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The latest from LegacyJournal.info as of:          Thursday, 2008-08-28
Current US Pacific Coast Time:        13:08:42
                                                                                                           

BYLINE: Content that consistently informs with clarity, class, context, credibility and character.

MOTTOS: Faster, Better, Easier, and Cheaper.   Arete, Fait Lux, Meliora

GOALS: To play with ideas, trends, people, events, products and places that are fun, interesting, and perhaps even important.



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Archives of Journal Entries: Organized by * Category and by ** Date.

30 of our most Recent Postings:

  1. Legacy Journal
  2. Legacy Journal:Trifecta: Olympic Games, Democratic Convention, Quad State visit
  3. Legacy Journal: Olympic Swimming Prep
  4. Legacy Journal:080808: The China Olympic Games
  5. Legacy Journal:080808: The China Olympic Games
  6. Legacy Journal:  B&B on the Erie Canal
  7. Legacy Journal: Summer Swing
  8. Legacy Journal:  Thursday Thoughts: Twitter, Triathlons for Horses, and Obama One on Tour
  9. Legacy Journal: High Finance, Bad Loans, and Banking Reform
  10. Legacy Journal: Sunday Chatter x 3: ABC, NBC, and CBS
  11. Legacy Journal: Monroe County: Politics, the Carousel, and the Onterio Beach
  12. Legacy Journal: 50th Malin High School Reunion
  13. Legacy Journal: 2008 mid-point
  14. Legacy Journal: Walking with Religion---Walking with Nature
  15. Legacy Journal: Sunday Supplement
  16. Legacy Journal: Would you believe that ----?
  17. Legacy Journal: Tiger Woods: Mental Toughness, Physical Fitness, and Winner with Warriors.
  18. Legacy Journal:  Defending the First Amendment
  19. Legacy Journal: Food for Thought and Summer Snow
  20. Legacy Journal: Toxic Planet or Better Living thru Chemistry?
  21. Legacy Journal: The Toughest Job in America
  22. Legacy Journal: Controlling Carbon: You Go First
  23. Legacy Journal: The U.S. Senate:  Paying Attention to the Details with Dianne Feinstein.
  24. Legacy Journal: More Music from Rochester and the Village of Fairport
  25. Legacy Journal: Water: the Wilds of Wyoming and Beijing, China---A western perspective.
  26. Legacy Journal:  Neurosurgery-- A Short Memoire
  27. Legacy Journal:  Pops Music at the Eastman in Rochester
  28. Legacy Journal: Sounding Off on the Shape of Things to Come.
  29. Legacy Journal: Summit Dr. Flowers of Spring
  30. Legacy Journal: The facts on Global Warming

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[ Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:27 ]

Legacy Journal: Toxic Planet or Better Living thru Chemistry?

Section:

Environment

Summary:

It may be my imagination, but it seems that the number of narrowly focused research PhD’s in search of projects and funding is driving the explosion of PhD thesis, grant proposals, funding requests, committee meeting, international conferences, popular press articles, and journal publications.  One example is environmental endocrine dysfunction, a kind of mini-movement with vocal advocacy hot spots in northern California and New York.  Politics and public policy is part of the mix.  A staff person for Senator Boxer of California and Marin Country is “connected”

Environmental Endocrine Disruptors (EED) is the title of this week’s GRC group’ retreat at the Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire for their 6th annual meeting.  Shanna Swan of URMC is the Chairwoman.

Main:

This community of environmental toxicologists, biologists and epidemiologists focusing on a wide range of “reproductive failures”.  Among the failures are a variety of animal and human gross anatomy and microscopic tissue finding that are associated with maternal or egg exposure to environmental chemicals.  Some of the chemicals are pharmaceutics like diethyl stilbestrol, but most are petro-chemicals like agricultural pesticides and herbicides.

More:

Footnotes:

[ Tuesday, June 03, 2008 07:20 ]

Legacy Journal: Water: the Wilds of Wyoming and Beijing, China---A western perspective.

Section:

Sports

Summary:

What do the sparse wastelands of Wyoming and the Olympic architecture of urban Bejing, China have in common?

Main:

Well, to some folks based in and writing for publication from New York City, both places are foreign, exotic, strange, and not easy to understand, a visit not withstanding.

* Take the current report about a spring of wet weather in Wyoming.  The nytimes finds that newsworthy and a bit unusual.  So, now it is now possible for trees to grow, meadow larks to sing, prong horn antelope and cattle to graze.  Meanwhile, there may even be a hay crop from down by the creek.  No wonder Jackie Kennedy wanted her son to get out of town for the summer and get some seasoning and common sense experience on a friend’s working Wyoming cattle ranch.

* And then there is the story of the National Aquatics Center, “The Water Cube” in Bejing the site of the 42 swimming events over two week during the 2008 Olympic Games. The place cost over $100 million in contributed funds from non mainland Chinese sources, was designed by an Australian firm, seats 17,000 and has a light weight, semi-translucent, petroleum based ,Teflon like ceiling.  So, what is not to like about that?.  A writer for the current New Yorker magazine finds much to comment on including the Chinese way of doing urban planning and residential relocation.

Apparently, some writers need to take a lesson from Frederick West Lander and get out of town and into the field of battle more often.

BTW: Frederick West Lander was an eastern engineer who went went west with the Army and later surveyed for the railroads as they snaked their way across the county’s arrid and hostile trans Mississippi frontier in a series of fits and starts.

Ball’s Bluff ( The Battle of Ball’s Bluff during the Civil War on the Potomic River near Washington.)
(by Frederick West Lander)

Aye, deem us proud, for we are more
Than proud of all our mighty dead;
Proud of the bleak and rock-bound shore,
A crowned oppressor cannot tread.

Proud of each rock, and wood, and glen;
Of every river, lake and plain;
Proud of the calm and earnest men
Who claim the right and the will to reign.

Proud of the men who gave us birth,
Who battled with the stormy wave
To sweep the red man from the earth,
And build their homes upon their grave.

Proud of the holy summer morn
They traced in blood upon its sod;
The rights of freemen yet unborn;
Proud of their language and their God.

Proud that beneath our proudest dome
And round the cottage-cradled hearth
There is a welcome and a home
For every stricken race on earth.

Proud that yon slowly sinking sun
Saw drowning lips grow white in prayer,
O’er such brief acts of duty done,
As honor gathers from despair.

Pride, it is our watchword; “clear the boats”
“Holmes, Putnam, Bartlett, Peirson-Here”
And while this crazy wherry floats
“Let’s save our wounded”, cries Revere.

Old State—some souls are rudely sped --
This record for thy Twentieth Corps --
Imprisoned, wounded, dying, dead,
It only asks, “Has Sparta more?”

More:

Footnotes:

[ Wednesday, March 19, 2008 05:22 ]

Legacy Journal: Race, Coals to Newcastte, and Wednesday Technology

Section:

Commentary

Summary:

* Race Matters:  At a recent URMC New York Society of Cardiology CO-hosted lectureship on the state of genomic research and technology in health, disease and in the retail consumer market, one was able to witness a race based concern.  “Why are there not more African-Americans in the studies?” was the question from the only black practitioner in the audience. “ Why are some of the studies not coming from Africa?” No satisfying answer was forthcoming from the expert from California. While the largest private employer in Rochester NY is URMC, ironically, it is dependent on the black community to staff and operate its facilities 24 x 7 x 365.  The residents living in the home of Fredrick Douglass has heard and seen it all.  The black church, failing inner city public schools, crime in the neighborhoods, limited job opportunities in a street environment rife with petty and organized crime, substance abuse, abandoned property.  High taxes, political patronage, and union restrictions are long standing facts of life that colors much of the black perspective.

** Coal: 

*** RIT CMIS :  Manufacturing technology institute funded by the Federal Government, the state of New York, and private industry.

Main:

:  A new black Superintendent of Public Schools, a new black Governor, and a new black President will not qwell “prophetic” rhetoric from the pulpit, balance the state budget, or eliminate a 200 year old backlog of white guilt.  Barak Obama may be perfect poetic fusion messenger to the new generation of American voters, but he can not govern well or effectively , if he is viewed as pandering to the rapidly fading black leadership elites and their supporters-- and they know who they are.

::  Coal production and export report from the nytimes..

:::  CIMS is the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies on the RIT campus in Rochester, NY.

Today a OLLI tour group got a dose of sustainability, a lesson in manufacturing, and a perspective on a post Kodak western upstate NY economy. Locally, part of
the manufacturing view of green sustainability is part rehabilitation and waste management.  Quality control , systems management of the product cycle, and energy efficiency is part of the package.  One demonstration bay had a half million dollar articulated arm laser surface scanner for image input for product design.

Most of the projects are small simulations and tests of critical mechanical parts like aircraft hydolic systems and gearboxes. 

More:

Footnotes:

[ Monday, March 17, 2008 05:15 ]

Legacy Journal: Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Go Green

Section:

None

Summary:

On St. Patrick’s Day in Rochester, N.Y. all is well.

image

* The temperature is 20, the sun is out, and the streets are dry.

* The green wearing school kids on the corner have mounted the steps of the yellow bus and are launched for the day.

* The green and yellow Ducks of Oregon are off to Little Rock as a #9 seed and the NCAA Men’s BB Tournament.

* The Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN follows the Democrats in Denver, CO .  Is that live home field advantage in baseball?

Main:

# The climate good news is that no warming is in sight.  Snow is reported in the hills of San Diego. CA, and the Oceans continue to buffer their pH in the historic 7.8- 8.4 range , reliably pump and sequester carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonates into the pelagic deep.  One source on the science is AP 2001, Vol 1, Encyclopedia of Ocean Science, Carbon Cycle, pp 390, By Carlson, of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Ocean science seems to be the forgotten man in the AGW game on that the serious ocean scientists are beginning to weigh in on pH stabiliity, temperature consistency, and corral health.

## The greening of the Summit Dr.spring garden near Highland Park has started with a well lighted, home made, basement seed nursery of flowers, vegetables, and herbs .

### The Ducks are the # 6 team in the Pac-10. A very good ASU team was left at home.  All the best to Ernie Kent and the loyal Duck fans. Do not forget to bring your A game with a first half offense, and a second half defense.

#### The Democrats including the Super Delegates are concerned about the unhealthy spectacle of an international spotlight on a Delegate credentials fight in Denver in late August as the Bejing Summer Olympics are having their closing Ceremony. The Republics will mounting the pulpit in St. Paul in early September with a forum to launch their National
Campaign. 

Meanwhile, the migratory birds from the south are starting to show up in Rochester at about the expected time according the local birds watchers and counters. 

More:

Footnotes:

[ Friday, February 01, 2008 12:19 ]

Legacy Journal: Final Friday: Sure Things for 2008

Section:

FrontPage

Summary:

* Super Bowl Sunday means Buffalo Wing sales will soar in Rochester, New York.

* The country is experiencing widespread freezing weather in the heartland, record precipitation in the west, chilly nights in the a hurricane free season in the Gulf, and a near absence of voter, media candidate concern about AGW. Will there be an Al Gore spot ad in Super Sunday? Not likely. The issue is down around # 16th on the priority list.

* The rate of growth of the $14.6 trillion GDP is slowing. But, employers are competing for reliable employees with the necessary personal qualities, technical skills, and experience. The real story of the American story is told by those in line on the outside seeking an personal or family chance at a once in a lifetime opportunity than many US citizens take for granted. Immigration demographics are increasing, not decreasing.

* Voters for the national ticket in November may have Democrat bonus choice: Three for the price of One. Come on down.

* Expect a high gloss, high cost, high profile TV and endorsement blitz and buzz for the next ten daze. The haze of campaign may be the next step in the degradation of the environment by noise pollution and jet contrails.

*

Main:

:  Medical Care costs about 16% of the GDP or over $2 trillion. Some what a federally funded Universal Medical System at a matter of “Right” based on the British National Health Service.  On the other hand, the American system is also fueling research, expansion of hospital beds, capital investment and a talent magnet in the service sector of the economy.  Media advertising , Big Pharma profits , Medical Foundation non profit trust funds, and executive compensation also seem to have benefited.

::  Hillary Rodham Clinton is long off her Saul Alinski and Wal- Mart SOAP box gigs. She has now gone national with her campaign.  Her organizing network in upstate New York is impressive, her hold in California is formidable, and she is portrayed as respected in Arkansas.

:::  Meanwhile, everybody over the age of 30 who make their living off the little screen is trembling before the HD switch over.  The darn thing shows wrinkles after all.

::::  Fast fact checkers and caught on tape moments will continue to fuel the cheap instant analysis part of covering the campaign.

More:

Footnotes:

[ Sunday, January 20, 2008 14:59 ]

Legacy Journal: Going Green on Sunday TV:  Melting Ice, Football , and Primary Coverage

Section:

TV

Summary:

* On this Football Sunday, two NYC heavy weights , CBS and the NYTimes are on the same page. Both are rerunning that old green melting ice story yet again. Are the 60 Minutes writers on strike?  Perhaps the nytimes editorial staff are visiting a handy hideout this weekend.

** During the Sunday prime time viewing slot, New Yorkers will be joining the rest of the country to watch the surprising Giants play a night game against the Packers in Green Bay. Burr.

*** Are the Sunday morning Political News folks missing something or do they really like traveling and reporting twice from South Carolina to cover the separate party primaries. It must be a way of priming the pump of the local travel and hospitality services. Meanwhile, who is covering events in Europe this week?  The Secretary of State of off to annual Davos economic meeting in Switzerland. She is also doing some Brussels business.

We also note that the 2009 US Presidential inauguration is exactly one year away. 

Main:

:  CBS Sunday Morning is looking long in the tooth. Aging rocker and former drug user David Crosby is not the picture of good health since his liver transplant, even against the scenic backdrop of his California vineyards and leisurely sailing the Pacific Ocean.

::  The temperature today in Rochester peaked at 19 degrees.

:::  Economics, Business and Trade are being to move front and center in local and regional discussions.  The Governor of New York has visited upstate New York to deliver a regional economic state of the state address in Buffalo, which has the highest unemployment rate among the 10 leading jobs reporting regions in the state. Westchester county in down state NY fairs best at 3.3%

More:

Footnotes:

[ Saturday, December 29, 2007 07:58 ]

Legacy Journal: Year End Clear Winners.

Section:

Almanac

Summary:

* In Random Order, here is a personal Thank Your list of 2007 winners. 

Main:

: David Brooks, Op-Ed Columnist for the nytimes. Best Advice: “Interview three people every day.” Solid writing, grounded, funny, and smart. A pleasure to read and watch as a regular panelist participant on the Friday edition of the PBS Lehrer News Hour and even ABC News on Sunday mornings..

:  The August 7th picture perfect Carmel, CA wedding of Damon Fisk and Rebecca Welch at the Mission Ranch.  Great timing. Good going. An outstanding all family happening.  Thanks for the memory treasure chest photo album.

:  The summer relocation of the California Littles to The City of Rochester,NY and the town of Brighton. Jon, Erika, Emma and Tessa have been the perfect host and hostesses for a parade of visitors from across the U.S.  MCC and URMC have also benefited from their work.  Christmas in western upstate New York has been part of a special holiday season.

:  A cross country road trip thru the Heartland of the Country was a 2007 highlight. the Ruby Mountains of NE Nevada, the upper Salmon River of Idaho, the Grande Teton and Yellowstone NPs of Wyoming, Paradise Valley and Cisco in Montana, the Bad Lands Lakota Buffalo Grass Lands country out of Rapid City, Sturgis, and Wells South Dakota, Egan, MN Park and Skating Rink, the Minnesota-Wisconsin Interstate Park along the St. Croix River Dalles , the DePaul University district of Chicago and Niagara Falls were all new territory for this traveler.

More than three “locals” were interviewed a each stop. Their stories added rich context to the experience.  I thank them all from the local journalist, historian, and fellow hospital breakfast clubber in St Croix, Wisconsin along the National Ice Age Trail to the weather aged and well preserved ranch woman, Mrs Cuny at the end of dusty road in one the most remote table islands in of the Bad Lands Lakata Sioux Reservation of Pine Ridge, the former home of Chief Red Cloud and U.S.M.C.Olympian, Billy Mills. 

:  Thanks to the great community of Davis, CA , the Davis Senior Center Staff, DAM swimming club, and UCDavis for first rate programs that support senior fitness. The Aggies MBB vs UCLA at Pauley/Wooden Arena this weekend. You must be kidding.

: Thanks to the Raleigh Bike Company of England and the UCDavis Aggie Bike Barn for my restored machine. It is fast, light, safe, comfortable, fun and even tracks well in the new snow.  It is also fuel efficient and relatively nonpolluting.  BTW, wow many of 15,000 in the Climate Brigade who jetted to and from Bali, Indonesia for the recent UN IPCC tribal gathering and pep rally use a bike daily for personal transportation or pleasure?

: Thanks for JCC. It is a welcoming and healthy bit of Brighton and Rochester Jewish life and culture.

:  Thanks to George Eastman and the Kodak Company.  Rochester institutions and Hollywood are not their only legacies.

: Thanks to Wegman’s. A great place to refuel.  Supermarkets will never the same. 

:  Thanks to all that made holiday music.  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra with Sissel on PBS was especially fine.

: Thanks to many friends, family and neighbors along the trail.  2007 has been a memorable ride.  BTW, the Internet techies at Sonic, Expression Engine, URMC , JCC, and the Brighton Senior Center continue to impress.  Apple, Google, and open source applications continue to Rock and Rule as part of the exclusive PMASS Club .

Finally, one has the sense that the anti-natalist views of the eco Malthusians fear promoters are wearing thin.  Prof David Pimental, a bug guy who bio morphed into a global guru at Cornell Ag, the politically active Directors and executives of the Sierra Club, and the carbon climate crowd have tried to temper their message.  But, bottom line, it is still old wine, new label. “More people means Disaster” is the staple standard; “Carbon is Poison” is on the label, even the Champagne.  So, the sober message for the Holidays if you must drink to enjoy yourself, be responsible and please, do not drive.  Brake for Bikers.  To have a really Happy 2008, make a baby, but do not mix up the bottles.

Q: What is more dangerous, birthing a baby, performing your own appendectomy, believing that mankind can override Nature and control the enormous forces that drive what we call Climate, serving with the military in Iraq, living in Richmond, California, or driving a vehicle under the influence of drug or alcohol several times a month?  Think about it.

BTW, some are still worried because during the summer of 2005 , the Arctic Ocean ice pack was down to a meager 1,500,000 square miles, ten times the area of California. The good new for the concerned is that as of 29 December, 2007, it is really cold and really dark in that Polar region as ice is rapidly being reformed. Because of the polar winter blackout, photos are not available.  But, alcohol abuse remains real, reoccurring , and year around problem among the native population.

More:

Footnotes:


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