Phillies and the Comcast center statute end the curse

Good for the phillies as they win the 2008 world series. And, as pointed out at the end of the broadcast, William Penn was recently back on top of the city of Philadelphia. Of course, that was last year, but who is counting.



At least Tampa Bay got a taste of Delaware while they were in the mid-atlantic, while they stayed in the city's luxurious 5-star Hotel duPont. You can stay there too. Make sure you try the macaroons.

Tags: phillies win world series, hotel dupont

Getting used to the new (to me) comcast channel lineup

One gripe I have about the upstate cable service is that the news channels are all over the place. Although both services are offered through Comcast, I'm surprised that the downstate channels are much more structured. Particularly (and to support my point), the news channels downstate are all grouped between channels 25 and 29, with the sports channels in the early thirties. Upstate, they are all over the place. It's just going to take a bit to remember where the right channel is.

Phillies rain delay

I was shocked to hear how many times Joe Buck kept saying "well, this is an official game", implying that they should just call it (which was not going to happen). Add to the shots of the doppler radar and it gives some credence to the local newscaster pondering whether this was the curse of billy penn in action. Give me a break - this is the world series, it's not going to be called for rain. So the question that is going to be on everyone's mind for the next few hours (or years even) is what effect this weather will have on tonight's game.

Here are a couple of my thoughts - phillies are at an advantage since Hammels now has a day to rest before retaking the mound and ryan howard can think about not striking out again. tampa has a minor advantage since they tied the game and got everyone to shut up about calling the game on account of weather. Advantage: Phillies.

Tags: phillies advantaged because of rain delay

The curse of William Penn...almost over?

Internet has been sporadic lately, but hopefully it will be fixed sometime this week. With the Phillies only a game away from finishing off Tampa Bay, it is almost time to say that William Penn has finally let bygones be bygones. I'm not going to go as far as to guarantee that the Phils will win the world series though.

Tags: curse of william penn, phillies world series

On environmental advocacy: Thoughts for the new governor

Well, at least with oil at 50% of its highest levels, the price at the pump should be a little lower for a while. It will be interesting to see if all the calls for drilling offshore continue, and to what extent. (The answer is that they should - the problem has not gone away).

Many of my entries dealing with state-based proposals have some environmental overtones to them (solar panels on houses, economic plan, gas surcharge speeding tax, etc.). I will discuss another macro idea briefly: recycling.

Now, recycling itself is not a very worthwhile endeavor. While in Delaware, you have to pay into the recycling program, in Pennsylvania and other states, you do not. Cost deterrent aside, that is only one factor that may act more as a stick than a carrot. The more significant one is simple numbers: no matter how much we recycle in this State, or in any of the other 49 for that matter, there are countries whose recycling policies are decades from any we have developed, and their actions certainly offset any of ours. Rationally, the response to this argument would be to say that there is rationally no reason to recycle (a glorified "why bother" excuse). I say to act irrationally on this one: the point is for us to set an example for the rest of the world to follow and if it changes international perception even a fraction, that would be significant. (After all, it's the effort that accounts for more than the immediate result sometimes).

If the State of Delaware is serious about setting about recycling goals and encouraging the practice, the current efforts to simple merge all recycling bins to force the workers themselves to sort them falls a bit short.

Here is one solution. Cities in parts of the midwest have two trashcans covering their sidewalk corners - one for trash and one for bottles/newspaper. Granted, there is probably a lot of mixing of the two, but at least these cities are attempting to give people a choice to recycle or not.

Similarly, in at least two western/midwestern international airports, they also employ a similar recycling strategy. There were regular waste bins and recycling bins within a few feet of each other. Just like in the cities, and even more so because of what you are limited to buy food-wise and drink-wise in an airport, this sort of effort makes perfect sense. Of course, Philadelphia International had no such program, but the fact they did not was decidedly noticeable, which brings me to my point.

This sort of strategy can translate over here to Delaware just as easily and at a minimal cost to the state. In the cities (and particularly at the beach), the dual trashcan system, once implemented, would have the same effect as the current Delaware recycling plan that does not require individual sorting. Except that instead of having to travel to the outskirts of the cities or wherever to find these bins, simple recycling of a water bottle can be thrown out as you are walking to your next destination. This pilot could start at the beach where bottled water constitutes half the liquid economy down there.

Would it work? I think it depends on how one defines the end goal. But from a fiscal perspective, the price tag is quite nominal all things considered. At the very least, some people, given the choice, would put their recycled goods in the recycle bins. My guess is that the value of "some" would actually be "a lot." Something to think about.

Tags: ideas for recycling

Moving back to Wilmington

My work has transferred me back to Wilmington, so I'm going to be out of internet access for about a week or so. Hopefully the internet doesn't go under next, otherwise we're all in trouble.

Food for thought: A clean house (of representatives)

I watched the debate, but will hold off commenting on it, if at all, until I think about it some more. My sole thought, separate from this debate, stems from this financial bailout and all this talk for increased/decreased government spending. McCain's plan to buy mortgages, in light of last week's bailout bill, seems contradictory to his position to lower taxes or keep them the same. How are we supposed to pay for it? He says government freezes, but we've seen how that has stifled the Delaware economy, so multiply that by 50 and I can only imagine how worse the economy will get. At least with Obama, you know taxes are going to go up to some degree. Obama's plan to keep taxes the same for the middle class (i.e., those making less than $250,000/year) seems little more than a pipe dream, however. In either case, it seems that only Bob Barr has recognized that taxes are going to have to go up, probably significantly, although I'm at a loss for how that will help the economy either.

But focusing on last week's bailout bill for the moment, what I would like to see is a complete revamping of the House of Representatives. Since all are up for re-election next month, it is theoretically possible that all can be ousted for a new house of Congress. Granted, some are probably running unopposed and a certain percentage are probably always elected, but setting those numbers aside, I'm sure that of the 500+ seats, a solid majority could be won by non-incumbents. Could be interesting if it actually happened (notwithstanding the fact that it will not).

So who won the debate really? Biden, of course.

I watched the debate for the first few minutes before heading out to dinner, mainly to see Joe Biden in action against Sarah Palin. Curiously, there are a lot of parallels between Biden and McCain and Palin and Obama, but after listening to Palin speak for a bit, and having heard Obama speak in the past, I find that whatever experience Obama supposedly lacks, Palin does not make up for it. I listened intently for her responses to whatever the questions she was asked, and compared to Biden's answers, I am much more comfortable having him give advice to the president than Palin. And if that's all the vice president is really supposed to do, other than break ties in the Senate, then I find it difficult to believe anyone who believes Palin won that debate.

Now, if Palin shows up in Delaware driving with a brown tag, that may be another story all together. Delaware, in addition to the black tag phenomena, now offers a brown centennial tag as well.

Tags: biden palin debate

777 reasons to be scared for what will happen between now and Friday Oct 3

I remain surprised that the general public has no idea of the depths of this financial crisis and how it will affect everyday life. Nor am I going to spend any time discussing it beyond posing one question: Do you have to pay money for long term loans such as a car or mortgage or are you using a credit card and not paying it off in full every month? If the answer is yes to either of those questions, then you are going to have to start thinking about long term savings.

I write simply express my disgust with how bad our economy has become and wish out loud that the rest of the world economy doesn't get too far sucked down the tubes along with us. Have you ever tried to catch a falling knife? Hopefully President Bush simply creates an executive order to stop this insanity. If your money is still in the market in anything, get it out now!

Regardless of how my voice counts for nothing in all of this, as Delawareans, our lone representative, Mike Castle, certainly is one incumbent who put country above individual partisan politics and voted yes for the bailout bill. So, in one respect, Delaware did its part to try and bandage this national wound. Unfortunately, we needed the other 49 states to step up as well, and without the requisite support, the rest of the world is going to have to step back and think about this a little while longer.

Unfortunately also for every American who is not a Congressional member in Washington, the failure to put out a recovery plan today only means that tomorrow (and at least the rest of the week) will be another rough day for Wall Street. How will this affect "main street"? Just wait until the next time you need money.

Behind the scenes of the Lobby House revealed in a tell-all lawsuit ripe for a made-for-tv movie

This headline in the News Journal jumped out at me, particular since I frequent the Lobby House often for lunch. The article speaks for itself, and as noted, the jury agreed with the former worker and awarded $1,500 in compensatory damages and $100,000 in punitive damages.

I disagree that its business will be "destroyed" by this lawsuit anymore than Wal-Mart is ruining our economy by failing to unionize. People need a place to go to eat and it's one of the more affordable places with ambiance in Dover. For its location and pricing, frankly I'm surprised the Lobby House isn't more successful. It's menu is decent, and while the service is a little slow, it is on par with the rest of the city. If their business is "destroyed," it certainly is not because of this lawsuit. Personally, I would blame NASA, Canada, and the invention of the biplane. And polar bears.

For me anyway, this piece of news is just that; I highly doubt it will make me more or less inclined to keep going there. Further, this took place at least two years ago, and one would think that even assuming there used to be problems such as those that have come to light, they have since been fixed. Trust me, there are much bigger problems to worry about than how one small business chooses to deal with its employees or if it chooses to continue to operate privately after it has closed. One need only look at the turmoil in the financial markets to recognize this latter point.

Nonetheless, this article is an interesting piece of news for those familiar with it:

Legislative Hangout Has a Lurid Side, Lawsuit Alleges
By Sean O'Sullivan and Ginger Gibson, Wilmington News Journal, Sept. 21, 2008

With its red-brick exterior and patio overlooking Silver Lake, the Lobby House appears to be as staid and conservative as a lobbyist in a Brooks Brothers suit haunting the hallways of nearby Legislative Hall.

Inside, servers in khaki pants and blue polo shirts serve burgers and the occasional beer to the sound of ESPN from several TVs. The Rotary Club meets there Mondays, families enjoy half-price sandwiches on Tuesdays and Team Trivia plays there Wednesdays.

Former state representative-turned-lobbyist Wayne A. Smith said the eatery, which is where Delaware Democrats nominated Lt. Gov. John Carney to run for governor, is "neat, clean and close to Legislative Hall."

But in federal court this month, a different picture emerged that made the Lobby House after hours sound more like the movie "Animal House."

Former bartender Shannon Laymon charged in a lawsuit and testimony in U.S. District Court that wild parties happened regularly – mostly after closing – with waitresses serving shots off their bodies, one offering "lap dances," managers serving liquor from their crotch areas and encouraging, or at least ignoring, waitresses going topless or flashing others.

All of this, Laymon's attorney Noel E. Primos said, created a hostile work environment and amounted to sexual harassment. He said Laymon was fired after she hired an attorney to pursue a workers' compensation claim and complained to a manager about an inappropriate comment by the owner.

After four days of testimony, a federal jury of eight agreed with Laymon.

It unanimously ruled that the Lobby House failed to take corrective action and retaliated against Laymon (who has married since she filed the lawsuit in 2007 and is now known as Laymon-Pecoraro).

She was awarded $1,500 in compensatory damages and $100,000 in punitive damages. At trial and afterward, operators of the Lobby House and their attorney, Ronald Poliquin, disputed Laymon's claims.

Owner Ken Caudill, who used to run KC's in Middletown, said last week he remains stunned. "What she said, it just didn't happen." He said the amount of the jury award is not a problem but believes the negative publicity will "destroy" the restaurant and 30 to 35 people will lose their jobs.

Attorney Poliquin said after the trial he would seek to have the jury award and verdict tossed out.

Primos said Friday that both sides had the opportunity to present their cases at trial. "There were numerous witnesses by both sides, many more by the defendant ... and the jury made its decision."

Legislative officials who frequent the restaurant were surprised by the details that emerged from the trial.

"You've got to be kidding me, it must be after 10 [p.m.]," said Smith, the former lawmaker, when told of the allegations.

Kate Bailey, a spokeswoman for Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, said she has eaten there a half-dozen times and never suspected such behavior.

"It’s not too exciting [at the Lobby House]," she said. "It's a place to eat."

"Holy cow," said state Sen. Karen Peterson, who described the Lobby House as "a handy place to meet people" and a regular destination for her end-of-session staff lunch.

Laymon, 24, began work at the Lobby House in August 2005, a college student in need of a flexible, good-paying job.

Primos told the jury that during Laymon's seven months there, female employees were advised by management to wear more revealing clothes to get better tips – one was advised to stuff her bra – and Laymon said a manager took her into the men's room to see her breasts.

Laymon and an ex-waitress testified there were regular wild parties after closing, including New Year's Eve 2005. That night, a 19-year-old waitress, who Laymon said had been drinking, stripped down to a G-string and bra and danced on the bar.

Managers did nothing to stop the display, according to testimony, and it was Laymon and another female employee who got the woman to get down and put her clothes back on.

"The Lobby House was a place where perverted behavior was commonplace," Primos told the jury in closing arguments. "Where female employees felt free to run around topless and flash their breasts."

Other witnesses disputed Laymon's claims.

One former waitress and a current waitress denied there were regular wild parties, and told the jury that the New Year's Eve incident was an anomaly.

Both also testified that they had flashed their breasts while working at the Lobby House. One bristled at the suggestion that she showed her breasts in exchange for beer, saying she did it because she felt like it.

Laymon also joined in the flashing, they said, showing off a piercing in a private area to two employees in the kitchen one night.

One who saw it claimed Laymon proudly, willingly showed off the piercing. Laymon testified that she felt pressured by a male co-worker to show it.

Primos said his client kept her mouth shut about the situation for months because she worried that if she complained, she would be fired.

Within two weeks of complaining to a manager about hearing an inappropriate remark by the owner, Primos said, Laymon was fired March 17, 2006.

Primos charged managers also were upset with Laymon for hiring an attorney several weeks earlier to pursue a workers' compensation claim for medical bills related to an on-the-job injury in October 2005.

Attorney Poliquin, in his closing statement, began with, "Wow." He told jurors if they believed Primos, everyone who worked at or went to the Lobby House "is a perverted sicko."

Poliquin and Caudill noted that Laymon had been diagnosed with depression before she went to work at the Lobby House – something Laymon acknowledged – and some Lobby House employees claimed Laymon acted erratically.

The case, in Poliquin's view, was about the right of a small restaurant to fire an employee who was hurting the business. He described Laymon as a "know-it-all" chronic complainer with an attitude problem who was bad-mouthing the establishment to customers as she served them.

"The business of the Lobby House is fun," Poliquin said, and Laymon "was miserable to be around in a place that sells fun."

As for New Year's Eve and some of the other incidents, Poliquin told the jury, "It's a bar and a nightclub. Not a corporation. Not a church."

Tags: lobby house dover