The LuLac Edition #260, JUly 7th, 2007

PHOTO INDEX: MY MAN POPE BENEDICT XVIth, MY OTHER MAIN MAN AL GORE AND FRED THOMPSON.

AL'S CONCERT

You can call it what you will, an over the top glory hogging event for an issue that many people don't think is real or a worthy cause for an issue that needs to be addressed if the earth as we know it and use it is to survive. But the concert put on by Al Gore's organization, partnering with others went off worldwide without a hitch. Now I wasn't glued to the set all day but the music was good, the staging was edgy, Madonna still looked hot and Sting still had the goods. If it takes a worldwide rock concert to bring the issue of global warming to the forefront, then so be it. I'm sure the right wingers on national talk radio will have a field day with this during the week but let me say this to them: at least Al is doing something about an issue he has articulated and cared for through the years. Name one Republican who has carved out an issue where he has had to take a stand and put himself out there for meaningful change.

THOMPSON'S TROUBLES

All-but-declared GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson is shilling for a company whose co-founder was accused of secretly tapping into people's bank accounts. The ex-"Law & Order" actor is airing a one-minute radio spot around the country for LifeLock, an identity-protection company co-founded byRobert Maynard. "It's part of his contract at ABC Radio Networks. Like the other on-air talent, (boy is that an oxymoran is some cases) they are contractually obligated to do some commercials," said Thompson spokesman Mark Corallo. As first reported in the Los Angeles Times, the Federal Trade Commission alleged in 1996 that Maynard got account numbers from consumers bypeddling himself as a credit-repair expert who would clean up their credit reports. Maynard settled the case without admitting to the charge, though he did agree to get out of the credit-fixing business. ABC Radio Networks and Thompson's spokesman said LifeLock is a legitimate company and he will continue to promote it. Maynard resigned last month as LifeLock's marketing director when his past was revealed,but he remains a consultant and shareholder. "The company seems to be fine. It's currently giving away its services to soldiers and vets," said Corallo. ABC Radio Networks added: "Identity theft is a real issue which LifeLock addresses - and we have every expectation that we will continue our relationship with them." If Thompson jumps into the presidential contest, however, his radio days are over. "If he enters the race, obviously he will have to leave that all behind," Corallo said. Democrats jumped all over Thompson when they learned about the commercial. "He's lobbying for the powerful special interests ... serving as the pitchman for a company whose owner is accused of fraud," said Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Stacie Paxton. "It's pretty clear that Fred Thompson stands for what's best for him and his special interest friends, not the American people," she added. So far, the LifeLock ad is the only spot Thompson has done for ABC RadioNetworks. The former Tennessee senator does "The Fred Thompson Report"and is a stand-in for Paul Harvey.

If Thompson does run, he will be impacting the lives of many actors and actresses in New York City. Thompson's more than 100 episodes cannot be shown on TV if he is a declared candidate. Actors who had bit parts in the popular series and its spin offs usually get a residual check when their episode ends whether it be on the network or cable. That will end if Thompson runs. The joke in the acting community in New York is that you are unique if you were not in a Law & Order episode.

LATIN MASS AGAIN?

Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday removed restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass, reviving a rite that was all but swept away by the liberalizing reforms of the Second Vatican Council.The decision, a victory for traditional, conservative Roman Catholics, came over the objections of liberal-minded Catholics and angered Jews because the Tridentine Mass contains a prayer for their conversion. Benedict, who stressed that he was not negating Vatican II, issued a document authorizing parish priests to celebrate the Tridentine rite if a "stable group of faithful" requests it. Currently, the local bishop must approve such requests - an obstacle that supporters of the rite say has greatly limited its availability. Now if he'd bring back the black vestments, we'd be in business.

NOTCH AND RUN P.D.

It appears that the first regional police force might be between Sugar Notch and Warrior Run Boroughs. For years the two communities have had a sharing agreement as far as writing tickets but because of a manpower shortage, both Mayors went along with the two forces working as one. It will be interesting to see how far their cooperation extends if the two towns want to merge. Wait, this is Luzerne County, the land of 77 municipalities.