A New York City reporter recently showed sympathy toward Niagara County for the disparity in stimulus spending statewide.
The Village Voice reported that of $18 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds New York state received from the federal government, $8.16 billion was going to New York City.
“Poor Niagara County, one of the hardest-hit counties in this recession, gets a mere $632 million,” reporter Roy Edroso wrote. “Of course, when you think of it as $2,947 per Niagara County resident, it seems more cheerful.”
Not exactly a farming hotbed, New York City somehow received more money for that purpose (theoretically, at least) than Niagara County, another oddity pointed out by Edroso.
“It’s amazing that New York City actually gets more ‘agriculture’ spending money than Niagara — $850 million versus $12 million — until you realize almost all of that is for the Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program, aka food stamps,” he wrote. “We don’t usually associate Chef Boyardee with agriculture, but that’s how it shakes out.”
Statewide, the biggest items on the list were unemployment ($3.94 billion), Medicaid ($2.69 billion) and food stamps ($1.26 billion).
•••
Fans of dusty old books — REALLY old books — may soon have a sort of mecca in Erie County.
County Executive Chris Collins recently formed a Rare Books Commission that will market the rare texts housed in this region to bookworms worldwide, Americana Exchange reported.
Among the rarities on hand here are a handwritten manuscript of “Huckleberry Finn,” Thomas Jefferson’s annotated copy of “The Federalist” and a Shakespeare “First Folio,” the publication reported.
“We have a wealth of incredibly rare treasures right here in Western New York that we should be sharing with the world,” Collins said. “I think these historic materials will attract visitors from far and wide. It’s time to market this collection to enhance our tourism industry in Erie County.”
The publication went on to praise the decision, saying that Buffalo is ahead of the curve in terms of sharing rare books with the public.
“This is really something of a counterintuitive idea for rare book libraries. So steeped in the desire to protect and preserve, they have made rare books virtually inaccessible, and thereby of no practical benefit to the public which pays for their preservation,” the report said. “What the folks in Buffalo are trying to do is convert those resources into a practical asset, one that can pay for their own preservation and more, rather than be a draw on tight budgets. If they succeed, they may do as much to preserve the books and manuscripts of our history as all of the squirreling away in dark, climate-controlled vaults has accomplished.”
Contact Paul Laneat 693-1000, ext. 116.
Lifestyle
Related Photos
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: NYC takes pity on Niagara
- Lifestyle
-
-
Cutting the travel time
For the most part, there is a lot of planning that goes into traveling. Some like to handle the details on their own, making arrangements on the phone or using travel websites to book hotels, planes, vehicles and so on.
But lately, working with a travel agent is becoming more popular.
-
March motivation
Making the commitment to stay fit during these cold Western New York months can sometimes be easier said than done. The resolution to eat healthier, or to ditch the nicotine fades as we settle back into our evermore hectic schedules. But with spring looming just over the horizon, maybe you’re in need of a technologic solution to get back on track, or hopefully take your fitness goals to the next level.
-
Justin Bieber makes dream come true for child with brain tumor
In August, Avalanna Routh "married" teen singing sensation Justin Bieber. This week, she finally got to meet her husband.
-
Viral video: Toddler rescued from inside arcade game
A 2-year-old girl’s curiosity got her stuck inside an arcade game, where she had to be rescued by firefighters.
-
Video: Jennifer Hudson sings tribute to Whitney Houston at Grammys
The Grammys on Sunday night were filled with tributes to the late Whitney Houston, who died Saturday in a Beverly Hills hotel at the age of 48.
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
VIDEO: Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction
More than 18,000 people descended on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney for the annual Groundhog Day celebration.
-
Gadgets Galore
The 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has come and gone, but the gadgets introduced there likely will be part of our future for years to come. Record numbers were set with attendance, vendors, and square footage of exhibit space. Innovations were unveiled, and in some cases, expectations dashed.
-
Viral video: Bungee cord snaps, woman survives 360-foot fall
A 22-year-old woman from Australia survived with relatively minor injuries after her bungee cord snapped and she plunged into a crocodile-infested river in Zimbabwe.
-
Viral video: Marriage proposal rejected at basketball game
Having your marriage proposal rejected is heartbreaking. Having your marriage proposal rejected on camera in front of thousands of people at a sporting event? Well, that’s a viral video on YouTube.
- More Lifestyle Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
