May
14
Mitch’s Endorsement of Costas Big NWI News
Filed Under Election 2008, Indiana, Jon Costas, attorney general | 2 Comments
The news that Jon Costas is getting Indiana governor Mitch Daniels’ endorsement in the attorney general’s race is huge news for Northwest Indiana.
Here’s the announcement letter that was sent out to Indiana Republican Committee members (via Hoosier Access):
May 11, 2008
State Committee Members,
With the primary election behind us, I wanted to write to you regarding the upcoming 2008 Indiana Republican State Convention where we will nominate our candidates for Lt. Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Attorney General.
I once again look forward to running and continue serving with our Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. Becky is a trusted and valued partner in our administration. She has done as much as any Hoosier to put Indiana back on track. It is simply not possible to believe we would have accomplished as much as we have these last three and a half years without Becky as our legislative quarterback.
As you know Dr. Suellen Reed has chosen not to seek re-election as Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Reed has lived out a lifelong commitment to the future of Indiana’s children. She’s a special person with a huge heart for kids and although her role is changing, I know she will continue to have a profound impact on the lives of Indiana’s future leaders.
We are fortunate to have an excellent candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction in Dr. Tony Bennett, who has served the students and families of Indiana for two decades as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. Tony, with a strong background in curriculum, instruction, and strategic planning, has a record of success in improving the performance of school districts. I am convinced his enthusiasm, record of accomplishment, and commitment to taxpayers will make him an excellent partner at the State House.
We also have two outstanding men running for Attorney General. I have known both Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas and Greg Zoeller for years. I like and admire them both very much.
I have heard from a large number of party and civic leaders making the point that three-quarters of our 2008 ticket should not come from one geographical area, and I find I must agree. Fairness, balance, and political common sense all argue for supporting Mayor Jon Costas. I ask you to join me in doing so.
Mayor Costas is a proven vote-getter and progressive leader of one of the best cities in our state. He’s gained a reputation as a results-oriented problem solver whose city has been recognized for its efficiency and sound fiscal management. Jon is an accomplished attorney with nineteen years of private practice experience.
As the party of purpose in Indiana, we must do all we can to ensure that every corner of our state is involved in shaping and leading our comeback. It has always been our approach to reach out to every part of Indiana. I look forward to seeing all of you on June 2nd at the convention.
Very Sincerely, Mitch
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May
14
Laywers Using Twitter
Filed Under blogging | 2 Comments
I have to admit that I haven’t had much experience with Twitter. The extent of my knowledge of Twitter is that I know that prolific blogger Steve Dalton uses Twitter as a part of his blogging efforts, including his Hoosiers for McCain blog.
The latest trend to watch for is lawyers using Twitter.
Have you heard of Twitter yet? Perhaps not. And hopefully not, as this post is intended to explain one of the latest web-tools on our collective horizon.
What you should know is this: Politicians in the current US election are levering it, news outlets like CNN & Canada’s CBC are offering headlines that can be mixed into your reading stream, and companies like Southwest airlines are using it to interact with customers & take feedback.
It’s widely considered the fastest growing tool of web influence, and will at some point have a trickle down effect for the legal industry.
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May
14
David Archuleta’s Dad Banned?
Filed Under American Idol, David Archuleta | Leave a Comment
Is David Archuleta’s dad banned from American Idol’s backstage?
TMZ reports that David Archuleta’s dad has been banned from going backstage. TMZ also writes that David Archuleta’s dad was giving AI’s producer the evil eye last night.
Video: David Archuleta’s Daddy Drama and American Idol Top 3 Recap
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May
14
Hybrids Aren’t Cost Effective?
Filed Under economy, gas prices | 6 Comments
With gasoline prices entering the $4 per gallon price point in Northwest Indiana with the alternative fuel E85 racing to catch up and keep within 10% or so of the regular unleaded price point, is it the time to run out and buy a hybrid car?
With the higher cost for a hybrid, some suggest that they might not be an economical choice because it could take many years of driving the car before recapturing the high sticker price paid. Car buyers might be better off just buying a less expensive but high mileage gasoline vehicle.
Video: Are Hybrids Cost Effective?
The calculation that it will take 300 years to gain an advantage by driving a hybrid Lexus as compared to its regular gasoline model shows that hybrid technology and pricing at this time won’t make a difference.
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May
13
Police To Use Handgun Cameras
Filed Under police | Leave a Comment
A New York Police department plans to use cameras on its handguns to show what police see when they pull their weapons.
Video: NY Police Use Handgun Cameras
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May
13
David Cook seals his ticket into the American Idol finals with Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.”
David Cook sang last, he has violins playing in the backgroud, has the smoky voice and is going to get a lot of votes because he’s kicking it into higher rock gear toward the end of the song.
Paula is giving David Cook a standing ovation.
Randy says he loved the song, but it was just okay. Very predictable.
Paula says “See ya in the finals. That’s what I predict.”
Simon says “One of the great songs of all time. … David Cook wins the night.”
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May
13
Syesha Mercado | Hit Me Up
Filed Under American Idol, Syesha Mercado | Leave a Comment
Syesha Mercado gets great song to showcase her talent in Gia Ferrell’s “Hit Me Up.”
Will Syesha Mercado win over the hearts of the American Idol voters enough so that they keep her on for another week?
Randy says he can see Syesha Mercado sing a song like that. It was just okay, Randy says.
Paula points out that the song is from “Happy Feet.” “You did the song very well. … I don’t know if it is the type of song that defines you as an artist.” Paula isn’t sure if she’s going to make it into the finals.
Simon says that Syesha Mercado had her best moment last week with her Sam Cooke song.
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May
13
David Archuleta | Longer
Filed Under American Idol, David Archuleta | 2 Comments
David Archuleta is singing Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer” and I’m flashing back to the 1970s because he’s doing a good job bringing back the memories of the good old days of when I was in elementary school and most music was listened to on the hi-fi using vinyl records.
The crowd is going crazy for David Archuleta.
Randy says “You could sing the phone book … hot, hot, hot.”
Paula says “very lovely.”
Simon says he thinks David Archuleta sang that song very well but says the song is too “gooey” and “something you choose for a 90-year-old.” But, Simon predicts David Archuleta will make it to the finals.
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May
13
David Cook | Dare You To Move
Filed Under American Idol, David Cook | 3 Comments
David Cook is back to his rock roots with Switchfoot’s “Dare You To Move.”
I’m thinking David Cook will end up being number one on American Idol.
Randy says great song choice. “It wasn’t you best tonight. It was a little pitchy.”
Paula says “I feel like you just got to the beginning when you got to the end of the song.”
Simon says it was pretty much what he would have expected. It was okay.
While I want Syesha Mercado to stay, I think the guys have an advantage, especially David Cook because he is cooler than David Archuleta.
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May
13
Syesha Mercado | Fever
Filed Under American Idol, Syesha Mercado | Leave a Comment
Syesha Mercado is smart to use her sex appeal as an advantage in the American Idol competition.
Of course, the voting population in American Idol’s competition is young girls, so being sexy could be a turnoff to AI voters who could be looking for a safe choice like David Archuleta. But, it might get votes from guys who wouldn’t mind seeing Syesha Mercado sing in the Top 2 show. Syesha Mercado is taking a risk depending on who is voting tonight — are lots of young guys or gals watching tonight? We’ll have to see what happens tomorrow. I hope it pays off for Syesha Mercado.
Randy says “You sang it amazingly well.”
Paula says Syesha looks lovely tonight. She’s surprised by the song choice but says it doesn’t show Paula who Syesha Mercado is as an artist.
Simon says Syesha Mercado might regret choosing “Fever” because it was a “lame cabaret performance.”
