The LuLac Edition #2800, December 26th, 2014

2800 AND COUNTING

Today LuLac reaches our 2800th edition of the Political Letter. Thanks for your support and interest.

THE ORIGINAL “POPEYE’S PIONEER”

Former Popeye’s owner Paul DeFabo.  (Photo: LuLac archives).

So The Popeye’s Louisiana recipe restaurant opened up this past Sunday. This new chain restaurant has now become The New Sonic eatery. Do you remember when “Sonic” opened up a few years ago? The Wilkes Barre Township Police along with the Mall had to have special traffic lanes because of the people who wanted to have Sonic. Or say they had Sonic. Once the curiosity was satisfied and the appetite for less than perfect burgers was satiated, things turned back to normal. Now you can sail through Sonic without incident.
The same is happening with Popeye’s. Popeye’s has two claims to fame,  the Louisiana style chicken is a little spicier than most and the owner is not the African American actress who touts the recipes on TV as rumored. Popeye’s was founded by the late Al Copeland in 1972 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (One of the few decent things to come out of New Orleans in my opinion). It was acquired by Sandy Springs, Georgia-based AFC Enterprises, in 1993.
Of course it was in The Poconos and Allentown before it got here. Well…………..not exactly. Popeye’s was originally here in the 90s and located on South Main Street in Wilkes Barre. (It is in the location where Subway is now, previously there was Taco Bell and a sundry of other businesses).
Paul DeFabo brought Popeye’s to this area in the early 90s and the food was fabulous. But for whatever reason it didn’t catch on. Some say it was location but I think it just had a lot to do with the fact that back then it was one of the first “chains” to come to the area. Mr. DeFabo gave it a go but alas perhaps our palates were not as sophisticated. Or maybe we didn’t react like a crazed sugar infused kid in the weeks before Christmas that screamed for any new toy that was proclaimed “NEW”.
As I wish the new owners well, I urge people not to forget the Popeye’s pioneer, Mr. Paul DeFabo. DeFabo has been a mainstay in local Republican politics and is a regular attendee at GOP conventions.
On Tuesday I had two Medical procedures at the Endoscopy enter in Edwardsville. (All is well I’m happy to report but I’m sad that one of the Doctors who essentially saved my life from cancer in 2008, Dr. Martin Fried is retiring in a few days) After eating Jell-O at work on Monday and drinking that vile liquid into Tuesday morning, Mrs. LuLac offered to take me to lunch after the tests. We passed by Popeye’s and the line was ridiculous. On Christmas Eve when she went to get gas she said the line on Christmas Eve at 1045AM was semi ridiculous. Having had Popeye’s before, I’m not as desperate as the Sheeple (Keystone Dan’s words, not mine) who wasted time trying getting a foul fix.
I’ll wait about 10 months. Same as I did for Sonic. Besides by that time, the novelty will have worn off and they’ll be offering coupons.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Wilkes Barre Mayor Tom Leighton. (Photo: Gort 42).

Wilkes Barre Mayor Tom Leighton offered this holiday message on Facebook. It is worth repeating: This holiday season offers much hope and promise of new beginnings for the coming year. While many of us will enjoy the holidays with family and friends, we must also take some time to reflect on recent events affecting law enforcement in every city, town, and community across the United States. Over the past few months, we have learned about the vulnerability of those that serve and protect us with the tragic shooting of two Pennsylvania State Troopers in September, and mos...t recently two New York City Police Officers. Let us keep their families in our hearts during this difficult time. Also, let us work together to improve peaceful relationships between citizens and members of law enforcement in each and every community. ‘Tis the season for peace, joy, and gratitude. I wish everyone the happiest of holidays and a blessed and safe New Year.”
I Believe,
Mayor Thomas M. Leighton

DRONE REGULATION

I understand that people with more money than brains are buying drones. Some cost as much as $1,000. A few questions, will they be regulated? Are there rules as to where they can fly? Are there penalties for safety interference? And why are we selling them to any numbskull who has the money? I can just see one of these little suckers bringing down an airplane filled with passengers.

CARTWRIGHT ON MSNBC

Congressman Matt Cartwright. (Photo: LuLac archives).

Congressman Matt Cartwright was on MSNBC TV Christmas Eve morning in the 11AM block. Cartwright was speaking about the little add ons in the recent spending bill that once more gave Wall Street thugs, the same people who nearly brought this economy to its knees back then, carte blanche to do it all over again.

MEDIA MATTERS

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

ECTV

Farm Radio Network Broadcaster Dave Williams. (Photo: ECTV)

The year is ending. But the New Year begins with one of the biggest shows in Pennsylvania. It's the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show and veteran Farm Radio Network Broadcaster Dave Williams joins ECTV Live hosts David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender to preview the event on Electric City Television during the week of December 29th.
ECTV Live is carried on Comcast Channel 19 (61 in some areas) and can be seen several times each day throughout the week. The show is presented near Noon and Midnight each day with additional screenings at 6pm on selected
days.

  BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

This week on Community Forum Mike Remish and Jim Riley discuss the top local news stories of 2014. You'll hear the program Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on NEPA's Sports Radio- The Game 1340 and 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. 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

Cardinals' Lou Brock is named Sportsman of the Year…..Marshall Fields drives a vehicle through the gates of the White House, resulting in a four-hour standoff…..40th Heisman Trophy Award: Archie Griffin, Ohio State (RB, this was when the Heisman was awarded at the end of the year………The Dear Abby show ends run on CBS radio after 11 years……..in Pennsylvania residents are told that there will be a new era of cooperation in Harrisburg as the Shapp administration prepares for a second term….in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties Courthouses are decorated by various Nativity and Holiday scenes…..and forty years ago the number one son in LuLac land and America was “Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds” by Elton John.