Disqus - Latest Comments for norton73

Re: New Mexico Spaceport Authority Plans New Building at Spaceport America

commando73 — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 20:31:50 -0000

Who are these "visitors" NMSA is referring to? Since day one the facility has been operated as a de facto military base. In a recent press release promoting a "Virgin Experience" contest it was noted that "As Spaceport America is an active test facility it is closed to the public and only accessible via private tours – the same tour the lucky winner will experience." Clearly the testing is not Virgin Galactic, that all takes place at the Mojave Spaceport. It must be a reference to the tenants. Are they planning to eliminate the tenants? While the public has never been granted access, any college student with a rocket kit from Hobby Lobby is welcomed with open arms. I don't think that's what New Mexico taxpayers expected for the $250 million and climbing investment. Add to that another $10 million in the current budget in process in Santa Fe.

Re: Top 10 Traitors in US History

commando73 — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 14:33:43 -0000

Why is Robert E Lee not on this list?

Re: PNM’s high-ticket invoices to City includes employee perks

commando73 — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 11:12:52 -0000

Wow, so Rob Perry and KRQE believe that payroll taxes and worker's comp are "perks" or "fringe benefits". I'm sure that will be news to employers. Too bad Mr. Barker didn't choose to do a more balanced report and dig a little deeper into the City side of this issue.
What is the burden rate the City uses when billing out for City services on private property? For example, fixing a residential sidewalk.
Why is the City constantly pushing for private sector, good paying jobs with benefits but doesn't want to pay their cost when contracting with a private party?
While many pole hits are hit and run, what is the City's record in going after responsible parties when they can be identified? Those poles are City property, not PNM's.
Finally, if the City is so dissatisfied with the arrangement with PNM, and has been for many years, why haven't they issued an RFP and changed vendors? Could it be that an alternative vendor might actually cost more?
Just another let's take PNM out behind the woodshed story.

Re: Mayor plans multiple projects to be completed before end of term

commando73 — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 21:08:39 -0000

Actually, the Mayor has five months left in office and his term expires November 30. The City is not the County, they are different.

Re: ‘Spaceport America’: 0 for 2016

commando73 — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 17:21:18 -0000

That road is necessary to guarantee the successful rebranding of the Spaceport as Burning Man Southwest. Meanwhile, let us celebrate car commercials and destination weddings.

Re: Spaceport America to host 200-mile relay run

commando73 — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 16:37:01 -0000

That's certainly worth $220,000,000.

Re: UNM recruiting high school students to become doctors in New Mexico

commando73 — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 11:58:05 -0000

Once again, New Mexico's economic illiteracy rears it's head. Simply requiring doctors to practice in NM isn't going to solve the "health profession shortage area" problem. Living in rural, sparsely populated areas is a lifestyle choice..Like any business, a medical practice needs a critical mass patient load to operate. Unless, of course, we're going Northern Exposure with this. Is the plan that the State is going to fund these practices? Pay for doctors and mid levels, equipment, offices? Tijeras and the South Valley are not where this problem is acute. Think Des Moines and Datil.

Re: UNM students to pay fee for paying tuition by card

commando73 — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 20:05:20 -0000

Complain about a 3pct transaction fee so they can carry a balance at 21pct or more?

Re: Family moving cross country, gets classic car stolen in Albuquerque

commando73 — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 16:01:23 -0000

I have an older Explorer and U-Haul won't rent to me due to the tire problems of a decade ago. Maybe when U-Haul starts refusing to rent to persons who declare an intended route through Albuquerque we'll see some action on this.

Re: Student petition for beer taproom at UNM gaining support

commando73 — Sat, 03 Sep 2016 11:04:14 -0000

WOW! 400 signatures out of 27,000+ students. Sounds like a mandate to me. I'm surprised the Regents haven't called a special session to fast track this. And if beer sales can increase attendance for football, think what it can do for soccer.

Re: Hynes: Spaceport America Needs A "Go Getter"

commando73 — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 21:03:39 -0000

How is NM's Spaceport different from all others. All others are operating out of traditional airport hanger buildings versus an "iconic" structure to rival the Sydney Opera House. As a result, virtually every article written cites the $219 million dollar cost. We have a 12,000 foot runway that is of no use to vertical launch clients. How to make the Spaceport operation more like an airport? Stop operating it like a military base. The original business plan was flawed from day one. Assuming 100's of thousands of terrestrial visitors (about $200 for a family of 4), more than nearby Carlsbad Caverns ($20 for a family of four). The facility needs a new, realistic business plan. If terrestrial visitors are to be a part of that plan then they need to be able to drive themselves to the site. Charge for parking if you must. Get that road from the south built. Create observation points so that visitors can observe vertical launches. Publicize launch schedules so visitors can time their trips and actually see something. Recognize that there is not an endless supply of people willing to pay $200,000 for a near space experience. A Galactric launch of one per week with 6 aboard is already over 300 in one year. We need to plan beyond Branson.

Re: Report ranks best and worst tippers in U.S.

commando73 — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 09:27:24 -0000

What's really annoying is restaurants that preprint a "suggested" tip on the bill based on a total that includes the tax.

Re: Citizens put up replacement La Cueva High School ‘Bear Tree’

commando73 — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 10:29:51 -0000

I certainly hope there are no "Christmas" trees growing on APS property. I agree with the commentators, identify the Rabbi and the APS bureaucrat who made this decision.

Re: Mac & cheese fest comes to Albuquerque

commando73 — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 09:05:13 -0000

Why the snarky comments about the cost? For the record this years Road Runner Food Bank Souper Bowl was $40 in advance and $45 at the door so why does this event get called out on the ticked price? Wouldn't a better use of scarce air time be to highlight the work of the Foundation? It's not unusual for cancer patients to incur thousands of dollars of expenses that aren't covered or reimbursed by any insurance. Once again, superficial "journalism".

Re: Questions Raised About New Mexico's Art In Public Places Program

commando73 — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 15:39:16 -0000

They should have declared the Spaceport theme building a work of art and used the money to pay down the bonds.

Re: Albuquerque panhandling initiative struggles to get donations

commando73 — Sat, 23 May 2015 12:32:08 -0000

If only four people donated then some, or all, of this group did not: Mayor Berry, Rob Perry, Gordon Eden, Gilbert Montano, 9 City Councillors. Another example of leading from behind?

Re: Spaceport America’s revenue plan gets go-ahead

commando73 — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:50:42 -0000

Since when is ROI a return on operating expenses? Is that the new math?

Re: Spaceport America to host pilot fly-in on Valentine's Day

commando73 — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 16:51:02 -0000

Whew! For a minute I thought they were opening the Spaceport to the public. We certainly wouldn't want that. Private pilots is a step down from millionaire space tourists but at least it's not the hoi polloi.

Re: Ariel Dougherty and Sophia Peron: Financial woes and ill will plague spaceport

commando73 — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 16:30:18 -0000

The entire business plan for "tourism" was a pipedream from day one. More annual visitors than Carlsbad Caverns? A family of four is going to spend upwards of $200 to visit a taxpayer financed facility? (Caverns is $12) Put an experienced business.person in charge of this who doesn't expect perpetual government bailouts for cost overruns. The current operation is run like a restricted access military base which perhaps is not surprising considering Ms. Anderson's background.

Re: Spaceport officials working to come up with revenue

commando73 — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:43:28 -0000

I believe the correct word is "complementary". Someone needs a dictionary.

Re: ‘Two and a Half Men’: A Cautionary Tale in Sitcom Revamps

commando73 — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:25:56 -0000

Here's another approach. Chuck Lorre was the real life song writer. I think he created Charlie Harper as his fantasy alter ego. Casting Charlie Sheen was brilliant, but Sheen and Harper merged into one. Sheen appropriated Lorre's alter ego on and off screen so Lorre pulled the plug. Lorre now apparently has an appreciation for "nerds" as evidenced by Big Bang. If it worked once, why not try it again? Enter Walden. Perhaps this would have worked better if Walden had been "introduced" on Big Bang and then somehow spun out to TAAHM. As now presented, the whole concept defies believability. Having the current cast living under one roof defies common sense. Kelso cannot carry a show, then or now.

Re: Albuquerque mayor imposes fire restrictions | KOB.com

commando73 — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:45:22 -0000

KOB's coverage of this issue would be a lot more credible but for the fact that they carry advertising for illegal (in Albuquerque and many other jurisdictions) fireworks.

Re: Financial headaches plague N.M. PRC Commissioner Block

commando73 — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:45:27 -0000

It's tough making ends meet when you only make $90,000 a year.

Re: Woman accused of stealing over $1M from employer | KOB.com

commando73 — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:40:23 -0000

Moves her into second place behind Jemez School District but ahead of Guardunos. Dems some bills!

Re: ABQNews: Guard/Inmate Ratio May Be Reduced

commando73 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:12:32 -0000

Don't you mean "inmate/guard" ratio? It may look like English, but it's really math.