CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

The new parking would give lots of space (probably too much) for tourists to park 3-4 weekends a year, while the rest of the year, they're an unused eyesore for the historic neighborhood.

Why pay money for something that will get little use and be a blot on the landscape. The drainage can be fixed with out the parking spaces -- which will be useless for most of the year.

The town residents did right by voicing their minds. The town selectmen did right by altering their plan.

My condolences on the loss of your cat, Walter. This past year I lost both red tabbies of mine -- each in their eighteenth year. They, along with Shiva, have gone to Rainbow Bridge -- but they are all dearly missed.

Again, to those who have commented here.

What I asked is to put yourself in the shoes of the people who live there.

You all seem so distant to the situation and talk about pluses and minuses for yourselves -- not the people who live there 24 hours a day.

You all seem just as self-centered as the residents who are suing -- but the decision in favor of Christies will have no negative impact on your lives.

And don't get me wrong. I like Christy Mihos. I have no personal interest in the neighborhood or what goes on there. Just trying to make you take off your myopic glasses and see the other side of the argument -- that of those whose lives may be negatively impacted by the decision.

Put yourself in the same situation with the same thing going in right next door to you where you live. Then give me your honest answer. Don't keep harping on zoning board approvals already made -- or saying people are crying in their milk.

Do none of you have any concern for the plight of others?

Walter, et al,

It's easy to criticize the reactions of others when you're so far removed from the situation.

How would any of you react in the same circumstances? Would you just roll over and let it happen. Or, would you try to fight it?

Just wondering.

I'm still not for or against Cape Wind. But, I can't see how its output will amount to more than a fart in a windstorm. It's not going to make America 'energy independent'.

It'll be interesting to see how this drama finally plays out.

I don't think either side understands all the details, the myths, the lies, etc.

84% of MA residents?
74% of Cape Cod residents?

And how really informed about the truth are they? I've been trying to get informed -- but all I get is prejudiced clap-trap.

Not siding with anybody. Just sittin' here on the fence -- waiting to see which way the wind blows.

Congratulations Christy!

Although I'm not totally in love with the building design, I think your business will help attract traffic to more of the businesses in town, too. So that's a win/win situation.

I drove by there around 5 p.m. yesterday and smelled the gas. I thought to myself, "God, I hope nobody tosses a cigarette."

At that time were they digging to find the break -- or were they digging for something else -- and caused the break?

We'll find out soon -- I hope.

Let's hear it for Christy! Finally, a voice of common sense for the Commonwealth.

You've got my vote for 2010.

Now, if we could only send enough butt/head extractor ointment to Boston, so those currently in power can finally see the light of day, we'll be a few steps forward.

To all others. When I asked my questions, I was seeking facts. I prefer making my judgements and decisions based on reliable facts. That's all. And I'll restate: I am not pro or against the wind farm at this point.

I do see certain prejudices for the wind farm. But nobody here has backed it up with facts. Even statements by those for it can only be conjecture.

My reasoning for not comparing it to foreign wind projects is because 1: they are government subsidized. 2: They are not placed in an area of possible critical environmental impact. I don't like comparing apples and oranges.

So, if anybody has solid facts -- instead of "I like the idea" or, "I don't like the idea," I'm willing to listen.

So far, I've heard nothing that's based in the realm of reality.

So, it looks like I'll remain uninformed by reading comments here.

I'll check elsewhwere.

To Piggie re: Curious how someone develops something like that
and fails to hold on to the patent. Maybe he was tricked?

I don't believe there was any 'trickery' involved. And I don't know Mike Shetley's motives for selling the patent. It could be that he proved his point -- up to a point -- and didn't want to go any further. Or, he may just have wanted to sell the patent for investment funds to do something else. I have no idea. But, he certainly wasn't tricked.

To Piggie:

My brother worked on the "Moodymobile"
It was actually Mike Shetley who was in charge of developing the engine.

The 1st prototype got an honest 75 mpg. Shetley sold the patent to one of the Detroit builders (he would not divulge who) -- and it disappeared. My brother and a lot of others who worked there really got upset about that.

I'm really at an impasse here about whether or not I support the wind farm on Nantucket Sound. Yes, I like the idea of renewable energy, but nobody has proven the benefits of it to me. And, please don't site foreign wind farms. Totally different story -- and supported by government subsidies.

Could you who are better versed with the facts than I, please elucidate on why it should be built there; the jobs created (where will the workers skilled in this type of building come from -- and where will they live while engaged in building -- and affordably after?);
What will the costs be to generate the electricity, and what exactly will the cost savings be?; Who will foot the bill if it fails?; and where does the accountability lie if that happens (Heaven forbid that it does).

I know these things have supposedly been covered (or covered up) in detail, but I want to know what the average person knows -- and try to understand the need from that standpoint.

Barbara Hill -- and others -- lets have some real facts without a lot of wind behind them.

Please show me some good reasons.

To all concerned: I am not a member of either of the families contesting this.

I merely stated my dislike for the proposed look of the building. Sure, the old one is an eyesore, but too much of Cape Cod is starting to look like New Jersey.

Put some white clapboard siding on it instead of brick -- and use divided lite windows. That would help it fit in with the surroundings.

Or, do most Cape Codders want to emulate the 'Jersey' look?

Although I'm not a resident of Dennis, I drive by that place frequently. Looking at the architectural drawing, the design strikes me as being totally out of character with that particular part of town. The drawing looks too 'corporate cookie cutter' -- and certainly not in character with the location. It will stand out like a sore thumb.

Didn't the Lawyers for the tribe look at the original 'recognition act' to see what it spelled out? Or, did they just hide that from the tribe, turn a blind eye and continue to suck money out of it?

It's always better to have all your facts -- and understand them -- before hanging your hopes on a dream.

Being a long-time marketing guy, I see a win/win situation here. Have the beer companies who deliver in Massachusetts link up with Planned Parenthood. P.P. will donate condoms (6-packs) to be attached to the beer 6-packs. We'll call it the Six-pack Sex-Pack.

There will be more beer sold, more sex, and everybody will be happy. Less gono' more guzzling and lots of healthy sex activity. Sales will skyrocket and no additional tax will be needed because the increase in sales (and the related tax already in place) will cover it nicely.

The people of Massachusetts would be better served if the state government would get rid of redundancy and inefficiency -- instead of continual tax and spend policies.

Massachusetts has one of the poorest run governments in the nation. So, how about an outside firm to clean it up.

Less spending, more efficienty, -- and no fat cats eating all the pie.

Or, am I being too naive here?

Can't pardon anyone unless they've been convicted. Or, so I'm told. And, isn't Madoff (made off) being punished enough by having to stay in his plush digs? I don't think I could handle that 24 hours a day.

So happy Bush and Cheney can still be impeached after they've left office. It would have been a shame for 'Dubya' to pardon 'hisself' and 'Uncle Fester' -- had they been convicted while in office.

Hi Walter!
Actually, this is most probably Cape Cod's first lighthouse -- but not America's first. That honor belongs to Boston Light, first erected on Brewster Island in Boston harbor in 1716.

The Truro lighthouse came into being through The 1796 act: "An act to cede to the United States the jurisdiction of the tracts of land, which shall be required, which shall be required for the Light Houses, authorized by Congress to be erected upon Baker's-Island, and Cape-Cod." (this is from my August 10, 1796 edition of the Columbian Centinel)

The Baker's Island lighthouse (off of Salem, MA) may pre-date the one here, but certainly, Truro's Highland Light was the first on Cape Cod.

Re: Wind power. Rhode Island is scheduled to complete a billion dollar + project by 2010. Why don't we wait and see what problems/benefits they develop -- before industrializing Nantucket Sound.

If the benefits outweigh the downsides, then we might all feel a bit more comfortable about Cape Wind's project.

None of this makes any difference to me, because I'm building on the bay side with a combo of solar and radiant floor heating.

But, it would be nice to see what we can learn from Rhode Island's project.

What is it with the town of Yarmouth? They seem to have a corner on the market of Level 3. Sex offenders.

Does the town actively recruit them?
Are other towns staunchly NIMBY? Are they thinking of forming a marching band with them for 4th of July parades?

Just wondering...

The old Wedgwood and Waterford items are the ones that will hold value -- or, possibly, even go up. But, the sad thing is that the majority of it is not even made in England or Ireland. Indonesia and Baltic Europe have taken over the manufacturing -- so, it's just not the same. The jobs of making both of these venerable brands were outsourced -- and no longer have the cache of the old esteemed Waterford and Wedgwood companies.

Hi Jim!

Thanks for pulling up the window shade on this one.

Here's my way around it. See which charities you want to contribute to -- then send them a check specifying that you sent it because you wanted to -- not because of the 'donation/fund' drive.

Specify it in writing, so what you give cannot be eaten up by the profit hungry agencies promoting the fund-raising. And don't do it any time around the 'fund raising' activity, if possible. Wait until the drive is over.

uhhhh...don't you mean 'turbine'?

...also, I'm not too thrilled about the prospect of 130 'lightning rods' for terrorists in Piper Cubs -- or on jet skis with rocket launchers. We already have enought problems with kamikaze tourists in SUVs. Although it would prove to be one of our biggest 'local'fireworks displays.:>)

I'm not for or against wind farms. But, computer simulations are B.S. They're simulations based on whatever input the simulator creators put in -- and that can vary widely. They're not based on reality -- It's supposition and conjecture.

For another example, look at the 'simulations' the insurance companies use to develope the information 'hurricane' projections for our home insurance policies. Woods Hole will tell you they're completely off base ~ not based on reality or history.

Also, the claim that the Wind Farm will supply energy for 75% of Cape Cod really means nothing. The energy will get fed into the good old third world power grid we use -- and will not bedirectly parceled out to Cape Cod. Plus, it still costs more to generate wind power than it does to generate electricty through a conventional power plant.

Want to cut down our dependence on foreign oil? Stop buying and driving those gas sucking 'Whale Turd on Wheels' SUVs and pickup trucks. Develop gas-saving driving habits and shopping patterns.

Please accept my condolences on the passing of Allie. I'm sure Allie is safe, happy and completely purrfect at Rainbow Bridge, where my dearly departed Dennis now resides.

And there's an equally deserving furry critter awaiting your adoption.

I agree with numah. Closing the trails and putting up signage just makes it more tempting for the 'bush bangers' to go ahead with what they've been doing -- with no fear of being seen by innocent people.

The patrols could go on with the trails open or closed. So, why not keep them open for others to enjoy. I think common sense could prevail here, instead of the 'what punishes one punishes' all scenario at present.

Maybe we should all go on the trail with our cameras and take incriminating photos, which Walter could put up as an adjunct to his "Where is this place" monthly photo -- and ask web site visitors to identify the suspects.

Winners would receive a box of Cape Cod Today condoms.

Looks like Yarmouthport is becoming a hot bed for 'porking in the pines'.
Previously they closed the trail behind the post office for the same problem.

I suggest that when DNA samples of the culprits are taken, they not be turned over to the care of Mr. O'Keefe.

Perhaps somebody will be arrested for having an unlicensed 'willie'. That would be most interesting.

Talk about putting a speed bump in the state's revenue system. Seems like the Motor Vehicle Department should change its name to 'moron' vehicle department. Oops, I forgot it's the RMV. Those tricky acronyms get me all the time.

What if we all had amnesia for the next few years? That would be a good way to get their attention and show them how ridiculous this move is.

Just another example of lazy government wanting us to do their work for them.

We voted in District 3, South Yarmouth, today at 1:00 p.m. There was no line. 5 other people in booths. It took us all of 2 minutes to log in, vote -- and log out.

Did the Repubs round up all the Dems and Independents and imprison them -- and miss us?????

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALTER!

Didn't know you were a Connecticut boy, like me.

I'm all for putting a lever in the voting booth (or choice on the paper ballot) that says 'Maybe'.

And don't forget, we need to protect our right to keep and arm bears.

I, too, say "Vive La Monitor!" For decades it's been my source of unbiased news -- and spiritual inspiration.

I switched from the daily hard copy version to the online version several years ago -- and wondered how long they'd be able to keep the daily printed version going.

But, as we Christian Scientists know, God's Law is a Law of progress. And I think the weekly printed version will do well.

Advertising standards have gone out the window. And it all boils down to money.

The web is a revenue-driven entity now.

I assume that you're not having any problem with your own 'pop-up'-- and you don't need these advertised products. So, how do you get rid of the pop-ups on your favorite web sites? You'll find the tools in your browser section. Just add the web site to the pop-up blocking list -- and voila! No more 'quicker dicker upper' pop-ups.

Hey Walter!

Was that you who pedaled by me in Edgartown on Wednesday? It sure looked like you!

What a gorgeous day to be on the Vineyard. I ended up in Vineyard Haven, went to Carley Simon's store -- and got my photograph taken with her.

She actually asked me for my autograph -- but that was for the credit card receipt.

~Bob W.

Buzz.

Sure prople get robbed and fires happen, but with more homes in town and a rising crime rate, I don't see the point in cutting fire and police jobs.

Sure, budgets are out of control -- but that's no reason to cut back on public protection. Certainly It's an issue that needs to be dealt with.

But cutting back is retrograde. It's like taking down part of a dam while the water continues to rise.

How many of us couldn't afford the extra $65.00 per year it would cost to keep those protectors of our community?

If this had passed, I'd have gladly paid what a few of my whiney neighbors claimed what they couldn't afford.

Buzz. You're missing the point. These are serious areas they're cutting back on. They could concern your life.

What if your house burns and there are not enought fire fighters to respond. Or, if somebody robs you at gunpoint Are you going to say 'a pittance, a pittance there?"

I hope you get a reality check soon.

What a stupid decision on the part of Yarmouth voters. The override would have cost each of you a pittance. But, you turn your noses up at the most important services your community needs.

My thumbs down to you all who defeated the override. You have no idea how less safe your community -- and yourselves as individuals are going to be.

I vote for "Patti Page Highway" She's done more for Cape Cod tourism than any politicians or Cape 'homebodies' have.

Who gives a rat's ass what her politics are. And, who cares what the 'majority' on Cape Cod thinks. This is a tourist economy out here. Patti certainly has done her part to bring them here -- as did her collaborators, the original song writers.

Ya dance with the partner that brung ya.

Hi Susan!

Thanks for the info on the new Harwich trail maps, etc.

My next project is the Walk Cape Cod web site. It will be patterned after my cycling web site, but will feature a variety of walking paths on the Cape and Islands.

Kind regards,

~The Phantom Cyclist

...and, after corporate profits, a guaranteed long-term savings of about 3 cents a month. Geeze, my piggybank is going to explode in about 40 years. :>)

I'm all for wind power ~ and I think it would be good for each municipality 'On Cape' to have their own source. That way we can generate lots of electricity 'On Cape' without generating lots of cash for a private corporation 'Off Cape'. To paraphrase the Las Vegas ads, "What goes on on Cape Cod stays on Cape Cod."

And these 'On Cape' turbines don't need to be 400+ feet high. If they're only as high as the new church tower in Rock Harbor, they'd not be a blot on the landscape. Put wheels on them to make 'em mobile, and we could use them in 'Energy Day' parades.

And if they point north, they could be powered forever by the political wind that comes from Boston.

And, what about water turbine power right down there at the canal? That could help. Convert the energy plant from coal/oil to H2O.

Self-sufficiency in the energy game would be nice here.