The Weekend in Mid April

Our Backyard

New Store in Arts District

Densie and Carolyne

This weekend way pretty good, I must say. Friday was a nice day but quite cool for mid April. I check out one or two places downtown. One gallery had some pretty cool paintings that you have to see to believe. It was the 10th anniversary of 3rd Friday in Millville NJ. I think it went fine, the weather held out. Saturday, we did some gardening and replanting in the backyard. It was in need of a make over and this is what we did. It was nice having the day to ourselves to take care of business. We got done in time before it got dark and a powerful thunderstorm came crashing in. Man, it was drenching rain and wind. Thank goodness we do not live in North Carolina near Raleigh.
Well, President Obama FINALLY called out the House Republicans on the "brave" Paul Ryan plan that ends Medicare as we know it and gives generous tax cuts to those who already know how to avoid paying much in taxes. As As Paul Krugman states in the NY Times:

Now, Republicans claim that last year’s midterms gave them a mandate for the vision embodied in their budget. But last year the G.O.P. ran against what it called the “massive Medicare cuts” contained in the health reform law. How, then, can the election have provided a mandate for a plan that not only would preserve all of those cuts, but would go on, over time, to dismantle Medicare completely?

The Republcan Ryan Plan aint no joke

Its time for the President to just stand up and call the Republicans out. We can not stand wish-washy Democrats. Just STOP!!

Panel: Cumberland is in Decent Shape...

The Daily Journal's 2009 economic forum was held at Cumberland County College on Tuesday morning. The five panelists were : Mel Brody of Brody's Furniture; Serge Brunner of ESPOMA, Edward Geletka, president of Colonial Bank; Joseph Savaro of the New Jersey Motorsports Park and Kimberly Wood, the planning and development director for Cumberland County. Daily Journal Editor/Publisher Charles W. Nutt

This forum was to address the business climate of Cumberland County. I notice there were no small business owners there. Ummm. I wonder why? Well I am no Wharton grad but I think this panel is just going to ignore the fact that SMALL business are the hardest hit and their closings affect the economic climate of the county.

I see the effect every day when I leave my house near High Street in Millville. There are 2 soon to be 3 VACANT storefronts(Black and Blu Skateboard Shop #3). One of the five panelists is part of the MDC and how have they helped market the Arts District to adapt to this bad economy? At least the motorsports park is run by competent pros who KNOW how to market themselves and do public relations. I am still waiting for the Arts District Wayfaring signs...
One of the shop owners who chafed over the lack of leadership in fact is now out of business on High Street but this panel just congratulates itself and everyone is just happy as clams in mud! As one person on the DJ Forum states:
"Interesting the forum. One sells chemical and manure, the other pure financial BS, another selling furniture nobody can really afford. The Bush Jr number 2 recession has been here for a year, but has quite a ways to go yet."

While the Daily Journal runs this forum, Cumberland Country CONTINUES to lead in negative socio-economic categories: teen pregnancy, illiteracy, median income, etc. Meanwhile people who might be helpful in creative ideas are marginalized until they just give up and let the good ole boys & girls run the show.
At least Millville came up with a good concept of the Arts District. What has the County come up with? Oh I forgot the Freeholder Director is asking for federal money. Nice economic plan DUDE!!
Wake up and talk to small business and accept new ideas or we will be still talking 3 years from now how we have YET to join the economic recovery.
Have a great day and I welcome comments and suggestions. This is my opinion only and does not reflect the opinions of anyone but myself. CHEERS!