Happy Bithday (this week ) to FM RADIO.
At this time in 1941, W47NV in Nashville was the first to operate commercially while using the physics of Frequency Modulation transmission technology.
FM had been around for awhile, but ignored by the industry because of its "line of sight" aspect. AM was deemed superior because it could bounce its signal off the sky and beyond the horizon. But FM overtook AM in the early 70's, primarily because of its superior sound clarity. It played the role as the major source for music discovery throughout the 70's until the Inter-tube hit town.
For an interesting look at the history of the radio business, round up an old copy of Empires of the Air by Saratoga resident Tom Lewis.
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Mar 9, 2012
Mar 7, 2012
News Journalism: Worst Career Move?
“I wanna buy you lunch” is usually code speak for “I wanna pick your brain.” But there's a trade I'll pretty much take anytime, as it more often than not presents a chance to catch up with an old and (often) rarely seen pal. Thursday's yak-fest was just such a case, with my old school chum Mark at some bland Manhattan sandwich joint.
It seems that former BMOC and unofficial titleholder as the world's fastest beer shooter is a few months removed from watching his oldest daughter don the old cap & gown and strolling up to some college president in an upstate gymnasium to receive her undergrad degree in a field of study he mentioned but I don't recall. After the requisite “geez, we're getting old” kicked and subsided, we moved onto his more pressing matter, the primary reason for our midday rendezvous.
His dilemma: said daughter is now considering Journalism School, and asking dear old Dad for his guidance in making that final determination. Although not mentioned, I also sensed his being not only the guiding light but also the potential banker for such a venture — but I didn't press on that theory.
So what could I add to this exploratory, Mark asked? Surely my background on either the fringes or deep in the epicenter of the world of the news media industry – both old and new media varieties – would be of value in ascertaining the girl's (err - lady's) dream of starting out as the ace investigative reporter for some local daily and eventually moving on to being a renowned columnist for some prominent media brand. Worth that sandwich and lager tab, at least.
My advice was simple and right to the point: DO NOT, under any circumstance, aid and abet such a suicide mission, one that would only lead to years of poverty, frustration, disillusionment and quiet desperation for the kid. As for the big guy himself, years of guilt were an equally likely future as a direct result.
Overly dramatic on my part? No, not by any means
“The first job of the writer is to be interesting”
Henry James
“My job was to write stories that met the Lowest Common Denominator test”
A former reporter for an upstate NY daily paper
Mr James would not be a happy camper in today's typical local newsroom. His interesting writers might exist in certain quarters, but not there. In former times, back when local communities had a sense of identity and purpose, the local paper served as the network hub for the local citizenry. Through its pages, one was able to get a daily sense for the pulse of the city. Relevant news was interspersed with sage commentary and big-pic meanderings on the state of said city. The newspaper's staff members were well-respected and usually had a deep interest and understanding of the community, often based on the simple fact that most of them were natives. The publisher was a leading mover and shaker, managing the business as a local enterprise and as a trusted communal asset.
Those days are long gone. Industry consolidation has resulted in the dominance of chains or groups (their own preferred term). Locally owned papers are a rarity. Working personnel are hired nomads, pushed from one corporate outpost to another, from one strange town to the next. The concept of a “publisher” itself has disappeared — there is actually no one at any given location who fills that traditional role. The title still exists (as a charade), the person holding it is typically just someone from the sales department. A larger and larger percentage of the news is syndicated from outside sources, and most of that is of the 'lifestyle' variety with zero unique connectivity to the locality. Very few local papers even bother with quality local commentary any more.
So where does this leave a fledgling news journalist? Start with an assignment of covering the mundane city council meetings, zoning boards and police blotter and he or she is off to the races. 60+ hours a week at $22K per year should do it. With a little luck, that person might soon be asked to cover whatever can pass as local scandal, like a politician's son being arrested for DUI or another's alleged affair with a staffer. For that is what it's all about today; scandal and conflict. But that kind of work is the glass ceiling; there is no longer a plum column heading with his or her name on it, because they don't exist any longer. Or, an assignment to the paper's online portal is possible, where the requisite skillset is not in solid reporting, but in article search engine optimization.
The bottom line is that an English Comp degree from a community college will land a job at most daily and weekly newspapers in this country today. An advanced degree has no payback path within that environment. Simple supply and demand economics dictates such. Furthermore, there is no premium paid for any sort of subject matter expertise.
Now back to my buddy Mark in the restaurant. His head is hanging low after this reality check. But he now knows what he needs to do: tell his precious princess “no” to the J-School funding. The right move, for sure. She'll hate him for a bit, but somewhere down the road will thank him … immensely.
Hopefully she doesn't come up with some creative scheme to go do it without his aid.
====================================================
In other Media/Journalism news....
====================================================
Good Riddance, Andrew Breitbart
Alleged new media journalist Andrew Breitbart has left this earth. The right-wing tent pups act as if we just lost a Founding Father — literally! That's right; the neo fascist rag called the Washington Examiner ran a deadline this past week crying that “We Have Lost Our Samuel Adams.” Uh-huh. Memo to the Examiner: Sam was the brewer, you were maybe thinking of John? (or are we missing some clever joke here?)
For those not trapped in the mindless lunacy of the propaganda machine run by the modern day conservative and libertarian movements, Mr Breitbart's legacy is simple: he did nothing more than further degrade both the American political dialog as well as the profession of journalism itself. Truth was never the priority or the goal in Breitbart's world; outcomes were. His agenda was clearly staked, and his faux-journalistic endeavors from that point on existed to do nothing more than to serve that agenda.
His lesson: if one can't match a philosophical opponent on merits, merits are to be ignored and Plan B is unleashed. As examples, we are told that hacking a Twitter account to pry into a personal relationship is a valid strategy, given the outcome of destroying that person is met. Or the fact that a supposedly damning undercover video is found to be heavily edited is equally irrelevant for the same reasons. Or that taking a short clip from a public interview completely out of context, thereby leading an observer to believe that a point was being made that was totally the opposite of reality, is simply a tool of doing biz in the hardball world of new media. Well, all of that is just peachy.
The conservatives have their new martyr. He's probably a good one for them, give their “race to the bottom” mentality. Meanwhile, anyone with even a minimal concern for the proper (and disappearing) role of journalistic integrity and excellence in this nation has spent the last few days struggling to hold down the puke each time this cretin's name gets mentioned.
Of note: the Net's alt-reality (aka tinfoil) division is already alive with conspiracy theories on the cause of his death....yep: Obama took him out.
Local Media Wars
It's entertaining to witness the current pissing contest between the two competing papers in the city of Glens Falls: the daily Post Star and the weekly Chronicle.
It started when the Chronicle took its hometown neighbor to task for referring to itself as a “30,000 Circulation Daily” in a Help Wanted Ad it has placed for its own personnel need. The Chronicle made a big deal out of this, publicly pointing out that the P-S's actual number is a bit over 26K.
Two points here: first, big freaking deal. This was a Help Wanted ad, not a sales pitch to potential advertisers. Second, this is obviously an important distinction to the Chronicle because its own front page claims a circulation fig of 28K for itself. It seems like someone needs to be known as the bigger rooster in this 'burgh.
The Post Star answered nicely, with a counter of “but our 26K is verified.” Touche! The Chronicle's response was a wimpy “but we have lots of advertisers because it works.”
We'll play the role of referee in this scratch-off. Here is our ruling:
The Chronicle is full of shit.
It claims a “Circulation” of 28,000; and does so on the front page of each and every issue. This publication – not quite a full-fledged newspaper while not quite a shopper either – is available to all readers at no charge. It is a freebie. That's all fine. That being said, a paid copy is more valuable than a free copy (it's more likely to be both read and shared) to potential advertisers. Whether the ad rates for the two papers reflects this distinction, we do not know or care.
But, in the newspaper industry, the word “circulation” assumes PAID. If Chronicle management were to deny that, they are denying fact. Similarly, if they argue that their placing the word “free” above it in a different font color gets them off the hook, they are similarly mistaken. Their 28K papers are the number they print and then distribute to drop-off/pick-up locations throughout the region.
Their 28K figure is defined in the news publishing industry as DISTRIBUTION, not circulation. Therefore, they are the party that is mis-leading the public to the greater and more harmful respect here.
We hereby call on them to correct this inaccurate statement.
.
Mar 5, 2012
Sustainable Skis and Boards
From the Earth Talk files...
Bamboo dominates green practice of green sport
Dear EarthTalk: I’m in the market for a new pair of skis. Are there skis being made today that are made with materials and processes that are kinder to the environment? -- Scott Paxton, Rutland, VT
Yes, in fact ski (and snowboard) manufacturers may be among the greenest sporting goods industries out there today, given the importance to practitioners of keeping our carbon emissions down—global warming is bad for skiing and boarding—and our alpine backcountry preserved.
Perhaps the biggest green change in the industry is the adoption of bamboo as a core material for both skis and snowboards. Bamboo is fast growing and doesn’t require much if any fertilizers or pesticides, so it can be produced sustainably. It is also rigid and hard to break. While most skis and snowboards on the market today still use more traditional hardwoods like beech, birch or aspen in their cores, bamboo is definitely coming on strong. Some of the leading ski makers leading the bamboo charge include K2, Salomon, Kingswood, High Society, Boomtown, Obsidian, Locomotiv, Liberty, and Blue House.
Bamboo isn’t the only green innovation in skis today. Switzerland-based Movement Skis uses wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). And Germany’s Grown Skis will recycle your old skis to make furniture and use remaining wood scraps in making new pairs of sustainably-sourced wood skis.
Another German manufacturer, Völkl, eschews fiberglass entirely in its Amaruq Eco skis. The wood core is wrapped instead with wood sidewalls and topsheet. And instead of using epoxy to bind things together, Völkl uses all-organic wood resin and then protects the skis’ wood surfaces with an application of linseed oil. The metal edges employ 60 percent recycled steel.
Sustainability is also the new normal in snowboards. California-based Arbor Collective uses sustainably sourced bamboo, natural wood veneer and poplar, respectively, in its three lines. Protective top layers are made from a 30 percent castor bean-based bioplastic and the edges are made of 60 percent recycled steel.
Salomon, one of the industry’s leaders, has pioneered using bamboo in its snowboard cores as part of its Green Initiatives for Tomorrow program. The company’s embrace of bamboo has helped it cut down significantly on toxic fiberglass resins while reducing the plastic content of its boards by some 25 percent.
Burton’s Eco Nico snowboard uses FSC-certified wood for its core, a lacquer-free top sheet, 90 percent recycled steel edges, 100 percent recycled sidewalls and a 50 percent recycled base. K2 Sports Fastplant snowboard uses bamboo for its core, and is deemed virtually unbreakable by the company. Another manufacturer, Washington-based Gnu, uses sustainably harvested Aspen trees for their snowboard cores.
Many other ski and snowboard makers have jumped on the green bandwagon as well. Indeed, there’s never been a better time to do the right thing by your snowsports equipment purchasing.
EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of
E - The Environmental Magazine ( www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.
Bamboo dominates green practice of green sport
Dear EarthTalk: I’m in the market for a new pair of skis. Are there skis being made today that are made with materials and processes that are kinder to the environment? -- Scott Paxton, Rutland, VT
Yes, in fact ski (and snowboard) manufacturers may be among the greenest sporting goods industries out there today, given the importance to practitioners of keeping our carbon emissions down—global warming is bad for skiing and boarding—and our alpine backcountry preserved.
Perhaps the biggest green change in the industry is the adoption of bamboo as a core material for both skis and snowboards. Bamboo is fast growing and doesn’t require much if any fertilizers or pesticides, so it can be produced sustainably. It is also rigid and hard to break. While most skis and snowboards on the market today still use more traditional hardwoods like beech, birch or aspen in their cores, bamboo is definitely coming on strong. Some of the leading ski makers leading the bamboo charge include K2, Salomon, Kingswood, High Society, Boomtown, Obsidian, Locomotiv, Liberty, and Blue House.
Bamboo isn’t the only green innovation in skis today. Switzerland-based Movement Skis uses wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). And Germany’s Grown Skis will recycle your old skis to make furniture and use remaining wood scraps in making new pairs of sustainably-sourced wood skis. Another German manufacturer, Völkl, eschews fiberglass entirely in its Amaruq Eco skis. The wood core is wrapped instead with wood sidewalls and topsheet. And instead of using epoxy to bind things together, Völkl uses all-organic wood resin and then protects the skis’ wood surfaces with an application of linseed oil. The metal edges employ 60 percent recycled steel.
Sustainability is also the new normal in snowboards. California-based Arbor Collective uses sustainably sourced bamboo, natural wood veneer and poplar, respectively, in its three lines. Protective top layers are made from a 30 percent castor bean-based bioplastic and the edges are made of 60 percent recycled steel.
Salomon, one of the industry’s leaders, has pioneered using bamboo in its snowboard cores as part of its Green Initiatives for Tomorrow program. The company’s embrace of bamboo has helped it cut down significantly on toxic fiberglass resins while reducing the plastic content of its boards by some 25 percent.
Burton’s Eco Nico snowboard uses FSC-certified wood for its core, a lacquer-free top sheet, 90 percent recycled steel edges, 100 percent recycled sidewalls and a 50 percent recycled base. K2 Sports Fastplant snowboard uses bamboo for its core, and is deemed virtually unbreakable by the company. Another manufacturer, Washington-based Gnu, uses sustainably harvested Aspen trees for their snowboard cores.
Many other ski and snowboard makers have jumped on the green bandwagon as well. Indeed, there’s never been a better time to do the right thing by your snowsports equipment purchasing.
EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of
E - The Environmental Magazine ( www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.
iThe iPhone is Apple
Interesting fig's from Apple's financials:
Well over half of Apple's $46.33 billion in revenue came from the iPhone. All by itself, the iPhone generated $24.4 billion in revenue, beating all the rest of Apple's business combined by $2.47 billion, and beating all of Microsoft by over $3 billion.
At the same time, it also came to light recently that Apple sold more iOS devices in the past year than Macs in the past 28 years.
Source: WebPro News
.
Well over half of Apple's $46.33 billion in revenue came from the iPhone. All by itself, the iPhone generated $24.4 billion in revenue, beating all the rest of Apple's business combined by $2.47 billion, and beating all of Microsoft by over $3 billion.
At the same time, it also came to light recently that Apple sold more iOS devices in the past year than Macs in the past 28 years.
Source: WebPro News
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Feb 21, 2012
When's Closing Time in this Town?
Struggling with the “Last Call for Alcohol” Question
The City of Saratoga Springs has a problem. Unfortunately, but as is usually the case, its elites (both governing and chattering) seem incapable +/or unwilling of properly identify the root cause of said problem as a prelude to initiating a proper corrective action. Instead, the primary solution being offered here is what can best be described as a miss.
The Problem:
A handful of well-publicized episodes of mayhem and violence have occurred in the city's downtown Nightlife District over the past year, resulting in both serious injury and even death. When considered in the larger framework of just how large and rowdy said landscape has become, the soul searching has commenced as to the best way to fix this unpleasant situation. While some citizens deny there being a problem that needs fixing, it is apparent that this train has left the station, so to speak.
The Magic Cure:
The response is nothing if not predictable: the answer is to roll back the mandated Closing Hour at the city's numerous drinking establishments. Various proposals floated have suggested 2AM, 1AM and even Midnight. The logic from those supporting such action revolves around a “less drinking equals fewer problems” way of thinking.
Let's Shoot Some Bullet Holes:
It is the view from here that the Magic Cure solution (above) fails for a number of reasons:
1)Even if one accepts the aforementioned “less drinking equals fewer problems” logic (which we tend to do), proponents of the Cure have not established the cause & effect proof that an early/earlier closing time will actually result in less drinking.
Even under the proposed guidelines, the Opening Times of these establishments would still typically be be ten to fifteen hours in advance of the new consumption curfew. Given that 99.9%+ of public drinking durations are of terms less than those windows of opportunity, what is to suggest that the clientele's schedules would not simply time-shift to reflect the new reality?
Whereas Joe and Jane are used to hitting the town at 11:30PM on their weekend date nights, might they now reconsider such a plan of attack if they now face a 1AM end to their festivities? The safe prediction here is that they would, with their carousing now beginning earlier in the evening. The net result, from a strictly alcohol-consumption perspective, is unchanged. Do we not think this scenario would be common? Would the peak attendance time in any given bar not now just occur an hour or two earlier on the clock? Uh-huh.
Furthermore – and contrary to the popular perception – very little alcohol is actually bought and consumed in the final hour or two prior to the current Closing Time in the city. Most establishments choose to close up shop prior to the actual mandated end to the festivities, for lack of paying customers. Meanwhile, owners of those places that go right to the bitter end tell us that business is less-than-minimal during the final hour, and that the staff's time is devoted more to cleanup duties than to serving the demon's rum to the last remaining rail-clingers.
2)Fact: The earlier the Closing Time, the more people are actually effected by it --- and that presents its own set of challenges.
For example, whereas Joe's Bar might have 4 people in the joint for a 3:45AM cry of “last call”, it might have 54 if that bit of bad news gets delivered at 12:45AM. Joe now has a scenario of up to 54 people pressing to get their last dibs, and doing so all at once in a crowded space. Many of them will be grabbing that nightcap ahead of their regularly-scheduled intake flow. After all, it's now or never for that next and final beer. Fifteen minutes later, all 54 are herded out the door at the same time, onto the same narrow public sidewalks and walkways. Then, with nowhere else to go (every other joint is also shutting down), most of them will proceed to their nearby parked automobiles, where they will join up with all the other masses departing from neighboring establishments in a mad dash to the parking lot exits, side streets, highways, byways and egg houses. It's a roller derby out there, but with fancy cars and liquor! Wasn't the overriding goal here one of increased public safety?
Regardless of how one feels about the current/late Closing Time, there can be no denying that it does serve the positive effect of dispersing and dismissing a large mass of people from the District (and the city) over a wider and more manageable timeframe.
Lesson: beware the Law of Unintended Consequences!
3)What about those twin themes of Freedom and Fairness that we all hold so dear?
The last we checked, alcohol is a legal commercial commodity in this city, state and (most of the) nation. Its consumption is likewise legal for the vast majority of adults in those jurisdictions, at least in their leisure time (for some probationers, it is not). One is right to ponder the governmental limits placed on both aspects, with the argument that much of those limits are the result of both the lingering old Puritanism embedded deeply in the American psyche as well as the even more troubling and newly empowered Fundamentalist revival of the modern day being legitimate talking points. Combine them with the quasi-liberal, Bored Housewives aspect of Saratoga politics – with its propensity to repair any and all civic un-pleasantry with (first) a biased commission, and (second) with an edict – and we have the Perfect Storm for misplaced reactive legislation trumping both common sense and the fundamental question of “what is right?”.
We would argue that a bar owner should have the right to determine his or her operating hours (in agreement with the landlord, if applicable). Likewise, a thirsty consumer should have the right to decide at which hour he or she partakes in that legal commodity called alcohol, whether in the privacy of one's own home or in a publicly licensed establishment. Just like my freedom to drive a car should not be denied because other people got into car accidents, my freedom to choose a personal drinking schedule should not be denied because of the social misdeeds of others.
Then we are faced with the question of fairness. A friend works the night shift, and does not return to his adopted city of Saratoga until 1AM on any given morning. Do we care to now deny this hard working stiff and other night owls of their preferred entertainment and socialization alternative with a new Closing Time that kicks in before they walk thru the door? Today's commerce is far removed from the old 9-5 routine of old, especially for those that pretend +/or strive to be globally connected to all time zones. So, in a sense, we could add the third element of economic competitiveness here as well. Be advised: Global Foundries will have three shifts.
4)It's not bars. It's not even certain bars. It's certain types of bars.
If we were to make two lists, one tagged as “Problem” and the other as “Not a Problem,” and then proceeded to place each and every local drinking establishment under one or the other, we would end up with one very short list (Problem) and one very long list (Not a Problem).
Simply put, we know where the problems are most likely to occur in the future. We know that because we know where the problems have occurred in the past. But to just ID each of the trouble spots and then proceed to initiate some sort of individualized action against only them would not be in anyone's best interests, either. Why not? Because we can and should draw a better conclusion from the collected data – and it's staring us right in the face.
Question: what did the Club Shadow mega-brawl; the Metro stabbing; the fatal knifing in front of the dance club on Broadway and the Putnam Den's bouncer vs patron encounter all have in common? Think about it.
Answer: they all occurred in the hyped-up environment of that modern day plague called 'Hip Hop' or the 'Urban Club' culture. (Note: the Putnam Den event took place when that venue had kicked into 'DJ-mode', after the conclusion of its normal and trouble-free live music agenda earlier that evening). (Note 2: the St Patrick's Day death of last year should be analyzed in a separate manner, given the dynamics of that particular calendar date).
Faithful readers of this forum will recognize this theme and know that we've been here before. But facts matter, and the facts (and logic) are all talking here: the unique features and characteristics of these settings is such that it attracts and convenes a clientele pre-inclined to acting irresponsibly and at times violently and at a degree greater than the bar room population in general. Like it or not, here is the hard cold reality: an entertainment establishment that features any mix of EDM/dubstep/DJ beats/whatever and (especially) hip-hop or rap is is destined to either be the actual location of a future violent episode or (at the very least) will attract to the city individuals that will cause the same in nearby venues or streets. Plain, simple and undeniable.
Tagging this whole issue as a “bar problem” or an “alcohol problem” are two samples of the old “throwing out the baby with the bath water” analogy. There are examples of bars in town with larger quantities of suds and grain flowing, yet without issues (think The Parting Glass or even the local VFW Hall). So much for the prevailing theory.
The Solution, Thank You Very Much?
Glad you asked.
1)From a pure contrarian angle, we offer this shocker: eliminate the concept of a Closing Time entirely. That's right: if a bar so chooses, it can operate around the clock.
Think about that, if brave enough: freedom and fairness both live to fight another day. Crowds are better spread out, disbursed and separated throughout the day and night, in a more manageable means. Peak hours attendance in any given room is decreased. There is no longer a rush to the bar at last call. Drunks are no longer pushed out into the streets (and cars) just because the clock says so: they might now have more time to find a ride home or (if the bartender is doing his or her job properly) sober up a bit with some hot coffee. Cabs are more likely to be hailed then they are in the current mad dash on three foot race. Drunk drivers are less likely to slip past police eyeballs, given the more consistent traffic pattern thru the night vs. a mob of drivers passing by them all within a common ten-minute window. Public safety actually improves.
But we know just how well such a suggestion would play out. We can visualize it already: some biddy whose only adventures outside of her own four walls are to PTA meetings will cry “what about the children?” and display a Photoshop'd image of a hammered redneck in a pickup truck mowing down a kid waiting for the school bus. That'll certainly be the end of this crazy idea. But the suggestion remains to be considered on its merits.
2)We also suggest taking a “minimize the bad actors by minimizing the bad plays” approach, based on the prior finger-pointing. But how?
First, we have NYS Tax Law to rely on, believe it or not. A fluke'y aspect of its code imposes a sales tax on most DJ and other such pre-recorded performances (but not performances by a live musical act). Most venues are either unaware of this fact or choose to ignore it. Regardless, most of them are therefore sitting on a substantial tax liability. A local official in the mood for playing hardball would be well armed with this weapon. If any such official is curious as to what this is all about: lean on us.
Simple zoning could also limit the number of such establishments. Its wording would be tricky and take some thinking, but there should be enough brainpower somewhere in City Hall to get it done right; or at least find and copy another town's version.
The expected push back to this approach would be a legitimate concern with that “freedom to do business as the owner sees fit” point we held so dear when discussing operating hours. Our retort would be that this could fall under either public nuisance or simple zoning/planning considerations of the type and extent necessary for urban functionality and progress. In addition, Saratoga's need to continually brand itself as a uniquely-positioned tourist destination is harmed by these types of businesses, hence both an economic development and sustainability argument could be leveled as well. Once this type of framework is established, up-front, a prospective business owner knows the playing field and can then implement his or her operating freedom as seen fit. Changing the game mid-field is not fair, hence a so-called Grandfather clause might be considered for any existing business so effected, within reason.
The danger, of course, is in putting this zoning type of tool into the hands of one of those appointed commissions or to the City Council itself. The fear here is that neither would have the knowledge or reasoning to grasp the shades of gray points we've tried to make here in this essay. Instead, the more likely result would be for them to limit either the number of bars with music or the number of bars, period. Both moves would be improper.
As would the roll back of Closing Time be improper and misguided. But the money here is going on the likelihood of it happening just the same. After all, such a move sure takes a lot less thinking, while at the same time making certain people look awake and concerned.
.
The City of Saratoga Springs has a problem. Unfortunately, but as is usually the case, its elites (both governing and chattering) seem incapable +/or unwilling of properly identify the root cause of said problem as a prelude to initiating a proper corrective action. Instead, the primary solution being offered here is what can best be described as a miss.
The Problem:
A handful of well-publicized episodes of mayhem and violence have occurred in the city's downtown Nightlife District over the past year, resulting in both serious injury and even death. When considered in the larger framework of just how large and rowdy said landscape has become, the soul searching has commenced as to the best way to fix this unpleasant situation. While some citizens deny there being a problem that needs fixing, it is apparent that this train has left the station, so to speak.The Magic Cure:
The response is nothing if not predictable: the answer is to roll back the mandated Closing Hour at the city's numerous drinking establishments. Various proposals floated have suggested 2AM, 1AM and even Midnight. The logic from those supporting such action revolves around a “less drinking equals fewer problems” way of thinking.
Let's Shoot Some Bullet Holes:
It is the view from here that the Magic Cure solution (above) fails for a number of reasons:
1)Even if one accepts the aforementioned “less drinking equals fewer problems” logic (which we tend to do), proponents of the Cure have not established the cause & effect proof that an early/earlier closing time will actually result in less drinking.
Even under the proposed guidelines, the Opening Times of these establishments would still typically be be ten to fifteen hours in advance of the new consumption curfew. Given that 99.9%+ of public drinking durations are of terms less than those windows of opportunity, what is to suggest that the clientele's schedules would not simply time-shift to reflect the new reality?
Whereas Joe and Jane are used to hitting the town at 11:30PM on their weekend date nights, might they now reconsider such a plan of attack if they now face a 1AM end to their festivities? The safe prediction here is that they would, with their carousing now beginning earlier in the evening. The net result, from a strictly alcohol-consumption perspective, is unchanged. Do we not think this scenario would be common? Would the peak attendance time in any given bar not now just occur an hour or two earlier on the clock? Uh-huh.Furthermore – and contrary to the popular perception – very little alcohol is actually bought and consumed in the final hour or two prior to the current Closing Time in the city. Most establishments choose to close up shop prior to the actual mandated end to the festivities, for lack of paying customers. Meanwhile, owners of those places that go right to the bitter end tell us that business is less-than-minimal during the final hour, and that the staff's time is devoted more to cleanup duties than to serving the demon's rum to the last remaining rail-clingers.
2)Fact: The earlier the Closing Time, the more people are actually effected by it --- and that presents its own set of challenges.
For example, whereas Joe's Bar might have 4 people in the joint for a 3:45AM cry of “last call”, it might have 54 if that bit of bad news gets delivered at 12:45AM. Joe now has a scenario of up to 54 people pressing to get their last dibs, and doing so all at once in a crowded space. Many of them will be grabbing that nightcap ahead of their regularly-scheduled intake flow. After all, it's now or never for that next and final beer. Fifteen minutes later, all 54 are herded out the door at the same time, onto the same narrow public sidewalks and walkways. Then, with nowhere else to go (every other joint is also shutting down), most of them will proceed to their nearby parked automobiles, where they will join up with all the other masses departing from neighboring establishments in a mad dash to the parking lot exits, side streets, highways, byways and egg houses. It's a roller derby out there, but with fancy cars and liquor! Wasn't the overriding goal here one of increased public safety?
Regardless of how one feels about the current/late Closing Time, there can be no denying that it does serve the positive effect of dispersing and dismissing a large mass of people from the District (and the city) over a wider and more manageable timeframe.
Lesson: beware the Law of Unintended Consequences!
3)What about those twin themes of Freedom and Fairness that we all hold so dear?
The last we checked, alcohol is a legal commercial commodity in this city, state and (most of the) nation. Its consumption is likewise legal for the vast majority of adults in those jurisdictions, at least in their leisure time (for some probationers, it is not). One is right to ponder the governmental limits placed on both aspects, with the argument that much of those limits are the result of both the lingering old Puritanism embedded deeply in the American psyche as well as the even more troubling and newly empowered Fundamentalist revival of the modern day being legitimate talking points. Combine them with the quasi-liberal, Bored Housewives aspect of Saratoga politics – with its propensity to repair any and all civic un-pleasantry with (first) a biased commission, and (second) with an edict – and we have the Perfect Storm for misplaced reactive legislation trumping both common sense and the fundamental question of “what is right?”.
We would argue that a bar owner should have the right to determine his or her operating hours (in agreement with the landlord, if applicable). Likewise, a thirsty consumer should have the right to decide at which hour he or she partakes in that legal commodity called alcohol, whether in the privacy of one's own home or in a publicly licensed establishment. Just like my freedom to drive a car should not be denied because other people got into car accidents, my freedom to choose a personal drinking schedule should not be denied because of the social misdeeds of others.
Then we are faced with the question of fairness. A friend works the night shift, and does not return to his adopted city of Saratoga until 1AM on any given morning. Do we care to now deny this hard working stiff and other night owls of their preferred entertainment and socialization alternative with a new Closing Time that kicks in before they walk thru the door? Today's commerce is far removed from the old 9-5 routine of old, especially for those that pretend +/or strive to be globally connected to all time zones. So, in a sense, we could add the third element of economic competitiveness here as well. Be advised: Global Foundries will have three shifts.
4)It's not bars. It's not even certain bars. It's certain types of bars.
If we were to make two lists, one tagged as “Problem” and the other as “Not a Problem,” and then proceeded to place each and every local drinking establishment under one or the other, we would end up with one very short list (Problem) and one very long list (Not a Problem).
Simply put, we know where the problems are most likely to occur in the future. We know that because we know where the problems have occurred in the past. But to just ID each of the trouble spots and then proceed to initiate some sort of individualized action against only them would not be in anyone's best interests, either. Why not? Because we can and should draw a better conclusion from the collected data – and it's staring us right in the face.
Question: what did the Club Shadow mega-brawl; the Metro stabbing; the fatal knifing in front of the dance club on Broadway and the Putnam Den's bouncer vs patron encounter all have in common? Think about it.
Answer: they all occurred in the hyped-up environment of that modern day plague called 'Hip Hop' or the 'Urban Club' culture. (Note: the Putnam Den event took place when that venue had kicked into 'DJ-mode', after the conclusion of its normal and trouble-free live music agenda earlier that evening). (Note 2: the St Patrick's Day death of last year should be analyzed in a separate manner, given the dynamics of that particular calendar date).
Faithful readers of this forum will recognize this theme and know that we've been here before. But facts matter, and the facts (and logic) are all talking here: the unique features and characteristics of these settings is such that it attracts and convenes a clientele pre-inclined to acting irresponsibly and at times violently and at a degree greater than the bar room population in general. Like it or not, here is the hard cold reality: an entertainment establishment that features any mix of EDM/dubstep/DJ beats/whatever and (especially) hip-hop or rap is is destined to either be the actual location of a future violent episode or (at the very least) will attract to the city individuals that will cause the same in nearby venues or streets. Plain, simple and undeniable.Tagging this whole issue as a “bar problem” or an “alcohol problem” are two samples of the old “throwing out the baby with the bath water” analogy. There are examples of bars in town with larger quantities of suds and grain flowing, yet without issues (think The Parting Glass or even the local VFW Hall). So much for the prevailing theory.
The Solution, Thank You Very Much?
Glad you asked.
1)From a pure contrarian angle, we offer this shocker: eliminate the concept of a Closing Time entirely. That's right: if a bar so chooses, it can operate around the clock.
Think about that, if brave enough: freedom and fairness both live to fight another day. Crowds are better spread out, disbursed and separated throughout the day and night, in a more manageable means. Peak hours attendance in any given room is decreased. There is no longer a rush to the bar at last call. Drunks are no longer pushed out into the streets (and cars) just because the clock says so: they might now have more time to find a ride home or (if the bartender is doing his or her job properly) sober up a bit with some hot coffee. Cabs are more likely to be hailed then they are in the current mad dash on three foot race. Drunk drivers are less likely to slip past police eyeballs, given the more consistent traffic pattern thru the night vs. a mob of drivers passing by them all within a common ten-minute window. Public safety actually improves.
But we know just how well such a suggestion would play out. We can visualize it already: some biddy whose only adventures outside of her own four walls are to PTA meetings will cry “what about the children?” and display a Photoshop'd image of a hammered redneck in a pickup truck mowing down a kid waiting for the school bus. That'll certainly be the end of this crazy idea. But the suggestion remains to be considered on its merits.
2)We also suggest taking a “minimize the bad actors by minimizing the bad plays” approach, based on the prior finger-pointing. But how?
First, we have NYS Tax Law to rely on, believe it or not. A fluke'y aspect of its code imposes a sales tax on most DJ and other such pre-recorded performances (but not performances by a live musical act). Most venues are either unaware of this fact or choose to ignore it. Regardless, most of them are therefore sitting on a substantial tax liability. A local official in the mood for playing hardball would be well armed with this weapon. If any such official is curious as to what this is all about: lean on us.
Simple zoning could also limit the number of such establishments. Its wording would be tricky and take some thinking, but there should be enough brainpower somewhere in City Hall to get it done right; or at least find and copy another town's version.
The expected push back to this approach would be a legitimate concern with that “freedom to do business as the owner sees fit” point we held so dear when discussing operating hours. Our retort would be that this could fall under either public nuisance or simple zoning/planning considerations of the type and extent necessary for urban functionality and progress. In addition, Saratoga's need to continually brand itself as a uniquely-positioned tourist destination is harmed by these types of businesses, hence both an economic development and sustainability argument could be leveled as well. Once this type of framework is established, up-front, a prospective business owner knows the playing field and can then implement his or her operating freedom as seen fit. Changing the game mid-field is not fair, hence a so-called Grandfather clause might be considered for any existing business so effected, within reason.
The danger, of course, is in putting this zoning type of tool into the hands of one of those appointed commissions or to the City Council itself. The fear here is that neither would have the knowledge or reasoning to grasp the shades of gray points we've tried to make here in this essay. Instead, the more likely result would be for them to limit either the number of bars with music or the number of bars, period. Both moves would be improper.
As would the roll back of Closing Time be improper and misguided. But the money here is going on the likelihood of it happening just the same. After all, such a move sure takes a lot less thinking, while at the same time making certain people look awake and concerned.
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When Rock Ruled
Found at an autumn yard sale was a single issue of National Lampoon from 1977. One could't resist to grab it.
Within, one is surprised by --- among other things --- the large number of ads pronoting stereo audiophile components. These brands appeared:
Akai, JVC, Memorex, Maxell, Switchcraft, Optonica, JBL, Sansui, Bose, TDK, Hitachi, BSR, Peavy, Empire, Cerwin-Vega, Technics, AudioMagnetics, Onkyo, Pioneer, Bolivar Speaker Works, Kenwood, Ultralinear, Marantz, Teac, Pickering.
This was a time when rock music ruled the world of your typical American male, aged 18 to 26 or so. A huge % of the discetionary income of this segment was devoted to music hardware (systems) and software (pre-recorded music on vinyl and tape).
This particular magazine was acutely tuned in to this demographic. Do these names ring familiar?
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Within, one is surprised by --- among other things --- the large number of ads pronoting stereo audiophile components. These brands appeared:
Akai, JVC, Memorex, Maxell, Switchcraft, Optonica, JBL, Sansui, Bose, TDK, Hitachi, BSR, Peavy, Empire, Cerwin-Vega, Technics, AudioMagnetics, Onkyo, Pioneer, Bolivar Speaker Works, Kenwood, Ultralinear, Marantz, Teac, Pickering.
This was a time when rock music ruled the world of your typical American male, aged 18 to 26 or so. A huge % of the discetionary income of this segment was devoted to music hardware (systems) and software (pre-recorded music on vinyl and tape).
This particular magazine was acutely tuned in to this demographic. Do these names ring familiar?
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Feb 17, 2012
Random Bytes - Feb 17
Goodbye Miss Albany
This is why Metroland is such a gem: whereas the chain-media vultures would go hunting to uncover some waitress who didn't get her final paycheck or who's late paying taxes, these folks zoom in to the real heart of the matter. Read about the passing of the Miss Albany Diner.
Jimmer Who?
Jimmermania is officially dead. Mr Fredette, the pride of Glens Falls, looks lost on the NBA court and is a total non-factor in the league. All of the concerns about his making the step up to the top pro level --- slow feet, bigger guards, more athletic inside defenders --- are all proving true.
NXIVM, part 83
Although new revelations have yet to appear after the first three, the Times Union is at least finally letting its Jim Odato run with his four-part recap of that wacky NXIVM ponzi scheme/sex orgy/personality cult (take your pick; or all of the above). That, we reckon, is a good thing.
But we'd still like to see some intrepid investigative reporter develop a smoking gun of a case on any of the scandalous and serious charges (tax evasion, child kidnapping, rape, wire fraud, etc) against this mob which have floating about for years around here.
After all, it looks like that's what it will take before some prosecutorial agency gets off its ass and drags somebody away in handcuffs.
In the meantime, one of the players in this drama has taken a "have a taste of your own medicine" approach to seeking his own personal vengeance.
Former Saratoga man-about-town Joe O'Hara, who at one time was involved in NXIVM's dirty tricks department until even he got freaked out by the extent of the measures employed there, is going ballistic. Using what has long been a favored tactic of NXIVM is silencing its traiterous enemies (i.e., legal terrorism) O'Hara is using the civil courts to turn the tables and is suing anyone and everyone that has ever been involved in its inner workings. The number of named parties could rival an army battalion in its length, falling just short of including the groups janitors and groundskeepers.
How strong a chance he has on the merits is doubful, as per this legal amateur's reading of the first filing. But merits have never been the primary concern in this food fight -- so why start now? It''s all about bankrupting your opponent by means of years-running legal maneuvering. Let's see how this plays out.
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Feb 14, 2012
Ted Speaks
"They have done all possible harm to this community...they are common thieves. They belong to that most dangerous of all classes, the wealthy criminal class."
(Theodore Roosevelt, 1883)
Question: what would the line be on TR getting the Republican nomination today?
Might I suggest 50-1?
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(Theodore Roosevelt, 1883)
Question: what would the line be on TR getting the Republican nomination today?
Might I suggest 50-1?
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