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August 26 The Lion Sleeps Tonight... If one is of a certain age, the memories are embedded in our consciousness...when our world began to change and we were old enough to remember when those changes altered how we saw the world, what might be possible and how we viewed ourselves. The US Presidential election in 1960 was the first election I was old enough to comprehend.
My mother was a Democrat, of sorts. My grandmother, an ardent Republican. I believe Harry Truman scared and enraged her - not because of the bombs dropped on Japan, but because he occasionally swore. For a strict Pentecostal, Harry Truman was not a nice man and defined the Democrat Party, at least in her mind. As a young girl, I listened to her and it didn't really stick. I was more curious about the man who might be President. It seemed almost impossible - a young and handsome President. You would have to remember we had always had old men as President and women who looked old, even as young girls, as wives. Also, in those days, as students, we were told to prepare for " The Bomb, " by way of elementary school films, which showed us how to duck and hide under our desks when " it " happened.
After the election, everything seemed different. The First Lady was not a frumpy, hair challenged old woman, but a stylish young woman and there seemed to be a new direction for the country. Anything was possible.
When our handsome President was assassinated in Dallas, it seemed impossible.
That only happened in the old days.
Or, in Third World countries.
Nevertheless, this country went on. Innocence gone...replaced with uncertainty and suspicion.
The turbulent years of the early, mid and late 60's saw more assassinations, a country mired in a war many saw as morally wrong and dangerous to our society and an evolving culture ready and willing to take to the streets and say " Hell, no - we won't go ! " In those days, before we became adults and taking on adult responsibilities, it was easy to question The Establishment and look for answers to the questions no one would respond to, much less acknowledge.
Yet, we still had to deal with the reality of The Government, looking for another bright light to help lead this country through the continuing issues.
The hopes of a New Generation very nearly trampled by the murders of Dr. King and Robert Kennedy. As we sat with our families and watched the nightly news - the daily body count in Viet Nam, the continuing saga of a government gone crazy - there was little reason to believe anyone could make a difference.
The optimism of the early years of JFK seemed lost forever.
King was dead. Shot, as he stood on the balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. RFK, who had quieted the crowd in Indianapolis - who consoled and grieved with those gathered in the parking lot to hear him speak, was later shot dead in a hotel kitchen. Nixon, who sold his soul for an easy re-election and left the White House in disgrace. Our glimmer of hope, The Last Kennedy...Teddy, disgraced by his own behavior at Chappaquiddick...Camelot was, indeed, over.
No one bounces back from something like that...piled and layered with tales of drunken bad boy behavior for many years...but, Edward Moore Kennedy found his redemption in something more meaningful to him...in service to not only the people of Massachusetts, but all Americans. Who would have thought it possible ? He found his reach extended not merely from the four corners of his country, but wherever there was need, hunger, ignorance and want. Just as the people of Boston knows this to be true, so too do the people of Soweto, in Belfast.
This is not a valentine to a reformed rascal, but a personal acknowledgement of the man who pioneered great legislation on behalf of the people of this country. He came to us, almost as a two-fer, but over time, proved to be so much more. Legislation which made life easier for the needy, the handicapped, the elderly. In a very thick book of accomplishments, we often forget those bills which gave our citizens a more secure life. We have become accustomed to those great moments in our history, often forgetting what life was like before Edward Moore Kennedy took his place in the US Senate. Now, he takes his place in history and leaves behind a country more blessed for the time he walked and worked for us.
Fair winds and following seas, Senator Kennedy.
August 21 Out Of Adversity.... A few years ago, it never would have crossed my mind that I might be leaving my comfort zone to work for, and with, my community. The truth is, I left that behind a long time ago, when it became easier to write a check or something along those lines. For one thing, alot had changed. I certainly was older, working, physically challenged and the family issues had become more significant and pressing. Besides, I " knew " my city...the people seemed lethargic and had adapted to the status quo. By saying " adapted, " I mean they had grown weary of trying to fight the good fight, that it was easier to turn ones' eyes away from the problems facing their community, as their voices had long been swallowed up in a sea of corruption and self-serving politics.
Along this walk, I found people I might never had met otherwise. People who came into my life as co-workers, of a sort and then we became friends. There were no barriers, even as we found each other to be uniquely different, but yet united in the desire to help our City and County help itself. That should not be confused with helping itself to whatever we have left to give.
There were Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, Protestants, Catholics, Athiests, Women, Men, Married, Single, College Educated, High School Diplomas...a little bit of everything. As a whole, one could say it is a diverse gang of local people who were opening their eyes to see beyond the limited horizon we sometimes build for ourselves , or allowed to be defined for us. As we moved in uncharted waters, we began to recognize and appreciate the different personalities amongst us.
This is what I want to write about. Not the reasons we came together, but the people who have withstood the harsh glare of public scrutiny and personal attacks, designed to impact our lives in the most profoundly negative ways possible. All because this group of people have challenged our local elected officials to do as they swore they would do, rather than use what they had gained for their own well-being and next elected office.
I knew this colorful collection of personalities was different was the day one of our own had to be hospitalized. She was immediately cared for and looked after by The Gang, not because she is a prolific writer and activist, but because there was a bond, a friendship that went beyond the usual working relationship.
No matter how we were portrayed by those who had a vested interest in keeping things as they had been for decades, among us, we knew the truth and so did many of friends, family, neighbors and supporters.
It was easy to portray us, as a group, as rich Republican landlords, who were only in it for ourselves. Oh, politicians, heal thyselves. Or, something along those lines.
My friends are amazing people, in that they rose to the challenges and have been stoic in their resolve. The time they have given has been done so with a sense that, perhaps now, now, people have become awakened and know they too can meet challenges, stand and demand more bang for their votes. Yes, we do manage to have conversations which do not include modernization or Parties and, yes, we do get together outside if meetings for dinner or bicycling or whatever fits the day.
I cannot, do not and will not speak for the rest of the gang, but I am never one to take a personal, unfair and malicious attack on my friends without a growl. That's called " friendship, " not a gang mentality. I understand not every group has such tremendous and affectionate ties with one another, but some, in all probability do bond. It goes beyond the genesis of the group.
I remember when I was introduced to one particular lady. Two people could not be more different, yet we found more in common than we could ever have imagined. I am the hurricane to her gentle wind. She is an amazingly gifted woman and never stops short of 100 % in her words and action. I can truly say this about the group, as a whole.
Count Muncie, Indiana as a community blessed with such concerned and caring people. Their work goes beyond the political and into heart-felt generousity of spirit and giving. I wonder, if at any time, those who would villify these people could ever walk a week in their shoes ? I would hope so, but it has been my experience that the response would be " no. " Are we without flaws ? Absolutely not, but we never claimed to be and that again, is one facet of the diversity within this group of people. Each and every member or volunteer brings with them a heart and mind, determined to educate and empower the citizens of Muncie and Delaware County, Indiana. To uplift the spirit and to come together to identify and face the challenges of a community very much in transition.
It is an incredible moment in our communitys' history. It is also an incredible time of my life. At my age, I thought I might be beyond " incredible moments, " but in stepping outside of my carefully crafted life, I have found solid friendships. So many different people, united in a move toward real change, not a campaign slogan.
Those who have used almost possible sort of ammunition to hurt us, individually and as a group, will most certainly never know real friendship. Not that I believe that to be a factor in their lives...where it's almost a foregone conclusion that it is all about a chosen few. You see, we united for the good of all the people. No one person has all of the right answers, but we can find them, if we work for Muncie, rather than against it. Imagine the confusion and outrage among those who would keep us down and dumb, that good might actually prevail.
In that long and unfinished walk toward progress, we've found friendship and strength.
 August 11 From www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com2010 Budget, Prairie Creek, Zook and LOIT PollGood evening folks. The budget meeting went extremely well! The controller presented a workable 2010 budget with the $311,000 cuts recommended by the Umbaugh study. She is pretty confident, based on the current cuts and without the tax draw revenue, that for 2009 we have met the budget deficit! We still are waiting to hear from the state on the pensions, and of course the contracts will be coming up again, so there may be additional monies to be saved in 2010. Doug Zook, Superintendent of the Parks did an excellent job presenting his budget. I was so impressed. Here is why:
The man has it going on. He answered every question in a professional manner, was cool as a cucumber and a real go getter. The summer has been unseasonable cool and we are in a recession, imagine the money during a hot summer and no recession. If every department head comes to the budget with these types of savings, there will be absolutely no need for LOIT. We can run leaner and better. Just takes people who can get the job done. Congrats to Mr. Zook for using his great management skills, and to his employees for their innovations, dedication and hard work! Now, on to the LOIT poll. Much to my surprise I has 50 hits on the poll just this evening. The votes were tallied and in favor of the LOIT. I wonder who would be in favor of doubling of their income tax when we just learned that with good management, and frugal spending, the city more than likely will be able to weather the financial problems without taxing the whole darn county to do it. Call and tell Muncie City Council there is no need for LOIT. Alison Quirk: 765-288-5319 P.S. Don’t forget the county has 8 million dollars from the welfare fund.
8 Million Dollars and A Rainy Day Fund!What’s going on? The Richmond newspaper reported the counties which have a surplus from the family and child welfare budget will be able to keep those funds! Yes, siree bob, them dollars can be deposited into a rainy day fund. According to the article, Delaware County will have 8 Million Dollars. Almost as much as the Morrison TIF had in January. Now, I ask you? Did the county know about these funds before the infamous Wheel Tax? What is their plan for this money? Will Chris Matchett, President of Delaware County Council, still request budget cuts of 25%? Will President & Commissioner Todd Donati find yet another way to spend this money? Will we see this 8 Million Dollars magically disappear in a matter of a few short months? Now just suppose, all of our county officials were aware of the 8 Million Dollars and still decided to add a tax to an already struggling citizen base. After all, the Wheel Tax was introduced in May and adopted in June just a few short days before the State Budget was passed. If the elected officials knew, yet chose to stay silent and get the Wheel Tax passed faster than an Indy 500 lap…well, that’s not very nice. Follow the money, folks. Watch it like a mother hen watches her chicks. 8 Million Dollars of our tax money. Please spend wisely. August 05 Y'all Come Back, Ya Hear !Muncie City Budget MeetingYou are cordially invited to attend the City of Muncie Budget meeting hosted by Muncie City Council. When: Monday, August 10th, 2009 Time: 5:30 PM Where: Muncie City Hall Auditorium No RSVP is needed.
Thank you to www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com August 04 Vote ON LOIT !Poll: Do You Support LOIT? Please vote.Do You Support LOIT? NO. City should live within a budget.
YES. I like paying more money to the government. I don't know. Thank you to www.munciepolitics.wordpress.com
Please, head over and read what's really happened
in Muncie, Indiana and Delaware County, Indiana.
Why swallow lies, when you can absorb the truth !? Thanks to www.munciepolitics.wordpress.comPrairie Creek ~ It’s Happenin’All through 2008, nary a good word was said about Prairie Creek. Many of us questioned why are subsidizing it with our tax money? Why can’t it be self-supporting? In the midst of all the turmoil on the condition of PCR, my friend, Deb and I decided to take a tour. Had not been out there in 10-15 years. Much to my surprise it was nice. What was all the hoopla about? One can only guess. No use dwelling on all the negative, when right before us, the good news. Prairie Creek is on the way to becoming something great! Take a peek at the highlights from Muncie Star’s front page article. In previous years, the city not only budgeted more for the reservoir, it also took in less income, meaning the reservoir was subsidized by property tax dollars. In 2007, city taxpayers spent almost $140,000 on Prairie Creek. In 2008, city taxpayers spent about $84,000. City Controller Mary Ann Kratochvil attributed the financial turnaround to a decision by the parks board in January to increase lease fees and user fees. “There’s no question about it,” she said. Kratochvil said 2009 is the first time the reservoir has been self-supporting in her 11 years working at City Hall. Some have questioned whether it is the first time the reservoir has ever been self-supporting. Any profits generated at Prairie Creek will be directed to a reverting fund, meaning it will be reinvested in the reservoir. ”I think that’s great,” said Joe Harris, who co-owns Dry Dock Marina across from the reservoir. According to Harris, Prairie Creek fees are still cheaper than those at many reservoirs around the state. McShurley said the reinvestment in Prairie Creek gives the city the opportunity to “make it just as nice as a state park.” To read the full article click Prairie Creek Reservoir August 3, 2009. Folks, if people would just quit standing in the way of progress, we could see this in all areas of our local government. Please remember this and don’t worry, be happy. August 03 NO to LOIT !Please attend tonights' City Council. Urge your councilperson to vote NO on LOIT. This is a temporay band-aid on a bleed-out. It's time to manage on what we have. After all, this is what we do now. You are asking, no - you are demanding we sit quietly by and take this new tax, even though your sloth and disregard for the public, as a whole, is indefensible and irresponsible. You have taxed us for years and done very little positive with that money. Now, another tax, when you have shown yourselves to be arrogant as to our concerns and wallets ? You have also taxed our patience. For once, in your political careers, do what you promised ALL the people and do the right thing. Vote NO to LOIT.
July 31 From www.munciepolitics.wordpress.comThe Chat with the Mayor went better than I expected. The written question and answer format turned out to be an excellent idea. If yo don’t like this type of format and prefer the openness the other meetings provided, you can thank one person for the change. Again, last night, this very same citizen made a feeble attempt to disrupt the meeting. That being said, I would like to post the information gleaned from the Chat. Some may be redundant from previous posts. Bear with me, please.
If you live in the city, or even if you don’t. I highly recommend attending these meetings. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about local government and meet the department heads. As always, you will be able to view the meetings on-line at Citizens of Delaware County for Property Tax Repeal. July 29 Politics + Thievery = c'mon on, you know...LOIT Tax (Local Option Income Tax)
on the City Council tabled ordinances
and may be heard on Monday night!!
August 3, 2009 at 7:30 pm.
At the Muncie City Council meeting of July 6th, the taxpaying citizens of Muncie and Delaware County were prohibited from participating and expressing their opinions regarding the Local Option Income Tax (LOIT) when the Muncie Fire Department, for which this tax will specifically benefit, brought in busloads of firefighters from across the State of Indiana causing the occupancy limits of the City Hall Auditorium to be exceeded and thereby denying the local public access to the meeting. Unfortunately, this strategy was embraced by the Muncie City Council who did nothing to either change the Hearing location to a facility with greater occupancy capabilities or ask that non-residents exit the auditorium to allow for local citizen participation.
IC 5-14-1.5 IC 5-14-1.5-1 Purpose Sec. 1. In enacting this chapter, the general assembly finds and declares that this state and its political subdivisions exist only to aid in the conduct of the business of the people of this state. It is the intent of this chapter that the official action of public agencies be conducted and taken openly, unless otherwise expressly provided by statute, in order that the people may be fully informed. The purposes of this chapter are remedial, and its provisions are to be liberally construed with the view of carrying out its policy. As added by Acts 1977, P.L.57, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.67-1987, SEC.1......IC 5-14-1.5-3 Open meetings; secret ballot votes; member participating by electronic means of communication Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in section 6.1 of this chapter, all meetings of the governing bodies of public agencies must be open at all times for the purpose of permitting members of the public to observe and record them.IC 5-14-1.5-7 Violations; remedies; limitations; costs and fees Sec. 7.(a) An action may be filed by any person in any court of competent jurisdiction to: (1) obtain a declaratory judgment; (2) enjoin continuing, threatened, or future violations of this chapter; or (3) declare void any policy, decision, or final action: (b) Regardless of whether a formal complaint or an informal inquiry is pending before the public access counselor, any action to declare any policy, decision, or final action of a governing body void, or to enter an injunction which would invalidate any policy, decision, or final action of a governing body, based on violation of this chapter occurring before the action is commenced, shall be commenced: (1) prior to the delivery of any warrants, notes, bonds, or obligations if the relief sought would have the effect, if granted, of invalidating the notes, bonds, or obligations; or (2) with respect to any other subject matter, within thirty (30) days of either: (c) If a court finds that a governing body of a public agency has violated this chapter, it may not find that the violation was cured by the governing body by only having taken final action at a meeting that complies with this chapter. (d) In determining whether to declare any policy, decision, or final action void, a court shall consider the following factors among other relevant factors: Furthermore, the Public Hearing on the LOIT was required to be noticed to the public a minimum of 10 days in advance of the Hearing of which it was not, and therefore was held illegally!!
IC 6-3.5-6
Chapter 6. County Option Income Tax....... IC 6-3.5-6-7
Ordinances; hearing; notice Sec. 7. (a) Before a member of the county income tax council may propose an ordinance or vote on a proposed ordinance, the member must hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance and provide the public with notice of the time and place where the public hearing will be held. (b) The notice required by subsection (a) must be given in accordance with IC 5-3-1. IC 5-3-1
Chapter 1. Publication Procedures...... IC 5-3-1-2
Public hearings or meetings, elections, and other events; requirements for publication of notice; posting instead of publication Sec. 2. (a) This section applies only when notice of an event is required to be given by publication in accordance with this chapter. (b) If the event is a public hearing or meeting concerning any matter not specifically mentioned in subsection (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), or (h) notice shall be published one (1) time, at least ten (10) days before the date of the hearing or meeting. (c) If the event is an election, notice shall be published one (1) time, at least ten (10) days before the date of the election. (d) If the event is a sale of bonds, notes, or warrants, notice shall be published two (2) times, at least one (1) week apart, with: (1) the first publication made at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the sale; and (2) the second publication made at least three (3) days before the date of the sale. (e) If the event is the receiving of bids, notice shall be published two (2) times, at least one (1) week apart, with the second publication made at least seven (7) days before the date the bids will be received. (f) If the event is the establishment of a cumulative or sinking fund, notice of the proposal and of the public hearing that is required to be held by the political subdivision shall be published two (2) times, at least one (1) week apart, with the second publication made at least three (3) days before the date of the hearing. (g) If the event is the submission of a proposal adopted by a political subdivision for a cumulative or sinking fund for the approval of the department of local government finance, the notice of the submission shall be published one (1) time. The political subdivision shall publish the notice when directed to do so by the department of local government finance. (h) If the event is the required publication of an ordinance, notice of the passage of the ordinance shall be published one (1) time within thirty (30) days after the passage of the ordinance. Like putting lip stick on a pig, the additional Income Tax will double current local rate, nuetralize Modernization effort and destroy Muncie's economic development, it's only answer to it's many economic problems....
The Fiscal Body of the City, facing an imminent $4 million hit and a total $8 million shortfall over the next couple years and yet leading up to the crisis point, they didn't even feel compelled to acknowledge it. NOW, that the reality has jumped up and bloodied their nose, they intend to make the TAXPAYERS accountable!!!..
That additional $19 million that they want to thrust upon the backs of the taxpayers, is DOUBLE the entire Muncie General Fund in the current Budget. And that adds up to an ADDITIONAL $167/year FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN THIS ENTIRE COUNTY! For wage earners only, it is an ADDITIONAL $384.00/year...For households only it is an ADDITIONAL $422.00/year..For all Delaware County families it is an ADDITIONAL $679.00/year...all on the back of a major recession, 10% unemployment and 18% (or more) poverty. Furthermore, you can DOUBLE the before mentioned figures to attain the TOTAL Local Income Tax local citizens are burdened with, for we already are paying a 1.05% COIT/CEDIT! Speak Up! or Pay Up! City Council Public Hearing
7:30 pm, Monday night (8/3/09)
Muncie City Hall auditorium
Be there NO LATER than 7:00 pm and get signed up to speak because fire codes will undoubtedly be exceeded and you will not be allowed in!!
Until this issue is either enacted or voted down, whether at the August 3rd, September 14th, or October 5th meetings, the taxpaying citizens have been literally kidnapped and are being held for "ransom" to appease the special interests and Muncie's fiscal problems.
Please, please, share this alert with everyone on your contacts lists!! July 24 We're Lookin' For A Few Good Men And WomenA hint or two might be gleaned from todays' MSP article regarding the 2010 candidates at the DelCo Fair...for example, in regard to the,candidates, mostly the Sheriff " race " and the following remarks why Muncie has not been able to find solid and / or keep really wonderful candidates for elected office ! A random sampling.... 1) You are kidding right? Scroggins has his head up Aul's backside so far, that you would think that they are siamese twins. Winkle had problems running MPD so how is he going to run the Sheriff's Department? Poorly. If you want someone who I believe will do a good job look to Ray. 2) Officer Dudley is a very good person. He is not a yes man. He would make a great sheriff. 3) Dudley, meanwhile, is believed to enjoy support from several Democratic Central Committee members. This would be # 1 on the Top Ten list for "Reasons to NOT vote for Dudley" ..... 4) remember to vote out ALL republicans annd solve your problems 5) remember to vote out ALL incumbents and solve your problems 7) I agree with ( poster name deleted ) to vote out all INCUMBANTS regardless of whether democrat or republican! Jaybirdy: you and your constant fear of republicans needs to stop, do you watch TV, read the newspaper or listen to the radio? do you even have a clue as to what is going on in Washington? Maybe you need to listen to Rush Limbaugh and wise up. 8) That is the kind of attitude that will cripple our city even more..... now you can try to get the mayor out ASAP haha, but for the most part we need to be a bi-partisan town if we want to succeed. I am a Democrat myself but I do believe that straight ticket voting is almost the most ignorant thing you can do, and as for the non yes-men running I'd say Winkle and Scroggins are probably the way to go. 9) If Mark McKinney is the kind of leader you wish for, maybe you should join 3 of his puppets and campaign at fairgrounds on his behalf. Jaybirdy, put on your fancy "McKinney for prosecutor" shirt and hold your high and campaign for the thief. If conflict of interest and voter fraud is your goal, then maybe you could campaign for Monte Murphy. By the way not one commissioner has donated their family pet for the same kind of abuse that pigs are required to endure. When pig wrestling is a priority to commissioners, one begins to understand mindset of Mark McKinney and Monte Murphy. Common sense is not a requirement for public office. ************************************************************************************************************* That was a small example of public perception, but when it is obvious that Your Party, whichever one that might be, is not behind every candidate it is fielding, going into the Primary...that there is The Annointed One, the public will see it and it sticks in the mind and not in a good way. It is an old problem and nothing has changed. You back your people going into the primaries - ALL of them - then, when the smoke clears, you work your butt off for the one going into the general election. Once that smoke clears, everyone should pull together for the community. That is how it should work...as I see it. Truthfully, the only one of them I know is Mike Scroggins and that's a marriage / funeral sort of a thing, but I do know one thing...as a human being, and that's the only thing I can speak to about the man, he's a decent guy. I know he is a great husband. A good dad and stepdad. He's been a rock for his family and, if he's your friend, he's solid. He won't play favors, that much I do know about the man...if you screw up and break the law, he's on you. That's not an endorsement, because who the Hell am I to endorse anyone, anyway ? It's simply what I know to be true. This Forum Post has The Good Beaver Seal of Approval and does not constitute any other recognized, organized ( or, in this case, circumsized ), legitimized movement, gang or Mafia.
From The Desk , At Home, Of Mr. ArnoldSTRAIGHT TICKET TOMMY AND PARTISAN POLLY WITH SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCES BY CLARK CONTENT, ANNA-MOSITY “AND THE REST” STARRING IN “THE ATTACK OF THE HOHOWAV” BY J.R.R. TOKEN.
Worry Wort Willie and Worry Wort McGirt were standing in the doorway talking rapidly in their squeaky worry wort voices. Something bad is bound to happen, Mr. Logical, the two chirped in unison. There has been a lot of angry chatter on the forums lately, and we have heard that a new anti taxpayer project code named the attack of the HOHOWAV is in the works. Animosity keeps posting people’s posts out of context and with part of the comment edited or removed, and Clark Content keeps bad mouthing all of us who support the efforts of the tax group. If that Clark Content calls me a minion one more time, I am going to find me a jagged piece of Kryptonite, and……. (offensive comments removed)… sun don’t shine growled Worry Wort Willie! I say they are going to poison JR with some poison pastries! If they take out JR then who is going to breathe life into us in the silly stories? Now that’s just ridiculous said Larry. JR doesn’t even like Ho Ho’s. Concannon pastries might be a better method of delivery but I am sure you are just over reacting. Well I say they are going to vaporize us with a giant laser beam bellowed Worry Wort McGirt. And don’t tell me I am watching too much Star Trek! If you and Poly can travel through the space time continuum, then there’s certainly room for Giant Lasers in these parodies. Now calm down, said Larry, I am sure no one has a Giant Laser beam focused on us. Polly volunteered to do a little research into all of this angry chatter and report back. Polly suddenly appeared with a grin on her face. Well I know what the HOHOWAV is she chuckled. What is it exclaimed the Worry Wort twins!? The HOHOWAV is
Hangers ON Hanging On With A Vengeance. Jeepers shouted Worry Wort McGirt! I was sure it was a giant laser beam. Remember folks,
Just Say NO to LOIT!
PROGRAM NOTE: This episode of Straight Ticket Tommy and Partisan Polly has been sponsored by Citizens of Delaware County for Property Tax Repeal as part of our “Say No to LOIT” Campaign.
Please call each of your City Council members and tell them to Say NO to LOIT.
Alison Quirk: 765-288-5319
DISCLAIMER: The views presented in this parody are solely my own. They are not representative of any for-profit, non-profit, political, non-political organizations or any organized or unorganized group in Delaware County or Indiana or any of the 50 States. All resemblances to characters real or fictional are purely coincidental. If you think one of these characters is you, please step away from the computer and have a good laugh at yourself. Consider it free therapy from Straight Ticket Tommy and Partisan Polly.
I am Jim Arnold, and I approved this message. July 23 Enough of LOIT For a Few Minutes...Just Ramblin' On I'm about three weeks out from hitting the road ( or the fly routes ). Work, medical issues.
First of all, flights in and out JFK suck. I am not nuts about JFK anyway. The boarding ramps and jetways are a nightmare.
I might go a day or two early, just to avoid that mess. A day or two in New York City...that's always interesting. I remember the time I took my sister to New York City. We abandoned our respective families ( " cook your own damned turkey ! " ) and we met up in Detroit. If you fly NWA, you might understand you can't fly to Heaven or Hell without going through Detroit, Memphis or Mineapolis. I remember as we approached Manhattan, Rudi looked out the window and was excited to see the WTC Towers. God, who ever would have imagined that was the last time she saw them.
Oh, we were absolute Foo-Foo Mama's.
We did the tourist things...The Parade, Times Square, 30 Rock rope line for The Today Show...and the Holy Grail for holiday shoppers and the windows - Saks'.
Also found the best little Italian restaurant in midtown. I checked the menu and it practically screamed " Gaeta ! "
We went inside and it wasn't like Olive Garden or Johnny Carino's...it was the real deal. I found myself hearing the accent of Napoli and listened to the men at the bar talking and I started laughing...I was eavesdropping, plain and simple. The waiter slithered over, in his best Italian male stle and said << buona sera. >> I was off and running, like a native. He seemed happily surprised, while my sister say there, with her mouth open. I ordered it all, except for what Rudi wanted. He turned to her and in an " oh, did you just see me " voice said " spaghetti and meat sauce. "
He was attentive and happily refilling our glasses and made a special drink - uhm drinks - after dinner.
Thank God we were close to the hotel, because we staggered out of that place. I hadn't been that hammered since....well, since Gaeta.
Early the next morning, as she nursed The Feel Bads, I flopped out of bed onto the floor. Naturally, she laughed her ass off and I thought, " Well, this one will be family lore for the rest of my stinking life. "
Off we went, in a nice town car, for our lunch at Tavern On The Green.
I promised we would go and it was splendid. We had The Best Table in The Best Room and two waiters. It was decorated in that magical way only The Tavern can do it up around the holidays, which inspired my next Christmas Tree. After snarfing a great lunch and introducing my sister to The Bellini ( we LOVED them ), we had probably the most outradeously expensive lunch she had ever had, but it was worth every cent. Leaving, we admired the outside topiary and walked to the ice skating arena...and then, we did the obligatory horse drawn carriage ride in and aroind the park. It was cold, it was sweet !
The Rockettes, which was terrific, but even more so now. trust me, it's just that good.
Then, we attended " A Christmas Carol " at MSQ.
The lobby was tricked out like Dickensian London and you couldn't help but feel excited, like a little kid.
When Frank Langella hit the stage, Baby Sistah was agog, especially when he came into the audience.
I try to make the NYC run every December and I don't care how cold it gets....
That trip, though, was special.
I've been back many times since and had even more fun.
Once, in the Spring, I was there on business and caught Steve Tyrell at The Blue Note. At one show, he sang into my cleavage and I should have been outraged. Oh, Hell no...I was hoping for a few extra verses. To be fair, I was wearing my very best Shameless Hussy halter blouse, sitting front row center and it was well worth the money. I called Baby Sistah, who heard women screaming at me...." you are so lucky. " Ya think ! At my age, it was a freakin' miracle. Regis Philbin, who was there with his wife, spoke about it on his tv show the next day and Baby Sistah said she sat up in bed and screeched - " That's my sister ! " Later, I again ran into Steve, Lymon, Blue Lou and the rest of the guys at Ronnie Scott's in London. I was a bit more behaved. That's all I am saying.
Yep...NYC is an adventure. It helps if you keep your options open and you get a good bite of The Big Apple.
 July 20 By Any Means Necessary
July 18 KNOW IT AND SAY " NO " TO LOIT !
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