Saturday, February 14, 2026

The LuLac Edition #5, 574, February 14th, 2026

 

 

YES BEN FRANKLIN HAD A WIFE

THE DEBORAH READ STORY


Deborah Read Franklin was the common-law wife of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, until her death in 1774.

Little is known about Read's early life. She was born around 1708, most likely in Birmingham, England (some sources state she was born in Philadelphia) to John and Sarah Read, a well-respected Quaker couple. John Read was a moderately prosperous building contractor and carpenter who died in 1724. Read had three siblings: two brothers, John and James, and a sister, Frances. The Read family immigrated to British America in 1711, settling in Philadelphia.

In October 1723, the about 15-year-old Read met then 17-year-old Benjamin Franklin when he walked past the Read home on Market Street one morning. Franklin had just moved to Philadelphia from Boston to find employment as a printer. In his autobiography, Franklin recalled that at the time of their meeting, he was walking while carrying "three great puffy rolls". As he had no pockets, Franklin carried one roll under each arm and was eating the third. Read (whom Franklin called "Debby") was standing in the doorway of her home and was amused by the sight of Franklin's "most awkward ridiculous appearance."

A romance between Read and Franklin soon developed. When Franklin was unable to find appropriate living accommodations near his job, Read's father allowed him to rent a room in the family home. Read and Franklin's courtship continued, and in 1724, Franklin proposed marriage. However, Read's mother, Sarah, would not consent to the marriage, citing Franklin's pending trip to London and financial instability.

Read and Franklin postponed their marriage plans and Franklin traveled to England. Upon arrival in London, Franklin decided to end the relationship. In a terse letter, he informed Read that he had no intention of returning to Philadelphia. Franklin subsequently became stranded in London after Sir William Keith failed to follow through on promises of financial support

In Franklin's absence, Read was persuaded by her mother to marry John Rogers, a British man who has been identified variously as a carpenter or a potter. Read eventually agreed and married Rogers on August 5, 1725 at Christ Church. The marriage quickly fell apart as the "sweet-talking" Rogers could not hold a job and had incurred a large amount of debt before their marriage. Four months after they were married, Read left Rogers after a friend of Rogers’ visiting from England informed her that Rogers had a wife in his native England. Read refused to live with or recognize Rogers as her husband. While the couple were separated, Rogers spent Read's dowry, incurred more debt, and used the marriage to further his own schemes. In December 1727, Rogers stole a slave and disappeared. Soon afterward, unconfirmed reports circulated that Rogers had made his way to the British West Indies, where he was killed in a fight. In his autobiography, Franklin also claimed that Rogers died in the British West Indies, but John Rogers' fate has never been verified.

Despite his intention to remain in London, Franklin returned to Philadelphia in October 1727. He and Read eventually resumed their relationship and decided to marry. While Read considered her marriage to her first husband to be over, she could not legally remarry. At that time, the law in the Province of Pennsylvania would not grant a divorce on the grounds of desertion; nor could Read claim to be a widow, as there was no proof that Rogers was dead. If Rogers returned after Read legally married Franklin, she faced a charge of bigamy which carried the penalty of thirty-nine lashes on the bare back and life imprisonment with hard labor.

To avoid any legal issues, Read and Franklin decided upon a common-law marriage. On September 1, 1730, the couple held a ceremony for friends and family in which they announced they would live as husband and wife. They had two children together: Francis Folger "Franky" (born 1732), who died of smallpox in 1736 at the age of four, and Sarah "Sally" (born 1743). Read also helped to raise Franklin's illegitimate son William, whose mother's identity remains unknown.

In the play 1776, Franklin was told that William, then the Royal Governor of New Jersey until he was arrested, and exiled to Connecticut. Franklin referred to William as “the little bastard”.

By the late 1750s, Benjamin Franklin had established himself as a successful printer, publisher, and writer. He was appointed the first postmaster of Philadelphia and was heavily involved in social and political affairs that would eventually lead to the establishment of the United States. In 1757, Franklin embarked on the first of numerous trips to Europe. Read refused to accompany him due to a fear of ocean travel. While Franklin stayed overseas for the next five years, Read remained in Philadelphia where, despite her limited education, she successfully ran her husband's businesses, maintained their home, cared for the couple's children and regularly attended Quaker Meeting.


Franklin returned to Philadelphia in November 1762. He tried to persuade Read to accompany him to Europe, but she again refused. Franklin returned to Europe in November 1764 where he would remain for the next ten years. Read would never see Franklin again.

In 1768, Read suffered the first of a series of strokes that severely impaired her speech and memory. For the remainder of her life, she suffered from poor health and depression. Despite his wife's condition, Franklin did not return to Philadelphia even though he had completed his diplomatic duties. In November 1769, Read wrote Franklin saying that her stroke, declining health and depressed mental state were a result of her "dissatisfied distress" due to his prolonged absence. ranklin still did not return but continued to write to Read. Read's final surviving letter to Franklin is dated October 29, 1773. Thereafter, she stopped corresponding with her husband. Franklin continued to write to Read, inquiring as to why her letters had ceased, but still did not return home.

On December 14, 1774, Read suffered a final stroke and died five days later on December 19, 1774. She was 66 years old. She was buried at Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia. Franklin was buried next to her upon his death in 1790.

Does Read qualify as a great American? Well in terms of contributions to the revolution, I might give her props for letting Franklin be Franklin. I think her marital situations at the time of the Revolution gives us an insight into how women were stuck in roles (not the ones Ben was carrying when he met her) during that turbulent time. She is a footnote in history and her story might never have been told if she had married a better man in the first place. By extension her marriage to Franklin has made her an answer to a question about Franklin’s personal life. These nuggets of history tell us that these figures frozen in time as icons, had the same human issues as all of us. (Wikipedia, Harvard Graduate School of Education, LuLac).

                                                               

The LuLac Edition #5, 573 February 14th, 2026

 

 

FOOD-TASTIC NEWS


VALENTINE’S DAY

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

 

The origins of Valentine’s Day stretch back long before heart shaped chocolates and red roses filled store shelves. The history behind Valentine’s Day includes dark origins, muddled stories and a surprising amount of chance.

What began as a mix of ancient rituals, religious honor and poetic imagination slowly evolved into a widely celebrated holiday centered on romantic love.

Today, people celebrate Valentine’s Day with gifts, flowers, and candy, often wishing each other a simple “Happy Valentine’s Day.” That modern celebration looks very different from its ancient origins in Rome.

Ancient Rome and Pagan Festivals

Saint Valentine and the 3rd Century

Several stories point to a person named Valentine living during the third century. One version describes a bishop or priest who defied a Roman emperor by secretly marrying young men and women.

According to legend, Emperor Claudius II believed unmarried men made better soldiers and banned marriages for young men.

Allegedly, Valentine refused to obey and continued performing weddings. His supposed actions led to imprisonment and execution, placing Saint Valentine at the center of the holiday’s story.

The Catholic Church and Pope Gelasius

In the fifth century, Pope Gelasius is sometimes attributed with recognizing Saint Valentine’s Day as a feast.

This move is sometimes described as helping the Catholic Church shift attention away from pagan festivals and toward Christian honor. The holiday took place in February, close to the older Roman celebrations.

At this stage, Valentine’s Day had little to do with romance. It functioned mainly as a religious observance rather than a celebration of lovers.

The Middle Ages and Romantic Love

The connection between Valentine’s Day and romance emerged during the Middle Ages. Writers and poets began linking the day to courtship and affection. Geoffrey Chaucer played a key role by writing about birds choosing mates on Saint Valentine’s Day.

William Shakespeare later reinforced the romantic theme through poetry and plays. His works include references to Saint Valentine’s Day.

From Poems to Mass Produced Gifts

By the 19th century, Valentine’s Day shifted again. Printed cards, gift boxes, and other gifts became widely available. Mass-produced valentines allowed friends, children and couples to exchange tokens of affection.

Over time, flowers and heart-shaped chocolates became standard. Red roses symbolized love, while other gifts offered a simple way to celebrate relationships.

Valentine’s Day in the Modern World

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the globe. Some people focus on romance and marriage, while others honor family or friendships (as with Galentine's Day). The holiday continues to evolve, shaped by culture, commerce, and tradition.

MY PERSPECTIVE

You should always treat your significant other to a meal, flowers and sweets. If married, do not take the years between you for granted.  Women of all ages want and need that validation.

For you single guys playing the field and choose to treat two women or three, use separate florists. There is a possibility that if you use the same florist to send flowers to two women, they might mix up the addresses and the women or her mom might find out and exchange the gifts. Or not.

Believe me…I KNOW! 

Friday, February 13, 2026

The LuLac Edition #5, 572, February 13th, 2026

 

13   

QUESTIONS


 

Our 13 Questions logo.

 

1.  How did you cope with the awful January weather?

I did. It wasn't pleasant but I wore a lot of layers, kept warm and was very careful when I did have to shovel. A few good friends helped with it and got us through the month. To me January is scary because stats show that the largest number of people die in that month. On the positive side though is the days are getting longer which is a good thing.

 

2. Did you alternate between the half time shows during the Super Bowl?

 

No. Never was a Kid Rock fan and felt the racism ramped BB was great.

 

I see you make it a point to call out the morons on FB who support this administration. Why do you waste your time?

I wonder about that all the time.  But some comments are so breathtaking in their abject stupidity that I can't resist. Like the people who ell Puerto Ricans to come back where you came from. It's an American territory.

 

4.   Did you think that Bill Belichick should have been added to the NFL Hall of Fame?

 

Yes, and no. Yes, because of his stellar record, his love of the heritage of the game, as well as his obvious abilities. However, he and the owner Robert Kraft were dealt a bad hand in the way the voting was set up. Too many times, players of a by gone decade are forgotten but deserving. To put an expiration date on their eligibility is unfair to guys who are above the borderline.

 

5. Do you think Pope Leo hates our President?

 

LOL. No I don' think h hates our President. But  I think he has more of a handle on the bullshit and hatred coming out of the pig President's vile mouth. Leo grew up in Chicago. Even though he is a pilus soul, I think he needs to call out not only the President himself but the administration as well as those so-called Christians and Catholics who unwaveringly support him.

 

6.   What do you do to get away from Trump all the time on TV?


TCM, Pardon the Interruption The Discovery Channell, PBS and all the Perry Mason reruns.

 

7.   Favorite pasta?

 

!. Pappardelle. 2. Rigatoni.

 

8. Can you name your favorite rock a roll tee shirt while in college, and do you still have it?

 

Bad Company. Threw it out 5 years ago. I still have this one though. 

 

9.  Do you see any danger in Josh Shapiro not getting a second term?

 

He has done a great jo for all Pennsylvanians,  But he has to contend with the GOP LIE machine as well as the brainwashed ingrates in the state.

 

10. Do you ever have any issues sleeping?

 

Nope. Plus, I can fall asleep in a crowded waiting room, on a bus, plane, you name it.

 

11.  Is there a difference between Hitler and Trump?

 

Yes. 'Dolph didn't put his name on any building that I know of. Trump on the other hand............

 

12. Who was your first movie/TV star crush when you were a kid?



 

It was a tie. Sally Field and Shelley Faberes. Sally had the edge though because she sent mean autographed postcard.

 

13.  Did you consume the average 6,000 calories on Super Bowl Sunday?


Nope. Not going back to this!

Thursday, February 12, 2026

The LuLac Edition #5, 571, February 12th, 2026

 

THE WRECK OF THE 

T.J. FITZGERALD

(Photo: WVIA News) 

It was only a matter of time before T.J. Fitzgerald imploded under the weight of his own hate and ignorance. That’s what happens to demagogues in this country. It’s almost like there is a switch that goes off and all the bile comes out. There are exceptions of course. Our pig President has yet to implode like Fitzgerald did but T.J. as much as he wanted us to believe was/is no Trump. 

The Times Leader reports that due to intense backlash over a video he posted, NEPA Republicans founder Theodore “T.J.” Fitzgerald cancelled a Feb. 22 “United We Stand” event he had scheduled in Wilkes-Barre Township and is removing himself and his group from the political scene temporarily — and possibly permanently.

His video addressed the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny singing in Spanish.

“F— the bunny,” Fitzgerald said in the video. “I love America, and f— every f—in’ body that speaks Spanish.”

Fitzgerald has been a thorn to the Republican Party of Luzerne County for years, and county Republican Chairwoman LeeAnn McDermott said numerous county Republicans — including some of Fitzgerald’s supporters — reached out to her expressing outrage over his video.

On a radio appearance with Sue Henry, T.J. was repentant but convoluted in his logic. Pointedly he apologized to his followers for letting them down but totally ignored the very people he insulted. He then went into a rant about how scared he is about where this country is headed (presumably meaning that Spanish speaking people were intent on ruining it) and then rambled on about his fear of the future.

Normally I’d say to a convicted felon like T.J. “If you’re so afraid leave the country” but I’d rather have hateful ignorant guys like him around so that normal people cam see shitheads like him coming. Now to be sure his followers are still around so we can see them coming.

Kudos to GOP party chair McDermott for quickly denouncing this behavior which is not representative of the Luzerne County GOP. Now they are still MAGAs who defend the pig President’s actions but make a bit of sense when they are trying to defend the indefensible.

 

 

JAMIE WALSH NIXES BLACK HISTORY MONTH 


Then there’s this guy. Mr. 3 vote majority Jamie Walsh has gone on record of voting against Black History Month. Okay, Black History month has been around for a long time. Does Jamie mean to erase black history? Is he so afraid of the MAGA bigots in his district that he’s afraid of losing the cushy job he has?  If his voters can stand for something like this, then that says a lot about the type of representative they want. He is a perfect example of how the Republican party campaigns and wins.

ON FEAR. Think about it, he votes against a program that educates  because fear wins and logic and learning….not so much.

 

RICK SCOTT WANTS 

THEM TO STRIP

 

Again these old white Republican men are sex obsessed.  SEX SEX SEX. Every action they take when their policies are challenged go to sex, bodily functions and what the nuns used to call impure thoughts.

Florida Senator Rick Scott raged that U.S. athletes at the Olympics who criticize representing their country should be stripped of their uniforms.

His post Monday was the latest demand from MAGA lawmakers and influencers who are losing it over athletes on Team USA voicing disapproval of their home country on the world stage as they compete in Italy.  “Representing the United States—a beacon for freedom and democracy—at the Olympics is an honor. Anyone who feels otherwise should be stripped of their USA Olympic uniform," Scott wrote on X with his video.

It comes as multiple U.S. athletes have spoken out about the challenges of representing the U.S. as the country grapples with unrest, including ICE violence and killings on the street.

Freestyle skier Chris Lillis referenced ICE and said he was “heartbroken” over what’s happening in the U.S.

Figure skater Amber Glenn spoke out about the LGBTQ+ community facing a hard time under Trump.

Hey Scott is a rich reactionary slob that tried to be Majority Leader and people are used to his nonsense. So his colleagues said no. But the word “stripped” of “their uniforms?’  Again these Republicans see fear and sex, sex, sex when they get their itty bitty feelings hurt. Freedom lof speech there Skinherad and keep yoiur own pants on, 

 

PAM BONDI’S ATTACKS ON JUDGES

The sycophant Attorney General Pam Bondi, another Florida beauty started whining and crying about Judges who were ruling against the pig President’s policies.

She then acted like the aggrieved shrill or the last disgusting woman in a bar you would never want to know even if you were drunk ten times over.

Her anger is one of piggish, slavish deference to an administration that can only be described as the worst in American history.

Here, take a look.

 

PASHINSKI BOWS OUT

McCLAY JUMPS IN


Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski said on Tuesday he has decided he will not seek reelection this year.

Pashinski, 80, previously announced his plan to seek an 11th term in the 121st Legislative District, but said after much thought he opted out and will support the Democratic candidate.

That candidate is Jessica McClay, 51, chair of Wilkes-Barre City Council, who is serving her first term.

“I look forward to still helping the community I love,” McClay said, confirming she is in the race for the Democratic nomination. “This was an easy choice for me because I will be able to help the community even more by being in Harrisburg.”

If McClay does win the primary and then the election, she will be the second Wilkes-Bare City Council member to be elected to the State House. Previously Kevin Blaum who served on Council from 1977 to 1981 was elected in 1980 when he ran against incumbent Bernie O’Brian.

Pashinski also offered comments in the news release.

“After speaking with my family and friends, and thoughtful reflection, I have decided that now is the time to announce that I will not seek re-election,” he said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the people of my district in the General Assembly. From cutting prescription drug costs and expanding healthcare access, to supporting families, farmers, seniors, and veterans, and proposing legislation supporting grandparents raising grandchildren, I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together. Now, more than ever, I am humbled by the trust my community has put in me to fight for fairness and opportunity in the state capitol.”  (Times Leader, LuLac) 

 

 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS PRAISE BRESNAHAN’S WORK DELIVERING EDERAL INVESTMENT TO NEPA

Community leaders across Northeastern Pennsylvania are applauding U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) for securing federal funding in the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 to support several local projects throughout the region.

 The investments, totaling $6,537,584, will advance seven locally driven projects to strengthen public safety, modernize critical infrastructure, and ensure federal dollars are working where they matter most, back home in NEPA.

 “This funding is the result of months of work with local leaders and delivering on what our communities have been asking for,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Instead of Washington deciding what our region needs, these investments were driven by Northeastern Pennsylvania, for Northeastern Pennsylvania. I’m proud to turn priorities into real results to make our communities safer, stronger, and better positioned for the future.”

 $500,000 for the Scranton Police Department Equipment and Technology Upgrades

The funding will be used for upgrading equipment and modernizing technology to increase officer safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement operations in the City of Scranton.

“Law enforcement is extremely grateful for this $500,000 investment in equipment and technology upgrades which reflects a commitment to collaboration and modern policing,” said Brian Gallagher, Lackawanna County District Attorney. “It will significantly strengthen law enforcement capabilities in the City of Scranton and across Lackawanna County, ensuring officers have modern tools to respond effectively, share information efficiently, and keep our communities safe.”

“The Scranton Police FOP wants to thank Congressman Bresnahan for fighting to deliver $500,000 in federal funding to the Scranton Police Department,” said Justin Butler, President of Scranton Police FOP. “This investment means safer equipment, better technology, and stronger support for the members of the FOP that wake up every day ready to protect the City of Scranton and its people. Congressman Bresnahan has shown he stands with our officers and their families by backing law enforcement with real resources, not just rhetoric.”

 “On behalf of the Scranton City Council, I want to sincerely thank Congressman Bresnahan for securing $500,000 in funding for the Scranton Police Department’s equipment and technology upgrades,” said Tom Schuster, Scranton City Council Chairman. “This support will directly enhance officer safety and strengthen law enforcement operations throughout our city. We are grateful for the Congressman’s continued commitment to our community and his dedication to ensuring that our police department has the resources it needs to serve and protect the residents of Scranton.”

“As Chairman of the Scranton City Council Committee on Public Safety, I want to thank Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr., for securing $500,000 for equipment and technology upgrades for the Scranton Police Department,” said Mark McAndrew, Scranton City Councilmember. “This critical investment will enhance officer safety, improve crime prevention efforts, and ensure our police have the modern tools they need to serve and protect our community effectively. I appreciate Congressman Bresnahan’s commitment to public safety and to delivering real resources for the City of Scranton.”

$1,250,000 for the Eastern Pike County Sewer Extension Project

 The funds will be used to improve sewer infrastructure and wastewater treatment in Matamoras and Milford Boroughs and Westfall Township.

 “The resources being provided by Congressman Bresnahan via Community Project Funding monies will go a long way toward providing long overdue sewer infrastructure improvements to Matamoras and Milford Boroughs and Westfall Township in Pike County,” said Joseph Dooley, Milford Borough Council President. “This joint sewer plan will enable our communities to obtain needed services for our residential and commercial districts while at the same time protecting our environment. Congressman Bresnahan deserves kudos for including our communities in this funding request.”

$1,144,790 for the Kingston Municipal Police Department Equipment and Technology Upgrades

 The funding will be used for upgrading equipment and technology to increase officer safety and effectiveness of law enforcement operations in the township of Kingston.

 “The Municipality of Kingston and the Kingston Police Department thank Representative Bresnahan for his commitment to public safety and support of law enforcement,” said Sondra Riviello, Municipality of Kingston Administrator. “This much needed funding is vital in improving operational effectiveness, and our ability to protect and serve our community.”

$372,415 for the City of Wilkes-Barre Equipment Upgrades

The funds will be used for the acquisition of new police vehicles and upgrading equipment to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement operations in the City of Wilkes-Barre.

 “The City of Wilkes-Barre is very appreciative of Congressman Bresnahan providing $372,415.00 in funding to purchase five new vehicles for our police department,” said Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown. “The addition of the new vehicles will greatly assist the city’s police officers who utilize current community policing strategies to target quality of life crimes to build trust and legitimacy with the community, with the aim of preventing crime. Having vehicles to rapidly respond to service calls throughout the city is essential for community policing strategies to work effectively and for public safety.”

$1,020,379 for the Monroe County DA Opioid Crimes Section

The funds will be used for expanded programming in Monroe, Carbon, and Pike Counties aimed at reducing drug use, drug-related crime, and drug-related deaths.

And

$1,250,000 for the Monroe County Wastewater Treatment Project

 The funds will be used for the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility, outside of a flood zone, to replace the existing plant which is at the end of its operational capacity.

“The Monroe County Commissioners extend their sincere thanks to Congressman Bresnahan for his leadership and support in securing critical Capital Project funding for Monroe County,” said John Christy, Monroe County Commission Chairman. “Through his efforts, $1.25 million was awarded to support a wastewater infrastructure project in Snydersville, Pennsylvania, and an additional $1,020,379 was secured for the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office to establish an Opioid Crime Section. These investments will strengthen essential county services, enhance public safety, and help reduce the burden on local property taxpayers by leveraging federal resources to meet important community needs.”

$1,000,000 for the Dallas Area Municipal Authority Wastewater Infrastructure Expansio

 The funds will be used to repair, construct, and expand wastewater infrastructure of three municipal authorities: Harvey’s Lake, Dallas Area, and Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authorities.

“The Dallas Area Municipal Authority extendsts sincerest gratitude to Congressman Bresnahan for his invaluable support in securing critical grant funding to implement major sewer system repairs,” said Jim Reino, Dallas Area Municipal Authority Executive Director. “This investment plays a vital role in ensuring that the DAMA wastewater system continues to meet the rigorous standards set by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Maintaining compliance with state environmental and public health requirements is essential to protecting our community and preserving the integrity of our infrastructure. The Congressman’s advocacy has directly contributed to our ability to move this project forward, strengthening the longterm reliability and resilience of our wastewater system. We and our ratepayers appreciate his continued commitment to the needs of our region, and look forward to advancing this important work on the benefit of all residents we serve.”

   

AT DICKSON CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNOR SHAPIRO AND FIRE COMMISSIONER COOK HIGHLIGHT INVESTMENTS IN FIRE DEPARTMENTS, THANK FIRST RESPONDERS AFTER LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL FIRE

 

Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook thank first responders for their heroic work and quick action last week during a massive fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City and highlight the Shapiro Administration's investments to support fire departments across the Commonwealth.

Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook visited the Dickson City Fire Department, also known as the Eagle Hose Company No. 1, to thank first responders for their heroic efforts to respond to the Lehigh Valley Hospital fire last week and to highlight how the Governor's 2026-27 proposed budget continues to deliver for firefighters and first responders.

Pennsylvania's career and volunteer firefighters put themselves in harm's way to protect communities across the Commonwealth, and Governor Shapiro has been a strong advocate for increasing state support for fire departments. That's why, for the second year in a row, the Governor's 2026-27 proposed budget includes a new $30 million investment - nearly doubling annual funding for fire departments - in competitive grants.

These grants will provide critical financial support to both volunteer and career fire departments statewide by funding major equipment purchases, training, facility improvements, debt reduction, and other essential operational expenses - ensuring Pennsylvanians in every community are protected.

"Every single day, firefighters across Pennsylvania run towards danger to keep people safe from harm. We owe it to these Pennsylvania heroes to have their backs and stand by them," said Governor Shapiro. "While the Commonwealth already provides funding for fire companies, the current system doesn't allow departments to make major investments - these competitive grants would change that. Public safety is at the heart of our work as elected leaders, and when our communities are safe, we build a strong foundation for growth across Pennsylvania."

 

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WVIA RADIO

WALN


BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

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.

 

THE LAURIE CADDEN SHOW

Tune in every Saturday morning at 9am for The Laurie Cadden Show on WILK FM 103.1 and AM 980 and 910. Laurie’s program has been a northeastern Pennsylvania mainstay every Saturday. Tune in to hear her insights and take on local issues as well as entertaining and informative interviews.


BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP 

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107.

 

THE LULAC TIME MACHINE


THE FIRST SUPERBOWL 

HALF TIME SHOW

January 1967

With all the controversy about Bad Bunny’s Half time performance, it is astounding that some Americans have revealed themselves to be ignorant, hate filled racists. The fact is that this was one of the most popular shows in the history of the Superbowl coming in at #4. In addition 1 billion hits were tallied for Bad Bunny on all platforms. But still the ignorance and hate is filled with the MAGA Christians who incite the bullshit.

But once upon a time there was peace and quiet and nary a peep about the half time event.

In 1967 the very concept was brand new. The performers were the

University of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band

Grambling State University Marching Band


Al Hirt was the first celebrity to perform. was an American trumpeter and bandleader. He is best remembered for his million-selling recordings of "Java" and the accompanying album Honey in the Horn (1963), and for the theme music to The Green Hornet. His nicknames included "Jumbo" and "The Round Mound of Sound". Colin Escott, an author of musician biographies, wrote that RCA Victor, for which Hirt had recorded most of his best-selling recordings and for which he had spent most of his professional recording career, had simply dubbed him "The King." Hirt was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in November 2009. He received eight Grammy nominations during his lifetime, including winning the Grammy award in 1964 for his version of "Java".

Hirt played a medley of  "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans/When the Saints Go Marching In" and

"Bugler's Holiday". Hirt was famous for “Sugar Lips” and “Java” back in 1964.

And this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was 1 “I’m A Believer” by The Monkees.