The Fourth of July 2008

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

2.5 million
In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.
Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970 <http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab.html >

304 million
The nation’s population on this July Fourth.
Source: Population clock <http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html >

Fourth of July Cookouts

More than 1 in 4
The chance that the hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa. The Hawkeye State was home to 17.6 million market hogs and pigs on March 1, 2008. This represents more than one-fourth of the nation’s total. North Carolina (9 million) and Minnesota (6.7 million) were the runners-up.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov >

6.8 billion pounds
Total production of cattle and calves in Texas in 2007. Chances are good that the beef hot dogs, steaks and burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for about one-sixth of the nation’s total production. And if the beef did not come from Texas, it very well may have come from Nebraska (4.7 billion pounds) or Kansas (4.1 billion pounds).
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov >

6
Number of states in which the revenue from broiler chickens was $1 billion or greater between December 2006 and November 2007. There is a good chance that one of these states — Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi or Texas — is the source of your barbecued chicken.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov >

About 4 in 10
The odds that your side dish of baked beans originated from North Dakota, which produced 42 percent of the nation’s dry, edible beans in 2007. Another popular Fourth of July side dish is corn on the cob. Florida, California, Georgia and New York together accounted for 60 percent of the sweet corn produced nationally in 2007.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov >

Please Pass the Potato Salad
Potato salad and potato chips are popular food items at Fourth of July barbecues. More than half (52 percent) of the nation’s spuds were produced in Idaho or Washington state in 2007.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov >

More than three-fourths
Amount of the nation’s head lettuce production in 2007 that came from California. This lettuce may end up in your salad or on your burger.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov >

Nearly 3 in 4
The chances that the fresh tomatoes in your salad came from Florida or California, which combined accounted for 73 percent of U.S. tomato production last year. The ketchup on your burger or hot dog probably came from California, which accounted for 96 percent of processed tomato production in 2007.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov >

Georgia
The state that led the nation in watermelon production last year (1 billion pounds). Other leading producers of this popular Fourth of July dessert included California, Florida and Texas, each with more than 400 million pounds.
Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service <http://www.nass.usda.gov >

More than 74 million
Number of Americans who said they have taken part in a barbecue during the previous year. It’s probably safe to assume a lot of these events took place on Independence Day.
Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2008, Table 1213 <http://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract.html >

Fireworks

$207 million
The value of fireworks imported from China in 2007, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($217 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $14.9 million in 2007, with Japan purchasing more than any other country ($3.8 million).
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/ >

$17.3 million
The value of U.S. manufacturers’ shipments of fireworks in 2002.
Source: 2002 Economic Census <http://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/ec0231i325998t.pdf >

Flags

$4.7 million
In 2007, the dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags. The vast majority of this amount ($4.3 million) was for U.S. flags made in China.
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/ >

$2.4 million
Dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2007. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $1.2 million worth.
Source: Foreign Trade Statistics <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/ >

$349.2 million
Annual dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation’s manufacturers, according to the latest published economic census data.
Source: 2002 Economic Census <http://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/ec0231i314999t.pdf >

Patriotic-Sounding Names

31
Number of places nationwide with “liberty” in their name. The most populous one as of July 1, 2006, is Liberty, Mo. (29,581). Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.

• Thirty-one places are named “eagle” — after the majestic bird that serves as our national symbol. (Places include cities, towns, villages and census-designated places.) The most populous such place is Eagle Pass, Texas, with 26,401 residents.
• Twelve places have “independence” in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Mo., with 109,400 residents.
• Nine places adopted the name “freedom.” Freedom, Calif., with 6,000 residents, has the largest population among these.
• There is one place named “patriot” — Patriot, Ind., with a population of 192.
• And what could be more fitting than spending the Fourth of July in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, population 25,596.

Sources: Population estimates <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/010315.html > and
American FactFinder <www.census.gov >

The British are Coming!

$107.2 billion
Dollar value of trade last year between the United States and the United Kingdom, making the British, our adversary in 1776, our sixth-leading trading partner today.
Sources: Foreign Trade Statistics <http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/highlights/top/top0712.html >
<http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/ >

This past Wednesday, I decided to attend the Pool Bubble Study Committee just to see what options they want to put on the table to eventually present to the public. The Bubble Study Committee (I don’t know if that is the proper title of this committee, but whatever), consists of Councilman Matt Altieri, Councilwoman Laura DiCaprio and Councilman Jim Sima. I don’t bother putting what party they represent because really, why should it matter–it shouldn’t.

As most of you that live in Cheshire know, the Community Pool, which opened in 2002, has really become a drain (no pun intended) on this town financially, basically because of rising natural gas prices and all around energy prices to boot.

It is so odd regarding natural gas, because I have heard that the United States has at least a 200 year supply of it, but because the rest of the country, not counting the Northeast, uses natural gas, demand is high and so is the price.

We all know energy prices are out of control, and are expected to skyrocket over the next few years. So something has to be done regarding the Community Pool and that inflatable bubble which is wearing out its energy welcome at a fast pace.

It seems what was such a “good” idea in 2002, has come back to haunt Cheshire. The Town spends well over half a million dollars to prop up this pool. We all know what SHOULD have been done. But that is proverbial water under the bridge now.

The Community Pool, should have been built AT THE HIGH SCHOOL in the first place. It probably would have cost next to nothing because the town could have gotten funding from the state. I have heard, and have mentioned this in previous posts, that there is an “ear” (connection) outside of the auditorium. Well, if there is already a built in connection, the pool should be built at the high school. I know this is one option that has been discussed. Albeit, it would have to be a pool on a much smaller scale than the Olympic size Community pool, because of energy costs, but, it is an option. Then, the Community Pool could remain a seasonal pool.

I hate to keep saying it, but I think Cheshire learned its lesson from this Community Pool fiasco. If any of you remember my old Undergroundtownhall TV shows on Cox Cable from a few years ago, then you remember my show “Dangerous Intersections–And the Pool.” It was sort of two shows in one. When I got to the pool, I remember saying that the town should take the word “Community” off the sign because it is not a Community Pool anymore. And it isn’t. Bottom line–the community really does not support this pool.

This was and I know some of you are going to get upset, but too bad, this pool was a SHOW OFF endeavor. The powers that be SHOVED IT DOWN THE TAXPAYERS THROAT, and arrogantly thought that the community would totally support it. Well, it BACKFIRED. The community did not support it.

First of all, as I have said before-you can have a polycarbonate glass enclosure that opens on four sides as the Milford/Orange YMCA does (they had the bubble also); you could build a permanent structure or a Natatorium, as is being discussed by the Pool Study Committee, but the BOTTOM LINE–IF YOU DON’T MARKET THIS POOL (like with a SIGN on Rt 10) and you have this “you can come, but YOU can’t, pick and choose who can use this facility attitude, then I don’t care what type of structure you put up, it could be the most energy efficient thing on the planet–it will FAIL!!!

Most businesses, as I have stated time and time again, have a SIGN. Can you imagine Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, Stop and Shop or any retail establishment that tried to run a successful business without signage? NO!! NO YOU CAN’T. In fact, that is the FIRST item that is put up right before a business opens–the SIGN!!

And, could you imagine if any giant retailer had the attitude “oh you can come, but like, we really don’t want YOU to frequent our business. You can come to our business and purchase items, but if you are from out of town, the prices will be higher!! How long to do you think Walmart or J.C Penney or Shaws or Stop and Shop or any business that caters to the public would last if they adopted that attitude? NOT LONG!!

And this nickel and diming, CUT IT OUT!! Charge ONE fee for everyone to use the pool. The YMCA In Southington does. When I went to Bally,s they let you come ONCE for free or for a week trial period, then if you wanted to continue, you had to sign a CONTRACT for at least a YEAR!!. No $6 a day, $6 a day, NO, this is a waste and is not economically viable. Make people sign a contract, pay monthly, and then hope they don’t show up half the time. You get your money whether they come or not. That is the way Ballys Fitness does it and they have been around over 30 years. RUN THE POOL LIKE A BUSINESS!!

Now I am sure many of you are wondering what a “Natatorium” is. Well, it is a permanent structure. We have one at K-State and I swam at it all the time!! Here is the definition:

A natatorium is, strictly speaking, a structurally separate building containing a swimming pool. In Latin, a cella natatoria was a swimming pool in its own building; thus, the sense was much as now although it is sometimes also used to refer to any indoor pool even if not housed in a dedicated building (e.g. a pool in a school or a fitness club).[1] It is usually taken for granted that it will also house locker rooms, and perhaps capacity for allied activities, such as a diving tank, facilities for water polo, and so forth. Many colleges and universities have natatoria.

The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium in Honolulu, Hawaii is believed to be the largest salt-water natatorium in the world. Although the pool was closed in 1980 due to health concerns, the structure remains an interesting feature on the eastern end of Waikiki in the shadow of Diamond Head. The natatorium was included in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2007 list of most endangered historic sites in the U.S.

A Natatorium is usually a big building. The K-State facility is huge. I have a photo of the outside. But at K-State, even today, energy costs are not a problem. Why? Because K-State has its own NUCLEAR REACTOR–Ward Hall. Now, I am not suggesting Cheshire build a nuclear reactor, but hmm, maybe we should!!

Click here to view Kansas State University’s Natatorium

I found a photo of a recently built Natatorium in Michigan. The facility was built in 2003 at a cost of $11 million!! Follow Milford’s lead, spend a few million and put up the Openair Polycarbonate Glass enclosure that opens on four sides. Even if there is some “condensation” on the glass, it is much cheaper than a Natatorium.

Click here for photo of the Michigan Natatorium

Here again is the link to Openaire which built the Milford/Orange YMCA structure a few years ago.

Click here

Unless most of you have been in a closet for the past 24 hours, you know from news media reports that members of the Hawke family, (these are the relatives of Jennifer Hawke-Petit who with her two daughters were killed in last July’s home invasion in Cheshire), sent letters to the State and the Cheshire Police Department, expressing their "concerns" over the CPD’s response time (or lack of ) depending upon how one views the situation.

Now I have a link to the letters from the WTNH newsite. I will post them here and you may read them. This whole situation is SAD SAD SAD. Yes, anyone that personally know me, knows the scenario I have painted many times with this issue. You will all see the truth come out soon. That is all I can say about that.

First of all, and I have said this before, I really don’t believe you can blame the rank and file for this issue. People were doing what they WERE TOLD TO DO by a higher authority in Town Government, I believe.

For whether they want to hear it or not, this town better get OVER RIGHT NOW, their infatuation with their so called "image." Get it? Yes, GET OVER IT. I believe the town has a "hands off" and "keep things quiet" policy. Even so, Cheshire is a small town not used to and not seasoned (thank God) to criminal acts of this type. It is true, it is easy to make a decision after the event has happened. What would you do in a situation as this, facing it for the first time–WHAT WOULD YOU DO–REALLY DO?

I know the police in this Town and in any Town or City for that matter, want to do their duty. I know the Cheshire Police Department wants to do their duty and does their duty. The police are a paramilitary organization, they MUST obey orders and that is what they did I believe. Everything can be done differently, but as I have stated before, we do NOT KNOW the entire story. Even I questioned why an undercover cop did not go to Bank of America and confront the lone assailant in the car that day. But one must ponder this, no-one but a few people know what was in the note that Mrs. Petit wrote at the bank. Cheshire is a cautious town. They think before they act. Some people say they may have thought too much that day, but without all the information, what can anyone say.

The victims families have EVERY RIGHT to question. That is part of the healing process also. They have a RIGHT to express how they feel. I realize, as do many that whatever is officially said by the Town and the Police Department could have an effect on the trial, but I believe some sort of answer or even a meeting behind closed doors between town officials and the Hawke relatives would be a good thing, and help with the healing.

Cheshire Town Government has to learn that ignoring things doesn’t always make things go away. Case in point, they tried to ignore me and I didn’t go away!!

I feel sorry for the men and women of this police department. Why? Because I know they are competent and are well trained. But, the Town Government needs to go over this scenario again and again and constantly strive for improvement. Even if things were done by the book, as I know the Cheshire Police Department does, things can ALWAYS be done better, except when it comes to me.

I pray that God can heal this towns wounds and the Hawke Petit’s wounds because HE healed mine and keeps healing them every day!!

P.S. I am glad Cheshire has a big surplus in the budget.

Click here for the Hawke families letters to the State and the Police Department

Also: another bad day in town–the Liberty Bank on Highland Avenue was robbed around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Police are seeking the public’s help.

Click here for story

And lastly, the gas station underground storage tank "leak" at the BP station in Cheshire across from the Notch Store is another sad story. I went by there on Monday and I could smell gasoline and I had my windows up because the air conditioning was on in my car!! The Home Invasion, the Gas Leak, the Bank Robbery, amongst other happenings. What is going on?

Is it just bad Karma?

Now we will take a break from The Beatles videos for a night and meditate to "Jesu-Joy of Man’s Desiring"

I love this song and when I got married, I made sure this was played at my wedding.

BREAKING NEWS: MAN WHO ROBBED LIBERTY BANK IN CHESHIRE APPREHENDED AT MERIDEN SQUARE MALL.

On Saturday, June 28, my curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to go to Mixville to see if it was as “awful” as some people are making it out to be. Also, I wanted to see if those dogs had driven away the geese as I recently read in the newspaper. As I drove in, I’ll be honest, I did not expect to see that many people there.

I’d say it was around 4 p.m. when I arrived. The place was PACKED!!. Albeit, it was sweltering so it was good to see the park being used. I was sweltering too because my air conditioner was not working AGAIN!! But alas, I know why. Partly old age nearly 25 years old, and partly that for some technical HVAC reason, when we had our new furnace put in over the winter, I guess the new components are not “compatible” with the old air conditioner. So—REST IN PEACE old air conditioner. Out with the old and in with the new (hopefully within a few days, because if you think I am a bitch normally, I am even BITCHIER when I am HOT!!) Thanks AGAIN to White-Bowman for their fast service!!

The pavilion at the far end of the park was loaded with picnickers; the area where the picnic tables and the grills are were all taken, the parking lot was FULL and even the beach had a decent amount of people: I would say at least 30, who were swimming or just enjoying cool breeze. I did not notice ANY GEESE which was great. There was one lifeguard on duty which was good because that entire swimming area, even the area near the old snack bar, where the basketball courts are, had people swimming. So the lifeguard had his hands full.

I know a lot of people think the water at Mixville is “yucky” but I would rather swim in natural water than a chlorinated pool. After about 45 minutes, between the sun and the chlorine, I start getting a headache. If you don’t like the way the bottom of the pond feels, then wear those water shoes and be done with it.

Now the Town Council just appropriated approximately $20,000 more to fill an economic gap in the Community Pool. The money was taken from the Park and Recreation budget. I know Councilman Ruocco expressed dismay over the additional appropriation, which seems to be more and more each year.

Listen up, when I was a girl in Bridgeport, the City charged people who were not City taxpayers, a fee to enter Seaside Park. When you paid your property tax, you received a blue sticker that you “stuck” on the left hand side of your windshield.

When you entered Seaside Park from Park Avenue, (which was the only vehicle entrance, unless you walked in) their was a booth, you slowed your car, the guard saw your sticker and you entered. If you even dared try to enter without paying or without the sticker, the Bridgeport Police, who were patrolling, pulled you over and you got told very nicely but firmly to LEAVE!!. You didn’t think twice about giving them a hard time either, because there usually was a police dog accompanying this park patrol, so that ended it right then and there.

I suggest Cheshire adopt the same agenda, sans the Police dog. When people in town pay their property tax, they can be issued a sticker which also acts as a receipt, which they can put on their windshield and will allow them free entrance into Mixville.

Everyone else, should pay. I am glad all people are using the park, but I notice it is getting to be people from out of town. How do I know this? I saw a large group that I know personally that reside in a neighboring town and they told me they have been coming every weekend now that they don’t have to pay.

I think that the town of Cheshire could recoup some of the money it is not making at the pool by charging out of towners a small fee. Not a large fee to scare people away, but enough of a fee to take up some of the slack at the pool.

Now, as many of you know, East Haven is now charging non residents over $100 to use their beaches and is ticketing any vehicle that enters the park without a sticker. This is what Bridgeport did, I suggest Cheshire follow their lead. I mean, we can’t charge $100 but $3 to $5 a person with the $50 season pass to be made available, is also an option. With the price of gas, people who want to visit our Mixville and swim I believe would be more than willing to part with a few dollars to enjoy a spot to cool off without having to hit the highways and travel any long distance.

Cheshire should take advantage of this right away.

Click here for East Haven Story on Beaches

By request-I will be featuring under “Featured Video” some of the OLD Beatle songs before Brian Epstein died and they got all screwed up!! This song is from the movie: “Help” and features HOT HOT PAUL!!–DAMN!!