Irv Homer Hall of Famer

Irv Homer Hall of Famer — Pat Delsi has informed me that Irv Homer is to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia. Mr. Homer was informed of the honor at the group’s November banquet so he knew before his passing. Irv Homer Hall of Famer

The Broadcast Pioneers has a fantastic website featuring audio clips of John Facenda (and many others) from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’60s; video clips going back to the ’40s — there is even one of Bernie the Bunyip; and many other rare bits of nostalgia.

It can be found at http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/

Irv Homer Hall of Famer

Sestak Votes To Impoverish Your Children

Joe Sestak was among the 219 congressmen — the vast majority being Democrats — who voted, Friday, to set limits on U.S. energy production, ostensibly to fight global warming. If this legislation passes the Senate it is expected to raise the price of gasoline to $5 per gallon (and the cost of transporting food, clothing, building materials etc.) and double the cost of electricity.

The Dems, btw, killed Republican amendments to suspend the program if gas hit $5 a gallon; if electricity prices rose 10 percent over 2009; or if unemployment rates hit 15 percent.

If these things happen send Joe a thank you note.

And if this crowd thinks global warming is such a crisis why are they fighting tooth and nail to rip down long-standing hydro-electric dams? Why do they push to add snarl-creating toll-booths to freeways? Why do they oppose nuclear power? Why do they insist on applying OSHA regulations to telecommuters?

Their actions belie their words.

Philadelphia Press Association Dinner

The Philadelphia Press Association had its annual awards dinner (it’s 64th?) Friday at the Bala Golf Club. Pat Delsi did his usual fine job as master of ceremonies. Daily Times editor Phil Heron swept all three slots for daily newspaper editorial writing and won and placed in headline writing.

The ever delightful Anne Neborak of the News of Delaware County and Bob Raines of The Ambler Gazette dominated the photography categories. Anne also took a third place in weekly newspaper column writing. The subject? Photography.

The News of Delco, now edited by David Bjorkgren, won the prize for weekly newspaper special section writing.

The Public Service award, and The Grand Award for Public Service went to Danielle Lynch of the Daily Local News for her series  regarding families with disabled children. Pat introduced her with a story about his grandson who has Down’s syndrome and how they now teach such children sign language since their vocal development lags.

The always entertaining Stu Bykofsky of the Philadelphia Daily News took first place in daily newspaper column writing for his “human relations complaint”.  Stu could not attend but had a superb excuse — his granddaughter’s birthday.

Irv Homer R.I.P.

Talk Radio great Irv Homer died Wednesday after collapsing while speaking at an event at Eastern University regarding the Federal Reserve System and how money works. The featured speaker was G. Edward Griffin, author of “The Creature from Jekyll Island”. Mr. Homer was responsible for introducing Griffin to thousands in the Philadelphia area. Irv Homer R.I.P.

I have fond memories of Mr. Homer. Circa 1994 I was managing editor of most of the papers in the Press newspaper chain and we carried a column criticizing the IRS. A short time later, we were subject to an audit.

A young lady named Pat Toddy was working for us part-time as a writer and sales rep and working part-time screening calls for Mr. Homer at WWDB-FM. She told Mr. Homer about our plight and Mr. Homer stuck up for us via his mike.

R.I.P. Mr. Homer.

Pat, btw, has done pretty well for herself and has a slot on the anchor desk at KYW Newsradio.

Irv Homer R.I.P.

Pa Budget 70 Percent Higher

Kid Shellen of FreeRepublic.com has pointed out that the Pennsylvania budget has increased from $35.8 billion in 1998-99 to $61.3 billion in 2008-09.

Has your income increased 70 percent since 1998?

Or has state services improved 70 percent?

While the rate of increase has been higher under Rendell, Ridge/Schweiker didn’t do all that much better.

Rendell wants to spend $61.7 billion this year.

See: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4571&mode=2#2008-09

Pa Budget 70 Percent Higher

Pa Budget 70 Percent Higher

LaRouche Booth at Springfield P.O.

The LaRouche supporter was again outside the Springfield P.O. this morning demanding the removal of Nancy Pelosi and blasting corporate bailouts.

For the first time, I saw someone actually sign his petition.

 

LaRouche Booth at Springfield P.O.

A Thousand Dollar 5-Mile Ride

A neighbor was charged over $1,000 for a 5-mile ambulance ride from Delaware County Memorial Hospital on Lansdowne Avenue in Drexel Hill to Harlee Manor on Sproul Road, Springfield.
Was she told the price before they chose to transport her? If they did, I suspect she might have had her daughter drive her  and just as effectively.
Someone is going to use this an example as to why we need Obamacare. What the control-everything fans fail to understand is that adding more layers of bureaucracy  is going to increase cost and decrease service. There will be more i’s to dot, t’s to cross and palms to grease. Politicians and government administrators don’t place catheters, empty bedpans or invent drugs, but politicians and government administrators and their friends will be where the money goes under whatever plan the Obama and his fellow Dems cook up.
To cut cost and save our healthcare system all that’s needed is a little more honesty and a little less fear of liability.

Another Honor For Cessie Giuliano

Cessie Giuliano, the former photo editor of the Press papers has been named Best Niche Photographer for Main Line Times Best of issue. Frankly, the award is not quite accurate. She’s the best photographer in the state, if not the entire Northeast, if not the country.

Cessie’s new vocation is taking very tasteful ’40s and ’50s  pin-up shots of women who are often getting them as presents for their husbands and boyfriends, often servicemen.

See her stuff at http://www.lunarlightstudios.com/cg/

 

Another Honor For Cessie Giuliano

Springfield High Graduation

I was the honored guest of Kristina Donnelly-Brotzman at tonight’s commencement for Springfield High School’s Class of 2009 held on the football field.

The 255 graduates couldn’t have asked for better weather. The breeze was cool and the clouds never came through on their threat of rain.

Principal Christopher Fulco presented the class and described them as a force to be reckoned with, noting how they stood up to him regarding a ban on wearing flip-flops that he was allegedly considering.

Valedictorian David Smith included references to the Bible and the TV show Scrubs in his interesting speech. Salutatorian Ashley Kaminski attempted to follow Hemingway’s test of a six-word story by providing one for each year of her class. If I heard her right, the summation was “We wrote a story worth telling”.  Third speaker Michael Morrison thoughts were intelligent and reflective.

Class officers Sarah Fleming, Timothy Gillen, Sarah Kelly and Michael O’Hanlon then gave a presentation, followed by remarks by school director Stanley Johnson, who noted how President Obama has inspired the class and filled them with hope.

Fortunately, 97 percent of the class is going on to college so they shouldn’t have to attempt to enter the workforce until the Palin administration and hence hang on to their illusions.

Christine Wells announced special scholarships and remarks were concluded by Superintendent James P. Capolupo with help from a young lady named Katy who is expected to be a member of SHS’s Class of 2022.

The diplomas were presented always to cheers unlike at another school that shares the zip code and despite a no-cheer warning in small type in the program. Afterwards, those attending were treated to refreshments including pizza, water ice and chicken fingers. And of course a fantastic fireworks show which was appeared to be equally enjoyed by many of the neighbors of the school.

Little Girl’s Karate Lesson

A sweet petite seven-year-old girl I know is taking karate lessons. She’s quite proud of what she knows and makes sure she shows her new moves to her father when he comes home from work.

Well, after one recent demonstration she goes  to wash up for bed when she remembered she forgot one.

“Daddy, Daddy, wait.”

She runs from the bathroom, grabs Daddy by the shoulders and knees him squarely in the groin.

Daddy says his laughing alternated with the gasping.