Category Archives: New York State Government

New York’s Governor, Legislature, Courts and State Agencies, including the MTA

Remember the Ouija Board?

Posted on January 29, 2013 by rockviv

Here’s undoubtedly THE biggest news since Superstorm Sandy hit on October 29, 2012: The first new FEMA flood maps in 25 years were issued yesterday. For a summary on the new maps and stunning photos, check out the Jan. 28, … Continue reading →

Posted in New York City Government, New York State Government, Planet Earth, The Built World, The Land We Share, U.S. Government, Water and waterways | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

H2O, Gerrymandering and Socialists in Archie Bunker Land

Posted on September 10, 2011 by rockviv

I’ll never forget the words of the engineer who inspected the Belle Harbor home our family was about to buy, in the spring of 1994. “The number one enemy of your home is water,” he said.  Do everything you can … Continue reading →

Posted in Business and Economics, New York State Government, The Built World, The Land We Share, U.S. Government, Water and waterways | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Short-Lived Run for Office

Posted on August 2, 2011 by rockviv

It lasted for a mere 20 days in July.  For less than three weeks, it was a chance to upset the apple cart, to offer a fresh new choice to voters in Southeast Queens.  Even a chance to make a … Continue reading →

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Got Activism? Clearwater Festival 2011 Breaks Records

Posted on June 22, 2011 by rockviv

They say that rot is rampant in the social fabric, and all the heroes have died. A decade ago, columnist Russell Baker commented aptly that the few American heroes left in sports, politics and business all “came down with terminal … Continue reading →

Posted in Meet Your Fellow Man, New York State Government, Philosophy, Religion and Philanthropy, Planet Earth, The Arts and Entertainment, The Land We Share, Water and waterways | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Next Decade–Down the Staircase

Posted on May 3, 2011 by rockviv

We’ve completed the mission to remove Osama Bin Laden from atop the world’s terrorist watch list.  The hatred and cruelty of his Al Qaeda followers who orchestrated the terrifying events of September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten. I will … Continue reading →

Posted in New York City Government, New York State Government, Planet Earth, The World of Human Beings, U.S. Government | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A House of Cards Faces Into the Winds of Jamaica Bay

Posted on April 12, 2011 by rockviv

Our elected officials are waiting.  They are watching.  I firmly believe they are looking to hear and see us at all of these meetings.  Some just don’t seem to care, but it behooves us to express our opinions to those who do. The Jamaica … Continue reading →

Posted in Business and Economics, New York City Government, New York State Government, Planet Earth, The Built World, The Land We Share, U.S. Government, Water and waterways | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Sinners and Saints–Your Choice This Week!

Posted on March 14, 2011 by rockviv

In case you’re not a fan of beer drinking, here’s a novel way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—by reading a great book about the history of Ireland. “How The Irish Saved Civilization,” the first title in Thomas Cahill’s “Hinges of … Continue reading →

Posted in Business and Economics, Local Government-Rockaway Peninsula & Broad Channel, New York City Government, New York State Government, Philosophy, Religion and Philanthropy, The Arts and Entertainment, The Built World, The Land We Share, U.S. Government, Water and waterways | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Oy Vey, JFK!

Posted on January 27, 2011 by rockviv

As I write, the regional planning honchos are joining together at a conference in Lower Manhattan to debate the future of our local airports–to be specific, JFK…and Jamaica Bay.  A foot of snow may have delayed the breakfast portion of … Continue reading →

Posted in Air, Business and Economics, Creatures of the Planet (Non-Human), New York City Government, New York State Government, Planet Earth, The Built World, The Land We Share, U.S. Government, Water and waterways | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Is There a Democrat in the House? And Could Somebody Get Me a Pair of Scissors?

Posted on October 22, 2010 by rockviv

How appropriate–Weiner’s standing on the far left, Turner’s on the far right! It got downright unruly over there at the Bungalow Bar on Thursday, October 21.  The candidates for U.S. Congress, Weiner and Turner, were invited to speak at a … Continue reading →

Posted in Local Government-Rockaway Peninsula & Broad Channel, New York City Government, New York State Government, U.S. Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Facades of Democracy–With or Without The Graffiti

Posted on October 9, 2010 by rockviv

     The November election feels close now.  Lawn signs for Republican candidates are proliferating like dandelions all over the west end.  I even saw two bright green Audrey Pheffer campaign signs in the window of Elegante Pizza in Rockaway Beach.  Still … Continue reading →

Posted in Local Government-Rockaway Peninsula & Broad Channel, New York State Government, U.S. Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment