Archive for Uncategorized
Public Service Announcement: Edgewood Food Pantry and Clothing Distribution
Checking in on our friends at Gadabout-Blogalot.com, we find that the Edgewood Civitan Club, Edgewood Food Pantry, and Roadrunner Food Bank will be joining forces to hold a food and clothing distribution event on January 28, 2010 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., or until everything is distributed. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and there will be enough food for 100 families. For more information and copies of the event fliers, see the Gadabout-Blogalot.com article.
Let’s Step Back…
by John Weckerle
We begin the new year, if a little late, with at least the first part of a wish list for the upcoming 12 months. We’re not sure we’ll see any of this, but at least in our opinion, it would be good to see at least some of it.
In the coming year, I’d like to see our national discussions focus a little more on what we have in common and the goals we all wish to achieve. As Abraham Lincoln famously stated: “A house divided cannot stand.” Differences in philosophy, ideology, and belief are a fundamental part of any free society, but they seem to have been endowed with far more influence over the nation’s business than seems appropriate. These differences are natural, but they have become extreme in their ability to result in divisiveness and discord. The tendency seems to be to insist that the “other side” is wrong and must be thwarted, regardless of the issue at hand or any potential partial merit of the “other side’s” position. A refusal to listen, to accept that there may be more to learn, to reconsider our positions, and to respect those with whom we disagree on one issue or another is not the sign of a healthy, free, and truly democratic society, and I’d like to see a greater focus on solutions as opposed to arguments.
The unrelenting clinging to ideology we see on both sides of virtually any important issue these days is divisive and counterproductive. All too often, we are willing to cast aside or ignore fact, reasonable analysis, scientific consensus, and logical debate wherever they do not fit into our particular ideological systems. Beliefs are fine, but we should always remember that the it is the world, and not our worldview, that is real, and we should be willing to adjust the latter when confronted with hard fact or reasonable logic – or at least acknowledge that two different but reasonably intelligent people, confronted with the same or similar information, may come to two very different logical conclusions. »» Let’s Step Back…
The End of a Decade – Wait For It, WAIT FOR IT…
by John Weckerle
As is often the case at this time in any year ending in a “nine,” people are looking back over the past decade and reminscing. Let’s take a look at a few things that didn’t happen in this decade:
- Y2K did not pass without damaging systems worldwide.
- George Bush was not elected president.
- Al Gore and Joe Lieberman did not lose the Presidential election.
- AOL did not purchase Time Warner.
- Brazil did not celebrate it’s 500th year.
- Israel did not withdraw from southern Lebanon.
- Hedy Lamarr, Tom Landry, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. did not die.
These things did not happen in this decade because they happened in the year 2000, which was in the last, and not this, decade. While popular culture has come to view the “nine” year as the last in a decade, it is not; that distinction actually falls to the “10” year. This is because of the way the Gregorian calendar, which we use to this day, was set up: the first year was designated as the year 1 rather than the year zero. Thus, the first decade was the year 1 through 10, and all decades (and centuries, and millenia) have followed the example since. The 20th century and the second millennium both came to a close on December 31, 2000, and the first decade of the 21st century will end on December 31, 2010. Whether you loved it or hated it, you’re in for one more year of the decade!
Merry Christmas!
by John Weckerle
All of us at NM-Central.com would like to take this opportunity to wish our readers a merry, safe, peaceful, and joyous Christmas. Best Wishes!
What Dreams May Come – Part Deux
by John Weckerle
On June 1 of this year, we reported that HGTV’s Dream Home would be built at the Campbell Ranch subdivision here in the East West Mountains. Since then, however, problems with the project have cast a pall on what appeared at first to be good news. As reported in a New Mexico Business Weekly article, the home’s builder – Sonida Construction LLC – has filed a $310,000 suit against the developer, Campbell Corporation, and HGTV’s parent company. According to the article, Sonita’s owner, Mark Roccoforte, is suing to obtain final payment for the project. As quoted in the article, Mr. Roccoforte states that he never received any complaints from Campbell, and only good reviews from HGTV – and that the only reason he was given for nonpayment was “risk management.” Campbell Corporation CEO Robert Gately declined to discuss the problems in detail with the New Mexico Business Weekly. The article goes on to discuss similar problems that other providers clam to have had with Campbell Corporation.
We find it disappointing to see what should be a great piece of publicity for all involved parties tarnished by this kind of news. It certainly can’t be to Campbell’s advantage to allow this to continue – the whole article seems to scream “caveat venditor,” and to many people that says “caveat emptor” as well. Here’s hoping that the issue will be settled quickly and to all parties’ satisfaction.
Public Service Announcement – NMDOT To Hold Meeting on NM 41 Improvements
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETING
NM 41 CORRIDOR STUDY
CNCF835
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) in cooperation with Gannett Fleming West, Inc. (GFW) invites you to attend the second meeting regarding possible drainage and safety improvements for NM41 between Willard and Moriarty.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
East Torrance Soil and Water
Conservation District Educational Complex
701 10th Street,
Estancia, New Mexico
The project corridor is NM 41 from US 60 near Willard to NM 333 (Old Highway 66) in Moriarty. You are encouraged to attend this meeting to review the preliminary findings on drainage and safety issues associated with the NM41 corridor. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to review findings related to bicycle, pedestrian, equestrian, and-natural and cultural resource issues. There will be an opportunity for questions and comments from the public. For additional information or for requests for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accommodations please contact Aspen-Rose Doyle, Gannett Fleming West, Inc., 2155 Louisiana NE, Suite 7000, Albuquerque, NM 87110 [Phone (505) 265-8468; FAX (505) 881-2513; adoyle@gfnet.com].
Call For Support
Editor’s note: It’s a tough time economically for everybody, and most especially nonprofit organizations. If you have a little extra, even just a few dollars, please consider giving to Wildlife West; their donations page can accept any amount via credit card, and even a small check can help provide food for the animals.
from Wildlife West Nature Park
Please join our family of supporters and volunteers at Wildlife West Nature Park by donating a tax-deductible amount to our 501-c-3 not for profit enhanced zoo, wildlife refuge and community event center. Wildlife West Nature Park is the only zoo in the world built by youth, rescues all non-releasable native wildlife and has built habitats for 25 species that are up to 60% recycled material. Become part of the legend we are creating by contributing to the premier all native rescued wildlife habitat park in the Southwest. Send to New Mexico Wildlife Association, PO Box 1359, Edgewood, NM 87015 or online at Wildlifewest.org., or call-505-281-7655.
Disclosure: Your editor’s company, WeckTech provides web services to Wildlife West. We are not being compensated for posting information on Wildlife West at NM-Central.com.
A World Gone Mad – But In A Good Way
Editor’s note: As of about 8:50 a.m., we have 2 to 4 inches of snow at New Mexico Central headquarters, depending on where we look, and it is still snowing steadily.
by Senior Animal Affairs Correspondent Wilson
Senior Animal Affairs Correspondent Wilson Investigates The Phenomenon
Life here at New Mexico Central headquarters never ceases to amaze me. This morning, the Pack Leader got up extra early, and we went outside for our first run to the spot by the big smelly bush (he calls it rosemary; I think more about what’s hiding behind and under it than what it’s called). I took a nap until breakfast, and then we did the Number Two run (I call it that because it’s the second one). Some stuff was falling on me, and it didn’t feel like rain. I tried to catch some, but was dark and I couldn’t see it. »» A World Gone Mad – But In A Good Way
New Mexico Benefits From Energy Stimulus Funds
by John Weckerle
In a recent article, our friends at Gadabout-Blogalot.com indicated that New Mexico had received no funds from the recent Smart Grid projects approved by the U.S. Department of Energy. We took a look into this, and found that the statement was not entirely correct. According to information obtained from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Recovery and Reinvestment site, which provides information on its American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding distribution, projects funded through out-of-state organizations provide benefits to the grid in New Mexico. »» New Mexico Benefits From Energy Stimulus Funds
Just Hear Those Sleighbells…
by John Weckerle
This year's first snowfall!
Just a short while ago, Johnny Mathis’s “Sleigh Ride” resounded through New Mexico Central Headquarters as we celebrated our first snowfall of the year. The meteorological event, which lasted about 15 minutes, made it to “full snow” (no rain mixed in) for at least several minutes before gradually switching back to rain.
The rains that moved in yesterday and have continued on and off (on more than off, it seems) have put two inches into one of our rain gauges – suggesting that we may now also be celebrating the beginning of Mud Season. Happy boot scraping!
Extreme Makeover Volunteer
by John Weckerle
Cutting Edge Construction project
It’s always nice to see old friends – but it’s really great to see them on YouTube, especially when it’s in context. My old and good friend, Ray DeNuzzo (correct spelling), owner of Cutting Edge Construction (Sutton, WV) was interviewed during his volunteer work at Extreme Makeover – Home Edition. Ray’s company specializes in construction with structural insulated panels (SIPs), which are highly energy-efficient and versatile. They can also be installed very quickly. Anyone interested in having a home or business built or retrofitted with SIPs can contact Cutting Edge at (304) 765-2591.
Ray is one of the most community-minded people I have ever met, and it’s no surprise to see him donating his time and expertise to a worthy cause. I typically see Ray once a year in the summer; it’s nice to see him in the Fall. Hats off!
Strange Days At New Mexico Central
by Senior Animal Affairs Correspondent Wilson
Senior Animal Affairs Correspondent Wilson
The last couple of days have been pretty unusual. Yesterday, I got put in the big white thing with the wheels and chairs (still not allowed on them) and it took us somewhere. I hate that thing, because it makes me sick, especially if we’re in there a long time. Sure enough; they kept me in it too long, and I lost my breakfast. When we got out, we were somewhere I’ve never been before – and there were dogs all over the place! We went into a big building with lots of people and dogs, and the Pack Leader and the Boss Lady took me over near a wall, and there were dogs and their people to our left and right (Grandma sat in a chair near the door). The dog next to me kept yelling at me and saying she wanted to bite me, and I let her know what I thought of her. Some lady came up and put some gross stuff in my mouth, so I shut up. This other lady talked loud the whole time in the middle of the floor, and she kept making other dogs do things. I didn’t get picked! It was fun in its own way, but they better pick up the pace next time. »» Strange Days At New Mexico Central
New Mexico Sparkles – Nationally
by John Weckerle
We have just been informed that New Mexico’s premier sparkling wine (“methode champenoise;” the owners have long taken the correct position that “champagne” is only produced in a specific region in France) has received attention in the November edition of Martha Stewart Living magazine (“A Sparkling Choice: American effervescent wines are festive, nicely priced, and a perfect pick for a great feast” – page 108). The article describes the wine as “outstanding” and having “classically toasty notes and a ripeness that makes it a nice companion to roasted veggies.”
As it turns out, your editor was a participant in the Albuquerque winery’s first tour. We can vouch for the quality of the wine, as we seek it out for those occasions calling for “a bit of the bubbly.” Congratulations, Gruet!
Health Care Proposal – Revisiting Old Propositions
by John Weckerle
In an October 14 article, Gadabout-Blogalot.com relays to us “another health care reform possibility,” encapsulated in six rather brief bullet points “from the states” on how health care should be handled. According to the article, this approach is endorsed by “think tanks” in 33 states. The approach is described as “patient-centered health care reform.” As the author correctly noted, none of these were new proposals, but we had not seen them grouped together in this particular format before. The article did not provide any links to the source of the proposal, but it was easy enough to find.
What we found was interesting, if a bit predictable. It also inspired a few thoughts about “think tanks,” economics, and health care reform. »» Health Care Proposal – Revisiting Old Propositions
Grow Your Own Vs. The Wilsonator
by John Weckerle
Senior Animal Affairs Correspondent Wilson
We recently received the latest in a series of verbal and e-mail requests for updates on our vegetable gardening experiences and the progress of New Mexico Central Senior Animal Affairs Correspondent Wilson. Wilson, who was billed by the adoption agency as a Chihuahua/heeler mix, recently celebrated the passage of his fourth month by tipping the scales at 30 pounds. So much for the Chihuahua half. He is as loving, good-tempered, friendly, and intelligent as we hoped for, and we will all be starting puppy training this coming Saturday at Acoma Training in Albuquerque. He was house trained within about a week and a half. He already knows sit, including moving to the side of the road and sitting when a car comes; is pretty good (but not yet great) at coming when called; is starting to “do his business” on command; and, of course, has learned to understand the word “no.”
As for vegetables: By coincidence, we harevested what may be the last of the kale from the current plants yesterday (time to poke more seeds into the ground), and made a hearty and delicious white bean stew with butternut squash and kale, using a recipe from Farmer John’s Cookbook. We still have broccoli »» Grow Your Own Vs. The Wilsonator