PLANET ANNOUNCES FIRST ANNUAL ‘TURKEY OF THE YEAR’ AWARD … ENTER NOW FOR A CHANCE AT A FABULOUS PRIZE PACKAGE … plus … A CAN’T MISS MOVIE EVENT FROM PLANET PRODUCTIONS: “THE PICTURE OF BARACK OBAMA.” HAPPY THANKSGIVING, ALL!!
By DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI News and Commentary
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 21, 2012) — Here is, as promised, is the announcement of THE PLANET‘s first annual Turkey of the Year Award. You will nominate the winner. We will decide who wins this dubiously coveted honor. Here are the rules:
(1) Select someone in local life (politics, business, city government, etc.) who best exemplifies the qualities of a “turkey.” By turkey, we mean not the tasty bird that shall compose the repast of so many a table in America tomorrow but the person, again, in local life (no national or international figures), who wins the award as the most ineffective, dishonorable, unprincipled, unethical, untrustworthy, venal, underhanded, double-dealing, fraudulent, shady, sleazy, dissolute, or is otherwise harmful to the body politick. A well-meaning boob could be as worthy as an ill-intentioned manipulator. It might, for example, be a public “servant” who hasn’t delivered as promised. It could be a person of high expectations who disappointed or an expected disappointment who lived up to his or her advanced billing. All that being said, the definition of “turkey” is subjective. In advancing your nominee, please explain how you understand the term (see [2] below).
(2) Name the person and then explain, in 100 words or less, why this person deserves the “honor.” The winning entry will be selected on the basis of the “why” and not the name.
(3) The person must be a public figure (a person pervasively involved in public affairs), a limited public figure (those who have thrust themselves by their actions to the forefront of particular public controversies in order to influence the issues involved), or an involuntary public figure (one who, as the result of publicity, receives public attention, regardless of whether the person sought the publicity or not).
(4) Send in your entries either to danvalenti@verizon.net or publically nominate candidates as a comment to this PLANET entry.
(5) Employees of THE PLANET are not eligible.
(6) “Dan Valenti” is not eligible to win this “award” (in case you were thinking along those lines!). He would no doubt receive many nominations, but his agent informs THE PLANET that Mr. Valenti has won far too many awards in his long career, and he scarce has room on the mickey mantle.
(7) All entries are property of THE PLANET.
(8) The contest shall be open until 11 p.m. Sunday night, Nov. 25, 2012.
(9) The winner shall be selected during the week of Nov. 26.
(10) All decisions by the judges shall be final.
Use your imagination. The winner will be selected on that basis, and the reasons why the person selected will be given more weight as the name itself. You can make the nomination in utter seriousness or all seriousness aside. You can be venomous or sweet. Have fun with it, for that is the ultimate purpose of our contest.
The prize? Breakfast, lunch,, or dinner with THE PLANET at the fabulous Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, Mass., on us. Please note that the recipient of the award will be invited to the meal!
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Beginning today, THE PLANET will be on a much-needed holiday. Our next post will be Monday, Nov. 26. Enjoy your Thanksgiving as we shall ours. To put you in a jocular and light frame of mind, here is a video that you may enjoy. It’s called, “The Picture of Barack Obama.”
————————————————————————
GROWTH IS RECAPITULATION,
THE RENEWING OF POTENTIAL,
UNEXPLAINED EXPECTATION
OF ADVANCEMENT’S DIFFERENTIAL.
—– 00 —–
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
i would like to nominate District Attorney Davin Capeless.
For his lack of intelligence and underestimation of a world wide reaching crime syndicate and their dedication to preserving there own. For his Hard throwing of the law at 18 yr old non-violent, microscopic amount marijuana offenses, And also for wasting more budget money persuing those cases rather than persue the serious crimes of berkshire county that plague our citizens everyday.If he did half the job he was supposed to you would see half of his lil minions in a very big article most likely published by Dan pointing the dirty end of the stick at the area that stinks, not wherever makes him look good. Justice before Conspiricy!!
Sadly I would think that the Lee PD Chief would have to have some strong influence in the voting. As a former officer and a strong believer in innocent till proven guilty thing, the fact that the Feds are coming into our Mill town of Lee breathing down on the Norman Rockwell image of the runaway sitting at Joe’s Diner and checking out some stuff in the shire city wouldn’t make anything too good for the Thanksgiving holiday than possibly turkey hash or turkey taco’s with the leftovers.
RON and AO
Two good nominations to get the voting started.
Dan, Can one nominate a Turkey Farm rather than just choosing one bird.
We have the Probation Dept and extended family, The School Dept with its committe members and UEP, The Police Dept, The DA ‘s Dept, Lynn Whtney and Frank Cote, Judge Vega, … The list is endless .
I say we just vote for the whole d-m farm – Pittsfield Turkey Farm . Where all the Turkeys are well fed, nest in luxuary and are all related and treated with the upmost care. Pittsfield Turkey Farm, there is nothing like it, we only breed the very best!
On a more seroius note, I vote for Jake Eberwien III.
The reason in a few short words. ‘ He is the only Capt’ of a ship , ( Pittsfield School) who I have ever known to ‘jump ship’ for dry land, while the crew ( the city ) remains to bail water taken in on his watch. Who knows, when this Titanic will sink, but by the way it looks now, there just is’nt enough life rafts in board .
I heard that Buffis allegedly used false evidence to frame a friend.
Bad Karma comes around, if that is true.
I heard 2 stories both different than yours with two allegations. One is that he looked the other way on some prostitution and the other is that he was being setup by the state police because of some sort of donation. Nothing more specific than that.
While we are on Obama, from another site, original Author unknown ( but thank you):
“FREE HOME FOR ANYONE WHO WILL TAKE IT!
I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a group of jubilant individuals celebrating the
successful passing of the recent health care bill. I could not finish my breakfast. This is what ensued:
They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard the young man exclaim, “Isn’t Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, afte
r all, he is healing the sick.” The young woman enthusiastically proclaimed, “Yeah, and he does it for free. I cannot believe anyone would think that a free market would work for health care. Another said, ‘The stupid Republicans want us all to starve to death so they can inherit all of the power. Obama should be made a Saint for what he did for those of us less fortunate.” At this, I had more than enough.
I arose from my seat, mustering all the restraint I could find, and approached their table. “Please excuse me; may I impose upon you for one moment?” They smiled and welcomed me to the conversation. I stood at the end of their table, smiled as best I could and began an experiment.
“I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and I will pay all of the expenses and taxes for as long as you live there. Anyone interested?” They looked at each other in astonishment. “Why would you do something like that?” asked a young man, “There isn’t anything for free in this world.” They began to laugh at me, as they did not realize this man had just made my point. “I am serious, I will give you my house for free, no money what so ever. Anyone interested?” In unison, a resounding “Hell Yeah” fills the room.
“Since there are too many of you, I will have to make a choice as to who receives this money-free bargain.” I noticed an elderly couple was paying attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes, the old man shaking his head in apparent disgust. “I tell you what; I will give it to the one of you most willing to obey my rules.” Again, they looked at one another, an expression of bewilderment on their faces. The perky young woman asked, “What are the rules?” I smiled and said, “I don’t know. I have not yet defined them. However, it is a free home that I offer you.” They giggled amongst themselves, the youngest of which said, “What an old coot. He must be crazy to give away his home. Go take your meds, old man.” I smiled and leaned into the table a bit further. “I am serious, this is a legitimate offer.” They gaped at me for a moment.
“I’ll take it you old fool. Where are the keys?” boasted the youngest among them. “Then I presume you accept ALL of my terms then?” I asked.. The elderly couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from the privacy of their table. “Oh hell yeah! Where do I sign up?” I took a napkin and wrote, “I give this man my home, without the burden of financial obligation, so long as he accepts and abides by the terms that I shall set forth upon consummation of this transaction.” I signed it and handed it to the young man who eagerly scratched out his signature. “Where are the keys to my new house?” he asked in a mocking tone of voice. All eyes were upon us as I stepped back from the table, pulling the keys from pocket and dangling them before the excited new homeowner.
“Now that we have entered into this binding contract, witnessed by all of your friends, I have decided upon the conditions you are obligated to adhere from this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a day. You will not use anything inside of the home. You will obey me without question or resistance. I expect complete loyalty and admiration for this gift I bestow upon you. You will accept my commands and wishes with enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your morals and principles shall be as mine. You will vote as I do, think as I do and do it with blind faith. These are my terms. Here are your keys.” I reached the keys forward and the young man looked at me dumbfounded.
“Are you out of your mind? Who would ever agree to those ridiculous terms?” the young man appeared irritated. “You did when you signed this contract before reading it, understanding it and with the full knowledge that I would provide my conditions only after you committed to the agreement.” Was all I said. The elderly man chuckled as his wife tried to restrain him. I was looking at a now silenced and bewildered group of people. “You can shove that stupid deal up you’re a** old man, I want no part of it” exclaimed the now infuriated young man. “You have committed to the contract, as witnessed by all of your friends; you cannot get out of the deal unless I agree to it. I do not intend to let you free now that I have you ensnared. I am the power you agreed to. I am the one you blindly and without thought chose to enslave yourself to. In short, I am your Master.” At this, the table of celebrating individuals became a unified group against the unfairness of the deal.
After a few moments of unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my true intent. “What I did to you is what this administration and congress did to you with the health care legislation. I easily suckered you in and then revealed the real cost of the bargain. Your folly was in the belief that you can have something you did not earn; that you are entitled to that which you did not earn; that you willingly allowed someone else to think for you. Your failure to research, study and inform yourself permitted reason to escape you. You have entered into a trap from which you cannot flee. Your only chance of freedom is if your new Master gives it to you. A freedom that is given can also be taken away; therefore, it is not freedom.” With that, I tore up the napkin and placed it before the astonished young man. “This is the nature of your new health care legislation.”
I turned away to leave these few in thought and contemplation and was surprised by applause. The elderly gentleman, who was clearly entertained, shook my hand enthusiastically and said, “Thank you Sir, these kids don’t understand Liberty these days.” He refused to allow me to pay my bill as he said, “You earned this one, it is an honor to pickup the tab.” I shook his hand in thanks, leaving the restaurant somewhat humbled, and sensing a glimmer of hope for my beloved country.”
Wow, more made up BS from Republicans. Who is actually dumb enough to believe this crap?
Well this was from an INDEPENDANT, COMRADE KRAKER.
You call us a degredatory term, “TEA BAGGERS”.
Maybe I should call you, a “NUT SUCKER”, Comrade?
BS is BS, regardless of who/where it’s from.
I have never called anyone a ‘Tea Bagger’ in my life.
When are you spreaders of BS going to realize you actually hurt the Republican Party, and Tea Party with this stuff?
One more thing, if Ron Paul had been the Republican nominee he would have gotten my vote. He was the only candidate with a consistant message and told any semblance of the truth. But I guess that is why he did not get nominated. Of course, he’s not Republican, is he? He’s a Liberterian.
2,6000 pages of BS.
SPAM
Bullshit!
I’ll Nominate Gregory Federspiel.
It will take until Dan’s deadline to enumerate all the dirt.
Years of Mis-managment
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/ci_22046896/lenox-officals-warn-potential-fiscal-cliff-after-minimal
Lenoxology
Huge gravestone in Kennedy Park
Town’s unfunded pensions for Town Workers (except Greg)
Lack of adequate water for the Town, and Town supplies Kripalu with water, in Stockbridge.
(Somebody get fee visits to the Yogi?)
Psedo-Brick pavers for sidewalks in the Hysterical District, giant potholes for the rest of Town.
Deanna Ruffer, hands down. How do we love thee? Let us count the ways…
I nominate none other than Judge Bethzaida Vega
I will need all week to boil it down to 100 words. Words that I may speak without restraint due in large part to the Planet. Also one of the things I am thankful for this year as well
Why Judge Bethzaida Vega should be selected for the turkey of the year.
First we must define our definition of the turkey, I see the Judge receiving this award as a well meaning boob who put her ideal of political correctness in front of over 200 years of concrete case law.
I needn’t get into freedom of speech and freedom of the press here as it was articulated nicely in both articles and comments here on this very site. If violating those fundamental rights of every citizen granted by birth right and defended by not only untold treasures in gold and capital of a nation but as importantly through blood and anguish by so many men and women who did not live to enjoy those fundamental freedoms that they themselves sacrificed truly everything they had or ever will have to preserve those freedoms should never have been taken so out of context by anyone let alone a Judge at any level of the judicial system.
I submit that everyone of us has paid a price as the surviving benefactors of those who sacrificed for the freedoms, Yes they are granted to us at birth but they are defended every day not only by Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines, but as we have seen they are valued and fought for by Journalists, lawyers, and citizens everyday from those who do not understand neither the sacrifice nor the value of those freedoms.
For her part in that whole debacle I nominate the Judge Bethzaida Vega
OK it didnt take as long as I thought and I was able to type it on my phone
Mitt Romney. Hands down He was the best the Rinos had?
I see you didn’t read the rules.
I can do it in one word Degnan. What lawyer worth his/her salt does what she did???
Of the many turkey qualifying behaviors the most pernicious and soul crushing offense is the unkept campaign promise. Just days before the 2011 election Melissa Mazzeo made an opportunistic pledge to re-open the Consent Decree, eliminate Hill 78, stop the plan to cap Silver Lake’s wretched cocktail of effluents, and otherwise give the PCB matter the white-glove treatment. When pressed by The Planet in January of this year, the good councilor promptly responded, reaffirming her commitment to the PCB issue. The Planet swooned “That, my good friends, is a prima fascia case of how a politician should deal with the press.” Yes, she thinks it’s terrible, but the councilor has failed to apply any of her considerable political weight to the issue.
I second it, she talks like a turkey all the time, all noise with no meaning. She waste more time and she can be be a double talker.
I nominate Andrea Nuciforo for Turkey.
He made many enemies and burned bridges in his quest for fame.
Also, Nuciforo is a Good Old Boy Pittsfield politician.
i neither agree nor disagree but andrea is no GOB
i neither agree nor disagree but andrea is no GOB
I nominate Melissa Mazzeo. She has attempted to stifle free speech with her idiotic action again city councilors on an alleged open meeting law violation that she couldn;t back up. A close second would be council Pres. Kevin Sherman for signing that ridiculous letter. I liked Sherman but feel he strayed badly. A close third Dan Bianchi for not keeping campaign promise of transparency.
Just a few more votes for Mazzeo and she can get a free lunch.
You know how she hates to lose at anything.
Interesting nomination Pittsfield Believer, The 1’st amendment is not the favorite of the Pittsfield city council for sure. Sort of like FDR changing it to suit his own needs. The founders gave us religion, speech, press, and assembly, but FDR and Norman Rockwell, thought want and fear were more important. The city council also just sort of ignored that part about making no law part of the document.
Mr. Valenti,
For turkey of the year, how about those who continue to vote into office other turkeys who are totally unable or incapable of doing anything but mismanage Pittsfield City government, who plunge the city ever deeper into debt, and who cause local property taxes to increase far higher than the rate of inflation.
Mr. Valenti, say again, what was Pittsfield’s total cumulative debt and unfunded pension liabilities as of the close of fiscal 2012 about which you have written extensively?
Watch for Palookaville, like so many other mismanaged one-party-controlled municipalities like it around the country, inevitably to go belly up.
I’ve talked to some pretty reliable inside sources about the situation concerning Lee Police Chief Buffis. They say that when the Inn at Laurel Lake was recently busted, allegedly for prostitution, the Chief alledgedly made a back door deal with them that the charges would go away if they made a substaintial donation to some toys for kids fund that he has been in charge of for sometime. Sources say that donation was made to the tune of $5000, which mysteriously never made it to the toy fund. You heard it hear first rolling stones.
I think he was dipping into those funds to pay for his pleasures on Laurel Lake.
Mr X dead on from what i heard from the grapevine, nice work. I just dont get why the FBI cares about something so tame, this is such a minor matter it makes you wonder if there is more.
Yes the extortion of a citizen who was involved in illegal activity, if it occurred, as well as stealing is no surprise around here (especially with those who are politically connected.) what’s the big deal???
Everything said here is what I’m hearing as well.
The reason why the FBI is involved is because the missing funds allegedly ended up in a bank account outside Massachusetts where The Chiefs son rides moto-x.
I would like to nominate Pittsfield fire depeartment interim or acting or whatever you call it chief Bob Czerwinski. He might be a good fioreman but as a chief not so. Since someone else has named a “close second” mine would be firemens’ union chief Tim Bartini for failure to represent his men in a way befitting of the position. He’s a taker not a giver.
Tough one. Nilan or Vega, can’t decide right now.
And then there is Capeless.
Too many to nominate just one.
It is tough. I suggest that we petition Dan to expand the winner list to at least three co-title holders. After all…this is Pittsfield and if ever a city warranted co champions it is us. This city breeds the scourge of mankind with the best of them.
and I like your selections JS
DUSTY
This is reasonable. We shall bring if before THE PLANET board and make our announcement early next week.
Yes Dan, can we nominate a WHOLE FLOCK?
Sure, why not?
Agree, there’s too many to choose just one. How do you expect us to narrow the field?
JS
With this trio, a most difficult choice.
Mr,X Only problem with that why the FBI Could be they didn’t want to throw it on Capeless!! Confict ????????
or they did not have the confidence that Capeless could handle it
Could be a violation involving the crossing of state lines.
Turkey of our century, Mr. Obama hands down the worst is yet to come.Who thought someone would make G Bush look good.
JOE
and others … as the rules stated, no national figures, please. We did receive some compliments on the video, though.
Right on JTP. Ole Buffy also may have been taking cash kick backs on the side from business at The Inn to keep it quiet, I believe it was state and feds who made that bust, OB never knew it was coming. OB may have also been skimming money from that infamous toy fund for awhile. His kid has been traveling around the country for the past many years doing the motocross circuit which is a very very expensive hobby. The kid also drives a big tricked out white Ford pickup truck around town that doens’t look cheap. Alot of expensive stuff for a cop and wife who works at St. Joe cafeteria to afford. ???
Hey we just need to worry about tightening our belts so that those in public jobs can continue living a good life with all the amenities what’s the problem???
Anyone who could steal money from a “toys for tots” fund has to be the lowest type of scum on the Earth in my book!!!
Say it isn’t so, Joe!!! For gods sake…. I hope OUR Chief is above this!
Let us remind our right good friends of the previous cowardly actions of our fearless DA. refusing to get into the drivers seat with the Nilan Case . Not to mention the biggest duh moment ever when the biggest case of the year was created and its taking so much time to prepare, soon he will impact the right to a speedy trial and there is a shot the 3 could walk. Go back to the Sawin case that was bobbled all to hell, Enuf of this pick and choose prosecution wheel hes had goin on for years,.. the DA is here to serve the citizens by persuing ALL criminals, not just the ones who arent related to the powers that be, or the cases he may not win.
Another Observer: Just one point on the biggest case you refer to. One of the defendants fired his lawyer and the new one is requesting more. This is a very importing case and lets hope he gets it right. One thing about our DA can can persecute tough cases. Just my opinion
more time, sorry
In light of the Fed and state cops friendly visit to Lee Polilce I want to nominate Old Buffy for Turkey of the Yr. although Im torn between him, the DA, and the entire Nilan family. Too many turkeys, too little time!
Oh my Layla shouldn’t we wait till we know what this is all about????
I think you should have it be “The Dirty Dozen” Turkey awards. Just too many choices, sad to say.
Bush, Putin and the Queen are in Hell, the Devil is asked if they can make a phone call, Devil says sure. The Queen calls England, Devil says, that’ll be a grand, no problem says the Queen. Putin makes his call, the Devil says that’ll be two grand, bullshit says the Russian boob. Bush wants to call Texas, he talks for four hours, Devil says, that’ll be fifteen dollars, why so cheap says W? Well, the country has gone to Hell since Obama has taken over, it’s a local call.
Tito, you get the king of the swamp award for a lame joke.
For TOTY I nominate Kevin Sherman of the City Council, can’t call him prez cause he doesn’t deserve the title or respect. He co-authors the petition against KD, we all know what a poop storm that fired up, then he doesn’t have the gonads to relinquish his seat to his VP so he can speak on it like the other author did. I think when he saw superstar lawyer Alex beating the crap out of all his fellow mates he thought better of opening his mouth. What a gutless,nutless, lack of leadership, poor excuse for a prez. Then he pulled a ditto with Mrs. Mazzeo and that petition. Quite frankly, Mr. President, looks like you were a bad choice by we the Council. Way to be a standup guy, Kevy.
According to the Eagle rag, Mayor Bianchi met with former mayors Doyle, Reilly and Ruberto for advice on how to run the city in the future. I find it beyond hilarious that anyone would give a rats colon what Gerry Doyle thinks about running a dog pound never mind a city. And I feel the same way about Ruberto. For those Pittsfield residents who do not think they are living in a cartoon this should dispel any doubts.
Dusty, say it is not so.Same shit different tax year Pittsfield is living in a groundhoag day marathon!
DUSTY
You may be on to something. The poor residents of Pittsfield are living in a living cartoon. This summits of “the minds” proves once again that we are living in an age where satire has been obsolete by reality.
I know can you believe thew guy caught defecating on his neighbors lawn didn’t get voted in as mayor in 2008???
Perhaps General Lafeyette…leader of the GOB’s who controls the purse strings of Downtown, Inc. and the whole of Downtown
for that matter could lead the turkeys as well…he’s such a revolutionary.
Wasn’t the mayoral candidate who was caught with his pants down, relieving himself, the one who was trying to secure millions in grant moneys? He ended up cutting cost and eliminating waste,instead. He must be a conservative?
ATTENCION…This week, the King of the Swamp’ award goes to, Mike Ward for his remark about the b s involved in the latest council bickering, congratulations Mike!
I would like to nominate Alf Barbalunga as Turkey of the Year. This guy is to leadership what the old Mae West was to sex, a stomach-churning upchuck.
+1
I’m going to nominate on behalf of a wonderful woman who is too timid to speak out. I’ll call her Mrs. M and if her nominee is chosen, I hope she will join the Planet at the RLI. Her warning about what I could expect from the Veterans’ Service Officer led me to keep a diary of my own experiences. Mrs. M is the widow of a World War II veteran and Mrs. M was subjected to the same service? as I received from Pittsfield’s Veterans’ Service Officer. It just doesn’t get any lower than that. There are probably many good candidates but only one who does so little for those who deserve so much more.
Attention please, we have a winner in the King of the Swamp’ award for the year 2012..The winner of the award is…..Christine Yon! Congratulations Councilor Yon! You will receive the initial award, a lovely Bracelet, with the King of the Swamp’ logo and inscription. You are a great City Councilor and truly deserving of this honor!
I’m sure she will wear it proudly. The inscription should read “I thank everyone who still tells me how to vote and what to say after the Roberto hand was removed from my puppet body”
I am nominating the same person Ed S did, execpt I’ll name her, she is Rosemary Frieri, the “veterans agent” who does not repesent veterans at all but who merely sucks up a good city salary that she uses to fund her photgraphy business. I know only too well of her lack of service to veterans. Thank you to Ed and Mrs. M.
And the winner is? Is? jeopardy theme song plays…..
well with so many nominees its almost impossible to narrow it down below 5 so i will agree with the one who our tax dollars are greatly wasted by.. DA Capeless . the tougher crimes in this city are not being brought to light, not being prosecuted properly, and this joke of a department that has more leaks than the iraqi navy, is an epic fail under current leadership. The Berkshire justice system may be working for few but its really only working for the “few”. to quote jack nicholson–“This town needs an enema!”
Bill. Sturgeon seems to be disenchanted with Mayor Bianchion theKrol hour.
Christine Yon for Mayor!
i will throw a nomination to probation ‘s favorite daughter for “not knowing what she hit” with a hole in the windshield the size of a buick. For Lying, covering tracks, compelling others to cover your story, and then for whining when it was brought to light. You are truly daddy’s lying lil girl , and so GOBBLE GOBBLE!!!
how about the people who tried jam the civic authority down our throats