I've long been a fan of the 1970s and '80s television show "M*A*S*H."
Hawkeye is my favorite character, but the cross-dressing antics of Klinger always earn a chuckle. Until Drew Carey hit the scene, Klinger's portrayer, Jamie Farr, might have been the most famous Ohioan (he's a Toledo native) in Hollywood.
You'll be seeing a lot more of Farr starting today, because he is one of the stars in a new campaign to boost a drive for a statewide gambling issue for the Nov. 4 ballot.
The initiative seeks to allow a $600 million resort/casino in Clinton County.
Others who will take part in spots as part of the campaign are Vicki Lawrence, from "The Carol Burnett Show" and "Mama's Family"; Dwayne Hickman, who portrayed Dobie Gillis in "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis"; and Gary Owens, the cooky announcer from "Laugh in" and "The Gong Show."
The question is whether these faces of television long ago will sway voters who already have declined to permit gambling in the state numerous times? I know that most of my friends won't know who these people are. Maybe MyOhioNow, which is responsible for the campaign, should go back to the drawing board and find more familiar faces.
Check out the commercials at myohionow.com.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A little help — before the emergency
It's easy to think you know what to do when there's a tornado warning.
Most people, if they're like me, do absolutely nothing. They assume that it's all a mistake, or that the storm will stay south, or north, or whatever direction it happens to be reported to be.
It's a good thing we have programs in our schools that teach children what to do — because they won't learn it from us.
This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week, and we're encouraged to make safety plans in the event of an emergency such as tornados.
To drive home the point, I spent a little time with third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Eastlake getting a lesson in tornados and how to respond if one suddenly is barreling down on you.
Log on to www.News-Herald.com to get their advice and learn what a tornado is and what it really does.
Most people, if they're like me, do absolutely nothing. They assume that it's all a mistake, or that the storm will stay south, or north, or whatever direction it happens to be reported to be.
It's a good thing we have programs in our schools that teach children what to do — because they won't learn it from us.
This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week, and we're encouraged to make safety plans in the event of an emergency such as tornados.
To drive home the point, I spent a little time with third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Eastlake getting a lesson in tornados and how to respond if one suddenly is barreling down on you.
Log on to www.News-Herald.com to get their advice and learn what a tornado is and what it really does.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
A beautiful night for basketball
No, that's not the line Joe Tait made famous when he was the radio announcer for the Indians during the late 1970s and '80s, but it's fitting for Wednesday's Cavaliers game at Quicken Loans Arena.
Tait marks his 3,000th game as the play-by-play announcer for the Cavs. He's been with the team for 35 years, missing just 2 of the team's seasons.
For me, Cleveland sports isn't sports without Joe Tait. I still miss him calling Tribe games, when each broadcast started with his trademark phrase, "It's a beautiful night for baseball." It could have been a rain delay, or 100 degrees, but it indeed was beautiful if Tait was calling the game.
His voice still booms as he follows each pass, steal and rebound, providing enough detail that it seems you're sitting in the stands watching the game.
I'll tune in to Wednesday's game and share in the moment, thankful that Tait's still the voice of Cleveland sports.
Tait marks his 3,000th game as the play-by-play announcer for the Cavs. He's been with the team for 35 years, missing just 2 of the team's seasons.
For me, Cleveland sports isn't sports without Joe Tait. I still miss him calling Tribe games, when each broadcast started with his trademark phrase, "It's a beautiful night for baseball." It could have been a rain delay, or 100 degrees, but it indeed was beautiful if Tait was calling the game.
His voice still booms as he follows each pass, steal and rebound, providing enough detail that it seems you're sitting in the stands watching the game.
I'll tune in to Wednesday's game and share in the moment, thankful that Tait's still the voice of Cleveland sports.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Barely two days left
It's March, so there must be madness.
Of course, that means that it's time for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Yes, it's a long name for "the only thing that really matters until the end of the Final Four."
We've got our own office pool, and surely you do too. The various techniques of the competitors are fun to study, whether it's the mad point-counter, or the woman with two colors of highlighters — one for losers; the other for the winners.
Enter often, and pick a few upsets. At least that's the advice of Vegas Vic, who writes a sports gaming column that appears regularly in The News-Herald.
I spent about a half-hour interviewing him last week, just days before the bracket was released, and he stressed that those entering pools should play as many brackets as they can afford and be willing to take a few chances.
He gave many insights into technique and even some tips on which teams might be good picks. The video is online at www.News-Herald.com through Thursday afternoon, so if you're looking for a little professional advice, turn to Vegas Vic.
How could Vegas bring anything but good luck?
Of course, that means that it's time for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Yes, it's a long name for "the only thing that really matters until the end of the Final Four."
We've got our own office pool, and surely you do too. The various techniques of the competitors are fun to study, whether it's the mad point-counter, or the woman with two colors of highlighters — one for losers; the other for the winners.
Enter often, and pick a few upsets. At least that's the advice of Vegas Vic, who writes a sports gaming column that appears regularly in The News-Herald.
I spent about a half-hour interviewing him last week, just days before the bracket was released, and he stressed that those entering pools should play as many brackets as they can afford and be willing to take a few chances.
He gave many insights into technique and even some tips on which teams might be good picks. The video is online at www.News-Herald.com through Thursday afternoon, so if you're looking for a little professional advice, turn to Vegas Vic.
How could Vegas bring anything but good luck?
Monday, March 17, 2008
Looking for a good man, and woman
No, not me.
A group of area businesses have been hunting since the beginning of the year for a couple who will be marrying sometime in 2009, because they want to help them receive the wedding of their dreams.
There's a catch, however.
At least one member of the couple must have served or be active duty in the U.S. military.
The contest is called "Operation Wedding," and it's ongoing until March 31 through Rad Productions, a photography and video services company reachable at info@radproductions.org.
The company has enlisted the services of area businesses such as Jenniffer & Co. beauty salon of Mentor, Expressions Bridal, Marino Brothers disc jockeys, and Michelle's Eden Invitations and Announcements.
Those interested in providing a detailed account of why they should receive these services should e-mail the first and last name of the bride and groom, wedding date and location, phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses of the couple and the nominating person, a recent photo of the couple and the story detailing why they're deserving.
Submit to info@radproductions.org, and voting will take place in April. To see more information on this contest, go to radproductions.org/blog/?p=345.
A group of area businesses have been hunting since the beginning of the year for a couple who will be marrying sometime in 2009, because they want to help them receive the wedding of their dreams.
There's a catch, however.
At least one member of the couple must have served or be active duty in the U.S. military.
The contest is called "Operation Wedding," and it's ongoing until March 31 through Rad Productions, a photography and video services company reachable at info@radproductions.org.
The company has enlisted the services of area businesses such as Jenniffer & Co. beauty salon of Mentor, Expressions Bridal, Marino Brothers disc jockeys, and Michelle's Eden Invitations and Announcements.
Those interested in providing a detailed account of why they should receive these services should e-mail the first and last name of the bride and groom, wedding date and location, phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses of the couple and the nominating person, a recent photo of the couple and the story detailing why they're deserving.
Submit to info@radproductions.org, and voting will take place in April. To see more information on this contest, go to radproductions.org/blog/?p=345.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Something in the W-A-T-E-R?
Michael Girbino of West Geauga Middle School knows how to spell all the words I'm about to use.
He'd better, because today he won his third trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The bee takes place the last week of May.
Michael is part of a long tradition of Geauga County spellers who've won the Tri-County Bee, which is the qualifier for the national bee. The News-Herald sponsors the Tri-County winner's trip to Washington.
A few years ago, a photograph of another Geauga speller was used in newspapers around the country. It showed Sammy Totino just a few seconds after he missed a word on the second day of that year's bee. The look on his face was priceless. Head tilted to the side, he appeared as though he was thinking to himself, "UGH!!"
In the office today, we discussed how we've seen Michael mature before our eyes, in pictures of his various appearances at bees through the years.
We're hoping Michael finds S-U-C-C-E-S-S in Washington. We hope he has T-H-R-I-L-L-S to last a lifetime.
Bring home a V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!
He'd better, because today he won his third trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The bee takes place the last week of May.
Michael is part of a long tradition of Geauga County spellers who've won the Tri-County Bee, which is the qualifier for the national bee. The News-Herald sponsors the Tri-County winner's trip to Washington.
A few years ago, a photograph of another Geauga speller was used in newspapers around the country. It showed Sammy Totino just a few seconds after he missed a word on the second day of that year's bee. The look on his face was priceless. Head tilted to the side, he appeared as though he was thinking to himself, "UGH!!"
In the office today, we discussed how we've seen Michael mature before our eyes, in pictures of his various appearances at bees through the years.
We're hoping Michael finds S-U-C-C-E-S-S in Washington. We hope he has T-H-R-I-L-L-S to last a lifetime.
Bring home a V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A solution, please
A well-known, dirty little secret has emerged from this week's multiple-part Associated Press series on drinking water contaminated with pharmaceuticals.
A caller, Sara Hallstrom of Willoughby, today asked me point-blank, "what am I supposed to do with the 150 Coumadin pills that the doctor told me I shouldn't take?" She said that when she asked the doctor what she should do, he simply told her, "flush them down the toilet."
I'd never heard that before. I learn so many new things at The News-Herald.
Apparently, this practice is very common. A co-worker told me that a pharmacist has told her the same thing. The idea is that by flushing them, you reduce the chance that they'll be found in your trash and end up in the hands of drug dealers.
Too bad the alternative to drug dealers is ending up in my drinking glass before being ingested with my dinner.
I've decided Americans, to protect themselves, need to develop a system by which unused and unneeded prescription drugs can then be collected and given to those who need them but can't afford them. We all know someone who can't afford the medicine they require. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to get them the help they really need — free access to the pills they require?
I'm not sure how to go about this, but the barrier has long been concerns about tampering. So, obviously, the first step in the process would be ensuring the donated pills are safe.
Maybe we can write to our congressmen and women and push the idea. Apparently, our health depends on it.
A caller, Sara Hallstrom of Willoughby, today asked me point-blank, "what am I supposed to do with the 150 Coumadin pills that the doctor told me I shouldn't take?" She said that when she asked the doctor what she should do, he simply told her, "flush them down the toilet."
I'd never heard that before. I learn so many new things at The News-Herald.
Apparently, this practice is very common. A co-worker told me that a pharmacist has told her the same thing. The idea is that by flushing them, you reduce the chance that they'll be found in your trash and end up in the hands of drug dealers.
Too bad the alternative to drug dealers is ending up in my drinking glass before being ingested with my dinner.
I've decided Americans, to protect themselves, need to develop a system by which unused and unneeded prescription drugs can then be collected and given to those who need them but can't afford them. We all know someone who can't afford the medicine they require. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to get them the help they really need — free access to the pills they require?
I'm not sure how to go about this, but the barrier has long been concerns about tampering. So, obviously, the first step in the process would be ensuring the donated pills are safe.
Maybe we can write to our congressmen and women and push the idea. Apparently, our health depends on it.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Kids do the most amazing things
Since The News-Herald started producing videos for our Web site in late October, we've run across some remarkable people. We've met gifted athletes, some of the most powerful people in Lake County and those who are struggling with overwhelming grief after enduring shocking losses.
But the ones who make the greatest impact on me are the children I've seen through my lens. I met 12 superstars at Richmond Heights High School who bared their fears about what would a levy failure would do to their district, and, therefore, their education. I interviewed a group of first- and second-graders from St. Mary Magdalene-St. Justin Martyr in Eastlake, who described what they had given up for Lent, and why.
Today, I met a sixth-grader from Willoughby Middle School named Marlon "Tommy" Richmond, who recently won an essay contest in which he wrote about what Black History Month means to him.
To say Tommy lights up a room is an understatement. He's bright, articulate and has no problem speaking with adults or handling the pressure of a grilling from a reporter. He also has a keen ability to have fun at his own expense — a trait that's sorely lacking in many who walk among us.
I hope you'll take a moment to view the video I posted to our Web site, www.News-Herald.com, called Black History Month essay winner. It includes a few excerpts of Tommy reading his essay, the full text of which also is available on our Web site.
You won't regret it, I promise.
But the ones who make the greatest impact on me are the children I've seen through my lens. I met 12 superstars at Richmond Heights High School who bared their fears about what would a levy failure would do to their district, and, therefore, their education. I interviewed a group of first- and second-graders from St. Mary Magdalene-St. Justin Martyr in Eastlake, who described what they had given up for Lent, and why.
Today, I met a sixth-grader from Willoughby Middle School named Marlon "Tommy" Richmond, who recently won an essay contest in which he wrote about what Black History Month means to him.
To say Tommy lights up a room is an understatement. He's bright, articulate and has no problem speaking with adults or handling the pressure of a grilling from a reporter. He also has a keen ability to have fun at his own expense — a trait that's sorely lacking in many who walk among us.
I hope you'll take a moment to view the video I posted to our Web site, www.News-Herald.com, called Black History Month essay winner. It includes a few excerpts of Tommy reading his essay, the full text of which also is available on our Web site.
You won't regret it, I promise.
Monday, March 10, 2008
A little sign of spring
On a day when I drove past snow piles that in some places reached higher than the top of my head, I remembered a sure sign of spring was occurring in gyms all around Ohio.
This marks the first official week of practice for spring sports teams.
Yes, that means there's tennis being played, baseball bats being swung and young men and women running around tracks training for the moment they can actually see the ovals they'll compete on when it officially becomes spring. We can't forget that softballs are being pitched in both fast and slow forms.
I know it's difficult to believe as we still marvel at our weekend's misfortune, but we're just a few weeks away from sitting in area stands watching our neighbors compete simply for the joy of the sport.
Ah, I knew there was a bright spot somewhere.
This marks the first official week of practice for spring sports teams.
Yes, that means there's tennis being played, baseball bats being swung and young men and women running around tracks training for the moment they can actually see the ovals they'll compete on when it officially becomes spring. We can't forget that softballs are being pitched in both fast and slow forms.
I know it's difficult to believe as we still marvel at our weekend's misfortune, but we're just a few weeks away from sitting in area stands watching our neighbors compete simply for the joy of the sport.
Ah, I knew there was a bright spot somewhere.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The best and the worst of the storm
I finally was able to get out of my yard about 5 p.m. Sunday. I can't blame the City of Euclid plows, because I got to see for myself how hard their drivers work.
I wrote yesterday about a minivan that had been abandoned in front of my driveway early on in the storm. It sat there, locked in place, until about noon Sunday, when, on about the third attempt to free it, a couple guys came up and started digging from all sides with shovels.
The truly sad part of this incident is that it appears I missed that a Jeep Wrangler had also been abandoned about 25 yards to the south, on the opposite side of the street. The thick cloud of snow apparently had prevented me from seeing it Saturday night. During the Sunday morning spectacle of trying to free the minivan, I realized the same people owned the Jeep.
I watched from my front windows as the owner of the minivan and a couple guys attempted to free it. First, there was a spinning of tires akin to the machine at an E-Check station. Then, they tried to rock it back and forth. Finally, another Jeep came up and hooked it up with a chain, and the owners tried to push as the Jeep pulled.
No dice.
A little bit later, the guys with the shovels arrived. Within about an hour, the van was gone.
If only that activity had occurred earlier in the morning, when the van's presence caused one of the brighter moments of the storm.
I awoke at 8 a.m. to the sound of spinning tires. Of course, I figured it was the van. I got up to look out the window, and saw one of the more striking things I've encountered...a city plow stuck in the snow, tires spinning wildly.
After a few minutes of spinning, a pickup with a plow attached got to the scene, and they worked together to free the truck.
No dice.
Next, a piece of what I normally would call construction equipment arrived on my street. The backhoe linked a chain to the plow and tried to pull it out. Pull, pull, pull — nothing. They then adjusted the chain to another part of the plow. Pull, pull, pull — nothing.
Then, suddenly, the backhoe drives off. I'm curious. They're just gonna leave the plow stuck on my street? Is this armageddon?
Just as suddenly, the backhoe reappears, from the other direction. It backs up behind the plow truck, hooks up the chain again, and proceeds to yank the plow all the way down the street — through a maze that includes the minivan and the Jeep.
It was impressive driving and creative problem-solving by people working very hard. I'm not sure if they were just starting what would be a very long day, or finishing up after a harrowing night. Either way, I'm grateful for their efforts.
Of course, I'm even more pleased the minivan finally left my view. That enabled the street to finally be cleared so I could finally leave my house.
To the plow drivers, thank you for your hard work and best wishes on a long nap. To the minivan and Jeep drivers, I can only ask, where the heck were you going, anyway?
I wrote yesterday about a minivan that had been abandoned in front of my driveway early on in the storm. It sat there, locked in place, until about noon Sunday, when, on about the third attempt to free it, a couple guys came up and started digging from all sides with shovels.
The truly sad part of this incident is that it appears I missed that a Jeep Wrangler had also been abandoned about 25 yards to the south, on the opposite side of the street. The thick cloud of snow apparently had prevented me from seeing it Saturday night. During the Sunday morning spectacle of trying to free the minivan, I realized the same people owned the Jeep.
I watched from my front windows as the owner of the minivan and a couple guys attempted to free it. First, there was a spinning of tires akin to the machine at an E-Check station. Then, they tried to rock it back and forth. Finally, another Jeep came up and hooked it up with a chain, and the owners tried to push as the Jeep pulled.
No dice.
A little bit later, the guys with the shovels arrived. Within about an hour, the van was gone.
If only that activity had occurred earlier in the morning, when the van's presence caused one of the brighter moments of the storm.
I awoke at 8 a.m. to the sound of spinning tires. Of course, I figured it was the van. I got up to look out the window, and saw one of the more striking things I've encountered...a city plow stuck in the snow, tires spinning wildly.
After a few minutes of spinning, a pickup with a plow attached got to the scene, and they worked together to free the truck.
No dice.
Next, a piece of what I normally would call construction equipment arrived on my street. The backhoe linked a chain to the plow and tried to pull it out. Pull, pull, pull — nothing. They then adjusted the chain to another part of the plow. Pull, pull, pull — nothing.
Then, suddenly, the backhoe drives off. I'm curious. They're just gonna leave the plow stuck on my street? Is this armageddon?
Just as suddenly, the backhoe reappears, from the other direction. It backs up behind the plow truck, hooks up the chain again, and proceeds to yank the plow all the way down the street — through a maze that includes the minivan and the Jeep.
It was impressive driving and creative problem-solving by people working very hard. I'm not sure if they were just starting what would be a very long day, or finishing up after a harrowing night. Either way, I'm grateful for their efforts.
Of course, I'm even more pleased the minivan finally left my view. That enabled the street to finally be cleared so I could finally leave my house.
To the plow drivers, thank you for your hard work and best wishes on a long nap. To the minivan and Jeep drivers, I can only ask, where the heck were you going, anyway?
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Snowed in
It's a little after 5 p.m. Saturday, and I can no longer see out of any of my windows — they're encased in snow.
I'm sure it's a scene common across about a third of the country as this winter storm pushes up from the south and through the Midwest and into the Northeast.
I'm a little upset about it, too, because I'm not good at sitting at home. I'd rather be shopping, or even just driving around. Not even I'm crazy enough to do that, however.
So far this afternoon, I've stood and watched four autos of various types get stuck on my street, which hasn't been touched by a snowplow. Currently, a minivan sits abandoned at the end of my driveway, about 5 hours after the driver foolishly tried to pass down the street. A couple of the private snowplow drivers also got stuck.
That was the sign that I shouldn't even try to leave home, no matter how much I wanted to hit the Macy's buy-one-get-one-free clearance sale.
I'm pretty convinced this is the most snow I've ever seen fall in my lifetime. I was around for the Blizzard of 1978, but I don't recall it being quite this bad. I'm just on the edge of the snow belt, so I can't even imagine how bad it is in Chardon.
Let us know what it's like where you are. Send us your pictures or stories of the Storm of 2008. E-mail photos and your viewpoint to editor@news-herald.com, and we'll use them in this week's editions of The News-Herald. Include your full name and hometown.
If you'd like to add a comment to this blog, we can accomplish it that way, too. But you'll have to also include your e-mail address.
Hopefully we'll see the end of this storm soon. I have shopping to do!!
I'm sure it's a scene common across about a third of the country as this winter storm pushes up from the south and through the Midwest and into the Northeast.
I'm a little upset about it, too, because I'm not good at sitting at home. I'd rather be shopping, or even just driving around. Not even I'm crazy enough to do that, however.
So far this afternoon, I've stood and watched four autos of various types get stuck on my street, which hasn't been touched by a snowplow. Currently, a minivan sits abandoned at the end of my driveway, about 5 hours after the driver foolishly tried to pass down the street. A couple of the private snowplow drivers also got stuck.
That was the sign that I shouldn't even try to leave home, no matter how much I wanted to hit the Macy's buy-one-get-one-free clearance sale.
I'm pretty convinced this is the most snow I've ever seen fall in my lifetime. I was around for the Blizzard of 1978, but I don't recall it being quite this bad. I'm just on the edge of the snow belt, so I can't even imagine how bad it is in Chardon.
Let us know what it's like where you are. Send us your pictures or stories of the Storm of 2008. E-mail photos and your viewpoint to editor@news-herald.com, and we'll use them in this week's editions of The News-Herald. Include your full name and hometown.
If you'd like to add a comment to this blog, we can accomplish it that way, too. But you'll have to also include your e-mail address.
Hopefully we'll see the end of this storm soon. I have shopping to do!!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Making Progress
We've just completed the third week of our Progress 2008 project.
This week's agenda is a look at how Lake and Geauga counties, and their businesses, schools and residents are responding in a changing world, as technology and its many opportunities open so many paths.
We study how businesses go from idea to operation, how the "Fast Track 50" companies got where they are and how they corrected their biggest mistakes and how our children are finding help early on in their lives as they plot their path in the working world.
Don't forget that each Progress 2008 section includes a quiz that will reward one winner with a prize pack from The News-Herald. See the section in Sunday's edition for rules.
Let us know what you think. We approached it differently this year, with an eye toward showing you where we've been and where we're going. We hope you'll join us on the journey.
This week's agenda is a look at how Lake and Geauga counties, and their businesses, schools and residents are responding in a changing world, as technology and its many opportunities open so many paths.
We study how businesses go from idea to operation, how the "Fast Track 50" companies got where they are and how they corrected their biggest mistakes and how our children are finding help early on in their lives as they plot their path in the working world.
Don't forget that each Progress 2008 section includes a quiz that will reward one winner with a prize pack from The News-Herald. See the section in Sunday's edition for rules.
Let us know what you think. We approached it differently this year, with an eye toward showing you where we've been and where we're going. We hope you'll join us on the journey.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
A throwback — unintentionally
Those who picked up our Sports section in today's edition no doubt noticed it was a little less colorful than normal. No, your eyes were not playing tricks on you, nor were you suddenly transported back to 1980.
A complicated series of events, the details of which I'll spare you, found their way to happening all in a row late Wednesday night, culminating in a mostly black-and-white Sports front cover.
Yes, the advertisements appeared in color, and, if you look really closely, so too did our tiny, little www.News-Herald.com logo.
We're a little chagrined, needless to say. But, as with every mistake that occurs, we've learned a valuable lesson that should prevent such a shocker from rearing its ugly, colorless head again.
Just when I thought it was safe to put away my box of Crayolas...
A complicated series of events, the details of which I'll spare you, found their way to happening all in a row late Wednesday night, culminating in a mostly black-and-white Sports front cover.
Yes, the advertisements appeared in color, and, if you look really closely, so too did our tiny, little www.News-Herald.com logo.
We're a little chagrined, needless to say. But, as with every mistake that occurs, we've learned a valuable lesson that should prevent such a shocker from rearing its ugly, colorless head again.
Just when I thought it was safe to put away my box of Crayolas...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A good deed for someone in need
The producers of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" are asking for your help.
They're eager to make over a home for an area family. They're not looking for those who want to look good; rather, they're hunting for those who do good.
Does this sound like someone you know?
The ABC-TV show, seen locally on WEWS-TV 5, performs home makeovers for families that have suffered major setbacks, yet still perform good deeds or make a difference in the lives of others. Some examples cited by producers include the Bliven Family of Minot, N.D., who started a youth baseball program for children with special needs.
If you know a family in Northeast Ohio who qualifies, contact emheohio@gmail.com. Deadline for hero nominations is March 24. They should include the names and ages of each member of the household, along with a description of the major challenges within the home. You also should include contact information of the family you're nominating.
So, area readers, put your thinking caps on. It's time to do your good deed for the day — remember those who do good and deserve a helping hand.
They're eager to make over a home for an area family. They're not looking for those who want to look good; rather, they're hunting for those who do good.
Does this sound like someone you know?
The ABC-TV show, seen locally on WEWS-TV 5, performs home makeovers for families that have suffered major setbacks, yet still perform good deeds or make a difference in the lives of others. Some examples cited by producers include the Bliven Family of Minot, N.D., who started a youth baseball program for children with special needs.
If you know a family in Northeast Ohio who qualifies, contact emheohio@gmail.com. Deadline for hero nominations is March 24. They should include the names and ages of each member of the household, along with a description of the major challenges within the home. You also should include contact information of the family you're nominating.
So, area readers, put your thinking caps on. It's time to do your good deed for the day — remember those who do good and deserve a helping hand.
By the numbers...
Mentor voters had four issues on their ballots for the primary — a fire renewal levy, issues seeking approval for work to be done at Mentor Lagoons and the Mentor Library levy.
Voters passed three of the issues.
The library levy, which also went before voters in Mentor-on-the-Lake and Concord Township, passed by 2,007 votes. Library officials promised to restore service hours if the levy passed.
Only one of the Lagoons issues, which sought to bring both public restrooms and gas docks for boaters to the city-owned lakeshore park, passed. Preliminary figures from the Lake County Elections Board showed the gas dock issue failing by 39 votes. The restroom issue passed by 4,116 votes. In all, 16,320 people cast ballots in the restroom issue; 16,223 people voted on the gas dock issue.
So, it appears, from preliminary figures, that 97 more people were interested in deciding on the restrooms at the park.
Apparently, when you wanna go, you gotta go to the polls.
Voters passed three of the issues.
The library levy, which also went before voters in Mentor-on-the-Lake and Concord Township, passed by 2,007 votes. Library officials promised to restore service hours if the levy passed.
Only one of the Lagoons issues, which sought to bring both public restrooms and gas docks for boaters to the city-owned lakeshore park, passed. Preliminary figures from the Lake County Elections Board showed the gas dock issue failing by 39 votes. The restroom issue passed by 4,116 votes. In all, 16,320 people cast ballots in the restroom issue; 16,223 people voted on the gas dock issue.
So, it appears, from preliminary figures, that 97 more people were interested in deciding on the restrooms at the park.
Apparently, when you wanna go, you gotta go to the polls.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A little service, please?
You've gotta feel for Lake County Elections Board Director Janet M. Clair.
I'm not sure how to describe her — whirlwind, wunderkind, whiz all come to mind.
Tonight, I feel badly for her, because she and her staff are feverishly working to complete counting votes from Lake County voters, and just as feverishly posting them to the agency's Web site, but apparently very few people are able to see them.
It's been described as a server problem, but I'm not sure if that's the true reason for the trouble. — it could be weather or just plain slow-speed connections.
But poor Clair's stuck working with brand new equipment, once again, while, once again, more up-to-date machines sit and collect dust in a storage room.
We feel for you, and understand that you're doing all you can do — which just happens to be running the best darn elections board in Ohio.
I'm not sure how to describe her — whirlwind, wunderkind, whiz all come to mind.
Tonight, I feel badly for her, because she and her staff are feverishly working to complete counting votes from Lake County voters, and just as feverishly posting them to the agency's Web site, but apparently very few people are able to see them.
It's been described as a server problem, but I'm not sure if that's the true reason for the trouble. — it could be weather or just plain slow-speed connections.
But poor Clair's stuck working with brand new equipment, once again, while, once again, more up-to-date machines sit and collect dust in a storage room.
We feel for you, and understand that you're doing all you can do — which just happens to be running the best darn elections board in Ohio.
A little news as the evening progresses
On a day when so much happened, it appears something really big did, too.
It snowed, it rained, it sleeted. Power went out; bomb threats came in. Lawsuits kept polls open in some counties because ballots ran short and lines ran long. Sadly, CNN projected a winner in Ohio before the polls even closed.
Yes, my patience is wearing thin as we remain in the thick of the wait for results in Ohio and Texas, the two big prizes on this suddenly "Super Tuesday."
But, at least there's some news to report this early in the evening: The Associated Press and Politico.com declared that John McCain has clinched the Republican nomination for president. And former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has announced he will cease his campaign.
Not the biggest news of the night, but I'll take it. At least we have a headline for Wednesday's paper.
It snowed, it rained, it sleeted. Power went out; bomb threats came in. Lawsuits kept polls open in some counties because ballots ran short and lines ran long. Sadly, CNN projected a winner in Ohio before the polls even closed.
Yes, my patience is wearing thin as we remain in the thick of the wait for results in Ohio and Texas, the two big prizes on this suddenly "Super Tuesday."
But, at least there's some news to report this early in the evening: The Associated Press and Politico.com declared that John McCain has clinched the Republican nomination for president. And former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has announced he will cease his campaign.
Not the biggest news of the night, but I'll take it. At least we have a headline for Wednesday's paper.
Well, duh!!
I've become fascinated with Politico.com, a Web site devoted to American politics.
I'm not sure if the site was dedicated to politics in general before the presidential election kicked into high gear, or if it's just recently become awash in those races.
Either way, it's my favorite Web destination now, right after News-Herald.com (in case my bosses are watching). I signed up to receive their "breaking news" e-mails here at work, and just got the first couple of the night pertaining to today's presidential primary votes.
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., won Vermont. Good to know.
U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., won Vermont and Ohio. Not much of a surprise there, really, is it?
I wholeheartedly suggest checking out Politico.com, because it's run by former newspaper journalists Jim VandeHei and John F. Harris, who previously worked at The Washington Post. These excellent writers periodically have stories that appear on the site. Their current one explains the reasons why U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., would have won Ohio or Texas, if that actually occurs.
One of their reasons is that journalists are too hard on Clinton's tendancy to show that she's actually a woman. I wonder who would do such a thing?
I'm not sure if the site was dedicated to politics in general before the presidential election kicked into high gear, or if it's just recently become awash in those races.
Either way, it's my favorite Web destination now, right after News-Herald.com (in case my bosses are watching). I signed up to receive their "breaking news" e-mails here at work, and just got the first couple of the night pertaining to today's presidential primary votes.
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., won Vermont. Good to know.
U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., won Vermont and Ohio. Not much of a surprise there, really, is it?
I wholeheartedly suggest checking out Politico.com, because it's run by former newspaper journalists Jim VandeHei and John F. Harris, who previously worked at The Washington Post. These excellent writers periodically have stories that appear on the site. Their current one explains the reasons why U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., would have won Ohio or Texas, if that actually occurs.
One of their reasons is that journalists are too hard on Clinton's tendancy to show that she's actually a woman. I wonder who would do such a thing?
Election Day — unplugged
You can't have Election Day without hearing about the weather. Now we know why.
After spending most of the day with one eye trained on the window to see if already icy conditions would turn more drastic, we received news just after 7 p.m. that a power outage had struck in Painesville Township.
A voter called to report the outage had occurred just after his wife had left the polls. He also said more voters were just entering the polling station when the lights went out.
We're assuming they'll have to vote via paper ballots. Ah, how I know what that's all about!!
As weather and road conditions continue to deteriorate with freezing rain and dropping temperatures wreaking havoc, we'll remain hopeful the various county elections boards can keep their lights on at least through tonight's counts.
After spending most of the day with one eye trained on the window to see if already icy conditions would turn more drastic, we received news just after 7 p.m. that a power outage had struck in Painesville Township.
A voter called to report the outage had occurred just after his wife had left the polls. He also said more voters were just entering the polling station when the lights went out.
We're assuming they'll have to vote via paper ballots. Ah, how I know what that's all about!!
As weather and road conditions continue to deteriorate with freezing rain and dropping temperatures wreaking havoc, we'll remain hopeful the various county elections boards can keep their lights on at least through tonight's counts.
Have pen, will vote
Ah, the good old days — TV dinners in the oven, percolators brewing coffee on the stove, electronic voting.
Yes, when I went to the polls in Euclid this afternoon, I was handed a paper ballot and led to a cubicle that had a pen attached to a wire chain. How times have changed.
A mere four months ago, I pushed a few buttons on an electronic screen and recorded my votes, then headed in to work knowing my vote was correct. Today, after performing what seemed like an SAT in which I colored in little circles on a piece of 11-by-14-inch paper, I tossed my ballot into a box and drove away wondering how long it would be before I know who my new City Council representative will be.
Yes, that's the second weird element to today's election — in my home city it's half primary, half general election. Because of a federal lawsuit against the City of Euclid regarding accusations of racial bias in the city's elections procedures, the City Council races were delayed from November until today.
The other oddity is that nowhere on my ballot did it say "president" or "presidential election." Instead, it said something about pick the one you want to be the party's nominee at the convention. Below that was a list of names I've seen before. I guessed that because these particular names were grouped together, that was where I should make my choice for the party's nominee. I probably won't know if I guessed right.
I can only imagine what November's election will be like.
Yes, when I went to the polls in Euclid this afternoon, I was handed a paper ballot and led to a cubicle that had a pen attached to a wire chain. How times have changed.
A mere four months ago, I pushed a few buttons on an electronic screen and recorded my votes, then headed in to work knowing my vote was correct. Today, after performing what seemed like an SAT in which I colored in little circles on a piece of 11-by-14-inch paper, I tossed my ballot into a box and drove away wondering how long it would be before I know who my new City Council representative will be.
Yes, that's the second weird element to today's election — in my home city it's half primary, half general election. Because of a federal lawsuit against the City of Euclid regarding accusations of racial bias in the city's elections procedures, the City Council races were delayed from November until today.
The other oddity is that nowhere on my ballot did it say "president" or "presidential election." Instead, it said something about pick the one you want to be the party's nominee at the convention. Below that was a list of names I've seen before. I guessed that because these particular names were grouped together, that was where I should make my choice for the party's nominee. I probably won't know if I guessed right.
I can only imagine what November's election will be like.
Monday, March 3, 2008
I'm such a stickler
When today's edition of The News-Herald hit your mailboxes, front porches and driveways, it had an attachment. No, not the type you see in your e-mails.
Rather, it was a akin to a Post-It note, touting the candidacy of John Rogers for the Democratic nomination for Lake County Juvenile Court judge. Rogers is running against Patrice Denman, James R. Dugan and Paul E. Miller. The winner of that race will face off against the winner of the Republican primary, which pits Karen D. Lawson against James R. O'Leary.
The sticker on today's edition was a paid advertisement, not an endorsement from The News-Herald. We at The News-Herald did not endorse any candidates in advance of tomorrow's primary election.
After receiving several calls questioning our placement of the sticker, I thought I'd explain why it was there.
That type of advertisement is relatively new to The News-Herald. Any of our sales representatives would gladly explain how you can get your business or service such prominent placement.
Don't forget to vote tomorrow -- polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Call your board of elections for details on where to cast your ballot. Check The News-Herald in print and online Wednesday for results. We'll be updating them as we receive new information.
Rather, it was a akin to a Post-It note, touting the candidacy of John Rogers for the Democratic nomination for Lake County Juvenile Court judge. Rogers is running against Patrice Denman, James R. Dugan and Paul E. Miller. The winner of that race will face off against the winner of the Republican primary, which pits Karen D. Lawson against James R. O'Leary.
The sticker on today's edition was a paid advertisement, not an endorsement from The News-Herald. We at The News-Herald did not endorse any candidates in advance of tomorrow's primary election.
After receiving several calls questioning our placement of the sticker, I thought I'd explain why it was there.
That type of advertisement is relatively new to The News-Herald. Any of our sales representatives would gladly explain how you can get your business or service such prominent placement.
Don't forget to vote tomorrow -- polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Call your board of elections for details on where to cast your ballot. Check The News-Herald in print and online Wednesday for results. We'll be updating them as we receive new information.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
