You all know how hard it is to kill a weed. I'm baaaack.On Saturday, I gave you the bad news that my PC had finally died of old age. I ordered a brand new PC from Dell for a gazillion dollars and was told I could expect to wait two weeks to get it. I put my old PC in a casket, and hobbled down the street to John's Computer Consulting, Inc. That's in downtown Nazareth, only a few blocks from my estate atop the Army Navy store. I figured John would know how to recycle it or something.
"Are you sure it's dead?"
"Well, the damn light won't go on."
In fifteen minutes, John (that's his real name, too) had the computer up and running. He stuck his hand into my computer's guts and started disemboweling it. I nearly fainted. But he had her sewed up in no time, and his $59 bill was pretty damn cheap. It was just the power supply, probably smothered by all the cement dust we get in Nazareth.
John knows his stuff, and I'd recommend anyone with computer problems to give him a call.
But he works with his cell phone plugged into an ear, so half the time I didn't know whether he was talking to me, someone else or himself. It soon became apparent that this is one opinionated dude.
"I've heard of you. How is it I know you?"
- "Maybe you've read my blog, Lehigh Valley Ramblings?"
"Never heard of it!"
- "Maybe you remember my lawsuit that finally opened Nazareth's eyes about following the Sunshine Act?"
"Doesn't ring a bell. Hey, are you that guy who used to ride a bike with Karl Longenbach for Judge signs pasted all over your ass? Do you realize how many drivers you pissed off? Put on a few tons, haven't you?
- "Listen, I've written a lot about Nazareth. I wrote all about its skate park. Did you know Bethlehem is -"
"I hate the damn skate park. It will bring Nazareth down, mark my words. Didn't you see the graffiti near the pool? It's been there at least a week. Why don't you take a picture of that and post that, blogger boy? You can thank the damn skateboarders for that!"
- "I don't think you could draw that conclusion just because -"
"Well, then it's somebody from out of town. They let anyone in there, blogger boy."
- "How about the new dog park?"
"I hate that idea, too."
- "Well, you must be happy about the new police chief. He's ordered new uniforms."
"That guy? He's nothing but a pencil pusher who hired a corporal from New York. That corporal outranks everyone and isn't even certified as a police officer in Pennsylvania. Did you know that four officers are now leaving the Nazareth police force?"
- "No."
"That's right, you didn't know, did you, because everything is so hush hush around here. There's no gangs here. There's no drugs at the high school. Right, blogger boy?"
- "Well, I guess you can't publicly express your opinions because you're a businessman and ...
"I don't care one bit. You can quote me all you want. When I turned in a guy who had kiddy porn on his computer, I was warned that might be bad for business, too. I did it anyway. Hey, what's that picture..."
- "She's 18, I swear it. And I never saw it before in my life. Must be a virus or something. You must like kids. Good for you! Well, then, you must be thrilled that borough council decided against moving its new muni center to that baseball field."
"I'd have been OK with that. You know, I should run for mayor. What's your blog address again?"
- "It's called NewsOverCoffee."
As I left, I noticed pictures of Ron Paul on the wall and could hear a police scanner in the background.
We're all a little nutz in Nazareth. No shortage of opinions here.
It's all that cement dust.
37 comments:
The moral of the story? Buy a real computer, a Macintosh.
A fruit?
Michael Dell on Apple circa 1997: “What would I do? I’d shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders.”
10 years later, Apple’s (AAPL) market capitalization is more than double that of Dell (DELL).
Yes, a fruit. :)
I've only used Macintosh computers for graphic reasons. Using them for regular Internet use, among other basic tasks, was a huge pain in the ass.
But that was a few years ago. I'm sure they're more universal now. They do have good reputations but I have had good experiences with Dells so far (knock on wood.)
Foir me, the moral of the story is a lot of stuff is going down in Nazareth, and a computer consultant is better informed than at least one local blogger. Also, Nazareth is one opinionated town.
Well it's John...
Some of the quotes are a little untrue. Some things were NOT said, some were said different ways and some, yes some are exactly true!
I would suggest Bernie, if you are going to quote a person at least get the quotes correct. Just trying to remember what is said isn't good enough.
The real moral of the story is that Bernie wasted alot of money on a new Dell, when he could have fixed his current machine for $59.00.
Moral No. 2 is that Bernie should pay more attention to his home turf and let Allentown alone.
Bernie, perhaps you should take the Blue Bomber and gently tap the sides of your recalcitrant computer next time. Unless you are saving it for the side of the head of His Royal Highness The GEORGE SPEROS MANIATTY!
Georgie wants a war with bloggers. I wonder who hit him in the head?
The caption on the picture is proof of my theory about intelligent people being unable to spell!
John,
You never called me blogger boy or said anything about poor Karl Longenbach. And I saw no pictures of Ron Paul.
You did a great job on the PC. But you did enlighten me on a few things going on in Nazareth. WE people in Nazareth are all quite opinionated, and I enjoyed our conversation and your willingness to allow me to use what you said. I did make you out to be a bit more blunt than you really are in person, but tried to do so in a humorous way.
The substance of what you said about Nazareth (the police, skate park, dog park) is right on the money.
Moral No. 2 is that Bernie should pay more attention to his home turf and let Allentown alone.
A-town and most of LC, for that matter, is a blogger's wet dream.
Bernie
Just thought that I would let you know that I have known John since his chef days. I consider him a very close friend as well as the man who tends to my computer. He knows his stuff and his political comments are right on the mark. I know this will give you great peace of mind and you will rest easy at night.
I never knew John was a chef! He certainly knows his computers. If his politics are close to yours, it's time for me to jump off a bridge.
Actually, he's a very nice guy, as are you.
Bernie
John and I agree on a lot of things politically. I stopped into pick up my laptop yesterday around 4PM and got out of there around 5PM. Lots of good talk has happened there.
If I remember correctly he is a graduate of the Culinary Institute.
I was actually a little disturbed about the skate park comment, if true.
AJ, That part was true, dude. In fact, most of it is true. But I made John out to be a bit more crotchety than is really the case. He's opinionated, like me or you. He'd be a terrific blogger.
If he were to blog the way he speaks - jumping to conclusions - I doubt I'd read his writing.
I'm sure he's great with computers though. I'll keep him in mind the next time I need a tech. doctor.
I like this post. You should write more about how much Nazareth sucks, as opposed to Allentown. The former might actually be revealing, while the latter is a tenderized piece of flesh and blood no longer recognizable as horsemeat.
I've lived in Allentown, Easton, and now, Nazareth. While Nazareth has its problems and idiosyncrasies, unlike Allentown and Easton, it's a nice place to walk at night without fear of getting a cap busted in yer ass. Nazareth is blissfully boring most of the time. Allentown is a target rich environment, so to speak.
Obviously, yet another incident that must be laid at Stoffa's feet.
My boyfriend's back has a mole the size of Brooklyn.
Somebody used "cap" and "ass" and "busted" in the same sentence.
It simply doesn't get any better than this -
well, except for
Givens, Stoffa, nanotechnology.
What is that post about? The deficit in the county?
I think someone thinks Stoffa is responsible for everything that goes wrong. If he ever farts in the courthouse, someone will blame him for global warming.
yeah, well, i bet Reibman farted TWICE as much....
Pansy. There is no mini-fridge or microwave at your workstation.
PS - what happened to the MC's coverage of the police officer that got his head beat in by a "graffiti artist" last night?
I think the moral to this story is that there is alot of crap going on with this police department and it is all staying hush hush. How can the department be doing great if 4 guys that have served Nazareth for a longtime be quiting? It is a shame that a department that Chief Ruch put so much into, can be torn apart in a matter of months. The funny part too is that Chief Ruch was making much less to do the same job. I heard that the new chief is also still living in Philly and the Boro is paying for his gas and vehicle? But yet they do not have the money to fix their buildings...I think there is something very wrong with this picture!
Also one more thing...I am an Upper Nazareth Resident, why does my department have to respond to the Boro for calls? Take the vehicle and gas away from the chief and put an extra officer out there!
...I am an Upper Nazareth Resident, why does my department have to respond to the Boro for calls?
How long has this been happening?
Ever since the new chief took over.....
They have also forced out the secretary of 27 years. They told her she is not qualified anymore. The next day the ad was in the paper for her position.
once again, Bernie admits his postings were part fiction and part sensationalizing.
Re: anonymous 8:03, 8:08 & 8:10
Obviously the anonymous commenter is either a police officer, family member of an officer, or just plain ignorant of the facts.
First and foremost, things have not gone to hell in the Nazareth Police Department since the new chief came on the scene. In fact administratively they have very much improved. Businesses are making positive comments about the presence of the police officers. Officers actually get out of their cars and make contact with citizens. Officers are expected to be professional on a full time basis, as opposed to setting their own hours to suit their personal endeavors, which has been business as usual prior to the new chief.
If you will bother to look back less than a year ago at the comments on this blog, you'll find comments about officers, up to and including calling them fascists and nazis. So don't give me comments that the department has somehow gone downhill since the arrival of a new chief.
Secondly. It's public record that the chief has the use of an unmarked car, however he pays for the fuel and maintenance out of his own pocket. He continues to commute on a daily basis, working hours most of us would never.
Thirdly. If you take into consideration the total cost of employment, the new chief is less costly than the prior chief. This may not be visible on the surface, but is definitely verifiable in public records.
As far as "4 guys quitting" who have been so dedicated to Nazareth, it is ironic that these four include full time officers, some of who were the very ones being bashed less than a year ago in blog comments about being more concerned with their sideline businesses than doing police work for the borough. The fact is in the last two years of Bruce Ruch’s years of service three officers left the department as malcontents, creating positions filled by at least one officer who has recently resigned.
Covering calls by Upper Nazareth has been part of mutual aid agreements for as long as they have been in existence. Borough officers likewise respond to Upper Nazareth. A couple of months ago I passed an arrest on Center Street where 4 jurisdictional forces were represented. By the thought process of the poster’s comments, Nazareth police officers are totally dependant on the surrounding departments and can’t handle the job. We all realize this isn’t true, but anonymous 8:03 seems to be making a good case for it.
The position of police secretary is merely being dragged into any discussion here to stir a pot of discontent and bitterness having nothing to do with her person or function. Add to that, as stated by anonymous 8:03, who is “they”?
Bruce Ruch was a great man. He was friendly and warm. He was personable. His demeanor was very laid back. He ran the police department the way he lived his life. Most people would describe him as a 'good ole' boy'. Bruce Ruch should be remembered for the man he was, not for the position he held. He was never one to vaunt himself up in importance because of the job he held. In his memory and in deference to his family, I personally take issue with anyone trying to use his name in their own overt undermining of his replacement and in the defacement of the department he loved. Bruce would be the first person to disapprove of the attitudes and actions recently displayed by some individuals.
There has been an obvious attempt at mutiny in the police department in Nazareth. I hope and pray those who have participated in it will cease their aggravating actions. The current direction has only made some officers look foolish and childish to anyone who has a clue about the facts.
I am not given to dignifying rumors and innuendo, however in the case of these last few posts a response has been seriously called for. With the change of any management, be it private or public, it is not uncommon for employees to leave. The vintner prunes the vine to keep it healthy and productive. Change properly directed is beneficial.
Anon 9:52,
Your remarks sound quite reasonable. If you give me a name to go with them, I'll be happy to post them as a separate blog.
I am the dude who claimed the police department had run amok before the new chief arrived. Whether you love him or hate him, John is a local businessmaen who thinks the police department has run amok since the new police chief arrived. Obviously, I'm inclined to agree with many of your sentiments. Your remarks will have more credibility if a name is attached to them.
Without a name, I'll probably post it as a separate blog anyway.
One would think that this person, being so well informed, is either a council member or one of the most informed people in Nazareth.
Response post to follow.
http://www.managementhelp.org/org_chng/org_chng.htm
Perhaps we should all start by reading this.
Actually, I am not a family member of current police officer. My husband was a former police officer for the Borough and I am a personal friend of Chief Ruch's family. Chief Ruch was a great man, one that my husband admired.
As a resident of a neighboring township and the wife of a former Police Officer, yes I do understand that mutual departments do back up others, however that is a back up situation. I understand that the way it is working right now is that UNPD is actually responding to calls. THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE! Just because they are under staffed. If this Chief is so great than why are good police officers leaving the department? As far as complaints against them in the past hey lets face it even the best officers have complaints.
As far as the chief's car, if that is the case that is fine, but yet did they or did they not give a current officer one year to move less than 1 mile into Northampton County? How long does this chief have? I would think that the Boro would want their man in charge at least within 30 minutes from the municipality.
It sounds as though this person is someone close maybe even the next office over?
“In fact administratively they have very much improved.”
The fact still remains that MOST of the officers that we have had in the department are leaving .. majority cannot be wrong.
“Businesses are making positive comments about the presence of the police officers.”
This is being done at the direction of the Chief and I agree it is a positive thing, but it’s done while only 1 officer is on in a shift (Most times). I agree that police presence and a “beat” officer in a small town is nice to see but let’s have a regular patrol officer on to cover things while the other officer is checking businesses and “making contact with citizens” . We used to have 2 on duty at all times… did the crime rate go so low that we only need 1?
“Officers are expected to be professional on a full time basis, as opposed to setting their own hours to suit their personal endeavors, which has been business as usual prior to the new chief."
I would expect ALL officers be professional at all times. I cannot see where officers set their own hours… One would think that even with Chief Ruch being “laid back” he did not let the officers “make their own hours”. The chief or his appointee makes the schedule (I think), one would also think that the schedule, once set would stay that way for a period of time so the officers and their spouses could actually have some resemblance life beyond work, god know we all need time to ourselves and our family, I know chief Ruch knew that! What the officers do with their own time is….. THEIR BUSINESS! Not ours.
“Secondly. It's public record that the chief has the use of an unmarked car, however he pays for the fuel and maintenance out of his own pocket. He continues to commute on a daily basis, working hours most of us would never.
Thirdly. If you take into consideration the total cost of employment, the new chief is less costly than the prior chief. This may not be visible on the surface, but is definitely verifiable in public records.”
I would like to see those “public records”. Perhaps they are in the minutes… I will look!
“If you will bother to look back less than a year ago at the comments on this blog, you'll find comments about officers, up to and including calling them fascists and nazis.”
Quoting things that are posted on a BLOG by anonymous people…. WOW lets look at the facts NOT the ramblings of “malcontents”
“The fact is in the last two years of Bruce Ruch’s years of service three officers left the department as malcontents, creating positions filled by at least one officer who has recently resigned.”
I have asked numerous people about the officers that have left in the past. It seems that we have lost 3 in the last 2 years that Chief Ruch was in charge. 1 was accused of an unlawful act, 2 left for other full time jobs and continued to work part time in the boro. Malcontents as part time officers…? I don’t think so.
Covering calls in the Boro will continue to happen as long as there is a shortage in the schedule of officers. Backing up Nazareth and vice versa is expected. We need a chief that will respond to calls and backup our officers. I have yet to hear on the scanner a call that the chief responded to or backed up an officer. This is a small department we should expect to have a WORKING chief, not an administrator. We have had our share of administrators in the past and look where that got us.
By no means would or could anyone say anything bad about Chief Ruch.
“There has been an obvious attempt at mutiny in the police department in Nazareth. I hope and pray those who have participated in it will cease their aggravating actions. The current direction has only made some officers look foolish and childish to anyone who has a clue about the facts.”
Again, it seems that there are a lot more than just a few officers that have aligned themselves to agree that there is something wrong in Nazareth. I cannot see how taking the time to voice opinions and concern with the current council and chief looks like a mutiny. If there is such a mutiny in the works and the officers have made false statements or even defamatory remarks, then I would think that they would be terminated or at least have had corrective action taken. On the other hand, if the officers are right on the mark, what is the path to take?
"I am not given to dignifying rumors and innuendo, however in the case of these last few posts a response has been seriously called for. With the change of any management, be it private or public, it is not uncommon for employees to leave. The vintner prunes the vine to keep it healthy and productive. Change properly directed is beneficial.
Yes, change in management also brings about other change…. That also depends on the manager! A good manager will work with his people to bring about POSITIVE change, not just have turnover occur to bring in new staff. Also if there is a lot of turnover, the OWNER of the business should step in and see what is occurring and take corrective action. Yes it is NOT uncommon for people to leave, perhaps not ALL the people though. Yes the vintner prunes the vines to keep the plant healthy and productive, he also knows when to remove the blighted vine and replant.
I've heard many of these comments regarding the police department in private conversations as well, but obviously the primary point of Bernie's post is to read newsovercoffee;-)
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