Taxpayer Funded stadiums

I read this article and had to say something. The two people mentioned in the article, who are testifying to congress, are a resident of Detroit who fought for 10 years against the building of Comerica Park and a woman from the South Bronx complaining about the apartment buildings near parking garagaes for the stadium. And the headline is Taxpayers Last to Benefit from Stadiums. These people are free to testify before congress, whether they are objective or not, congress is free to listen to anyone they want, but wouldn't it make a lot more sense to bring some economists into the discussion? That seems to make a lot more sense to me, but I have a business education background, so I might be biased towards research.

Their quoted testimony is pretty interesting too.

• 'We have terrible budget deficits as a result of having professional sports,' said Frank Rashid, a Detroit resident who waged an unsuccessful 10-year campaign to stop construction of a new Detroit Tigers Stadium at Comerica (NYSE:CMA PRZ) (NYSE:CMA) Park.
  
  At a House subcommittee hearing on domestic policy, Rashid said promises of economic development and new jobs didn't materialize from the stadium built with public and private money in 2006
  
  He maintained that 30 schools are being closed, residents can't get quick responses when they dial 911 for emergency help, and there are fewer police and fire fighters on the streets.

I can't speak for the Bronx statements, but I will be the reaction would be similar. WHAT THE CITY OF DETROIT PAID FOR COMERICA PARK AND FORD FIELD ARE NOT THE REASON FOR BUDGET DEFICITS AND MISMANAGEMENT OF THE CITY. I feel extremely comfortable with that statement. I would hazard a guess that is the lack of neighborhoods, terrible business climate, horrible city government, lack of care in the city, the antagonism from the city towards the suburbs, etc. You can't say the 2005 All Star game at Comerica Park and the 2006 Super Bowl at Ford Field didn't help the image and finances of this city. These parks are part of the reason people are opening new restaurants and bars and clubs downtown and why some people are actually moving back into the city.

I am not sure if the return on taxpayer money has been sufficient or if the money should have been used somewhere else instead, but I know Detroit is a better place to be now than 7 or 8 years ago in my opinion.

Lastly, just bad reporting in the article, it's not a Detroit Tigers Stadium at Comerica Park, its Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. Detroit Tigers Stadium is the crumbling hulk further out on Michigan Ave.

Bye

Good Feelings and Frustrations

Hello dear reader

Posting from work again, waiting for a few things to finish.

I am proud of myself for the actions I took last night. At our TWL class, I was near 700 calories burned for the night when I decided to go a few extra minutes and get to 720 calories, which is the exact amount in a Baby Pan Pan from Little Caesers. I thought if I got that threshold, I could go get one with no guilt. I felt good about my decision and looked forward to my pizza. When I left the gym after a nice time in the jacuzzi, I drove home a little differently to pass a Little Caesers. About a half mile away, I decided to not stop. Even though I wanted it badly, and was hungry, I decided not too. I went home, had some cheese and cashews and went to bed. I am quite proud of myself. And this morning I had a meal replacement bar, with lots of protein, instead of a sausage biscuit, my favorite breakfast.

Frustration - You might see the link to the major league baseball standings above right. I want the functionality to make the standings there, without having to click to a different website. I have done a lot of searching through the help on how to create the widget, a lot of time trying to find if someone has created the widget for a blogger account, and tried some stuff. I don't want to learn javascript for this, although I might have too. Maybe that is a sign I should make my move into management.... Anyway, it should be easy, and I haven't found any code to copy, which I am very good at, so I am frustrated. Hopefully it will resolved by this weekend.

I was just wondering something, with all the coverage of the UK sailors captured by Iran, do tolitarian goverments and terrorist groups think we actually believe the statments that are released by the captives? Don't they realize we all assume they are forced? Why do they keep doing that?

Further on with this, why would Iran do something to antagonize the UK (and therefore the US)within a year of W getting out of office and people of the US wanting the war in Iraq over, not to mention the Democrats growing a spine and demanding our troops removal within a year, over the scare tactics and doomsaying from Cheney and others? It seems that would sway people towards attacking Iran, when I would say the current sentiment would be against that. What are they thinking?

Ok, files done. Later.

More thoughts

This link is about Senator John Kerry making noise about the deal Major League Baseball made with DirectTV about Extra Innings and the baseball channel to come. I haven't bought this package before, but always thought it was a great concept. But I don't care about that.

I have decided that my view of politicians has changed and I want politicians who will actually do something about important subjects like our massive health care crisis, poverty, crime, a war with no merits, etc. instead of divisive mostly personal issues like abortion, gay marriage, etc. If the Democrats want to do something in the next elections, get the discussion away from those kind of issues and focus on what needs to be done for the people of this country.

What kind of kicked this off was listening to Drew and Mike talk about how airlines are terrible to their customers but we have to use them anyway, (and my thought - and the government bails them out anyway). This would seem to be where government could step in and make airlines treat people with respect. If only the FAA and other oversight boards weren't in the pockets of the CEO's and PAC's of the people they are supposed to be regulating. Drew mentioned a passenger bill of rights, and I had forgotten somebody had talked about that at one time. I am glad I am in a job that does not require travel, I would have probably snapped at some TSA employee by now.

Okay, one of my jobs is done, ttyl

While waiting for a programs to run

I am sitting waiting for two programs and a backup process to finish, so I decided to read a little baseball. Jon Heyman of SI.com relatest this cool story:

• Chipper Jones came into the Braves clubhouse late in Tuesday's game with the Tigers and told Smoltz, "I just saw the hardest pitch I've ever seen." He was, of course, referring to the work of Joel Zumaya, whose very first pitch this spring hit 100 mph (and that's before he really got going). The Braves, though, did touch Zumaya for his first two runs of the spring, both on home runs. As Jones put it, "We were rakin'."

Just wanted to pass that along.

Daily Thoughts

So hello there. In my continuing battle for supremecy over my wanton desires, I made two good choices today. One, on my way into work, I pulled into the McDonald's drive-thru lane (not the good part) and then pulled back out again. That was the good choice. I got a fruit bar once I got to work.

The second choice was between a calzone and a salad. I stood in the cafeteria for 3-4 minutes looking back and forth between the two, and actually, again, made the correct choice. I did reward myself for that choice by taking two rolls instead of one, they are small.

That is one thing, and I mentioned this before, about the TEAM Weight Loss group I am part of, since I have to write down all the food that I eat, I am really examining all of my food choices. I want to make sure I get the most benefit out of the class. Of course, it is a difficult time right now since it is renewal time. I have to decide if I want to take another session. I am leaning towards it, I see the benefits but the lessons are not ingrained yet.

On a slightly different health tack, this article on Arnie Kander was on the freep today. My brother has said many times, especially in the Pistons title season that one of the keys to this team has been it's health. And when Webber joined the team this year, he really seemed to be a different player from his time in Philly and before that, he seemed to have more spring in his step and more quickness. Jason believed this was due to Kander and this article addresses that. Good read and he gives a few tips on living healthier, but the main tip I got out of it is to listen to your body - it will tell you what you need to know. That goes along with the teachings of the TEAM Weight Loss - fuel yourself right and listen to your body. Pay attention to what happens when you eat certain foods.

That's your lesson for the day, you non-existant reader.

Hello world

So, last night I went back to the gym for the first time since Thursday. I had missed my Saturday morning class simply because I slept too long. Felt good. Weigh in today though...not sure how I feel about that.

Such a beautiful day in SE Michigan. People are walking all over the place downtown, just to be in the sun. I even skipped a lunch with buddies at Loco's, which I truly love, and gave up my mexican sandwich to get a sub at Tubby's. I think this class is starting to help me change my eating habits. Last night after working out, I stopped and got a cheeseburger (protein, carbs!) and didn't feel good about it after. Seems like I am still sabotaging my efforts a little, but I notice it more. No more of that.

When I get down to about 265, (from 275 right now), think of the glory of that mexican sandwich and a few beers. Now that is reason to work out!!!

Also, got to sleep on my waterbed last night. I also did the night before, but the water was still really cold the night before and it was not a good night of sleep. Very bad in fact. Cold. Clammy. Last night, it was better, but still not at full temp. Tonight's sleep should be great.

Later

Thoughts on a Friday morning

Wow. Had my TWL class last night, and then went for a baby pan pan from little caesers. Love it, awesome. Only problem is that I looked up the nutritional information about it. Learned my lesson. Either stop eating these things for a while, or don't look up nutritional information anymore. So. I have to stop eating pizza until I am down to my target weight, which is only another 45 lbs or so. I will keep track of the days. I hope Mr. I doesn't lose any stores while I am on this pizza sabbatical.

So, while I was at it, I decided to look up the information on the McDonalds breakfast I had on the way in this morning. Sausage biscuit with cheese, my typical. I thought I was doing something good by not ordering the hash browns anymore. I am, but look at these scores. Ow. So, no more Mickey's D's breakfast for a while. Although I can definiately see myself going back for more when I am at my goal weight. Like I said, only 45 more pounds.

Got to be something good to talk about. I may have mentioned my undying love for the wonderful Lauren Graham of Gilmore Girls fame. Just look at that face (link to original here):

I may have also mentioned that at work, my group moved from our Livonia building to one of our downtown buildings. Drive went from 15 minutes max to 45-60 minutes on a bad day. However, there is one bright spot (well a few, but not that important here), there is a huge billboard for Gilmore Girls on I96 east, just east of Telegraph I think, with Alexis Bledel and Lauren smiling down at me. I feel so much better each morning when I pass. Alexis has turned into a very beautiful woman, but Lauren looks better than ever, 40 feet tall.

Oh, probably should get back to work.

Sean

No good title

Having watched three hoops games or more that he has done in this tournament, plus numerous games over the years, I am starting to think I could listen to Dick Enberg do play by play of a board meeting. For my money, he is one of the best out there. I think Michigan State fans should be happy they got him and Jay Bilas to do their games instead of Nantz and Packer. I like Jim Nantz a lot, especially in a few weeks at the Masters (An Experience Unlike Any Other), but can't take Packer a whole lot.

Haven't gotten any responses to my begging for money post yet. I thought of something else, if you want to stake me, that would be fine too.

Hopefully I will have my bed back up this weekend.

Listening to This Week In Tech (TWIT), which is a great roundtable of those involved in technology, and they are talking about recent rulings by the US Copyright office that are going to kill internet radio. If you listen to internet radio, go to http://www.saveourinternetradio.com/ and read more. Of course, this was lead by the RIAA. This is interesting since there was an article in Playboy this month (yes, I read the articles) about the U.S. Copyright office is really serving as a system of legalized extortion. Just more evidence that ours is a government of the people for the corporations who can lobby best.

There is another article how unions are starting to be formed in Iraq to deal with the appalling working conditions there and how the Bush administration is trying to make sure they don't go anywhere. Hopefully the Democrats will engender some hope in this arena. That seems to be the way to breed democracy over there, like Poland maybe?

Anyway, I am going to bed. Talk to you later.

Figured something out

Now I know why hospital shows are so popular on tv. It's not that the human stories of life and death, and those who deal with it, has an obvious inherent drama, although I can see why you would think that. Nope, it's much more subtle. Think about most of the doors in a hospital. They are mostly double doors that open together. The classic dramatic move of pushing open a pair of double doors, which I think started in Westerns and was done very well by Viggo Mortensen in LOTR: The Two Towers, is in almost every scene of transition from one set to another. A subtle device to be constantly raising the level of tension. Viewers think, "Oh, both doors just opened! Something important must be happening."

Well, I am tired, laying on my couch trying to fall asleep, I have got to get my bed back together soon. I am really glad for the wireless card on the laptop. Night all.

Sean

Post St. Patricks Day

I don't really have anything exciting to say about St. Patrick's Day - except that I really have decided I will try to never not be in Vegas again for the first weekend of the NCAA Men's BB tourney. I was denied watching some games and there was no waitresses brining free drinks.

I had to take my waterbed apart this weekend and spent the last few nights on the couch. Not my best few nights of sleep. But I have a chance to deep clean my bedroom, that has to be good. Seriously, it needs it.

I should be posting in a few days my new endevours. One of them is to advertise myself to build databases for chartiable organizations (or small businesses to make a little cash). I think this would be a good way to use my skills to provide a service that could otherwise be quite expensive.

The other thing I want to do is to start begging people for money to go to Vegas. I want to raise about $5000 for a week in Vegas. I would spend my time playing golf, gambling, reading and writing my screenplay that has been in production for years now. I intend to contribute to this with any extra money I get beyond my salary. These activities would include any extra money I happen to make writing databases if someone wants to pay me, any money made selling my monopoly boards collection, or possibly my coke bottle collection, any gambling or golf outing winnings, selling blood, whatever. And begging.

If you want to put some money into my fund, I will send you the paypal account information. Want to induce me to lose weight (currently at 275 from 282 March 1)? Give me a penny per pound. Want me to mention something on my extremely widely read blog about you or something you want or support? Throw me a quarter or something. Want to toss me a buck just because? Fine. I'll take anything.

I read about a bunch of those people who just ask for money on the web and get it. What's up with that? Why can't I do it? Well, I am going to try now.

Well, I should get back to work, I mean, um, I should go clean my kitchen, since I have had a good dinner after a hard day's work. Yep.

Sean

Daily Thoughts

Thought I would simply leave this open while at work and post occasional thoughts to it.

I watched The Daily Show last night (from Tuesday) and the guest was Zbigniew Brzezinski promoting his new book Second Chance: Three Presidents and the Crisis of American Superpower. When Jon Stewert started reading his bio, I thought, "This is going to be one smart dude." He is. Incredibly intelligent and capable of bringing across really difficult ideas. His attitude was, "Why yes, I am incredibly brilliant and the highest authority in this subject. Would you like me to explain it to you?"

After his discussion, I wondering if there has ever been a sales bump from appearing on the Daily Show. There are so many books I want to read after hearing about them from this show, but I don't get around to it.

11:30 - Listening to All Songs Considered from NPR (from 2/22/07) and they are talking to Lily Allen. Never heard of her, but she and her music sound interesting. The thing I like about this show is they usually focus on a guest and play some of their favorites and influences. Good show.

Update: 1:50 Just got back from a long lunch at Loco's so we could watch a little hoops. I don't think there will be a whole lot of work done this afternoon. Old Sheilaleighs (sp?) has a few huge tents.

2:09 PM - Uriah Heep - Stealin' I have mentioned it before, but "Stood on a ridge and shunned religion", regardless of how you feel about it, is a great line.

4:31 PM - Done very little useful work today. Winthrop beat Notre Dame. I knew I should have gone with my heart and not taken ND. What was I thinking.