Stories and comments from Worcester's Web diaries

Compiled by Scott Zoback

• Posted by "Topher" on topherthetechguy.blogspot.com: Dear Worcester,
I just wanted to write you a quick "thank you" note for all that you have done for me recently. I decided not to send you a written "thank you" note, as you more than likely wouldn't be able to read my handwriting (and probably throw it away with all of your other fan mail). First off, I really want to let you know how much I appreciate your handling of the water supply-line issues in my neighborhood. You have really handled the situation well. What, with the river running down my road all summer, the portals to the center of the earth that open up due to erosion, the water heater in my basement that exploded from the pressure of having the water turned off and on again (almost daily), and being able to enjoy a nice, cold glass of rusty water to refresh me after mowing the lawn, who wouldn't be appreciative? Secondly, you have no idea how you make me feel each morning when I start my morning commute. Why, just this morning, I left my house, swerved around a sinkhole or two, turned onto the next street, and was greeted by a line of cars waiting to get onto Rt 9. Why would I be thanking you for something like this? I'm not. I'm thanking you for working on the next street, blocking off the street I was on, and sending police officers on detail that while they SHOULD have been directing traffic, were listening to iPods or chatting with other officers, and appeared to be just effective enough to direct plane traffic at Worcester Airport. Finally, I want to thank you for the Airport. Seriously. You have given me years of enjoyment in being able to take my daughter up there to watch the planes take off and land. Unfortunately for me though, my daughter is now six years old, and no longer believes that the tumbleweeds blowing across the runway are small planes. *sigh* Sincerely, Topher The Tech Guy

• Posted by "Bill Randell" on worcesterma.blogspot.com: There is a report in Tuesday night's City Council meeting regarding the one bidder for the parcel of land. After reviewing the one bid for four months, Winward Aviation has a six month option (October, 2007 thru March, 2008) to lease one or both of the parcels. During this 6 month period Winward will perform a market survey to determine the need for additional T-hangars. Should they, Winward, not have conducted this market study before bidding on the parcels?? At the end of the 6 months, if Winward decides that there is no demand do they lose their deposit, which I believe was $10,000???

• Posted by "Claudia Snell" on cmsnell.blogspot.com: What a great day for an art festival! Good thing stART on the Street was going on ;-) We had an awesome time. We saw a lot of friends (I've missed all you people!). What a fantastic collection of art and artists — what a fun time! Thank you Tina and crew for a fantastic day! I think Industrial Sonic Echo will stand out in our memories for awhile. LOVED IT! Thought it was great last year too. Check them out if you can. They are on myspace - find their schedule there.

• Posted by "Jeff" on wormtowntaxi.blogspot.com: While union employees at the new courthouse had already signed up to pay $65 a month for parking, an increase to $85 a month has them pulling out the heavy artillery by the bargaining units. The additional amount works out to an average of only ninety-two cents a day, and the full parking fee is still under twenty bucks a week. You'll have to pardon my rising anger and outrage over this as I begin my rant .... Can you believe this crap? This is a bargaining unit grievance? These people who are all feeding at the public trough in recession-proof jobs for salaries and wages that are now impossible to find in the private sector, and who just got a brand new building to work in, are pissing and moaning about having to fork over an additional ninety-two cents a day for parking, beginning on October first??? Don't call your jobs "public service" when you use a bargaining unit in this manner. I want to make myself as clear as possible about this. Firemen and Policemen, along with their bargaining units, are truly "public service" who put their lives on the line with their jobs. I'd support ANY grievance they ever had.

• Posted by "Jason" on savefitchburg.blogspot.com: So, Gov. Deval Patrick outlined his gambling plans yesterday, and surprisingly made a big bet. Three casinos statewide? It doesn't look like Patrick is hedging on this one. It's a fun issue to talk about. Millions and millions in possible revenues is exciting. Gambling is exciting. But it might not get very far. House Speaker Sal DiMasi hasn't been much of fan — to put it mildly — and the House will be the stumbling block that DiMasi is going to have to get past to make this a reality. So, really, this might be a lot of noise about nothing, but noise that's worth paying attention to and considering all the same o

In true blog fashion, the spelling, grammar and punctuation of these selections are to the individual poster's tastes.