Overland's Possum Community Rejoices on News of Breakthrough.

In a finding that could help treat an inherited form of baldness, a research team in Manchester claims to have discovered a protein "code" that instructs cells to sprout hair.

By sending the code to more cells than usual, the scientists at the University of Manchester say they were able to breed mice with more fur -- a feat that could potentially be replicated in humans.

"During human development, skin cells have the ability to turn into other types of cells to form hair follicles, sweat glands, teeth and nails," explained Denis Headon, who led the research.

"Which cells are transformed into hair follicles is determined by three proteins that are produced by our genes," he said.

"Our research has identified how one of these proteins working outside of the cell interacts at a molecular level to determine an individual's hair pattern as the embryonic skin spatially organises itself."

The research was targeted at helping people with ectodermal dysplasia, an inherited condition that is characterised by the abnormal development of hair, skin, nails, teeth and sweat glands.

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There is hope for you yet Coach Blowensme. You can now begin planning for a peaceful transition back to human hair.

Suzy and The Sunshine Law

Sit down children. Miss Jackson's lesson today covers the basics of Missouri Sunshine Law. It has been reported that some of you have major misunderstandings of how this law actually works. I hope you haven’t been listening to those ORTians who will completely and intentionally mislead you.

RSMO Section 610 is the pertinent section of Missiour State Statutes that covers these laws. It encompasses more than open meetings, which has been the subject of recent lawsuits, but also other governmental information and records. The point behind the law is that it is your government and you have the right and privilege to know just about everything on how your government operates.
The law sets out the specific instances when a meeting, record or vote may be closed. It also stipulates that when in doubt, these sections of the law should be “liberally construed and their exceptions strictly construed to promote this public policy” (Section 610.011)

Class, here are the most important issues you should know about Missouri’s Sunshine Law:

1. When in doubt, a meeting or record of a public body should be opened to the public.
2. The Sunshine Law applies to all records, regardless of what form they are kept in, and to all meetings, regardless of the manner in which they are held.
3. The Sunshine Law allows a public body to close meetings and records to the public in some limited circumstances, but it almost never requires a public body to do so.
4. A public body generally must give at least 24 hours' public notice before holding a meeting. If the meeting will be closed to the public, the notice must state the specific provision of the law that allows the meeting to be closed.
5. Each public body must have a written Sunshine Law policy and a custodian of records whose name is available to the public upon request.
6. The Sunshine Law requires a custodian of records to respond to a records request as soon as possible but no later than three business days after the custodian receives it.
7. The Sunshine Law deals with whether a public body's records must be open to the public, but it generally does not state what records the body must keep or for how long. A body cannot, however, avoid a records request by destroying records after it receives a request for those records.
8. The Sunshine Law requires a public body to grant access to open records it already has, but it does not require a public body to create new records in response to a request for information.
9. When responding to a request for copies of its records, the Sunshine Law limits how much a public body can charge for copying and research costs.
10. There are special laws and rules that govern access to law enforcement and judicial records.

Does the class have any questions?

What’s that Mikey? You say Courtney told you that there was a violation of Sunshine Law by revealing information? Well, Mikey, such foolish statements go against the nature of the Sunshine Law. Basically it is “Sun Shine” as in letting the light flow over governmental proceedings. It is about open government, not about closed meetings. In addition, nowhere in the open meetings law does it provide for any penalty that may be assessed against a member of a public body for disclosing closed meeting infomation. Thus, it is never a violation to release information, just to withhold information.

Yes, Cindy? What about the police officers? Well, that suit was public information and even on broadcast news before I brought it up before the class. Thus, it is not even a privacy violation since court records are public. In addition, employee information such as rank, salary, and dates of employment are also public information.

Okay, one last question. Tommy? What is that? You heard about a lunch meeting between the budget committee, the mayor and a trash company that was not reported as a regular meeting? Yes, Tommy, that is covered under the Sunshine Law. A public meeting is any meeting of a public governmental body where public business is discussed, decided or public policy is formulated (Section 610.010(5). Public business is defined in Section 610.010(3) as all matters that relate in any way to the performance of the public governmental body's functions or the conduct of its business.
A court case related to this matter is The Kansas City Star v. Shields, 771 S.W.2d 101 (Mo. App. W.D. 1989). That case was about how the chairman and two members of the City Council Finance Committee of Kansas City, the city manager and the city budget director held a luncheon meeting without notice in a private dining room of a Kansas City restaurant. The following day, the committee unanimously adopted a budget agreement. This meeting, where public business was discussed, constituted a public meeting and notice should have been posted (See Attorney General's Opinion No. 10-75.) and recordings of these proceedings should be made available to the public.


Today’s assignments:
1. Read the following blog and find references to cases that are similar to issues in Overland. This is a wonderful blog from a KC lawyer who deals with Sunshine issues in the state of Missouri

2. Think about public governmental information that you would like access. Tomorrow we will start to finalize our own FOIA requests. Please begin a rough draft. You will find necessary guidelines here.


Important links for follow-up and sources of information for this lesson:
The Attorney General’s Open Government Page
The Attorney General’s Sunshine Law Page

Remember our class motto: A well-educated citizen is our best citizen.

The Mayor tries to Clarify

This morning, there is an update on the Mayor's webiste. It appears she is trying to undo some of the negative news coverage she has been receiving this week.

Some fun highlights include:

“We have great respect for the judge [Sherry] and respectfully abide her wishes in this matter.”
If this is the case, why did you tell news reporters that the judge was wrong in her ruling and made incorrect statements in her decision?

"You may not know as it has not been reported, but these legal actions as filed against the City of Overland have broad legal ramifications for each and every community in the State of Missouri
as well as the very application of the Sunshine Laws which are so important to good government."

Well, we couldn't agree with this statement more. The six citizens who have had to sue the city on these matters are sending a strong message to other cities not to try the same hijinx that The Queen is trying to pull. However, I am not sure that these are the ramifications that The Queen had in mind. I am waiting on the edge of my seat for further clarification.

If she is truly trying to improve her image and receive more positive press (other than that of faux-mayor Owensby), I might suggest she try the tactic of doing the right thing instead of dragging the city into court a few times a month.

The Hits Just Keep on Comin'!

Remember the four police officer who were promoted, then The Queen changes her mind and illegally demotes them? This, after they have received at least one paycheck at the new promotion-based rate.

Well, these four officers are now joining the proud ranks of the "Take Ann to Court" brigade. And rightly so.

The result will be that the officers will win and not only given DOUBLE their back pay but have their lawyer's fees paid (as citizens we can only hope they are sharing a lawyer). I am sure the amount the four are due is miniscule compared to the court costs and lawyers fees the taxpayers will be facing.

Once again, the only way to get The Queen to do the right thing is via the court system.

The cumulative price of getting Purzner to do the right thing

Do you ever wonder what is the price of getting The Queen to do the right thing? What are the total legal bills we have accumulated since she has taken office (or taken over)?

Today on the 5 PM news on Channel 4, there was a teaser for the 10 PM news. Tonight they will have a story on the total costs of the multitude of court cases.

Tune in.

I am not at liberty to post right now.

I enjoyed this posting from the "other side" so much I have created a new category.

Ladies, Gentlemen, Sweaty Pickle, Amuzing gORT I give you the all new....

POST OF THE WEEKEND

EJ "Lucky" Cantrell said...

I have been out for a while visiting some of my old colleagues here in the everafter: Chief Poelker, Mr. Brooks, Billy Hamilton, Mayor Purz..... whoops...... she is still alive, its just her politcal career and credibility that are dead. In any event, during my haiatus, I have been reading the posts so I thought I should offer some insight from above.

First, as Ghost of Norm knows, I do not read the other site. I have gone there twice. Frankly, I find the contributors there to be unimaginitive, dim and intellectually... well you know what I mean. I should have stopped at "dim". My thought, therefore, are based solely on this site and you good people.

Second, a point of clarification. McWilliams works for an independent insurance agency an not for AIG. AIG is a large, international insurer. They were implicated by Elliot Spitzer in a fraudulent commission scheme but it was not kickback related. AIG has distanced themsleves from McWilliams and his proclivity for children which is more than can be said for Mayor Con and her bunch.

Next, Bride of Blowensme and Dill Doe's calculating assless chairs to square foot ratios does not evidence make. Imagine this exchange:

Rudman: So, are these pictures of assless chairs at the community center?

Witness: Yes, they appear to be.

Rudman: So, wouldn't you say that these assless chairs are irrefutable proof that the meetings should be held at City Hall? (Note to reader, I am taking a certain poetic license here, "irrefutable" being multisylabic, is not likely a word that Ruddy would be using)

Witness: Well not exactly. Most of those chairs had asses in them during the meeting. In fact, I see many of those asses right here in the courtroom.

Rudman: Then, if your so smart, how would we know how many asses were actually there if these pictures are so meaningless?

Witness: We actually counted how many people came in the door.

Rudman: Oh... Your witness Beavis.

Speaking of Mr. Shock, he is no great lawy.......... his name is "Beavis", enough said. Truth of the matter is that Herm is probably the only lawyer in the room (save the judge) that passed the bar on the first try.

Next, there is no change of venue available in a Sunshine Law case. Litigants are entitled to one change of judge as a matter of right but jurisdiction and venue are both proper in St. Louis County. Wonder why?

The only other venue that may be proper would be Cole County. Could you even imagine Rudman and his Flying Circus on the road in Cole County.... Wow.

In closing, this case is ridiculous and the mere defense of the case by Mayor Con should be an impeachable offense. The fees in this case will be large. All for what? To decide where to hold a meeting! By the way, this is not over. The FIRST hearing was for the TRO. This SECOND hearing is for the Preliminary Injunction. The case now heads to trial. There will plenty of motions, discovery etc that must take place before the trial on the Permanent Injunction. This will last forever.

The judge refusing to dissolve the TRO while the Preliminary Injunction is under advisement is telling. Con has lost again.

One last thing, maybe the fact that this will now head to the Permanent Injunction process is a good thing. Think of this. Discovery will now be available to Herm. This means that he can depose the Mayor, Dill Doe, Blowensme, Bride of Blowensme, K-mode, etc. He can also request documents (emails, cell phone records, hard drives etc). This could yield great information and Herm is just the man to do it.

I will be back in touch.

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A special reminder for any resident planning to attend the next meeting. Which I think is tomorrow or whenever dingbat decides to grab the gavel.

Be sure to wear clothing that accentuates your buttocks, caboose, trunk, onion, rump, cheeks and/or more popularly known as your ass.

Sweaty Pickle will be keeping a list and checking it twice; she is going to find out who's Ass is naughty or who's Ass is nice.

She will probably be snapping off a few candid-action shots also. I have heard she is putting together a calendar to be sold locally with all proceeds going to the Overland Emergency Pizza Fund.

Donna Dill presents her 2007 Asses of Overland Calendar and Day Planner. Available at local news-stands near you.

Let 'em Eat Cake!

I checked on the rumor about resident comments. It appears to be true. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be anything in the Sunshine Law statutes that states that residents should be allowed to address their elected representation. Our solution will be to call our council members (contact information available on the city’s website ) and encourage them to override this decision. It should only take a majority of the council to allow residents’ comments. Or course, that debate will probably take 30 minutes—time that should have been appropriated to resident comments.

In addition, urge them to not place a limit on how many people can speak. While the 3-minute rule is acceptable, it is completely unacceptable to deny some their right to address the council while allowing others. This falls under the same reasoning as moving the meeting. In that case, it was reasonable to state that the right to attend the meeting shouldn’t be granted to the first 160 folks that show up. The same should hold true with addressing the council.

The subject of residents’ comments had me thinking. Just last year, the cc had debated this subject. Who was the loudest? Why it was Purzner and Knode! Where is their outrage now?

Here is a synopsis:

At the March 14, 2005 meeting Purzner was very vocal in regards to resident comments. She put forth a resolution (that lost) to begin to air the resident comments again during the cc broadcasts on Thursday nights.

From a March 17, 2005 article in the North Post:

In response, Purzner said, "I don't think televising public comments would be detrimental. I think the people should be heard. When people have comments, they should be (shown on TV)." Purzner also said that if public comments were aired on cable, more residents would likely attend and comment during meetings.

At the May 9, 2005 meeting the issue was brought up again and this time, with a new council, it passed.

Here are excerpts from a May 12, 2005 article in the North Post:

A newly elected councilman, Richard Knode, 1st Ward, made the motion to expand the televised portion of the meetings to include resident comments. "It's time to start giving back," he said. "One of the main issues during my campaign brought to my attention over and over again was why the resident comments were not televised. I really didn't have a good answer for them. People should have the right to say what they want to say. It's called freedom of speech."

It’s amazing the difference a year makes. Or is that pro-ORT speech has more freedom than that of those opposed to the ORT?

Justification or Just BS?

For those who haven't seen it yet, the mayor has a new message on her website. In this week's epistle, the mayor attempts to justify her pending legal woes and subsequent bills that she will be forcing upon the city. She readily admits that she could not do the right thing on her own, but must wait until "the court gave an order on this matter."

She backs up her actions by quoting section 110.150 of the city's ordinances (aka meetings held in city hall) and that she took an oath to "abide by this ordinance." Note the clever use of the word this.

She ignores the existense, and thus enforcement, of ordinance 140.090 that has language that mirrors Missouri's Sunshine Law in regards to size of meeting location to be sufficient to hold the expected audience.

It seems that when you have conflicting laws you would err on the side of citizen participation and rights. In addition, when your laws conflict with state statute, state laws trumps city ordinance.

Again, she excuses her actions by saying she didn't have the power to move the meetings. She states that if she had moved the meetings that she would have "deprived the Council of its legislative duties and overstepped my authority." Explain that when the council passed resolutions to change the venue (7/10 meeting), you vetoed such a measure (8/14 meeting). How does that enable the Council to perform its legislative duties? How does that enable the city to stay out of court? And since when have you been afraid to overstep your authority?

Comment of the Week winner for the week ending 8/25/2006

I know it's early on Friday and y'all thought you had a few more hours to get in your entries. However, it is one of the last weekends of the summer and I needed to make sure I got this posted before I moved on to other things.

Boy, the dead seem to be a bit more creative than us living folks. Congrats to Ghost of Norman Meyers for the mother of all comments that must have hit the ORT like the aforementioned tsunami.

ghost of norman meyers said...
Thirty Years in the Hole! Thirty Years in the Hole! Oh, in the immortal lyrics of Humble Pie, what Joe King and the Pedophile Insurance Agent wouldn’t give for just 30 DAYS in the hole? CAN YOU SAY PLEA BARGAIN?

Lucky and I have been out floating around again. This time our spirits decided we’d pay a visit down to the Federal Court House. Good thing Lucky knows his way around the courts.

Our first stop was to float around Katherine Hanaway’s office. You know, the role of women sure has changed since we were in Government. One thing’s for sure, ethical politicians loathe corrupt politicians after all when politicians fall from grace it makes them all look bad. That is why District Attorney's who still have aspirations for political office seize on opportunites to bust bad government practices wide open it makes them look good. Case in point have you noticed how Katie’s office has recently been on a roll attacking corruption in government? Recently numerous indictments of politicians and government workers have come to light. With Katie at the helm of the U.S. District Attorney Office for Eastern Missouri political corruption and officials who are breaking the law beware she's got your number. If all goes well, the ORT’s Master Plan for “Reinventing” Overland Government might have just come to an abrupt halt. This circle may just be about to break.

Here’s our opinion based on the advice from the little green man in our head ….paranoia self destroyer. It has to do with human nature and what happens to a person when he realizes that he’s going to be convicted and sent to federal prison for a very long time.

Hence, the insurance agent McWillaims, who Knode, Sellers, Owensby and Purzner were illegally meeting with and violating sunshine laws at the behest of Skidmark, is in very, very big trouble with the Feds. FYI, Markie Mark brought McWilliams into St. Charles as their insurance agent suppose he got a kickback? We all know McWilliams is the guy who had his computer confiscated in April of this year and was indicted for child porn.

To make matters even better Owensbey, Purzner, and Knode admitted in a public budget meeting that they had met with McWilliams throughout the summer.

McWilliams has a past as they all do. McWillaims was charged a few years ago with with a sexual crime and is considered a sexual predator and with the consequences of the Child Pornography Act of 1996, it just doesn’t bode very well for people of his likes especially within the inmate population of the federal prison system. If convicted, he could spend perhaps 15 to 30 years with no parole.

Just guessing Skidmark’s friend is very fearful of spending 30 years of long nights role playing disturbing scenes from the movie Deliverance. Thirty years in the hole is a lot worse than 15 years with no commercials. It would not surprise these friendly ghosts that the Child Pornographer is going down and probably in more ways than one. It is our Ghostly opinion he’ll be trying to cop immunity on the Berkeley score and he’ll be spilling all of his beans which lead us to Joe King and Joe will lead us to St. Charles and Mark Brown and perhaps the entire ORT.

After leaving Federal Court # 1 we floated over to Federal Court # 2 because it was that type of day, a day where you could kill two birds with one stone. Now of course it comes as no surprise to those of us who delve into the paranormal or more appropriately, absolutely abnormal, that Joe King, the indicted City Manager of Berkeley, is old pals of Markie Mark and Matt McWilliams. Hell, Joe and Markie Brown go on vacation together. Amazingly, Joe King is old pals with the Pozer, and Sweaty Pickles, too but that's another story worth its own post.
Our guess is Joe King is a dummy but even dummies know when they’ve been had.

Speculation could be opinion; but what do you want to bet that Joey just like Matt McWilliams is also coping a plea bargain. Let the chips fall where they may. We’ve already seen Matt McWilliams roll and now its time for Joe King to roll over too. Our guess Markie and perhaps others are sweating pickles. What do you wanna bet that this investigation leads directly back to St. Charles and perhaps even little old Overland? Oh, and is there a Karam connection too? Ready Set Game On!

A rising tide lifts all boats the ORT just got hit with the mother of all Tsumanis.

As the Court Room Turns

For those who haven't heard from the local grapevine or today's Post-Dispatch story, the preliminary hearing was won by those suing the mayor. Overland Sailor has a detailed account of what happened during Wednesday's proceedings.

It is new heights of disingenous behavior when the mayor's defense is that only the council can change where the meetings are held. This, after she vetoed such a council resolution at the August 14 meeting! Perhaps she is just opening up the door to sue Owensby, Knode and Sellers who voted against the resolution to move the meetings? Either way, it looks as if the Queen does not have much of leg to stand on.

Day 5: Owensby, Knode, Sellers, Amuzing gOrt, Donna Dill and Ann Purzner Support Corruption and Child Pornagraphy

Another day passes, yet no word from the above mentioned in regard to their business relationships with "alleged" child pornographer Matt McWilliams.

I can't possible find reason why a Seventh Day Adventist would believe conducting business with a corrupt child pornagrapher would be within S.A.D. theology. I can't imaging earning your "dirt nap" while supporting pedophiles, but I also do not know the nuances of their S.A.D. doctrine.

Anyhow, corrupt City Manager and personal friend of both child pornagrapher Matt Williams and Mayor Ann Purzner, pleaded not-guilty to Federal corruption charges. What does it all mean?

Doesn't appear that the ORT goto guy Joe King is turning on his corrupt political friends. Or, could it be that Joe King has not been offered a sentence recommendation in return for guilty plea and his testimony?

I can't vouche for the character of a pedophile like Donna Dill and Ann Purzner do, but maybe Mr. McWilliams is "singing like a canary" (or castrate) and has been offered a deal. You would think that Purzner's favorite pedophile would have the "goods" on King and possibly King's patron Mark Brown. Especially considering that the Feds have had McWilliams' computer for several months. If he kept his collection of child pornography on his lap top, seems reasonable to think he stored other records on the machine. Probably some legal. Probably some not.

It relates to Overland because if McWilliams is not incarcerated he would be available to work directly for Dill, Purzner and gORT at City Hall. Or even more inappropriately, Mayor Purzner and Dill may have already promised their favorite pedophile and close confidant McWilliams a position managing the renovated Legion Pool.

Boy, I knew Purzner and the Carpet Bagging City Ass Accountant Donna Dill would bring corruption and basic mismanagement to our City, but I never ever thought or expected that Purzner and Dill would bring child pornograpy through attempting to hire a pedophile into our City. Wonders never cease.

What is next, from Dill and Purzner, an international prostitution ring?

(Oh by the way, Ann Lost, again which would bring her recored to one win and eleven loses.)

Birds of a Feather Web Surf Together

I was watching the evening news when I noticed a story stating that the State of Missouri's insurance regulatory board has launch a formal investigation into Mayor Ann Purzner, Sweaty Pickle, Coach Blowensme, The Amuzing gORT, Dick Kmode and Downstown Brown’s preferred, chosen, endorsed, promoted, deeply related insurance carrier. I believe their agents name is a Mr. Mcwilliams. He is being investigated for bribing municipal officials (which if you haven’t noticed Mayor Con, Coach Blowensme and Dick Kmode are also municipal officials) to the tune of $25,000.00.

But that is not all. Here is the kicker. Sweaty Pickle and Amuzing gORT’s preferred insurance carrier is, get this, a purveyor of CHILD INTERNET PORNAGRAPHY. No kidding. A pedophile. And they can't bring themselves to end their association with these folks. How for will Amuzing gORT and Sweaty Pickle go to protect Mayor Con? Supporting child pornagraphy would be setting the bar pretty high.

I can’t imagine a circumstance whereby I would continue business relationships with an insurance company that features bribery and pedophilia. But, I am not a member of the ORT like the Amuzing gORT and her carpet bagging, picture taking, ass counting and all time greatest shill.. Donna Dills.

The Following is Redundent but Somethings Worth Repeating.

Wouldn't an ethical public official such as like a Mayor stop doing business with an insurance company that has been implicated in a municipal bid rigging kick-back scheme? Seems like a natural.

You would not want to associate or promote a company that rips-off municipal governments. Would you?

I would want to avoid even the appearance of corruption in my administration by not conducting business with any firm currently involved in a Federal criminal trial for an illegal kick-back scheme.

Regardless of the particulars involved in the Berkley case, I would begin to terminate contract with the criminal insurance carrier immediately. They would never be welcome to do business with my administration.

But that is one of the many points where I differ with Mayor Con.

I would have pulled the plug on the firm after learning they employ pedophiles. According to the FBI that is. I would stop promoting the firm at least until the FBI gives my agent and pedophile his computer back.

Mayor Con is the forgiving kind, it is her nature.
___________________________________________________________________
Ok here is your real chance to shine gORT and you too Sweaty.

I will give you a chance to win your freedom.

You know in certain terms that Mayor Purzner is attempting to conduct City business with an insurance company (Associated Insurance Group) that employs pedophiles, rips-off municipal governments as well as employs people willing to bribe municipal officials over multiple years.

You know these facts to be true.

If you deny or ignore the facts I will naturally conclude that, "if it walks like an ORT and lies like an ORT then it is an ORT."

Here it is gORT and Sweaty, I will pledge to not comment on your posting under any persona if you will denounce Mayor Purzer's insistance on conducting City business with said corrupt insurance company. And you will not support Ann Purzner until she begins conducting City business with honest, ethical and visible firms.

Both of you must do this in a straight forward and public way and stick to it. If you violate your denounciation without Mayor Purzner ending her business relationship with Associated Insurance Group, I will have determined this agreement void and will resume offensive manuevers.

You got it.

If you are a "call em as you see em" citizen as you claim, I don't see how denouncing business relationships between the Mayor and pedophilia and fraud supporting insurance company would be very difficult.

But, Different Strokes for Different Folks…….

Coach Blowensme Admits to Lying to Citizens and Impersonating Mayor

Heres an update for Monday, 8/21/06.

Donna Dill, Ken Owensby, and Chief Herren testified on Monday.

During Councilman Coach Blowensme's testimoney, he admitted under
oath to being a liar and impersonating the mayor by sending an e-mail titled
"by order of the Mayor" although he is not the Mayor

Coach Kenny "pants on fire" Blowensme admitted under oath that Mayor Con had no
knowledge of the e-mail in which the Coach impersonates the Mayor.

We here on the editorial board are somewhat puzzled on why Mayror Con would have
the Queen of Carpet Bagging testify on her behalf.  Exactly what in her elder-care,
concession stand background makes her an expert on anything
but bed-pans and bomb pops?

The trial resumes testimony today at 12:30 pm.  BEEEEEEEEEEE THHHHHEEEEEERRRRRRREEEE!

A Few Thoughts From the Overland Chat Impartial Administrator

The OverlandChat Administer Says:

"I know it is hard for you to have to deal with such low life little f&&ks such as what are on the other sites.But understand this, you are above the bull crap that they put out.

See they want to say crap about you and i and so they will and you know what they are the ones that look like shit and smell like shit and spread shit around and feel like shit . WHY is that, BECAUSE THEY ARE SHIT and someone forgot to flush .

Don't let the shit get to you .You are above that shit cut that shit off and get rid of that shit and smile because it makes people wounder what the shit is up. We know that you are better then that shit on the other sites . We love you just the way you are and don't you change for shit."


Calling Dr. Frued, Dr. Sigmund Frued. ...

Fifteen references to fecal matter. I wonder what is on his mind. Anyway, peer into the mind of an ORTIAN Master and her Padawan as they wrestle with the obvious fact that they support and actively work for the corrupt, dishonest and lawless.

Will the Circle be Unbroken?

All is quiet on the Western Front. The Western Front that is comprised of all of the mayor's supporters who don't quite live within the city limits. These carpet baggers, who encourage The Queen's shenanigans, have been quiet today.

One can assume that they were all tied up this afternoon in the city's Sunshine Law hearings. And who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon listening to Doug Rudman (The Queen's procurator, err lawyer) cross examine witnesses with pointless questions such as "at what time did you sign this piece of paper" and "how many chucks would a woodchuck chuck, if that woodchuck could chuck wood"?

But, imagine their fright upon leaving the hearing and finding out that their good friend Joe King is in the clink! Who has time to post when you are trying to organize a "Get Outta Jail Joe" party at the Mandarin House? (All proceeds to go toward bail bond for Mr. King)

And if only our resident ghosts, Lucky and Norm, could float over such a shindig at the Queen's dining hall (aka Mandarin House). What would they see? Will they see the links that tie the corruption in Berkeley, St Charles and our beloved Overland? And how does an insurance agent become the common criminal element among the trio?

Will folks like Mark Brown, Ann Purzner, and Donna Dill abandon their good friend Joe King to separate themselves from controversy? I think not. I see them supporting their buddy and making their usual excuses. I mean, everyone has the right to "bad advice," right?

I think if we could be a fly on the wall at that party, we would see quite an interesting weave of local politicos, public servants, provocateurs and pedophiles. So interwoven, that the circle cannot be easily unbroken.

Comment of the Week winner

I knew this was a winner when I first stubbled, err, stumbled across it (sorry, stubble on the brain today). Congrats to Forty-Six and 2 for his post of the week winner:

Forty-Six & 2 said...

You are right about Mayor Con and her previous engagement. Her decision has nothing to do with her fear of appearing in public, all the jeering and all. I forgot about Dirt Cheap's Annual End of Summer Smoke-Off is the same weekend as the fair. It wouldn't be a fag lovers fantasy without Mayor Con in the competition. Quite a stalwart that great Con. You can find her practicing at a dumpster or backdoor entrance near you almost year round. Puff Puff cheap cheap puff puff fun fun.. The Mayor is deeply committed to getting her lips on the butt end of tightly wound flaming fag and sucking on it like there is no tomorrow. Perfect form, every year…

..I am not sure if Sweaty will be competing this year in the Dirt Cheap Smoke-Off, she will probably be Mayor Con's smoke caddy.

Whoo wee! We is getting us selves a cement pond!

If there is anything that folks like The Goat obsess on more than free trash, it is bringing back a swimmin’ hole for the kiddies. The mayor and the ORT dwell on these surface issues and ignore things like community safety, employee satisfaction, and city treasures like Wild Acres.

In her online message, the Queen stated that the budget “provided money for a feasibility study to completely restore Legion Pool. Mayor Ann Purzner spearheaded and was instrumental in bringing to fruition a $130,000 grant to help rebuild the pool and the rest will be taken out of the capital improvement fund. Legion Pool will be restored under this budget.”

Has taking money out of capital improvement fund (CIF) been approved? Or, is she just talking out of her ass?

If this is grant and CIF applicable, why isn’t the money for the feasibility study being taken out of the grant and/or CIF funds?

It seems to me that the mayor is saying that rebuilding the pool is feasible. This just leads me to wonder if a feasibility study is thus necessary.

Veto This!

During Monday's meeting, the mayor vetoed 4 resolutions from the July 10 meeting. All of her vetoes were very questionable and the first one was laughable.

Veto#1
The first veto message stated that the mayor was vetoing the resolution voted upon to move the meetings to the community center. This veto announcement almost had a surreal feeling because 1) it was announced at a city council meeting being held in the community center and 2) the pending lawsuit over her refusal to move the meetings voluntarily.
Like various other parts of the meeting it provided a good laugh and provoked commentary from the audience.

Vetoes#2-4
These three vetoes were all for resolutions calling for investigations into illegal and/or unethical activities related to the mayor. It included a veto on a resolution to investigate the Overland Watch, refusal to follow ordinances/statutes/laws, etc.


Question: Can one veto a measure that could directly affect themselves? Could Bill Clinton veto the legislation calling for Ken Starr?
Well, I guess the answer for the former question is yes, one can legally veto such a resolution. However, the real answer lies in the debate over whether one should actively participate (vote, veto) where there is an obvious conflict of interest.

An unhealhty obsession

I find it very interesting that theone of the peoplewho made the most noise about alleged stalking are now actually commiting acts that could be taken as stalking. DannyInspector has gone so far as to find an old picture of SuzyJax, digitized it and posted it on the Overlandchat website. Is this supposed to be subtle intimidation? A warning to Suzy that they know who she is? Get serious, she's never hid who she was. It's not like some of us who come on here under a pseudonym. She has stated her name and the ward she lives in. Then Danny logs on last night and makes comments about seeing Suzy at the city council meeting. While I can confirm that she was there I cannot confirm the color of pants she was wearing.
I did notice however that Danny didn't make good on his threat to use his favorite word directly to New Girl or Suzy. I was in the background and ready to drag him outside if he dared.
But I do feel that Danny's posting up of pictures and commenting on the wherabouts of people does fall into the obsessive if not criminal category.

muckraking and stupidity at its best

The ORt forces on the other site like to constantly trot out my line that this site is muckraking and stupidity at its best. They throw it around like it's some kind of insult. But we all know the truth. That in a situation like this sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. Since they banter the phrase around like it's an insult they must obviously not know the definition of the key word in the phrase. They hear muckraking and they assume that it is something bad. For a definitely smarter opinion on this then any of the ORt supporters have let's go to wikipedia:


muckraker is a journalist, author, photographer, or filmmaker who investigates and exposes issues of corruption that violate widely held values, such as political corruption, corporate crime, child labor, conditions in slums and prisons, unsanitary conditions in food processing plants, fraudulent claims by manufacturers of patent medicines, labor racketeering, and similar topics.

The term muckraker is most usually associated with a group of American investigative reporters, novelists and critics from the late 1800s to early 1900s, but also applies to contemporary persons who follow in the tradition of those from that period. See History of American newspapers for Muckrakers in the daily press.

Although the term muckraking might appear to have negative connotations, muckrakers have most often sought, in the past, to serve the public interest by uncovering crime, corruption, waste, fraud and abuse in both the public and private sectors. In the early 1900s, muckrakers shed light on such issues by writing books and articles for popular magazines and newspapers such as Cosmopolitan, The Independent, and McClure's.

So while they may think they are insulting all of us by calling us mackrakers I like to think of it as a compliment. Because all of us are authors and reporters investigating the corruption that is city hall.

Et Tu....Sweaty

I apologize for reappearing after such a public goodbye. But I cannot post content under the name "forty-six & two" as of yet. And with the current crush Sweaty and Goat have on me, I feel it was my duty for Gravy to return. Hopefully, I may return to my first love, mocking talk radio hosts, in short order. (If John Doe would switch my posting priveledges from Gravy to Forty-Six & Two, that would also complete Gravy's evolution into Fort-Six & Two.)

I would like to draw your attention to a congenital characteristic of the Sweaty Dumbling Gang ,including Mayor Con. As previously discussed, authoritarian traits have been identified through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies over the course of the past forty years. A dominate characteristic is that authoritarians do not lie, cheat and steal out of a sense of duty, but actually enjoy the idea of "stirring-the-bucket" and inflicting pain on those they have rationalized as their enemies.

A few authoritarian traits are offered to refresh the memory.

*They travel in tight circles of like-minded people.

*Their thinking is more likely based on what authorities have told them rather than on their own critical judgment, which results in their beliefs being filled with inconsistencies.

*They harbor numerous double standards and hypocrisies.

*They are equal opportunity bigots and generally unaware of their prejudice.

*They are aggressive on behalf of authority

*They have moderate to little education

*They are mean-spirited, narrow-minded and intolerant

*They are uncritical towards chosen authority

The current Sweaty Pickle Stupidity Tour 2006 is now focused on the on-line persona Gravy Crane Durham. Her behavior is indicative of the authoritarian political philosophy which defines Ortian World View.

Sweaty is upset because of the arrangement of pixels on her computer occasionally form to expose her comments as lies. This carpet bagger's ignorance, prejudice and intolerance goes unchecked when running with her limited group of likeminded Ortians. Now that I as well as every other reasonable person to come into contact with her has exposed lies, she has turned to the natural authoritarian solution: sadism.

Sweaty knows in her "heart of hearts" she dies another cowards death with every defense of her patron's malfeasence. As a result, her only solution for her current schism is to attempt to hurt, suppress and inflict pain on another human that has done nothing but express an opinion.

Think of all those pizza's she delivered and the crowing involved. By publicly displaying acts of good, Sweaty believes she is absolved of responsibility for trying to hurt and wishing harm on other people.

Sweaty states she is turning Gravy in to the management of KFTK under the most ignorant of pre-texts. Thinking that KFTK management will do something to damage, hurt or punish me for my thoughts, Sweaty is notifying KFTK management of the Nothing Butt Truth blog. The authoritarian nature is to avoid the hard work of compromise, visibility, debate and winning honestly by trying to hurt people. Sucker punching...Swinging Below the Everlast Waste Band.....hiding someones jock-strap. They are the Andrew Gollata of Overland Politics and the citizenry is Riddick Bowe.

Although lost on Sweaty Pickle's "Me Generation", people of differing opinion can exist and even thrive together in mutual respecting ways. We don't need to hurt our neighbors because their honesty scare us. We can, do and will settle our political differences through repsectful and honest debate and civil republican processes. We can begin to see a light on the horizon. With the right pair of eyes, one can look across the City and see the high water mark where the Ortian tide final broke, and began to wash back into the sea.

Be patient my friends. History has shown that authoritarians lack the self-reflection to "go quietly" or the social graces to know when is when. They nearly always become increasingly violent in their attempts to hurt those they have deluded themselves into believing as enemy.
______________________________________________________

I would like to thank the Overland Sailor for his very informative treatise on the current controlling leagal authority in regard to on-line claims of defamation. I recommend anyone wanting a better understanding of law to take a moment to view his post.

The Dumbest Post Ever: Sweaty Pickle Jumps the Shark!

The following was written by the Sweaty Pickle herself. The content is the most god aweful stupid statement I have encountered from the ORT. Savior it. I want to use the term "foggie" for some reason. If we had an idiot meter, it would have shattered while trying to grapple with old Sweaty's obviously antiquated view of the world.

I'm so busted. Where is Rex Davis when you need him eh Sweaty?

SweetPickle: "Oh, music thanks for asking, I've been working on my printer, it's a hot mess!! I've been printing all the posts on OVCC { Overlands Venomous Crusty Citizens} Anyway I have a large package ready to send to 97.1 talk Radio, Happy News!!
Can't wait to hear the Rudy, Tooties Fresh and Fruity News!!

My brain is teatering on complete system error as it endures wave after wave after wave of the most intense convulsionary laughter. This must be what LSD is like or I am having aniother anurism! I feel as if a giant cog has broken a tooth near my cerebelum. Oh, good lord my stomach. I went from a "six pack" to an "eight pack"! God damn, shit the bed, I can't believe what she said.

Hey dumbass,
You think maybe one or two of the folks over at Emmis Communications may just happen to be one or two of the nearly four hundred individuals that have viewed Gravy's profile this year?

(I am not going to attempt explaining how Blog Spot accounts for profile views, I mean, I would have a better chance of explaining the strong and weak nuclear forces to my five year old niece. Heck, I'll throw general and special relativity in to, as well as a critique of the Plato's Republic! Plato, the worlds first fascist.)

For F's Sake Sweaty, who do you think the first person I sent the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth....fortieth Nothing Butt Truth essays to. Hmmmmm. I give you a hint. The persons real name is Edward and his radio name rhymes with Gravy Crane Durham.

I need to walk around for a few moments to compose my thoughts. I'll be back in a moment. Oh, my my my......the world has passed her by.While your at it Sweaty, you ought to send a set of copies to Director Hoover over at the FBI. Dispatch the Fox Squad! What a tip you will have for KTFK. You will probably ask them to investigate Gravy Crane for stalking you! " I saw him outside the beauty parlor and I am telling the principal when I see him"

What a maroooooon. Let me save you some toner dumbass, send everyone at the station a link to Nothing Butt Truth through the use of the internet. It is also tree friendly. You ought to send a stack to Bob Highland too Sweaty, you know he is the axe when it comes to at your service.

I am in awe of the achievement, as if standing in front of a Mount Rushmore-esque Monument to Great American Dumbass' with Sweaty Pickle's enormous dome, carved out of the same material as her head and staring aimlessly into a setting sun. Duhhhhh.

The State ought not let you operate a motor vehicle.

Sweaty pay very close attention.........put every thing down including the scratchers cards.......ok......can you identify the difference between these two names? Read them slowly and make sure to take time to sound out the words: a. Edward Crane Durham, b. Gravy Crane Durham. Read the two again slowly and try to identify anything that may lead one to believe that the names are for two different people. Now a third time from the top.......

Ready Sweaty.....Go! We are waiting on your answer.

PayGate

Alas, it would be easier if we just created a blog solely dedicated to the mayor's illegal activities? Breaking the law and disdain for the rules are par for the course in this administration. Students, in today's class we will cover the mayor's total disregard for wage and salary laws, both federal and state.

Since July, the mayor has refused to pay the city Treasurer. This withholding of pay stems from the Treasurer's refusal to sign an unauthorized check for one of the mayor's cronies. Workplace history is full of stories of employees persecuted for standing up for what is right. The mayor chooses to punish Mrs. Kuhlman because she decline to engage in illegal activity by signing this unauthorized check to Ben Branch. When this issue was addressed at the July 10 meeting, Purzner said "We'll find another job for her." Thus, she not only refuses to pay her, but wants to replace her with a person who will toe the ORT line. Mrs. Kuhlman is completely within her rights to sue the city for backwages and/or breech of contract.

The Queen doesn't stop there. At Wednesday's budget meeting it was disclosed that the mayor is withholding pay increases from several recently-promoted police officers. This move has opened us up to numerous lawsuits, plus fines from the Department of Labor. When one sues for back pay under FLSA or DBRA, they can get double their back wages plus court costs and attorney fees. If paying these officers their entitled wages will break the budget, how will paying double the amount plus legal expenses going to keep us within our budgetary means?

Perhaps the Queen or her "bad advice" advisors should review the following:
http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/flsa/
http://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-dbra.htm

Silence! I Demand Silence!

Edgar Casey posted an interesting comment regarding last night's budget meeting. It is deemed worthy of it's own post and subsequent comments and conversation.

Edgar Casey said...
An excerpt from the ever delusional, paranoid, self destructive confused and mentally tormented Mayor. " I'll also have to limit the public comment portion of the meeting to 15 minutes. It's necessary with the way some of those people go on. The council chambers is set up for this, and now we have to go out and spend $800 to rent a sound system, and the (sound) quality is just terrible in there (the community center) anyway."


Being the Mayor can be a real bitch. It must be really difficult to implement your authoritarian dreams when you have to sit and listen to all this "riff raff" during Citizen's Comments. Pol Pot and General Ngyan never had to actually sit and listen to the citizenry. Why should the Mayor? In her world, the city's proper policy venue is a quiet table at the Manderin House.

If she tries to limit comments thereby destroying our civil right to participate; a reasonable argument for civil disobedience can be and should be considered.

Where's the Bid?

The ORT buffoons ran for office by riling people up over how things were done at city hall. I guess they didn’t have a problem with the methods, it was just a matter of who was getting the “free lunch”.

Case in point:

Forty-Six & 2 said
I was told directly by an ORT that Mayor Con is meeting for lunch with several trash haulers over future trash service.Meeting for lunch with Salesmen is nice, but we only care about trash pickup and not whether Mayor Con gets laid or not.Therefore, how about substituting private lunch meetings with a blind-RFP process like other professional organizations?I would like to see our government become a professional organization.I thought Boss Hogg was just a TV character, but I think we have a real life edition in Mayor Con. Let me be clear, I am not knocking the ribs down at the Boar's Nest


The mayor has dirtied the process. Getting bids is not a process done over Kung Pao Chicken at the Mandarin House one day and over a large cheese at Nick and Elena’s the next.

In the words of Mayor Emeritus Dody: “Where’s the bid?”

Goodbye Gravy!

I'm so glad we had this time together
Just to have a laugh, or sing a song.
Seems we just get started and before you know it
Comes the time we have to say, “So long".


Stay tuned for date and time of the Goodbye Gravy Bash.
Also, please let us know your preference in location. Currently the options are Mandarin House (hey, hang with the Queen) or the International House of Gravy.

The Death of Overland Chat

Message board unavailable
As of 8/6/2006, this message board is not available.
To the board owner: Please log in to the administration area for an important message.

It lived too long and became ineffective. One might say riddled with dementia, although some of that dementia was intentional (right, New Girl?).

Funeral Services to be held at ORTman funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Citizens of Overland for Good Government are requested.


Alas, it is probably too soon to predict the death of OverlandChat.com (but one can hope, can't they?). Look for Spydog's pledge cards in your mail this week.

Goodbye Overland Rose

Goodbye Gravy Crane,
Though we barely knew you at all,

You had the grace to hold yourself,
While those around you crawled,

They crawled out of the land-fill,
desparately wanting free trash,

But most the the time,
you could only scratch your dome,

And it seems to me you battled with,
two horrible bags of wind,

Never knowing which one to rip-on,
When their posts came in,
And I would have liked to have known you
But I couldn't quite get your id,

Your posting burned out long before
Your legend ever did

The ORT love's the public trough,
and want a pool that will be big enough,

The OVCC turned you into a local superstar,
for merely demonstrating the ORT is bizarre,

Even when ORTIANS could not be true,
Oh the OverlandChatters hounded you,

But what little flavor they had to add,
Was that Gravy was only rude,

Goodbye Gravy Crane....
From the one of the 15,180 posters you know,
Who also see Mayor Con as inefectual,
Gravy you were much much more,
than OVCC's resident intellectual.

__________________________

Friends, Patriots, Countrymen,

I must be going. As most of you know, my first love is talk radio and to that world I must exclusively return. I thank you all for the memories and I am sure that we will meet again on the other side. (Or when I return with a different name in a little while.)

In closing, as I leave, let me say, this is an example I think all of us should remember. We think sometimes when things happen that don't go the right way; we think that when you don't pass the bar exam the first time We think that when someone dear to us dies, we think that when we lose an election, we think that when we suffer a defeat that all is ended. We think, as Teddy Roosevelt. said, that the light had left his life forever. Not true.

It is only a beginning, always. The young must know it; the old must know it. It must always sustain us, because the greatness comes not when things go always good for you, but the greatness comes and you are really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes, because only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.

And so I say to you on this occasion, as I leave, I leave proud of the people who have stood by me and worked for me and served this community. I want you to be proud of what you have done. I want you to continue to serve Overland, if that is your wish.

Always give your best, never get discouraged, never be petty; always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself.

Carpet Bagger Blues

"I'm a-ticking,

and I'm a-tocking....."

Yeah, I know they were once cut throat competitors but you can't tell me they aren't related in some way.

There are not that many computers in Overland....trust me.

"I'd say maybe a third of forty-six thousand, but it is a good number."

Let me get my abacus warmed-up for a little ciphering.

Hmmm.

Forty-six thousand...

multiplied by thirty-three hundredths....

equals...

Post of the Week

_______________


False sense of grandure and over-inflated belief in one's importance.

Who says typologies are not useful?

Are there any queers in the theatre tonight?..............

We all understand that the Sweaty/Note lack the necessary faculties of self-reflection to be aware of their behavior. As a result, I thought it may be usefull for us all to understand a little more about what would motivate a personal to continuously spread obvious lies, half-truths and inuendo while maintaining a self-righteous demeanor.

We end up with the irony that the people who think they are so very good end up doing so very much evil, and , more remarkabley, they are probably the last people in the world who will realize the connection between the two.

The other dominate characteristic is that authoritarians do not lie, cheat and steal out of a sense of duty, but actually enjoy the idea of "stirring-the-bucket" and inflicting pain on those they have rationalized as their enemies.

Authoritarian traits have been identified through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies over the course of the past forty years. An irony is that the Authoritarian believes the following traits to be positives aspects of their personalities:

*They travel in tight circles of like-minded people.

*Their thinking is more likely based on what authorities have told them rather than on their own critical judgment, which results in their beliefs being filled with inconsistencies.

*They harbor numerous double standards and hypocrisies.

*They are hostile toward so many minorities they seem to be equal opportunity bigots, yet they generally unaware of their prejudice.

*They see the world as a dangerous place, with society teetering on the brink of self-destruction from evil and violence, and when their fear conflates with their self-righteousness, they appoint themselves guardians of public morality, or God’s Designated Hitters.

*They think of themselves as far more moral and upstanding than others-a self-deception aided by their religiosity (many are “born again”) and their ability to “evaporate guilt” (such as by going to confession).

In closing, what follows is a summary of types of traits typically found in authoritarians, based on extensive testing. Although these collations of characteristics of authoritarians are not attractive portraits, they are nonetheless traits that authoritarians themselves acknowledge.

Social Dominating Authoritarians

*dominating

*oppose equality

*desirous of personal power

*amoral

*intimidating and bullying

*faintly hedonistic

*vengeful

*pitiless

*exploitive

*dishonest

*cheats to win

*highly prejudiced

*mean-spirited

*militant

*specializes in creating false images to sell self.

Authoritarian Followers

*submissive to authority

*aggressive on behalf of authority

*conventional

*religious

*moderate to little education

*trust in untrustworthy authorities

*mean-spirited

*narrow-minded

*intolerant

*bullying

*zealous

*dogmatic

*uncritical towards chosen authority

*hypocritical

*inconsistent and contradictory

*prone to panic easily

*highly self-righteous

*moralistic

*strict disciplinarian

*severely putative

*demands loyalty and returns it

*little self-awareness

Citations and references are available upon request from the Author.
______________________________________________________________

Anybody know people who demonstrate these traits in everything they think and/or do? Feel free to nominate your favorite Overland Authoritarian.