The LuLac Edition #4, 987, July 31st, 2023

 MONDAY MEMES 

The LuLac Edition #4, 986, July 27th, 2023

 

ADVICE TAKEN!

Believe it or not, I took the WILK Mid-Morning Mussolini’s advice and joined his COMMON SENSE CLUB that he was touting in a promo on the station. I was urged to only deal with TRUTH and just plain old common sense regarding I guess what Cordaro talks about every day, which is the state of this country. So I’m glad I’ve been given the opportunity to state the truth.

Truth

This country under Joe Biden is thriving. There are more manufacturing jobs than ever with livable wages.

Lowering Costs of Families’ Everyday Expenses: inflation is down, the tax code is fairer and this administration has tackled climate change.

More! More technologies made in America. More semi conductors made in America. More construction for infrastructure improvements.

Rescued the economy. More jobs, better pay. 79% of Americans vaccinated.

Infrastructure: Largest investment in rebuilding our roads.  A national network of EV chargers.  High speed internet for all, especially rural communities. A more reliant power grid. Significant investment in passenger rail service. Access to clean drinking water in every zip code.

Veterans: expansion of benefits for toxic exposed veterans. 5 million veterans covered and red tape cut.

Gun violence without taking away your rights as a gun owner. Passed the most meaningful legislation in 30 years. Narrowed the dating loophole which keeps funs out of the hands of convicted dating partners.  Expands menta health services in schools.

LGBTQI Secured protections for millions of interracial same sex partners, full protection of benefits for LBGTQI veterans and strengthening protections in health care, housing and employment.

Ukraine: Since the start of President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Biden has rallied the world to rise to the moment, stand up to autocracy, and defend democracy. President Biden has worked around the clock with partners and allies to support the people of Ukraine, coordinate and impose unprecedented economic costs against Russia, and secure robust bipartisan support at home to deliver critical weapons and economic and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine.

Student debt: The Biden Administration announced debt relief of up to $20,000 for Americans earning less than $125,000 per year who had Pell Grants in college, and up to $10,000 for all other borrowers below that income threshold. More than 40 million borrowers stand to benefit from this action, and about 20 million would see their debt entirely wiped out - and nearly 90% of this relief will go to borrowers earning less than $75,000 per year.

More people covered under health care insurance: President Biden took action to lower the cost of health care for millions of Americans. Right now, four out of five people who sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act can find health care coverage for $10 a month or less and millions of Americans on Obamacare are saving an average of $800 a year. Since he took office, there has been a combined 50 percent increase in enrollment in states that use HealthCare.gov and the nation’s uninsured rate is historically low at 8 percent. Over 16 million Americans signed up for quality, affordable health coverage, the highest number ever produced in an open enrollment period.

 

CORDARO SAYS DEAL IN REAL FACTS: HERE ARE THE FACTS JACK! 

Two strongest years of job growth in history.

More than 40 million borrowers stand to benefit from student debt relief.

Nearly 11 million jobs created since 2021.

Taken over 100 actions to lower household energy costs by $100 per year.

Helped bring gas prices down more than $1.60 from their summer 2022 peak.

Signed the most significant gun violence prevention legislation in nearly 30 years.

Increased the maximum value of Pell Grants by $900.

3.5% unemployment rate — the lowest in 50 years.

750,000 new manufacturing jobs.

Near a record low unemployment rate for Hispanics.

Near a record low unemployment rate for African-Americans.

Record low unemployment rate for people with disabilities.

Millions of Americans are saving $800 per year on health insurance coverage.

$15 minimum wage for Federal workers and contractors.

Fully vaccinated 79% of American adults against COVID-19.

Led the world in a historic release of strategic reserves.

Infrastructure investments in all 50 states, D.C., territories, and throughout Tribal nations.

Over 16 million households receiving lower cost or free high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

THIS IS COMMON SENSE.

THIS IS GOVERNMENT AT WORK. 

 

This is truly making America GREAT again, not Making America HATE again.So glad Bob is finally preaching COMMON SENSE instead of NONSENSE!

 

WHY TEXAS IS THE 1930s-40s GERMANY OF THE NAZIS

Can you believe Texas? The latest is the ways they are intentionally hurting human beings at their sainted border. A high-stakes legal fight continues over a floating barrier placed in the Rio Grande to stop migrant crossings. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says the barrier, made up of buoys, is necessary to keep people out. The Justice Department is suing Texas to have the buoys removed. ve Texas? The latest is the ways they are intentionally hurting human beings at their sainted border. The Department of Justice filed suit on Monday against the state of Texas after its governor refused to remove a floating border barrier that the Biden administration says was unlawfully put into place.

“We allege that Texas has flouted federal law by installing a barrier in the Rio Grande without obtaining the required federal authorization,” Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement. “This floating barrier poses threats to navigation and public safety and presents humanitarian concerns.  Additionally, the presence of the floating barrier has prompted diplomatic protests by Mexico and risks damaging U.S. foreign policy.”

The White House said Monday that Abbott's actions are "dangerous" and "unlawful" after the Republican governor defied DOJ's request and told the president he would see the Biden administration in court. The Department of Justice sent Abbott a letter on Thursday ordering him to remove a floating barrier in the Rio Grande River or face legal action. Texas' actions "violate federal law" and "raise humanitarian concerns," DOJ warned. It gave Texas until Monday to remove the barrier.

USA TODAY reported on Friday that migrant children and adults have been lacerated by razor wire installed by the state of Texas.

The Justice Department is calling it dangerous? I’ll go further. Texas has become the land of sadistic cruelty that reminds me of the tools of murder the Germans concocted in World War II. They are a disgrace to humanity. The ironic thing is border crossings are DOWN! But these Texans  seem to get off on dehumanizing and purposefully cutting up children and dehumanizing women. They AREN’T Americans anymore, they are Nazi wannabees who are very dangerous to democracy. 

 

 

REP. CARTWRIGHT'S BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE FEDERAL SOFTWARE PURCHASING PROTOCOLS ADVANCES IN THE HOUSE

THE STRENGTHENING AGENCY MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF SOFTWARE ASSETS ACT BUILDS ON CARTWRIGHT’S MEGABYTE ACT THAT HAS ALREADY SAVED U.S. TAXPAYERS MORE THAN $450 MILLION

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) to increase oversight of federal government software purchases and reduce wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars advanced in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act was the only Democrat-sponsored bill included in the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability’s markup and was approved by a 39-0 roll call vote. It now moves forward to be debated by lawmakers on the House floor.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) led the companion legislation, which advanced out of Committee in May.

Each year, the federal government spends billions of taxpayer dollars on software purchases, renewals, and license modifications. Limited assessments of existing software assets, combined with the way vendors sell software, often results in federal agencies making duplicative purchases. Without increased agency oversight and governance, software vendors profit at the expense of American taxpayers. 

Reintroduced earlier this year, The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act would require federal agencies to conduct an independent, comprehensive assessment of their current software assets and restructure their operations to reduce unnecessary costs.

“Without in-depth assessments of how agencies buy and use software, vendors often have the upper hand in transactions with federal agencies,” said Rep. Cartwright. “This critical legislation will allow agencies to make more informed choices when procuring software, saving millions of American taxpayer dollars in the long run. Its passage by the House Oversight Committee demonstrates that bipartisan and bicameral cooperation is still possible.”

“By addressing wasteful software licensing, we can enhance government operations and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely,” said Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC-01), a member of the Oversight Committee and cosponsor of the bill. “This legislation addresses government waste without being overbearing or overly prescriptive.”

The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act builds on the success of Rep. Cartwright’s MEGABYTE Act, which reduced duplicative software purchases. Signed into law in 2016, the bipartisan MEGABYTE Act has saved American taxpayers over $450 million.

Specifically, this new legislation would require:

·        Federal agencies to provide an independent, comprehensive assessment of their software purchasing practices to Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the General Services Administration (GSA)

·        Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to develop a plan to adopt enterprise licensing agreements, improving negotiating power against software vendors, and reduce costs, and 

·        The Comptroller General to report to Congress on the government-wide trends in agency software asset management practices as well as agency compliance of certain provisions.

The legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Andre Carson (D-IN-07), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Christopher DeLuzio (D-PA-17), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Pat Fallon (R-TX-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Marcus Molinaro (R-NY-19), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Katie Porter (D-CA-45), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM-01), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02).

This legislation has also received the support of the Coalition for Fair Software Licensing, the Computer & Communications Industry Association, NetChoice, and SIE Consulting Group.

 

 CASEY, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT FAMILIES OF DECEASED MINERS

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

CURRENT BUREAUCRATIC REQUIREMENTS PLACE UNDUE BURDEN ON SURVIVORS TO ACCESS THE BENEFITS THEY DESERVE

THE RELIEF FOR SURVIVORS OF MINERS ACT WOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR MINERS’ SURVIVORS TO SUCCESSFULLY CLAIM BENEFITS.

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) reintroduced legislation to support family members of miners who have passed away due to black lung disease. Currently bureaucratic requirements place unnecessarily strict burdens of proof on survivors in order to access the benefits to which they are entitled. The Relief for Survivors of Miners Act would ease restrictions to make it easier for miners’ survivors to successfully claim benefits.

“For decades, our country has relied on coal miners to power our factories and heat our homes. Many coal workers risked their lives and their long-term health to do the job of powering years of prosperity and Congress has an obligation to support them, just as they’ve supported us,” said Senator Casey. “The Relief for Survivors of Miners will ease access to benefits and support services for the families of miners that have passed away from illnesses linked to their time in the mines. Coal miners have pushed our country forward, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure they and their families aren’t left behind.”

“When the families of coal miners are dealing with the pain and grief of losing someone, the last thing we should ask them to deal with is red tape and bureaucracy,” said Senator Fetterman. “Coal miners do dangerous and important work, with a real risk of black lung and other serious health impacts. Survivors deserve to receive their benefits as quickly and easily as possible, and that’s what this bill would do.”

“In addition to the many emotional and legal challenges a family is faced with when a loved one passes away, widows and survivors of miners who die from black lung disease are also faced with the burden of continuing to navigate the complicated and stressful black lung benefits process. This bill will help make the claims process more accessible to these families and we're grateful for Senator Warner's leadership on this issue,” said Rebecca Shelton, Director of Policy, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center.

“When a miner dies, their families are left not only grieving and planning a funeral, but they also often lose the benefits they relied on for groceries and paying the bills. The Relief for Survivors of Miners Act will make their lives a little easier, and help to make sure that families are not left in poverty after their loved ones die,” said Vonda Robinson, Vice President of the National Black Lung Association.

The Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA), passed in 1976, provides monthly benefits to eligible surviving family members of coal miners whose deaths were due to black lung – a disease caused and exacerbated by long-term inhalation of coal dust. These benefits are either paid for by coal mining companies or the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. Currently, due to restrictions associated with the Black Lung Benefits Program, survivors must establish that black lung was a substantial contributing cause of death – a burden of proof that is often difficult to meet since autopsy reports may not specifically cite black lung, and instead reference related conditions.

Specifically, this legislation would re-establish a rebuttable presumption that a miner’s death was due to black lung if they were disabled due to pneumoconiosis at the time of death;and improve access to legal representation for miners and survivors of miners to ensure that individuals are not unable to secure benefits due to a lack of financial resources.The legislation also requests that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) provide a report to Congress on the financial impact of recouping interim Department of Labor payments in order to determine the financial impact of black lung benefits and interim payments on black lung beneficiaries and the government;requests that GAO look at other ways to improve the black lung benefits claims process for survivors of miners.

Senator Casey has been a consistent fighter for miners’ benefits,pushing for protections to miners’ pensions and health careamid widespread coal company bankruptcies and working to ensure apermanent health carefix for retired coal miners and their families. Earlier this year, Casey joined colleagues to urge the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the adequacy of black lung benefits to ensure they meet the income and health care needs of disabled miners and their families. Last year, he led his colleagues to introduce the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, legislation to make needed updates to the Black Lung Benefits Act to ensure Congress is fulfilling its commitment to the nation’s coal miners. To help fulfill those promises, in August of 2022, Congress approved a permanent extension of the black lung excise tax to fund the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund that provides health insurance and a living stipend for those impacted by black lung as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

“The last thing grieving families in Virginia’s mining communities should have to worry about is whether or not they’ll be able to put food on the table or a roof over their heads,” said Sen. Warner. “But too often survivors of miners who have lost their lives to black lung are denied benefits they deserve because of unfair and unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. The Relief for Survivors of Miners Act will alleviate this burden for families going through the worst time in their lives.”

 “Virginia’s mining communities have made tremendous sacrifices to power our nation, and the families of miners who lost their lives to black lung disease deserve our support,” said Sen. Kaine. “This bill is critical to removing unnecessary red tape that has prevented families from accessing benefits and expanding resources to help families secure the support they need.”

“For generations, our brave miners and their families have made immense sacrifices to power West Virginia and America to greatness. Far too often, the surviving family members of coal miners lost to Black Lung disease face difficulties in securing the benefits they are entitled to,” said Sen. Manchin. “I’m proud to reintroduce the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, which will help cut through the bureaucratic red tape that can delay access to these benefits, as well as improve access to legal representation for miners and their survivors. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help pass this commonsense legislation that supports our coal miners and their families who have given so much to our nation.”

“Ohio miners have put their health at risk for years to power our country – and, unfortunately, too many of those miners have lost their lives because of black lung disease, leaving loved ones to worry about how they’ll be able to make ends meet,” said Sen. Brown. “The Relief for Survivors of Miners Act will ensure these miners’ families don’t have to navigate an interminable claims process just to get the benefits they have earned.”

Requests that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) provide a report to Congress on the financial impact of recouping interim Department of Labor payments in order to determine the financial impact of black lung benefits and interim payments on black lung beneficiaries and the government;

Requests that GAO look at other ways to improve the black lung benefits claims process for survivors of miners.

Senator Casey has been a consistent fighter for miners’ benefits, pushing for protections to miners’ pensions and health care amid widespread coal company bankruptcies and working to ensure a permanent health care fix for retired coal miners and their families. Earlier this year, the Casey joined colleagues to urge the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the adequacy of black lung benefits to ensure they meet the income and health care needs of disabled miners and their families.  Last year, he joined with colleagues to introduce the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, legislation to make needed updates to the Black Lung Benefits Act to ensure Congress is fulfilling its commitment to the nation’s coal miners. To help fulfill those promises, in August of 2022, Congress approved a permanent extension of the black lung excise tax to fund the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund (BLDTF) that provides health insurance and a living stipend for those impacted by black lung as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

 

SIX MONTHS INTO OFFICE, GOVERNOR SHAPIRO AND HIS ADMINISTRATION CONTINUE TO SHOW UP FOR PENNSYLVANIANS AND DELIVER RESULTS

THIS WEEK, THE SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION TOUTED WORK TO EXPAND BROADBAND ACCESS, REPAIR ROADS AND BRIDGES, AND SHOW UP FOR COMMUNITIES RECOVERING FROM FLASH FLOODING.

Middle: Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich joins Bill Johnston-Walsh from AARP Pennsylvania, Rep. Patty Kim, and Rep. Justin Fleming as the Department hosts its third regional town hall on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults.(Photo: Shapiro administration.)

This week, Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration marked six months in office while continuing to show up in communities across the Commonwealth and serve the people of Pennsylvania – highlighting how the Administration plans to expand broadband access,  working to keep Pennsylvanians covered amid federal changes to Medicaid, continuing to support Pennsylvania communities after recent flooding, transforming the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians, and more.

This week, Governor Shapiro visited a senior center in Cambria County to highlight the Shapiro Administration’s plans to expand broadband access to help seniors age with dignity. On Sunday, the Governor also visited Bucks County to meet with the local officials and first responders leading recovery efforts after the weekend’s devastating flooding.

First Lady Lori Shapiro joined the Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Training and Education and Girls on the Run for an event aimed at helping girls build their confidence, creativity, and decision-making skills.

Pennsylvania agencies also announced steps the Administration is taking to improve roads and bridges across the Commonwealth, hold employers that fail to compensate their employees responsible, empower Pennsylvania communities to boost the economy, and more.

Read about the Shapiro Administration’s work to make Commonwealth services work for Pennsylvanians this week below:

Making Broadband More Accessible: Governor Shapiro Visits Cambria County to Highlight Plans to Expand High-Speed, Affordable Internet Access

Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson visited the Northern Cambria Senior Center in Cambria County to highlight the Shapiro Administration’s plans to expand broadband access across the Commonwealth using more than $1.16 billion in funding through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

Across Pennsylvania, 276,000 households do not have access to the internet while another 52,000 do not have reliable access – and with $1.16 billion in federal funding, the Shapiro Administration has a plan of action to expand broadband access across the Commonwealth and create economic opportunity for unserved and underserved Pennsylvania communities.

Supporting Pennsylvania Communities After Recent Flooding: The Shapiro Administration Continues On the Ground Recovery Efforts in Berks and Bucks Counties

The Shapiro Administration continued to support communities across Pennsylvania after devastating flooding hit in eastern Pennsylvania on back-to-back weekends, working with local partners and first responders to keep people safe, provide resources, and help communities recover.

In Berks County, the Shapiro Administration worked with county and local partners to open a Multi Agency Resource Center (MARC) for flood survivors. Over the three days it was open, 235 people registered for services from state, county and volunteer agencies. The MARC helped to connect Pennsylvanians to state and local resources, including information about submitting insurance claims, the replacement of vital documents, well water testing kits, and access to crisis counseling services.

The PA Department of Education (PDE) is providing ongoing technical support to Antietam School District, which had a middle school damaged by the flooding, to make sure they have the flexibility they need to help students be successful this year.

Governor Shapiro, PEMA Director Randy Padfield, and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll visited Bucks County on Sunday to thank first responders and meet with Pennsylvanians impacted by the flooding. PennDOT is fully engaged in repairs to roadways impacted by flooding.

Protecting Pennsylvania Workers: L&I Announces Legal Action to Get Workers Paid Under the Wage Payment and Collection Law

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced that it has taken legal action against a Franklin County school and its affiliated entities on behalf of 21 employees allegedly owed more than $250,000 in unpaid wages under Pennsylvania’s Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL).

“Workers are entitled to be paid for their labor, and employers that fail to compensate their employees should know that L&I will exercise its enforcement authority to get workers paid under the Wage Payment and Collection Law,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker.

Making Government Work: Shapiro Administration Completes 74 Bridge Projects and Improves Nearly 1,200 Miles of Roadway in First Six Months in Office

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll was joined by regional and transportation-industry leaders in Pittsburgh to discuss the importance of transportation investments and provide an update on progress the department and its industry partners have made on roads and bridges across the state.

In just six months in office, the Shapiro Administration has completed 74 bridge projects – including the quick repair to I-95 in Philadelphia in just 12 days – and improved nearly 1,200 miles of roadway.

Helping Older Adults Age with Dignity: The Department of Aging Gathers Input on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults

This week, the Department of Aging hosted its third regional town hall to discuss and gather input on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults – a 10-year, state-led and stakeholder-driven strategic plan designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians.

In May, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an Executive Order directing the Department to develop the plan, which will reflect the needs and preferences of Pennsylvania’s older adult population to live where they choose and access the supports they need to thrive and age in place. 

Keeping Pennsylvanians Covered Amid Major Federal Changes to Medicaid: DHS Continues Statewide Tour to Highlight Shapiro Administration’s Steps to Keep Pennsylvanians Covered

In Philadelphia, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined representatives from Independence Blue Cross’ foundation and health plans and community health centers to discuss how the Shapiro Administration is working to support Pennsylvanians through federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements so they can complete their renewals on time, protect their health, and stay covered. 

In June, the Shapiro Administration announced that DHS has completely eliminated the backlog of Medicaid provider enrollment and revalidation applications, paving the way for more health care providers to become part of the Medicaid program, and giving Medicaid recipients more options for care. When Governor Shapiro took over, the backlog was over 36,000 applications long, but within his first five months in office, that backlog has been completely eliminated.

Creating Economic Opportunity: Shapiro Administration Announces End of Braddock’s Distressed Municipality Status Under Act 47

This week, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the approval of Braddock’s exit from distressed status under the Municipalities Financial Recovery Program, known as Act 47.

The Allegheny County borough becomes the 24th PA municipality to recover from distressed status as the Shapiro Administration continues to focus on boosting Pennsylvania’s economy and strengthening our communities to make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work, and prosper.

 

MEDIA MATTERS 

 WALN TV 

 

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY GARDEN 

 You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River. 

 

BOBBY V’S FOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

1954

Our 1954 logo

The first prototype of the Handley Page Victor bomber is lost when the tail becomes detached during a low-level pass over the runway at Cranfield, UK, causing the aircraft to crash with the loss of the crew…… The maiden flight of the Boeing 367-80 (or Dash 80), prototype of the Boeing 707 series…….Juan Fangio, the Argentine driver for German Grand Prix team Mercedes-Benz, breaks the lap record for the Silverstone Circuit with an average speed of 100.35 miles per hour (161.50 km/h), the previous record being 100.16 miles per hour (161.19 km/h)……A partial lunar eclipse takes place……The 1954 British Grand Prix is held at Silverstone and is won by Argentine driver José Froilán González……Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, in Hamburg…….Machine Gun Kelly who was (George Kelly Barnes), died at the age of 59. He was a well known gangster (heart attack)…….France's prime minister, Pierre Mendès France, obtains an assurance from Chinese leader Zhou Enlai, that he will cease to support some of the Viet Minh claims, in the interests of achieving peace in Indochina……the release of Elvis Presley's first single, "That's All Right", by Sun Records in the United States…….The 1954 Geneva Conference ends after nearly two months, resulting in the partition of Vietnam….and the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Oh Baby Mine” by the Four Knights.

The LuLac Edition #4, 985, July 26th, 2023

 WRITE ON WEDNESDAY 

Our "Write On Wednesday" logo. 

This week we revisit the time Tony Bennett came to the Kirby Center for the Performing Arts for the very first time. The article is by the Citizens' Voice reporter Steve Mocarsky. All of the comments I made to the reporter were verifiable. 

 

TONY BENNETT REMEMBERED FOR WILKES-BARRE PERFORMANCES       

      

 Iconic American singer Tony Bennett was remembered Friday as a beloved artist who performed on several occasions in Luzerne County over the years to sellout crowds.

Bennett died Friday. He was 96, just two weeks short of his birthday.

Local record store owner and promoter Joe Nardone said Bennett “never lost his talent” over the years.

“In the record business, he never stopped selling, from the early years to the present,” Nardone said on Friday.

Bennett, in fact, helped a fledgling F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre establish its reputation as a serious venue when Bennett performed there as part of his comeback to show business in 1987, just a year after the venue opened, said David Yonki, who was executive director of the precursor to the Luzerne County Visitors Bureau at the time.

The Kirby Center likewise helped Bennett reestablish a foothold back on the stage.

At the time, department store magnet Al Boscov was heavily involved with the Kirby Center to make it a success, and Boscov’s store head Tom Jacobs was heavily involved with the Tourist Promotion Agency. The Kirby board hired John Loesser, the son of “Guys and Dolls” composer Frank Loesser, as executive director, Yonki said.

In a meeting with Yonki, Jacobs and the late Charles Spitale, then head of the tourist promotion agency board, Loesser mentioned that Bennett’s son Danny had taken over management of his father’s career.

The singer had made some dubious choices with his finances and drug use, and had trusted the wrong people. Columbia Records had just dumped him from their catalogue and Bennett needed to restart his career, Yonki said.

“Loesser said he could get Bennett to perform at the Kirby Center for about $6,600. Bennett had a brand new CD out called “The Art of Excellence” and was singing many old favorites from the great American songbook. The group agreed and on Friday April 3, 1987, Tony Bennett at 8 p.m. performed at the Kirby,” Yonki said.

Yonki was backstage with Bennett before the show.

 “Bennett had marveled at the beauty of the theater, the art deco as well as the configuration of the seating. He told me he could reach the back of the theater going a capella and might try that when he went on stage,” Yonki said. “That night he did.”

Yonki asked Bennett about the most memorable stage on which he performed.

Bennett said that during the Civil Rights demonstrations of the 1960s, he would entertain at concerts for free to support the movement.

“He said, ‘One time we were playing at a town in Alabama and the white government officials wouldn’t let us put up a stage because it would help the cause. So, a group of black undertakers brought coffins and pushed them together so we could perform. I’ll always remember that,’” Yonki recalled.

The next morning, local photographer Charlie Aquilina and Yonki met with Bennett at his hotel before the singer departed. Aquilina had a painting of Bennett’s with him and wanted to get a photo of Bennett with the artwork for a customer. Bennett agreed, and Yonki also got his photo taken with Bennett.

“I remember him asking me how I liked the solo, and I said, ‘You heard the crowd, they loved it!’” Yonki said.

The singer answered, “Good. Nice theater.”

Bennett later returned to the region with a concert at the Kirby Center managed by local promoter Thom Greco sometime in the 1990s, and later performed at Montage Mountain with K.D. Lang. in May 2001.

Greco described Bennett as “quite a talent” and “a gentleman.” He also recalled having to send his stage manager to Bennett’s hotel to get him for the performance because he had not shown up and it was getting close to showtime.

“I understand he was there with a young lady,” Greco said. “He loved young women. He was quite a player. But he was one heck of a performer.”

Bennett’s final performance in Luzerne County was at the Kirby Center in June 2012.

Steve Mocarsky (Citizens' Voice) 

 

LuLac Edition Extra

 

HEADING OFF TRUMP

Billionaire Jeff Yass donated $10 million to the super PAC arm of Club for Growth, a pro-business, anti-tax organization that’s looking for an alternative to former President Donald Trump to be the Republican presidential nominee.

 Yass, the founder of Susquehanna International Group, provided all but $583,000 of the money Club for Growth Action raised in June, according to the political action committee’s latest disclosure with the Federal Election Commission. The super PAC spent $366,000 and had $22.6 million cash on hand at the end of June.

 

 MEDIA MATTERS

 

This week's guest is Tom Combs discussing the upcoming Broadway in Scranton season.  You'll hear the program Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on The Mothership.