The LuLac Edition #920, Aug. 26th, 2009

SNAPPLE "REAL FACT" #701, it takes more water to fill a bathrub than it takes to enjoy an average length shower.

PHOTO INDEX: SENATOR TED KENNEDY IN 1980 ON WILKES BARRE PUBLIC SQUARE DURING HIS ILL FATED PRESIDENTIAL BID. THE KENNEDY BANNER PRODUCED BY THE LATE CHICKIE LAHR FROM LAHR'S PRINTERY ON HAZLE STREET.

TEDDY KENNEDY

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, the last surviving brother in a political dynasty and one of the most influential senators in history, died Tuesday night at his home on Cape Cod after a year-long struggle with brain cancer. He was 77. In nearly 50 years in the Senate, Kennedy served alongside 10 presidents — his brother John Fitzgerald Kennedy among them — compiling an impressive list of legislative achievements on health care, civil rights, education, immigration and more. “This was a guy who put people before money” noted talk show host Kevin Lynn.
For nearly a half-century in the Senate, Kennedy was a steadfast champion of the working class and the poor, a powerful voice on health care, civil rights, and war and peace. To the American public, though, he was best known as the last surviving son of America's most glamorous political family, the eulogist of a clan shattered again and again by tragedy. His family announced his death in a brief statement released early Wednesday. "We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all."
Kennedy was elected to the Senate in 1962, when his brother John was president, and served longer than all but two senators in history. President Barack Obama called him “The greatest Senator of our time. "For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts," said the President.
Exactly one year before his death, Kennedy gave a rousing speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where Obama accepted the presidential nomination
Kennedy ran for President in 1980. The photos you see were taken on Public Square by this writer. The sun has finally set on the Kennedy dynasty but the legacy and hopefully the dream will live on. From the 1980 convention: