Thomas Jefferson said in 1802: "I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies."

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."-- Thomas Jefferson

"When in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout." .... jbd

"When once a job you have begun, do no stop till it is done. Whether the task be great or small, do it well, or not at all." .... Anon

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Albert Einstein

Television is one daylong commercial interrupted periodically by inept attempts to fill the airspace in between them.

If you can't start a fire, perhaps your wood is wet ....

When you elect clowns, expect a circus ..............




Thursday, April 17, 2014

Old-timey car pitched as replacement for NYC's horse-drawn carriages

Vintage-look electric car that could replace horse-drawn carriages goes on display in NYC


NEW YORK (AP) -- An electric car that proponents hope will replace horse-drawn carriages in New York City was presented Thursday at the New York International Auto Show, as critics expressed their distaste for the idea.

The "Horseless eCarriage" prototype was commissioned by NYCLASS, a group advocating for a ban on carriage horses because they say it's inhumane to have the animals toiling in an urban environment.

The prototype car seats eight people and is made to look like it's from the early 20th century, with lots of brass and oversized wheels. Creator Jason Wenig of The Creative Workshop, a car restoration and customization business, said the selling price could be between $150,000 and $175,000.

Wenig called the car "an homage" to an earlier time, with a body shape that "reflects and celebrates an era that's of amazing historical significance to this city."

But before the cars could make their way to the streets around Central Park, legislation banning the carriage horses would have to be passed. Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to ban the horses. But carriage-horse operators and their allies — including actor Liam Neeson — have loudly opposed the mayor's plan and the council has not yet introduced the legislation.

The Central Park Conservancy, a nonprofit that oversees the park in partnership with the city, was against the idea of bringing more cars into the popular place.

"Forty million people visit Central Park each year, including runners, bicyclists, kids and dog owners," said Doug Blonsky, president and CEO of the conservancy. "Adding vehicles to the mix will make the park less safe for all of them and increase congestion."

Wenig said the cars would be able to go up to 30 mph outside of the park, but would be kept electronically from going more than 5 mph inside it.