Outside Erie

19 Responses to “I Wonder If …”

1. George Vietze
   May 13th, 2008 at 11:33 am

   The issue of safety of the track surface of Presque Isle Downs surfaced before the death of Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby.

   The very first race at Presque Isle Downs a million dollar horse broke down. The surface at Presque Isle Downs is a plastic coated material called Tapeta previously used only on training tracks before introduced at a racing track at Presque Isle Downs. The public reports from the jockeys and the trainers indicate satisfaction with the surface, I have had other conversations with other trainers and breeders that are taking a wait-see attitude and are going to be watching this full season of racing very carefully. It is in everyone’s interest in the racing business to do whatever it takes to keep the racing surface as safe as possible for both the horses and the riders.

   The question of racing horses at two and three years of age is an entirely different question and for three year old horses to race the Kentucky Derby and a mile and a quarter, then run the Preakness a few weeks after and then run the Belmont of one mile and a half in another few weeks speaks volumes of why there has not been a triple crown winner in many years.

   This year another great horse won the Kentucky Derby and in my opinion has a great chance to win both the Preakness and then the Belmont, hopefully the price of the Triple Crown will not cause injury or death to this magnificent animal. Horse racing is a great sport and those involved accept the risk as part of the business, unfortunately the horse does not have much of an option, but if you saw the treatment that Big Brown gets you would love that lifestyle. It truly is the sport of kings and it is in everyone’s interest connected with horse racing to see to it that safety is of prime importance. Most of the major race tracks have switched to some type of “cushion synthetic surfaces” that has greatly reduced the injury statistics.

   Presque Isle Downs have some of the finest horses in the country racing because of the lure of the large purses, younger people need to get involved in horse racing and join the excitement of watching these great animals competing, the facility in Erie is a new, fun facility with great food and entertainment, a great sports bar atmosphere in the club house and fine dining in the main restaurant and a great buffet, with gas prices what they are Erie has many exciting entertainment options, concerts, theatre, plays, comedy clubs, restaurants of all kinds, beaches in the summer and snowmobiling and winter sports in the winter. Stay local, save money and support your community, believe me, we are blessed to have the many options and attractions that we have in Erie.

2. MGR
   May 13th, 2008 at 12:05 pm

   I know this much, the “ridiculously” high gas prices are causing people interviewed on the local news to make dumber and dumber decisions. I saw one guy say that he goes to Ohio for gas. At 20 miles each way and a normal vehicle pulling 20mpg on the highway, unless he is filling up a mini-tanker truck, he just lost money and time to do that!

   I don’t think the Erie area will ever really embrace mass transit because driving here is relatively non-nerve wracking, parking is available, and the population density is comfortable. There might be some appetite for a late night bus service to transport the after hours crowd around while lowering their risk of a DUI. Maybe if the service took people at least to a common park-and-ride location in the city or their township and a drop off service to all of the college campuses, it would at least reduce the amount of time they would be driving under the influence.

   Hopefully PI Downs and Lake Erie Speedway for that matter have great seasons. What I still can’t figure out is why both facilities lack a retractable roof of some manner. It doesn’t have to be enclosed, just something to keep rain out when needed. Given that there is only a partial year to operate both of these places in our climate and that portion of time will most certainly be reduced by rain days, I think this type of investment would yield a good return.

3. Rebecca
   May 13th, 2008 at 2:28 pm

   I have to say, I hope Eight Belles death has little impact at the Downs. I remember the very first race and the tragedy of that loss. I was also a huge supporter of Eight Belles - I loved that she was the only filly and that her team opted to put her in the Derby instead of the Kentucky Oaks (an all girl showcase) where she would have been a favorite. I loved that she came in second place and I loved her valiant effort.

   Another horse, Chelokee, fractured his right leg in the race the day before the Derby, and of course we all remember Barbaro. These tragedies unfortunately happen more often than we think. And even though they do, I still greatly support the sport - because that’s what it is, a sport. Not that I didn’t feel great sorrow for the loss of Eight Belles or Barbaro a year before, and don’t think I don’t question my own love of the sport - and wonder where my twisted passion lies when the fate of an animal is at stake - but in essence I ultimately know that these thoroughbreds live to run. And you can see that any day on any track or any farm or any field.

   And I know through evolution, they’ve been bred so that they are faster than they’ve ever been, but more fragile - but the only way to keep them truly safe - is to never let them outside or beyond the walls in which they live - something I find far worse than the risks they take.

   There are many organizations that help find new life for these athletes after their racing days are over. If we truly want to make a difference in the now, I suggest we support these - and help to find a future for them and honor the ones who have past.

4. Debbie
   May 13th, 2008 at 2:48 pm

   Yes, the gas prices have made me change my daily commute. I went from car-pooling occasionally to four out of five days a week.

   I would like to say that I want to help the environment (and I do), but my wallet told me I had to.

   I hope that our local sights and events are well attended. We have so many great local events.

   I am taking a vacation out of state, but that has been in the planning for a long time and the price of gas (or airline ticket) wasn’t going to change the plan.

5. john morris
   May 14th, 2008 at 9:00 am

   I don’t think a long term look at supply and demand fundamentals indicates that gas prices are really high. We were just used to rediculously low prices and unfortunately we built our economy on them.
   The biggest effect on a lot of cities would be increased demand for living closer into town in mixed use “jane Jacobs” type areas. Transit viability is directly tied to housing types, land use and density levels.

   I think Erie is mostly a regional travel destination so it might benefit by people deciding not to take long trips.

   I read this in the NY Times and I was wondering if people thought it was true.

   “Long before the filly Eight Belles shattered her front ankles and was euthanized on the track after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby last Saturday, the industry had conceded that American racehorses were less sound than ever. In 1960, for example, the average United States racehorse made 11.3 starts a year; last year, the average was 6.3.”

6. George Vietze
   May 14th, 2008 at 10:33 am

   John, thank you for the post and the link to the nytimes article about current breeding practices in the thoroughbred racing industry. They have obviously been intentionally breeding race horses for “speed” and with little or no emphasis on durability and safety. A syndicate paid over $3million dollars for Big Brown and if they don’t injur e the horse and win the triple crown he will be retired to breeding. The financial rewards are driving the demand for faster and faster race horses.

   It is not just speed, this horse is an amazing animal he responds to the roar of the crowd, he locks into the competition with little urging from the jockey, finds his own position and runs his heart out. A horses temperament and “head” are just as important as his breeding and conformation. Watch the Preakness this Saturday and witness history in the making, there has not been a Triple Crown winner in many years. The jockey, Kent Desourmeau, was aboard Real Quiet who was trained by Bob Baffert and was coming down the stretch toward the winning of the Triple Crown and the jockey eased at the wire and was beaten by a nose. The Bonus for winning the triple crown was $5mlliion dollars, not counting the purse or the breeding money.

   Kent never road a Stakes race for Baffert again and eventually left southern California. Hopefully he has learned this expensive lesson and will leave his ego home and run a focused race. The trip in the Derby was perfect and it was exciting to watch Big Brown lock into the competition and run his heart to a victory. This is a special animal who loves the crowd and the competition and is going to be hard to deny this horse the Triple Crown, I pray that the race is injury free both for the riders and the horses. Erie is fortunate to have Preque Isle Downs who was voted the Racino ofthe Year in 2007 after only one month of racing, this is the first full racing season in this beautiful facility that has added another dimension to the attractions in Erie and is positioned to be the Churchill Downs of Pennsylvania. SEE YOU AT THE RACES!!

7. Wizo
   May 14th, 2008 at 12:10 pm

   If gas prices force the US to begin to take on more European strategies of mass transportation, I think Erie could easily adapt. As a first brush stroke, can you imagine a tram line running down the middle of 12th Street? From the aiport on the West side to GE on the East side, stopping at every major attraction on the way. Whether it’s the Millcreek retail corridor, the industrial zones or State street, this one line could have a dramatic affect on Erie’s transportation possibilities. Anyone living within a few blocks could walk to the line and get across town in a snap. Park ‘n’ rides could help the others wanting to take advantage. Makes a lot of sense to me.

8. Julio C. Reyes
   May 14th, 2008 at 12:42 pm

   Wizo,

   Good to hear from you I am glad your are blogging here again. I was in Erie for a couple of weeks and I missed you, too bad for me.

   I strongly agree with your idea I have been doing the same recommendations about public transportation for years now. In fact, I understand, Orange County, California is developing a good public transportation project these days to finally make to the 21st Century.

   Just to have fun: The only inconvenience in your idea for Airport to GE remember it will be crossing West –East so they will need to have a border checking point.

9. john morris
   May 14th, 2008 at 6:07 pm

   My sister lives within walking distance of Belmont but I’ve never been there.

10. Tom
    May 14th, 2008 at 6:08 pm

    I wonder if the high cost of gas will cause people to re-examine their enviromental superstitions. Then maybe we can return to an energy source that actually works; fossil fuels.
    Since 1985 our domestic oil production has dropped 40% and 85% of our off shore reserves are off limits due to our environmental superstitions.
    I don’t oppose “public transportation, I just believe it should be a choice and not mandated by bad public policy based on pseudo-religious superstitions.

11. Julio C. Reyes
    May 14th, 2008 at 7:21 pm

    Tom,

    You forced me to do some googleing to find this guy interview with Charlie Rose. He is still the biggest cheese in US Shell Corporation.

    You and everybody else should watch this video (it is a long one!) and find out more information about this.

    After the web page is displayed page down the video is at the bottom. Thanks.

    Watching the video people could learn about:

    Profits, technology, national resource nationalism, coal gasification (not Tire gasification), alternative sources of energy, possible civil disturbances and Global Warming (it is real!), as well as mass transit (transportation), financial and social responsibility and lack of national leadership about this problem.

    Basically, I kind of agree with Mr. John Hofmeister’s views. It is refreshing to see a really big cheese speak so candidly and professionally

12. MGR
    May 14th, 2008 at 7:22 pm

    Revisiting fossil fuels is an interesting concept. Current oil consumption rates vs. proven reserves yields a 40 year supply, however, the avg. Chinese or Indian consumer right now only uses 25 percent of a normal industralized country consumer, not to mention the penetration rate of automobiles is very low. As the number of Chinese and Indian consumers grow and average consumption normalizes, all the car pooling and mass transit in the world won’t save the supply. Russia has the right idea, they are selling off their supply of oil and raking in the bucks like there’s no tomorrow; they will exhaust their supply in about ten years.

    Meanwhile there are people in the U.S. working to develop clean coal technology, which is a great idea since the U.S. is flush with coal. While ‘global warming’ is highly debatable as a man made problem, or even as a problem for that matter (Earth has its own strange cycles), air and water pollution are tangible man made problems for certain. U.S. energy policy will improve tenfold if we can manage to extract energy from coal without causing significant air pollution or impacting the rain cycle. As to why the environmentalists stuck their flag in the flawed argument of global warming when there is so much more rock solid evidence of air and water pollution will forever be a mystery.

13. Julio C. Reyes
    May 14th, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    MGR,

    Just watch the video you will find the answers. These guy suppose to know, he is an insider a really big cheese with the second largest oil company in the world!.

14. George Vietze
    May 15th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    Todays Erie Times front page reports State hearing start on FULL GAMING in Pa. The article states that Govenor Ed Rendell is in no hurry to expand casino gambling, at least until all 14 slot-only casino’s are running, to date seven are currently operating.

    State rep. Flo Fabrizio, of Erie is a co-sponsor of the bill that is geared towards blackjack, craps, roulette and other table games, both Fabrizio and DeWeese said there is a good chance gamblers will be able to play these games eventually. Fabrizo said the panel will hold hearing throughout the state, including one in Erie later this month or in June.

    Representative Curt Sonney, of Harborcreek are memebers of the 29 member House Gaming Oversight Committee that will hold todays hearing. “The simple fact is, we have gambling in Pennsylvania, we might as well let everyone enjoy the full range of gambling,”,Sonney said. DeWeese’s bill would charge casinos a $10MILLION DOLLAR LICENSING FEE, with $500,000 for annual renewals. The state’s taxes on table games would be 34% of the gross revenue, 26% for PROPERTY TAX RELIEF, 2% for local communities and 6% for the state’s racing industry. The State now takes 55% of the gross revenue from the slot machines for property tax relief, the horse racing industry and other funds. Table games requires more JOBS , it is estimated that eight to ten eimployees–dealers, pit bosses, supervisors and shift managers would be hired for EACH table to cover a 24 hours period. Even more employees would be needed for surveillance and security along with more servers and other employees. Interesting that the bills number is 2121 and the floating of this bill in the public view right in the middle of an economic downturn when tax relief is a welcome sound.
    SHUFFLE UP AND DEAL…..the handwriting on the wall gets clearer and clearer as to why ERIE is now the chosen City as the premier gambling hub of PA. Keep track of how Harrisburg is supporting the re-development of Erie and how the State of Pa. is getting their infrastructure ready to attract money to the State of Pa., Gamblers at Presque Isle Downs & Casino during the WEEK of May 5-11, the Pa. Gaming Control Board reported gamblers bet $42.2MILLION DOLLARS,that is ONE WEEK OF REVENUE, the net revenue of $1.9million went to the State of Pa. and $1.6 million to the casino and subtracting $236,499 for promotions and returning $38.5million to gamblers. Keep Erie green, bring the money!!!
    This kind of money will make things happen sooner than later and put Erie on the top lof the priority list because the State of Pa. has chosen Erie as the playground center for tourists and gamblers who will bring their money here and our local economy will prosper, that explains why real estate investors are building new hotels, upgrading our attractions, and why the Airport expansion has received local and State support. There has been a distinct shift in the attitude and perception of Erie in just the last few months as more and more people begin to feel the pulse of a NEW ERIE, the negative comments are less and less and the air is full of more optimisim for the future. These are tough economic times for a great deal of our nation, while Erie is not unaffected it is far better off than most of the entire nation. They say eventually everyone get a turn at the wheel of success—let the wheel stop in Erie, it has paid its dues.

15. George Vietze
    May 16th, 2008 at 7:39 pm

    One of the overlooked industries that has been renewed by the Pennsylvania law designating Class 1 gaming licenses, aka slot machines is the horse racing industry. Few people recognize the huge impact this new law will have on the economy of Pennsylvania. The current North East Country Estates by Farm and Ranch’s article, Pennsylvania Horse Racing Sets New Stride, spells out the details.
    “Pennsylvnia horse racing is sitting in possition to be the best horse racing program in the country…up to eight Pennsylvania racetrcks, an estimated $600 million industry is expected to double in the next two to three years..Pennsylvania is the new Kentucky.” In large part the additon of slot machines is propelling an exodus to Pa. because a percentage of gambling revenue is set aside in a Breeding Fund that provides incentive and awards to breeders and stallion awards, purse bonuses and supplemental payments for Pa. bred horses only the current breeders fund is approximately $10 million and when all the casino operations are in place is expected to increase to a stagering $25million a year… Governor Rendell, a big supporter of the horse industry was instrumental in bringing slots and is very confident and vocal in the future of the horse racing industry in Pennsylvania.”

    The impact this will have in Erie as the premier facility, Presque Isle Downs grows and matures will be huge. Quality horse farms will re-locate and the local horse business will get a well earned boost in business. This country lifestyle will intergrate into the local economy as it did in Kentucky and it is up to the local municipalities to plan for this growth.

16. Erie BlogWatch
    May 16th, 2008 at 11:33 pm

    Several days ago Wizo wrote “If gas prices force the US to begin to take on more European strategies of mass transportation, I think Erie could easily adapt. As a first brush stroke, can you imagine a tram line running down the middle of 12th Street? From the aiport on the West side to GE on the East side, stopping at every major attraction on the way.”

    Hi Wizo !

    Everything old is new again. Talk to Ken Springirth or do some research on Erie’s trolley & streetcar systems which date back to late 1890s and early part of the 20th century. For example, Ken has written a book

    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738539384

    on the subject. In fact, much of this book’s content looks to be available on Google Books.

    From skimming it quickly online, I gather that a company called Erie Street Railway did indeed run a line along 12th Street. Actually Erie had quite an elaborate surface transit system which also interconnected with the interurban lines running to other cities. In addition, Waldameer which is very much in the news these days got its start as an amusement park from another local trolley operation (Erie Electric Motor). A very interesting topic indeed. I wonder if we will live to see this era again using modern-day equipment as you suggest ?

17. Tom
    May 17th, 2008 at 3:02 pm

    Julio,
    Of course global warming is “real”. So is global cooling. Climate change has been occuring for 4.5 billion years.
    Sorry, you will never convince me that politicians can regulate our weather and climate. Read about the latest fraud related to the man made global warming scare. (admit it, you are scared.)
    http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MDQ3NzcyYTdkYmM4NjBjOTRkMDVlYzQ4OGU3OGFmNTU=

18. Julio C. Reyes
    May 17th, 2008 at 7:13 pm

    Tom,

    I was going to ignore your post but right now in California this weekend people are expecting an all time record temperature high. So instead of working in my back yard working with my herbs and vegetables I am just fooling around in front of my computer just checking things out in my air conditioned office.

    No, I am not scared, why I should be? To the contrary I strongly believe in the theory of evolution so from my point of view only the fitness (or should I say better prepared) will survive. It does not matter if they are bears, bugs, humans, Martians, or wherever.

    Going back to the original topic. If you watch the video you will find out that the big cheese of Shell is the one, not me, talking about the current situation. That guy is talking about the next 100 years: not tomorrow, or the day after or next week or next month but the next hundred years. you will also find out that he is in favor of drilling for oil. He is all in favor of cost effective drilling but he also touches in the bigger picture not just the quick buck scam typical of these days.

    About public transportation all the richest countries in the world today except the USA have both public transportation and automobiles. By having a combination of both you get the benefit of both worlds it is that simple.

    In regards to politicians you are preaching to the choir.

    Now, why do I personally believe Global Warming is happening. Because I see the pictures and I see all the major glaciers around the world are melting. As a teenager I climbed all the high mountains in Mexico and their snow caps these days are almost gone. I understand the same is happening all over the world and for the first time in the last decades the artic channels are now open for navigation. Do I personally feel more heat than usual yes but because I am 53 years old it could be that I am reaching my Andropause.

    Do I know who is causing or how Global Warming in happening I have absolutely no clue. I only do software and wait on tables in my restaurant I am not a scientist.

    Global Cooling, I am sure is happening at least in Mount Everest and the Himalayas because due the pressure in the continental plates those mountain are getting higher and higher. I am sure that there are some cooling effect due to volcanic eruptions and man made pollution obstructing the sun light from reaching us.

    I really want to make it clear, that no I am not scared. Unless I have an untimely death due to illness or accident. I am counting to live well until my 90s. So, I guess if the big cheese from Shell is correct I will be okay, My daughters will still have at least 50 years to spare after I am gone.

19. George Vietze
    May 19th, 2008 at 6:27 am

    For all you horseracing fans, as predicted, Big Brown won the Preakness as easy as a walk in the park. Never in my lifetime have I observed a horse accelerate in the stretch as easy as Big Brown did in both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. Kent Desourmoux, the most egotistical jockey everyto ride a race horse, looked back a couple of times to see how far back his competition was doing. This is usually not recommended but may have been an effort to save energy for the Belmont which is only three weeks where the horses get to race a mie and a half, a daunting distance for young three year old horses. The Triple Crown of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and the Belmont has not been achieved for three decades, in three weeks we all get to witness the Big Brown horse make history. This will be great for the horse industry, bar any injuries, and should re-spark interest in the sport of kings. Erie is fortunate to have a first class facility that has attracted first class horses and horse people to our town. They will bring a life style that fits well into this community and they will bring plenty of money to this local economy. Our politicians have started their public march toward “full gaming” which will attract many more tourists and guests to our region. Watch the Belmont with renewed interest in the sport of kings as Presque Isle Downs become the Churchill Downs of Pennsylvania.

    A City that has major manufacturing, major insurance, major medical, major educational institutions, major tourism, major real estate ie. hotels, shopping, major casino and racetrack. major recreational attractions, beaches and millions of shoppers and tourists that will even benefit our community more with the higher gas prices as people will tend to stay closer to home this summer, we have a great deal to be thankful as a lot of this country suffers with major real estate problems and foreclosures..