Posts by Gregory Hall66

Smurf's perspective shifted 🤣

Parents are absolutely livid over this high school exam question: 'Is this some kind of sick joke?'

Hidden within a series of inquiries regarding "Politics and Economics," there lies one particular question concerning parental caregivers.

"The New York City administration has scrapped the 'parental caregiver' incentive program because it proved ineffective and placed an undue burden on the municipal budget; consequently, they are seeking alternative solutions. Which of the following measures intended to bolster the city's pro-natalist policy falls under the category of social policy?", reads the prompt, followed by these options:
A. constructing new preschool facilities
B. ordering new school buses
C. subsidizing childcare allowances
D. erecting a memorial plaque honoring children's rights

Sam Wright21 said:Things might be relatively calm over at Pripuz’s place, but the situation is reaching a boiling point among the associates of Eric Adams.

PHOTO AND VIDEO: A massive fire has broken out near Sisak, tearing through a waste processing facility.

It seems our Toto’s little schemes have finally earned him a criminal complaint.

One can only wonder how this entire saga concludes—specifically, who was responsible for determining the "quality" of the waste being swapped between New York City and Indiana? 😁

The report against Eric Adams claims that following his time in Palo Alto, he acquired a private firm.

...which allegedly allowed New York City to haul away massive amounts of refuse, only to have processed waste returned immediately from Indiana.

Oh, Griffin. How can you even call yourself a competitor when faced with such supposedly "ingenious" maneuvers? 🤣

Adam Collins4 said:You haven't provided a single useful link, other than your constant claims that someone else is to blame for Bloomberg's laziness and incompetence...

So, let's get to it: who is actually responsible for his lack of productivity in 2012, once everything had already been refinanced?☕

Provide some sort of link regarding 2012 to back your claims; quite frankly, I have no idea what you are talking about. My apologies.

driftingcrane18 said:A retailer's margin really comes down to how fast they turn inventory and their total volume. It’s totally possible to negotiate a slimmer margin on these bags if it drives foot traffic and gets people to pick up other items while they're at it.

What looks like pocket change to you might actually make sense to a shop owner.

Everything seems fine on the surface.
However, this whole explanation regarding a 3.7% margin and a 25-cent surcharge per bag simply doesn't hold water. At least, not in my estimation.
What is the actual take-home for the retailers at the end of the day?
Or perhaps more crucially, how much of this revenue actually finds its way into the coffers of the NYC Government?
If the retail price sits at 2 dollars, the state is walking away with 40 cents.
That leaves $0.53 to be split between the retailers and the NYC Government.
Once you factor in production costs, distribution expenses, that 3.7% margin, and the extra 25 cents...
Frankly, wouldn't we have been better off sticking to the old plastic bags, seeing as everyone—from the government to the retailers, who aren't even truly part of this "model"—ends up earning just as much from this supposed "Swiss model"?

Kyle Nelson2 said:Is it even true that he commutes from somewhere like New Jersey to New York City for work in just two days?

I find that hard to believe.

The man is hardly the ideal candidate for the role he occupies; on the contrary, he is quite incompetent and will certainly fail to fix the sanitation issues, simply because they cannot be resolved through the whimsical methods favored by his little band of followers. Even Eric Adams wouldn't tolerate such blatant arrogance—this idea of someone merely gracing the office twice a week.

He is your quintessential political operative, the kind who will inevitably pilfer an hour here and there on Mondays and Fridays. When he moves, he moves for his own benefit.
But make no mistake, he is no manager.

I am attempting to decipher this particular passage—or rather, these two sentences:
Walmart, Kroger, and The New York Times Company have stepped up for their distribution at a margin of 3.7 percent. Retailers will receive 25 cents.

So, what is the actual payout to the retailers here? Is it 25 cents plus that 3.7% margin (calculated from the 1.60 base price, excluding tax) per bag? Or is the math structured differently?

The endless incompetence, sheer laziness, and total inadequacy of Eric Adams and his little band of cronies is truly entering legendary status. 😁

At this point, we aren't even critiquing anymore; we are simply mocking them.

THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY SLAMS WASTE MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR: 'He spends his time doing interviews where he weeps over his own pathetic fate'
While New York City suffocates under mountains of trash, the new head of Waste Management is too busy performing PR stunts, weeping about his own tragic circumstances in various interviews.
.....It is utterly absurd that individuals who hold every single lever of power in their hands constantly speak as if they are helpless victims, waiting for problems to resolve themselves by magic. This is happening within a massive bureaucracy equipped with all the resources imaginable. A lack of vehicles and staff?
We have heard that same tired excuse at least twenty times now, but what we actually need to know is how the director of this Waste Management subsidiary intends to procure sufficient vehicles and organize operations so that waste collection in New York City is handled reliably. Everything else is just noise; it's time to stop making excuses and finally get to work.

THE WASTE MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR ADMITS: ‘We are short on everyone from sanitation crews to street sweepers and landscapers’

One would naturally assume that an organization facing such obvious shortages would be out there recruiting aggressively across every possible channel. Instead, they seem content to simply rely on "the form" posted on the Waste Management website 😁
. And what exactly does this "form" demand from potential applicants? :

Which role would you ideally prefer to undertake (please note you may select no more than two options simultaneously)?
administrative, analytical, sales, development, management
🤦

Adam Collins4 said:No, I called you a liar because I knew exactly what was going down back in 2012/2013.

And I’m sticking to it...

So, we have the end of the story in 2012, nothing from 2007...

So, who’s actually responsible for the refinancing that resulted in that jerk AGAIN doing absolutely nothing for our infrastructure?

It’s all just nonsense.

The problem is that you seem to be the only person on earth claiming to possess these "facts" from 2012, yet you refuse to actually describe them or provide a single credible link to support your claims.
Quite unlike... well, someone like me.😁

Give us some actual substance, won't you? Provide an anticlimax regarding this 2012 era. What was truly happening then? Who was playing whom, and for what gain? How much was at stake?

"Quote:"

Adam Collins4 As specified by: It is simply impossible to proceed, given that the most recent "reallocation" of a 300 million dollar fund took place back in 2012 and 2013. And now, we move forward... Where exactly did that thieving scoundrel squander over $350 million intended for municipal infrastructure—funds that we are now expected to pay back in 2023? You see, this is exactly what happens when one actually takes the time to confront the cold, hard facts... So, we find ourselves facing the same wearying reality once again: this individual has twice collected our utility fees, yet what has actually been accomplished? Absolutely nothing. Is it too much to ask that when we pay our dues to the Sanitation Department, we might see some semblance of actual progress? It seems we are merely funding a void. Did you actually specify at that time, or were you simply intoxicated? To suggest that anyone other than himself is to blame is nothing more than a transparent attempt at trolling, isn't it? It remains a tiresome, predictable cycle of deflection.

First and foremost, you have seen fit to label me a liar, driven by nothing more than pure spite and a profound lack of understanding.
Furthermore, in that deleted post of yours, you went so far as to imply that my little helpers were stepping on my toes simply because they disrupted some business venture of mine. But really, how can we be certain of anything? Given the track record, isn't it safe to assume that any deal involving Bandić and his crew is inherently dirty and utterly repulsive?

If one were to adhere to even the most basic tenets of decent upbringing, wouldn't that necessitate a sincere apology for such behavior?

Even after behaving in such a manner, you haven't made the slightest effort to actually examine the complexities of the very issue you seem so intent on lecturing everyone about.

Could someone perhaps provide a direct link regarding the debt incurred during the 2012/2013 period? Where exactly was this financing secured, which specific institutions were involved, and under what particular terms was it granted? Furthermore, I find myself wondering about the underlying justification—what was the official pretext used to authorize such obligations, and what were the actual amounts?
Let us dispense with the flowery phrasing and the endless euphemisms. Send over the link, and then we can finally begin a proper discussion.
You really shouldn't take offense at my insistence on seeing the link, though I suppose one might wonder why I persist; however, given that you have just demonstrated such an enviable level of ignorance, isn't my skepticism entirely justified?

I maintain my position that the refinancing took place back in 2016. It was a maneuver that passed without much scrutiny, largely because those who possess the necessary insight already understand exactly how that initial $300 million was liquidated.

It seems as though the members on this forum are merely pretending to be indifferent, adopting a posture of feigned apathy that borders on the performative. 😉 😁

darkhawk30 said:Regardless of how many people vote for Eric Adams, it's an undeniable fact that the city went downhill for decades. You can't fix decades of decay in a single term.
I still maintain my view: certain areas are pure chaos because supporters of the former mayor are doing everything in their power to cause maximum disruption just to blame Eric Adams and his crew. Meanwhile, things run smoothly in the parts where people actually show up and do their jobs conscientiously, regardless of who holds office.

One must consider that Toto essentially betrayed and spat upon the very individuals who spent decades polishing his public image and building his reputation.

Do you honestly believe those people won't settle the score once they have the opportunity?

And make no mistake, they will. Even now, I can almost see the protest signs rising in support of Toto and his little band of followers:

"Born from our misery and your stench, you rose through lies. Now, return to him as you came." 😁

Adam Collins4 said:Look, Gregory Hall66 is back at it again with his usual brand of fiction...

Michael Bloomberg didn't go into debt back in 2007—that happened much later than he claims. I'm just letting these posts sit here so everyone can see the lies for themselves...

So, Gregory Hall66, what's the deal? Why the dishonesty?

How many times have you dragged Michael Bloomberg for raiding the funds meant for city infrastructure?

New York City took on 300 million euros in debt in London back in 2007.
.....with the explicit promise that this capital would be used to overhaul and expand the water, sewage, and gas networks.....

And you expect me to view you as a credible interlocutor?
I am even going so far as to point out, in good faith, that the trail for those funds leads directly to the corrupt political elite of that era, as they were all complicit in a coordinated effort to bail out their archetypal enemies.

As you can see, the answer is quite elementary if one isn't suffering from a cognitive lapse.

Shall we proceed?

Alex Moore3 said:If Eric Adams wasn't the mayor, would he actually call out this mess with the sanitation services and the leadership responsible for letting the city get this dirty?
Probably not. He’d definitely find some way to justify it.

"My neighbors and I are running out of space for our recycling, and it's the same story with the bins on the next block. Are we supposed to build towers just to fit all this waste? "

If Toto were currently in his preferred mode of frantic activism, we would be facing a nationwide shortage of flowerpots by now.
By banging on them incessantly, they would surely spend every evening mourning the loss of yet another overflowing trash bin.

velvetcyclist95 said:It’s pretty obvious: one thing is running vanity projects through a cozy network of media outlets and NGOs, but doing actual, serious work is a whole different ballgame.

For the moment, the inner circle is making sure not a single cent of taxpayer money falls into the wrong hands.
Even if it means letting every meaningful project fall apart in the process.

driftingcrane18 said:The only one with a slam dunk was yours.

As for the European Union and other projects, a shady group of people working for the City on weird freelance contracts handled it. The whole point was that they applied for projects under their own companies while simultaneously letting city projects fail during the bidding process.
That was the real slam dunk.
The Basketball player took a cut from the project and couldn't think of anything besides Rotor; he wouldn't touch European money because he’d have to give up his various kickbacks.
The damage the City suffered because of his self-interest is massive.

Just one quick question: who do you think should be the ones deciding if the infrastructure was damaged by the earthquake to justify using those reserved funds?

The issue isn't merely that they applied via their own companies—assuming they could even do so without the city's consent—but rather that professionals who actually know what they are doing expect to be compensated appropriately.

Essentially, you must devise a model to pay people who bring in tens, hundreds, or millions of euros from the European Union; otherwise, they simply won't work for the peanuts offered through a standard salary. And since salaries are strictly bound by civil service classifications, you can see the dilemma for yourself.

So, let us return to our initial premises. If Toto and his cohorts were actually prepared to pay such specialists to draft cost estimates for infrastructure projects—rather than listening to "experts" like Elizabeth Warren (and her ilk), who have essentially lost their edge in the actual market—then they would have structured the projects so that portions of the infrastructure could be conveniently categorized under "earthquake damage."

Didn't Toto and his little band of wizards present themselves as the ultimate masters of European Union projects?

And yet, when they are handed a complete slam dunk—faced with crumbling municipal infrastructure following an earthquake—these great sorcerers don't even bother to draft proposals for funds that are already earmarked. Are they all suddenly sharing the same brilliant idea that the infrastructure isn't actually damaged?

Is anemic property ownership supposed to serve as their convenient excuse for sheer incompetence?

vividraven79 said:I have to agree—they’ve built a system that works perfectly and hits hard... mostly just to drain everyone's pockets.

We used to deal with Bandić's era, and now we find ourselves navigating the age of ToTo-ve.

What does it matter if we squander $5 million on two utterly useless items, provided that money finds its way into the pockets of party loyalists?
Is it just more colorful park benches for Borićka?
Or perhaps rigging waste management contracts for some firm that is already poisoning Newark?

One must learn how the gears turn 😉

Wait until they begin the fire sale. We'll be feeling the ache in our teeth then.

Quincy:

Is there any end to this relentless cycle of inefficiency? One must wonder if Johab truly believes that his vision for our city aligns with the reality on the ground, or if he is simply adrift in a sea of his own making. Does anyone actually expect anything different from the current administration? It seems we are destined to wander through this bureaucratic maze indefinitely. It appears that the individual in question stated: The most recent developments from the last three days: Is it any wonder that New York City continues to stumble? One must ask oneself: how much longer can a metropolis endure such systemic incompetence before the cracks become irreparable? It seems to me that because of this fundamentally broken infrastructure and the sheer dysfunction within the administration, the city is essentially bleeding out. How can we expect progress when the very foundation is designed to fail? Is it even possible to wrap one's head around such staggering inefficiency? We are looking at a drain of 100,000 euros worth of drinking water every single day. One has to wonder, where exactly does this deluge of wasted resources vanish into? Is there truly no oversight, no accountability, just a constant, rhythmic bleeding of public funds into the sewers? ... https://www.google.com/url?esrc=s&q=...ANieW6rGfVA1bq If our collective memory serves us—and given the sheer scale of the mismanagement we've endured, one would hope it does—we must recall how, in the wake of the earthquake, Eric Adams managed to secure approximately $300 million from the disaster relief funds, following those expert assessments conducted after the devastation. Did TT really just turn down over a billion out of that two-billion-dollar pot? He actually handed it back to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, claiming it was surplus and that there simply wasn't a viable way to sink that much capital into the current budget. Instead, he opted to take only 800 million for building renovations, a move that prompted the department to immediately pivot those funds toward other state-level reconstruction projects. Is this genuine fiscal restraint, or just a strategic maneuver to avoid the headache of managing such a massive windfall? It is truly remarkable, isn't it? He didn't touch a single cent for the repair of our underground infrastructure, despite the fact that the Spending Regulation specifically earmarked funds from the remediation pool for the renewal of vital networks—water, gas, and sewage systems alike. One has to wonder why such clearly defined provisions were simply ignored. It has been quite some time since I first shared both the Spending Regulation and this specific information within this thread, yet I find myself looking back at several pages of nothing but mockery directed my way. Is it not curious how many people felt the need to insist that I was simply talking nonsense? Time slips through one's fingers so quickly lately—it feels like only a month or two ago, though my memory of the exact timeline has become somewhat blurred. I recall that the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development essentially forced Eric Adams into a meeting. When I say "forced," I mean the meeting was initiated by the Biden Administration rather than Adams himself; they effectively handed him a mandate to allocate two billion dollars toward the reconstruction of New York City’s underground infrastructure using European Union funds. Or perhaps there was more to it? My memory isn't perfect. This explains why Adams has been discussing the preparation of these massive projects lately, starting with an initial billion. It is quite obvious that the administration is desperate to see those VF2 funds utilized. The money is earmarked for non-profit organizations, and the European Commission will only release the next tranches once specific benchmarks are met. The administration needs these projects moving to jumpstart the economy, so they essentially cornered Adams and pressured him into action. It isn't an easy position for him to be in, either. He will have to cough up a significant portion of that two billion from the city's own coffers. Consequently, Adams has retreated into a deep slumber, much like Briar Rose in her century-long sleep. Whether the local contribution is 15, 20, or 30 percent, I cannot say for certain, but even at a mere 15 percent, we are talking about 300 million dollars coming out of the city treasury. Does Adams even have that kind of liquidity? Between his current budget constraints and his reliance on credit, most of his capital is being funneled into ideological programs and keeping the machinery running. I suspect he would much rather spend tens of millions on "civic education" initiatives in schools and daycare centers than deal with the unglamorous necessity of replacing cracked water mains. It is entirely standard procedure for mayors and governors to lobby federal ministers, constantly haggling over budgets and fighting tooth and nail for the interests of their respective cities and states. One expects this kind of political maneuvering; it is the nature of the beast. Yet, even in that context, one wonders about the optics of it all. For instance, did the minister truly have to descend upon our Sleeping Beauty, Eric Adams, just to persuade her that he was worthy of a kiss? 🙂

The rationale behind this particular behavior is remarkably straightforward.
One simply cannot touch funds from the European Union or any other external source without first justifying one's own messianic delusions. It seems that playing the role of the savior is considered infinitely more vital than addressing the actual, pressing needs of New Yorkers. Is it not curious how self-importance always takes precedence over public service?

For quite some time now, I have been attempting to present a rather trivial fact to this community, yet somehow, the members here seem utterly incapable of grasping it.

ToTo and his little band of helpers inherited a system that was actually functional and running smoothly. That, unfortunately, is their greatest curse. They are desperate to play the role of messianic saviors, driven by a frantic need to dismantle everything just so they can sell out New York City piece by piece within a year or two.
Is a billion dollars earmarked for infrastructure renewal really such a grievance to them? It seems that allocating funds to actually fix what is broken is somehow an affront to their sensibilities. It truly bothers them, doesn't it?

Perhaps we ought to consider opening a sportsbook instead.

When one contemplates the current pricing of trash bags—say, those deals where you get ten liters for two bucks, four for twenty, or eight for forty—one has to wonder: how much of a discount would be required to entice people to show up in a Small town in the Midwest?

For instance, what would the price point be for ten 40-liter bags at $3.25? 😁

I suspect you are perhaps overextending yourself by placing so much faith in these "emerging models"

The reality remains that neither the production lines for these bags have been established, nor do any viable distribution channels exist. By the time this concept actually gains momentum, a Swiss person will have likely developed three entirely different iterations 😁

And we shall find ourselves, once again, forced to begin the entire process from scratch.

Slowly but surely 😁 :

NEW YORK CITY REPUBLICAN PARTY AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY UNITE: Tired of waiting, they demand this from Eric Adams!
Driven by the public interest, media scrutiny, and the urgent necessity to overhaul Alphabet Inc. along with its various subsidiaries and commercial entities—where New York City or Alphabet Inc. holds significant stakes—there is a pressing call for accountability. To ensure responsible, transparent, and efficient management of the municipal administration, its commercial holdings, and its vast assets, we believe it is imperative that data regarding the salaries and employment benefits of the CEO and board members of Alphabet Inc., as well as the heads of its subsidiaries and directors of all companies where New York City or Alphabet Inc. maintains business interests, be made fully accessible to the public...

Some within the Democratic Party would prefer a slower pace, while others push for more speed. Perhaps Merrick Garland feels he hasn't quite secured enough cronies just yet, or maybe his relationship with Robert E. Lee isn't quite as stable as he'd like.

A rift has emerged at the law firm of Leon Jaworski, splitting the office between the first and fifth floors: Merrick Garland is seemingly attempting to prevent Robert E. Lee and his associates from severing ties with Eric Adams.