight, but had to chime in on a couple things.

First is that after 10 weeks of Caylee not being found, we fear the worst. We also have to wonder what it’s like for her parents. To the best of our knowledge they have done nothing wrong, and yet they can’t leave their house without getting pestered by the media and protesters. As usual we have a few comments on this.

I have a sinking feeling that little Caylee is dead, and I hope to God I’m wrong. The parents of Casey have shown remarkable restraint in our book. In the same situation I’d probably load up my double-barreled 12 gauge, step on the porch and fire one shot in the air, and politely ask everyone to leave.

The protesters really bug me. Yes, I know they have a right to protest, and I understand that. But in all honesty I cannot understand why they don’t hold a rally in a parking lot and give the parents some peace and quiet. We don’t know rationale behind the protest, but it surely can’t help the police, or the family. If these people are really worked up about the situation they should volunteer to help search for the child or the body. At least wait until Casey Anthony is either charged, or the child is found.

For the story go here.

Comments are welcome.

Odds and ends

Lake Davenport Sailing Club will be opened To the Public this Labor Day Holiday Weekend!! Everyone can stop by and enjoy the Mississippi River by relaxing in and around the LDSC grounds; bring your own lawn chairs if you wish, however we will have chairs in the area.

There will be 5 Races over the Weekend: 2 on Sunday at 1 & 3 pm and 3 on Monday: 10am, 1 & 3 pm. There will possible be 3 different fleets on the River racing: 20 foot C-Scows, 16 foot MC-Scows and The Variety Fleets consisting of Catamarans, Lightning, Sailing School Hunters and others.

Here’s another chance to look at the Sailing School Boats and decide to take the Sailing School next year by placing your name on the list; we are limiting the classes (2) to 14 students per class.

For more info visit our website
Any questions please contact Doc at 563-650-5645 or email:
docjimdavis@gmail.com.

We failed to mention the change of format for KJOC. 1170 AM is now 50s, 60s, and a smattering of 70s music. Those of us old enough to remember KSTT should know how to find it on the radio. While we’ll miss the racing show, we do like the music.

McCain has chosen Alsaka Governer Sarah Palin for his Vice Presidential running mate. While some are saying she’s short on experience, we like her as a candidate. If nothing else, it’ll get interesting again.

Lastly, we have a question. We can’t seem to agree on an answer, so perhaps someone could chime in with one. If it takes two to tango, who forces them to dance?

Comments on just about anything are always welcome.

A different rant

This rant is going to be different from most. Besides the rant, we’re going to add a solution. Bear with us and we’ll explain. We’d like to start by saying we’ve never voted a straight party ticket, we do the research and vote for whomever we feel is best suited for the position. That being said we’ll start.

The two parties both have a candidates, and either candidate exites us about as much as watching paint dry. We have a Speaker of the House who couldn’t lead a duck to water, and a House and Senate that couldn’t pass meaningful legislation under threat of death.

The cost to elect either of the candidates will be over $1 billion. What will we get for our money? We’re not sure, but we think it will include higher taxes, higher cost of living, and cost of living raises for the politicians. All the while pushing green programs that won’t work, cost more money, and not admitting there may be another side to the global warming thing.

We get tired of the phrase ‘in today’s dollars’. Here’s the thing; in the 60s’ I worked in a gas station for $2 and hour. For that two dollars an hour I could get almost 8 gallons of gas, or six packs of cigarettes. Today minimum wage is around $7.50. For that a young kid could get 2 gallons of gas, or one and three quarter packs of cigarettes. And back then we didn’t have a rainwater tax, a recycle fee, and other expenses we have today. So please explain to me how today’s dollar is worth so much more.

Now the solution. It only involves 2 people, and should be inexpensive to implement. We need to go to the Romper Room Retirement Home and find Miss Peggy, and we need to find a really strict Nun with a wooden ruler. We feel Miss Peggy is needed to tell these self-important bozos to get a life, act like adults, and get down to business; after a nap of course. The Nun is needed for when politicians get in front of a camera and ramble on. This could actually help with the global warming issue because a couple raps on the knuckles and windbags will shut up. That means less hot air.

That’s our rant, and a solution. Comments are always welcome.

Some local things

Some things have been going on lately that we found interesting. Here are our thoughts on a few of them.

The battle over the house at 2101 Main St. is all over but the crying. The church started tearing it down Wednesday. Too bad the group trying to save it couldn’t find a way to move it. We’ll wait to see how long it takes for the church to put in the parking lot. There’s a good post on this on pioneers blog.

Looks like JLCS will be gone. We’ve long thought JLCS were spreading themselves thin. How did they get a $1 million mortage on the main shelter at 1016 W. 5th street? Did property values go up that much in the area?

How about the vendors who aren’t going to get paid now, and the employees who are out of a job? Isn’t it odd that Kate Ridge couldn’t be reached for comment? Seems to us that all problems started on her watch, can’t she be held responsible?

Then there’s the people who use the shelter. Since they are basically getting thrown out we expect more break ins, loitering, and hospital visits. When you have people totally dependant upon such a group, how will they cope with not having a place to stay? We also think if they wander the streets it will cause more crime against them.

We think someone was negligent with finances, especially when they get over $850,000 a year from the federal government alone. Some are worried about losing this federal money. Tell that to the people who are losing their jobs, the people who use the services, and the vendors who won’t get paid.

This is going to be a big mess. We don’t think anyone knows for sure how bad it’s going to be. It’ll be interesting for a while anyway.

Then there’s the Evan’s Furniture building on 4th and Warren streets. We’re just guessing that that the for sale signs with ‘Jacks’ telephone number aren’t a coincidence.

We haven’t heard how the Taylor School meeting went. If anybody know for sure, feel free to chime in. We wish something would get done with the building. It’s looked pitiful for way too long.

Comments on these or any other subject are welcome.

Upcoming courses

We recieved an email about an upcoming meeting at NHS. While it is still a few weeks away, we thought we’d post it.

NHS wanted to make sure that you were aware that we will be conducting two post purchase education courses in the coming month. On September 19th and 20th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. we will be holding an indepth Budget training session targeted at homeowners or those wishing to become homeowners. This course will walk through step by step the budgeting process and help educate attendees of the things you can learn and conclusions you can draw from a budget. Please feel free to provide the information to anyone you believe may be interested.

Registration is required but the course is free and open to the public. Contact 324-1556 for more information.

Sincerely,

Brook Hayes Upton

Neighborhood Housing Services of Davenport, Inc.

115 W 6th St

Davenport, IA 52803

(563)324-1556

If this sounds like something of interest to you, this gives you plenty of time to let them know. We’d also like to thank Brook for sending us the information.
Comments on this or any other subject are welcome.

2029

We’re going to post another email we recieved, just for the fact that it can’t be proven right or wrong. Time will tell, but we found it interesting and funny. Here it is-

HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR: 2029

Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California
White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia’s third language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally! Scientists stumped.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica. No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation!

Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.

85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.

Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Floruba.

Abortion clinics now available in every
High School in United States

Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR even though gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2030 .

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.

Floruba voters still having trouble with voting machines.

Comments are welcome.

Something else

We recieved an email titled “Just one state” and checked it on Snopes We found some things interesting in the findings. So we thought we’d try to figure it out.

The email stated that two-thirds of all birth in Los Angeles County were to illegal aliens, and paid for by taxpayers. Vital Records do show 62.7% of all births were classified as hispanic. We do wonder how many of these were Medi-Cal births funded by taxpayers, and how many were to illegal aliens.

The email also stated that half of all gang members in LA were most likely illegal aliens from Mexico. Snopes found quotes from a California Department of Justice study that said 60% of the 18th Street Gangs’ 20,000 members were illegal aliens, while police officers said it was much higher. Does this gang have a higher number of illegal aliens than other gangs in the area?

How about ‘95% of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens’? In the first half of 2004, 95% of outstanding homicide warrents, and up to two-thirds of all fugitive felony warrants were for illegal aliens. Snopes says even if the numbers are true, it’s subject to a variety of interpretations. Huh?

On the claim that 75% of the people on the most wanted list in LA are illegal aliens, we don’t know. It seems high, but we just don’t know.

23% on all inmates in California prisons are deportable aliens. Not necessarily from Mexico, but illegal. That certainly makes us feel better.

On the claim that less than 2% of illegal aliens are picking our crops, but 29% are on welfare a GAO report stated that households headed by illegal aliens recieved $700 million in AFDC benifits and $430 million in food stamps in 1995. That seems like a healthy chunck of change to us.

Over 70% of the United States annual population growth (and over 90% of California, Florida, and New York) results from immigration. In California at least, if it weren’t for immigrant mothers, there would be virtually a zero population growth.

The snopes page ends with debate over the cost of illegal aliens. Some analists claim the country sees a net gain from illegals, we don’t buy it. Numbers are easy to play with, and when the two sides are $50 million apart someone’s wrong. We actually believe the cost figure to be low. If it runs millions a year for one Texas hospital to treat illegal aliens, it has to be higher.

We didn’t list every item listed on the page, just the ones that interested us. We also didn’t make up the figures, just stated our thoughts on them. Would amnesty and a fine help these figures?

Comments are welcome.

A meeting

The owner of Taylor School,
Gandolf Group., will hold a public meeting on Wed. Aug. 27, 7 PM, at Friendly
House to present plans for the Taylor
building. Please come and hear about their proposals, and ask lots of
questions! They are requesting a zoning change, which could create some
questionable uses in the future if this senior housing project doesn’t occur as
they are hoping. Apparently neighbors can request some restrictions to
limit future uses and protect the area.

The zoning change is
evidently needed because they plan to build an addition and have a large number
of units. If the zoning is changed, that will open this spot up to many
other types of businesses that may not be desirable for our area.

Gandolf reps will bring
architectural drawings, site plans and project descriptions. We have also
requested information about and pictures of their other developments, etc.

Please try to join us next
week! This will be a good chance to hear Gandolf’s ideas and let them
know our thoughts.

Comments on just about anything are welcome