THE FRIENDS MEET

Yes, it is February and, for those of us who follow the news, were are treated to the usual, dusted-off, articles about the Friends of 112th Street Dinner. The Friends Dinner is a chance for 350-400 old, doughy, pasty white guys to meet and, tell bad inside-baseball jokes and use bawdy language.

The Friends can do what they want, of course. If that sounds like a fun night to you, God Bless and have fun with that Do-It-Yourself Root Canal Kit. But...must we be treated to the usual article year-in, year-out? Anyone who has been around for a few years could write the article. Franco still writes the same article every year and The Record and the Times Union and Vandenburgh will tell us how he wasn't able to make it.  And yes, we all know, you can't talk about what was said at the dinner. We get it.

Wouldn't the space be better used for, oh, we don't know......NEWS? And yes, we just wasted space on it.

For instance, what is the Madden Administration's position on a possible refinancing of the debt? Refinancing the debt would extend payments for an additional ten years but save the city $2,000,000 a year. That is certainly, at the least, worth a discussion. The idea of extending the payments another ten years sounds exasperating but our police department, fire department and CSEA are still without contracts. That will need to be addressed soon and there will be a price-tag. More on this coming soon.

Or more articles on the mental health crisis facing the nation. Afflictions such as paranoia can strike anyone, young, old, rich poor, white, black. So, let us just say upfront, we are worried about former Mayor Tutunjian. He is one of the last people could see having a mental health disorder but we are worried for the former mayor.

One, maybe two conspiracy theories in a row is one thing. But three? In a row? We don't know anything about Kanye West and his role in the sound system. We'll leave that one to Harry.

But Harry, why would the President of the United States demand a Federal investigation into a death, in Texas, on a private hunting reserve? What jurisdiction would the Federal government have? Why would an investigation be needed in the death of a very sick man when his family doesn't even want an autopsy? What are you suggesting, Harry? Did Bill Dunne strike again?

Secondly, the President doesn't appoint people to the Supreme Court. The President nominates people to the Supreme Court and the Senate votes yea or nay. In this case, the Senate, as is their right, has said 'don't bother, we ain't voting on anyone.' Does Harry think, in the above scenario, Obama would even get a hearing?

Finally, Biden needs delegates, Harry. There is not an incumbent rule, that automatically gives an incumbent president delegates for a party's presidential nomination.

The Troy School District should be proud. Better beef up the civics portion of the curriculum or:

What Are the Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder?

People with PPD are always on guard, believing that others are constantly trying to demean, harm, or threaten them. These generally unfounded beliefs, as well as their habits of blame and distrust, might interfere with their ability to form close relationships. People with this disorder: 

Are reluctant to confide in others or reveal personal information due to a fear that the information will be used against them

Are unforgiving and hold grudges

Are hypersensitive and take criticism poorly

Read hidden meanings in the innocent remarks or casual looks of others

• Perceive attacks on their character that are not apparent to others; they generally react with anger and are quick to retaliate

     Cannot see their role in problems or conflicts and believe they are always right

Have difficulty relaxing

Are hostile, stubborn, and argumentative

We have to go now, they are coming for us.



This post brought to you by ZOLOFT:

Because we know where you are Mayor, and we want to capture your Alpha Waves.