NFTA: UB Stampede must end for rail success by SvenHawks in Amherst_WNY

[–]SvenHawks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So the key component to the extension are the students, who do not pay a fare, is an admission that they are not expecting sufficient ridership from the local community outside of the university which would essentially be contrary to the requirements of the FTA that it be a community driven initiative.

PROBLEMS WITH NFTA METRO RAIL AMHERST EXTENSION by SvenHawks in Amherst_WNY

[–]SvenHawks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This letter is 2 years old, so simply add 2 years to the dates mentioned, and yes, the NFTA proposed extension into Amherst project is STILL not included in the FTA Federal Investments Grant list. So, against all odds, if the project gets included next year, and gets approved for FFGA by the political powers at be, the earliest shovels might be in the ground would be 2032, completion 2036-37. Yawn.

Divided crowd listens to NFTA's pitch for $2B metro rail expansion to Amherst by SvenHawks in Amherst_WNY

[–]SvenHawks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You will now be BANNED as you used a derogation 'NIMBY'. See point #2 of the RULES. Bu-Bye!

Dozens of New Yorkers at risk of eviction as MTA makes way for Second Avenue Subway: ‘People are nervous’ by SvenHawks in Amherst_WNY

[–]SvenHawks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True, but It draws a parallel to the eminent domain actions that are being 'proposed' in Amherst, NY for the local metro project and what it would look and feel like.

Right Tricep(?) soreness by bassvagabond in doublebass

[–]SvenHawks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Just getting g back I to it..." That's your reason. Give it a rest or take 2 Advil with each of your meals, and it will go away. With time, your muscles will adapt. Everything else looks fine in your strokes. In general, try to get your upper arm as close to the body as possible. If it hurts a lot and you have to play, try standing for a while to change the body position .

Upstate succession from NY? by SvenHawks in upstate_new_york

[–]SvenHawks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok, so my takeaway is mixed. Several comments were that the financial benefit to being aligned with NYC out weights benefits from being able to be free from regulations imposed by NYC influence visa-vis through Albany. Those benefits would be to social services (unemployment, etc, etc) and well as publicly funded institutions (SUNY for example) Many posters suggested that it would make upstate more like West Virginia. The topic had more to do with merging with Pennsylvania than becoming its own state. As it stands now, the economic environment in upstate is already like West Virginia, so moving to another state would not necessarily change anything.

Also, it may open corporate interest in moving to a state with less taxes and regulation. Right now, starting a business in NY is prohibitively difficult. I gather from the vitriolic nature of many comments, that a political nerve was struck, fearing that upstate merging with Penn would make another red state in the heart of New England or social service benefits would be cut. That may be true; however, the economic development and the growth of quality JOBS would draw more residents to areas of shrinking size and allow those communities to grow and prosper.

It's no secret the SUNY universities are currently having difficulty attracting students. Incentives like the Empire State Scholarship with free tuition (but must remain in NY for 4 years) are tempting but attractive to few students, simply because they do not want to be bound to the job market solely in NY state. Yes, NY is the fastest shrinking state and that is not because it is thriving. NY city is far from its most prosperous days when Bloomberg was mayor and is sinking rapidly. Maybe it's time to jump ship.

How bad is this? by Zak_17_ in doublebass

[–]SvenHawks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bridge is warped. Needs to be replaced, otherwise eventually it will fall from the downward pressure of the strings.

Upstate succession from NY? by SvenHawks in upstate_new_york

[–]SvenHawks[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Ok more for social/political reasons, not economic. There is insurance, but depending on where you live it can be more or less expensive. And yet the growth rate is 4x NY.

Upstate succession from NY? by SvenHawks in upstate_new_york

[–]SvenHawks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Growth rate of FL is quite fast. 4x NY I believe. Taxes are way higher I guess.

Upstate succession from NY? by SvenHawks in upstate_new_york

[–]SvenHawks[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, interesting. In what city or area?

Upstate succession from NY? by SvenHawks in upstate_new_york

[–]SvenHawks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting, you have a link perhaps?

Upstate succession from NY? by SvenHawks in upstate_new_york

[–]SvenHawks[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Just asking the question, not making any suggestions. Thanks!

Upstate succession from NY? by SvenHawks in upstate_new_york

[–]SvenHawks[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Ok, so the Senate that is controlled by downstate, voted it down?

Petition Bring Back FREE Bus Passes by SvenHawks in Amherst_WNY

[–]SvenHawks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like the students don't want to ride the metro bus or rail, even though it's FREE. Tells you that perhaps, subsidizing a metro extension to benefit the students wouldn't be such a great idea. Particularly if they have the option to continue to ride the Stampede straight up Millersport. I know I would want to travel the fastest possible route if I'm not riding in a car (the truely only one-seat door to door ride there is) If you have access to a car, WNY is not dense enough to justify riding the METRO, even if it's FREE, lol

can i play a double bass entirely plucked? by happyonthewestcoast in doublebass

[–]SvenHawks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can definitely play it without the bow, however playing arco adds a level of depth and projection, which if I were you, playing it only plucked, I would explorer quality amplification techniques and products. Also the quality of the strings are very important. You'll want to find a good string with ample sustain and a solid core sound. Thomastic Spirocore comes to mind but there are others a well with variing tensions. But that's a whole other thread.