Blow off Your Steam Recap-Volume 7

Usually, the Metro Community News comments are pretty boring but this week the two comments were very interesting. Marge decided not to promote herself this week. Don't worry. Next week, we'll find out she discovered a cure for cancer.

-Pat wrote a very well thought out article comparing the closings of the catholic churches in South Buffalo and Kaisertown/Lovejoy. I have to disagree with her about St. John's on Seneca St. I could be wrong but it seems like that parish kind of fell apart years ago. I know their school had to close long before any of the others in South Buffalo. I do agree with her that one school should have been left open in Kaisertown/Lovejoy. There's a catholic church on every block on Clinton St. You'd think all of them together would be able to sustain one private school. Like everything else, I'll bet the final call from the church came down to money and clout. The East Side does not make good business sense for the compassionate catholic hiarchy.

-Vicki had a hilarious post. She said she's in her 80s and wonders why doctors always tell her to exercise. She says she just wants to get up, do some housework, and go out once in awhile. She's 100% right. I'll bet half of these doctors telling her what to do won't live past 80. She doesn't need their advice.

Blow off Your Steam Recap-Volume 6

Pat called the Metro Community News with a heavy heart. She says she was introduced to South Buffalo by her husband. She says, "South Buffalonians, You are special (at least we know Tim Kennedy is), You're honest, loyal, super mindful of others, generous, and humorous. (Most people I know from South Buffalo are cheap. And we all saw how loyal Brian Higgins and Tim Kennedy were when they supported Steve Urkel over one of their neighbors).

She says we all know in our hearts that Brian, Tim, Mark, and Mickey(she forgot Dopey and Sneezy) all care about the community and are doing such a terrific job. Brian, Mark, and Timmy are all products of the political machine. Mickey ran against the machine and I think he and Mark are willing to suffer politically from time to time to benefit the community. Brian would throw Pat and all of her neighbors under a greyhound bus if it made him look good or even remotely helped his career. Timmy's not even a factor because he does whatever Brian tells him to do. He is NOT a leader of any kind and is about as bright as Potsie from Happy Days.

Pat says she truly believes that Mark, Brian, Mickey, and Tim can help make Buffalo a great community again. Are you freaking kidding me? She must have forgot that Brian Higgins has been in office since the 1980s and presided over the mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of citizens to other parts of the country. She says we need all of them working for us. No, actually we could do a great deal better with less of them working for us. In fact, we wouldn't even notice if half of them were gone. She closes by saying,"I have no doubt that the special flavor that is South Buffalo will shine through in them for all of us." I highly doubt it, Pat.

I'm sorry. I have to wipe the tears off my eyes. I thought it was Blow Off Your Steam? Pat is looking at things with rose colored glasses and apparently taking lots of illegal drugs. She just presupposes that Tim, Mark, Brian, Mickey, and Ringo will be in office for the next 20 years. Of course they will, because Pat's neighbors don't do any research on who they are voting for(if they even bother to vote at all). It's people like Pat that make these guys think they are movie stars. I like your optimism to a point Pat but wake up and smell the coffee. Keep holding on to you dreams...

Blow off Your Steam Recap-Volume 5

Both Rick and Rusty write that they upset with Brian Higgins, Mark Schroeder, and Tim "Status Quo" Kennedy for supporting Byron Brown over one of their own neighbors. Rusty says Kennedy's career is over and he shouldn't waste his time or money on the Senate race. Kennedy's got bigger problems than that. He has not been backed by Mark Schroeder or Mickey Kearns-and won't be. He is being backed by Steve Pigeon, whom most voters are beginning to detest. Pigeon is not interested in any kind of reform whatsoever and frankly, I'm surprised Higgins would lower himself by associating with him. I think Higgins and Pigeon are underestimating the intelligence of a large number of South Buffalo voters. Once they realize Pigeon is behind Kennedy's campaign, they'll drop him like a bad habit.

Len writes that he sympathizes with the previous weeks' writer who was upset at Higgins, Schroeder, and Kennedy for supporting Byron Brown. He justifies their endorsement by saying "in the world of Albany, sometimes you have to give a little to receive support for yourself." I didn't know the mayor's race had anything to do with Albany. This person thinks Higgins and Kennedy care more about this region than themselves. He couldn't be more wrong. They are only concerned about their own careers. Kennedy hasn't made one decision on his own since being appointed. I take that back. He chooses whether to have his wings cooked hot, medium, or mild. Their decision to back Brown over Kearns has many people very upset.

Jack is very upset about the Water Authority raising it's rates. Join the club. How many patronage jobs are over there? Can someone get me a list of all their employees? A previous reader mentioned that the guy who was caught selling the handicapped parking tags stolen from city hall recently got a job at the Water Authority. Who knew he was such an expert on water?Where is the outrage from Higgins, Kennedy, and Kearns over this hire?

Then there is Marge. Marge steals all the wooden elves from the two McKinley circles placed there by actual community volunteers. These parents then had to explain to their kids why this woman would be crazy enough to carry out such a senseless vindictive act on Christmas Eve. Then Marge has the nerve to call the Metro Community News and accuse someone from this group of knocking over her stupid looking Santa Claus. Marge, I have to tell you this. I know someone's going to forward this to you. You need to quit while you're behind. From the many comments under my elf story, people in your own neighborhood are on to your dreadful act. They know your group consists of about three people and you receive tens of thousands of dollars in government money from all the incumbants that you shamelessly kiss up to. By stealing elves from kids, you are fast becoming little more than a circus act. I hope someone in your group explains to you that what you did on Christmas Eve really puts your entire group in a bad light. And that's too bad because I know of well intentioned people in your group that are just out trying to improve the neighborhood. You just don't happen to be one of them.

Blow off Your Steam Recap-Volume 3

Bill-Talks about a recent incident he witnessed at school 27 (Hillery Park Academy). Parents were asked to park a little bit away from the school for the safety of the students. A few of the parents chose to drive through the lot. They threatened the administrators and staff at the school when informed they were blocking the doors. Bill is shocked that these parents seemed oblivious to the poor example they were setting to their kids. Bill, you're witnessing the result of years of government handouts. These parents wanted to get close to that door. They probably needed to get home quickly so they could get home and play video games and drink beer. They never learned to respect authority. Why would they be expected to teach this to their children? Probably the only time the teachers and administrators meet half of them is after their kids cause problems at school. Then, they show up to blame the adults. In our day, our parents respected the teachers, sometimes to a fault. Today, many parents of the poor view the teachers as another government entity there to do their job. Free breakfast, free lunch, soon to be free dinner. Now, I'm hearing stories about schools keeping washers and dryers on hand to wash the students' clothes. Can you believe that? Thank the liberals.

Van- Very upset about the PAL's threat to cancel the ball drop. He tries to tie this in with the Buffalo Police getting $62,000 in overtime to work at Massachusetts Avenue for the Home Makeover show. Van, this threat from Sue Gonzalez was thinly veiled. I don't believe they were ever serious about cancelling the stupid ball drop. It was just a PR move to get donations for their group. You see it all the time. At the end of every summer, you hear stories about youth football groups in the city having all of their equipment stolen. Then, they get bombarded with new equipment and other donations from SUCKERS. By the way, PAL is a joke. Years ago, they had guys like Bob Williams. He made a serious effort to get poorer kids and kids that were new to sports involved from every South Buffalo neighborhood. And they had guys like Williams in other city neighborhoods doing the same thing. Today, these leagues are all star leagues. More than half the kids are from the suburbs. I give Masiello credit for bringing it back but it's not like it used to be. By the way Van, I miss your coverage of the Bills games on the radio. Fandemonium.

Colleen- Responds to Deanna's criticism of Mickey Kearns. She says she sees Mickey everywhere and doesn't see the other South Buffalo leaders at these events. She views Byron Brown as an embarrassment to the city of Buffalo. Hey, does Terrell Owens have to give Brown back the key to the city when he leaves next week? I'm not sure how that works. Anyway, Colleen makes no mention of Deanna referring to Mickey Kearns as a "homeboy" like two other writers did last week. However, in honor of homeboys everywhere, I'd like to bring you this song by RUN DMC...

Blow off Your Steam Recap-Volume 2

There was not much steam being blown off this week. For some reason, the Metro Community Snews never made it down my street on Sunday. Don't ask me how I survived. I was able to steal a copy today from a friend's house.

The most common question I get besides why are you such an a-hole? is Was that your column I read in the Metro Community News? Unfortunately, every other male in S. Buffalo is named Mike. Had I been named Ezekiel, I doubt if there would be so much confusion. Anyway, I can assure you the answer is no. I was banned from this publication a few years ago for talking about things your local representatives didn't want discussed in public. This was actually one of the reasons for the creation of this website.

Jack-wrote in about the utility raises. He correctly points out that you can't win. If you conserve to save money, they simply tell you they didn't make enough money and raise your rates. That's what happens when you're a monopoly and don't have to deal with any competition. Jack also talks about how the spokespeople and chief executives are all former politicians and their relatives. The salaries they give themselves are criminal. Just another reason for us to vote out just about every incumbant. In short, I agree with Jack. The people that run these utility companies should be behind bars. Crooks.

Hilda-Upset that a previous writer (Deanna) referred to Councilman Kearns as a "homeboy" last week. I think Hilda implies that Deanna is black. I don't know how this can be inferred from print (or if it's even relevant). She tells Deanna to move back to the Masten district if she likes Byron Brown and dislikes Kearns so much. I don't know about that but Hilda correctly points out that Byron Brown shows up whenever there is a TV camera. The thing is, Deanna was complaining about her street not being plowed. Byron Brown appoints a Streets Commissioner whose job it is to get the streets plowed.It is not the Councilmember's job. In any event, I was happy that they were able to plow my street in a timely fashion. If they decided to plow my street after reading some of my articles on Brown, they'll plow anyone's.

Mike (not me) was also upset with Deanna's use of the word homeboy. At least she didn't call him her home skillet. Mike calls Deanna uneducated on civic matters. He speaks highly of former mayor Griffin and Kearns. He also speaks highly of Kennedy, which forces one to tell Mike he should educate himself on the issues a little more. The guy works 15 hours a week and hasn't made a decision on his own since he was "appointed" County Legislator by Brian Higgins and his evil friends. He must be stopped.

I know it's Christmas but please call or send in your complaints to the Metro Community News next week so I have something to write about.

Blow Off Your Steam Recap-Volume 1

Just a brief, and I mean very brief, commentary on what has people upset and angry this week in The Metro Community News...

-Niko-Talks about how some scam artists use charities to steal your money (ie. stores asking you to give to the poor). He's right. I only give to someone that I know and know where the money is going. For example, the United Way hired Mary Martino. What kind of idiot would give them their hard earned money?

Joan-Thinks people drive too fast on Tifft St. She's right also, especially given the amount of deer on that road. I have seen police catch people speeding there on many occasions, though. I just drive in the right hand lane and let the idiots pass me.

Billie-Very upset at the Post Office. Her note was too long so I only read the beginning. Say it in fewer words next time Billie. Anyway, you don't want to make them mad at you at the post office. "Going postal" is not just an expression. It is a statement deeply rooted with examples. If they do get violent with you, I highly recommend you take a dive and call Cellino & Barnes or the Hurt line.

Lil- Wants the readers of the Metro Community News to explain Obama's Health Care plan. Sorry,Lil. Do you realize that most readers of that paper cannot figure out how to operate their remote controls, much less solve the health care crisis?

Deanna-Uses the word "homeboy" not once but twice in her article. She says Mickey Kearns is not her favorite Councilmen. She also blasts Jimmy Griffin, claiming the next two mayors have "cleaned up" after him. I'm not here to defend Griffin's record but I don't think the next two mayors are capable of cleaning themselves up after eating spaghetti. Deanna, you live in a dream world. Stop watching so much reality TV and start educating yourself more on the issues.

Marge-The 603rd time she wrote a self congratulatory article. Doesn't she realize that patting yourself on the back in South Buffalo is right up there with giving yourself your own nickname? She talks about her club as if it's privately funded. They get thousands of dollars from local elected officials and they have like six known members. It says in her article on some Christmas tree lighting that "Santa arrived in a Hollywood station fire truck." What she fails to mention is that all the kids ran and tackled County Legislator Tim Kennedy in an apparent case of mistaken identity. Marge will be out 3-6 weeks with a torn rotator cuff. She reinjured it while patting herself on the back yet again. Really, after reading that diatribe, I need to know what she smokes every day because it must be some very good stuff.