A new icon for the small wonder? Let's give a warm welcome to Miles the Monster

I haven't seen a lot of press about this, but apparently, all the t's have been crossed and the i's dotted and Dover Downs will soon sport a giant 46 foot rock monster, aptly called "Miles the Monster." With Dover Downs such a big economy boost to this area, I can only hope that more giant statues are in the works. Before you know it, we'll be the Easter Island of the mid-Atlantic. So, will the Miles the Monster be a new fan attraction? Absolutely.

46 feet is huge, and calling this a monster statue is a bit of an understatement. To give you an idea of how big this monster is (sort of), I have placed it along side some other more famous monuments (call it a fair use comparison). Shaquille O'Neal (left most) is 7 feet tall, the Lincoln Memorial monument is 19 or 20 feet, and the Mount Rushmore heads are 60 feet:



While I could write more, I think the picture speaks for itself. Sometime soon, Miles the Monster will be threatening to throw his car (which is life-sized by the way) to all those traveling along 13, 1, and into the base. Like other less-famous Delaware statues (The Amish Man, The Stainless Steel Mary, and Minnesota's Jolly Green Giant, Miles the Monster is certain to be more than a blip on the Nascar radar.

I for one, cannot wait to see how the rest of the Nascar world reacts.

Tags: nascar statue, miles the monster, dover downs rock statue

Nothing says I am better than you than driving with a single digit tag

I have previously mentioned the allure of the black tag in Delaware. As most Delawareans are aware, the lower the number, the better you are. Tag 1 is for the governor, tag 2 is for the lieutenant governor, tag 3 is for the secretary of state, and the rest are available to the private sector. If your tag number is above 87,000, however, there is an additional inferiority tax imposed by the DMV when you register your vehicle. That's one of the main reasons why people love the black tag. That and it allows you to travel twenty miles over the speed limit without fear of being pulled over.

All license plate numbers, of course, are controlled by the DMV. Only certain numbers (those less than 87,000) are available for the vintage black tag. As has been pointed out to me through comments to my earlier post, only one company is authorized to make the actual legal black tag. There are plenty of fake black tags around that may subject the driver to high crimes and misdemeanors for trying to fake their way into the upper class of driving society. I myself was recently busted for driving with a fake 4-digit tag. When I bought it (also from auction, for nearly six figures) I failed to notice several things that in hindsight, were a dead giveaway:



Notwithstanding this slight snafu, I have a chance to redeem myself because tag #6 is up for auction. Like the rest of the bidders, I must post $50,000 in cash or a cashiers check to show that I am serious. No problem. There isn't anything better I can spend my money on. Apparently tag #9 sold a few years back for $186,500. This one is projected to sell for between $500-750,000. One quote in the paper was from a Smyrna resident that said that "there are a lot of people out there with much more money than they have sense." Well, whoever said high social status was cheap? I will bring an extra $100k just to be sure that I win. After all, I just found out that I inherited millions of dollars from an unknown relative in Africa, so this is chump change.

So, if you're in it to win it and think you can outbid me, No. 6 goes on sale at 2 PM on Feb. 17 at the Rehoboth Beach Civic Center. Remember, nothing in Delaware says I am better than you like a low digit license plate. And this one is about as close as you can come to saying I am the best without doing any sort of public service.

With investments like this, who needs gold or other precious medals or even stocks with a steady rate of return? The greatest thing about the black tag, besides the fact that it doesn't pay dividends taxable by the IRS, is that you aren't even taxed on it until you sell it, and even then, it would only hurt you if you sell it for a gain. Without hyperbole, this tag is undoubtedly the greatest investment one can make as a Delawarean.

Of course, I've also heard rumors of other wealthy individuals who would rather spend their money on a giant five-story statue of a Frankenstein-type rock holding a car. I'll write about Dover Downs' plans for Miles the Monster and the six-story statue that I plan on erecting to compete with it later in the week.

Tags: delaware license plates, low digit delaware tags, tag 6 up for auction in delaware, delaware black tags

Funny, yet terribly ineffective ad for Price Honda on radio

I hope I hear this commercial again just to laugh at its absurdity. I'll save my commentary on how one inch of snow appears to shut this state down for another day.

On the radio the other morning, I heard an ad for Price Honda in Dover. I think this is the Honda place by the Camden Walmart. The gist of the ad (and this is an accurate paraphrase) was "It's inconvenient to get to us, but we're not inconvenient in our prices" or something to that effect. This commercial isn't quite in the "missing the point of targeting your customers" category (I'll save that one for the cat herders commercial from a couple years ago that few people bother to remember what product it was advertising). This "inconvenient commercial" is pretty close though.

But enough free advertising for this company. My point is that my first thought was "why would I want to drive to some inconvenient place to get a car?" But maybe I'm not the target market they are seeking. That may or may not be a correct assumption, but I can't be the only one that found this car spot funny. And way ineffective for that particular market segment.

Better luck next time Dover radio advertising wizards. I'm sure the cat herding advertising team is looking for some new talent.

Tags: cat herding commercial

Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association wants to adopt NCAA Rules

The trash has already come to take away whatever paper it was in, but I saw the other day that the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (formerly the Delaware Secondary School Athletic Association) wants to implement a rule that, with certain exceptions, if you transfer to another school for sports, you've got to sit out for a year before you are eligible to play again in that sport. This rule is generally the rule for college athletes and exists for the same educationally-centered reasons. Generally, I'm fine with it; however, I will offer a tongue-in-cheek response for the sake of playing devil's advocate.

Let's say I was a good enough baseball player to go on to play for a college team like Texas or Florida, but probably not good enough to go straight to the majors. I think there have been a handful from Delaware in the past few years who fall into this category and even fewer who actually make it to the majors (and by majors, I mean the MLB).

So, if I want to get recruited for D1, I need some major exposure. Otherwise, I'm just a big fish in a small pond and my season will end when my 2-12 Blue Hen or Henlopen conference schedule finishes. Unacceptable. If I go to a conference champion school, I can be a big fish plus have a longer season. While this type of exposure isn't necessary for sports like football that already get plenty of Delaware fan coverage, the length of my season is contingent on my team being good. So what gives DIAA?

Obviously all of the schools in the state are held to the same basic educational standards. So what does it matter if I go to Delmar or Brandywine? Aren't you essentially punishing me for basically random selection of property location and school districting?

My point to this isn't really to question the DIAA authority to create this rule, and it's precisely the reason there is a procedural requirement for comment by the general public. My point is that the DIAA may be inadvertently hurting some athletes who may not fall into the general category of switching ponds just to be a bigger fish. All of this presumes of course, that these transfer athletes mesh with the new team and coach. Talent, after all, only takes you so far.

No real point here other than to push the envelope a little. If some parent really wanted to try and live vicariously through their sons or daughters, they would hold them back in middle school so that they are one year older than anyone else in high school and "adjust" their eligibility that way (assuming that rule hasn't changed). I would suspect that happens just as much as athletes transferring to other high schools, although probably at a far lower spot under the radar.

Tags: delaware athletes transferring to other high schools, high school athletics, delaware high school atheletes

Downstate's American Idols

I did happen to catch the premiere of American Idol, and by coincidence, I saw all three Delawareans perform. I'm glad two from "downstate" made it through, and every time a clown appeared before the judges, I simply hoped that they were not from Delaware. And with the exception of the one, there were none.

So, as Simon said, Ben Haar (Newark) wanted to get on tv and despite his claims that he never saw the show, he got his wish. Since his 15 minutes of fame are likely winding up, I wonder whether Dover's Chris Watson and Smyrna's Jonathan Baines clocks are still ticking. While they have repeated indicated that they are contractually unable to discuss what happens until after the show airs, I can only hope (from a public relation's perspective) that both make it to the final 12.

I seem to recall hearing that someone else from downstate made it through on another talent show over the summer, so if both of these singers make it, maybe that will inspire some more business to come to this state. (Granted, I know this is sort of contradictory with some of my other positions where I have stated that most of the elementary, middle, or high school students need positive role models; however, I see these successful students can just as easily fulfill that role).

I'm sure the local news will keep everyone informed, particularly if both make it a little further than the next round. It would be nice to have another famous downstater who actually loves the state. From my understanding, Ryan Phillipe (upstate) has a little more love for Delaware than Teri Polo (Dover), but that's just what I've heard on the rumor mill. If you know otherwise, or know of a list of the famous Delaware actors/singers, post away.

The best was the national plug that Watson gave to Del Tech. Can't get much better free publicity than that.

Tags: dover american idol, smyrna american idol, american idols from delaware, actors from delaware

Best dry cleaning in Dover - Emily Cleaners

Like most people, I'm always looking for good dry cleaning places. I happened across Emily Cleaners a few weeks ago only by happenstance and mistaken directions, but they did a good job in cleaning my suits. Plus, for $1.75 per item, it's certainly a great deal as compared to the normal going rate. They did a good job, were quick, and I give them an enthusiastic recommendation.

I've also heard A plus or A-1 is pretty good also, and that Capitol Cleaners is not, but since I haven't kept real track of these other dry cleaning places, I will simply state for the record that Emily Cleaners at the Dover Mart in Dover will serve you well for your dry cleaning needs. Any other suggestions, please feel free to post.

Next I'm going to have to find a good non-chain restaurant to go to. I hear Cool Springs is good, but have yet to find it.

Tags: dry cleaners in dover delaware, emily cleaners dover

A response to Robert Klaus's "Iowans are usually wrong" letter to the editor

With two plus years of campaigning, and regardless of who wins either nomination and ultimately the presidency, the news will finally have something else to talk about other than the primaries in less than 11 months. In the meantime, I feel compelled to respond, and perhaps will even pen a response if someone else does not, to another "letter to the editor."

This one, written by Robert Klaus of Milton, is titled "Fortunately, Iowans are usually wrong" and appeared on page 5 of the January 8, 2008 edition of the Delaware State News. As he is perfectly entitled to do, he gives his opinion on some of the current presidential candidates, namely Mike Huckabee, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards. I care as much about his opinions as he probably does of mine, but he can form them in any way he wants, and that's the way things are and how they should be. What bothers me is the misinformation he uses to form his opinions, and how his opinions may be used erroneously to misinform others.

Of Clinton, Edwards, and Obama, I agree that none are without their faults, and each have things they can bring to the table. Since he doesn't really speak of the Republican candidates, I'll focus solely on his argument about the Democratic ones.

Here's a thought: If Sen. Obama was a white protestant from California, who also had a Harvard Law degree and was a state senator for seven years before becoming a U.S. Senator, would this election even be close? If you think the answer is no, then what do his race, name, or religious beliefs matter?

I'm not going to do Klaus's internet research for him. And while perhaps I have become a little more colorblind in my old age, I'm not foolish to think there isn't still racism prevalent throughout this country. However, I am a little confused as to Klaus's position about the candidates. Are they really just going to vote for or against someone because they are of a certain sex or color? Perhaps, but I'm more inclined to think that for this particular election, the media would kill, politically, any person who tried to take that position or use it to influence potential voters. Nevertheless, it's already started to happen and I'm sure these "goofs" will continue over the next couple months. While that may be part of running for president, I just hope that this doesn't turn into a contest about race. There are far more pressing issues with our economy that need fixing first.

Klaus argues that "he is reticient about someone as inexperienced as [Sen. Obama] is. I think he has not been tried in stress situations as Hillary Clinton has in national politics and as John Edwards has in courtrooms." I would argue that experience is subjective and since everybody is linking the "change" argument with the "experience" argument now, I think Klaus needs to do a little more research. I further disagree with his contention that Obama is a black Muslim; according to Wikipedia anyway, he is a Christian just like the rest of the candidates. That's my point: make an informed opinion, don't speculate.

This next election is about getting our country back on track in terms of economics and world favor. The best candidate, and I submit, the winning candidate, is going to have to convince the American public that he (or she) is that person. And when it becomes clear next month who the two parties are going to run who believe they can do this, I suspect that come November, the American public will certainly speak out (by a clear majority) who they believe that person will be.

Tags: 2008 democratic primaries

The importance of education and why the next governor should focus on this instead of gambling

Concerning education, the economy, and the workforce in this state, there is much to write about. I've save my comments on the fiscal problems potentially facing the state in 2008 for another day. For now, I will respond to a "letter to the editor" I saw a little while back that is a good example of misinformation.

Unfortunately, I no longer have the letter, and obviously thanks to the Delaware State News's questionable new policy concerning their online content, I can't find it online either. Regardless, the gist of the letter said that the DOE may be too focused on getting kids to college when a lot of them only are there to play sports, aren't planning on going to college, and the educational standards may render otherwise non-academically gifted students ineligible, and consequently, they have no reason to go to school. The letter may have said something about school choice also, but I've already expressed why the education system should be unified across the state, so I'm not going to repeat my reasons here.

The problem I have with this letter (other than my general concern that his may not be a minority viewpoint) is that it overlooks the whole policy behind education in the first place. Now, I was a multi-sport high school athlete here in Delaware who had more than my fair share of conference and state glory, so I can certainly appreciate the point he makes. And I certainly am friends with people who were also athletes in high school and went onto college, and I am friends with people who did not. The ones who went on to get a college degree, in some respects, have no better jobs than some that did not. The difference is that their options are much greater.

Take, for example, a police officer. It used to be that you could be a cop right out of high school. Not so much anymore. Most town and state police require some sort of post-high school education (and most now require a 4-year college degree). Granted (and I'm being a little stereotypical here), it probably doesn't matter what type of degree you have; it's more of a door opener than anything else. The real reason why more and more jobs require a college degree is to simply help weed out the applicant pool. And realistically, any salaried job (and even some hourly jobs) is going to want you to have gone to college.

The statistics that a person with a high school degree will make more money over their lifetime is not a joke. It comes with the cost of debt, but so what. Whether you learn anything useful in college doesn't equate to half of what you learn just by being there and listening, absorbing other people's thoughts and just general exposure to a world beyond high school fiefdom.

The point to all of this isn't to rip into this guy for being mad that his kid probably didn't make the cut for a marking period or semester. And obviously, many of the high school students in this area have to work part-time jobs which must be balanced with the school load, and probably have a negative correlation with grades to some degree. The trick is to balance it all out, and just make a goal that once you go to college, you'll just borrow the money to survive. I submit that there is more money in terms of loans and scholarships out there than most people think. This is the job of the guidance counselors in these high schools to become more educated about that aspect of college and inform their students.

So that this entry doesn't go in any more different directions, I'll simply end it here and reiterate my plea for the next governor to sweettalk another MBNA-type organization to come to our state and set up shop. This way those with a college education aren't further tempted to just stay in their college town, or go to a big city to find a job that pays just as much but with a much higher cost of living. And if they can center down here (Kent County) (and the state comes up with some way of getting to the Philadelphia airport a little faster than 95), there may be some more added benefits.

The bottom line is that all of us, including the gentlemen who pled for lower educational standards, to start thinking about ways to improve this state. His point regarding education, however, is incorrect. This isn't the seventies (or the sixties or the fifties) anymore. If you can't finish high school for whatever reason, you're more likely to be an Uncle Rico type person than a real contributor to the economy. Get over it and graduate and quit assuming that high school is the be all end all. Times are changing, and if we don't get with it, the potential decrease in slot and gambling revenue is going to be the least of our state's problems.

One way traffic in Dover can be fixed

As I mentioned the other day, I was down at the Camden Walmart the other day and couldn't help but notice what a mess of traffic the intersection beyond the light at 13 makes. My thought, quite simply, is that it can be fixed in the same way that the intersection at Lockmeath and 13 was fixed (albeit perhaps only temporarily). Google maps provides an outdated picture of the intersection I am talking about.

First, closing the Lockmeath way intersection solved a lot of problems. The state does not need to spend any money buying out that guy's liquor store in order to widen the intersection. Conversely, the liquor store owner can quit complaining that the fair market value that the state is offering for his property isn't fair. Despite this seemingly inexpensive solution, I would not be surprised if litigation about this property continues. My thought on this subject: Do you really need another light there now? My answer would be no. Let's use the resources for something more productive.

For the longest time before and even after they did anything to the intersection, the paper had been printing various rants and raves about why the intersection needs a light, what will happen if it closed, etc. Well, it closed and the number of accidents since then? Zero (as far as I can tell). If you need to get Northbound, you can go through the limited access roads to get to the Walmart light or do a u-turn down the road.

The foreseeable consequence of the new intersection pattern is that it has increased the traffic near Walmart. If you're trying to get to the light from the first road, sometimes it takes a little while to get out, and even then it poses the danger of some less patient driver zipping through and causing an accident. So here's my pitch how to fix it, with minimal costs to the state and the surrounding property owners: do the same thing there that you did at Lockmeath.

Effectively, this prevents anyone from going across that intersection. If you want to leave Walmart, you'll have to go to exit near the front of the store. Exiting traffic from Lowes would have to yield to any car in the intersection. Entering traffic from 13 to Walmart could still go straight or turn right. To get to Lowes from 13, they would have to enter at the intersection past the light. Also, my idea would close the second back entrance into that shopping complex before the light. It's way too confusing for the average driver.

So there's my first thoughts on how to make Dover a little better. We'll see what deaf ears it falls on.

Next time on Anonymous Delawarean: I'm going to do an entry about the types of jobs that are available to college graduates in Delaware. There was a rather uninformed letter in the State News recently about why the public high schools should not force kids to succeed academically because some people want to drop out and be a drag on our economy. That sort of letter begs for a response.

Tags: fixing the camden walmart intersection, driving in dover, lockmeath intersection