Base10Blog
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
 
Police News Roundup
The NYT reports in follow-up coverage to the 911 debacle last Friday, that the City is considering changing its carrier. The Post carried it as well, as did NY1. The Times also has a feel good piece about a Buddhist monk whose bag was stolen from Starbucks in Trump Tower. The story has a happy ending since the monk's personal papers were returned, but not the cloth back or the cell phone it contained. Hey, a cell phone stolen from a Buddhist monk at the Trump Tower Starbucks? How very twenty-first century! Charles De Rienzo, former member of NYPD and current superintendent of the Port Authority PD is rejoining the NYPD as Deputy Commissioner for Administration. Commissioner Kelly slammed an "extraordinary lack of cooperation" by potential witnesses in a Brooklyn homicide. Such sharp tongued comments must be why homicides are down 7% so far this year, according to the Daily News. However, as the story notes, homicides in Brooklyn are up 13%, which may have been what put the Commissioner in such a bad mood.

In a follow-up to yesterday's item, the stations of the cross stolen from a Bronx church have been recovered and an arrest made. Now conspiracy theorists may speculate here: thirteen stations were stolen, but as anyone whose ever attended catechism knows, there are fourteen stations of the cross. (Base10 must have missed that day in Sunday school). It turns out the fourteenth station, "Jesus is Laid in the Tomb" was stolen several years ago, but never reported. Hmm... Wasn't that around the same time that Mel Gibson got the idea for making "The Passion?" Just a coincidence? I think not.

And in the "lets get this lawsuit behind us" department, the Chief of Police in Fowler Township, Ohio is being sued for paddling a 16-year old defendant as part of a traffic offense diversion program. Now what's really bizarre about this story is not only were parents aware that this diversion program included 15 paddling sessions, but also that the Chief in question was disciplined ten years ago for--guess what--paddling about 20 juveniles. Base10 suggests that the Chief may actually have an addictive personality and cannot stop the spanking. The lawsuit is good news since as everyone knows, he can only beat this addiction when he "hits bottom."
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
 
Other News
In the latest move in the terrorism expert/jackass Richard Clarke story, the White House has agreed to allow Ms. Rice to testify before the Commission. (Please note: no disrespect is intended, Base10 does not know how to spell her first name off the top of his head). But there is much to be explained here. Base10 suspects there will be some major smoking gun released in this testimony and it 's not going to be pointed at Bush.

The President of the UN Security Council has urged others to sign a letter suporting the UN Secretary General's independent investigation into Iraq's oil-for-food-for-money-for-arms-for-bribery corruption scandal. Let's hope it's doesn't take as long as the UN's investigations into allegations of genocide.

In the "is another dictatorship caving to democracy department," will Syria become this month's Libya? Only time will tell.
 
Police News Roundup (Special Two-Day Edition).
Monday was a little busy for Base10, but don't worry it was a relatively slow news day. In a follow-up to Friday's 911 blackout, NY1 reports a Queens family is claiming that a member died of cardiac arrest as a result of the 911 failure. NY1 also reports that the NYPD plans beefed up security during the Passover holiday. The unimaginatively named black law enforcement group "100 Blacks in Law Enforcement" give Police Commissioner Kelly failing grades in diversity. Read about it in NY1, and the Post. The Daily News reports that the Police and Fire Department risk losing millions in federal aid because their disaster operations are not sufficiently coordinated.

The Post also reports that a cop is accusing the Department of discrimination. Base10 thinks this is a great example of the adage that a plaintiff's attorney is a lazy reporter's best friend. The plaintiff in this case is alleging that she is being discriminated against on the basis of race (at least that's what I get from the story). Yet she claims that the discrimination started because she passed out during a 12-hour shift on the subway during last year's 4th of July. Now aside from the obligatory, "NYPD will not comment on ongoing litigation" quote at the end, did the reporter in this case actually do any work other than copy down verbatim what was alleged by this "victim?" The attorney says that the intense heat led her to go to the hospital (and presumably go sick--remember readers cops have unlimited paid sick leave). Did the reporter check any of this? How about an attempt to interview other cops from District 4? Was it unusually hot that day? Did other officers working on the subway have to go sick from heat exhaustion that day? Presumably there were other cops working, not just the plaintiff. Or was this just an attempt to avoid an unpleasant assignment by going sick? If I had to bet, I'd say it is the latter, but the outcome of the case certainly won't be mentioned in the Post.

In the "couldn't you think of something better to do during the Easter season" department, thieves stole the stations of the cross from a Bronx church. The stations of the cross! Really! Is this "The Passion of the Christ" merchandising gone crazy? Maybe Mel Gibson should have come out with an action figure set. Base10 thinks there's a special place for those who did this, and it's not in the Bronx.
Sunday, March 28, 2004
 
The Shouting is Over.
The living room shout-fest involving myself, Mrs. Base10 and the television is now officially over. (Click here for an explanations). I won't go into the substance of the interview except to say that Russert did a good job but certainly didn't wipe the floor with Clarke. It's also clear the Clarke is a very smart and articulate person with the caveat that the commonly heared criticism of him as being aloof and abrasive is not a stretch. I know this is purely subjective, but I have to say that I thought Clarke comes across as being a pretty creepy character. Maybe this is because of the sort of schmarmy "I know best because I'm a career bureaucrat" attitude that he exudes. This is a subtle thing like a certain crooked smirk before he answers a question which tells the questioner through body language, "Must I explain this again?" I think this aspect of his personality ultimately does more harm to his credibility than anything Russert could possibly say.
 
Police News Roundup.
NY1 reports that Verizon has taken responsibility for the 911 snafu on Friday saying it was human error. See these links for the story in Daily News and the NYT. The Times is running a cluster of stories celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the IRT subway that makes for pretty good reading. Of particular interest is this article describing subway jargon. This is the only time I've ever seen the phrase "token sucker" appear in the Times. The Post reports that the list of the City's top overtime earners includes one NYPD sergeant. Newsday reports that three weeks ago, the Department bused forty teens from Bedford-Stuyvesant to the Department range in the Bronx to be trained in the Department's firearm's simulator. The simulator basically presents shoot/don't shoot scenarios at the subject who is armed with a simulated firearm. Members of the public often remark about the dificulty of the split second decision making, a concern echoed by those quoted in the story. It seems like a good way to educate the community on the legitimatly difficult issue of police use of force in the aftermath of the Stansbury shooting. Unfortunately city councilman/village idiot Charles Barron doesn't feel that way and called the trip "cruel" and "insensitive:"

It's bad enough that [Neri] got off...Now they [police] are trying to convince teenagers that he was justified. They're trying to say, 'Look at how difficult our job is.'"

In "the donut is mightier than the rubber hose" department, a Swedish researcher studying police interrogation techniques concluded that softer toned "good cop" techniques were more effective at getting confessions than inquisitorial "bad cop" questions. I wonder what kind of confessions you could get in exchange for a weekend in Vegas?
Saturday, March 27, 2004
 
Time to Rest My Voice.
There's going to be a whole lotta shoutin' goin' on! Mrs Base10 frequenty comments on a certain level of shouting that occurs between myself and the television during the Sunday morning news shows. She often wakes up on Sundays asking "What are you screaming about?" after a particularly disturbing episode of Meet the Press. But you know what? Richard Clarke has the whole hour with good ole' Tim Russert. Sunday morning is going to be pretty loud. And just FYI, the transcripts from Teddy Kennedy's interview last week--another topic of discussion with the television--are not out yet, but there is some streaming video of the interview. You know, if you need to get worked up during the week, not just on Sunday.
 
Death From Above Indeed.
Gregg Easterbrook has an excellent piece (as usual) on his blog at New Republic concerning the technology used to by Israel to kill Ahmed Yassin. The anti-tank missile technology reduces collateral damage to very low levels. Combined this with the use of drone aircraft to reduce the risk to combatants and it is pretty scary, but it makes possible pinpoint strikes against individuals in urban areas. While it is disturbing, I think extremists will be much less likely to hide behind innocents in the future.
 
Loyal Friends Watch
John Howard, PM of Australia, wrote a moving piece in Friday's Opinion Journal. He argues that even if you disagreed with the decision to go to war in Iraq, the coalition has an obligation to stay the course and ensure that democratic institutions take root. A quote:

One of the freedoms we want for the people of Iraq is the political freedom we enjoy in Western democracies. It is the same freedom that ensures a healthy and robust debate on issues of national security and foreign policy in Australia, the U.S., the U.K. and throughout Europe.

But that freedom will never be delivered in Iraq if groups like al Qaeda have their way. Their mission is to overthrow moderate Muslim governments and replace them with repressive, Taliban-style regimes. In Iraq they seek to choke off freedom before it can take hold.

I recall, as though it was yesterday, being in Washington on Sept. 11, 2001. I remember the sense of outrage and disbelief. But most of all I recall the immediate and resolute determination to stand together against this global threat.

The threat remains.

The need for unity in the face of that threat is as important now as it was then.


We're proud to be your ally sir.

 
Police News Roundup
The Daily News reports that the 911 system was down for two hours early yesterday evening. The mishap was blamed on Verizon's failure to back up call hubs while doing work. Two cops were hit by a hit-and-run driver while chasing a suspect on foot in Brooklyn. Some good news: Sgt. Burrell, the member of the service injured in the car crash in Queens, is conscious and doing better. WNBC reports that Queens cops smashed a large scale CD counterfeiting ring. In the "whose been sleeping in my bed" department, an Oklahoma couple was startled when a drunk burglar collapsed in their bed with them. According to police, he was so drunk that it took several minutes to rouse him before his arrest.

UPDATE: NY1 reports that NYPD has made one of the largest marihuana siezures in city history. City, State and Federal Agents siezed over two tons of marihuana and 300 pounds of cocaine. Police estimate the value of this siezure at over $30 million.
Friday, March 26, 2004
 
Police News Roundup
The NYT reports a major incident on I-95 this morning in Connecticut. A tractor trailer filled with fuel oil jacknifed, caught fire and exploded. The heat was so intense that it bucked the bridge upon which the vehicle was travelling. Traffic problems are expected for weeks while the bridge is repaired. The Times also published a story on yesterday's item about bank robberies with the headline saying they have been sharply reduced. The Journal News reports a former NYPD captain is suing current Yonkers Police Commissioner (and former NYPD Chief) Thomas Belfiore for wrongful arrest for DWI based on an Oct. 22 incident. In an item I missed yesterday, FDNY and others marked the 93rd anniversary of the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that killed 146 workers. Base10's alma mater (NYU) now stands on the site. And in the "who needs a rubber hose" department, Reuters reports that a Texas man confessed to murdering his 19 year-old girlfriend who was pregnant with his child. The perpetrator said he was seeking redemption. Judging by the reputation of the Texas courts for giving the death penalty, he may be getting it sooner than he thinks.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
 
Police News Roundup
WABC is reporting that crime is down in NYC public schools for the first time in years. This is attributed to the NYPD's dedication of resources to certain high-crime "impact" schools. Paradoxically, according to Newsday, Commissioner Kelly is suggesting that bank robberies are diverting police resources from the fight against terrorism. I suppose the same could be said about the schools program--or traffic tickets--for that matter. The Post reports that the Department has arrested and suspended a Bronx cop for stealing an ATM card from an arrestee and withdrawing $1800 from the bank account. Not to be out done, the Daily News reports that the Fire Department suspended a Bronx firefighter for his second arrest on drug charges (steroids) in 12 months. And in the "curb your enthusiasm" department, police arrested a 21 year-old who shot himself in the leg during a screening of "Dawn of the Dead" in a Times Square theater. I'm sure it's very realistic, so please keep repeating, "It's only a movie...it's only a movie..."
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
 
A Little Local Jets Frivolity
Now I know incredibly important things are going on in the world. And I know that the terrorist threat is deadly and is just a subway ride away from causing mass casualties. And yes, crimes are committed every day, and mothers can't feed their children. On that level, the world pretty much sucks. But you know what? If you are a Jets fan, today had some good news. We are back in New York. We ain't leaving New York, and we are ready for a championship! (Well, we can hope).
 
I Take Back All That I Said About the Spaniards.
The WSJ had a piece by soon to be former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Anzar who said:
Ours is a battle between freedom, democracy and civilization, on the one hand, and terror on the other. If on September 11 we were all American, on March 11 the whole world was Spanish. Let's maintain this spirit. We cannot just abandon this battle; it is everyone's fight... [T]errorism is not a local phenomenon, confined to particular areas or countries, to be confronted with domestic means alone. On the contrary, terrorism is a global phenomenon, one that crosses borders. And it gains in strength when we think that it is the problem of 'others' and should be taken care of by 'others.'
Mr. Anzar, when I realize men such as your self support this country, I am proud to be an American. And I know that with such courage and honesty, the question in the war against terror is not if we will win, but when.
 
Police News Roundup
WNBC reports the body of a newborn baby discovered this morning on Staten Island. Also this morning, police investigated an unattended moving truck in the vicinity of Rockefeller Center. The recent story about the PBA and SBA alleging precinct commanders are cooking the books on crime statistics seems to be growing at least some legs. The story appears again in today's Daily News. In the "tastes like chicken" department, Newark detectives investigated a man for possible canabalism after hopital authorities reported recovering what they believed to be human finger bones from his digestive system. He was released after his account of eating soup made with a whole chicken was confirmed.
 
Explosives Found Near French Railway and Another Palestinian Bomb Attempt
The AP reports that an explosive device was found buried beneath a set of French railroad tracks. The device was described as not resembling the devices previously associated with the group AZF which is involved in an extortion plot demanding 5.2 million dollars. In another chilling story, Israeli authorities detained a 16 year-old boy with an explosive belt trying to pass through a checkpoint. And just a little note about the bomber, he is apparently retarded and is described as having the "intelligence of a twelve year-old." I find it interesting that the AP uses the headline: "Israelis Stop Teen Wearing Bomb Vest."


Tuesday, March 23, 2004
 
Police News Roundup
The Daily News reports a 68 year old man arrested for throwing a bowling ball out of a 17 floor window at cops. NY1 reports beefed up police operations in the aftermath of the Yassin killing in Palestine. The story is also in the Daily News and WNBC. The PBA and the SBA is complaining that the NYPD is cooking the books on crime statistics. The Village Voice is reporting the existence of a "hip-hop" intelligence unit. Nationally, members of the Cincinnati PD were cleared of criminal conduct in the Nov. 30 death of a man in custody. On a lighter note, AP reports a New Mexico restaurant worker was arrested for spitting in a police officer's hamburger. Perhaps it was the "special sauce." And in the "is nothing sacred" category, Thai police have arrested a ring of panhandlers disguised as Buddhist monks.
Monday, March 22, 2004
 
William Safire is Right On!
William Safire's piece in today's NYT is refreshing. Combine that with this item about the defeat of the militant Islamic Party in Malaysia, and you almost think the we're pursuing the right foreign policy. Ya' think?
 
Oh My God! The Israelis Killed Gandalf
The New York Daily News' front page shows that Israel has killed Gandalf the Grey.

SERIOUS NOTE: I don't lightly make humor on a topic like this. While I sometimes question Israel's tactics against the Palestinians, in this case they are completely right. This guy can only be described as a murderous thug masquerading as a clergyman. (Yassin not Gandalf). For the full Daily News Story click here. Remember, the Israelis want peace. Yassin wants to exterminate the Jews. This is an easy way to figure out which side you should be on.
Sunday, March 21, 2004
 
Ted Kennedy on Meet the Press
I just cannot believe what I'm seeing on Meet the Press right now. Is this guy for real? How can these guys continually misrepresent their own voting records?
 
Catchin Up on My Reading

Donald Sensing's piece in the OpinionJournal was very interesting and a thoughtful look at the gay marriage issue with an actually original idea. I have to say I'm against gay marriage, but note that NYC has had domestic partner benefits for its employees for about a dozen years now, and you know what: the civillization as we know it did not come to an end.

I caught President Bush's Friday speech. (Read it here). I thought it was a good speech. I wish amid all the din from the left, someone would actually pay attention to the man. Can Mr. Kerry disagree with this:

The war on terror is not a figure of speech. It is an inescapable calling of our generation. The terrorists are offended not merely by our policies--they are offended by our existence as free nations. No concession will appease their hatred. No accommodation will satisfy their endless demands. Their ultimate ambitions are to control the peoples of the Middle East, and to blackmail the rest of the world with weapons of mass terror. There can be no separate peace with the terrorist enemy. Any sign of weakness or retreat simply validates terrorist violence, and invites more violence for all nations. The only certain way to protect our people is by early, united and decisive action.

What is going on in Pakistan? A AP report indicates that Pakistani forces have surrounded several hundred al Qaida fighters. They originally thought they had trapped Ayman al-Zawahri, but is now being described as another "high-value" target. There is some speculation that it is not in fact an al Qaida member but actually a pashtun chief (via Allahpundit). Reuters also mentions the possibility of a high ranking chchen or uzbek militant.

Thursday, March 18, 2004
 
Pakistanis Surround al-Qaida's No 2
A.P. reports that Pakistanis May Be Near al-Qaida's No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri (the bomb the Shiites to start a civil war guy). It would be nice to have some victories in the war on terror in light of Spain. There's also this, a report that the Poles may withdraw their troops early. The headline is somewhat slanted, but a close reading of the quotes by President Kwasniewski seem to indicate that the troops could leave because the operation was so successful. Buried at the bottom of the piece is a promise by the Polish president to try to persuade Spain's new PM to continue its troop commitments.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
 
This makes it seem almost festive...
Click here for a CNN account of the Iranian New Year's celebration. The CNN story gives the impression that the Islamist hardliners backed away from their ban on the celebrations in years past. But some in the blogosphere report that there are extensive demonstrations against security forces in both Iran and Syria. Is this another story ahead of the mainstream press?

UPDATE: There's this from a student activist group. While partisan reports like these may not be the most reliable, I'm wondering whether you can trust CNN either.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
 
Perhaps We Are Not All Spaniards...
In this story, Yahoo! News - Australia Says It Stands by the U.S., Australia's government announced that is would stand by the Bush administration's policies against terrorism. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said:
"It is enormously important that the international community send a strong message to al-Qaida. We will maintain our determination and our resolve to defeat terrorism, not to have our policies dictated by terrorists."

Here here!



 
How is it Undemocratic?
In this recent NYT article, Bloomberg Wins on School Tests After Firing Foes, the mayor's opponents have called him undemocratic and described these events as more similar to Watergate or a military dictatorship than the democratic political process. People should remember recent history. The Education Advisory Board replaced the completely ineffectual and union captured Board of Education which was not directly answerable to the public for educational achievement in NYC's public schools. That Board of Ed. instead became a public advisory body where eight of thirteen members were appointed by the mayor and five by the borough presidents. The mayor's intention was to eliminate social promotion in public schools starting with third graders. Three of the Mayor's appointees where either going to vote against the proposal or vote to shelve it for a month (effectively delaying the vote to the following school year). The mayor and the SI Borough President replaced three members on the eve of the vote and the Mayor's proposal was enacted. Remember, the Mayor is the one with ultimate policy making authority. The comments that absolutely gall me describe the mayor's taking charge and forcing a policy change to make the schools better as mere political thuggery. Hey HE was the one that was elected, not the political sycophants that normally belong to these public bodies. Mayor Bloomberg's exercise of his executive powers to effectuate a policy on behalf of the people who elected him is the most democratic exercise of power there can possibly be!
Monday, March 15, 2004
 
Yet Another Review of Teddy's
I haven't posted in a while and I made a resolution to post more regularly. Sunday's gastronomic adventure was to Teddy's in Williamsburg. (Click here for the Citysearch review and directions). Mrs. Base10 and I had an adventure riding our bicycles there Sunday morning and decided to have brunch there. At first I was a little put off since they said it was a half-hour wait. This would normally make me go somewhere else, but since we came specifically to go to Teddy's, we stayed.

There is after all a reason a restaurant can keep people waiting like this. Simply put, the food is outstanding and is very reasonably priced. Mrs. Base10 had a chorizo omelet with a ton of challah toast that was delicious and I had a french toast sandwich (sort of a ham and cheese Monte Cristo sandwich but who wants to play semantics). Both these dishes were under $7. We've eaten here before and were similarly surprised by the quality of the food. Other items on the menu were similarly priced. But don't just go for the food. I'm not a big bloody mary drinker, but Mrs. Base10 had one that was delicious and had a heck of a kick. I had a mimosa but felt a little disapointed after seeing hers.

Aside from the food, the atmosphere at Teddy's is wonderful. It is a turn-of-the-century tap room with tin ceilings, brass facade and a wonderful ancient old bar. We ate in a very cozy back room that was busy but not over crowded.

I know Teddy's is very popular and has been reviewed many times before, it is well worth a special trip.
Friday, March 05, 2004
 
This is interesting and hopefully not a sign of things to come. Two points: (1) no one ever pegs the Filipinos as being drug dealers or a crime problem, and (2) everybody thought crystal meth was mainly a west coast problem. The latter concerns me--I remember in the mid-80's reading in the NY Times about a new drug beginning to hit the streets. It was called crack and what followed in my early years on the Police Department was a drug epidemic that devastated a generation right before my eyes. Let's hope this isn't the beginning of a trend.
 
Martha Stewart Trial Watch.
The verdict is in--guilty on all counts! But yet
one has to wonder about the bigger picture: is
Martha Stewart the Leona Helmsley of our generation?
It's a good question...
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
 
A Rat in a Housing Project? Shocking!
I really don't know if I agree with this. A group of sergeants are publicly protesting the actions of their commanding officer in PSA 9 Queens. Before I go on, please let me explain about the giant rat. The inflatable giant rubber rat is a fixture in downtown NYC labor politics. The rat magically appears in front of locations where union rules are being flouted. I don't know who owns the rat but it must be a very lucrative business renitng it out like that. What is interesting about this case is that it is highly unusual for the rat to enter the management/labor fray in police circles. What is even more striking is that this protest activity is being carried out not be police officers, the grunts of police work, but by sergeants--supervisors! The allegations are very serious and I'm sure they will get a fair investigation, but this just begs the question, how awful could this captain have been to have caused a walkout by his supervisors? I don't think I agree with the tactics of the sergeant's union though. The Department cannot possibly discipline the captain. To do so would invite all the rank and file unions to try the same thing with any commanding officer. It is almost as if the union has forced the Department to back Capt. Howard even if he is wrong simply to prevent the floodgates to open. I have a lot of respect for Commissioner Kelly, but I wonder what--if any--action he's going to take about this? My guess is the Department will simply ignore this incident in the short term and hope it does not recur.
 
Quest for Asian Cuisine
Once again, this past Sunday, Mrs. Base10 and I ventured out to another Asian restaurant in our quest to sample every Asian cuisine (in New York at least). I was particularly intrigued by Philippine food which is Asian with Spanish influences much like Vietnamese cuisine is Asian with French influences. (But don't fault the Vietnamese for this!). Sunday's trip brought us to a Philippine restaurant called "Ka In Na" at 64-23 Broadway in Woodside, Queens. The name of the place translates to "lets eat!" and although the management is still learning how to run a restaurant, this place has a lot of promise. It's a small affair with no more than twenty tables and is family run so the service is friendly. We had lumpiang shanghai to start--fried spring rolls. While they were okay, they seem to be the same type commonly served in Vietnamese restaurants, but for $4.50 for a serving of twelve, they are a bargain. In general, the dishes are very inexpensive. (The most expensive item on the regular menu was $9.50 for "sizzling steak" and most dishes were about $5). While not huge portions, our choices were filing. We opted for two noodle dishes and two meat dishes. The pancit bihon, apparently a staple Philippine noodle dish, was very good, but you can pass on the Philippine style spaghetti (how can you not try something with that name!) since the red sauce tasted suspiciously like Ragu. Our meat dishes consisted of adobong manok (chicken in a soy sauce based sauce) and a stuffed squid special. The chicken was pedestrian and a little overcooked. The squid was roasted and stuffed with a pork blood sausage and served with a brown sauce. Since I am not a big blood sausage fan, I passed on this but Mrs. Base10 loved it and saved some for lunch the next day. While I think this restaurant has to work on a few things, it gives you tremendous value for your dining dollar. In spite of some weak points, we will return to eat there.

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