Kate's Fuzzy Math On Lighthouse Density Plans

Funny thing about politics and the way the podium can be used. It seems that according to LIBN.com (a very good website for LI), that Kate Murray addressed a board of Realtors discussing the proposed Lighthouse Project.
This is what it had to say:


Murray: Lighthouse density equals Manhattan
Thu, Jan 7, 2010
Featured posts, Real Estate
Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray said the density proposed for the $3.8 billion Lighthouse redevelopment of Nassau Coliseum and its parking lots is “like the upper west side” of Manhattan.

Murray addressed more than 100 members of the Long Island Board of Realtors Thursday at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho and told them that Lighthouse developer Charles Wang has a new political leadership to contend with, which she intimated was in favor of scaling back the project.

The town has yet to complete its environmental review of the plan to build a new hockey arena, hotel, retail shops and residences on 77 acres in Uniondale. Wang who also owns the New York Islanders, has hinted he might move the team if the Lighthouse project doesn’t go forward.

Wow, right? Scarey? Right? Okay, so I had a little look see on the web, but I don't think her numbers add up. So I posted the following comment:


7thWoman Says:
January 7th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
After doing a little investigating, Ms. Murray is obviously speaking out of her hat. Here are the REAL statistics as per population density.
Upper West Side of Manhattan is 2.5 sq miles. The population is 207,700 which is 83,000 per square mile. WOW!

The Upper EAST side has almost the same amount of residents at 207,500 but is smaller at 1.76 sq. miles. That’s a whopping 118,00 per. okay, I’m getting that closed in feeling already.

The Lighthouse Project is 1/4 square mile with an estimated total population of 4,846, which if you do the math is 19,384 residents per square mile. hmmmm…. Fuzzy Math Katie dear?

Now, look further and the Village of Hempstead has a density of 14,400 per square mile. So basically, the Lighthouse development has proposed a project that is basically in line with …

THE EXISTING VILLAGE OF HEMPSTEAD.
Ah yes, politics. Where you can say whatever you want without having all the numbers first.

Now, the sad thing is that Ms. Murray's tub thumping sounded like the NEW County Executive will give the Lighthouse Developers a hard time. Hopefully, the new Republican administration will be SMART enough to review the actual FACTS and not just take things they hear as gospel.

Because obviously, the Gospel According To Kate is somewhat flawed.

Slow Start - Perfect Ending

Wow! So the Islanders manage to come away with two points in regulation on a Kyle Okposo game winner, a Robbie Schremp home run goal and the dirty work of Jon Sim to start it off.

They haven't won in Colorado since 1999. This was an important win for the Islanders and an impressive game for Dwayne Roloson who made some spectacular saves and for at least 40 minutes seemed to be carrying the entire team.

Rick DiPietro sat on the bench chewing gum wildly and taking in all the action. Nate Thompson was back in action and for two seconds it looked as if they would lose Andy Sutton again.

With all the negative attention that Bruno Gervais has taken, I would just like to make note that he played well tonight with the exception of the miscue with Roloson on the side of the net.

This was the last game until March that Jiggs McDonald will call. It was great to have him on the broadcast.

Travel safe boys as you head to Dallas where at least it should be a little warmer.

The Air Is Thin --

**Thanks to Nick/Webb20 from NYIC for the amazing photography that I'm going to be stealing... uh... borrowing from here on in. Nice to have friends with such amazing TALENT!

So the Islanders are in Colorado where the air is thin and team has a far better record than they do. The Avalanche is 24-13-6. Yeah, tough crowd. This will be John Tavares' first meeting with fellow draft pick Matt Duchene. They can laugh over the whole Tav-a-duch thing on we had going on Long Island last summer. Good times.....

Okay, so everyone gets their wish. It has been confirmed that Rick DiPietro will back up Dwayne Roloson tonight. I'm sure, Marty Biron will be dressed to the nines in the press box charming anyone who wishes to speak to him.

Are you people HAPPY NOW???? Poor Scott Gordon. Maybe he just figured to dress Rick tonight so the press would leave him alone.

Well, good luck Rick and welcome back.

See everyone after the game.

Gold for USA

I couldn't do anything but sit in front of the laptop and watch the World Junior Gold game tonight. I will say that was the best game I have seen so far this season.

This is the reason I fell in love with hockey. It was fabulous. It seemed as if they would take this game all the way to 10 goals each. But USA was leading in the third and then one penalty turned the game around with only minutes to go.

Isn't that always the way? Canada comes within one goal and then with less then ties it up before you can blink. I was in awe.

Congratulations to Dean Blais and Team USA for winning the Gold. When I spoke with Jason Blake on 12/23, I had asked him about his ex-coach. Of course, he wished him well and gave him credit for helping him become the player that he is.

This USA team was indeed very special. The fact that so many states were represented is a testament to hockey in the USA and the initiative by the NHL to expand the game.

These boys are very lucky, besides being talented. But they are still boys. The childish exuberance of the win was a stark contrast to the deep disappointment on the Canadian bench. These young warriors were on the brink of tears. They hung their heads. They won the Silver. It didn't seem to be good enough. While their country may feel only Gold was acceptable, they should be very, very proud of how they played on both an individual and team level.

It was just Team USA's year, in both the Gold Medal games today.

As these young men stood on the ice, received their medals, hugged each other and watched as their flag was raised over the ice, they heard their National anthem play. But they can't sing worth a crap. Stick to hockey boys.

So one NY Islanders prospect goes home with gold and two go home with silver. Nice job Ryan Jankowski! Awesome game. Now sleep

Race Horses & Hockey Players --

They'll break your heart.

I heard that line on a radio program a few years ago and I never forgot it. I think it had to do with betting, but I can't be sure. All I know is... I shouldn't make bets. I'm really not a gambler. But I made the deal, I'll stick by the deal. I'll also stick by my beliefs.

Matt Moulson is at LEAST a 20 goal scorer. I'm sure of it. And while he sits at 16 goals half way through the season, barring any unforeseen injury, he'll exceed my expectation. Maybe I just shouldn't have been as over zealous (Or over served) to say it would only take him until January 1st to get there. But it's okay. He's still one hell of a hockey player.

I'm very happy to see Robbie Schremp getting his chances too. He's been called my newest "charity case" since I do seem to spend time coddling the underdogs in this business. But I'll tell you that Schremp has a great gift coupled with a great personality. He won't be an underdog for long.

The man with the smallest fan-club has been doing quite well too. That would be Jon Sim. Sorry people, I can't help but be happy for him after seeing him so miserable when he was out for the season.

Speaking of someone being miserable while out -- Ricky D! Making his presence known back at practice. Woo hoo! This poor guy can't sneeze without someone tweeting about it. Everyone has to know his every move or all hell breaks loose.

Rick! Rick!! What did you have for breakfast?? But then again, I guess Rick will ALWAYS be big news. For me, the biggest news of the day was seeing Rick getting pointers from Scott Gordon and seeing "Flash" flash that winning smile of his.

"Did you get that on camera Dee? Because no one would believe it!" I don't know why so many think that Scott Gordon has no personality. He has a wonderful sense of humor. Maybe they're just not used to someone who carries himself with such decorum.

But there he was in net, giving Rick pointers. And there I was, at the glass. It's blurry, but it's not photo shopped!

Okay, so the big news is Ricky being recalled from Bridgeport and making the trip with the team. Okay, so we've got three goalies on the trip. It's good for him to get back with the team. After all, he still is, and always was, a huge part of it.

Does that mean that somewhere on this trip #39 may be between the pipes for a period or two? Maaaaaayyyyyyybbeeee. We'll just have to wait and see. We've had plenty of spare parts all season. Having a spare goalie won't kill them.

On the injury front, I feel very bad for tough-guy (but really, really GOOD-guy) Tim Jackman. That guy can't catch a break. I hope you all read the recount of New Year's Eve at the ER on the Islanders Authorized blog on their main website. It's well worth the read. http://islanders.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=59682&navid=DLNYIhome

Sean Bergenheim will play at some point over the next three games. (Yeah!!!) But Bruno Gervais took a puck to the face today and walked off the ice bleeding. I'm sure he'll be alright, but still, there's always a risk.

Matt Moulson had his lip split when he took a stick to the mouth, but the stitches seem to be healing. The scar will match the others he has.

I saw Jiggs MacDonald at the practice today. I was glad as I thought for sure I'd miss him during this visit to the Island. What a pleasant man to be around. And such a wealth of hockey history. I should have taken a photo with him, just to make Big Angry Man a little jealous. Just like every other Dynasty Die-Hard, he loves Jiggs.

Isles practice tomorrow before heading off on their road trip. The hardest part of the West Coast stints for us fans? Staying up long enough to watch the games. The hardest part for the Islanders? Winning.

WE have it far easier than they do.

International Competition from a Corporate View

This may not be popular, nor do I think I agree with this idea whole-heartedly, but -- After hearing of the injuries to two NY Islanders prospects at the WJHC, I understand.

Of course, it is an honor to represent your country in International competition. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with the patriotism. However, for these young athletes (or the somewhat older ones that will compete in the Olympics) there are risks that come with the honor.

Such is the case of Calvin DeHaan who has missed a few games with Team Canada after suffering a possible concussion from a hit by Swiss player Mauro Jorg. Then Travis Hamonic was hit against the boards today by yet another Swiss player, suffered a separated shoulder and is out for the rest of the tournament. Canada lost the player but won the game.

How bad will these injuries ultimately be? Will it effect their long term development? De Haan is a prospect that the NY Islanders organization has been very impressed with and looking forward to joining the team. What if this injury is the precursor to a long term problem?

What if a hit along the boards was the end of some young player's career? It would also be the end of some long term plans for an organization.

This is one of the arguments that the NHL is using to determine their participation in the next Winter Olympics. As of now, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics are the last the NHL will actively participate in.

When the Team USA roster was announced, many team owners and GMs heard they would be lending some of their star players to the world stage and shutting down business. Besides the interruption in revenue stream, the additional risk of injury to these players weighs heavily on them.

When you own a business, you want to protect your assets. While I thoroughly enjoy the international competitions, if the NHL decides not to participate any longer, I would understand.

Part of me also wonders if the NY Islanders organization is not that upset that Brian Burke (Mr. "Garth Said No") has left Kyle Okposo off the Olympic roster. Kyle will no doubt be on USA Hockey team at some point in his career. It is inevitable.

Our only NY Islander representative on Team USA will be coach Scott Gordon. With luck, we won't lose him to injury during the tournament. Other than he may go deaf having to listen to John Tortorella's screaming. Scott, pack earplugs along with those sharp ties of yours. And Tums. I have a feeling you're going to need them.

It's a New Year at the Barn 6 -5 SO Win

Isles vs. Thrashers and the Captain back on home turf. What a wonderful first period for the NY Islanders as Scott Gordon decided to mix up his lines a little with Tim Jackman out of the line-up and Jeff Tambellini back in.

Matt Moulson was the first to score on the Thrashers, but he didn't relive his last hat trick game against the Thrashers. But he was parked in the crease, where he normally would find the puck and the back of the net.

Jon Sim, who is adept at drawing penalties as well as taking them found the back of the net from his knee with a beautiful play less than three minutes after Moulson's opener off a spin pass from Josh Bailey.

Richard Park was credited with a goal, but in all actuality, it bounced off a Thrasher defenseman in Hedberg's crease. So sorry. But Richard Park, who seriously needed the kickstart, will take it.

The Isles left the ice up by three goals. But as we all know too well, especially in Islanders country, no lead is safe.

Only fifty seconds into the second, Dwayne Roloson let up his first goal of the game to Maxim Afinogenov. Trent Hunter, trying to keep the momentum from swinging in the other direction, scored the Isles fourth goal before they even had the time to announce the Thrasher's goal.

At 10:02 of the second, another fluky goal for the Isles as Josh Bailey took a pass off Nielsen and it started bouncing off everything in sight, like a pin ball. Josh almost hit it in with a high stick, which would have been a problem, but he didn't even touch it. It hit the post then bounced off Hedberg and he ended up kicking it into his own net. Oh... Bad luck!

That was at 10:02 of the second. At 10:12 of the second, Antropov scored for the Thrashers and it was 5 - 3 Isles. I began to panic and get angry. How many three goal leads does this team give up? It got worse when Peverley made it 5 - 4 Isles at 12:58 of the second.

Now I was threatening. All I could think of was them letting the Thrashers tie the game. So many games the Islanders haven't even been able to score two goals. They had five in the first two periods. It was obvious they became complacent. You would think by now they should realize they don't have that luxury. The minute this team relaxes just a little, they find themselves coming up short.

Bill Jaffe announced that Scott Gordon is the longest tenured coach in the Atlantic division now. Um, does that make coaching the most volatile career choice in sports? hmmmm...

I almost had to put on my shoes and jump in my car and fly down to the coliseum welding a wooden spoon as the score was almost tied at five. But the goal was waived off and called for goalie interference. I think had they not, Dwayne Roloson would have taken a whack at someone with his goalie stick.

Josh Bailey took an untimely penalty for holding and the Thrashers went on a Power Play. I can't even imagine what Gordon would have done if Atlanta tied it up with Bailey in the box.

With 9:02 remaining, the refs decided that Jeff Tambellini interfered on Peverley when all he really did was put his shoulder into him to knock him off the puck. No one liked the call. Within seconds, Kovalchuk tied it up at five. I started throwing apple chips at the TV. That's also the time I started to wish they would have Scott Gordon mic'ed up.

If not for the game call of Jiggs MacDonald, I would have probably turned off the sound. I turned over laundry just to get away from the game for a moment.

It was still 5 - 5 at 4:24 left of the third when I returned. Hunter missed a beautiful opportunity on Hedberg's doorstep and the Thrashers iced the puck but no ground was gained. The puck bounced off John Tavares and he looked around checking to see where it was.

Richard Park rushed in over the blue line all alone but Hainsey kept him from getting a shot off.

Two minutes left and the Isles seemed as if they were spending far too much time in their own zone. One minute left and Kyle Okposo chased the puck behind the Thrashers net a few times but with 26.2 seconds left, it was deemed that Trent Hunter iced the puck and the face off came out to Rolie's right. Nielsen won the face off but with very few seconds left, it was obvious this game was going to overtime.

So from a three goal lead in the first, the Isles not only let the Thrashers back into the game, but they ran up the score to five a piece. It was maddening. Nielsen took the draw as overtime began and was pushed around a little.

Comeau came down the left wing and John Tavares managed a shot off on net for one of the first I've heard for the evening. Score sheet says he had three.

Steit's head-on shot was sucked up by Hedberg along with all the other shots the Islanders could muster, but Schubert took a penalty for getting his stick in Blake Comeau's face well after play had stopped. No blood. I'm sure Comeau was checking a few times for it.

With a little over two minutes left in OT, John Tavares won the face off, but the puck couldn't stay in the Thrasher's zone. They cleared, and cleared and cleared until Kyle Okposo kept it in their zone all alone taking abuse at the boards. The Isles were out hustled and garnered only three shots on goal in the overtime period.

With the shoot out on New Year's Eve being a goal fest on Roloson, my daughter had a few choice things to say about Dwayne's chances in net. I didn't respond to her as I waited with everyone else for Scott Gordon to make his choice. Would it be Jiffy Jeff? Robbie, Robbie? Frans?

Kovalchuk, the man of the hour for the Thrashers, twirled his stick waiting to hear.

The Isles did go with Tamby, Nielsen and Schremp.

Jeff picked his corner before skating in and banking the puck inside the right corner of the net. He makes it look so easy.

Kovalchuk skated in toward Roloson and just missed the net blocker side. Woo hoo!

Nielsen always looks nervous, he skated out slowly as Hedberg came way out to meet him. Frans lifted the puck over his pads and in.

Kozlov didn't even break a sweat as he beat Roloson easily.

Schremp's winning streak was broken as Hedberg just out waited him, but Dwayne Roloson slid to his right and Peverely missed his chance. The Islanders won in the shoot-out but give up a point they should have kept.

There is no reason the Islanders should keep giving up three goal leads. They have a hard enough time getting them. They should be able to keep them.

UUUUUUGGGHHHH.. Frustrating when it should have been a joyous win. But that's Islanders hockey for you.

Oh, wait. What was the word a prominent blogger Tweeted? Right. Freakshow.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'M BACK!!

I have returned from the Great White North. Home of Bruins country and no internet service. Although, even if I had it, I'm sure I woudln't have been allowed to write anything as I was in blogger exile for days spending time with friends and family.

But I'm back now. May take me awhile to catch up though.

be back after the game.