Break open the Bombay Sapphire (save some for me), crack a few oysters (lemon and hot sauce too), poise your twisted minds (okay, I’ll speak for myself), time for the annual OIB holiday grab bag because as city pols say … you bag and I’ll grab. (That never happened to me, did it?) My Santa wish list …
For filmaker Michael Moore and Joe Lieberman, two one-way tickets to French Guiana with jumpsuits included. They deserve each other.
Gov. Jodi Rell, an economic development plan for Bridgeport that doesn’t include a prison.
Mayor Bill Finch, a prison to place in Jodi’s hometown Brookfield. And a grand list that rivals Stamford.
State Senator Anthony Musto, the good sense to check with constituents before promoting a prison in his district.
City Councilman Bob Walsh, a Dale Carnegie course in phone etiquette.
City Councilwoman Evette Brantley, a poster pin-up of Walsh in a Speedo (now that’s a scary thought.)
City Councl President Tom McCarthy, a Steel Point development agreement that will actually happen.
City Attorney Mark Anastasi, a refresher on freedom of information laws.
Retired judge Carmen Lopez, a rule book to remind Mark.
Republican Town Chair Marc Delmonico, a media event beyond Ann Coulter.
Bridgeport Republicans, a pulse.
Keith Cougar Rodgerson, a mud-wrestling match with Ann Coulter in Ash Creek. (I’m betting on Ann.)
Chris Dodd, a map to find his way to Bridgeport.
Dodd Dem opponent Merrick Alpert, name recognition.
Guber candidate Ned Lamont, a plan for the state beyond his millions.
Guber candidate Susan Bysiewicz, a voodoo doll of Lamont.
Guber candidate Dan Malloy, pins to stick in the doll.
State Rep. Jack Hennessy, a new video game to play during the legislative session.
Former Democratic Party Chair John Stafstrom, a taste tester next time he eats at Testo’s Restaurant.
Civil Service Commission President Eleanor Guedes, an official city residence certificate.
Civil Service Commission, a better excuse than “breach of city loyalty” when firing the personnel director.
Former Mayor John Fabrizi, a lifetime supply of San Marzano tomatoes and pork fat for his Sunday sauce.
Taxpayers of Bridgeport, a moratorium on paying property taxes, income taxes, car taxes, sales taxes, gas taxes, and every other kind of tax.
Okay, your turn. And hey, let’s shop at Bridgeport businesses. That’s what I did today. In fact one of the cool new downtown boutiques is The Backstroke, 181 State Street next to Playhouse on the Green corner of Markle Court, owned and operated by Dr. Jennifer Lynne, a chiropractor. Doc Lynne has created a comfy bath boutique that fronts her chiropractic business. So stop in and buy a bunch of stocking stuffers, and then talk to the good doctor about a body tune up. If you’re like me, the back barks every now and then so it’s a good time to take inventory of all those things going on in and around the spine. I must be in shape for the 2010 gubernatorial tsunami.
News release from Mayor Finch
ACME United Donates Riverfront Parcel to City
December 18, 2009) – ACME United Corporation, a 142-year-old Connecticut-based company, today donated 2.4 acres of land along the Pequonnock River to the City in honor of its employees who worked for many years in the factory across the street.
Formerly a parking lot for Acme’s scissor factory, the property consists of 2.4 acres along the Pequonnock River at 459 Knowlton St. It has the potential to serve as a key anchor for redevelopment of the Pequonnock River/East Side corridor and possible future uses could include waterfront access for the public.
Walter C. Johnsen, Chairman and CEO said, “Acme United has made over 2.6 billion scissors and shears in Bridgeport since 1867. We are proud of the many employees from Bridgeport who contributed to our growth, and it is in their honor that we are now donating this land. We hope that future generations recognize their accomplishments, and that we have made a small contribution to the city that has given us so much.”
“We are hopeful that ACME’s donation will lead to a mixed-use development that will include public access to the riverfront” said Mayor Bill Finch. “This piece of land is a gateway to continued reclamation of waterfront along the river as part of the City’s Master Plan of Development.”
Sunday Suds? And What About Slots?
From Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant
A Sunday beer run — in Connecticut?
Not yet, but on Thursday a key legislative committee reopened the debate over allowing package stores and supermarkets to sell alcohol on the first day of the week.
A new legislative report says the change would mean an extra $7.5 million to $8 million in tax revenue for the state, a finding that might add weight to the argument for Sunday openings — a long-running, heavily lobbied issue at the state Capitol.
The group that would sell most of that alcohol, the Connecticut Package Stores Association, has blocked Sunday sales multiple times in the past five years. The association says the extra day would not mean extra money because it would simply spread existing sales over seven days instead of six.
That argument has carried the day at the Capitol in the past, as legislators have rejected the pleadings of lawmakers representing border towns, such as Enfield, who say liquor stores in their towns now suffer from weak sales.
Connecticut is the only state in New England — and one of only 14 in the nation — that bans Sunday sales in stores and supermarkets.
As part of a broader, 72-page report on economic competitiveness that was released Thursday, the legislature’s program review and investigations committee staff wrote: “Connecticut liquor and grocery stores should be permitted, but not required, to sell alcohol on Sunday under their current licensing provisions.”
The report stated that per-capita sales in the border towns were 35 percent to 43 percent lower than in other Connecticut towns between 2004 and 2008.
Good Grief, Did He Taser The Guy’s Tinkle?
From Noelle Frampton, Connecticut Post
Naked man knocks out teeth fleeing police
BRIDGEPORT — A city man lost his two front teeth and faces criminal charges as a result of standing stark naked on a public street corner Tuesday night and failing to comply with police orders, police said.
City police reported that Luis Torres Jr., 27, of West Liberty Street, was standing at the intersection of Park Avenue and West Liberty at about 11 p.m., “holding his clothes in his hands” and appearing “disoriented, confused and sweating.”
When an officer approached, concerned Torres was having a bad reaction to narcotics, the officer “tried to speak with the suspect in a reserved tone,” but got no response.
Neither did Torres respond to orders for him to get on the ground, the officer reported. Instead, he fled west on West Liberty, his clothes in a ball around his hands.
The officer, worried Torres could have a weapon hidden among the clothes, warned that he’d be Tasered if he didn’t comply, then deployed the Taser to little effect beyond a momentary freeze.
The officer chased Torres on foot, as the wires from the Taser hung from his back, and Tasered him a second time. The naked man’s body “locked up and he fell face-first onto a concrete sidewalk in front of 173 West Liberty,” the officer wrote in a police report.
The officer then wrestled one wrist from under Torres, but had to Taser him a third time, still fearing he had a weapon, to get the other behind his back and in handcuffs.
Satirical Video From Guber Candidate Rudy Marconi
A collection of Ray Charles records for Keith and Coulter.
As our web padrone has reminded us,
the Christmas season is neigh upon us.
What could be more inappropriates than the sentiendums of Bridgeport’s own poet lariat, Walt Kelly.
DECK US ALL WITH BOSTON CHARLIE
Words by Walt Kelly, Music by Traditional (whoever he is)
Deck us all with Boston Charlie,
Walla Walla, Wash., an’ Kalamazoo!
Nora’s freezin’ on the trolley,
Swaller dollar cauliflower alley-garoo!
Don’t we know archaic barrel,
Lullaby Lilla boy, Louisville Lou?
Trolley Molly don’t love Harold,
Boola boola Pensacoola hullabaloo!
Bark us all bow-wows of folly,
Polly wolly cracker n’ too-da-loo!
Hunky Dory’s pop is lolly gaggin’ on the wagon,
Willy, folly go through!
Donkey Bonny brays a carol,
Antelope Cantaloup, ‘lope with you!
Chollie’s collie barks at Barrow,
Harum scarum five alarum bung-a-loo!
(www .pogopossum.com is © 2008 Kelly Studios)
Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas Eve.
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
She’d been drinkin’ too much eggnog,
And we’d begged her not to go.
But she’d left her medication,
So she stumbled out the door into the snow.
When they found her Christmas mornin’,
At the scene of the attack,
There were hoof prints on her forehead,
And incriminatin’ Claus marks on her back.
Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walkin’ home from our house Christmas Eve.
(On her way home)
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
(Say there’s no Santa)
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
(Lord, we believe)
Now we’re all so proud of Grandpa,
He’s been takin’ this so well.
See him in there watchin’ football,
Drinkin beer and playin’ cards with cousin Belle.
It’s not Christmas without Grandma.
All the family’s dressed in black.
And we just can’t help but wonder:
Should we open up her gifts or send them back?
Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walkin’ home from our house Christmas Eve.
(Midnight before Christmas)
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
(Say there’s no Santa)
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
(Lord, we believe)
Now the goose is on the table
And the pudding made of fig.
And a blue and silver candle
That would just have matched the hair in grandma’s wig.
I’ve warned all my friends and neighbors.
“Better watch out for yourselves.
They should never give a license,
To a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.”
Grandma got runned over by a reindeer
Walkin’ home from our house Christmas Eve.
(Minding her own business)
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
(What do you mean there’s no Santa?)
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
(Lord, we believe)
Oh
As for me and Grandpa, we believe.
(We believe in Santa Claus.)
A better minority hiring record for the Connecticut Post. And they have the nerve to criticize Walsh? Look who’s calling the kettle black! They think that because they have one African-American woman on staff and their masthead, that they are off the hook!
Gossip of The Rialto!
Quite the Seasonal Soiree held last night at Casa de Murphy y Stafstrom on Brooklawn Avenue. Jingle Belles and Balls were seen singing from the beautifully decorated home’s windows.
What’s in Santa’s bag? Let’s take a peek …
For Mayor Finch: an OIB Blogosphere that will give him an occasional pat on the back instead of a constant kick in the ribs.
For Speedy Gonzalez: a political party that gives free drinks and pizza to its new members.
For Sal DiNardo: a city council that grants favors on a yearly basis.
For Merrick Alpert: a winning strategy to use during the upcoming primary.
LE: Looking for an answer to your “mystery new resident” quiz from yesterday. Not much response but I am curious to follow the clues to a full answer?
* * * * *
True gifts for the upcoming holiday (or any day for that matter)
For all City taxpayers, an answer to the oft-asked and yet unanswered question: Does the City have any unrestricted money left in its wallet today (for a rainy day or whatever else the Mayor and advisers deem is necessary from their viewpoint)? Read “unrestricted fund balance” where you see wallet!!
To Bishop Lori and other Diocesan officials, a basic course on sensitivity to the people in the pews who have paid, prayed, obeyed and stayed in the face of 50 years of clergy sexual abuse mismanagement; and advanced courses in long-term memory as well as compassionate listening to victims/survivors who appear as if from nowhere wishing only to have their story heard as a part of their healing. VIRTUS training, your gift to 90,000 over the past 5 years has obviously been an inadequate response to correcting structural difficulties.
To the entire community of Bridgeport residents, no matter their numerous differences of all kinds and flavors, the gift of time for respectful listening, each in turn, and boundless creativity for turning our human and geographic gifts into steady progress in 2010 and beyond.
Peace to all.
BEACON2
“To Bishop Lori and other Diocesan officials, a basic course on sensitivity to the people in the pews who have paid, prayed, obeyed and stayed in the face of 50 years of clergy sexual abuse mismanagement; and advanced courses in long-term memory as well as compassionate listening to victims/survivors who appear as if from nowhere wishing only to have their story heard as a part of their healing. VIRTUS training, your gift to 90,000 over the past 5 years has obviously been an inadequate response to correcting structural difficulties.”
This will probably happen when Ash Wednesday falls on Tuesday!
BEACON2: You can’t win it if you’re not in it. You’re entitled to your own opinion but you’re not entitled to your own rules.
D’ya know what that means?
Answer: NO free dinner.
*** Love these political videos on pork barrel spending which in my opinion has been a problem that “both” main political parties have contributed to @ one time or another. The Congress St. Bridge removal is a “must” & has been delayed far too long! It’s a constant eyesore & reminder of everything wrong with Bpt’s downtown area from the past & going into the future. By its removal & ? temp. fix, it will be an out of sight, out of mind negative part of Bpt that is finally gone. As to whether the “$” for “another” bridge should be wasted during these hard economic times, I would say “no”! *** Cougar should have put his speakers near to & facing out towards the apt. windows, not directly on the window sill to be seen. It would have sent the same message without the look of possible “intent to disrupt”. After all the “intent” of the messages & noise level, as well as the verbal threats by an obvious bothered activist outside was just as “disruptive” if not more! Big Ups to the “Cougar Man” besides, who doesn’t like Ray Charles music? *** I hope the Governor’s Mansion is sold, lock, stock & “pork barrel”! *** Out with the old (Dodd) & in with the new (Simmons), it’s time for a change, however I don’t want a “Smackdown” either! *** I must say that as I find out “more details” about the Walsh/Brantley incident, even though I still support Walsh; I’m amazed that he could honestly simply “dismiss the notion” that his phone comments couldn’t possibly be taken as distasteful racial slurs, by even his “black female” district co-council member? People sometimes take many verbal comments & their projected “actual” meanings out of context for a lot less and turn them into something negative. Believe me it happens & probably more so in politics in general. *** Last but not least, I managed to make it to Mr. Tito Ayala’s Xmas gathering last night! Great latin food, music, drinks and guests as well. Senator Gomes, Ralph Ford, Charles Covello, Joel Gonzales, Barry Phizner, couple nice ladies from the city’s voting registration office, Leo the architect, and on & on. That’s my second party this month with hopes of making a few more, like Angelo on Madison Ave.’s Xmas party on Mon. the 21st thanks to an invitation from Mr. “C” & friends. There’s nothing better than your health & Xmas parties in Dec. and if I were @ least 25 yrs. younger, a Xmas “bunny” to walk with out of the bar after a friendly fistfight to let off some holiday “stress” steam, especially if your favorite football team is having a losing season! *** Ho, Ho, Ho, Where, Where, Where, I don’t see no Ho’s? *** FORGETABOUTIT ***
Hey Mojo, did you see the big hole in the wall in Tito’s Restaurant bathroom? That was the hole left by Bridgeport Kid when he exited the place upon seeing you walking in.
This chick is the only one I can truly say belongs on my Santa wish list:
www .connpost.com/ci_14026273
Jesus Joel, at least you did it to yourself.
To BILL FINCH a return to the person you used to be not the nasty person you have become.
To Common Council: A backbone.
To Civil Service Commission a return to honesty and integrity.
To Planning & Zoning Commission a return to caring for neighborhoods over developers.
To Transfer Station more hours for the public to use.
To The People of PT Barnum a fire-safe place to live.
To the Fire Department a safe and injury free year and may you all go home every night.
To The Police Department (Street cops) A safe and injury free year and may you all go home every night.
To Chief Gaudett a department with less brass and more street cops.
To the residents of the North End Freedom from the SHU hassles.
To the upper East End (my neighborhood) Representation on Boards and commissions.
To City Hall a moratorium in hiring former retread political hacks.
TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF BRIDGEPORT A SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY HOLIDAY AND UPCOMING NEW YEAR.
To the Board Of Ed of BPT–A set of cojones to take a fresh perspective and actually care about the children and the environment they learn in. For those mentally challenged in charge, THE BUILDINGS.
You go Al Franken you are the man!!! Joe L has got to go!
*** donj, if you took the time to find out “exactly” what Joe-Joe is against in the “?” Health Bill, you probably would be in agreement with him, regardless of his anti-democratic payback stance. *** But regardless of his political views & tantrums, he too like Dodd must go so Conn. can start to move forward with new 21st-century ideas & overall change. ***
Thank you so much Lennie for the kind words. Best wishes and be well, Dr. Jen
donj My post from the other day
donj; Don’t get a case of the ass when you read this. Have you been following the health care debate at all? If you have that’s one thing if you have not I urge you to do so. There have been many changes in the original bill. There will be no public option there will be a cost to people getting health care it could be quite a bit per month. There will be a fine if you don’t get health care. What Lieberman did was prevent these senators from weakening Medicare and stopped them from reducing their pay-in to Medicare.
As far as Dodd goes I urge you to look into his role in the bank and mortgage scandal. I am not advocating voting Republican I am just urging you to study a little more.
What Dodd and congress did to the poor and minorities was criminal. Their thinking that everyone should own their own home was badly flawed. Giving 100plus percent mortgages to the poor and nearly poor only hurt them as when payments were due after the initial grace period they could not afford the mortgages and lost the house.
There is a lot more here than the idealistic bullshit all politicians want us to believe. Have a good evening and stay involved.
Here’s a wonderful holiday song, sung to the tune of “Walking in a Winter Wonderland”:
Lacey things, the wife is missing.
Didn’t ask, for her permission
I am wearing her clothes,
her silk pantyhose.
Walking ’round in women’s underwear.
In the store, there’s a teddy.
With little straps, like spaghetti.
It holds me so tight,
like handcuffs at night.
Walking ’round in women’s underwear
In the office there’s a guy named Melvin.
He pretends that I am Murphy Brown.
He’ll say “Are you ready?”
I’ll say, “Whoa man! Let’s wait ’til the wife is out of town.”
Later on, if you wanna,
We can dress, like Madonna.
Put on some eye shade, & join the parade.
Walking ’round in women’s underwear.
Lacey things, missing.
Didn’t ask, permission.
Wearing her clothes, silk pantyhose.
Walking ’round in women’s underwear.
Kid, I hope you’re not modeling this stuff on Fairfield Avenue. If so, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
*** Probably is, but undercover no doubt! (wink) ***
*** Maybe yahooy is also strolling the walk with Kid in her red tights? (phew) What a sight that must be; Sha-naynay & Juanda, “I’m, I’m, ready” & “I’ll rock your world” together hand in hand, singing “White Xmas in Black-Rock”! *** FORGETABOUTIT ***
Had Jim Himes been told that the job bill would not be paid for with unspent TARP money, Jimmy would had no problem voting for the bill. It’s clear to me that Himes is there to represent the interests of Wall Street not the interests of Main Street. Never try to take money from the “claws” of those from Wall Street.
www .connpost.com/ci_14027270