Friday, November 20, 2009

Casa chapala

Just tried eating there. Glad to see it packed. There was no room at the bar or the dining area. It was fairly disorganized because we waited 10 min before anyone said anything and then we asked how long of a wait they said 25 min. We left. I hope the kinks will be worked out next time I try.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Sports could use a technology boost

As a sports spectator, something that has been driving be nuts for years is the inconsistency of calling balls and strikes at home plate in baseball, and the often arbitrary placement of the football after each play.
In baseball, umps sometimes get even the most obvious calls wrong. In football, sometimes a "generous spot" leads to a premature first down. In other cases, a "poor spot" puts a football team in a bigger hole than they deserve.
In the recent Cincinnati-WVU game, a touchdown was awarded to the Bearcats despite there being no video evidence the ball had actually crossed the goal line. No official had signaled a touchdown. The call on the field was, in fact, a fumble recovered by the Mountaineers.
So my question is, why not use modern technology to:
1. Determine whether a baseball crossed the plate or not.
2. Determine the forward progress of a football.
Watching the World Series this year, I was struck by how many disputed or missed calls there were, especially when it involved calling balls and strikes. Fox's own technology showed the umps missing calls way too often.
At the Major League Baseball level, why couldn't a chip be embedded in every baseball, and a sensor be embedded in home plate to determine whether or not a pitch had actually crossed the plate? That would leave the home plate umpire only the task of determining whether the pitch was too high or too low. The ump could have an earphone in his ear or a buzzer in his belt to alert him as to whether the pitch was over the plate, and he could give the high or low signal if the pitch was outside the strike zone on that account.
That would surely end a lot of arguments and grumbling by hitters and pitchers, and we would no longer be subjected to a wide interpretation of the strike zone by various umpires.
In the same manner, a chip could be placed in each end of the football, and sensors along the sideline would determine exactly how far the ball progressed on each play. This would really aid the refs on those third-and-inches and fourth-and-goal calls, as well as in placement of the pigskin after each play.
Refs would know instantly whether the ball crossed the goal line or not, although they would still have to determine whether the runner was tackled before or after that occurred. This system would certainly end a lot of arguments and settle a lot of challenges.
Baseball is crying for instant replay. I think Major League baseball managers should get a couple challenges per game -- just like head coaches in football. Why not get it right when the technology is available?
Hockey now uses available technology to determine whether a goal is scored or not. Football does the same to a degree. Why not baseball? Why not use instant replay to determine if a runner was tagged before he reached the bag? Whether a ball is fair or foul? If anything, the World Series proved that umpires are far from infallible. Perhaps a boost from technology would make baseball more enjoyable.

this is so sad..........In memory of Duke

This may fall on deaf ears, but, I must put in this one plea to all who may read your blog.  Our beloved family cat  was struck by a car  in front of our home recently, in plain sight of my son while he was working in the yard.  The accident occurred due to a high speed vehicle being unable or unwilling to stop in time (not to mention being on his cell phone) to avoid the animal.  We know this because my son was just feet away.  On the drivers behalf, he did stop and ask if he could do anything.  My answer to him and all of you who drive entirely too fast down the side roads of Ligonier is YES you can do something, slow down!!  We have more than our beloved animals in and around our yards, we have children who play ball and dart across the street, and older persons pulling out from hidden driveways who don't have the reaction time younger drivers do.  I don't even feel safe walking my dog up and down our street because of the speed of the vehicles around the blind curves of the road.  We scream at you as you fly past our homes as if you were on Route 30 and now I am begging.  Please, please, please, consider that although less populated than town, our roads are our neighborhoods also, we live and play here and only ask for your respect of our familys and the laws.  The speed limit is 25mph.

another reason to say thanks brought to you by STEVE



FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.

another reason to say thanks brought to you by STEVE



FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

another reason to say thanks brought to you by STEVE


I AM THANKFUL:  FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE

I couldn't help noticing this lance....

Lance: To racism. For the past three years, Joe and Mary Walbeck of rural Indiana County have been the legal guardians of a teenager. They're white. The 16-year-old is black. Late Saturday or early Sunday, someone placed and burned a large cross in their yard. Such lingering vestiges of racism are despicable. Contact state police (724-357-1960) if you have any information.  Source:  Tribune Review


Not long after moving to Ligonier I was shocked to find that vestiges of the KKK survived in our rural counties.  Hubby and I were horrified when a young black mother, serving our country, bought a house using our services, had a cross burned on the lawn of the house she had purchased for her mother and daughter to live in while she was on active duty.  It was despicable and it was also in Indiana County.

Trib gives a laurel to

Dakota Hutchinson. The young man from Rector, a member of Ligonier Boy Scout Troop 372, is creating a registry of veterans' graves at Ligonier Valley Cemetery for his Eagle Scout project. Thus far the project has identified 10 graves of World War I and World War II veterans who had not been regularly recognized at the 33-acre burial ground. Those additional flags at veterans' graves in the years to come will be a testament to Mr. Hutchinson's fine community service.

Read more in the Tribune Review.

wasteful spending ALERT

Little birdies are telling Ligonier Living that the school system has hired a substitute principal at $400 a day to cover for the principal of the Mellon School while she is out for hip surgery.  There is a principal across the parking lot in the Marker School who could easily cover both schools, just like the high school principal who covers two schools 15 miles apart.

PASS THE WORD.

WASTEFUL SPENDING

$400 PER DAY......that's a lot of property tax money going down the tubes.

LIGONIER'S LANDMARK BAKERY

TODAYS SOUP-- SEAFOOD BISQUE

Stop in for lunch and have soup and a sandwich. We use only the freshest ingredients for our soup and Boar's Head meats and cheeses on our sandwiches.

Boar's Head products are also available by the pound so that you can enjoy them in your own home.

Turkey Day is approaching quickly. Place your orders for your pies, pumpkin rolls, cookies, etc.

Thanks everyone.

Looking For Volunteers

My wife and I are working on establishing a volunteer program in conjunction with the Bethlen Communities. The program is named "Echo Of Love", and it's designed for young adults who wish to lead a life of service.
Sheri Humbertson, the activities director at Bethlen Home, contacted me and said that, starting next week, they had need for some willing people to come and sit with a resident from 3:30 -5 monday-friday (maybe weekends). The resident likes being read to or music played for them. I'm looking for 4 or 5 (or more) people who would be willing to come on one (or more) day of the week and sit with the resident. If you could do it every week on the same day, that would be great, if you can do it once or a few times, that would be great too.
You can reach me @ 440-488-9861 if you or anyone you know is interested. No age requirement, just the willingess to share some of your time and your presence with someone who needs it. I'd appreciate it if you all could pass it on to your friends, families, co-workers, and congregations. The more people who are interested, the better.
Thanks, hope you have a good one.

Peace
Istvan

Happy Birthday Kasper82!

Hope it's a Handsome one!

Pam Newhouse takes it to the Trib on the school lunch topic

I am writing to protest the very nasty "Hungry students" item in "Greensburg Tuesday takes" (Nov. 17 and TribLIVE.com).

The item's snide remarks toward a group of high school students who made the decision to speak up at a public hearing are indefensible. These students came forward to let our elected public officials know about problems with a newly contracted food service company.

Read more in the Tribune Review.

Good morning, Ligonier!


Ligcam

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Hehe

Byron I was waiting for you to do that! I was holding back!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Lincoln Highway project on hold....delayed, not dead.

After the state made cuts to this year's budget, Heritage organizations across the Alleghenies are feeling the brunt.
The Allegheny Ridge consists of 12 different organizations and they had to split $1.95 million dollars worth of state funding.  Now that money isn't coming in and they have to fund raise to make up the difference.

See a video and read more on WJACTV.com.

The Flying Chef

Hello. Thank you, to all who have dropped by my store. If you have not stopped by I'm located across from Ivy Cafe in the office building with the parking lot. Just look for my sign and open flag. Just a reminder about ordering cheeseboards from the retired Navy Veteran. Next week penquins, sleighs and gingerbread will arrive. However, special orders need to be in by December 5th. Sometime next week......Flour sack tea towels with old postcard graphics. They are handmade in the USA by a husband and wife team. Maine made soaps and beeswax tapers are still available and oatmeal mixes from MA. Thanks for reading and have a great day! Heather

missing cat.....Mr. Whiskers



Dianne,

Could we do a post about our missing kitty Mr. Whiskers?
He has been gone a little more than a week. He is black, white and grey.
No collar. He was an indoor cat that got out somehow.
He was last seen around East Vincent St.

We miss him! Thanks so Much!

If you find him, please contact Stephanie at  babybluonline@gmail.com.

The Wicked Googly


Trying the googly


Hey, I'm already back in the office, can you believe that!  Lunch was FAST.

OK, what do I think of The Wicked Googly?  Frankly, I'm giving them an A+ for that lunch.  It would have been an A++ except for one small detail which is really a matter of style.  I get peeved by tip presumptions and the fact that the tab included preprinted tip suggestions was offensive to me.  It wasn't nearly as offensive as what has become the norm in so many of our restaurants - "Do you want your change?"  That makes me want to .....well, let's just say it's not good.  LOL

Any, back to The Wicked Googly.  I loved it!  I ordered a chicken Caesar salad and was so surprised to see it was a heart of romaine - split and lightly grilled - diagonally sliced breast of chicken - delicately grilled - with freshly grated parm and slivers of red onions, topped with a nice Caesar dressing, just enough without being too much, and fresh croutons.  YEAH!!!

Add to that the genuinely smiling waitress whose service was perfect and the ambiance and I felt like I wasn't in Ligonier.  Does that sound unkind?  Well, I'm a city bred girl and I do miss some of these simple pleasures that are rare outside of the metro area.

I'm planning on dragging Hubby over as soon as I can because I saw his favorite hot sausage sandwich on the menu and we've got to try it.

GOOD JOB whoever is in charge of The Wicked Googly.

My tab for the salad and a soda was $10.  I left a $2 tip, so getting in and out and having a great lunch was definitely worth $12.

There are less expensive lunch options like soup and salad or a bowl of chili.  This is the place that I think helps fill the cap left by the closure of the old Fairfield Grille.  There's a children's menu. They don't serve breakfast but - HEY - you never know.  Maybe some booths and a breakfast menu might come someday.

All I can say is I AM HAPPY.

Thanks, Googly.  You're Wicked.

trail news..... ;)




Brad Clemenson, of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), contacted the Ligonier Valley Trail group to discuss overlaps in our projects. After discussion and reading their report, we hope to coordinate with PEC, as our goals nicely match theirs.

Read more on the trail blog.

HELP WANTED: clerical

Hey, I need a meticulous - very detailed - kinda person to update and maintain our database.  This is a part time position [20 to 30 hours per week] during the hours of 9 and 4.  Schedule is flexible within those hours.  Applicant must be computer literate.  Accuracy and the ability to follow instructions are our primary needs along with the willingness to work well within a team. 

If you are interested, please e-mail a resume to dianecipa@gmail.com.  Please do not call or drop off resume.  Those with resumes of interest will be contacted for a pre-interview computer test.  All applicants must be able to pass a credit and security check.

Starting pay is $10 per hour plus some benefits.

LIGONIER'S LANDMARK BAKERY

Hi Everyone!!

Today's soup is ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP and it's very good.

Don't forget your Thanksgiving orders. Last day to order is Sunday 11/22.

Stop in for lunch. We have sandwiches featuring Boar's Head Meats and cheeses.

And as always we have that fantastic coffee. 12 ounces for $1.00.

Thanks Folks.

Millcreek Coffeehouse Question

I am trying to find the starting time for the coffeehouse at Millcreek. A very good regional bluegrass band playing tomorrow, Poverty Hollow, but I don't have a time.

Can anyone help?

Ligonier Borough planning meeting

I was surprised at the sparse attendance for last night's presentation of the new zoning ordinance.  It was a good meeting and I continue to be impressed with the work product of the consultant hired by the borough.  I think the planning commision and the consultant did a good job of identifying problem spots and reorganizing the rules to fit the reality of the lots and structures we have here in Ligonier.

Of those who attended the biggest concern was having space available for retail.  The proposed definition/guidelines for Village Residential do not include retail or restaurants even though we already have those types of businesses in that area.  There was also interest expressed in expanding the C1 district up and down Main Street.

I raised concern over the height of privacy fencing.  Turns out the intention of the rule is to allow 6 foot high fencing in rear yards form the property line to the rear of the main structure.  That's perfect.  I shot an e-mail to some folks asking that they reconsidered the wording since the phrase "building line" is sometimes used to refer to a setback line and I would hate for us to have an enforcement office in the future reinterpret that rule and stop fencing at the setback line rather than at the rear of the structure.

All in all, I like the ordinance.  It's well organized and Ii do hope you will take some time to read it.  It's available on the web site.

This is your chance to have a say. 

this dog is still missing...poor baby




November 18, 2009



OUTDOOR ODYSSEY
450 Boy Scout Road
Boswell, PA  15531

We would appreciate any and all help in finding our dog, Nanook.  He is a black & tan coonhound, brown eyes, “pumpkin” seeds (brown spots) above each eye, black bodied, brown paws and brown patch over his rear.  He is an awesome dog and is quite missed by our family.   He weighs 75 pounds and is 8 years old.  He was in State Game Lands 42 (in Waterford just outside of Ligonier) on Sunday, November 15 when we lost him.  He is extremely friendly and if found, we ask if you would please retain him for us and call us right away – we’ll be right there for him!  Please share this information with anyone you know as we can use all the help in spreading the word in the hopes of finding him.

Thanks for all your consideration!

Dan & Dawn Kissell
351 Route 271
Ligonier, PA  15658

Home:  724-238-5530
Dan’s cell:  724-689-7613
Dawn’s cell:  724-689-9592

from Earth Lotus

Just a quick reminder of events happening at Earth Lotus Studio and beyond....

A Gathering of Friends & Yogi's - Open House with Doug Nelson
at Earth Lotus
Friday, November 20th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Join me in welcoming guest artist, Doug Nelson, to Earth Lotus Yoga Studio. Get a chance to meet Doug and have time to enjoy his works currently displayed at the Studio.  Also, you may want to check out the new selection of scarves & wraps.  Light refreshments will be served. 

Open House at Body Elements Massage Studio
542 Fred Rodgers Drive, Latrobe
Saturday, November 21st from 12pm - 4pm
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping from Silpada Jewelry, Global Lovin' (Fair Trade clothing & accessories with a Bohemian feel) and Chair Massage.  Light refreshments will be served.  Please contact Melissa Showman at 724-537-2343 for further information.

And just a few last notes: If you have an issue of  Yoga Journal or my copy of "AM/PM Yoga", please return them to the Studio so that others may enjoy them.  Thank You.

Have a wonderful day & look forward to seeing you over the weekend,
Peace
Melissa

hibernation

So, when do bears go into hibernation?

more bears........here's the latest from Carolyn





I continually receive accounts of bear sightings. This is the time of year the bears are approaching the bird feeders, and roaming around yards. My daughter Sandy took this picture of the bear that strolled between her house and our house.
But caution needs to be taken. What do you do if you meet a black bear? To refresh your memory, read: BEAR CONFRONTATIONS: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To read bear stories, click on:



This last site has links to black bear pictures taken with a nighttime camera, as well as pictures of an owl being freed from entrapment in deer netting. In response to the owl pictures, Bo Brocious wrote a poem, The Hunter is Caught. To read it, click on http://beanerywriters.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/the-hunter-is-caught/



Carolyn C. Holland, www.carolyncholland.wordpress.com and www.beanerywriters.wordpress.com

Good morning, Ligonier!


Ligcam

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Lauren Bevins



Lauren Bevins will perform Friday night Nov. 20th for our Christmas beer Sampling 7pm