Oh my goodness. So many people's lives have been turned upside down by the Rigas' and it's such a sad state of affairs to see what has happened to the community of Coudersport, PA because of this whole mess. I honestly believe that the father and brother simply took the fall for this member of the Rigas family. Again, the whole mess is simply so sad. So Michael Rigas gets 10 months home arrest for his honesty. What a guy!! Oh well, things are still shaking in the Adelphia community in Coudersport which is now been broken down into different divisions I guess. Zitomedia, Time Warner, headquarters of Adelphia is now in Greenwich Village, CO. What I personally don't understand is why in the world, would these new owners want to move what is a perfectly established business with loyal employees from the Coudersport area. Adelphia was the best thing that even happened to Coudy. Onward and upward.
source:
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Should smoking be banned in Pennsylvania
I have big concerns, even though I do see both sides of the coin in this debate. What concerns me the most is the economical advantages of allowing smokers to enjoy their time in the local bar or restaurant. It's not the smoker who suffers, it's the owner of the establishment and their bottom line as far as running a business. I agree that smoking is bad for us, but if someone could devise some sort of vacuum system which could be put into public places which would suck the smoke out immediately, but that would be in the perfect world. I can't imagine a device like that could ever be created. Maybe establishments just need to totally block off their smoking section from the non-smoking section, ie separate buildings. Hey, might be a way to expand their revenue's. Especially in the restaurant business. If you're a smoker, I know you have to have the before dinner cigarette (makes the food come quicker lol) and the after dinner cigarette too, so why not just make the areas just a bit more separate. Designate waitresses for those areas and separate kitchens too. Because you know the waitress might have to travel through the smoking section to get to the food (God forbid). I just say, let the smokers enjoy their cigarettes. They're only hurting themselves and sadly a ban would hurt the economy in more ways than one. I've seen the effects of the ban in NY state, where bars have had to close down due to decreased customers. It's really unfortunate because the economy is bad enough as it is, so why make things worse. I got an idea, let's send the smoke to India with those outsourced calls ;-) j/k but I sure get tired of that too, but I already complained about that on another blog.
source for my rant:
source for my rant:
Friday, January 06, 2006
Pennsylvania's First Black Governor?
Too bad he's not a Democrat because I'd probably vote for him. That
would be ex-Pittsburgh Steeler, Lynn Swann who is gearing up for the next
gubernatorial election to run against our current Governor, Edward Rendell.
Hey Lynn, why not switch parties? Think about all those votes you'd get
from the cities (ie: the black democrats). I think it would be cool if you did
that.
source:
would be ex-Pittsburgh Steeler, Lynn Swann who is gearing up for the next
gubernatorial election to run against our current Governor, Edward Rendell.
Hey Lynn, why not switch parties? Think about all those votes you'd get
from the cities (ie: the black democrats). I think it would be cool if you did
that.
source:
Monday, December 26, 2005
Domestic Violence in PA - Lose your right to bear arms
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Gun control is a hard sell in this state, where hunting is a deeply ingrained tradition. But thanks to an unusual political partnership, judges are getting new powers to disarm domestic violence defendants.
A law set to take effect in May will allow courts to force people accused of domestic violence under protection-from-abuse orders to give up all their guns.
Most states have similar statutes, but it's a big change for Pennsylvania, where the Legislature has long been a champion of gun owners' rights. For nearly 30 years, courts have been able to force domestic-violence defendants to surrender only those weapons they have used or threatened to use against a victim.
In 2002, that meant police had to return the 9 mm handgun Michael H. Bechtel had surrendered after a domestic harassment incident, even though his estranged wife had obtained a protection-from-abuse order against him.
That August, about four months after getting the gun back, Mr. Bechtel used it to kill Raienhna P. Bechtel, 22, their 3-year-old son, Jacob, and two other adults in the woman's home at the time. He pleaded guilty and is serving four life terms in prison.
If the new law had been in place, the killings "may never have happened," said Ms. Bechtel's mother, Joan Starr.
"He probably might have come after her with his hands [instead]. She might have had an opportunity to fight back," Ms. Starr said.
The new law, which was signed last month, resulted from a rare meeting of minds among lobbyists for abuse victims, police and gun owners in a largely rural state with gun laws that have earned a D-plus from a major gun-control group.
"If you are law-abiding and you have never threatened anyone with a gun, you don't have to worry about this law," said Rep. Katie True, a Lancaster County Republican and NRA member who sponsored the bill.
The legislation is aligned with a provision of federal law that prohibits anyone subject to a restraining order or convicted of a domestic-violence crime from owning firearms, said Jill Morris, public policy director for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
"If you take one [gun] away, you've got to take them all away," Ms. Morris said.
The law also doubles the maximum time limit on protective orders to three years.
It will allow judges to order defendants in protection-from-abuse cases to turn over their guns and other weapons to a sheriff or approved third party – such as a friend or relative – within 24 hours of issuing a restraining order. A weapons surrender would be mandatory if a defendant violates a protection order.
The law includes a unique system to ensure third parties are held accountable if they return a weapon before the order is lifted, said Amy Sousa, policy specialist for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. They will have to get a free safekeeping permit from a county sheriff, and they could be charged with a misdemeanor if they return a weapon without court approval.
Kathy and Mike Dyabelko of Lebanon say that provision could have prevented the 2001 death of their daughter.
Police say an ex-boyfriend killed Stacy Dyabelko, 25, and himself with a gun he had been ordered to give up but that a friend had eventually returned to him.
The Dyabelkos were invited to the Capitol by Gov. Ed Rendell for a private bill-signing ceremony Nov. 10.
"It was very bittersweet," Ms. Dyabelko said. "I do believe that if she had survived, this is what she would have wanted. She didn't want to see him die. She was not ready to die."
source:
NOTE: as a supporter of "the right to bear arms" and the NRA, I think this
new law is not a bad idea. Some people are just not meant to own weapons, even
though, when they get stupid enough to kill another person, they're beyond help
anyway and sadly, they don't realize the strength they have even without a weapon.
It's unfortunate that some of these domestic violence offenders feel like they
need to try and control and intimidate others.
A law set to take effect in May will allow courts to force people accused of domestic violence under protection-from-abuse orders to give up all their guns.
Most states have similar statutes, but it's a big change for Pennsylvania, where the Legislature has long been a champion of gun owners' rights. For nearly 30 years, courts have been able to force domestic-violence defendants to surrender only those weapons they have used or threatened to use against a victim.
In 2002, that meant police had to return the 9 mm handgun Michael H. Bechtel had surrendered after a domestic harassment incident, even though his estranged wife had obtained a protection-from-abuse order against him.
That August, about four months after getting the gun back, Mr. Bechtel used it to kill Raienhna P. Bechtel, 22, their 3-year-old son, Jacob, and two other adults in the woman's home at the time. He pleaded guilty and is serving four life terms in prison.
If the new law had been in place, the killings "may never have happened," said Ms. Bechtel's mother, Joan Starr.
"He probably might have come after her with his hands [instead]. She might have had an opportunity to fight back," Ms. Starr said.
The new law, which was signed last month, resulted from a rare meeting of minds among lobbyists for abuse victims, police and gun owners in a largely rural state with gun laws that have earned a D-plus from a major gun-control group.
"If you are law-abiding and you have never threatened anyone with a gun, you don't have to worry about this law," said Rep. Katie True, a Lancaster County Republican and NRA member who sponsored the bill.
The legislation is aligned with a provision of federal law that prohibits anyone subject to a restraining order or convicted of a domestic-violence crime from owning firearms, said Jill Morris, public policy director for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
"If you take one [gun] away, you've got to take them all away," Ms. Morris said.
The law also doubles the maximum time limit on protective orders to three years.
It will allow judges to order defendants in protection-from-abuse cases to turn over their guns and other weapons to a sheriff or approved third party – such as a friend or relative – within 24 hours of issuing a restraining order. A weapons surrender would be mandatory if a defendant violates a protection order.
The law includes a unique system to ensure third parties are held accountable if they return a weapon before the order is lifted, said Amy Sousa, policy specialist for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. They will have to get a free safekeeping permit from a county sheriff, and they could be charged with a misdemeanor if they return a weapon without court approval.
Kathy and Mike Dyabelko of Lebanon say that provision could have prevented the 2001 death of their daughter.
Police say an ex-boyfriend killed Stacy Dyabelko, 25, and himself with a gun he had been ordered to give up but that a friend had eventually returned to him.
The Dyabelkos were invited to the Capitol by Gov. Ed Rendell for a private bill-signing ceremony Nov. 10.
"It was very bittersweet," Ms. Dyabelko said. "I do believe that if she had survived, this is what she would have wanted. She didn't want to see him die. She was not ready to die."
source:
NOTE: as a supporter of "the right to bear arms" and the NRA, I think this
new law is not a bad idea. Some people are just not meant to own weapons, even
though, when they get stupid enough to kill another person, they're beyond help
anyway and sadly, they don't realize the strength they have even without a weapon.
It's unfortunate that some of these domestic violence offenders feel like they
need to try and control and intimidate others.
Aztec Oil & Gas Issues Update on Progress in Pennsylvania Drilling Program
Aztec Oil & Gas Issues Update on Progress in Pennsylvania Drilling ProgramAztec Oil & Gas, Inc. has been informed by the operator of its drilling project in Pennsylvania that a number of additional wells have been successfully drilled. Aztec previously announced in late October that it has taken a minority working interest in a program to drill up to 40 natural gas wells located in Cambria, Clearfield and Potter counties in Pennsylvania.As previously announced, drilling of the first well has already been completed. It is now awaiting a pipeline connection. In addition, the Company is hereby announcing that the Pennsylvania Well # 2 has been spudded and the drilling was completed and casing set on October 23, 2005. The well is expected to produce natural gas from three regionally producing reservoirs. The well has been logged, and completed, and is now awaiting a pipeline connection.
Full story here:
Full story here:
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Pennsylvania Launches IflyPA.com
to Promote Flying out of Commonwealth Airports
Monday November 14, 11:00 am ET
Site Helps Travelers Shop with Intelligence when Booking Air Travel
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced a consumer website to help air travelers compare in-state fares with out-of-state fares, along with other costs associated with traveling to an out-of-state airport.
The website offers air travel facts, cost comparison scenarios and direct links to Pennsylvania's 15 scheduled-service airports.
IflyPA.com spread its wings at the new Harrisburg International Airport terminal with the help of representatives of Pennsylvania's airports and other airline industry professionals, including a number of the 210,000 front-line employees directly affected by increases and decreases in air travel.
"This new website is a smart-shopper's guide for air travelers," said Governor Edward G. Rendell. "Many air travelers never consider additional cost factors like gas and parking when comparing fares at out-of-state airports. This site will give travelers the information they need to know for checking whether they are really getting a better deal outside the state-we think they will find our airports are competitive."
Research indicates that many Pennsylvanians are actually paying more to fly out of out-of-state airports after calculating factors like mileage, gas, parking fees and other travel costs in addition to factors like convenience and travel time. Some travelers actually spend $100 or more in many cases.
"The average Pennsylvania airfare has dropped 26 percent since 2000, one of the largest airfare declines of any state," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., who launched the website. "For the first time since 1992, Pennsylvania is below the national airfare average. That's great news for Pennsylvania air travelers, airlines, airports and the people employed in the air travel industry."
Biehler added that in terms of airfares alone, Pennsylvania residents are spending $270 million each year to fly from out-of-state airports.
IflyPA.com is supported by an aggressive statewide advertising and public relations campaign. For more information, visit http://www.IflyPA.com.
The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT:
Kate Philips
717-783-1116
Kirk Wilson (PennDOT)
717-783-8800
source:
Monday November 14, 11:00 am ET
Site Helps Travelers Shop with Intelligence when Booking Air Travel
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced a consumer website to help air travelers compare in-state fares with out-of-state fares, along with other costs associated with traveling to an out-of-state airport.
The website offers air travel facts, cost comparison scenarios and direct links to Pennsylvania's 15 scheduled-service airports.
IflyPA.com spread its wings at the new Harrisburg International Airport terminal with the help of representatives of Pennsylvania's airports and other airline industry professionals, including a number of the 210,000 front-line employees directly affected by increases and decreases in air travel.
"This new website is a smart-shopper's guide for air travelers," said Governor Edward G. Rendell. "Many air travelers never consider additional cost factors like gas and parking when comparing fares at out-of-state airports. This site will give travelers the information they need to know for checking whether they are really getting a better deal outside the state-we think they will find our airports are competitive."
Research indicates that many Pennsylvanians are actually paying more to fly out of out-of-state airports after calculating factors like mileage, gas, parking fees and other travel costs in addition to factors like convenience and travel time. Some travelers actually spend $100 or more in many cases.
"The average Pennsylvania airfare has dropped 26 percent since 2000, one of the largest airfare declines of any state," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., who launched the website. "For the first time since 1992, Pennsylvania is below the national airfare average. That's great news for Pennsylvania air travelers, airlines, airports and the people employed in the air travel industry."
Biehler added that in terms of airfares alone, Pennsylvania residents are spending $270 million each year to fly from out-of-state airports.
IflyPA.com is supported by an aggressive statewide advertising and public relations campaign. For more information, visit http://www.IflyPA.com.
The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT:
Kate Philips
717-783-1116
Kirk Wilson (PennDOT)
717-783-8800
source:
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Support Pennsylvania Wineries
I just received this email today from a local winery in
Kane, PA. They are asking for our help (see below).
I have already sent an email to my local state
representative and thought you might be interested
in helping out too. Please forward this message to as
many friends of yours who you know in the area or state
of Pennsylvania who might be interested in helping our
local, family owned wineries in this great state continue
to do business.
Take a moment to write to your legislator, click here for portal
into State of PA government affairs. We live in a wonderful state.
Let's keep this industry happy, healthy and thriving in the state
of Pennsylvania.
Thank you for your time.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Greetings from all of us at FWC,
There are forces out there in the market place that want to see the Pennsylvania wine industry die! This is not an exaggeration. Your may have heard that the Pennsylvania Wine Industry is under attack from forces that would like to put us out of business, or severely curtail our ability to conduct business. Already, the PLCB has issued an order that prohibits us from shipping directly to our customers who live in PA after Nov. 1, 2005. The shipping issue goes back to the Supreme Court Ruling of May 2005 that says, if a state allows shipments of wine within their state, it is unconstitutional for them to prohibit shipments into the state from other states. Well PA does not allow shipments of wine from outside the state. So the legislators have to decide which way they are going to go, they either have to open up the shipping to all states, or not allow any shipping of wine, even within the state. They have not made a ruling yet, so until they do, we apparently are breaking the law by shipping wine to our customers. Therefore, we have to stop until the ruling is made. The problem, however, is that the PLCB is very worried about their wine sales if they open up the shipping. We are afraid that their goal is eventually to stop all retail sales of our wine, forcing us to have to sell through wholesalers, which would put almost all of us out of business. We believe in free trade and have confidence in our product that open shipping will not affect our sales. But the PLCB is worried that they will lose out if a PA resident can go on line and order their wine to be delivered to their home, rather than go to the PA Liquor store and purchase it. Wholesalers are the ones with the money and the influence in the state. There is a press conference scheduled for all Pennsylvania Wine Association members on October 18, 2005 in the capitol building in Harrisburg. We are trying to bombard the legislators with letters of support prior to this press conference.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you would be so kind as to contact your elected PA representatives. Let them know that you value and support Pennsylvania Small Farm Wineries and that you want them to pass legislation that allows wineries to ship wine directly to their customers. Here is a sample letter:
Dear Representative/Senator________________,
As your constituent, I strongly support the Pennsylvania Small Farm Winery Industry. And I urge you to do the same!
Pennsylvania wineries offer the best of Pennsylvania agriculture and tourism, they are employers, and they pay significant sums of money in the form of taxes.
I greatly enjoy visiting my local Pennsylvania winery, Flickerwood Wine Cellars, (or insert other winery names here) because of the variety of award winning Pennsylvania wines they offer, the friendly staff, and the total ambiance of the winery experience.
Please support legislation that promotes Pennsylvania wineries and the services they offer.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Please log on to http://www.state.pa.us for information on your local legislators.
Once again, thank you for your time and support of us and PA wineries.
Ron & Sue
Rick & Sharon
Dana, Tina, and the rest of the Zampogna Gang
Kane, PA. They are asking for our help (see below).
I have already sent an email to my local state
representative and thought you might be interested
in helping out too. Please forward this message to as
many friends of yours who you know in the area or state
of Pennsylvania who might be interested in helping our
local, family owned wineries in this great state continue
to do business.
Take a moment to write to your legislator, click here for portal
into State of PA government affairs. We live in a wonderful state.
Let's keep this industry happy, healthy and thriving in the state
of Pennsylvania.
Thank you for your time.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Greetings from all of us at FWC,
There are forces out there in the market place that want to see the Pennsylvania wine industry die! This is not an exaggeration. Your may have heard that the Pennsylvania Wine Industry is under attack from forces that would like to put us out of business, or severely curtail our ability to conduct business. Already, the PLCB has issued an order that prohibits us from shipping directly to our customers who live in PA after Nov. 1, 2005. The shipping issue goes back to the Supreme Court Ruling of May 2005 that says, if a state allows shipments of wine within their state, it is unconstitutional for them to prohibit shipments into the state from other states. Well PA does not allow shipments of wine from outside the state. So the legislators have to decide which way they are going to go, they either have to open up the shipping to all states, or not allow any shipping of wine, even within the state. They have not made a ruling yet, so until they do, we apparently are breaking the law by shipping wine to our customers. Therefore, we have to stop until the ruling is made. The problem, however, is that the PLCB is very worried about their wine sales if they open up the shipping. We are afraid that their goal is eventually to stop all retail sales of our wine, forcing us to have to sell through wholesalers, which would put almost all of us out of business. We believe in free trade and have confidence in our product that open shipping will not affect our sales. But the PLCB is worried that they will lose out if a PA resident can go on line and order their wine to be delivered to their home, rather than go to the PA Liquor store and purchase it. Wholesalers are the ones with the money and the influence in the state. There is a press conference scheduled for all Pennsylvania Wine Association members on October 18, 2005 in the capitol building in Harrisburg. We are trying to bombard the legislators with letters of support prior to this press conference.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you would be so kind as to contact your elected PA representatives. Let them know that you value and support Pennsylvania Small Farm Wineries and that you want them to pass legislation that allows wineries to ship wine directly to their customers. Here is a sample letter:
Dear Representative/Senator________________,
As your constituent, I strongly support the Pennsylvania Small Farm Winery Industry. And I urge you to do the same!
Pennsylvania wineries offer the best of Pennsylvania agriculture and tourism, they are employers, and they pay significant sums of money in the form of taxes.
I greatly enjoy visiting my local Pennsylvania winery, Flickerwood Wine Cellars, (or insert other winery names here) because of the variety of award winning Pennsylvania wines they offer, the friendly staff, and the total ambiance of the winery experience.
Please support legislation that promotes Pennsylvania wineries and the services they offer.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Please log on to http://www.state.pa.us for information on your local legislators.
Once again, thank you for your time and support of us and PA wineries.
Ron & Sue
Rick & Sharon
Dana, Tina, and the rest of the Zampogna Gang
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Opera Legend Marilyn Horne
Mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne is among the winners of Pennsylvania's Governor's Awards for the Arts for 2005, governor Ed Rendell announced. The opera legend, who was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, is the winner of the Distinguished Arts Award.
As a fellow Pennsylvanian, I would love to meet Marilyn Horne one day.
What a beautiful woman she is and I'm proud that I'm from the same
"neck of the woods". Marilyn, we're proud of you.
source:
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Pennsylvania Hosts World's Largest Dairy Cattle Show
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today invited the public
to attend the 42nd All-American Dairy Show, the largest dairy
cattle show in the world, which runs Sept. 17-22, 2005, at the
Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. This year's show will feature
more than 3,600 head of cattle by participants from 27 states.
"The dairy industry is Pennsylvania's largest agricultural business,
ranking fourth in the country and contributing more than $4.2 billion
annually to our state's economy," said Governor Rendell. "This show
offers the highest prize awards of any dairy show and brings together
some of the best dairy breeders from across the country. Pennsylvania
is proud to host this national event."
The All-American includes seven national dairy breed shows for junior
and adult exhibitors, including: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey,
Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn and Red & White.
Youth activities include a national showmanship contest, the Junior
Dairy Management Contest, a 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Forum, the
Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest and an ice cream
social hosted by state Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff.
"Pennsylvania is committed to developing future leaders in the dairy
industry," said Wolff. "Participating in national competitions such
as the All-American Dairy Show and learning how to breed dairy cattle
at a young age are experiences that will benefit our youth and
Pennsylvania for a lifetime."
Highlights of this year's show include::
to attend the 42nd All-American Dairy Show, the largest dairy
cattle show in the world, which runs Sept. 17-22, 2005, at the
Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. This year's show will feature
more than 3,600 head of cattle by participants from 27 states.
"The dairy industry is Pennsylvania's largest agricultural business,
ranking fourth in the country and contributing more than $4.2 billion
annually to our state's economy," said Governor Rendell. "This show
offers the highest prize awards of any dairy show and brings together
some of the best dairy breeders from across the country. Pennsylvania
is proud to host this national event."
The All-American includes seven national dairy breed shows for junior
and adult exhibitors, including: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey,
Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn and Red & White.
Youth activities include a national showmanship contest, the Junior
Dairy Management Contest, a 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Forum, the
Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest and an ice cream
social hosted by state Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff.
"Pennsylvania is committed to developing future leaders in the dairy
industry," said Wolff. "Participating in national competitions such
as the All-American Dairy Show and learning how to breed dairy cattle
at a young age are experiences that will benefit our youth and
Pennsylvania for a lifetime."
Highlights of this year's show include::
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)