The LuLac Edition #2704, July 30th, 2014

WHY ELECTIONS MATTER

This week the Wilkes Barre Area School Board once more topped itself with a bone head move that made this district the laughing stock of the area. Based on second hand information, they screwed young athletes out of TV exposure on a local Cable Network because of comments made one year ago by Part time Talk Show host Rob Nyehard. They also thumbed their noses at the aged grandparents of the children who play football by depriving them of the opportunity to see their kids play on TV. I’m not being dramatic here. I speak from personal experience here. When I was doing Topic A with L.A. Tarone on WYLN carried by Service Electric I can’t tell you how many of my contemporaries told me their aged parents watched our show. My obvious question was “Why”? And the answers were “They have the time and you guys are entertaining”, If the old folks could get turned on by two guys yelling at each other and tune in, imagine the impact of Cable TV with their grandkids playing a game.
When Neyhard made his comments it was in the midst of the horrible year of 2013 when violent crime was rampant especially in the Heights section of Wilkes Barre. The Mayor and the Police Force were doing everything to stop it but couldn’t. It was a frustrating time. All Neyhard said was that the neighborhood in GAR was bad. It was. Anytime you have a kid with his hand nearly chopped off by a machete, that’s bad. When that happened, did Denise Thomas, John Quinn, Lou Elmy, Christine Katsock, and Ned (is that a grown up name???) Evans decry the violence against “the kids”?
Apparently John Quinn decided to round up a few of the lackeys on the board and take his prodigious pique out on Nyehard, Service Electric, Scott Cannon from Video Innovations and the young athletes. I do have sympathy though for Quinn because he does suffer from a Medical condition. It’s called JackQuinnalzheimersitis. He forgets everything BUT the grudge he holds. So the crybabies decided to vote 5 to 0 to get rid of a contract that would benefit a cash strapped district. A district that by the way has outside forces asking for money (outside of taxes mind you) for money to bolster the sorry ass district. Yeah Brian whatever your name is, I’ll go to your fundraiser to help these clowns out!
Quinn’s willing lackeys were former School Attendance office Denise Thomas who claimed the broadcast she didn’t hear was negativity. Denise Thomas I believe was a stalking horse for Quinn to run with the ball because he didn’t have the guts himself to do it. Lou Elmy said yes because he’ll go along with anything as long as his wife is getting a payday. Then there is the petulant and mercurial Christine Katsock. She is a known ally of convicted former President of the Board Frank “Weights and Measures” Pizzella. They were in plain view at a political event together in Wilkes Barre Township last year. Katsock had a running mate in the last election and refused to campaign and acknowledge her in public. Katsock was also the one who got into a shouting match with one of Eddie Day Pashinski’s workers across from Sam's Club over a sign dispute when she was a Republican running against any Democrat she could try to take on. But some say she is a class act. As far that, I can understand how some might think that but I cannot possibly comment. Then of course there was the newly elected board lackey (repeating his performance in another arena) Ned Evans who couldn’t string together two thoughts on a radio show during the last campaign. Might he be jealous of Neyhard’s dulcet tones? Evans was elected over Kathy Grinaway who was the most intelligent and better equipped candidate for the School Board. Especially because she couldn’t be influenced by the cronies and the cousins on the Board. There is more to this story than high school football and Rob Neyhard. 
Those abstaining were Dino Galella who made the motion along with Joe Caffrey, Dr. James F. Susek and Rev. Shawn Walker.
A few questions here. Why not fire Neyhard and keep the football? Why punish the kids? Why did it take a year for this to come to the forefront? Kind of reminds me of this guy below lying in wait making like snakes. 

Why not get more information like the other board members wanted? I have the answer. The majority in this vote did not want to hear anything. Like spoiled brats who hold the fate of our children in their hands, they had their minds made up. Many people will say that this is just about football. True. But if this group is so devious and touchy about a remark they didn’t hear first hand and made a year ago, imagine what they would do with a real issue affecting tax dollars!
I’ve known Rob Neyhard for 38 years. He is a good man, a good broadcaster, a consummate professional and has always had the interest of kids deep in his heart. As a great father, I’ve seen him with his kids from a previous marriage. Solid. I’ve seen him with athletes and how he supported them. In forty years of broadcasting, Rob has done nothing BUT boost the fortunes of young people. This action says more about the Wilkes Barre Area School Board than Neyhard. The knock by some on Rob as a Talk Show host is that he has not been controversial and too fair. Who’d have thought that with the line up of WILK staff, Neyhard would be the one singled out by a School Board that has just added another chapter to its latest melodrama entitled “Board of Clowns”.
Elections do have consequences, I doubt Kathy Grinaway would go along with a dumb ass move like this. But the people of Wilkes Barre voted for Ned Evans and they got themselves another mindless foot soldier who enjoys the view from behind as the other asses ahead of him lead the charge. How’s that view “Ned?”

WOLF SLATES GENERAL FOR GENERAL

Retired Brigadier General Frank J. Sullivan. (Photo: Tom Wolf for Governor website).
Retired Brigadier General Frank J. Sullivan (USAF) has spent his career serving our country and the state of Pennsylvania -- and he believes it is time for the veterans of Pennsylvania to help elect a governor who will fight for them and their families.
Frank has been a registered Republican for over 20 years. This election year, however, he is not only committed to voting for Tom Wolf, but he is also playing an active role in the campaign by mobilizing veterans and sharing Tom's plan to create a better quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.
"I think Tom Wolf's policies to support veterans, servicemembers, and their families are excellent. Last Saturday, I went to the Pennsylvania American Legion State Convention and talked with other veterans about my personal experiences with Tom, about his support for our community, about his honesty, and about everything he's going to do for our Commonwealth. I think attendees were pretty impressed and we're excited about joining this campaign."
Frank agreed to chair the Veterans for Wolf initiative, with Senator Mike Stack, who is also the Candidate for Lt. Governor, and York Mayor Kim Bracey serving as co-chairs, to make sure veterans and their families come out to vote in November. He believes Tom's business experience, his willingness to explore new ideas, and his common-sense plan for Pennsylvania are exactly what the state needs to solve many of its toughest problems.
"As I was considering the candidates in this governor's race, I found Tom Wolf to be a trustworthy and honest person. Tom is someone who is focused on the issues facing not only veterans, but all Pennsylvanians."
A 2013 survey of 7,000 National Guard personnel found the unemployment rate among Guard members to be 14 percent -- significantly higher than the national average. Tom and Frank agree that the brave men and women who have fought to protect our way of life deserve much better.
In Tom's plan to support Pennsylvania veterans and service members, he outlines how he will work with state departments and agencies, as well as state-run and state-related colleges and universities, to accelerate accreditation, licensure, and degree completion for veterans. This plan will also help place veterans with jobs matching their skills. Moreover, Tom will work to make it easier for spouses of veterans to get out-of-state certifications and licenses recognized in Pennsylvania, among many other key components.
Because of Tom Wolf's strong support for veterans, service members, and their families, Sullivan is fired up to help spread the word before the November election:
“I believe Tom wants to help as many people as he can, while he has the opportunity to do so -- and to me, that's the mark of a real leader. Not somebody who wants to get the next promotion, not a guy who's looking for a higher office, not a guy who's looking for the biggest campaign contributors so he can retire a little wealthier, but a guy who is unselfish, and just wants to help the people of Pennsylvania. I see that in Tom Wolf -- he's somebody that I can relate to, that I can get behind and that I can support him." (Source: Tom Wolf website).

MEDIA MATTERS

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine
Brian Hughes speaks with Bob Stanley and Robert Farina about the Inaugural Ballet Northeast Golf Tournament, coming up on August 28th at the Irem Country Club in Dallas.
An encore of Brian's interview with Alyssa Maria from Home Instead Senior Care about free home safety checks to protect seniors from falling in their homes.
And an encore of Brian's interview with author Dan Schwabel about everything you need to know about changing jobs.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X, 6:25am on Magic 93, and 7am on Good Time Oldies 590, WARM.

ECTV

The small town of Nicholson is generally know for the huge railroad viaduct that towers over the community. But it's got a lot more to offer and two of its strongest backers, Lisa Marie Mihalina, and Marion Sweet will join host David DeCosmo on ECTV Live during the week of August 4th to discuss efforts to make the town a destination! ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast Cable Ch19 and is shown during the Noon and Midnight hour throughout the entire week!

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. Special Edition is heard Saturdays and Sunday on these Entercom stations, WILK FM Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 6 am on Froggy 101 Sunday at 7 am on The Sports Hub 102.3 Sunday at 7 am on K R Z 98.5 Sunday at noon on WILK FM 103.1.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.


Our 1974 logo

1974

A bomb explodes in an Italicus Express train between Italy and West Germany, killing 12 and wounding 48. Italian neo-fascist terrorists take responsibility…Pressure begins to mount in the Nixon White House and more calls for the President’s resignation ensue when the release of a tape reveals Nixon knew of the cover up after the Watergate Break in….in Pennsylvania Senator Hugh Scott said he was very disappointed in the latest revelation referred to as “The Smoking Gun” tape….in Lackawanna County Scranton Mayor Eugene Peters takes GOP candidate for Governor Drew Lewis on tours of the cities and neighborhoods. Lewis then meets with GOP stalwarts in Luzerne County along with his Lt. Governor candidate from Tunkhanock Ken Lee and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was The Night Chicago Died  by Paper Lace.

The LuLac Edition #2703, July 29th, 2014

MY E MAIL BOX IS FULL OF

IMPEACHMENT

(Photo: Nowtheendbegins.com)

You would think it was 1974 when the Impeachment of Richard Nixon was on the top of my news mind. I was working at WVIA at night doing news on George Graham’s Mixed Bag. It was big news but it was news in process. This week alone I have received 58 e mails about Impeachment. From the Republicans? Nope. From the Democrats using it a fundraising strategy. Give now to fight impeachment. You gotta love that e mail machine. Imagine Nixon with e mail capability.

SACRED HEART NOW IS NOW "SCARED HEART" CHURCH

The vultures started to move in on North Main Street Saturday. A crane took the statue of the Sacred Heart. Now the valuables in the Church are being taken away ostensibly to give to other churches. The Diocese of Scranton says they have no plans for the church at this time. Yeah, right. The bigger and more ethnic the church (i.e. Polish, Slovak, Eastern European,) the faster it goes down. I’m not a Saint, far from it but in the afterlife someone is going to answer for this crap. And it won’t be me. Or you.

ELDER ABUSE ON “THE STORM”

WYLNTV35’s “The Storm” will air a special episode on the topic of elder abuse airing starting Wednesday July 30th 8PM.
The guests for this episode are a member of the Elder Abuse Task Force of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties, Pat Rushton and the Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis who also sits on this task force.
Elder abuse is an issue across this nation and definitely one in our region given its significant elderly population.
The types of elderly abuse discussed in this program include: financial, physical, sexual, domestic violence, neglect, and abandonment.
“When we taped this show, I was startled to learn from the experts I interviewed that, of every report of elderly abuse in our county, another five instances go unreported. The experts stated this happens because often the victim is kept isolated by the offender and/or because the older generation was brought up in a time when problems, things happening behind closed doors, were kept private. It saddens me to learn so many members of the greatest generation are victims of some form of abuse and we owe it to them to educate ourselves on this topic and, importantly, what we can do to help protect them if we suspect such criminal activity at their expense.” said Tiffany Cloud, Host “The Storm” WYLNTV35
In addition to informing the area population of the different types of abuse, during the show resources to call for help will be shared for those who may be abuse victims and/or suspect an elderly person being the victim of one of these forms of abuse, including websites/phone numbers for the Victim’s Resource Center, the Area Agency on Aging and the District Attorney’s Office.
Following Wednesday’s 8PM premiere, this show will also air that Thursday 9:30PM, Saturday 5PM, Sunday 11AM, Monday 8:30PM, Tues 9:30PM only on WYLNTV35.

CARTWRIGHT AND DANGEROUS WEATHER

**DUE TO LEGISLATIVE VOTES BEING MOVED TO FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, PRESS CONFERENCE WILL NOW BE PRESS CALL**  NO PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CONGRESSMAN WILL BE IN D.C. FOR VOTES. 

Cartwright to Hold Press Conference Concerning Severe Weather Event Preparedness

Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo: LuLac archives).

Congressman Matt Cartwright will host a press conference Friday, August 1, 2014
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM at West Poplar Avenue Bridge in Scranton announcing the introduction of his legislation the Preparedness and Risk management for Extreme weather Patterns Assuring Resilience (PREPARE) Act.
In the last two years, there have been 20 extreme weather events that have each inflicted at least $1 billion in damage and have taken a total of 409 lives. Right here in northeastern Pennsylvania, many of our citizens are at risk of flooding. The Susquehanna River threatens Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding neighborhoods. After Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972, levees were constructed that have since protected the city from major flooding but nearby neighborhoods have been affected by severe flooding. Scranton also relies on flood-gates to protect against flooding from the Lackawanna River, and many Schuylkill and Northampton County communities are in close proximity to flooding waterways.
To address these concerns, this week Congressman Cartwright will introduce the bipartisan PREPARE Act. This common sense, zero cost legislation builds off the GAO’s recommendations and planning procedures already in place.

The LuLac Edition #2702, July 26th, 2014

Our Maybe I’m Amazed” logo

MAYBE I’M AMAZED

MAYBE I'M AMAZED...that the good people of Cape Cod, Massachusetts are concerned that an invitation to house border children will wreck their culture. As Maynard J. Crebbs would say, "Oh come now!!" Culture in some parts of Massachusetts is an oxymoron.
MAYBE I'M AMAZED...that Scranton is trying to revive the Commuter Tax. Maybe the city should just get all the people who owe garbage fees and other taxes to pay.
MAYBE I'M AMAZED..that even with their injuries, half the pitching staff in rehab and spotty hitting, the New York Yankees are in second place in the AL East.
MAYBE I'M AMAZED..that the latest reincarnation of the Pierce Street Bridge in between Kingston and Wilkes Barre is a real pleasure to drive over. The construction period was taxing at times but well worth the wait. Just like Coal Street in Wilkes Barre.
MAYBE I'M AMAZED..but not that L.A. Tarone's night time show on WILK is going gangbusters. When you have a ton of calls in your last hour and you are getting a decent rating, you know something is going well. I’m not privy to the latest ratings numbers but I’m told Tarone’s program performed exceptionally well
MAYBE I'M AMAZED…that the Soviet Union, (Uh I mean Russia, Mr. Putin is giving me flashbacks of the Cold War of the 60s) is suing McDonald’s Hamburger joints because they are selling food with higher levels of fats and carbohydrates than is legally sanctioned by the government. So they’ll allow the Ukraine stuff to slide and get pissy about labeling? They are not listing the correct nutrition facts on their labeling.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..at how truly ignorant people who claim to be news watchers really are these days. I’m in an eatery, won’t say where but this guy is mouthing off wondering how so many people from The Netherlands were on that Air Malaysia Flight that was shot down. If they stayed where they were supposed to he reasoned, they’d be alive. Normally I’d let this pass but I put my two cents in. I explained that n the U.S. there is an Air Jamaica and a Korean Air Lines. I said that if American tourists were traveling to Jamaica on Air Jamaica they were using that country’s Airline to get there, saying they would not be out of place. So too with U.S. residents taking Korean Air lines to the Pacific. The flight manifests and their passports would put them “in the right place” As an added note I also said that a segment of the people on that Air Malaysian Jet were experts traveling from The Netherlands to contribute to an important conference on Aids Research. He looked at me dubiously and said, “I didn’t see that on Hannitty”. That’s when I left.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that a pineapple is not an apple or a pine but in reality a large berry. Speaking of pineapples, can it be eight years since WARM personality Terry McNulty passed away? Here he is with Mrs. LuLac and a friend Mary Carrano with the ubiquitous pineapple. McNulty ran "The Pineapple Feature" on the Mighty 590.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that two local authors seems to be making quite the splash these days. The first is Bryan Kollar who wrote “The Memory Machine” which is a very quick but interesting read about how a Luzerne County Judge, two detectives and a computer geek drop the crime rate by many percentage points and find true love in the end. 

The other book is a 28 page essay/manifesto/diatribe/novella by Dr. Joe Leonardi called "If God were here, I would ask him _______? and then punch him in the face!" In his no holds barred style, Doc Joe decides to go one on one with the Almighty himself. He asks some tough questions, and comes to some interesting revelations. Kollar’s book is available at his website,
http://www.bryankollar.com/ and Leonardi’s book can be accessed at https://www.createspace.com/4917696?ref=1147694&utm_id=6026 or on Amazon Kindle. But Dr. Joe, what if God were a woman? Would you still clock her?

MAYBE I’M AMAZED………..that just the day after I had dinner with the college radio buddies from King’s, one of the subjects we were conversing about came to reality the next day for me and Mrs. LuLac. My friends and I were discussing Gas Station scams and how someone would come up to us at a gas pump and give a sob story and ask for money. We each had a tale to tell. The next night Mrs. LuLac and I went to TGIF’s and on the way home I got gas at the Turkey Hill in Plains because it was the less expensive option. I’m filling up and I see a car pull up next to me with a sun roof and two fishing poles sticking out. Not to be judgmental but I thought it odd to see fishing poles at 7pm on a Friday night sticking out of car. The woman goes into the Turkey Hill and the guy starts canvassing all of us for cash because his girl friend’s purse was robbed. I was tired, felt a cold coming on (a manifestation of a low immune system from Myasthenia Gravis can wreck havoc, but it was my own fault because this week I didn’t portion out my rest the right way) and was in no mood to chat. The next guy, an older gentleman said, “I just filled my truck up with seventy bucks, do I look like I have anything left?” Mrs. LuLac said someone should have told him to report the “crime” to the police. It’s getting to the point where you can’t even get quietly screwed by the gas companies without being hassled. My friend Pat Fadden who was one of the guys I dined with can tell you all about avoiding hassles of all kind.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that when watching the movie “Poldergeist” there is a scene where you see a TV station signing off with the National Anthem. Believe it or not that is something I had to explain to a few younger people I know who never saw a TV sign off in their lives. Speaking of that, how many of you remember hearing this when WBRE TV used to sign off the air pre 1980? This was played right before The National Anthem.

The LuLac Edition #2701, July 23rd, 2014

UNHAPPY PEOPLE

So a Canadian research firm did a survey and came up with a top ten list of places where people were the most unhappy. Scranton/Wilkes Barre made the top ten. Hey, we weren’t trying people. The question must be asked “Why”? Is it the low salaries, the corruption? Fascinating that this area again falls into this category. Again.

HEALTH CARE NUMBERS

This year 10 million people signed up for The Affordable Care Act. The number of uninsured in America went from 21% to 16%. That’s a fact. It is working.

LUZERNE COUNTY GOP PICNIC

Luzerne County Republicans to hold annual Summer Picnic

The Republican Party of Luzerne County will be hosting its annual Summer Picnic on Sunday, August 24, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Urbanski Farms in Rice Township, 3130 Church Road, conveniently located one quarter mile off the Nuangola Exit (159) on Interstate 81.
Traditional summer picnic food will be provided at this family friendly event. A donation of $10.00 per person is payable at the door.
All candidates, committee persons, elected officials, and supporters of the Republican Party are invited and welcome to attend.
Guests are encouraged to bring a covered dish or dessert.
RSVP (not required but appreciated) to tlvgop@gmail.com or by calling 570-654-6567.

MEDIA MATTERS

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week on Community Forum Mike Remish talks with Bob Schlesinger, organizer of the 10th annual Scranton Jazz Festival. You'll hear the show Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on NEPA Sports Radio-The Game 1340/1400 am an 100.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine

Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Colin Riccobon from the Wyoming Valley Red Cross about serious blood shortages.
Brian Hughes speaks with Sandra Serhan from the Harvey's Lake Recreational Committee about next weekend's Harvey's Lake Homecoming Festival.
Brian speaks with Peter Sidari about the 2nd Annual Dr. Jen's Hope Memorial Benefit, coming up on Sunday August 10th at Cooper's Waterfront in Pittston.
And State Senator John Yudichak of Luzerne County weighs in on Pennsylvania's 50 billion dollar pension crisis.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X, 6:25am on Magic 93, and 7am on Good Time Oldies 590, WARM.

ECTV

ECTV Live will be featuring the history, and schedule for all of the community events planned for the annual Christy Mathewson Days celebration in Factoryville this year.
The multi day celebration includes a run/walk, parade, and other activities and has become a popular area attraction. ECTV Live is seen on Comcast Ch19 throughoutthe week during the Noon and Midnight hours on Electric City Television.

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. Special Edition is heard Saturdays and Sunday on these Entercom stations, WILK FM Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 6 am on Froggy 101 Sunday at 7 am on The Sports Hub 102.3 Sunday at 7 am on K R Z 98.5 Sunday at noon on WILK FM 103.1.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

Our 1974 logo

1974

Forty years ago this week on July 27th, Richard Nixon was impeached by the U.S.House of Representatives. The Articles of Impeachment were read and voted upon.Here is Chairman Peter Rodino at the start of the hearing.

RESOLVED, That Richard M. Nixon, President of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanours, and that the following articles of impeachment to be exhibited to the Senate:
ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT EXHIBITED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN THE NAME OF ITSELF AND OF ALL OF THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AGAINST RICHARD M. NIXON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT OF ITS IMPEACHMENT AGAINST HIM FOR HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANOURS.
ARTICLE 1
In his conduct of the office of President of the United States, Richard M. Nixon, in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has prevented, obstructed, and impeded the administration of justice, in that:
On June 17, 1972, and prior thereto, agents of the Committee for the Re-election of the President committed unlawful entry of the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee in Washington, District of Columbia, for the purpose of securing political intelligence. Subsequent thereto, Richard M. Nixon, using the powers of his high office, engaged personally and through his close subordinates and agents, in a course of conduct or plan designed to delay, impede, and obstruct the investigation of such illegal entry; to cover up, conceal and protect those responsible; and to conceal the existence and scope of other unlawful covert activities.
The means used to implement this course of conduct or plan included one or more of the following:
1. making false or misleading statements to lawfully authorized investigative officers and employees of the United States;
2. withholding relevant and material evidence or information from lawfully authorized investigative officers and employees of the United States;
3. approving, condoning, acquiescing in, and counselling witnesses with respect to the giving of false or misleading statements to lawfully authorized investigative officers and employees of the United States and false or misleading testimony in duly instituted judicial and congressional proceedings;
4. interfering or endeavouring to interfere with the conduct of investigations by the Department of Justice of the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the office of Watergate Special Prosecution Force, and Congressional Committees;
5. approving, condoning, and acquiescing in, the surreptitious payment of substantial sums of money for the purpose of obtaining the silence or influencing the testimony of witnesses, potential witnesses or individuals who participated in such unlawful entry and other illegal activities;
6. endeavouring to misuse the Central Intelligence Agency, an agency of the United States;
7. disseminating information received from officers of the Department of Justice of the United States to subjects of investigations conducted by lawfully authorized investigative officers and employees of the United States, for the purpose of aiding and assisting such subjects in their attempts to avoid criminal liability;
8. making or causing to be made false or misleading public statements for the purpose of deceiving the people of the United States into believing that a thorough and complete investigation had been conducted with respect to allegations of misconduct on the part of personnel of the executive branch of the United States and personnel of the Committee for the Re-election of the President, and that there was no involvement of such personnel in such misconduct: or
9. endeavouring to cause prospective defendants, and individuals duly tried and convicted, to expect favoured treatment and consideration in return for their silence or false testimony, or rewarding individuals for their silence or false testimony.
In all of this, Richard M. Nixon has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.
Wherefore Richard M. Nixon, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.
Adopted 27-11 by the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives, at 7.07pm on Saturday, 27th July, 1974, in Room 2141 of the Rayburn Office Building, Washington D.C.
In Pennsylvania U.S. Senators Hugh Scott and Richard Schweiker both Republicans expressed dismay and disappointment at the news. Scott said a Senate trial was all but inevitable…in Luzerne and Lackawanna County Congressman Dan Flood of the 11th and Joseph McDade of the 10th were in Washington when the historic vote was taken. The next move would be a full vote by the House..and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was Rock and Roll Heaven by The Righteous Brothers.

The LuLac Edition #2700, July 22nd, 2014

LULAC @ 2700

Today marks the 2700th edition of The LuLac Political Letter. Divide 2700 by eight years and it looks like we show up on an average of 337 days a year. Thanks for reading and for your support.

WOLF EVENT ON TAP FOR SEPTEMBER

Democratic candidate for Governor Tom Wolf. (LuLac archives).

Join us for

Wolf Fest

Wednesday, September 10th

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Susquehanna Brewing Company

635 S. Main Street

Pittston, PA 18640

Sponsors: $250 | Individuals : $100

*Limited amount of spaces available. Please reserve your spot early!

Kindly RSVP by the form below or to Cassandra Coleman-Corcoran: ccoleman@wolfforpa.com or 570-299-7378

Checks can be made payable to:

Tom Wolf for Governor | PO Box 22454 | Philadelphia, PA 19110

MOODY’S STRIKE AGAIN

THIS TIME IN PENNSYLVANIA

Moody's Investors Service downgraded Pennsylvania's general obligation bonds and appropriation-backed bonds citing "one-time measures in the budget," structural budgetary problems, and slow economic growth. This is the third consecutive year Pennsylvania has been faced with a downgrade. This cannot be good news for a Corbett campaign already under fire for not operating a tight financial ship that lifts all boats with the rising economic tide.
Tom Wolf released the following statement:
"Today, Moody's Investors Service downgraded Pennsylvania's credit rating citing Tom Corbett's gimmick-filled budget, weak economy, and failed leadership.
Under Tom Corbett, Pennsylvania's economy has struggled, falling to 49th in the nation in job growth.
Instead of showing leadership over the past three and a half years, Tom Corbett has passed budgets filled with gimmicks and misplaced priorities that have put Pennsylvania's future in an untenable position.
It's clear that we need a new approach to economic growth and responsible budgeting that will give Pennsylvania a fresh start."

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Yesterday former Nobel Peace Prize winners condemned Israel for, get this, committing crimes against humanity in the Gaza. What an upside world we live in when a terrorist organization, Hamas can take the high ground.
Israel has agreed to every cease fire..broken every time by Hamas.
Israel has given up land in wars where they were attacked to create the settlements in the Gaza.
Without its defense system, thousands of residents of Israel would have been killed. Are they the aggressor because they have defended themselves against constant rocket attacks and terrorists digging tunnels into Israel to kill their citizens?
Here’s a lesson in War 101. When a nation is attacked relentlessly and then fights back…there will be causalities of innocent people. When we fought Germany and Japan in WWII there were many German and Japanese people killed. Back then we called the dead war causalities, not victims of a war crime. When a nation is attacked and their safety and very lives are threatened..you fight back. When civilians who are warned to get out and don’t, and some continue to support Hamas with impunity, they will die. How to stop it? Don’t attack Israel. But if you do…..you’ll pay. That’s not a war crime..that’s war. I’m sure the 7 Nobel Peace Prize winners might have wanted to give Osama Bin Laden an hour head start! Remember that guy? He launched a couple of planes and when we were attacked we fought back. Israel has been attacked again and again. Hamas will not be satisfied until Israel is destroyed. That's a fact they prove every time they attack and then refuse to hold a cease fire. They are the ones committing the war crimes. Against their own people.

The LuLac Edition #2699, July 20th, 2014

CARTWRIGHT 3rd ANNUAL PICNIC RECAP

Congressman Matt Cartwright hosted his Third Annual Family Picnic at the Mercatili Segilia Park in Moosic. A casually attired crowd of about 150 mingled and talked politics on a beautiful summer Saturday afternoon. The catering was done by Wyoming Mayor Bob Boyer and was as always top rate. During the event remarks were offered by U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Cartwright. Cartwright outlined his first two years of working across the aisle in trying to accomplish results for the newly formed 17th District. In the fall campaign Cartwright will face off against GOP nominee Schuylkill County Coroner David Moylan.

Our In Focus logo.

Congressman Matt Cartwright offers remarks at the event. (Photo: Scott Cannon).

U.S. Senator Bob Casey made the case for Democratic leadership on both the National and State level in this important off year election. (Photo: Scott Cannon).

Speaking of Mr. Casey, I had the opportunity to say hello to him at the event. Here I am with outgoing State Representative Phyllis Mundy and Senator Casey. (Photo: Cartwright staff).

Here is a photo of Mundy with her presumed successor Eileen Tracy Cipriani who by the way was celebrating a birthday on the same day as the event. Mundy is speaking with Pauline Delaney.

Another Eileen who was in attendance was Luzerne County Council member Eileen Sorokas and her husband Rick. Rick took the photo.

Here’s a front view of Ms. Delaney who brought a few teachers with her to the event. In the background you can see other people at the event. Delaney sported a shirt proclaiming Luzerne County Democrats.

Two guys having a great time were energetic State Committeeman Tom Shibulla and Adam Ciechosli.

Here is a long shot of politicos discussing the issues of the day right outside the Pavilion.

The organizers sold a great deal of Cartwright For Congress tee shirts at the event..but I think they would have sold out if they used this picture of Joelle Barnes and me.

What has become a LuLac tradition, the second annual Cartwright couple (Matt and Marion) photo op with me.

EDITOR’S NOTE: All photos not listed were taken by either me or Mrs. LuLac.

The LuLac Edition #2698, July 20th, 2014

LUNAR LANDING @ 45

I am starting to feel like my parent’s felt when an anniversary of D-day or the death of Franklin Roosevelt was celebrated in the 70s and 80s. Today is the 45th anniversary of one of the most remarkable achievements in mankind. Man on the moon.
As a child of the 60s TV generation, I was treated and dare I say privileged to watch history unfold as America inched toward the Moon. When we weren’t in school, the nuns at St. John the Baptist would roll that mammoth black and white RCA Victor into combined classrooms and we’d watch it on TV. My friends and I knew the names and hometowns of the astronauts as well as we did our favorite baseball players. My sister started a space scrapbook, I continued it after she graduated high school and then passed it on to my friend Dave Dellarte when I event to Broadcast School in Washington, D.C. Sadly even for a space die hard like me, in 1972 Hubert Humphrey and George McGovern took on more importance than the already routine (save for Apollo 13) moon shots.
But on this day, 45 years ago I was home eagerly waiting for the landing on the moon. At that time I worked part time at Detato’s Super Market in Pittston and back then, stores were…..wait for it…CLOSED on Sunday.
That night, my father and I were driving my mother nuts. My dad and I kept on switching the three channels on the TV. We had a footstool under a huge picture window next to the TV. This was our second TV and it was an Admiral Color set. I sat on the brown piece of furniture as my father called out the numbers, 28 for NBC’s Huntley/Brinkley and Frank McGee’s coverage, 22 for the CBS broadcast of Walter Cronkite’s dulcet tones and ABC for Frank Reynolds and Jules Bergman. After hours of this my mother stood in front of the TV and yelled, “Pick one, you’re going to break off that knob”. (This was before remotes). We settled on NBC but when she went to the bathroom shortly before the space craft landed, we put on Cronkite seeing his iconic description of the event.

Most of America had no clue how close the landing came to not being one at all. There wasn’t a lot of fuel left and Armstrong and Aldrin got that thing down with seconds to spare. As we waited for Armstrong to take his steps, my father once more uttered again, “TV is a wonderful thing”.
The fact that Americans landed on the moon, safely and walked there was a boon to a nation struggling with war and so many social changes. Through the years, many people, our current President included have not been kind in terms of funding for NASA. That was the agency that “brung us to the dance”. But here’s what landing on the moon gave us: Just for starters, a shock-absorbing rubber compound used in sneakers, memory-foam mattresses, and algae-enriched baby formula. Plus countless earthlings who benefit daily from GPS systems.
Almost every technological advance we have, any gadget, any games, Teflon for crying out loud can be attributed to the moon landing. We did more than just take a pleasure cruise, from space experiments we developed a better way of life. Explorers who go into the darkness of not knowing, usually bring out more enlightened ways to live. It’s all about whether you want to stay in the present or gamble on the future.
To this day, there are conspiracy theorists who think we did not land on the moon. Talk Radio is still making a living on that nonsense. But 45 years ago to the day, we landed on the Moon. No one else has done it ever since.
We did and we did it well. As the years from that day grow longer in length, I pray that current citizens and future generations who were not alive to see this monumental event celebrate and commemorate this day with the respect and honor it deserves.

The LuLac Edition #2697, July 17th, 2014

JFK JUNIOR 15 YEARS ON

It was fifteen years ago yesterday that John Kennedy Junior died in that fateful plane crash. JFK Junior was a pop cultural icon since birth. His death was covered by all the cable news channels as well as the networks. Kennedy was en route to a family wedding of his cousin when his plane went down along with his wife and her sister.
His death is part of the Kennedy lore of tragedy and unfilled promise. What if Kennedy had waited until Saturday morning to fly? Would there have been a Senator Hillary Clinton? Would there have even been a Barack Obama? At the time of his death, Kennedy’s magazine George was taking on water and there was speculation he would sell it or bail. There was also talk that he might have been a contender for the Senate seat held by the retiring Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Like all things of Kennedy legend, one never will know.But 15 years fter his death, he appears on Time Magazine.

GERALDINE FERRARO 30 YEARS ON

1984 Democratic nominees Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferrarro. (Photo: USA Today).

Gerald Ford had thought about it. Even George McGovern in 1972 after the Eagleton debacle. But no one pulled the trigger on a women Vice Presidential nominee until Walter Mondale did it in 1984. Mondale picked New York Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro as his Vice President in an announcement before the ’84 convention in San Francisco.
Ferraro paved the way for other women candidates to reach for the Senate and yes even the Presidency. Ferraro was of course defeated in the Reagan/Bush landslide but acquitted herself well in her race against George Herbert Walker Bush. Her choice made it easier for future Presidential candidates to pick a woman on the ticket. A few were considered until 2008 when Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was chosen to be John McCain’s running mate. After that encounter, Ferraro’s place in history went up.
Ferraro tried to run for the Senate twice from New York, in the 90s but lost in the primaries. She died in 2011 but is long remembered as being a very good teammate for Walter Mondale.

EBOLA SHLEBOLA!!!!

Are some Republican Congressman born stupid or do they get that way after going to Washington? This border mess is a tough call and it calls for measured common sense. Not lies. But Congressman Phil Gingrey of Georgia says that Americans can catch the Ebola virus from immigrant children crossing the border.
Ebola is primarily found in Africa which as I recall in Mrs. Fearick’s 7th Grade Geography class at St. John the Baptist in Pittston is a few miles away from where the kids came from. Hell it’s a continent away. Has to be the water in Georgia.

OH BABY

Okay, don’t want to sound like an old scrooge here but this week there was big news that a double amputee hurt in the Boston bombing had a child with his fiance. The news said that Jeff Bauman has done well in his rehabilitation and returned to his job at Costco. Good for him. The USA Today report also said that his squeeze Erin Hurley had a daughter. Their Face book post said “Everyone is healthy and happy”. But not married. Just saying.

CARTWRIGHT FUNDRAISER

Congressman Cartwright, your blog editor and Marion Cartwright at last year’ event. (Photo: LuLac archives).

This Saturday Congressman Matt Cartwright will have a Family Picnic. This is the third annual picnic held in the summer. It is fun, family oriented and is a good time. Here’s the information on it:

CARTWRIGHT ON CREDIT

One of the worst things that happened to poor and Middle Cass Americans in the first decade of this century was the obscene credit card rates charged by banks and lending institutions. Congressman Matt Cartwright co sponsored legislation to make that aspect of American life better. From the Congressman’s office comes this news: U.S. Representatives Matt Cartwright (D-PA-17) and Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) introduced the Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act, legislation that would enact a cap on reform fees and rates associated with consumer credit products, including short-term and long-term payday loans and car title loans. U.S. Senate Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the legislation in the Senate.
Predatory lending – defined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as the practice of “imposing unfair and abusive loan terms on borrowers” – extracts approximately $27 billion in excessive fees and interest from 12 million Americans each year due to excessive rates which can top 300 percent, according to the Center for Responsible Lending. Pennsylvania prohibits payday loan storefronts and is one of the few states to prohibit excessive rates. The state Supreme Court upheld this cap in 2010, though there have been recent efforts by certain state legislators and the payday loan industry to weaken the state law.
“Pennsylvania recognizes that predatory lending disproportionately harms economically disadvantaged individuals – people who are already struggling financially,” said Rep. Cartwright. “My consumer-friendly legislation would provide relief from exorbitant fees for many low-income consumers across the country. Capping interest rates and fees for all consumers will not only protect working families but also enable our economic recovery.”
In 2006, Congress enacted a federal 36 percent annualized usury cap for certain credit products marketed to service members and their families. This bill would extend that maximum cap of 36 percent to all consumer credit transactions for all consumers. The federal cap would not preempt stricter state laws. The bill would also encourage the creation of responsible alternatives to small dollar lending, by allowing initial application fees and for ongoing lender costs such as insufficient funds fees and late fees. To ensure compliance with the cap, the bill would create specific penalties for violations and supports enforcement in civil courts and by State Attorneys General. (Cartwright Congressional office).

BARLETTA IN COMMITTEE

Congressman Lou Barletta. (Photo: LuLac archives)

From Congressman Barletta's office: Congressman Lou Barletta proposed 27 resolutions in a markup session of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that would save taxpayers more than $900 million through the better use of federal office space. The resolutions were approved by the committee, where Barletta is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. Barletta’s subcommittee has previously identified more than $1 billion in savings to taxpayers, bringing the total so far to approximately $2 billion.
“I am pleased to say the cost of these capital projects is more than offset by the savings they will produce for the taxpayers,” Barletta said. “For example, a number of them are reconfigurations of existing government-owned space to allow agencies to get out of leased space and avoid future lease costs.”
Included in the 27 projects is a plan to reconfigure a courthouse in San Jose, CA rather than build a new one, saving taxpayers about $213 million. Additionally, the committee authorized alterations to a building in Detroit to allow the General Services Administration to exercise a $1 purchase option, resulting in a savings of $170 million over the term of the lease. The rearrangement of existing government-owned space will allow federal agencies to avoid future lease costs and save $438 million in additional expenses to the public.
In other areas of potential savings, leased space makes up more than half of GSA’s real estate portfolio, with approximately half of those leases set to expire over the next five years. With the real estate market in a downward cycle, lease rates are currently lower than in years past. Locking in current lease rates would benefit taxpayers, while also providing real estate brokers with long-term contracts and certainty they may otherwise lack.
“This can really be just the beginning,” Barletta said. “As so many leases are set to expire, we have a golden opportunity to change the way we look at government office space and save the taxpayers billions of dollars. As leases come due, we ought to be asking every time: can we do this better, and how can we save the taxpayers’ money?”
At a roundtable meeting in his subcommittee earlier this week, Barletta obtained a commitment from Public Buildings Service Commissioner Norman Dong to continue to work with lawmakers in creatively utilizing leases and office space to continue to find cost savings.

AND BY POPULAR REQUEST!!!!

MEDIA MATTERS

MSNBC BLUNDER

So after that plane was shot down at the Ukrainian/Russian border, the dimwits on MSNBC’s “The Cycle” took a phone call from someone saying he was a member of the Armed Forces. The moderator breathlessly introduced him as an eyewitness. He then made a reference to the force of the crash as being stronger than a blast of wind  from Howard Stern’s ass. The host then asked the next question and the prankster,  dumbfounded said she must have been really stupid and hung up. A few questions, how did he get past the screener, why wasn’t the host listening to the question and what Journalism schools are these Twinkies going to these days? This is not a little TV outpost, this is a Cable Network. Yep, put a hot chick on and all you get is news porn. Any local female reporter could have done better. But as JFK used to say, “Life is unfair”. Except if you get a gig on The Cycle. 
WARNING: THIS IS EVEN WORSE THAN I DESCRIBED.

ECTV

ECTV Live host David DeCosmo and guest Co-host Barry Finn will tackle a serious subject on the program during the week of July 21st. The Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI) is in the midst of planning its second annual suicide prevention and awareness walk which is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th this year. Kathy Wallace, President of the organization, will discuss the event as well as sharing information about the growing problem of suicides in our region. ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast Cable Ch19 each day during the Noon and Midnight hours. Regular viewers will want to note that co-host Rusty Fender is on special assignment with his regular job and plans to return to the program at a later date.

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine
Brian Hughes speaks with Alyssa Maria from Home Instead Senior Care about performing home safety checks to protect senior citizens from injuries in their home.
Kimberly Sawyer from Mediatracks speaks with Russ Madlener from Microsoft about the role technology plays in helping small businesses.
And an encore of Brian's interview with Dr. Ellen Marmur about choosing the correct SPF when shopping for sunscreen.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am. on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am. on 97BHT, 6am. on 97.9X, 6:25am. on Magic 93, and 7am on Good Time Oldies 590, WARM.

GOLD BOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week's guest on Community Forum will be Mike Serino, Administrator of District 17 Little League, discussing the state of the organization in its 75th year. Mike Remish and Jim Riley co-host Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker, 6:30 on The Game Sports Radio Network 1340/1400 and and 100.7 fm, and at 7:30 on 105 The River

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. Special Edition is heard Saturdays and Sunday on these Entercom stations, WILK FM Saturday at 2pm Sunday at 6 am on Froggy 101 Sunday at 7 am on The Sports Hub 102.3 Sunday at 7 am on K R Z 98.5 Sunday at noon on WILK FM 103.1.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

Our 1974 logo.

1974

The Turkish invasion of Cyprus occurs………The Impeachment of President Nixon continues a year after Former White House aide Alexander Butterfield informs the United States Senate that President Richard Nixon had secretly recorded potentially incriminating conversations……in Pennsylvania embattled State Director of Property and Supply Frank Hilton was fired by Governor Shapp. Auditor General Bob Casey had been calling for Hilton’s scalp since 1973 when it was revealed there were questions about financial irregularities in the Department. What really caused the Governor, loyal to fault to dispatch Hilton was the fact that he lied about a repayment of a loan to a bank. He was making irregular payments but all of a sudden the loan was paid in full. Hilton claimed a Luzerne County businessman paid it off but when questioned the businessman said he was in the dark about that story. The resignation and mini scandal came in the middle of Governor Shapp’s re-election campaign…in Wilkes Barre more downtown buildings damaged by the flood begin to be leveled as business people are bought out..and forty years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was Rikki Don't Lose That Number  by Steely Dan.

The LuLac Edition #2696, July 15th, 2014

THE ISRAELI HAMAS FIGHT

Who is right? Here's all you need to know. Hamas has launched over 500 rockets at cities and largely populated areas in Israel with no warning. When Israel retaliates they give ample warning to civilian targets in the Gaza Strip to leave. Hamas who supposedly governs these people tells them to stay.
Very rarely do you see an example of good vs. evil, right vs. wrong. To support Israel is to champion good over evil. It is that simple.

UNSUNG HERO

Robert Kennedy with John Seigenthaler circa 1960. (Photo: NBC.com)

With all due respect to the late Dr. Martin Luther King and his legacy, I always thought that the King Holiday should be called Martin Luther King/Civil Rights Heroes Day. Dr. King to be clear was the catalyst of the Civil Rights movement of the 50s and 60s. But there were countless other people, black and white who gave their lives. There were some who survived and lived to tell the tale. One of them passed away this week and many readers from LuLac felt his death should be noted.
John Seigenthaler was a reporter for the Nashville Tennessean and followed the Civil Rights movement and the rumblings of change in that capacity in the South. His life took a big turn when in 1960 he resigned that post and became Robert Kennedy’s Administrative Assistant. During the Freedom Rides of 1961, Seigenthaler was sent in his capacity as assistant to Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights John Doar to be chief negotiator for the government, in its attempts to work with Alabama Governor John Malcolm Patterson. After several days of refusing to return calls, Patterson finally agreed to protect the Riders, but their state trooper escort disappeared as soon as they arrived in Montgomery on May 20, 1961, leaving them unprotected before the waiting white mob.
Seigenthaler was a block away when he rushed to help Susan Wilbur,  a Freedom Rider who was being chased by the angry mob. Seigenthaler shoved her into his car and shouted "Get back! I'm with the Federal government" but was hit behind the left ear with a pipe. Knocked unconscious, he was not picked up until police arrived 10 minutes later, (Wiipedia.com).
He went back to the newspaper in 1962 but stayed active in the movement. He was a friend of the Kennedys and for that matter members of the movement. More than a thousand people attended the funeral. Ethel Kennedy was there with her son Joseph P. Kennedy as well as the dwindling number of survivors from the RFK circle. Seigenthaler, told intimates he would have given up journalism (he was later a founding Editorial Board member of USA Today) to work on Kennedy’s staff in the White House had he (RFK) not been killed.
At the service Emmy Lou Harris sang “We Shall Overcome”, ironic but appropriate.

BARLETTA FOE ON TV THIS WEEK

Democratic candidate for Congress in the 11th Congressional District Andy Ostrowski. (Photo: LuLac archives).

Our friend Tiffany Cloud from WYLN TV sent this missive regarding an interview she will conduct with Democratic candidate Andy Ostrowski. I met Ostrowski at blogfest and he is an engaging guy. Whether that personality can translate into enough votes to beat Lou Barletta is another matter. Here’s the news on the show. 
Andy Ostrowski (D), who has done many years of work as a civil rights attorney residing just north of Harrisburg, PA, is a candidate for Congress in the 11th Congressional District (PA) and will be facing Congressman Lou Barletta (R) in the general election this November.
Ostrowski taped his first in depth television interview since announcing his run for Congress last night at WYLN TV35 studios on the set of “The Storm” hosted by Tiffany Cloud.
Ostrowski has recently been in the press for filing a lawsuit against the Hazleton Area Chief of Police, Frank DeAndrea, claiming interference with petition signatures in his vie for office. In addition to asking about his reasons for running for Congress and the candidate’s concerns about the current office holder, Lou Barletta, Cloud asks the candidate several questions related to this legal action in the interview and also asks about Ostrowski’s law license, which was suspended a few years ago (it is currently eligible for reinstatement, per a statement from the candidate made on air in the program. He also referenced his full disclosure about on his website during the interview: http://andyostrowski.com/professional-experience/personal-and-professional-disclosure/).
The program is scheduled to air starting July 16th the following times: Wed 9PM, Thursday 9:30PM, Saturday 5PM, Sunday 11AM, Monday 8:30PM, Tuesday 9:30PM in the WYLN TV35 viewing area which spans much of the 11th Congressional District. Those outside the WYLN TV35 viewing area can watch the program live stream at these times on WYLNTV.com.

CORBETT/CAWLEY GET GOOD NEWS

Luzenre County Teenage Republicans Endorse Corbett/Cawley

Embattled Governor Tom Corbett had his Majority Leader Mike Turzai virtually running away from the Corbett administration Friday in prepared remarks. Turzai hastily ended a Press Conference when he was asked if Corbett was still his guy or words to that effect. So it has to be a refreshing development that some GOPers are raising the flag for the Guv. This release came from the Luzerne County Young Republicans.
Luzerne County Teenage Republicans Chairman Brandon Ferrance is pleased to announce the group's endorsement of Governor Tom Corbett and Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley for reelection. Since the Corbett/Cawley team has taken office, they have done many things that show they have their eyes set on a better tomorrow for Pennsylvania. With record high funding for education over the past three years, they are ensuring that every student receives a good education so they are prepared for whatever lies ahead of them. Member Sam Marranca is pleased to see that the Corbett/Cawley team has lowered the state deficit to the lowest it has been in 40 years. Pennsylvania's unemployment rate is at its lowest point since January of 2011. With a thriving private sector and no new taxes, it seems we have already arrived to these brighter days, but they are not done yet. We are certain that they will do many more great things over the next four years, and we hope that you agree with us and vote Tom Corbett for Governor and Jim Cawley for Lieutenant Governor on November the fourth.

The LuLac Edition #2695, July 13th, 2014

Our “13 Questions” logo.

13 QUESTIONS

1. Why do you think Tom Corbett is so unlikeable?

I’m not sure why he doesn’t connect with people. Could be the Prosecutor in him or maybe just a misconception. As I stated earlier this week, perhaps the Governor should embrace that perception. He’s done it in his ads saying he didn’t become Governor to make friends. Maybe he can work with that. But as we all know from High School elections, it’s all about likability and popularity. Remember the Gore/Bush question in 2000? Who’d you rather have a beer with? Tom Wolf is very wealthy but he presents himself as a genuine guy who you’d believe drives a Jeep. Corbett doesn’t need a makeover because that would be perceived as fake. He just needs to be who he is and hope for the best.

2. What are your thoughts on the Moon Lake Park situation in Luzerne County?

Well Moon Lake was once a gem but has fallen into disrepair and neglect because of money. The County Council has to make some hard decisions about it. In the 80s there was a County employee who lived on the grounds and ran it. It would be nice to bring it back but right now with the County trying to come out of the hole, sadly I’d regard that as a luxury. Now if there is a private business person out there that can turn a profit without County funds, (Fast Eddies or Thommie types need not apply please) that might be another matter.

3. The All Star game. Do you watch? Do you care? Also, what do you think of Lebron James coming back to Cleveland?

I do watch. Love the introductions. To a point I care but not as much as my buddies do.
As far as LeBron goes, I think his move is refreshing in this era of big name athletes. What I like about James, who was hammered when he turned pro at a very young age is that he seems to have a moral compass. Unlike many athletes, he takes the long view regarding his life and career. Not only is he a gifted talent but seems like a sensible man. As for Cleveland, it will be a major boost.

4. The government is really screwed up. The Republicans say the government has enough money but spending is the problem. The Democrats say that the Middle Class needs help. Who is right?

Both. The GOP has a point that spending is an issue but they seem to want to spend revenue on enhancing the business community. The Dems meanwhile are correct when they say the Middle Class is shrinking. The problem stems from the fact that no one has the balls to say no. The GOP has to keep their interest groups in check and so do the Demos. But they won’t because no one is working together. No one trusts the other party to do the right thing. The GOP rails against regulations but the Demos have seen what happens when private industry gets unregulated. They go after their own profits and screw the middle class. We are in an era right now where any successful legislation is made by building a multi coalition of like minded legislators. But that is time consuming and doesn’t get big media attention. The game will change when the next administrations gets a majority and unlike President Obama, uses it to get an entire sweep of legislation, good or bad, however you perceive it, passed. As the late Governor Bob Casey used to say, “What did you do when you had the power?”

5. What are your thoughts on The Arena Board situation regarding the called for resignation of a Board member?

Here’s what I think. The Arena Board has become an embarrassment. It is an insult to the hard work that State Representative Kevin Blaum did to make The Arena a reality. I think there should be better vetting of Board members as well as staff too. This recent situation is a case where everybody’s wrong and nobody’s right. And for it to boil over from an internal staff e mail exchange with a board member really tells me that the staff and the board can’t handle their responsibilities. I feel bad for new board members who have to put up with this stuff.

6. The President played pool instead of visiting the border? Can you defend him?

Absolutely not. What a tone deaf move. He is drinking beer and playing pool and then goes to Texas and doesn’t go the border! At the Press Conference he says it’s not a photo op. But then what the hell was Denver? I think two things are going on here and I can’t tell which one is correct. The guy has the worst staff in the world that have no common sense or the President has decided, “You know what, I’m done. I got re-elected twice, no one will work with me so I’m going to do what I want”, Jesus, if Matt Cartwright can go meet striking nurses, Obama could have visited a health clinic with some of those kids. Tone deaf and very disappointing.

7. I noticed in the local media last month that there was a lot of news about Myasthenia Gravis, a condition you revealed to us in May on your 8th anniversary. I heard Mrs. LuLac on the radio several times. Why weren’t you involved in front of the microphone?

The MG support group asked me to help them with media. There are about 30 people in it who are articulate and can speak to the symptoms and treatment of MG. That support group was a lifeline for me in my darkest days of this disease. I found that others could not chew, eat or breath and that I was not alone. Mrs. LuLac spoke in the role of a caregiver. The group felt that more outreach was needed. Quite frankly I’m so grateful in the place I’m in now, I’d have gone in a dunk tank if they wanted me to. I helped set up the interviews but felt that my presence would mix the message. For the last 7 years when people see me on TV or hear me on the radio, it is about politics. I did not want the message of what MG is to be diluted by LuLac and its political bent. The people who did the TV and Radio were wonderful and accomplished the goal of making people more aware of MG.

8. The NFL is coming up very soon. You looking forward to it?

Man I never realized the NFL went away. It seems like every sports station leads with the NFL. I guess I’m looking forward to it but I really don’t get into football until mid season. Go Pack.

9. What is your take on “The Inn At the Abingtons” turning down a wedding reception for a same sex couple?

Personally I think the couple dodged a bullet. I’ve been there on three occasions and the wait staff really left something to be desired and the roast beef was as tough as my JCrew boots I bought in the winter of ’95. Throwing Brittany Sweeney out of there showed what type of person the owner really is. You make a stand on something, you should have the stones to back it up.

10. I’ve been a reader of blogs for a long period of time going back to the Blog Father and the venerable Mr. Mark Cour. Is it my imagination or are there fewer blogs out there? And what do you attribute your longevity to? Also would you ever consider giving it up?

I think there are more blogs around than ever before. The thing is they are more diverse in topic. Most newspapers have a designated person to do a political blog. They are very informative. My favorites used to be Jon Micek when he was with The Allentown Morning Call. For live event coverage you can’t find anyone better than the Times Tribune’s Borys Krawczenuk. And I do check in on Corbett’s stuff on the WILK website. So they’re out there. And very good.
I attribute the success of Lulac to the fact that I treat it like a job. I show up every day when possible and work the craft so to speak. I never imagined writing this would bring me the good things (in terms of sales for my other projects) it has engendered. More importantly though doing LuLac has forged some very good friendships from people across all political aisles.
I enjoy doing LuLac, and the only way I might stop is if a health issues develops or I’m offered a position somewhere that might conflict with this effort.

11. Love following you on Face book. Actually that’s how I found out about LuLac. Do you go to the movies a lot and what did you think of Jersey Boys?

I don’t go to the movies often. The last movie I saw before “Jersey Boys” was “Lincoln”. On the movie about the Four Seasons, let me just say I thought it was a good portrayal of the group. It was somewhat formulmatic as the group started their rise. However it all rang true. I belong to a Four Seasons on line discussion group. I contribute but never get a response because it is pretty cliquish. But I enjoy seeing the various takes on the movie. These are hard core Seasons fans and know every nuance so some were disappointed because this nugget wasn’t included or this song should have been added. Clint Eastwood did a good job and I thought it was hysterical he was being second guessed. But look, a consumer has a right to do that. The music was good, I thought the killer portrayals though were from Erich Bergen who played Bob Gaudio and Michael Lomenda who played Nick Massi. I was a little put off by the constant reference to Jersey loyalty and pride. I don’t think it is a source of pride to say that fidelity to Jersey mob thugs is a good thing. To insinuate that the only way out of Jersey is to be a mob member or singer is an insult to anyone who attended a college in the Garden State. I was around as a fan when the group dispatched Tommy DeVito because of differences. The movie made it seem that this guy should be celebrated because he was a Jersey boy and Jersey boys always are loyal if not on the straight and narrow. For me that was the only clunker. Loved the music, loved the story and the ending. I’d recommend it to anyone.

12. When you go on PA Live who picks your ties?

I do. But because it is an afternoon, informal deal I might go tie less one of these days.

13. Well June 30th came and went and I was bracing myself for a diatribe against Jesus, the Bishop and the universe because they closed St. John the Baptist Church in Pittston that day. Have you finally made your peace?

Well I don’t think that’s anything a lot of people will get over. I feel that the monument on the site has helped ease the angst. At least mine anyway. I’m also glad I had the wherewithal to help with that very beautiful memorial. Monsignor Bendik went above and beyond with it. By the way, anyone want to see the video again.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to recent events, we forwarded a few questions to the front of the line plus we combined a few others in one query The other questions we received will be in our August 13th Edition. As for the requests for Raffi’s “Banana Phone” (we got three this month on 13Qs,) we’ll run that sometime this week.