The LuLac Edition #2719, August 28th, 2014

LABOR DAY 2014

The other night I was lying in bed and listening to WARM The Mighty 590 like I used to do as a boy. There was a deejay on via satellite by the name of Kevin who was doing the rundown of the year 1981. One of the news factoids he presented was that the minimum wage was raised to $3.35 an hour. It has been 33 years since then and the minimum wage is now $7.25 a hour. A raise of $3.90 in three decades. The business people will tell you that if you pay people too much, jobs will be lost. I don’t understand that because even The Wall Street Journal has stated that minimum wage workers only make up 2 percent of the work force.
Since 1994, the US economy has grown nearly 60 percent. This huge increase in productivity is due to automation, the internet, and other improvements in efficiency. But it's also the result of Americans working harder—often without a big boost to their bottom lines. Oh, and meanwhile, corporate profits are up 20 percent
Here’s what I can never, ever understand. If corporate profits are up, why are wages so low? Adding insult to injury is that fact that with wage stagnation, prices have gone through the roof. Wage earners are paying more for goods than ever before with less. Corporate bosses will tell you how their companies need to “compete”, but at the same time they’ll acquire billion dollar companies to “grow” But yet they will do nothing to “grow” their most important resource, people.
It does take money to make a company profitable. But it also takes a workforce too. In the last two decades workers have been getting the short end of the stick because a company will tell those people to take a walk. As a matter of fact, it seems companies want more experienced people to vacate.
State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski gives a great speech on the American worker. He says that he doesn’t begrudge the Executive or business owner getting a brand new car because as the “job creators” proclaim, “they took the risk”. BUT Pashinki reminds all of us that businesses, quality businesses would not exist without dedicated workers. And that worker is one of the reasons why the “job creator” has the new ride.
My conservative friends will chide me and ask, “Did a poor man ever give you a job?” The answer to that is no. But just because the “businessman” did well, doesn’t mean the people supporting his product in sales, on the line and in production need to be kept down.
In my own career, Radio and TV sales commissions went down, not up. Yet mergers created more money in the till. With travel, commissions were cut over and over again. To me it was always counterproductive to slash your sales staff’s ability to make more revenue.
There are many who blame the President on a weak recovery. The fact is economies grow when people buy stuff. But when wages are low, how much can you buy without getting in debt? In the first part of this century, everyone had credit cards (even people who should never have received them) and people spent. But by 2008, the piper had to be paid. The faux middle class was propped up by generous credit which led to predatory practices among the banks.
Our country is now in a recovery but it is not robust. The reason is that the majority of workers who spend money on goods can’t afford them with the wages they are being paid. Most people I know run things into the ground until they break. Not many people are boosting the economy.
The sad but laughable part of all of this is that the titans of industry with the million dollar bonuses are going to have a comeuppance when they start scratching their heads as to why people won’t buy their products. The erosion of wages in this country has for the short term enriched the corporations, on a long term basis it will destroy them. Mainly because when the current young to middle age work force gets everything they need and want, then they’ll stop buying.
So happy Labor Day weekend and when you want to splurge a bit, remember what “they” are paying you and take stock. For the most part union strength in this country is just a distant memory. Bu workers need to form their own personal union. If you buy what you need instead of what you want, the fat cats will wonder why sales are down. They’ll first blame it on their beleaguered sales department because they’ll tell the poor bastards “they’ve lost their passion”. But sooner or later it will compute, the people who buy their stuff..work for them. When they don’t have money, they’ll only buy the essentials. And they’ll buy CHEAP. And the “job creators” will piss and moan about how they can’t compete with the big box stores! So if they choose to be parsimonious, i.e. cheap, ..they’ll pay in decreased profits. Then they’ll get the message.

THIS GUY GETS IT

If you listened to Tom Wolf talk about wages and his company you’ll know why people are supporting him. This is from Wolf himself on a question Wolf he keeps getting from folks around the state.
People often ask me why I share 20-30 percent of my profits with my employees.
I do it because it's right, but it's also really smart business.
If the company does well, it's not simply the result of my decisions -- it's because our success is the outcome of a lot of people working really hard throughout the enterprise.
I've always believed prosperity is only real when it's shared broadly.
That's true in my company and it's true in an economy the size of Pennsylvania.
I want to be a governor who brings people together and focuses on creating good-paying jobs for the middle class.

SPEAKING OF TOM WOLF

Two big deals this week, he’s leading in the polls by almost by almost 2 to 1 and he has received the endorsement of Roberto Clemente Junior.

Tom Wolf with Roberto Clemente, Junior. (Photo: Wolf Facebook page).

MOSCA IS BACK!!!!!!

Elise Mosca from TV and Twitter. (Photo: Twitter).
Elise Mosca the contestant on the reality show “The Bachelor” is back in class at the Wilkes Barre Area School District. So many people say Mosca does not belong back in the classroom because of being on a reality show. Unreal. Mosca was on a network TV show watched by millions. (A dubious choice if you ask me but people were viewing). She did a video that hit You Tube. A boring video. Compared to some of the alleged conduct of a certain female school teachers, she’s a nun! Let her be. Back to school Ms. Mosca. Best of luck!


CLUCK CLUCK CLUCK

So the chicken debate in Luzerne County has now gone to the Planning Commission to see if people in 23 municipalities could keep up to four hens on properties. . The County Council voted 6 to 5 the other night Opposing it were Edd Brominski, Kathy Dobash, Linda McClosky Houck, Eileen Sorokas and Rick Morelli.
When I was a kid growing up in Pittston there was a guy who had chickens in his yard. In a pen. Never bothered me but I was a kid, what did I know. But this week former County Council candidate Mike Giamber penned an e mail regarding this issue. The guy made sense.
The proposed county zoning amendment allowing chickens in certain residential districts may not be a good idea. Poultry should not be allowed within residential areas unless the parcel of land is say at least a couple acres in size and the chickens are kept approximately 100’ or so feet from the nearest lot line. The impact or fallout of allowing poultry/farm animal in populated residential housing areas may cause harm to a community’s desirability factor, property values and nearby neighbors. If the chicken ordinance is approved, it may also open Pandora’s Box. Be prepared for pigs, goats, turkeys and so on. Where do you draw the line regarding farm animals in residential areas?
In addition, I can tell you first hand this County’s Zoning Office is not equipped to enforce existing ordinances and variances. I have several stories and pictures that would (should) shock you.
I ask Council to please consider applying your limited time and energy towards fixing that which is broken, rather than breaking that which is not.

But the quote of the day came from Council member Steve Urban Senior who proclaimed "The point is about freedom, how much freedom are we going to take away from the American people?
Here’s the big secret about this. I can now reveal it. It’s all on Obama!!!! First the chickens, then the guns.

MEDIA MATTERS

ECTV

ECTV Live takes a look at the important work of the Scranton Area Foundation on its next schedule of programs which will begin on Tuesday, September 2nd! David DeCosmo hosts the Public Affairs program which can be seen on Comcast CH 19 in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties and CH 61 in some other locations. The program airs throughout the week twice a day.

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine
Brian Hughes speaks with Dr. Shivkumar Hatti from Sequoia Behavioral Healthcare about suicide and depression in the wake of Robin William's death.
Brian speaks with local comedienne Teri Lee Granahan about her comic inspirations and career.
And an encore of Brian's interview with Greg Snyder & Christina Evina form the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society about their upcoming "Light The Night Walk" at PNC Field in Moosic on September 20th.
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 Times Oldies 590, WARM.

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.

CORBETT’S SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME

Every Wednesday at 5PM, Steve Corbett shines the light on a Public official with his “Somebody’s Watching Me” segment. Corbett picks an alleged public servant to eye ball and observe. Batten down the lawn furniture in the driveway and that e mail machine. There is nowhere to hide when “somebody’s Watching”. Wednesdays at 5 on WILK’s Corbett program.

Our 1974 logo.

1974

Soyuz 15 carries 2 cosmonauts to space station Salyut ….NY Met Benny Ayala hits a HR in his 1st at bat..Soyuz 15 returns to Earth………USSR performs underground nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya USSR ..An Express train runs at full speed into Zagreb, Yugoslavia, rail yard killing 15…. Launching of 1st Dutch satellite, ANS, from Vandenberg and US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site……in Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mayor Pet Flaherty discounts the idea that he has too little experience to be a U.S. Senator……and in Lackawanna County the Republican Commissioners Robert Pettinato and Charles Lugar come out in full support of the Lewis Lee ticket in the 1974 Governor’s race…and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was Tell Me Something Good – by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan.

The LuLac Edition #2718, August 25th, 2014

DOWN ON THE FARM WITH THE LUZERNE COUNTY GOP

The Luzerne County Republicans had an end of summer get together at Urbanski’s Farms near Nuangola this past Sunday. Chairman Bill Urbanski and his family hosted the event. It was attended by key GOP committee people and a few candidates.
Revenue Secretary Dan Meuser represented Governor Corbett. The Secretary proclaimed that Tom Corbett was a good Governor who actually reduced taxes. Meuser pointed out that Corbett is doing exactly what he said he would do in 2010.
Interestingly enough, Meuser laid the blame for all the tax increases in the Rendell administration not at the Governor himself but at then Revenue Secretary Tom Wolf. Personally I’m not sure that argument will get traction with Wolf supporters. But as current Revenue Secretary, Meuser speaks from his position of authority in the Corbett administration. At the very best, he might persuade some people still on the fence. At the worst, and it may be a best for him, Meuser is an attractive, articulate well spoken representative of the GOP and can be a future star of the future for the GOP on a statewide basis.
Senator Lisa Baker offered some remarks urging the committee people to get an early start on organization.
120th District Representative Aaron Kaufer sent his regrets and 17th District Congressional candidate Dr. David Moylan stopped by the event and greeted the attendees. Moylan arrived late but the hearty GOP contingent sat around until he arrived.
Bill Urbanski in his low key but effective style shepherded the event flawlessly. I got a ride up from my buddy Jimmy O’Meara and on the drive up we compared medications and on the drive back politics in  LuLac land. Jim by the way manned the grill and everything was delicious. O'Meara is currently coordinating  a Third District event for  October 24th at the Dupont VFW on Main Street. More on that in future editions of LuLac. 
These events are very important for a party to organize itself for a tough general election. If I were certain members of the GOP not attending, I’d start to make tracks to the farm whenever there is event. I learned from the late Joe Tirpak, the wily Democratic party warhorse who once told me, “You make a lot of friends over an ear of corn and a hot dog at a summertime picnic table”.
Thanks to Chairman Urbanski for the invite. 

Our In Focus logo.

Revenue Secretary Dan Meuser addresses the crowd as Chairman Urbanski looks on. 

Pat Umbra with Ada Magni and 17th District candidate Dr. David Moylan.
 

Third District Executive Committee member Par Marranca sits and speaks with Dr. Carl Urbanski. It was great to see and chat with both. Pat and I relived old Pittston days and Dr. Urbanski and I recounted his old days at the Wilkes Barre Chamber.

I had a chance to speak with Arena Authority Board member Alex Milanes. Alex is a regular attendee at these events. 

Revenue Secretary Dan Meuser, Senator Lisa Baker and Party Chair Bill Urbanski.

The LuLac Edition #2717, August 24th, 2014

Our “Maybe I’m Amazed” logo.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..at the 22 year old cat who was charged with murder and convicted of killing someone at Sherman Hills last year in cold blood. Newspaper reports say he put his hands in his head and said, “I’m only 22”! Did he expect the jury to throw him a parade?
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..that CityVest decided to hand the Hotel Sterling lot over to the County when the County challenged them on the money being made from parking on the site of the old hotel. Kind of makes you wonder if with CityVest it was just all about the money and nothing else.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that people are not happy with the fact that Hillary Clinton distanced herself from the President on Foreign Policy a bit. Really? Clinton needs to delineate a plan on how to fight the forces that mark my word are coming for us. I think we’ve spent too much time worrying about what certain cultures think about us. We should spend the time on how we should protect ourselves from their rage. They are never going to like us. Plus I think it might be a good thing to torque off the President a bit. It might nudge him into action. Where is he going to go to support a successor? Biden? She should be polite but outline a plan of offense and defense. It will be good for the country and help her win. Clinton was more of a hawk than Obama when she ran in 2008. Politically the time for that was not right, at least for now her views seem in step with what Americans want.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…… a bolt of lightning can reach temperatures hotter than 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit five times hotter than the sun. Plus the city with the largest number of lightning strikes per capita in the U.S. is Clearwater, Florida the spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that in the last 7 weeks my American Express card has been hacked into twice. In June there was a charge for $495.00 for perfume in Paris and in early August there were more than two hundred dollars in charges for a pharmacy in Lima, Peru. I caught it, American Express did a fraud alert and things are fine. But please check your bills. The cyber scumbags are out there and you shouldn’t be supporting their sorry asses.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……..that it has not occurred to anyone in the Obama administration that there are recruits from Europe joining ISIS. So far European leaders are doing nothing to stop these madmen. I think it would behoove the U.S, to join forces with a European partner such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel to essentially become the 21st century Churchill in this situation.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that Thomas Jefferson invented the first coat hanger.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that maybe it might have been a good thing that the Obama administration did not rush into Syria. If we had toppled that regime last year, the unintended consequences would have been that we would have aided and abetted ISIS.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….from the “Man am I over reaching department”. AOL reports that Lawyers for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev asked a judge on Friday to dismiss indictments against the Boston Marathon bombing suspect.
Specifically, the lawyers cited an under representation of African-Americans and people over 70 on juries. In Massachusetts, people over the age of 70 can opt out of jury duty. Three meals and a cot and he has the use of all of his limbs. Living the life. Using the system. The system he terrorized.
MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that I got a friend request on Face book from the Supreme Pontiff himself Pope Francis. How you going to say no to that????!!!
MAYBE I’M AMAZED…….that the NFL, possessing more money than God wants to charge entertainers to participate in the Half Time show. Are they serious? If I were an entertainer of substance in terms of popularity, I’d say no. You wait, what you will get for a half time show will not be McCartney, the Who, Bruno Mars or Madonna but one of the young upcoming stars on The Voice or American Idol who want to buy their way into fame. I think they should just set up a bunch of Time Life Music Infomercials and take it from there. Or let's go old school!

MAYBE I’M AMAZED…..that termites eat through wood two times faster when they are listening to rock music.

MAYBE I’M AMAZED……that the magic of the Pittston Tomato Festival continues. Every year I think of the late Val D’Elia who was one of the founders of the great event. Even with some rain yesterday, the big parade down Main Street was a hit. Here’s our friend Karel Zubris in the WILK van waving to the crowds. 

Great job on Fox TV too by Jane Adnonizio and Parade Chair Lori Nocito doing the parade coverage.

The LuLac Edition #2716, August 21st, 2014

ISIS: GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT

Illustration: JDL UK.

The last few months we’ve seen the terrorist group ISIS hijack the world. There is no negotiating with them. Their mission is to impose a savagery not seen in the world since the 7th century. The latest beheading of Jim Foley the reporter is a perfect example of what this group represents: pretty much nothing but terror. They wanted no money for Foley, no dogmatic statements, no Praise Allah..nothing.
We should give ISIS what they want. Give them the life and tools of the 7th century. During that time Muslim extremists burned anything and anyone who got in their way. We should use all of our fire power to bomb them into the stone age. There will be casualties. But do you want casualties there or on the shores of America?
We should render useless any communication tools they have. If computer hackers can access finances, why can’t we find a way to render their tools useless?
America landed a man on the moon. What does that have to do with ISIS? Plenty. If we could figure out the coordinates to travel from earth to the moon, get there, communicate there and then return safely why can’t we track all of them down and destroy them for good?
America was founded upon revolution has never been good at being proactive with evil. We let it fester until we are forced to do something. Let’s no longer react….but act.
But what if we are condemned for our actions? Really, should we be concerned about that? We are hated and attacked by most of the Muslim world. What’s the point in worrying. Do we want another attack on our shores or do we want to be “liked”?
If I were the President, I’d do my own video. Look into the camera and say, “ISIS, take a good look. In a few days, you’ll be where your behavior will be normal. The 7th century. Enjoy your caves. See ya”.
It can and should be done.

ANTI HAMMAS WEBSITE

I came across an excellent website that you might be interested in. It’s called STOP HAMAS NOW and you can sign a petition as well as post it on Social Media. Here is the link: http://www.stophamasnow.com/ Meanwhile, it has been reported that Israel took out three key leaders of Hamas. They should keep going until they kill all of them.

FANATICS IN FERGUSON

Anytime a young man is shot by police you must call it a tragedy. But this thing happening in Ferguson, Michigan has been a comedy of sad errors that remind us that sometimes Americans are not the smartest people in the room.
The young man killed has had more autopsies on him than JFK did. People are in search of answers. The courts not the public should be the body to answer this riddle.
There have been mistakes all around on this. There have been demonstrations almost every night. I think the point has been made. It is a tragedy. 
But on those demonstrations, let me ask this. Why didn’t Martin Luther King Junior have demonstrations at night? At no time during the Civil Rights movement was there a “night time” demonstration. Just asking!!
What I fear will happen is that it will render any future police action for a legitimate crime useless. Police are there to stop crime. Police are being attacked by imported demonstrators. Are they supposed to not fight back? There are some, even Conservatives saying that the police should be demilitarized. Okay, I can’t see a little town having a huge tank that could have been used in Iraq. But let’s not disarm the cops and make them impotent to fight crime.
There was a suggestion saying that perhaps Police should have cameras on them to record everything. I like that idea. The only people who it will hurt are the criminals and the bad cops, two we can do without.

JACK GAVIGAN

Former Pittston City Treasurer John Gavigan died the other day at the age of 90. Gavigan served as the City Treasurer for 12 years under the Tom Walsh administration.

WANTED: CHAPERONE

If you can manage a set of adults, some who are prone to childish behavior, name calling and questioning of a fellow member’s citizenship, then I have a gig for you. The Arena Authority Board needs someone to babysit some of the kiddos when they have their meetings. The problem has extended to people attending the meetings.
When I saw this story in the newspaper, I thought about the movie “Good Morning Vietnam” . Robin Williams’ character was getting crap from the brass when he was doing his character’s radio show and a Commanding Officer had to step in and say, “It’s only radio”. To the Arena attendees, both appointed and citizenry, “It’s only show business”.

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

ECTV

ECTV Live will focus on plans for La Festa Italiana in Scranton during the week of August 25th, Host David DeCosm welcomes La Festa President and Chairman Chris Dimattio to the program which runs throughout the week on Comcast Ch 19 (61 in some outlying areas).

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine
Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Shannon Roche & Dolly Woody from the Komen NEPA Foundation about the 24th annual Race for the Cure in downtown Scranton on September 20th.
Frankie speaks with Rich Pais from CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates about upcoming training to help abused and neglected children in the Wyoming Valley.
And an encore of Brian Hughes' interview with Bob Stanley and Robert Farina from Ballet Northeast about their inaugural benefit golf tournament coming up on Thursday August 28th at the Irem Country Club.
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.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week on Community Forum we'll preview two Labor Day weekend events in Scranton. Mike Remish chats with Chris DiMattio from La Festa Italiana and Dominic Keating from Railfest. You'll hear the program Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Game Sports Radio Network, 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.

CORBETT’S SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME

Every Wednesday at 5PM, Steve Corbett shines the light on a Public official with his “Somebody’s Watching Me” segment. Corbett picks an alleged public servant to eye ball and observe. Baton down the lawn furniture in the driveway and that e mail machine. There is nowhere to hide when “somebody’s Watching”. Wednesdays at 5 on WILK’s Corbett program.

TOMATO FESTIVAL @ 31

This weekend.........be there...or be square!

Our 1974 logo.

1974

Nolan Ryan strikes out 19 & walks only 2 as Angels top Red Sox, 4-2….Yankees Mickey Mantle & Whitey Ford become 1st team mates inducted to hall of fame on same day…Congress authorizes US citizens to own gold Hurricane/floods ravage Bangladesh, 4,000 killed…..South Korean President Park Chung-Hee escapes assassination………Ramones concert debuts in New York City.................................Nelson Rockefeller selected US Vice President by President Ford………….

 Nelson Rockefeller who served for the duration of the Ford term. (Photo: Time Magazine)

in Pennsylvania the GOP launches attacks on the Shapp administration saying the Democrats have mismanaged the state finances…….in Luzerne County officials meet with Community Development and Department of Transportation officials to repair the Pierce Street Bridge, ravaged after the flood and complete the project in a timely manner..and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was "You're Having My Baby" by Paul Anka.

The LuLac Edition #2715, August 19th, 2014

TOM WOLF AND THE COMMUNITY

Your blog editor with Tom Wolf. (Photo: LuLac archives). 

Many people who are trying to make a decision about this year's Pennsylvania Governor's race have questions about Tom Wolf. Even with the abysmal record of Tom Corbett, people still have a need for more information. Maybe this video might clarify a few things.

The LuLac Edition #2714, August 17th, 2014

WOODSTOCK @ 45

This week the 45th anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival was observed. If you had been alive at the time, you would have seen rock and roll and the immigration of hundreds of thousands of young people invading Bethel, New York as the lead story on the evening news and on the top of the fold in your daily newspaper. I was too young to attend (I was 15 which wasn’t that young at all) but I had no connections who I knew were going there. Many call it the end of the 60s and the last gasp of the hippies. Other just like to regard it as a festival of music of the time.
Woodstock spawned many an FM radio station playing that genre of music and the three record set became a best seller. Most every high school kid I knew owned it.
All of us now in our sixties and beyond remember it as a cultural phenomenon that is still commemorated every five years. In 1970 CSN&Y outlined the event in the Deju Vu LP.

PRESLEY GONE @ 37

A guy who wasn’t at Woodstock but making his own brand of music in 1969 was Elvis Presley. Finally away from the ridiculous formula movies that his manager Colonel Tom Parker talked him into, Elvis began a significant music journey that would be regarded as his most artistic and contemporary. During this time period Presley even released a song that had some social consciousness.

Presley died in 1977 at the age of 42. I was working at WVIA Radio and TV at the time and saw it come over the news wire with Bill Kelly. Presley is still regarded as one of the seminal figures in rock and roll. After his death in the summer of ’77 a surefire opening line for any single guy in a bar chatting up ladies of a certain age was, “Shame about Elvis wasn’t it?” If they were a fan of The King, you had an even chance that evening for at least coffee at Denny’s.

STEVE FURMANSKI DIES

Steve Furmanski of the Buoys passed away this week. Furmanski was the rhythm guitarist who joined the band in 1967. The Buoys were the band to hire ($1000.00 as I recall) for a dance if your class was having a fundraiser. Furmanski left the band before they hit with their top twenty hit written by Rupert Holmes "Timothy". Furmanski later played in various groups throughout his career.

THE BABE GONE @ 66

Your blog editor standing over the grave of Babe Ruth in 1988. (Photo: LuLac archives).

The same day Elvis died was also the same day the great Babe Ruth died. Ruth died in 1948. Even though the Babe was gone 6 years before I came along, I’ve been a fan and consider him to be one of the greatest ball players of all time. In 1988 I took a trip to Yankee Stadium to see the Red Sox and Yanks but on the way stopped at Babe’s grave site at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. It was odd standing at the grave site. I had a very similar feeling when I stood at Thomas Jefferson’s and the Kennedy Brothers site. Babe would have been gone 66 years this week.

GWTW @ WOZ @ 75

My mom graduated high school in 1939 and told me that other than getting out of high school that year, one of the best things that happened to her social life was the plethora of movies that came out that year. She told me that story in later years as the following classics appeared on the small screen. Released in that year were Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, The Women and Goodbye Mr. Chips. A great year for films.

JOHN SAVO DIES

.

John Savo Senior died late last week. Savo and his sons have Savo Auctioneers, LLC on Kennedy Drive in Archbald. I met Mr. Savo a few years ago when he came down to the house and took some items that I no longer needed or wanted from the LuLac archives, aka attic. He gave me a fair price, worked like a dog and was very personable. Savo and his sons have had a weekly program on WILK Radio Sundays at 2pm which was wildly entertaining with Savo and his sons. I caught the show a few weeks ago and John Senior seemed to be struggling,  but ever the consummate pro carried on. His humor and good grace will be missed. I was glad to meet him.
The Savos were also featured on one of the Cable Channels (National Geographic) a few years ago outlining their business in the Mid Valley. The show was called Auction Packed and featured Savo’s sons, J. Bear and Carlo.

The LuLac Edition #2713, August 14th, 2014

MARINO A GAS BAG????

I’m sure politicians have been called worse but 10th District Congressman Tom Marino has opened up a can of worms on his website regarding fuel prices. He has a ridiculous post on his homepage that compares the price of gas today vs when President Obama took office, as if to blame Obama for the increase by insinuating Obama shut down energy production in the U.S. Last I remembered, the record price of gas was $4.06 on 7/14/2008. CBS News recently reported that during this July the U.S. had the highest oil production in the past 27 years. The U.S. is now and have been the worlds largest exporter of refined petroleum products (gas). The GOP will claim that during the waning days of the Bush administration gas prices were low. BUT that was because Bush and the Wall Street white color thugs Congressman Kanjorski warned us about sank the country into a near depression.
Meanwhile in Pennsylvania Tom Corbett and his Republican legislature just raised the state gas tax by 30 cents. If the President is so anti energy, then what’s with the gas wells in his district, as well as the new gas-fired power plants in Bradford and Lycoming counties. So much for Obama shutting down all domestic energy production. Notice he doesn't mention a thing about the big drop in natural gas prices either. Maybe his staffer was cleaning his gun when this was being rolled out.
Furthermore, Marino and the R's have opposed practically every piece of legislation that raised the fuel economy standards for our vehicles and energy efficiency standards for buildings. If Marino has his way we'd still be driving cars that get 10 mpg. Energy conservation has done just as much to reduce our dependence on foreign than all the oil wells drilled in the country. But the President and the Democrats are anti energy.
Maybe the GOP is just stuck in second gear on this issue. Just like all the other ones they block.

RACIAL TENSIONS ERUPT

The situation in St. Louis this week seems reminiscent of the 1960s The killing of another young black man by police has spawned looting, demonstrations, unnecessary force and tensions. This shows an example of a serious situation that has yet to be resolved in this country about issues regarding Law and Order, Crime, Justice and race.. How must we look to those countries in the Middle East, now in turmoil. We tried to impose our will of what freedom and democracy means on them.

AN E MAIL FROM THE PRESIDENT

So my e mail box is burning up big time with e mails from the big shots in Washington. I got one from the President himself the other day. It reads as follows:
Nancy Pelosi has emailed you.
Joe Biden has emailed you.
And now I’ve emailed you.
We wouldn't all be asking if it wasn't so important.
Right now, we’re being outspent 2-to-1 by Republican outside groups in key races. If we allow that to continue, Republicans could win their largest Congressional majority yet. And you know exactly what that would mean.
We can stop that from happening -- but I need you right now. We’re still coming up 37,715 donations short of our goal. Can I count on you today?
Sorry Mr. President, my money is targeted to a few races that are extremely important here at home. BUT I must commend the Democrats for working very hard to raise money in this challenging 2014 Fall election. Do you really want Ted Cruz running loose in a Majority Senate?

INTERESTING VIDEO

I was tooling around You Tube the other day and found this radio interview from last year featuring Philadelphia Daily News columnist John Baer. Baer tells the interviewers that if we judged a candidate on qualifications rather than politics, Tom Wolf would be hired as the Chief Executive of the state.

CARTWRIGHT LEADS A WALK THROUGH

The Times Leader reported that Congressman Matt Cartwright and the Sherman Hills Task Force will be holding a walk-through of the apartment complex on Saturday morning, Rep. Matt Cartwright.
Following the 10 a.m. tour, there will be a brief meeting with a small group of Sherman Hills residents.
The walk-through will be led by John VanMetre, Director of Property Management at the Aspen Companies.
The Task Force was formed in response to an unsatisfactory report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which paid Sherman Hills $1.7 million in 2013 to provide low-income housing at the 344-unit complex.
In addition to Cartwright, other confirmed attendees as of Wednesday were: state Rep. Eddie Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre; city Councilman George Brown; Luzerne County Councilwoman-elect Eileen Sorokas; Angel Jirau, executive director, Spanish American Leaders Serving All.
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton has been invited, as have several other political and community leaders

MEDIA MATTERS

ECTV

Former Pittston Mayor Mike Lombardo will be joining ECTV Live host David DeCosmo during the week of August 11th to outline plans for this year's Pittston Tomato Festival. One of the fastest growing events in the area the annual Festival brings thousands of people to Luzerne County for the fun, food, and free entertainment. ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast Ch19 (61 in some areas) each day during the Noon and Midnight hour.

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine
Brian Hughes speaks with Peg Ruddy and Mark DeStephano from the Womens Resource Center about their Dollar A Day campaign.
Brian speaks with Philip Meagher & Tammy Blanard about their "Dancing Like The Stars" fundraising event to benefit the Patient Kidney Association.
And Brian speaks with Greg Snyder and Christine Evila from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society about the "Light The Night Walk" coming up next month at PNC Field in Moosic.
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.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This Sunday on Community Forum our guest will be Professor Matthew Reavey from the University of Scranton. He'll discuss media bias. You'll hear the program Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Game Sports Radio 1340/1400 am 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.

CORBETT’S SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME

Every Wednesday at 5PM, Steve Corbett shines the light on a Public official with his “Somebody’s Watching Me” segment. Corbett picks an alleged public servant to eye ball and observe. Baton down the lawn furniture in the driveway and that e mail machine. There is nowhere to hide when “somebody’s Watching”. Wednesdays at 5 on WILK’s Corbett program.

Our 1974 logo.

1974

Gerald Ford in his first week as President seemed to be a great anecdote to the turmoil of the final days of the Nixon administration. Ford toasted his own English muffins and was lauded as a down to earth alternative to the more formal Nixon…

in Pennsylvania the race for United State Senate heats up when Democratic nominee Pittsburgh Mayor Pete Flaherty challenges incumbent GOP Senator Richard Schweiker to numerous debates…..in Luzerne County more jobs are added to the Owens Illinois plant in Pittston and 40 years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was a rollicking song by Abba called “Waterloo”.

The LuLac Edition #2712, August 13th, 2014

Our “13 Questions” logo.

13 QUESTIONS

1. Dave everyone seemed to be buzzing about the late Kevin McGroarty’s obituary. Did you know him and what did you think of the final bow he took?

I heard of him but I never had the opportunity to meet him. Many people assume I did but I think we missed each other at various media outlets. I salute him for his spirit, his work with the State Police Boot Camp and other charitable endeavors. As I said I never met him.
On the obituary, here are my thoughts and I must tell you they are conflicting. When I first read it, the first thing that popped into my mind was “This guy isn’t married”. Unless it’s a wife that has prior knowledge of it and consents. When I had cancer, I had an obit prepared and there were some things in there Mrs. LuLac said she would edit. (Ironic since I do edit on this blog and get criticism for that).
The next thought I had was, “Wow, I wish I wrote this”. The reaction to it was swift and popular. As a former advertising guy, McGroarty would have wished he got that type of coverage for his clients. He was on AOL, Newswatch 16 a few times, WBRE and other radio outlets like WILK and The Sports Hub. His funeral also made the news. To me it was a public relations triumph and a fitting end to a guy who used and loved media for a living.
McGroarty went out the way he wanted to. And for that he should be celebrated.
That said, after thinking about it, I had a different take on it. Personally, (and this is only me here) I don’t think death is something to screw with. I don’t think in death you owe anyone a last laugh. Death is not something you entertain people with. I’m in the minority here, a very tiny minority but I think the end game he chose overshadowed the things he did in life. To me it almost cheapened his accomplishments. Now thank heavens his friends were around to explain the persona that was Kevin McGroarty. But years from now, they won’t be around to tell his story. And people looking at this on line will only see the comedic bow he took at the end and not the significant life he led. Again, my opinion only.

2. You’ve been getting a lot of blow back for your stand on Israel, especially on Face book. Why are you so pro Israel?

Here’s why. Those Gaza sites exist because Israel gave them away. Israel in its existence as a nation has never been the aggressor. Their destruction has been planned and executed many times over. By war, by animalistic terrorism (I give you the 1972 Munich Olympics) and the constant attack on their safety. They have every right to fight back with everything they have. And then some. If women and children die, you lay that at the feet of Hamas who use them as human shields. How about those tunnels too! Imagine the food, clothing and education Hamas could have given to their people instead of building those concrete tunnels. The definition of insanity is doing the something over and over. When will the Muslim world learn that if you screw with Israel, they’ll obliterate you time and time again. I am proudly, (and have been since 1967) pro Israel.

3. I heard you on WILK with Tarone. You guys are pretty engaging. Do his veins bulge when he starts getting excited?

Frightening so.

4. What did you think of the big trades at the baseball deadline at the end of July?

I was excited, it reminded me of baseball when I was a kid. I think every team, especially Oakland and Detroit were big winners adding pitching.

5. As children we had heroes like Superman and Spiderman. Are there any action heroes on TV you wish you could be?

Yes. 24’s Jack Bauer. I have not seen the first installment. Ms. LuLac is efforting to borrow that set or obtain it. But this recent series was incredible. What I like about Bauer is if he sees no need for a trial, and if the evidence is overwhelming, he just kills the guy. George Banks wouldn’t make it off Monroe Street if Jack Bauer was around.


6. There is a great deal of talk about the reemergence of MItt Romney. On LuLac the Professor who posts as well as you called it. Do you think it will happen?

Well we are about a year out from the 2016 primary season. A lot could happen. But the GOP is in the place right now where the Democrats were in 2008. There is an embattled incumbent President that won a second term that has not turned out very well. The GOP mainstream wants to reclaim the White House. Guys like former party chair Haley Barbour know they can’t do it with Ted Cruz who has infuriated members of his own party. They won’t do it with Kentucky’s Rand Paul or Florida’s Marco Rubio because either are not considered electable or conservatively pure. Jeb Bush has two things going against him, one is the fact that people don’t want another Bush in the White House (a thought echoed by his own mother) and his stand on immigration. Romney the rich guy with the car elevator now has bonafides he never had before that will appeal to Americans. He has been knocked down and how Americans love a guy who has been down and has gotten back up. All you need in a campaign ad is a shot of him pumping his own gas that was shown on TV last fall. It is no surprise that there is talk of Romney. However if he does reenter the race, look for the brickbats to begin toward him. But keep in mind Ronald Reagan ran and lost twice before he got the nomination and became President.

7. How would you describe the second administration of the Luzerne County Council?

To be fair, I think everyone on Council is trying to do their very best in terms of what they believe. This Council in its core beliefs are more segmented so sometimes reasonable compromise just doesn’t happen. I think that there are some members who go out of their way to be confrontational with the County Manager and that’s not a good thing. Until they vote him out, he’s the guy. The next election for Council will be very interesting to watch.

8. Any thoughts on the closing of the local Travelocity office and is it true that some of the managers in your book "Weather Or Knot" were based on management there?

At the start, Travelocity was very good to me. I won many trips as a sales person and most of the people in supervisory positions knew what they were doing. I wish the remaining group there well. But I’m not sorry to see that annoying Gnome retired. And yes some of the characters in the book were based on some of the less than stellar supervisors I met there.

9. What do you think of the Scranton commuter tax option?

It is a move, like many previous Scranton bailout moves marked for failure. Scranton needs a one term Mayor who will have the guts to make the hard choices. Think about this: if you have a child graduating college the year, their entire lifespan was spent with Scranton being a distressed city. How sad is that! Three Mayors in nearly two and half decades couldn’t get Scranton in shape. Here’s where I would start. Garbage bags, end the fees. Hire a professional collection agency to collect the back taxes. See how much you collect and then dig out of the hole from there. You can’t attack debt head on because it will seem like an impossible task but if you chip away at it…..you’ll see a good outcome. And I bet that one term pledge will turn into a long run for the man or woman with the guts to try it.

10. Way back in the mid-70's Bob Woody and I spent a couple of hours in his Scranton office discussing an idea I had for a radio show. He was interesting, funny, professional AND respectful. Most importantly everything we spoke about never left that office (maybe the concept stunk).I would have enjoyed working for him. Class act. What became of Bob Woody?

Last I heard The Woody Guy is living in Florida. I had the opportunity to work with him on a bi county project in the 80s. I also attended as Werner Erhard seminar in New Jersey. Woody could be intense and arrogant.  He questioned my work ethic. It was hard to hear but I believe that one of the reasons why LuLac is here and I have the job I have now is because I became a more passionate and smarter worker. I thank Woody for that. Here’s a link to a few articles we did on the 590 Forever blog site regarding Bob Woody.
http://david-yonki.blogspot.com/search?q=BOB+WOODY

Bob Woody, me in 1987, and his associate at the time Bert Ayers before a news conference at Pocono Downs. (Photo: LuLac archives).

11. If you were advising the President during these obvious world crisis, would you tell him to go on vacation?

Absolutely not. He should stay in the White House. It’s not like there isn’t anything to do there.

12. I know it is your blog, but I beg you not to do a laudatory post on Robin Williams.

Well this has been pretty difficult to put into words. There are a lot of sides to this story.
First off, depression is a disease. A gripping disease that Williams has been treated for all of his life. I have not ever had full blown depression. I think my fear and loathing of death might have a lot to do with it. I have seen people up close who have been diagnosed with depression. It is not a good thing. Plus you can’t control it either. The closest I came to being filled with despair was during this last health concern with Myastenia Gravis because everything was out of my control. But like Scarlett O’Hara, there was always the thought that “Tomorrow is another day”.
My wife tells me that people fighting this disease can’t grasp that concept no matter their station in life. What I don’t understand about Williams is how it got this bad. Again, I can’t begin to put myself in his shoes.
I do commend and condemn him in terms of his talent. His body of work is spectacular in terms of the quality and emotion of it. He will go down as one of the legends of Hollywood. But he by way of his disease decided to end his life and therefore terminate with that gifted  life any more talent he could give to people. Sickness or self deluded selfishness? Not for me to decide.
But I will say this. I’ve seen people struggle with health, I’ve seen people struggle with poverty. I’ve seen abused women who were beat to a pulp mentally and physically come back stronger than ever. I’ve seen parents of disabled children carry on despite knowing that the future of their child might not be what they planned. I’ve seen people helped and cheered by no one and yet everyday they carry on. From childhood, Williams had advantages. I can’t help but think what some others could accomplish with the talent, upbringing and riches he had. From my perspective, you don’t give up. Again I’m told that “I don’t understand what depression is” and I agree. I never had to walk in those shoes.
It is both sad and ironic that Williams helped others get through tough times, even inspired them to prevail and made them laugh. The horrible thing is he was unable to see the self worth and what he had to offer within himself to allow himself to survive.
He will most likely become the new cause celeb for Depression and I guess that’s a good thing for awareness. But he should not be congratulated, disease or no disease, for taking the easy way out. He did, and all the sympathy and regrets directed toward his sad ending will never change that.

13. So the Wilkes Barre Area School Board decided to rehire Service Electric for high school football and bring back Rob Neyhard for select games. Any thoughts?

Well I think the Board had some citizens take them aside privately and counseled them saying “Celebrating your stupidity in public is never a good idea”. This will be a calm before the next wave of pettiness and bad behavior. The School Board is like a time bomb of stupid just waiting to erupt. Unless we change the leadership, this will continue to happen. It may not happen in a month but it will occur again. This School Board proves the point that a regular reader of mine makes all the time, “You can’t fix stupid”. Especially when some members embrace and chest thump it like a medal of honor.

The LuLac Edition #2711, August 10th, 2014

RETURN TO IRAQ

President Obama has taken action this week concerning the situation in Iraq. We all know this country is in an awful state. Currently there are thousands of people trapped on the top of a mountain in fear for their lives simply because they are not of the same faith as the people who have the weaponry. I’ll maintain to my dying day that Joe Biden had it right when he said we should have divided the country into religious sectors. Plus the incursion of the ISIS rebels has made this an untenable situation. On the rebels, I found it amusing (as amusing as one can find this type of stuff) that the chest thumping thugs have now taken the flags and insignias off their trucks and tanks. Bombs do matter folks! Trucks and tanks that by the way were ours giving to Iraq to defend itself.
President Obama becomes the fourth U.S. President to put his fingerprints on Iraq. If you have a child, niece or nephew that is 23, their entire lifespan measures the length of time our country has spend our resources on this nation.
When will this nation ever learn that we can’t impose our concept of freedom and democracy on a country and culture that have no appreciation or understanding of what that means? It’s a good thing that we are trying to save those people on the mountaintops…..that’s what we do. But I’m not seeing any other nation stepping forward to help. And so…………………………….

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.

ABBEY ROAD @ 45

(Photo: pocketfulofliberty.com)

45 years ago this weekend that iconic picture was taken in London at Abbey Road by the Fab Four. Their album was one of the gems as they were winding down their short but significant career. The album, their 11th, was later released in September of 1969 but the photo was taken on August 8th. That picture spanned a type of fan recreation of visitors to London doing the Abbey Road photo redux. Here’s one of the cuts from the album, “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window”, based on a true incident where a female fan got into Paul McCartney’s house by climbing through the bathroom window.

The LuLac Edition #2710, August 7th, 2014

AFGHANISTAN: TIME TO LEAVE, NOW

U.S. Army Major Gen. Harold Green. (Photo: CNN.COM)

Generals have died in wars before. You look no further than to the sacrifices of a General George Patton or Bruno Arthur Hochmuth in Vietnam. Patton died in what some people say was an accident and Hochmuth’s helicopter exploded. But they were not shot and killed by troops they were training, troops they were trying to help.
This week U.S. Army Major Gen. Harold Greene was killed by an Afghanistan terrorist dressed as an soldier trainee who opened machine gun fire on the General and others.
If I said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. Take everything we built, take the weapons and training and leave. Now. Set aside some spears, stones and rocks and let these animals and their corrupt government fight with each other with 11th century weapons that match their l, 11th century mentality.
Iran and Syria are much more dangerous places than dealing with these dangerous fools.

THE IRREGULARS THINK TANK BREAKFAST

Dr. Mahmoud Fahmy and Cholly Hayes. (Photo: The Irregulars Newsletter)

The Irregulars Think Tank Breakfast will be held at The Metro at Twin Stacks Center at Dallas this Saturday, August 9th. Presenter will be Dr. Mahmoud Fahmy of Dallas. Dr. Fahmy is professor emeritus at Wilkes University and expert on Middle East affairs. He will guide us through an open-forum discussion focusing on the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

GOVERNOR’S RACE TIGHTENS

The race for Governor In Pennsylvania is tightening up. It appears incumbent Tom Corbett is within 10 striking points of challenger Tom Wolf. Corbett has had an aggressive media campaign running against Wolf. The multiple monitor spot, while not accurate is eye catching nonetheless.
As I started right after the primary when Wolf had a big lead, Corbett could not be underestimated. First there is that darn cycle that has been a main stay in Pennsylvania. For the last six decades or so, the parties changed administrations every eight years. Then there is the “T’ section of the state. The center of the Commonwealth and the top sections of the state from west to east are heavily Republican. There have been many elections decided after 2am when those votes trickled in. And they were all Republicans. This race will get down to the single digits and it will be all about turnout. After Labor Day this race will get white hot. I’m going for Wolf but it will be close. Wolf can fix some of the attacks on his character and record, Corbett can’t fix the perception that all he cares about are the gas drillers.

CITY VEST TRANSPARENT?

From the Citizen’s Voice: The county is looking into potential litigation over money previously collected for use of the property as well, he said.
How much money is on the line isn’t clear. Solicitor David Pedri said CityVest agreed in January to open its books for his review but then failed to follow through.
Once more CityVest, that thing that took over the Hotel Sterling is still living up to its reputation as a somewhat dimwitted and incompetent organization. A bad idea if ever there was one.
James Halpin, reports that a $6.6 million judgment against CityVest clears the way for Luzerne County to begin collecting parking fees that the nonprofit owner of the former Hotel Sterling property had been taking in since the hotel was demolished, the county solicitor said Wednesday.
Court documents say CityVest failed to pay the principal and interest on a loan from the county while allowing the property to go uninsured, despite the county notifying CityVest officials of the default in August 2011. County solicitor David Pedri said the judgment legally secures the county’s interest in the property and also allow it to go after CityVest for compensation.

MEDIA MATTERS

CORBETT’S SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME

Every Wednesday at 5PM, Steve Corbett shines the light on a Public official with his “Somebody’s Watching Me” segment. Corbett picks an alleged public servant to eye ball and observe. Baton down the lawn furniture in the driveway and that e mail machine. There is nowhere to hide when “somebody’s Watching”. Wednesdays at 5 on WILK’s Corbett program.

ECTV

Former Pittston Mayor Mike Lombardo will be joining ECTV Live host David DeCosmo during the week of August 11th to outline plans for this year's Pittston Tomato Festival. One of the fastest growing events in the area the annual Festival brings thousands of people to Luzerne County for the fun, food, and free entertainment. ECTV Live can be seen on Comcast Ch19 (61 in some areas) each day during the Noon
and Midnight hour.

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This Sunday on Community Forum Mike Remish talks with Blanca Fernandez, organizer of the upcoming Scranton Latin Festival. Community Forum airs at 6 am on 94.3 The Talker, 6:30 on NEPA's Sports Radio-The Game, and 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

Forty years ago this week, the 37th President of the United States resigned in disgrace. Richard M. Nixon, facing sure impeachment from the Senate resigned on Thursday August 8th. Earlier in the week key Republican Senators like Barry Goldwater and Hugh Scott told Nixon his days in office were numbered. They estimated that he’d only get 6 to 10 votes in the Senate. Mr. Nixon had served 2,026 days as the 37th President of the United States Here’s what Nixon said that night:

After defending Nixon through the year, Minority Leader Hugh Scott from Pennsylvania called the President’s behavior and actions from the taped transcripts “deplorable, shabby, disgusting and immoral” Scott was one of the Senators who told Nixon he had to go……
In Luzerne County Congressman Dan Flood noted that the country would be in good hands with “my good friend Jerry Ford” as President. Both Flood and Ford came to Congress in the 1940s.
That day for me was one of busy activity. I had been at the College Radio Station WRKC FM preparing a timeline of what would be said that night. It would run five minutes before the live ABC Radio network feed at 9PM. (Yes WRKC FM had ABC News back then. Then I went to work my shift at WVIA FM. My shift then was 2pm to 10pm and my main responsibility was running the afternoon programming (automation) and then doing the news on George Graham’s Mixed Bag program. National Public Radio started their coverage at 7:30 so I began working on the midnight newscast. (Yes there was a 15 minute radio newscast at the end of the night. At 8:59 PM we watched the speech on PBS as Nixon resigned his office. There was a collective sigh of relief that Nixon would be gone. America had two years of Watergate and that was enough. I watched with George Graham, and Carl Brigido, the TV engineer on duty that evening. Graham kept the NPR news feed on and we did the midnight wrap on tape. I arrived home at 11 pm and watched the coverage. The next day Nixon gave an incredible farewell news conference that could only be akin to a near nervous breakdown.

Later that morning he departed the White House grounds and at 11AM Gerald Ford became President.

And forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Feel Like Makin' Love” by Roberta Flack.