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Muley’s Cafe 2.0

     You have probably been wondering…..What happened to Muley’s Cafe?. Well, it’s still here, but I’ve been very busy lately with some issues of late and just haven’t the time to post anything new.

I started this blog to stay away from all things political, but have come to the conclusion that having an entertainment blog does not generate the conversation that usually accompanies those other blogs and forums. As Mr. Jeff Hess at Have Coffee Will Write says so frequently, “it’s all about the conversation”. I love the conversation, getting peoples ideas, thoughts and such.

So, here we are today trying to figure out, “what is Muley up to?”   Well, I’ll tell ya’s, I’m going to do some changes here at Muley’s Cafe. Not exactly sure, but just the same, changes are on the way. It may take a couple of weeks to do this, for I am a very busy man of late, but changes are coming.

In the mean time, for your listening pleasure, I give you:

King Crimson

(McDonald/Sinfield)

music and lyrics by: Trace Adkins

God Bless Our Troops

(source)

…4 years for me to ponder “what would Mom do?”

…4 years to figure out what I could’ve done to make you better.

…4 years since I touched your lovely face.

It all seems so long ago, but only 4 years since you left.

I Miss You So Much.

I miss how you stuffed your socks in the chair cushion.

I miss the way you drove your car. (yikes)

I miss your calls.

I miss the many hair pieces you wore.

I miss the way you wore “babushkas”

I miss the twinkle in your eyes.

I Miss You.

I miss your stuffed cabbage.

I miss you hollering ….BINGO!

I miss seeing you at the fish fry.

I miss your hugs when I get sad.

I miss you telling me you hit the lottery….again.

I miss you saying….Dale Leonard ! when I done wrong.

I Miss You.

 I miss the doilies you had on all your tables.

I miss your love for the family.

I miss your visits for the hell of it.

I miss the way you walked.

I miss going to church with you.

I miss watching “Wheel of Fortune” with you.

I Miss You.

 I miss your stories when I was too young to remember.

I miss coming over and fixing your meds.

I miss how you worried about me.

I miss our visits to the cemetary to see Dad.

I miss the way your short-little legs moved like a catepillar.

I miss the way we argued, even when you knew you were wrong.

I Miss You.

 I miss your keepsakes.

I miss your smile.

I miss your colorful wardrobe.

I miss the bus trips to ball games.

I miss you yelling at Dad when he came home a bit tipsy.

I miss how you loved God.

I Miss You.

I miss the family reunions.

I miss how you hid things at Christmas.

I miss how you gave to others.

I miss your trips to Atlantic City.

I miss how you pampered me, your baby.

I miss you doing my laundry when I was single.

I Miss You

I miss going to dinner with you.

I miss seeing you with your friends.

I miss your strength when times were tough.

I miss the “care” packages you would send.

I miss your stubborness, just like mine.

I miss your voice.

I Miss You. Oh God……I Miss You So Much.

Happy Mothers Day, Mom. I Love You.

(source)

Lorain Lighthouse

 it’s that time of year, backyard barbeques, visiting our parks, festivals and in general, getting outdoors. Shake those wintertime blues with a Lighthouse tour sponsored by The Lorain Port Authority

 Lorain’s Lighthouse was constructed in 1916-1917, and serves as a beacon for mariners from many parts of the world. Electricity was added in 1932, and was operated by the U.S. Coast Guard from 1939 until 1965 when it was decommisioned after the installation of the automated light. In 1990 it was purchased by The Port of Lorain Foundation, which took on an immense renovation project that continues today.

 The Lorain Port Authority will be sponsoring tours of Lorain’s masterpiece starting this month, with tentative dates as such:

May 24th

June 14th, 28th and 29th

July 5th, 19th and 20th

August 2nd, 16th and 30th

So, if you have friends or family visiting in the coming months, won’t you consider a tour of the port’s jewel for their pleasure?. It’s an experience we all can share in.

 And if you want to be a volunteer for any of the above mentioned tours, please fill out the volunteer form linked here and submit it to The Lorain Lighthouse Foundation.

(source)

The events of May 4, 1970 can be viewed here

William K Schroeder

July 20, 1950 – May 4, 1070

Sandra Lee Scheuer

August 11, 1949 – May 4, 1970

Jeffrey G Miller

March 28, 1950 – May 4, 1970

Allison Krause

April 21, 1951 – May 4, 1970

Who Killed Allison? Why? What has she done? Read by Barry Levine in honor of Allison Krause during the 30th Commemoration ceremonies. Not us says the KENT TOWNSFOLK Those rotten students thought this was some kind of joke Marchin’ and yellin’, and singing those songs, Why wasn’t she in class where she belonged? Her parents shoulda’ learned her better. Those stinkin’ kids-don’t appreciate what they’ve got If it had been up to us, they would have all been shot. You can say what you want, and say what you must Just don’t point your fingers at us We’re not the ones who made her fall No, you can’t blame us at all. WHO KILLED ALLISON, WHY, WHAT HAD SHE DONE Not us says the UNIVERSITY That girl was here to get a degree To Inquire, To Learn, To reflect, and debate. It wasn’t her place to demonstrate – against the State If she had something, She should have had it clear In a paper, or in the classroom, where free speech is dear. And no one can hear, and no one can hear. Sure she was an honor student, but she should have known better Than to stand up and speak out in public, where did that get her? There is a time and a place for freedom of speech She should have known that because that’s what we teach but please, don’t’ point your finger at us We are not the ones that made her fall, No, you can’t blame us at all. WHO KILLED ALLISON, WHY, WHAT HAD SHE DONE Not me says the MAYOR OF KENT If only those kids knew what it had meant To burn down ROTC- they left me no choice They were all chanting “End the war” in one loud voice I had to call the Guard- it was hard, it was hard, But I tell you, we needed Law and Order And anyway, she wasn’t my daughter It’s a a shame she had to die that day But when you throw rocks, well, that’s just the American way. I feel bad, I do, but I didn’t pull that trigger It wasn’t me that made her fall No, you can’t blame me at all. WHO KILLED ALLISON, WHY, WHAT HAD SHE DONE Not me says TRICKY DICK I listened to my advisors, take your pick Haldeman, Ehrlichman, Mitchell and Dean Agnew, and Colson, they all knew the scene Those college kids were bums-they needed a lesson So I put out the word around this great land To stop those damn hoodlums any way that you can And Rhodes, he heard me, thank g-d for that He knew exactly what to do with that group of brats But you can’t pin it on me, don’t’ you see? It wasn’t’ me that made her fall No, you can’t blame me at all. WHO KILLED ALLISON, WHY, WHAT HAD SHE DONE Not me says GOVERNOR RHODES The man who made this whole thing explode Yes, I’m the son of a bitch who pounded the table and ranted and raved until everyone was able to hear me call those students Brown Shirts, the worst element that we harbor in America today. But that was my job, to incite the Guard, and I did it OK If those kids wanted a riot to create, They picked the wrong town, they picked the wrong state. There will be no riots in the State of Ohio, not on my watch, not on this date Look, the Guard got my meaning, the Guard got my drift They did what they had to – they laid ‘em out stiff. Its a shame it had to be that way, but who’s to know and who’s to say It might have been different had it not been election day. So what are you going to do? Sue me? I’m not the one that made the call And I’m not the one that made her fall So Fuck You, you can’t blame me at all. WHO KILLED ALLISON, WHY, WHAT HAD SHE DONE Not us says the NATIONAL GUARD Who chased those kids across the yard, And through the fields so thick with gas With our bayonets fixed, it became certain, there was no doubt We would teach those little bastards what Law and Order was all about Yes, we’re the ones that climbed the hill and turned in our tracks And aimed our rifles dead center in her back But if we didn’t act, she would have overrun us for sure, There were snipers, she had rocks, and those curses that we endured. We had no choice, we had to act – it was her life or ours Yes we shot her in cold blood, it’s true, it’s true, But that is what we were told to do Don’t say “murder,” don’t’ say “kill” We were only following orders, it was the G-d’s will. WHO KILLED ALLISON, WHY, WHAT HAD SHE DONE?

   I’ve been a fan of Nascar since my days in North Carolina back in the late 70′s, about the same time a young, reckless Dale Earnhardt started making a name for himself, starting with capturing the “Rookie of the Year” award at the conclusion of the 1979 Winston Cup season, and culminating in 7 Winston Cup championships, equalling the King, Richard Petty for the most ever in Nascar history.  As a brash, young driver back in the 70′s, young Dale idolized his father, Ralph Dale Earnhardt, also a former champion driver in Nascar.

……But I’m not going to tell you all the history and feel good stories of Dale’s life and career. No, I want to tell you about the “phenomenon” of Dale Earnhardt after his death, how the legend grows from year to year.

 I’ve attended many Nascar races, most were at Darlington, South Carolina, for The Southern 500.  As Dale was always, and forever, my favorite driver, I was amazed at the long lines of fans that were at his souvenir trailers to buy anything “Earnhardt”. These lines would be 5 or 6 rows deep, compared to other trailers, where you might see 5 or 6 fans mingling around.

  Year after year, these lines at Earnhardt’s trailers would continue to grow, to the point now,  there are 2 or 3 Earnhardt trailers at just about every race on the Nascar schedule. Before his death, Earnhardt garnered 40 to 50% of all Nascar souvenir sales. One driver…..amongst 42 others. Even today, 8 years after his death, Earnhardt is still in the top 5 in souvenir sales.

   Another thing that amazes me, and sorry it doesn’t continue, is this fact. Without any promotion, encouragement whats so ever, at the beginning of every race following Earnhardts tragic death at Daytona International Speedway Feb. 18th, 2001, on the third lap, most fans would hold up three fingers in a salute to their hero. Again, nobody came out with an announcement, “hey, this is what we want to do”. They just did it. And if you didn’t get to go to races, and just stayed home and watched on T.V., the broadcast announcers would remain silent during the 3rd lap, week after week, race after race for the whole season. I was honored by partaking in this activity, at home and the race track.

   Well, today would’ve been Dale’s 57th birthday, and for the 7th year in a row, “Dale Earnhadt” day will be celebrated from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.  at Dale Earnhadt headquarters in Mooresville, N.C. and the thousands of folks that will trek to that little hamlet, otherwise known as Race City, U.S.A. is simply amazing.

Happy Birthday, Dale

You left us way too soon.

  In accordance with federal guidelines, the RTA Board of Trustees developed the Arts in Transit program in 1991. The first committee members were appointed later that year. By board policy, 1% of the projects constuction cost must be set aside for public art.

  Since 1991, more than 20 works of art have been placed on permanent display in various media at: 

  Rail Stations

  Transit Centers

  Walkway to Gateway

  The Arts In Transit Committee, chaired by Marybeth Feke, includes representatives from:

  Schools

  Museums

  Private Businesses

  Universities/Community Colleges

  Non-Profit Organizations

  Theatre Groups and Organizations

  This is a great opportunity for any local artist that wants some recognition. For contract information, look here

  To view some of the artwork already placed in other rail stations, look here

  Just had to laugh out loud when I read this in the Chronicle yesterday:

“Clifford Henline told police that he had swapped the tires because he couldn’t afford new ones.”

………well, maybe you should’ve just bought a beater instead. And when the tires wear out, buy another beater.

  Tuesday…..April 15th…….Tax day, started off pretty smooth for me. I started this blog, Muley’s Cafe that morning. Got my first post up about some real cool jazz and was kinda giddy. Then, I got a call around noon from the Mrs. about a hurriedly called meeting at National Gypsum, her employer since November 29th, 1979.

 Now, let’s go back to February 24th. Barack Obama decide to pay a visit to Lorain to talk about jobs, as noted in The Chronicle the following day. One of the topics discussed was the loss of jobs in the U.S., the state of Ohio and the city of Lorain.

“I’ve seen what happens to a community when a factory closes and jobs move overseas,” he said before pledging to never “sign any trade agreement as president that does not have protections for our environment and protections for American workers.”

 Now, let’s go forward again to April 15th, and that phone call. When I hung up the phone, after assuring  my wife there wasn’t anything to worry about, a very tight knot started to form in the pit of my stomach. after arriving at work in downtown Cleveland, and doing a few chores, I decided to call my wife and see what happened at the meeting. The news was not good as you all know by now. National Gypsum will close on or about June 16th, 2008 according to the letter my wife brought home that day (with a few dried tear stains on it).  That tight knot in my stomach is now about to explode.

Take note of these dates:

April 15th

June 16th

 Have any of you readers ever heard of Worker Adjustment and Retaining Notification Act (WARN) ? I never have, so I searched google for it, and this it what I found:

OVERVIEW

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) protects workers, their families, and communities by requiring most employers with 100 or more employees to provide notification 60 calendar days in advance of plant closings and mass layoffs.

Employee entitled to notice under WARN include managers and supervisors, as well as hourly and salaried workers. WARN requires that notice also be given to employees’ representatives, the local chief elected official, and the state dislocated worker unit.

Advance notice gives workers and their families some transition time to adjust to the prospective loss of employment, to seek and obtain other jobs, and, if necessary, to enter skill training or retraining that will allow these workers to compete successfully in the job market.

• Generally, WARN covers employers with 100 or more employees, not counting those who have worked less than six months in the last 12 months and those who work an average of less than 20 hours a week.
• Employees entitled to advance notice under WARN include managers and supervisors as well as hourly and salaried workers.
• Regular federal, state, and local government entities that provide public services are not covered by WARN.

You can view the entire document from the U.S. Dept. of Labor here. 

Who’s really being protected here?

 Do you see what I see? This Federal Law, that is to protect the workers and their families, requires that employers with 100 or more employees are required, by law, to notify the workers within 60 days of any plant closings or mass lay-offs.

Again, those dates:

April 15th

June 16th

61 days

“Advance notice gives workers and their families some transition time to adjust to the prospective loss of employment, to seek and obtain other jobs, and, if necessary, to enter skill training or retraining that will allow these workers to compete successfully in the job market.”

61 stinkin’ days

 You gotta be kidding me, my wife, and the rest of her soon-to-be unemployed co-workers have 6o days to adjust? To enter skill training or retraining that will allow workers to compete in the job market? Here in Lorain? This was the only full-time job my wife had since graduating from high school. Just how is she going to compete?

 Now here is the questions I have about this whole post:

 In my sick mind, I believe that when Barack Obama visited National Gypsum that cold day in February, the wheels were in motion already to shut down the Lorain plant. Was Barack aware of this and just promoting his job bull-shit  initiative? Or was National Gypsum using a presidential candidate to promote their corp. ass name? You tell me.

And before I close this post, I want to leave you with this little snippet from our newly elected mayor, Tony Krasienko:

”We want to find out if there is any opportunity to retain these jobs at that plant in Lorain,” Krasienko said. ”Many families are devastated today. The city needs every dollar we can get, but this is an even bigger impact to the workers and their families.”  morning journal 4/16/2008

 Sorry Tony, you missed the boat on this one. While you were wooing Hillary, NGC was devastating the lives of 58 families in Lorain.

(Editors Note)

 To those other 57 workers who got that letter, My heart goes out to you, and my wife Dimitra and I would like to wish you the best of luck in the future and she sends her love to you.