By Sylvia Gurinsky
“No further inspections are usually done on properties after they have been issued a certificate of occupancy,” said Woodling, who added this is common practice for the city.
She said only a complaint would have brought out inspectors.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 29, 2009
That's what Catherine Woodling, a spokesperson for Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, said yesterday after part of a parking garage collapsed yesterday in the city. Here's a link to the whole article, by Leon Stafford:
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2009/06/29/parking_garage_inspected.html
How does a facility that welcomes, theoretically, tens of thousands of moving vehicles of varying sizes each year not warrant at least a quarterly inspection? Hasn't Atlanta's Bureau of Buildings ever heard of the term "wear and tear"?
On top of that is the news that Hardin Construction, which was fined $6,300 for a role in last December's collapse of a bridge at the Atlanta Botanical Garden that killed one person and injured 18 others, oversaw this parking garage as well. Subcontractor Metromont Corporation did the construction work on the garage.
Franklin and the City Council must take the next step. Pending an investigation, they need to suspend Hardin's work, and possibly Metromont's as well, on any municipal projects.
Franklin and the City Council also need to take a look at the building inspection process - apparently, to create one. Especially now, there's no excuse for not having follow-up inspections.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
June 29: Farewell, Peter Pan
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Troubled talent. That was Michael Jackson.
A look at tons of performances and music videos on YouTube confirms once again the tremendous musical gifts of the singer, who died last Thursday.
From his rise with his brothers as part of the Jackson 5 to his apogee with the "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" albums, his duets with Paul McCartney and "We Are the World" to his later albums, one sees his singing, dancing and performing skills repeatedly.
In one song during the 1990s, he sang "It doesn't matter if you're black or white." He became a crossover talent on a level with Elvis Presley and the Beatles; his music bridged cultures.
Sadly, he was a prisoner of that talent and success, seeming to retreat into his own world, increasingly away from reality and identity with each plastic surgery, each publicity stunt and, finally, the investigations of child molestation. The clouds on that never completely lifted, though a 2005 jury found him not guilty. Now, the hype over his death will start in earnest, as it did with Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, two others with great talent who died troubled, and with a prescription drug connection.
In a 1983 interview with Newsweek, at the height of his popularity, the magazine referred to him as the "Peter Pan of Pop." Perhaps so. Take a look at his evolving facial features, and at Peter Pan the way Walt Disney Productions drew him, and see the similarities.
My favorite of his songs, a lovely ballad called "One Day In Your Life," was recorded in 1975, long before the height of his solo success. On its surface, of course, the song is about a lost love, maybe a lost romance. Given what has happened since, and his death last Thursday, it takes on new meaning, given the passion and melancholy with which Jackson, then 16, sang it. Perhaps it was a wish for something else.
Perhaps that wish has come true for him in death in a way it never did in life.
Farewell, Peter Pan.
Troubled talent. That was Michael Jackson.
A look at tons of performances and music videos on YouTube confirms once again the tremendous musical gifts of the singer, who died last Thursday.
From his rise with his brothers as part of the Jackson 5 to his apogee with the "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" albums, his duets with Paul McCartney and "We Are the World" to his later albums, one sees his singing, dancing and performing skills repeatedly.
In one song during the 1990s, he sang "It doesn't matter if you're black or white." He became a crossover talent on a level with Elvis Presley and the Beatles; his music bridged cultures.
Sadly, he was a prisoner of that talent and success, seeming to retreat into his own world, increasingly away from reality and identity with each plastic surgery, each publicity stunt and, finally, the investigations of child molestation. The clouds on that never completely lifted, though a 2005 jury found him not guilty. Now, the hype over his death will start in earnest, as it did with Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, two others with great talent who died troubled, and with a prescription drug connection.
In a 1983 interview with Newsweek, at the height of his popularity, the magazine referred to him as the "Peter Pan of Pop." Perhaps so. Take a look at his evolving facial features, and at Peter Pan the way Walt Disney Productions drew him, and see the similarities.
My favorite of his songs, a lovely ballad called "One Day In Your Life," was recorded in 1975, long before the height of his solo success. On its surface, of course, the song is about a lost love, maybe a lost romance. Given what has happened since, and his death last Thursday, it takes on new meaning, given the passion and melancholy with which Jackson, then 16, sang it. Perhaps it was a wish for something else.
Perhaps that wish has come true for him in death in a way it never did in life.
Farewell, Peter Pan.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
June 23: Petition Drive Needed For Public Transportation in South Florida
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Last week's "Dump the Pump Day" in South Florida was seriocomic.
Commuters left behind their cars and rising gas prices for the alternatives of Tri-Rail and bus systems. They opted for a regional rail system that might not be there in a year and buses that might be severely cut back.
Shouldn't that say something to local and state elected officials?
I wrote previously about the threat Tri-Rail is under:
http://sunshinestatements.blogspot.com/2009/05/may-6-south-florida-democratic.html
It's been almost two months since that vote, and practically no one has stepped up to say, "Let's find a dedicated funding source for commuter rail in Florida." Members of South Florida's congressional delegation did send a letter to Florida's Department of Transportation, according to Bizjournals.com.
Other than that, there's been silence. "Dump the Pump Day" would have been a good time for an elected official or a few with brains and guts to say, "Here's what we should do." So far, nothing.
Here's what someone should do: Draft a plan creating or maintaining regional rail and public transportation systems across Florida for those who want and need them. Come up with a funding plan - the $2 surcharge on rental cars isn't a bad one. Put it on a future state ballot by petition and let voters decide its fate.
Once, Florida voters said yes to a bullet train until they realized the financial and logistical folly of such a plan. Regional rail and public transportation systems are not folly. They're needed. They need funding. They need support.
It's time to make sure those who "Dump the Pump" have a reason to do so.
Last week's "Dump the Pump Day" in South Florida was seriocomic.
Commuters left behind their cars and rising gas prices for the alternatives of Tri-Rail and bus systems. They opted for a regional rail system that might not be there in a year and buses that might be severely cut back.
Shouldn't that say something to local and state elected officials?
I wrote previously about the threat Tri-Rail is under:
http://sunshinestatements.blogspot.com/2009/05/may-6-south-florida-democratic.html
It's been almost two months since that vote, and practically no one has stepped up to say, "Let's find a dedicated funding source for commuter rail in Florida." Members of South Florida's congressional delegation did send a letter to Florida's Department of Transportation, according to Bizjournals.com.
Other than that, there's been silence. "Dump the Pump Day" would have been a good time for an elected official or a few with brains and guts to say, "Here's what we should do." So far, nothing.
Here's what someone should do: Draft a plan creating or maintaining regional rail and public transportation systems across Florida for those who want and need them. Come up with a funding plan - the $2 surcharge on rental cars isn't a bad one. Put it on a future state ballot by petition and let voters decide its fate.
Once, Florida voters said yes to a bullet train until they realized the financial and logistical folly of such a plan. Regional rail and public transportation systems are not folly. They're needed. They need funding. They need support.
It's time to make sure those who "Dump the Pump" have a reason to do so.
Monday, June 22, 2009
June 22: Yet Another Reason To Fight Those Bullies in the NRA
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Did you know people on the United States government’s watch list for possible terrorist activities are allowed to buy guns in this country?
This comes from last Saturday’s New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/us/politics/20watch.html?_r=1&ref=us&pagewanted=print
The National Rifle Association’s response would be comical if it wasn’t for the fact that so many members of Congress in both parties, and now apparently – and unfortunately – the Obama Administration as well, continue to knuckle under to the NRA despite the climbing gun death totals across this country.
Now who’s putting this country in danger from terrorists? It isn’t just extremists halfway around the world.
Contrary to the NRA spokesman’s statements, Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey is, very commendably, putting public safety first on this matter. What is it going to take for his fellow members of Congress and the president to do the same?
Did you know people on the United States government’s watch list for possible terrorist activities are allowed to buy guns in this country?
This comes from last Saturday’s New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/us/politics/20watch.html?_r=1&ref=us&pagewanted=print
The National Rifle Association’s response would be comical if it wasn’t for the fact that so many members of Congress in both parties, and now apparently – and unfortunately – the Obama Administration as well, continue to knuckle under to the NRA despite the climbing gun death totals across this country.
Now who’s putting this country in danger from terrorists? It isn’t just extremists halfway around the world.
Contrary to the NRA spokesman’s statements, Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey is, very commendably, putting public safety first on this matter. What is it going to take for his fellow members of Congress and the president to do the same?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
June 18: "Utter Nonsense" Call For Virginia Key Plan Is Right On
By Sylvia Gurinsky
Right on, City of Miami Planning Advisory Board.
Here's The Miami Herald story about what they had to say on the city's proposal for Virginia Key:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1103225.html
"Utter nonsense" is the right phrase, especially when one considers the work that's already been done at the site. Historic Virginia Key Beach, which was a blacks-only beach from 1946 until barriers started coming down, is being restored and becoming a popular weekend spot for families of all demographics. With a restored carousel and train is a very new and high-quality playground for young children.
There is also the matter of Miami Marine Stadium; there is a campaign to restore that facility.
There's already enough concrete in the Virginia Key area. After two "Nos" from two boards about glitzier plans, Mayor Manny Diaz and the Miami City Commission need to get the message: Less is a lot more when it comes to Virginia Key.
Right on, City of Miami Planning Advisory Board.
Here's The Miami Herald story about what they had to say on the city's proposal for Virginia Key:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1103225.html
"Utter nonsense" is the right phrase, especially when one considers the work that's already been done at the site. Historic Virginia Key Beach, which was a blacks-only beach from 1946 until barriers started coming down, is being restored and becoming a popular weekend spot for families of all demographics. With a restored carousel and train is a very new and high-quality playground for young children.
There is also the matter of Miami Marine Stadium; there is a campaign to restore that facility.
There's already enough concrete in the Virginia Key area. After two "Nos" from two boards about glitzier plans, Mayor Manny Diaz and the Miami City Commission need to get the message: Less is a lot more when it comes to Virginia Key.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
June 17: Name Downtown Miami High School For Janet Reno
By Sylvia Gurinsky
The Miami-Dade School Board can reverse the blunder they made today in a school naming.
The blunder was because it looked like a school near Florida International University's North Miami campus was going to be named for former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, but a committee had a change of heart and recommended naming the school for former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning and his wife, Tracey. The school board went along.
Not that the Mournings don't deserve a school named after them for all they do in this community. They do.
It's the reason for the switch that rankles: The committee feared controversy because of the anger still carried over Reno's decision, as attorney general, to return Elian Gonzalez, then 5 years old, to his father in Cuba.
Reno's contributions to this community are beyond question. She is a lifelong South Floridian, the daughter of two journalists who covered the area for many years. She was the first female state attorney for Dade County, then the first female U.S. attorney general.
More than that, she has faced adversaries in everything from the aftermath of the McDuffie verdict to the Waco raid and the Elian Gonzalez custody battle with guts and an honesty lacking in many public officials. She has waged her battle with Parkinson's Disease with grace.
In a letter to the school board, the Mournings recommended that the North Miami school be named for Reno. They can't be completely thrilled with the way this decision was carried out.
The school board can easily correct that.
The Miami-Dade High School of Law Studies, Homeland Security and Forensic Sciences is being built in Downtown Miami, right next to the Miami Police Department. There would be no better tribute to Janet Reno than to name that school for her.
She's earned it.
The Miami-Dade School Board can reverse the blunder they made today in a school naming.
The blunder was because it looked like a school near Florida International University's North Miami campus was going to be named for former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, but a committee had a change of heart and recommended naming the school for former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning and his wife, Tracey. The school board went along.
Not that the Mournings don't deserve a school named after them for all they do in this community. They do.
It's the reason for the switch that rankles: The committee feared controversy because of the anger still carried over Reno's decision, as attorney general, to return Elian Gonzalez, then 5 years old, to his father in Cuba.
Reno's contributions to this community are beyond question. She is a lifelong South Floridian, the daughter of two journalists who covered the area for many years. She was the first female state attorney for Dade County, then the first female U.S. attorney general.
More than that, she has faced adversaries in everything from the aftermath of the McDuffie verdict to the Waco raid and the Elian Gonzalez custody battle with guts and an honesty lacking in many public officials. She has waged her battle with Parkinson's Disease with grace.
In a letter to the school board, the Mournings recommended that the North Miami school be named for Reno. They can't be completely thrilled with the way this decision was carried out.
The school board can easily correct that.
The Miami-Dade High School of Law Studies, Homeland Security and Forensic Sciences is being built in Downtown Miami, right next to the Miami Police Department. There would be no better tribute to Janet Reno than to name that school for her.
She's earned it.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
June 16: Sniglets On Digital Headaches and Dave's Dustup
By Sylvia Gurinsky
I want my PBS!!!!!
In this household, at least, the digital conversion has put the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area's two public broadcasting stations - WPBT-Channel 2 and WLRN-Channel 17 - out of commission.
Channel 2's analog channel is broadcasting, at least until the end of the month, a "public service" notice from Comcast about converting to digital. There are questions in these quarters as to whether the presence of that analog channel is preventing the digital one from coming through.
As for 17, it was working fine until yesterday morning. Commercial channels have worked better, though Channel 7 has been out this afternoon.
It's 1952 all over again, with efforts to adjust and readjust television antennas. There are questions as to whether a conversion to cable in these quarters will be necessary to view PBS.
I hope not. I hate pollution. I'd rather have the quality of PBS stations without having to partner them with the garbage of cable news and reality channels to get it.
**********************************************************************************
Classy apology last night by David Letterman for that over-the-top joke last week about Alex Rodriguez and Bristol (and it was about unwed teen mom Bristol) Palin.
Tepid (And I'm being kind) acceptance of apology by the Palin family. I agree with those who say the governor of Alaska was exploiting this for her own political gain.
Biggest blunder came not from Dave, whose joke elicited an "uh-oh" reaction from here when he told it last Monday night, but from the National Organization for Women, with its "me-too" rap on Letterman's knuckles.
NOW has far more important issues to worry about.
I want my PBS!!!!!
In this household, at least, the digital conversion has put the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area's two public broadcasting stations - WPBT-Channel 2 and WLRN-Channel 17 - out of commission.
Channel 2's analog channel is broadcasting, at least until the end of the month, a "public service" notice from Comcast about converting to digital. There are questions in these quarters as to whether the presence of that analog channel is preventing the digital one from coming through.
As for 17, it was working fine until yesterday morning. Commercial channels have worked better, though Channel 7 has been out this afternoon.
It's 1952 all over again, with efforts to adjust and readjust television antennas. There are questions as to whether a conversion to cable in these quarters will be necessary to view PBS.
I hope not. I hate pollution. I'd rather have the quality of PBS stations without having to partner them with the garbage of cable news and reality channels to get it.
**********************************************************************************
Classy apology last night by David Letterman for that over-the-top joke last week about Alex Rodriguez and Bristol (and it was about unwed teen mom Bristol) Palin.
Tepid (And I'm being kind) acceptance of apology by the Palin family. I agree with those who say the governor of Alaska was exploiting this for her own political gain.
Biggest blunder came not from Dave, whose joke elicited an "uh-oh" reaction from here when he told it last Monday night, but from the National Organization for Women, with its "me-too" rap on Letterman's knuckles.
NOW has far more important issues to worry about.
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