Lubbock County Register

Volunteer Work Is A Noble Cause

2009-11-29T10:27:00.001-06:00

This editor learned that "volunteer work" is what makes the difference sometimes. I spent almost a month living with "DAD" Burnett in August trying to ease his pain during his final month on earth. I never once considered asking my sisters to pitch in or hire a caregiver for my beloved father. I learned that an aching back or anything else wasn't even significant while another person is dying. My sisters both saw just what a real father/son relationship really is and I did what had to be done. It's not an easy job being a caregiver to the dying but it falls into category of "Giving Without Counting The Cost". When I helped "DAD" get in the shower or sit on the toilet I did it because he was too weak to help himself. Local home health care people claimed I was helping "DAD" too much and he should try to get on his walker and other things himself. Those women were totally wrong and me and "DAD" knew it. Helping a sick&dying over 80 year old person is a tedious,backbreaking job and women are not qualified for the job. I ignored those alleged professionals and did everything I could including begging a "higher power" to relieve "DAD's" pain and suffering. The "higher power" did just that and removed "DAD" from my care and took him to "paradise" where pain is not existent. Caregiving until the patient passes away is as tough as it comes.

Clif Burnett

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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Clif Burnett to seek Lubbock County Republican Party Chairmanship

2009-11-29T08:39:00.000-06:00

This editor will seek Lubbock County Republican Party chairmanship and will file paperwork Thursday at republican party headquarters downtown. The campaign starts Thursday and will run until election day in March of 2010. This editor will hand deliver press release to 11,13 and 28 as well as KFYO. Ramar Communications and Clif Burnett still have a "no contact" agreement since Ramar is "one big joke". In the last campaign I was only interviewed by James Clark at 1420 and Paul Beane at KRBL-FM. Neither of those fellas works at those stations and so Clif Burnett will use a "grass roots" campaign with yardsigns and campaign leaflets.

My campaign motto will be "Lower Taxes&Smaller Government".

Let the mudslinging begin!!_______________________________________________
"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

LCR thanx those readers that click the ads

2009-11-29T08:24:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Google Inc. forwarded Clif Burnett a check for $102 as payment for all the readers who have clicked the ads on LCR,West Texas Times,Classic Wax and Flatland Howler blogs. I felt it was only fair to monetize all blogs since Google provides the blogs free and advertisers help pay for free services. That $102 will cover the cost of a back-up computer LCR acquired recently to avoid downtime while online computer is in for yearly maintenance. Thx readers and "Keep On Clickin'

Clif Burnett
Editor
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Saturday At LCR

2009-11-28T18:07:00.003-06:00

Today yet another neighbor wanted to rent the old LCR headquarters. A family of 3 lost their home to fire in Shallowater this weekend and they knew my neighbor. I informed him no utilities were hooked up and trailer could be for sale but it is not rentable due to 3 plumbing problems. I also got the first half of season ONE of The Fugitive on DVD which is 3 one hour episodes per disc in a 4 disc set. This 4 disc set was a $39 value that sold at half price from an amazon.com merchant.

David Janssen was the best looking,best sounding actor in Hollywood in the 50's and 60's. He had a shortlived detective show called Richard Diamond that featured Mary Tyler Moore's legs in the intro.William Conrad(Frank Cannon of Cannon)narrates The Fugitive and his voice is classic deep voice like Janssen's. Jannsen later surfaced as The Fugitive and the "Dad" Burnett family watched Janssen run from Deputy Gerard(Barry Morse) until the series ended. Popcorn&kool-aid were munchies as "Mom&Dad" and the kids were glued to the TV every episode that The Fugitive aired. The Fugitive was where many actors and actresses got early exposure to TV land. The first 3 episodes on disc one of season one had Brian Keith(Family Affair),Vera Miles,fella who played Sheriff Roy Coffey on Bonanza,Sandy Denny,Pat Crowley(Please Don't Eat The Daisies) and Jean Seberg(Paint Your Wagon blond). The Fugitive's first season was 1963(year Kennedy was assassinated) and was in black&white. Nostalgia from early TV reminds this editor of how the old days weren't that bad.

On a side note the old LCR headquarters was de-weeded yesterday and today and looks like it did before "DAD" passed away. LCR's old headquarters has 21 years of Clif Burnett memories that will never be forgotten by this editor. LCR old headquarters had several dogs,2 horses&pony and even a small herd of goats that are all gone now.
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

LCR Editor and Burnett Family Trust Assets

2009-11-28T11:06:00.002-06:00

This editor continues to deal with people trying to acquire assets that were owned by Burnett Family Trust. Yesterday a seldom heard from neighbor wanted to know asking price on LCR's former home(trailer house). No former Burnett Family Trust assets are currently for sale. "DAD's" sudden death has exposed just how many people wanted his money or his material wealth. No one dared to offer to buy anything belonging to Burnett Family Trust until "DAD's" death in late August. Bargain hunters pop-up when an estate changes hands and everyone uses the "jew 'em down" theory to get anything for a "good deal". This editor is virtually homebound trying to prevent theft or "gawkers" from looking for a "good deal" on lot,trailer,tractor,etc. I have even posted an old "No Trespassing" sign on wooden fence post between my old lot and "DAD's" old lot hoping to discourage scavengers from coming onto the property. This editor has not seen or heard from Martha Brown or Sonya Sherrod but knows they have been in contact with "DAD's" sisters trying to misrepresent terms of the Burnett Family Trust. Sonya Sherrod is now a documented "liar" and Martha Brown is thought to be considering spending her $100,000+ in cash on an overpriced house that she will probably mortgage to get money to waste on her business that was about to fail and will fail most likely. Clowns who inherit money and promptly go waste it are "losers" that should get no pity in the "losers circle". This editor still awaits deeds to both "my lot" and "DAD's lot" and title to "LCR's old home/trailer house" and I haven't spent any of my inheritence because it's my parents' hard earned savings and they would be very disappointed if I went on a "mindless spending spree" like my sisters may be involved in. Life will go on for Clif Burnett,without my stupid greedy sisters, and 2009 will be a year of infamy in my book of memories.

Clif Burnett
LCR Editor
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Black Friday

2009-11-27T08:27:00.000-06:00

Today is called "Black Friday" because it's the biggest shopping day of the year. Readers are asked to NOT participate in "Black Friday" and avoid the crowds and shop gradually and spend your money wisely. Germs are abundant as "The Croup",swine flu,etc. are all over the West Texas area. Stores are open more hours and discounts will never go below wholesale cost(that's a law). Please drive a little slower and avoid being in a car accident or causing an accident.

Happy Holidays from LCR!_______________________________________________
"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T17:16:00.001-06:00

This editor continues to fight "The Croup" symptoms that include cough,sore throat and run down feeling. I spent Thanksgiving dinner at Ron&Phyllis Boyer home(Phyllis is DAD's oldest sister's daughter) where I was invited to attend. Now that I'm officially divorced from both sisters after Burnett Family Trust property debacle I will be "The Loner" for the foreseeable future. Holidays were always difficult for DAD&Clif after Mary(momma) died in 2002. Growing old without "DAD" will be a real challenge but losing one's parents to untreatable diseases is an aging experience in itself.

In other LCR news this editor has now installed a 24/7 phone recorder on one phoneline to screen calls and that is designed to frustrate callers hanging up when I answer in person. No former Burnett Family Trust property has been sold but DAD's old '77 Chevy pick-up that needed tags,license plate,insurance and fuel pump. Bidders still inquire about LCR's old headquarters(mobile home&1.2 acre lot) and DAD's old Farmall tractor. This editor will not liquidate any of DAD's stuff anytime soon.

Have A Happy "Turkey Day"!!_______________________________________________
"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Skateboarder in run-in with Tech police chief

2009-11-25T08:32:00.004-06:00

News media has hit such slow cycle that a routine "dumb stunt" on Tech campus is now saturating both print and video/audio newscasts. A Tech student was skateboarding in a lane of traffic and Tech police chief pulled guy over in unmarked car and knocked kid off skateboard. Kid didn't know it was police chief in personal car and uniformed campus cop was called.Tech students are learning challenged by nature and skateboards are not allowed on public streets. Skateboards do not get same treatment as bicycles in traffic code. Yesterday this editor saw a Tech student crossing 19th Street on a skateboard at Flint Ave. and he proceeded down Flint on public street on wrong side of road. Tech students act like they own Tech campus when they really are tenants paying to use the campus. Taxpayers own campus and pay "higher taxes" to keep campus luxurious.

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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Politics Heating Up In Lubbock

2009-11-24T20:05:00.001-06:00

2 candidates have announced their intentions to run for Judge Tom Head's county judge position. Ysidrio Guiterrez and David Nelson have both announced their intentions to run. Rumor still has Patti Jones considering a county judge run. Dec.3 is first day to file for ballot in March and this editor is toying with another republican county chair run. Chris Winn has not revealed his plans but has indicated he will be on the ballot somewhere.

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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Odds 'n Ends

2009-11-24T16:20:00.003-06:00

LARW(Lady Republicans) had one of their members respond to my recent "Feminization of Lubbock Republican Party" editorial and she claimed to be a former reporter and claimed I had democrat women mixed up with republican women. Then she went into a diatribe that included the "glass ceiling" that men constructed to keep women from advancing in business world. She pretty much proved my point that feminists are everywhere. This LARW woman also complained about my biased approach on LCR when in reality every editorial has some form of bias in every newspaper/blog.

Local republican(Jerry) kinda apologized for his "rant" at a local truckstop after this editor criticized the rightwing for their "HATE OBAMA" rhetoric.

Some fella name Gonzales had a letter printed in AJ that looked like he used LCR's "Radical Rhetoric" editorial and it even used terms like "rightwing". The letter echoed this editor's sentiments that the rightwing is now demonizing the democrats with no credible alternative to offer.

This editor is "wearing out" The Croup and hopes to be blogging regularly later this week.
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

LCR Editor warns of "The Croup"

2009-11-23T15:29:00.002-06:00

Medical Alert

"The Croup" is currently ravaging Lubbock and this editor is currently a victim. Below are the symptoms.

Croup symptoms include:

A person who has croup may at first seem to have a common upper respiratory infection (URI), such as a cold. The first symptoms of URI, such as runny nose and congestion, usually last about 1 or 2 days. Croup symptoms usually follow and last 2 to 5 more days.
Croup symptoms include:
Normal temperature or a slight fever.
A loud, barking cough.
A raspy, hoarse voice.
Varying degrees of high-pitched crowing sounds when breathing in.
Some trouble breathing as a result of swelling in the windpipe.
____

This editor gets "The Croup" almost every year and it's not effected by a flu shot. It usually leaves after a calender week.
BUMMER!
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

First Holiday Season Without "DAD"

2009-11-22T17:42:00.000-06:00

This editor is now dealing with my first holiday season without Mom&"DAD" Burnett. It's like being orphaned. I'm 57 years old and my parents were like my older brother and sister. I've never had any relationship with my two sisters and my recent "money debacle" with Sonya&Martha over Mom&DAD's savings account virtually ended my relationship with my sisters. After mom died in 2002 Clif&DAD would eat Thanksgiving and Christmas meals at a local cafeteria. Last year Furr's didn't even have Turkey&Dressing on Thanksgiving Day. "DAD" remarked,"Do these jokers know what today is?". I said "Talk About Ridiculous!". Holidays after "mommy" died for Clif&DAD were very different and somewhat depressing. DAD went to my sisters now and then alone while I stayed around the place and watched TV. DAD found a couple of elderly lady friends to buddy up with and Clif stayed to himself. Losing "mommy" was very painful for Clif&DAD for two years. I visited "mommy's" grave on holidays and wept every time. DAD stayed away from "mommy's" grave,it was to painful for him. Clif&DAD moved forward after two years without "mommy" but life was never the same. DAD cooked for himself and so did Clif. Now and then we'd eat out at a local cafeteria but we stayed at the family trust property pretty much. DAD showed the pain of life without "mommy" in his face and I knew he was as hurt as I was that she died. Holidays were virtually just another day on the calender for both of us. This holiday season Clif will "muddle thru" without Mom&DAD and it will be with great sadness as I look to 2010 with no DAD at Mom&DAD's place. Losing DAD was like having heart surgery. I lost half my heart when "mommy" died and now the other half of my heart has been removed.

RIP,Mary&DAD!!
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

LCR names LARW feminist management team

2009-11-21T09:36:00.001-06:00

Below is republican"feminists" management team of the outfit known as LARW(Lubbock Area Republican Women). These dames are the powerbrokers that are currently leading Chris Winn and his "milktoasts married men" cronies around by the nose. Such feminists as Marta Rosas,Irene Howell,Ruth Schiermeyer and Judy Parker are the big names involved in the "feminization" of the Lubbock Republican Party. These dames subscribe to the wacko theory that "women are equal to men" and that comes from "Nuttier Than Aunt Fanny's Fruitcake" recipe. These women are involved in promoting women republicans by putting out all kinds of campaign propaganda and are thought to be mixed up with other "feminist" outfits like League Of Women Voters. Many milktoasts incumbent republicans rub elbows with these "rabid feminists" every election cycle to get donations and voter support. Several listed below are actually "alleged officers" in the Lubbock Republican Party headed by Chris Winn.

PRESIDENT ELISABETH BURROWS
VICE- PRESIDENT MARTA ROSAS
RECORDING SECRETARY TAMMY LONG
TREASURER AURORA FARTHING
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT DEANE CLARK DUNN
Standing Committee Chairpersons
LEGISLATIVE-JANE CANSINO
MEMBERSHIP (SOCIAL)-KELLI MARSHALL
MEMBERSHIP (SOCIAL)-CHRISTY MCCLENDON
MEMBERSHIP (SOCIAL)-ANN ARRINGTON
MEMBERSHIP (ROSTER)-JANE STRONG
POLITICAL ACTION (PAC)-AURORA FARTHING
PROGRAMS-MARTA ROSAS
PUBLIC RELATIONS-KIM DAVIS
WAYS & MEANS-KIM DAVIS
CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES-KRISTEN VANDER-PLAS
Special Committee Chairpersons
INTERNAL REVIEW-JEAN ARNETT
NOMINATING-RUTH SCHIERMEYER
FINANCE-EVELYN WINN
Special Presidential Appointments
AWARDS-IRENE HOWELL
ASSISTANT FINANCE-EVELYN WINN
PARLIMENTARIAN/BYLAWS-JUDY PARKER
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY-DEBBIE QUARTARO
CARING & OUTREACH-DANI BRADY
SCHOLARSHIP-CINDY MASSINGILL
NEWSLETTER EDITOR & PUBLISHER-VAL COCHRAN
NEWS REPORTER & PHOTOGRAPHER-TAMMY LONG
YEARBOOK-VAL COCHRAN & TAMMY LONG

Hold Thy Nose,PERFUME WARNING!!
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Obama Drove The Guy Crazy by Clif Burnett

2009-11-21T09:05:00.001-06:00

Editorial

This editor believes that a new mental illness syndrome is sweeping the country and could fill up mental institutions pretty quck. It's called "Obama Drove Me Crazy" syndrome and is common among "whiteboys" that are having an allegic reaction to a African American President of The United States. This editor personally observed severe symptoms in two "whiteboys" at Shallowater TruckStop just this week. My Lubbock Democratic Party shirt triggered rants by Jake's Sports Bar's former owner and a Shallowater political activist that was defeated for Shallowater City Council by an elderly nurse. Both men appear to be future textbook cases and could need perpetual care at a local "funny farm". I've noticed these symptoms common at AFIIG and TEA party rallies in both "whiteboys" and "whitegirls". It even sounds as though several radio talk show hosts may have this syndrome and the afflicted are their listeners. A new law now allows non-family members to sign papers to commit any severely mental ill person for treatment and that law could get more than a few "sickheads" committed to public psychiatric facilities. If you see anyone ranting about the current president please protect society from these wackos and contact Judge Tom Head at Lubbock County Courthouse for paperwork needed to have someone evaluated for "headcare".

DO THE SAFE THING!!

Clif Burnett
LCR Editor
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Radical Rhetoric by Clif Burnett

2009-11-20T20:25:00.001-06:00

Editorial

Local political activists have decided to use McCarthy-type tactics to promote anti-Obama,anti-democrat agenda. Some local activists are even involved in "Democrats Are Communists" smear campaign to rally the rightwing christian movement in the republican party. Such outfits as AFIIG and SPARTAN are weaving a tangled web that could snare good people and damage reputations of anyone not on "their team". Preachers are even involved in this madness and using the christian rightwing energy to bang the "anti-Obama,Anti-Democrat" sentiment to rally the republican voting base. Local politics has reached the point that if you aren't Pro-Israel,Anti-Abortion,Democrat Hater you are the enemy. Local radio shows spout this bilge,local activists organize hate rallies and clueless citizens get sucked in to this craziness. Voters can NOT be suckered by these wacky organizations building their following. The current crowd involved in this are actually American fascists without their swastika&mustache. We know who they are and they must be ignored and discredited.

Clif Burnett
Editor
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Closing The Books On Burnett Family Trust

2009-11-20T08:34:00.004-06:00

This editor has had an emotional week as the Burnett Family Trust assets have now been distributed to myself and two "greedy sisters". Sonya Sherrod received the most money and wasted $2,000 on a semi-competent attorney(Pete Harlan) and a overpriced accountant in her failed attempt to become "dictator" of the Burnett Family Trust. This editor received the least amount of money but did get all tangible property. My two greedy sisters were so petty that many items belonging to my parents that were hanging on the walls(pictures,mosaics,etc.) were stripped from the walls and given to them. Sonya Sherrod failed,with her semi-competent attorney,as did Martha Brown and her attorneys,in their attempt to "take over" DAD&Mary Burnett's retirement home for purposes unknown. Both sisters will never be allowed on Clif Burnett property and neither will be considered Burnett family by this editor. Scavengers are still driving by trying to seduce this editor with cash bids on portions of former Burnett Family Trust assets,lot w.trailer,tractor,etc. Scavengers are unwelcome but this editor politely says "No" to bidders and ask them to leave. This editor did liquidate "DAD's" old pick-up,for $150,my sisters' 2-thirds interest that I paid them. The lot w.mobile home,tractor and car are locked up and will not be sold or used except on some occasions. LCR headquarters is now in "DAD & Mary's" old two bedroom home and this editor seldom leaves the headquarters except to do business in town like buy groceries,etc. Local neighbors are chanting,"Don't sell that lot where you lived,Clif". Most would prefer the mobile home stay empty or be sold and hauled off. Most of the neighbors believe that a new neighbor would create more traffic on the road here and this neighborhood is really close and we've had a "bad experience" with the last new neighbor who caused some trouble when he first moved in. LCR will return to regular news and opinion shortly as the editor gets more organized in managing former Burnett Family Trust assets. Taking care of 2.4 acres as well as the entire ditch on CR 1520 is a time consuming situation. This editor has not made final decision on running for republican party office yet. First day to file is Dec.3 and I could run for precinct chair or county chair.

Clif Burnett
LCR Editor

Editor's NOTE
It was a real challenge to keep "DAD&Mary's" old place intact with "two greedy sisters" and other scavengers trying to buy or outright steal stuff but locks are everywhere,gates are closed and life will go on here at NCR 1520 with my beloved parents,"DAD&Mary" gone. I will cherish my 20 years of memories with them here in rural Lubbock County.

RIP,Mom&DAD!!
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Silliness At Shallowater City Council Meeting

2009-11-19T14:23:00.003-06:00

LCR EXCLUSIVE!

This editor resides in Lubbock County but does attend various government meetings. Jerry Rogers(former Shallowater City council candidate) attended a recent meeting and give the following account of the monthly Shallowater City Council session.

An employee of Shallowater SmokeShop/Beer Store asked to address the city council. Employee proceeded to complain about city hall having street adjacent to smokeshop building getting new yellow line to designate midway point of two-lane road to discourage traffic from crossing yellow line to enter drive thru window at smokeshop. The road in question is city street. City Council members interrupted citizen and ruled them "out-of-order". Citizen claimed that the new yellow street line had reduced smokeshop business 30%. Shallowater City Hall has received some complaints that drivers were crossing middle of street thus endangering traffic. This editor personally had to "slam on break" as a customer of smokeshop did exactly that going to drive-thru. Smokeshop just got beer license and sells various items from drive thru. Another source has reported that Shallowater PD was refusing to write tickets for drivers crossing street to go to drive thru. This same sourse reports that DPS was called by Shallowater City Hall to stake out drivers for possible tickets that would get both state and Shallowater City Hall ticket revenue. DPS was reported to "be thick" near the smokeshop recently. Shallowater SmokeShop recently had trouble with Standard Sales(Bud distributorship) and missed a delivery and was put on "cash only" for unknown reason. Shallowater SmokeShop is owned and operated by a City of Lubbock employee moonlighting since him and his family are lifelong Shallowater residents. Shallowater went "wet" when Lubbock County went wet. City Council in Shallowater has been "unfriendly" to businesses selling alcohol but can only grant restrictions to license holders that are allowed by alcohol zoning code mandated by Texas legislature. Shallowater City Council has a two-bit baptist church janitor as mayor,elderly nurse and former Lubbock fireman trying to "call the shots" on Shallowater City Council. Local churches are influential at Shallowater City Hall and Shallowater ISD. One local businessman claims that the clique on Shallowater ISD require membership in a particular church to get contracts at Shallowater ISD. That is only scuttlebutt. Shallowater ISD has Lubbock fireman Garett Nelson as chairman of SISD board. Shallowater is a town of 2,000 residents and is as cliquey as any small town. This editor was threatened with removal from a Shallowater City Council session for addressing the council on police department wasting money lolling around Shallowater TruckStop outside Shallowater city limits. Then mayor, "fatman" Blevins suddenly left city hall without seeking re-election and church janitor,Robert Olmsted, was elected mayor in last election.

Small town hocus pocus,in Shallowater,Texas!!_______________________________________________
"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

HILARIOUS!!

2009-11-19T11:20:00.003-06:00

This editor wears a blue T-shirt with a white emblem of the above picture to aggravate local alleged conservatives and phony baloney republicans. Today 2 of the biggest phony baloney conservatives went into "rant mode" for me simply reminding them that republicans suffered a "historic landslide" last November at the Hands of Obama/Biden/Pelosi.
Here's what happened.

I saw Scott Stephenson walking in Shallowater Truck Stop and said,"Hey Scott". I pointed down to my Lubbock democrat emblem and said,"I wear this shirt to aggravate local republicans that are still uptight that Obama plastered the republicans in last year's election". As we walked in Stephenson launched a total history that he memorized from a Rush Limbaugh script that he claims documents that Obama was heavily influenced by his late mother's communist teachings in college. I expressed doubt about his "BS" and he tried to detail more "BS" that sounded like a Sean Hannity diatribe. I simply said,"Whatever Scott" and went to fill my coffee refill. I went back to "do-nuthin" table at truckstop where Anti-Obama "white boys" drink coffee and kill time.
I then told Jerry Rogers how Stephenson just tried to quote Wikipedia on Obama's past and he sounded like a cross of Rush Limbaugh/Sean Hannity. He saw my shirt and we got into "loud disagreement" and this editor finally informed Jerry Rogers that,"You guys helped destroy the republican party with McCain/Palin and tons of men voted against the "Palin factor" and now us real republicans against this "feminist republican" crap like Palin will have to repair the damage." Jerry Rogers launches another rant that followed me out the door,"Get Away From Me,I Don't Want To Hear That." This editor responded,"You guys sabotaged the republican party and we're stuck with Obama for three more years,DAMNIT!"

Who would know two local "nitwits" would get animated over me wearing a Lubbock Democratic Party T-Shirt when everyone knows,I ain't a democrat.

PROZAC please,For Mr.Rogers and Mr.Stephenson,FULL DOSE!!_______________________________________________
"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Condescension, Whining, and Sophomoric Prose by Mac Staples

2009-11-19T06:24:00.004-06:00

Reprint of Letter To Editor of Lubbock AJ

Re: The A-J editorial "City's voters in no mood to pay for anything beyond the basics" (A-J, Nov. 15).

I want to congratulate the A-J editorial board on their editorial of Sunday, Nov. 15. Never have I seen such a masterful blending of condescension, whining, and sophomoric prose. An example of each follows:

n Condescension: "Sometimes people don't understand that new jobs ..."
Allow me the obvious response: Most people, if not the economically illiterate A-J editorial staff, do understand more debt and higher taxes seldom do anything positive for their personal situation. Now that we already have more debt in this city than the rest of the South Plains put together, we should go further in debt for entertainment during a severe recession?

n Whining: "But it's not our city. Some residents ... may have a different outlook as to what constitutes needs versus wants ..."

Again the obvious response: Duh! Obviously not some, but an actual majority of those who care enough to vote have a different outlook than the author of this editorial - get over it!

n Sophomoric prose: "This is, after all, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. And if that's what the people want ..."

Really! It takes a paraphrase of Lincoln to make this point? Come on, editors, the A-J seldom has much news; can't you do a little better job on your editorials - both in reasoning and in composition?

MAC STAPLES
Lubbock
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Joe Hughes is letters editor. He has found a cute letter that does exactly what LCR did after the referenced editorial was printed. AJ editorial board is as unprofessional and overeducated as any group of people in Lubbock. The arrogance and condescending attitude that this letter writer exposed is exactly why this blog continues to provide an alternative,no-holds-barred approach to local news and opinion.

Oh Joe,Check Your Coffee For Foreign Substances!!_______________________________________________
"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

5 Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation board members resign

2009-11-18T10:14:00.003-06:00

Canyon,Texas - Five members of the board of directors of the foundation that produces the show "Texas" announced their resignation Tuesday, citing a disagreement with 10 other board members who voted last week to dismiss Bill Anderson, the organization's executive director. The members of the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation board who resigned are Chairman John Skaggs, Sally Brantley, Wes Reeves, Dale Williams and Phil Woodall.____(Amarillo Globe News/Brad Newman copy/AGN screen capture)
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Another non-profit board has had a tiff after executive director was fired. Non-profit boards are usually "groupies" that are unpaid and this looks like one clique in defiance of another clique. Adults can get petty and be childish,right there in Canyon.

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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Warehouse burns to ground in Abilene

2009-11-18T09:09:00.002-06:00

Abilene,Texas - By Tuesday morning, the warehouse at 401 N. Plum St. that caught fire Monday afternoon had been reduced to a smoldering pile of rubble. Fire investigators are still searching for a cause of the fire that destroyed the building formerly known as West Texas Wholesale Supply. Fire investigators have subpoenaed media footage and photographs to assist them in determining the cause of the fire.____(Abilene Reporter News/Celinda Emison copy/Nellie Doneva photo from ARN)
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The Abilene Fire Department had "mother of all fires" downtown and the warehouse that had West Texas Wholesale Supply fire has resulted in smoke everywhere and a warehouse in rubble. Small town firemen are usually not well equipped but well trained. This fire may have left soot all over Abilene and houses,cars,people's lungs,you name it.

It's Chokin' Time by Abilene Residents!!_______________________________________________
"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

State Farm Insurance nabbed in overcharge scandal

2009-11-17T11:33:00.001-06:00

Austin,Texas - Texas' insurance commissioner is ordering State Farm Lloyds to pay home insurance policyholders $310 million in refunds and interest for overcharges going back as far as 2003. Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin says in a statement Monday that the order completes reforms started six years ago by Texas lawmakers. State Farm spokesman Kevin Davis says the company's rates have always been fair, adding the ruling "threatens the free market place."____(Midland Reporter Telegram copy)
_____

State Farm is now part of Lloyds. They overcharged for several years and now are in "payback" mode.Insurance companies do this regularly and usually get caught.

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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Man dies after collision with livestock on highway

2009-11-17T10:04:00.001-06:00

Amarillo,Texas - A highway collision between a pickup and two cows during the weekend led to the death of the driver after he got out to speak to ranch hands who came to euthanize the animals. William Earnest Kirkham, 68, of Pampa, died about 8:40 p.m. Saturday on state Highway 152, eight miles west of Pampa, according to the Department of Public Safety. He and his wife had stopped after striking the cattle and calling 911 for help, said their grandson, Jared Winegeart of Amarillo. When ranch hands arrived, Kirkham apologized for striking the animals and was returning to the truck when a car, believed to be a 1995 Ford Mustang, swerved to avoid the cattle, skidded and struck Kirkham, DPS said. Winegeart said his grandfather was on the side of the road when he was struck. ____(Amarillo Globe News copy)
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This is becoming too common as drivers are driving too fast and then hitting livestock. Livestock have pretty much had right-of-way but that law has been changed from time-to time. This editor has had to help corral horses that live near LCR headquarters to avoid this type of tragedy.
Everybody Slow Down,Texas Has Wandering Livestock!!_______________________________________________
"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Pork Barrel lovers in Abilene

2009-11-17T09:41:00.003-06:00

Abilene,Texas - In what officials touted as a significant boost to the local economy, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and an entourage of leaders — including Mayor Norm Archibald and state Rep. Susan King — broke ground Monday on $52 million of work at Dyess Air Force Base.____(Abilene Reporter News/Doug Myers copy/Nellie Doneva photo)
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This is Abilene republicans digging hole to start $52 MILLION "pork barrel" project from DOD budget at Dyess Airbase. Susan King and Kay Hutchison are both "feminist republican big spenders" that look a little windblown!!
Ladies,Your HAIR!!
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus

Former Fitness Center Owner Victim Of Benny Judah

2009-11-17T09:23:00.002-06:00

Lubbock,Texas - "Before April, he was tops in my book," says Tim Johnson. Retired Lubbock business owner Tim Johnson thought Benny Judah had built a solid nest egg for him along with a solid reputation for himself over the course of their 20-year investment relationship. "He was using our money to do leases, equipment leases, office equipment, machinery, anything that people lease and that was the business, that's what we invested in and our agreement was he would pay us 10% interest," says Johnson. Instead of building nest eggs for his more than 200 investors Judah hatched a Ponzi Scheme which would turn Johnson and all of the others into victims. "We're all looking for a better return on our investment and he was paying 10%. Like I said, he paid me like clockwork for 20 years. I had no qualms. I told people about him. I invested $50,000 of my mother's money, says Johnson. Johnson says the SEC's involvement in Judah's business transactions created a false sense of safety and protection for investors. "The SEC came in and said we're going to take care of this. We're the bodyguard. He has to do certain things and then we find out that he didn't do certain things. What is the SEC doing? I mean I'm not just mad at Benny Judah. He's not the only one in my opinion who was wrong here," says Johnson. The scorned retiree blames a third party for the depleted bottomline, himself. "This is probably small potatoes from what's happening in other cities and I guess the moral of the story is you can't trust anybody." Johnson says he last spoke with Judah shortly after his retirement in 2007 when he wanted to invest more money, an offer Judah refused.____(Ch.34/Lindsey Ashcraft copy/Ch.34 screen capture)
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Tim Johnson is actually son of Jim Johnson who owned the fitness center on 86th Street. They discontinued the whirlpool and this editor did not renew his membership. Tim Johnson was also manager at Nautilus in Security Park earlier. Johnson and other investors got greedy and wanted more than bank or mutual fund return rate and now their greed has resulted in loss of money. OOPS!!

Editor's NOTE
This editor currently has small account at City Bank Rewards program that currently pays 3.5% on average daily balance. The old saying is,"If It Sounds Too Good To Be True,It Is!". 10% return on any investment is pretty chancy.

POOR TIM!!
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"The People Have A Right To Know"
Nostradamus