The LuLac Edition #3832, July 13th, 2018

13 QUESTIONS

Our 13 Questions logo.

1. As the All Star game approaches, what is your best memory as a fan?

I have two.  Johnny Callison’s shot during the ’64 All Star Game against Dick Radatz of The Red Sox. I was 10 and a Phillie die hard. Callison later told me that if the Phils had won in that fateful year, he fully expected to be the NL MVP of the year. 

His thinking was that winning the All Star game and the pennant would give him a good shot. The other memory is more recent. 10 years ago this Sunday I was lying in a hospital room at General recuperating from colon cancer surgery. My room mate Tony and I were watching the 2008 All Star game that went on until 3am. Tony said “We must be the only two guys awake in Wilkes Barrie watching this!". 

Our nemesis though was Dan Uggla who had ample opportunities to win the game but his out always led to at least 4 extra innings. The game was deemed a tire.

2. As a child of the 60s, what was the local band you followed as a kid?

Being a student at St. John’s the Evangelist in Pittston we saw the cream of the crop at those St. John’s dances on William Street. The 8th Street Bridge, The Buoys, Etc., my favorite though was Mel Wynn and the Rhythm Aces.

3. What are your thoughts on Lou Barletta’s chances?

I still think he will lose. The Democratic base will be out or should be out in full force. He and Trump won Luzerne County but Pennsylvania is not Luzerne County. He will beat Bob Casey over the head with Abortion (even though Casey is Pro Life) as well as his opposition to the Supreme Court nominees. But at this point he is underfunded and given the current track of the President, Trump will hurt him in most areas of the state rather than help him.

4. Do you think the President will face a primary challenge in 2020 and how will that affect the race?

I certainly hope so. What’s left of the sane Republican party has to take a stand against the fiction and hate being spewed by Trump and his lemmings.

5. Matt Cartwright vs. John Chrin. At mid summer, thoughts on both campaigns?

Still quiet.  Chrin is making a very big effort though. Cartwright is making the rounds but I see no fireworks as of yet in this crucial race. One thing is for sure, it will get national attention.

6. Who will be more energized among both bases of the two parties in 2018?

It’s sad when we have to try to get people energized to vote. But the outcome of the Supreme Court nominee fight will play a major role. The losing side will be out in full force to either make the Democrats pay for opposing it or getting Republicans revved up to make sure it doesn’t happen again.


7. Why is it that Yankees Old Timers games seem to be more popular than others?

Well the reason for the Yankees success is that they have been doing this for several decades. Plus they have the star power and the championships. Other franchises have done the same thing at a lesser level but never were consistent in their efforts.

8. Summertime is here in earnest. What was your favorite Ice Cream growing up as a kid and what is your favorite now?

When I was growing up, Charlie's Ice Cream based out of West Pittston had these fantastic raspberry and orange cream sickles. Through the years I enjoyed Baskin & Robbins Pralines and Cream. Since it is tough to get a cone at Curly Cream in Plains anytime of the day, my new go to treat are those Outshine Bars. Love the Grape and the Lime!

I also stumbled upon a great Ice Cream sandwich called Fat Boys. 

But cold treats in my estimation are year round. Mrs. LuLac remembers with fondness her trip to Russia in the winter time where ice cream was sold on the street corners. So I keep a supply of Outshine all year round.

9. On an average how many of the 13 Questions do you get a month?

About 20 real questions. Sometimes I get 40 but twenty of those are like, “Why don’t you die?” “Why are you such a jerk?” “What the f*** do you know?” and variations of that sort.

10. Are you surprised at how well the Phillies are doing this year?

Yes, given their start.

11. Many residents in the city of Wilkes Barre were upset by the new fireworks ordinance, were you?

Not really. I’m a live and let live type of guy. Once you live in a neighborhood with puking college students, the fireworks are an acquired pleasure.

12. Are you a Joey Chestnut fan?

You bet. Here he is with my buddy Alex Milanes. Love Joey and the way he downs the dogs every Fourth of July.

13. There hasn’t been much noise and news about Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright. Laying low or doing a good job?

Courtight has his head down and is making things work in Scranton. No scandals, buffoonery or anything else. He seems to be a quiet leader into maintenance of the city and not drama.