10% or less

In Captain U. Cupcakes continuing adventures (To make his campaign contributors richer), we have a new chapter.

86-88 Carlisle Street. Now I'm just a dinged up firefighter/ GAR Graduate but I can do some basic math. So lets take a look.
The city (Didn't Leighton scold 'then mayor' McGroarty that the city shouldn't be in the real estate business?) bought the double block for $8500 and $1,500 to close out federal mortgages, So $10 grand. Since it was appraised for $74,500 I guess that would be a good buy.

Then sells the property to Leo A. Glodzik III for $7500. Wait.... What!?
The city paid $10,000 but then turned around and sold it for $7500!! What kind of 'FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY' is that? How is that good for the city? When I went to school (Back when dinosaurs roamed Pangea) $7500 was LESS than $10,000. Did math change and no one tell me?

“When we pick up these properties, the goal is never that this is going to be a money-making thing for the city. The goal is to address blight in specific neighborhoods … ,” City Attorney Timothy J. Henry said.
Shouldn't the citys 'goal' also be to AT LEAST break even Tim?

It needed work. It couldn't have been that bad, it was inhabited when it was appraised. And a friend of mine, who has looking at Captain Cupcakes deals said the house was worth WAY more than $7500.

I wonder if Glodzik got the needed permits to 'gut' the property? I'm sure he did.



How do I get in on these kind of deals??!!! Oh I can't. Leighton hates me and I'm not a $10,400 campaign contributor. Oh well.




Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

China

Here's a new one to add to the list of what China has screwed us over with.
1. Tainted Dog food
2. Lead painted toys
3. Copyright infrigment
And now
4. 59,000 booby trapped computer chips for US Navy War systems




"These were for military use aboard American warships, fighter planes, missile and antimissile systems."

"The chips could have been hacked, able to shut off a missile in the event of war or lie around just waiting to malfunction."

"The problem remains with these “trojan-horse” circuits that can be built into the chip and are almost impossible to detect — especially without the original plans to compare them to."

"Reports the chips weren’t only low-quality fakes, they had been made with a “back-door” and could have been remotely shut down at any time."

Does anyone else think this sounds like someone is getting ready for war?

If you think our 'increasingly interlinked economics' with China would preclude it, well before World War 2 Japans two biggest trading partners were China and the US, Germanys were England and France. Who did they go to war with?

Here is some of the build-up that I've found on-line:
1 An antiship ballistic missile with a projected range of nearly 1,000 miles (IE an Aircraft carrier killer, What navy is the big boy with carriers? Us.)

2 The Chengdu J-20, A stealth fighter on par with our F-22 Raptor whose production was cut from 750 to only 187 planes (The Wall Street Journal reported last year, and U.S. officials recently acknowledged publicly, that the Pentagon's largest weapons program, the Joint Strike Fighter, had been infiltrated.)

3. A program of naval modernization, the PLAN (China's navy) has a plan of developing a blue-water navy. The size and scope of which has not been seen in DECADES (IE the Soviet build up in the early 60's). Including Future Chinese aircraft carriers


Maybe that 'Red Dawn' remake was right.

Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986 - 1992

Even more Meth info

I've been looking for more info on Meth Labs to add to my other posts (here and here).

First off, If you suspect someplace is a Meth Lab, REPORT IT to the PD!!! DO NOT try to confirm it yourself!!! These dirtbags aren't just... well dirtbags, They are EXTREMELY PARANOID DIRTBAGS! On the paranoid scale of 1 to 10, these A$$HATS turn the dial up to 20 and make Spinal Tap look like amatuers.

By the way, Do not touch or smell any of the substances at the site. Meth ingredients are highly toxic and can be absorbed through your skin during even the most casual contact.

In Shepherdsville, Ky., "Investigators also discovered what appeared to be a military-grade rocket propelled grenade" (actually picture below) and "what was believed to be C-4 explosives."


Some of these places put dangling fishhooks in attics or crawlspaces just as a begining!

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People who abuse Meth regularly are known as 'tweakers'. Tweakers often behave or react violently. Keep in mind, the tweaker may not have slept in three to fifteen days and may be irritable and paranoid. If the tweaker is also using alcohol or other drugs, the danger may be intensified.

The tweaker craves more Meth, but no dosage will help recreate the first rush. This may cause frustration and leads to unpredictable behavior and violence. To support their habits, tweakers often participate in spur-of-the-moment crimes, such as purse snatching or burglaries.

Tweakers are often involved in domestic disputes and automobile accidents. They may also be present at raves or parties. They may at first appear to be normal. A closer look will reveal eye movement ten times faster than normal, a voice with a slight quiver and jerky movements.

If you suspect that someone is tweaking, be careful how you handle the situation. Keep in mind these six safety tips for approaching a tweaker:

1. Keep your distance. Coming too close can be perceived as threatening.
2. No bright lights. The tweaker is paranoid and bright lights may cause them to react violently.
3. Slow your speech, lower your voice.
4. Slow your movements. The tweaker is paranoid and may misunderstand your movements.
5. Keep your hands visible, or they may feel threatened and become violent.
6. Keep the tweaker talking. A tweaker who falls silent can be extremely dangerous. Silence often means that his paranoid thoughts have taken over reality, and anyone present can become part of the tweaker's paranoid delusions.
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And
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White phosphorous, explosive concentrations of organic solvents, makeshift electrical wiring, conspire to produce an environment particularly susceptible to fires and explosions.
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And
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Cooking a single pound of Meth will leave five to six pounds of toxic residue.
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And
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Police and first responders are generally accustomed to the general fears of drug dealers. But a person who is both using and manufacturing Meth will have increased levels of paranoia, anger and mood swings. Many of them will resort to extreme measures to protect themselves and their labs – security systems, explosives, guns, attack dogs and poisonous snakes have all been found at Meth lab sites.
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Holy sh!t! POISONOUS SNAKES!!???! How the HELL... What do they.... Forget it. I don't want to know. I hate snakes.


####
Booby-traps. These are NOT passive hazards. These are clever, resourceful ways to hurt, maim or kill people who enter the meth-lab area. Simple examples include bottles of acid falling into cyanide powder, Al or Mg bombs (photo flash and 9v batteries), pipe bombs, venomous snakes, trip wired explosives, etc. In one lab in California, the entire concrete floor was cantilevered in the center, and under the floor was a 700 pound bomb.
#####
Again with the POISONOUS SNAKES!!
Imagine this scenero.
A firefighter enters a structure fire (Hollywood fires are bullsh!t, you can't see squat in a fire, close your eyes and try to find something in your house. Now try that somewhere you've never been before.) As you do your search (BLIND!), you feel a sting in your leg. then again. Your leg feels like it is on fire. You struggle to get out, but in the end your partner needs to drag you out. As you remove your mask, you see it is covered with blood. Your gums are bleeding?!! What the hell is wrong with you.
This is the beginnings of the bite from a Russell's viper. I picked that species randomly. I will spare you from the graphic (and disgusting) pictures.

Information shamelessly stolen from National Institute on Drug Abuse

Two things I'm noticing about recognizing a Meth lab, is Propane tanks (filled with anhydrous ammonia) turns the brass fittings blue. This is going to be something I'm going to be on the watch for.



And

The chemicals are highly corrosive and items that don't normally rust will.



Dan Emplit WBFD

More Meth Info

Crime Free Wilkes-Barre has a post about Meth that describes aspects of the addiction. Twelve times the normal level ! Take a look.

This Picture shows what this drug WILL do to your body


This is what it does to your face


This is what it does to your mouth


Any questions?

Dan Emplit WBFD

Meth labs

This is NOT like making 'bath tub gin' or moonshine from the Prohibition era. This has more in common with the manufacture of clandestine EXPLOSIVES!! Involving HUGE risks with flammable and corrosive chemicals.

Labs are often discovered by FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS caused by the improper handling of volatile and/or flammable solvents.

The most common method for small-scale methamphetamine labs primarily involves phosphorus (compounds of phosphorus form a wide class of materials, some of which are extremely toxic and some are an explosive/fire danger.), ephedrine (which can cause SEVERE heart problems), and iodine (When mixed with ammonia and water, elemental iodine forms nitrogen triiodide, which is extremely shock-sensitive and can explode unexpectedly) from which hydroiodic acid is formed.

Other chemicals found in Meth labs include:
Acetone: Poisonous, Flammable, toxic, Can be absorbed Through the skin; Causes Reproductive disorders

Methonol: Poisonous, Flammable, toxic, Can be absorbed Through the skin; Causes Blindness/ eye damage

Ammonia: Poisonous, toxic, Corrosive, Can be absorbed Through the skin: Causes blistering, lung damage

Benzene: Poisonous, Flammable, Explosive, Corrosive, Can be absorbed Through the skin: Causes Carcinogen, Leukemia

Ether: Poisonous, Flammable, Explosive: Causes Respiratory Failure

Freon: Poisonous, toxic, Corrosive: Causes Frostbite, Lung damage

Hydriodic Acid: Poisonous, toxic, Explosive, Can be absorbed Through the skin: Causes Burns, Thyroid Damage

Hydrochloric Acid (HCL Gas): Poisonous, toxic, Explosive, Can be absorbed Through the skin: Causes Respiratory, Liver Damage

Oh hell, This list is WAY to long to put here, Just go to KCI the Anti-Meth site



Here are some things to look for in identifying a meth lab:

Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).

Residences with windows blacked out.

Renters who pay their landlords in cash. (Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.)

Lots of traffic - people coming and going at unusual times. There may be little traffic during the day, but at night the activity increases dramatically.

Excessive trash including large amounts of items such as: antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape.

Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.

Secretive / protective area surrounding the residence (like video cameras, alarm systems, guard dogs, reinforced doors, electrified fencing).

Persons exiting the structure to smoke

Little or no mail, furniture, visible trash and no newspaper delivery.

I'd also like to point out that ALL THREE of the structures (Blackman St, Spruce St, and Regent St.) are in Engine 3's territory (The Engine Leighton has turned 'part-time')! And one of the buildings is DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM SPRUCE STREET PARK!!!!

Some quotes from Captain U. Cupcake (Leighton) that are relevant.
"I would never, never gamble with the safety of residents visitors or guests," Oct 5 2004 (WNEP) That is EXACTLY what he is doing.

"With the location of three city fire houses - Hollenback at the city's north end, headquarters near center city and the Parrish and High Street station on the city's southern border - the department can respond promptly to all calls" Oct 27, 2008 (The Times Leader) Not with 2 Engines we can't and this proves he knows it.

"The new station will cover the north end of the city. Headquarters will cover center City and the other station will take care of the south. In turn, the residents of the city and firefighters who protect us will be safer and better equipped" June 8, 2005 (WNEP) And then he cuts our numbers. Right around the time his Intermodel center was going up in cost by 225%. Yeah, he's not sacrificing your safety for his pet projects.


Now to quote myself, "Labs are often discovered by FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS"!!!!

Remember the dictators cut backs when one of these Meth labs (AKA BOMBS WAITING TO HAPPEN) goes up. Remember the Fire Department will still do EVERYTHING possible to save lives and property while working in one of the most hazardous environments known to man. Because it's not just the fire from a meth lab that will kill you. It's also the booby traps, the maze, the chemicals, and God only knows what else.
It's Leighton who is ignoring your safety and ours.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

LAG AGAIN

LAG towing is getting away with crap AGAIN.
The towing contract states that the tower MUST clean debris from the roadway of ANY motor vehicle incident (MVI) in the city, even if there is no tow involved.

LAG is refusing to even show up if there isn't a tow. And unless someone watches them like a hawk, they do a terrible job when they do break out the broom.

Also when LAG refuses to clean up, the fire dept is called. Remember, we are down to 2 full time engines and 1 part time one, thanks to Leighton. This takes an Engine out of service for a clean up that LAG is contracted to do. And where are we supposed to put it? We don't have a place on the Engines for debris. And are we supposed to throw it out in the city trash?

I don't expect Captain U. Cupcake (the Dictator Leighton) to do anything about it. He's the one who broke the contract with City Wide Towing (Costing the taxpayers about $225,000+ the hidden cost of the cities defense lawyers) to give it to LAG. And he is a campaign contributor. And the one Leighton tried to sell the Old River Road Bakery to (for 8 cents on the dollar). And the one Leighton lied to the County Commissioners for (To get tax forgiveness, and Gloznik is known for NOT paying his taxes). And Leighton tried to lie about the reason.

Back on topic, because Lag will not pick up the debris they get swept to the gutter by an Engine crew. Ultimately this means it will end up back in the road (where they become a tire hazard) or on a storm drain where they block the drain (becoming a street flooding hazard). Because LAG will not do the job that they are contracted to do, and we all know Captain Cupcake will not force a campaign contributor to do what he signed a contract to do.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Enough Already!!!

Ok, If anyone had ANY doubts about the favoritism that the Times Leader shows our dictator has to read this TL Opinion.

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RiverFest propels the city forward

WILKES-BARRE Mayor Tom Leighton was all wet … Literally.

He dripped from pate to sole, having emerged from the Susquehanna a bit like the creature from the black lagoon, an amphibian rising from total submersion to walk on land.

The mayor who touts himself as saving Wilkes-Barre from economic inundation had just sunk the city. OK, we’re exaggerating completely. Leighton was one of 21 crew members in a city-sponsored “dragon boat” when - apparently through no fault of anyone on board - the craft turned bottom-up during a series of races held as part of the RiverFest weekend.

The long, slim vessel – sort of a canoe on steroids – had completed one race and was curving back upstream to dock when it abruptly dumped everyone into the drink. One motorboat collected the soggy paddlers (all wore mandatory life jackets); another righted the dragon boat and towed it to dock, filled to the gunwales with river water.

As a TV cameraman pushed a microphone into Leighton’s soggy face, he cheerfully blamed a motorboat carrying a TV cameraman. The news crew had zipped near the city-manned ship for a close up shot, then powered away too fast, creating a high wake that hit the dragon boat broadside. Everyone was in the pool before you could say “re-elect me!”

“It’s always the media’s fault,” Leighton said with tongue in cheek (we hope).

We think the mayor deserves kudos for remaining upbeat after floating downstream without a paddle … or boat. And the city crew didn’t shirk either, readily remounting that dragon for a second and third race – though we note Leighton was absent for the latter two heats; off to more city stuff, we’re sure.

In fact, the city and everyone involved in the constantly growing RiverFest merit accolades for shaking off this lone glitch in an otherwise well-run event. We hope someday (soon), to see RiverFest sprawl along both banks, giving visitors numerous entertainment and educational opportunities.

We take the boat-tipping as metaphor for a city that comes back when everyone declares it sunk.

Besides, the goal of RiverFest is to bring people closer to the Susquehanna. We’d say the city dragon boat crew wins an award in that department.
############

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We take the boat-tipping as metaphor for a city that comes back when everyone declares it sunk.
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Holy crap! If you kissed a$$ any better you would be able to score a date in Nesbitt Park from 100 yards away.

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Besides, the goal of RiverFest is to bring people closer to the Susquehanna. We’d say the city dragon boat crew wins an award in that department.
##
BULLCRAP. The people who deserve the credit are the ones who have been there YEAR AFTER YEAR since the beginning. Not some hack who is there because it is an election year.

##
Everyone was in the pool before you could say “re-elect me!”
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I may become ill. Can you suck up harder? That brown stain may not come off your nose.

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“It’s always the media’s fault,” Leighton said with tongue in cheek (we hope).
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Don't bet he didn't mean it, he ALWAYS blames someone else.

##
We think the mayor deserves kudos for remaining upbeat after floating downstream without a paddle
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Captain U. Cupcake (Leighton) probably capsized the boat to make sure he got his mug on TV

By the way,
##
One motorboat collected the soggy paddlers
##
That boat was manned by Firefighters.
Guess the safety of the citizens daily lives doesn't equal the safety of the dictator for one event.

And where is the thanks to the real people who deserve it? The volunteers who made ALL of this happen? Not here the TL is to busy sucking up to Captain U. Cupcake to give them ANY credit for a job well done.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote