In An Indiana Minute: 2012

Saturday, November 10, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana (11-9-2012)

Friday, November 9, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana (11-8-2012)

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Damn The Torpedoes-Wild Bill

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana (11-5-2012)

Monday, November 5, 2012

Obama Has Showed Runaway Tactics Not Courage

Endorsement: Obama has shown courage to address explosive issues

Celebration For The Battle Of Tippecanoe

I remember when I was a kid I spent the weekend with my cousin Annie. My Aunt Edna (Annie’s mom) took Annie, Grandma, and me to Battleground. We went to see the tombstones at the Memorial. Aunt Edna and Grandma took Annie and me certain tombstone. The name on the tombstone was Isaac White. Aunt Edna told us Isaac White was one of our ancestors. I am not sure if that was family lore but I, as a kid, thought it was wonderful having an ancestor die in the Battle Of Tippecanoe. This article brought back the memory.

A quiet celebration for the Battle of Tippecanoe by Justin L. Mack, Journal And Courier

Compared to last year’s three-day bicentennial celebration, the 201st Battle of Tippecanoe Commemoration was a tame affair.
Boasting a day’s worth of educational programs, a memorial flag lowering and a handful of re-enactors, visitors to the event were able to stop by and take in the attractions at their own pace.
But despite the more laid-back atmosphere, the passion for the event and battle it highlights was as intense as ever.
“I think it’s extremely important to learn about this piece of local history that had such a large impact on our nation’s history,” said Lafayette’s Carolyn Freeman who made the trip to the Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum with her grandson Sunday afternoon. “This is where we come from, so to learn about the events that shaped our community and pass that information on — it’s very important.”
Fought on Nov. 7, 1811, the Battle of Tippecanoe pitted American forces against a confederation of American Indians from several tribes who were living near the confluence of the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers.
The U.S. Army troops were commanded by Gen. William Henry Harrison, and the Indians were led by the Prophet Tenskwatawa, brother of Tecumseh, a Shawnee who wanted to settle on the land.
According to various historical accounts, U.S. casualties’ amounted to 62 men killed or mortally wounded and 126 others less gravely injured.
Native American casualties, while not precisely recorded, may have ranged from 44 to as many as 50 killed and up to 80 wounded.
Sunday’s commemoration featured five speakers that touched on different aspects of the battle and the era.
The educational sessions started with a presentation from Michael E. Dotson, a western historian and Adjutant of DuBois’s Company of Spies and Guides.
Dotson’s company of re-enactors — which formed about two years ago in preparation for the bicentennial — set up camp just south of the Battlefield Museum throughout the day.
“They were handpicked men out of the Vincennes area, and they were Harrison’s eyes and ears. They reported to him and no one else,” Dotson said.
Dotson, a Monon resident, added that the quality and scale of last year’s celebration helped bring much-needed attention to the Battle of Tippecanoe.
“I never really paid that much attention to the battle before that,” he said. “I can tell u all this has really caught on, and it’s right in my backyard.”
Brad DeLude, a member of DuBois’s Company of Spies and Guides who brings with him more than three decades of re-enacting experience, agreed, stating that the significance of this moment in American history should not be overlooked.
“The battle here is glanced over in history. I don’t even know if they teach it in history anymore,” DeLude said. “But what happened here was very important for the whole outcome of the United States. Had this battle not happened, it would have vastly changed American history.”

What’s Happening Around Indiana (11-4-2012)

Saturday, November 3, 2012

It Starts With A Budget-Senator Dan Coats

This is another Email I got from one my senators.

It Starts with a Budget
When I visit with Hoosiers from across Indiana, I am often asked, “Why is the federal government continuing to spend more money than it takes in?”
Unlike Washington, Hoosiers understand the importance of a budget. In Indiana, we understand that you can’t spend more than you have. In Indiana, we understand the importance of saving or reexamining our spending priorities to make ends meet. From the family home to the mom-and-pop shop to the statehouse, Hoosiers understand that you can’t be successful without creating a budget. It’s the Hoosier way. That is why despite this sluggish national economy we are better positioned in Indiana than our neighboring states.
We need more of that Hoosier common sense in Washington.
This week marked three and half years since the Democrat-led Senate passed a budget. For 42 months the Senate has ignored the law and refused to pass a budget. For more than 1,270 days our federal government has operated without a budget as a guide.
The President did offer his own budget blueprint, but it was so unserious that it failed to earn even a single vote from his own party. The House of Representatives passed a budget to try to put our country in the right direction, but the Senate Budget Committee refused even to consider it. One would only assume that if the leaders of the Senate didn’t like the alternative plans, they would come up with their own proposal. But logic doesn’t seem to reign in Washington these days. Instead, the Democrat Senate leadership said no to its basic obligation to create, debate and pass a budget.
We need a change in course. The policies and lack of leadership over these past three and a half years has failed our country. We need a president and Congress that will fight to reduce our $16 trillion of national debt, not one that ignores it. When it comes to fixing our serious fiscal crisis, we need leadership from both the White House and Congress.
Restoring America and getting hardworking Americans back to work starts by getting our fiscal books in order. It starts with a budget. Just like every Hoosier family and business, our federal government needs to review its spending, make some hard decisions and sacrifices, and create a budget plan.
In our great country, the American people have the power to demand more from their leaders. I urge all Hoosiers to let their voices be heard. Only then can we begin to bring some more Hoosier common sense to Washington.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-30-2012)

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Here Is An Email I Got From Representative Todd Rokita

Dear Ms. Blake,

Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 112th Congress. I trust this finds you and your family well.

For daily updates, please take a moment to "Like" my Facebook page by clicking here: .

This Week (Oct. 21-27)

On Wednesday morning, I joined Gov. Mitch Daniels and other state and local officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lafayette-to-Delphi segment of the Hoosier Heartland Highway. This was the culmination of a tremendous team effort that will result in safer travel and much bigger economic opportunities for the counties and communities served by the highway.

Earlier this year, I led a bipartisan group of Indiana’s congressional delegation in fighting to stop a proposed ban on federal funds being used under public-private partnership arrangements, including the Indiana East-West Toll Road. Through the state’s Major Moves program, the toll road deal freed up billions of dollars to fund other needed projects such as the Hoosier Heartland Highway.

For Wednesday’s celebration, I brought along my (and Kathy’s :-) ) 1973 Corvette that I have been restoring for the last five years. Most of it’s done now, but it appears to be a never-ending process. Anyway, Debbie Lowe from the Carroll County Comet got in and we helped lead the ceremonial caravan after we cut the ribbon. Here’s a photo of me with Delphi Mayor Randy Strasser at the event, and a photo of Debbie and me with my Corvette:

I also had the opportunity to visit with around 50 Hendricks Power Cooperative workers at an employee town hall meeting on Thursday, where I shared with them a presentation on our national debt and discussed solutions. It was a great discussion and I am always energized to hear common-sense solutions from Hoosiers:

Earlier in the week, I also attended the Tippecanoe County Right to Life’s annual Celebration of Life banquet, where I was able to catch up with many old friends. I am thankful for their partnership in the fight to defend the sanctity of life.

Last Week (Oct. 14-20)

I always enjoy talking with Hoosier business leaders and others around the Fourth District. Last week, I had the opportunity to spend time with leaders of Indiana’s auto industry. On Wednesday, I spoke to management and human resources employees at Meritor’s North American Site Management and Human Resources Management Summit about labor and workforce issues.

As you likely know, Meritor operates a large “remanufacturing” facility in Plainfield producing brake pads and other remanufactured parts. Over the past year, I’ve worked closely with Meritor to get the federal government to purchase remanufactured parts. I was honored that Meritor and their trade association awarded me the MEMA Legislator of the Year award for my efforts.

I also spoke with the Indiana Automotive Council, a collaboration between industry, government and higher education that exists to grow and promote Indiana’s automotive industry. Representatives from Chrysler, Cummins, Delphi, General Motors, and many other companies were in attendance, and we talked about the looming “fiscal cliff” and the need for comprehensive tax reform.

Last Thursday, I visited with the Brownsburg Rotary Club to talk about spending and debt. A very special thanks to club member Merlin Outcalt for the invitation and to Club President Danielle Snyder for the hospitality. Here’s a photo from the visit:

_______________________________________________

I guess I am on a roll with politicians today. When I read this email some of it had a sound of “about me” to it. Did it sound that way to you? When Rokita mentioned his Corvette, I thought “that has nothing to do with what i want to know.” I also thought I could do a better job then him. Man, do I need sabbatical now. I admit I need an attitude adjustment on politicians.

This Is A Email I Got From Senator Dan Coats

We Need Answers on Libya

In September, our country mourned the tragic death of Christopher Stevens, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, and three other Americans who died in an attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi: Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods. In the days following the attack, the Obama Administration blamed the violence on a "spontaneous" reaction to protests over an anti-Islam film.

However, State Department emails released this week tell a different story. These emails reveal that the administration may have known within hours that this was a terrorist attack. Despite this information, administration officials continued to tell the American public the attack was a spontaneous response to a video filmed in America.

Then there is the question of security at the diplomatic compound in Benghazi. In the months leading up to this year’s anniversary of September 11, there were two attacks on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi. Additionally, the British consulate closed its doors after an attempted attack on their ambassador. The Red Cross left as well due to deteriorating security. Americans were the last ones with a flag flying in this region of Libya and yet did not have an increased security presence. In recent testimony before a congressional committee, officials confirmed that the State Department refused requests for more security in Benghazi despite the growing unrest and violence.

Unfortunately, more than one month after the attack, there remain many unanswered questions that this administration must address. As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I will be actively pushing for answers and information. The Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled to hold a classified hearing on November 15. Some of the many questions that must be addressed include:

1. Why was an alleged request for more security at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi denied?

2. What intelligence assessments were made about Libya before the attack?

3. What information was provided to senior U.S. policymakers and the President immediately after the attack?

4. Were intelligence assessments shared with Ambassador Stevens before the attack?

5. Why did the administration respond to the attack by blaming an anti-Islam video despite knowing within hours that this was a terrorist attack?

6. Did the administration knowingly mislead the public?

7. Did the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi request military support during the night of the attack? If so, what was this administration’s response?

8. What are the lessons learned from this incident that will be applied to future events?

While we continue to mourn the lives lost in Libya, we must not tolerate these outrageous attacks on our people and the international diplomatic community. I am committed to obtain answers from this administration and work to ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic officials serving across the globe.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I guess I am getting pretty leery of our leaders because my attitude after reading this “yeah, yeah, tell us another story.” It seems like for so long we been told “we’re getting this and that done”. Okay where is it that is getting done. I don’t see anything. Do you? Nobody is charge in Operation Fast And Furious fiasco. Nobody is going down for Benghazigate? Nobody has gone down for the insider tradergate? What are they doing? ARE THEY JUST GIVING US LIP SERVE? AND NOT DOING ANYTHING? Am I the only one that feels this way?

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-26-2012)

Friday, October 26, 2012

Requiem For 4 American Patriots

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-25-2012)

Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Sylvia Likens’ Case Rates In The Spooky Range

You can’t help but think the person that did this was a sick in the head individual. Indianapolis calls this one of gruesome crimes in the city’s history.

Jurors recall Sylvia Likens' torture-slaying trial by Michael Boren, Indianapolis Star

It has been nearly half a century since Paula Baniszewski pleaded guilty to her role in the brutal torture and eventual death of a 16-year-old Indianapolis girl. But the name “Baniszewski” is still synonymous with one of the most gruesome crimes in the city’s history.
That’s why, many jurors involved in the case say, it’s understandable that Paula Baniszewski changed her name to Paula Pace.
Pace was fired Tuesday from her job in an Iowa school district after officials discovered her real name and her disturbing past. She pleaded guilty in the early 1970s to voluntary manslaughter in the torture of Sylvia Likens, who died 47 years ago Friday.
Many involved in the case have died, but several surviving jurors say they remember the emotionally draining trial. One called it “five weeks of hell.”
“It was something you never forget and really wish you could sometimes,” said Bob Grabhorn, 70, Carmel.
Despite knowing Likens — she bought candy at his father’s Eastside grocery store — Grabhorn was still selected for the jury. He said he remains “amazed” by the decision.
Pace, now 64, could not be reached for comment.
Grabhorn and others say they would have changed their last name, too, had they been in Pace’s position. They recall a trial in which several family members were tried at once, and represented by three or more defense attorneys.
What made the case disturbing is that at least a dozen children — along with Pace and her mother, Gertrude Baniszewski — participated in or watched Likens’ abuse.
Likens was starved, beaten and branded with a hot metal object. She also had the words “I am a prostitute” etched onto her stomach. The torture lasted for weeks.
It comes as no surprise to former juror Rea Rogers that Pace tried to distance herself from the family name .
“I could understand that, especially with a name like Baniszewski,” said Rogers, 86, Indianapolis. “Which would stand out to anybody who ever had anything to do with the trial or read about it.”
Asked if people like Pace deserved a second chance, Rogers replied: “Sure, doesn't everyone? I mean if they’re truly sorry for what they did.”
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Related Articles:

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-24-2012)

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Purdue University Gangnam Style Flash Mob

Their not quite in sync but it is cute.

Purdue flash mob dances 'Gangnam Journal

Journal And Courier

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-23-2012)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-22-2012)

Sunday, October 21, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-20-2012)

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Lafayette Honors It’s Heroes

Via Journal And Courier

What's happening Around Indiana (10-19-2012)

Thursday, October 18, 2012

What’s Happening Around Indiana

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Letter: Time For Voters To Put Out Fire

From Pharos-Tribune

This is a true story of long long ago in 1940 and far far away in the small town of Young America.

There was a certain youngster, a boy just six years of age. It was a brisk winter morning, and he was on a mission. The snow covered hills and the frozen creek at the south edge of town were calling for him.

The boy’s journey was abruptly halted when he spotted a fire. The wood shingles on a roof close to the chimney had just started to burn. It was the home of Elmer and Ethyl Gish. The lad went straight-away and knocked on the front door. When Ethyl opened the door he told her that her roof was on fire. What happened next imprinted a feeling in that boy that has lasted to this day.

Ethyl thought he was playing a prank. It took a lot of convincing for her to just come out and look. Once she saw the fire, things really started to happen. Elmer quickly set up a ladder and she carried buckets of water for him to put it out. Because she listened in time, that house still still stands today.

Yes, I was that boy, and that feeling still haunts me.

Values of decency and common sense are under attack every day as we live and breath. America is like a house on fire with her people trapped inside, entangled in a governmental web of handouts and favors.

For those who cannot see the fire, at least try to smell the smoke. Let’s save this house!

Dean Henry

Kokomo

What”s Happening Around Indiana (10-16-2012)

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Yesterday, It Was Bats, Today’s, It Crows

Adrienne made post about wind turbines on her blog. Those turbines explodes. In her post she talked about turbines and bats being killed by them. It wasn’t because of the bats flying blindly into the blades. The turbines make the bat lungs explode. PETA and envirmentalist are not making any stink about bats. Aren’t all animals equal in protecting? I guess not. Some are prettier than others like blind spiders. You can read what Adrienne has to say about it at: Obama: Enemy of America...

Today, it crows. I stubble on an article in the Tribune Star (Terra Haute, Indiana newspaper) about crows causing trouble. Yeap, their doing the poopy thing and making messes around Terra Haute so some people started a crow patrol. When they see a flock of crows, they fire a shot up in the air from a “banger”. The crows are suppose to run scared away. You can read about the crows at: Triggering Action: Crow Patrol fires off seasonal efforts

What’s Happening Around Indiana (10-15-2012)

Monday, October 15, 2012

Do You Think West Lafayette Public Library Mural Will Inspire?

Do you think the mural behind Artist Craig Martin will inspire children? I don’t know how the kids will act towards the mural. Kids are known to be unpredictable. I however like it.

West Lafayette Public Library mural aims to inspire by Justin L. Mack, Journal And Courier

In about a month’s time, Craig Martin took the wall of the West Lafayette Public Library Amphitheater from a slab of drab concrete to an eye-catching sea of inspiration.
“The idea of this mural and really, the singular point I want to make is, there is no subject matter here. There are no things,” Martin explained. “There are no creatures or animals or people because there’s no story yet.
“My hope was to sort of set the stage and make a scene for you so that when anybody walks up to it, there is a way to look it at and walk into it yourself.”
Martin’s untitled piece was dedicated Sunday afternoon before dozens of community members. With the wind blowing through the amphitheater and sun highlighting the mural, Martin explained his inspiration as children in attendance blew bubbles into the air to christen the mural.
The piece, located in the rear of the library along Northwestern Avenue, is an outdoor landscape that begins with a dark, ominous forest on the far right. As your eye travels left, a sun kissed field is featured near the center.
On the far left, underneath a banister that surrounds a portion of the amphitheater, are mushrooms, tall grass and other vegetation.
“This particular piece of work transitions from an area that is kind of dark and spooky to an area that’s bright and open. And when we talk about a library and what’s inside of a library, isn’t it sort of an extended metaphor for exactly that?” said West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis. “Often times when we come in and get a book, it opens up our minds and takes us on wonderful adventures and to great worlds.”
Throughout the mural, Martin painted the names of 40 children’s authors such as Judy Blume, E.B. White and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
In honor of those authors, storyteller Sheri Johnson of the Tippecanoe Storytellers Guild performed the poem “Little Orphan Annie” by James Whitcomb Riley, gave the audience a little bit of background information on Dr. Seuss and had everyone at the dedication raise their hands and take the Reader’s Oath.
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