As we get closer to 2009, I recently came across an on-line list of things that are “vanishing” and may not exist in a few years.  I’ve listed some of them.  What do you think should be included? The printed “Yellow Pages” Answering machines Handwritten letters Personal checks Drive-in theatres Honey bees News magazines Analog […]

I’m technically on vacation this week.  By “technically”, I mean I have days I have to use or lose.   But since there are still interesting things to write and talk about I figured I’d keep our conversation going on the blog.  Here are my thoughts on a few stories that have surfaced lately. Government Consolidation […]

Before heading back to Indy after a weekend of telling jokes and having a lot of fun at the expense of the current Governor of Illinois, I thought I’d post a few items of note for you to munch on until tomorrow… Expect a new report on charter schools to come out soon counteracting the […]

If you are someone who is not an elected official, doesn’t work for local government or has a family member who works for local government, make your case against consolidation and Kernan-Shepard, which by the way according to a Ball State study would free up more than $600 million in taxpayer funds. Go ahead,  I […]

Of all the times to have to leave town and go be a comedian tomorrow. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will announce Friday plans to move forward with the Kernan-Shepard Government consolidation plan. I would expect him to use the state’s current economic climate as a backdrop, arguing if Hoosiers have to tighten their belts and […]

A few days ago my fiance asked me to go to the grocery store and pick up a few things.  I really didn’t feel like doing it, but like a good future husband I did what I was told and shut up about it. I got in the car and drove down to the grocery […]

The same union mentality that helped caused the demise of the American auto industry is working its way into downtown Indianapolis.   United Here, a hotel workers union, is holding a march this afternoon on Monument Circle in an effort to unionize workers at the Westin and Hyatt Regency in downtown and the Sheraton at […]

Opponents of charter schools are using a new report out by the Indiana University to argue there is practically no difference between the academic performance of students in charter schools versus those in traditional public schools. The 180-page report evaluates charter school performance at the elementary level and has reached a number of conclusions, including the […]

This memo went out this weekend to Beech Grove city employees from Mayor Joe Wright.  Everyone, As I discussed at the employee budget presentations in September and again in my State of the City address in October, 2009 will be a dramatic transition year for the City. In preparation for legislation-imposed reductions as required by […]

Although we voted on November 4, today the members of the Electoral College cast their votes.  Indiana has 11 electoral votes and the ballots will be cast this morning at the Statehouse. Barack Obama won the election, 365-173 electoral votes over John McCain and all of Indiana’s 11 electoral votes.  This is the first time […]