there's something about this article I like...

Those who think that there is something wrong with owning more than two pairs of sneakers or that exquisite fastidiousness about what you put into your mouth equals virtue need to be tele-transported back to, say, the Depression itself, when privation was in earnest and few people had telephones, much less cellphones. Read some 1930s memoirs: Back then, people who couldn't afford "quality" furniture slept on mattresses on the floor and hammered together makeshift tables out of orange crates. They went barefoot during the summer and sewed their children's clothes out of (non-organic) flour sacks. That was what "cheap" meant then -- not today's plethora of affordable goods that the social critics would like to take away from us. Read more in the LA Times.

I think what I like is that it demonstrates that various factions, left, right or center, who wish to impose their values, needs or wants upon others just feel justified in stepping on liberty.

Why?

Handkerchief Quilt

Lena's Handkerchief Quilt

One of our quilters brought her completed project to our last Laurel Mountain Quilters Tuesday meeting. I hope you notice the detail in the border as well as the squares. It is hand quilted.

It is a wonderful way to save special items like these hankies.

Join us if you can on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 9:30AM to 3PM. Town Hall.

agreements reached with landowners on Flight 93 Memorial

The agreements cover nearly 1,400 acres and include the actual impact site. That site sits on a 275-acre parcel owned by quarry business Svonavec Inc. The company and the government agreed in January to allow a court to decide the property's worth.

Salazar said the $9.5 million includes the Svonavec site. It also covers relocating a scrap metal and recycling business owned by Anthony Kordell and about 950 acres owned by Families of Flight 93, which has been acquiring land and fundraising for the memorial.

Read more in news from AP.

toddler prayers from Suzannah...how wonderful

dylan loves to pray. if we've sat down and forgotten to say grace, (or if she feels that once isn't sufficient,) she'll reach out her hands, bow her head low, and implore, "pray?"

at bedtime, after prayers, sometimes the child just wants a little more face time with Jesus.

"pray?" she'll ask.

"we just prayed, baby. what else do you want to pray for?"

Read the rest of the story on her blog.

at Dovecote on West Main

I really like these simple night stands. They are small enough to fit in tight places yet roomy with the drawer and places for books.

Medical Bankruptcy in the United States, 2007:

Medical Bankruptcy in the United States, 2007:
Results of a National Study


David U. Himmelstein, MD,a Deborah Thorne, PhD,b Elizabeth Warren, JD, c Steffie Woolhandler, MD, MPH,a
aDepartment of Medicine, Cambridge Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Mass; bDepartment of Sociology, Ohio University,Athens; and cHarvard Law School, Cambridge, Mass


ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Our 2001 study in 5 states found that medical problems contributed to at least 46.2% of all bankruptcies. Since then, health costs and the numbers of un- and underinsured have increased, and bankruptcy laws have tightened.

METHODS: We surveyed a random national sample of 2314 bankruptcy filers in 2007, abstracted their court records, and interviewed 1032 of them. We designated bankruptcies as “medical” based on debtors’ stated reasons for filing, income loss due to illness, and the magnitude of their medical debts.

RESULTS: Using a conservative definition, 62.1% of all bankruptcies in 2007 were medical; 92% of these medical debtors had medical debts over $5000, or 10% of pretax family income. The rest met criteria for medical bankruptcy because they had lost significant income due to illness or mortgaged a home to pay medical bills.
Most medical debtors were well educated, owned homes, and had middle-class occupations. Three quarters had health insurance. Using identical definitions in 2001 and 2007, the share of bankruptcies attributable to medical problems rose by 49.6%. In logistic regression analysis controlling for demographic factors,the odds that a bankruptcy had a medical cause was 2.38-fold higher in 2007 than in 2001.

CONCLUSIONS: Illness and medical bills contribute to a large and increasing share of US bankruptcies.

© 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. • The American Journal of Medicine (2009) 122, 741-746

The complete study can be found on this link:
http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0002-9343/PIIS0002934309004045.pdf

Stahlstown

DSC_7966
Originally uploaded by andrawis

Mail Pouch Barn

Mail Pouch Barn -- Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania (#3)
Originally uploaded by Harry Hunt

Flax Scutching Festival Stahlstown

Flax Scutching Festival Stahlstown 9-9-2006 011
Originally uploaded by The*Archivist

A Fun Event September 20th

Ligonier Valley Business and Professional Women's Club in the last 10 years has given over $20, 000 in college scholarships to girls living in the Ligonier Valley. The club also has given money to the local fire companies, the Blackburn Center and many other great local organizations. One of the club's main fundraisers is a cash/luxury bash that is being held this year on September 20th at Antiochian Village from noon to 5:00. If someone hasn't attended a bash before and would like to attend one, this bash would be a great as everyone is so friendly. As our regular bash attendees can attest to, the prizes are wonderful and range from Steelers tickets, to various cash prizes, to chances at winning baskets. Food and beverage also are part of the $20 entry ticket. Tickets are available at the Chamber office, Betsy's of Ligonier and also at the door. So get a ticket for a fun day, and also help Ligonier Valley BPW continue giving scholarships. Guys are welcome to this event and the Steelers play at 4:00, so it should be easy to catch most of the game when you get home.

The Sequence Chiropractic System

Thank you Diane for the opportunity to share our new web site with the "Ligonier Living" community. At our office, we have always been committed to educating the public about chiropractic. In the past, I have produced tapes, videos, CD's, have written a book (available at the library), and for about a dozen years have had a significant web presence, including numerous blogs and podcasts. But now we have an incredibly enhanced ability to get even more information at the fingertips of the public with the creation of our new website and web presence at www.sequencesystem.com.

For sixteen years my professional capabilities and experiences have grown and our method of care has evolved and developed. Over the past year I have worked diligently in founding the Sequence Chiropractic System. Eventually the new web site will have a sister site, www.sequencesystem.org that will be our academic platform as we launch our educational materials (beginning with my new text book, "Sequence Chiropractic System”) and seminars for the chiropractic profession.

The new web site explains just what our Sequence System is, and how it makes this office unique. People have so much to learn about chiropractic, and we have so much to share. Even if you are currently under chiropractic care, it is imperative that you understand the work that is being done with your body. We want our patients to know what we do and why we do it. And with this new web presence, it is easier to get that information out to the public. We know that the public does not always realize just how unique and important this office is. But visiting www.sequencesystem.com will begin to open that door. This web site is unlike any other resource available in the chiropractic profession. We are happy to share it with the Ligonier web community, and hopefully you’ll want to share it with others.

In the future we look forward to bringing you news about new projects, especially the video podcast we are currently working on, “The Chiropractic Shooting Percentage”, which elaborates on a topic related in our books, and in a recent multi media blog that was created for the new web site.

I thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of the “Ligonier Living” blogoshpere.

Jeffrey Hunt, DC

Good morning, Ligonier!

livecam

Donna says:

"There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that once unleashed can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality." - Anthony Robbins

glacier116@hotmail.com

724-396-4337

at your doorstep doing chair massage

$1 a minute

Carolyn's Honey went home.

After Honey arrived home on August 20, having been diagnosed with a fractured hip, she did great. Then things went downhill. To read about what happened to her, click on: Honey went home—She’s romping in animal heaven

A complex issue...

In this Forum, we have shared thoughts on the topic of health care in our country. This is a hugely complex, far-from-simplified subject that effects the moral, financial and down right future of the United States. We are a smart and good people and I am confident the best decisions will ultimately be made. However, for now, let me share this 100% true story (it could be made into a parable) with you:

I recently spoke to a woman I know who told me she was to have out-patient surgery because she couldn't (excuse my language ) pee straight. I had never really considered this an issue but I asked her "Are you having pain"? "No, it isn't straight". Are there "Detrol" moments? No. Are you having any pain, discomfort (the rest of the questions I'll leave out). She is indeed one of the healthiest people I know. I knew she was not an outdoorsy, camping type, so I could not see exactly what the problem was. I always try to understand the circumstances of something before making a judgment. I checked the internet thinking maybe this was some anomaly unknown to me, but came up dry (sorry). I asked two other women friends (it's a chick thing guys) and they were also clueless.

The next day, she had her surgery done at an out-patient surgi-center owned by the surgeon and her husband, who is an anesthesiologist. Her hubby did the anesthesia. Snip, snip followed no real recovery period. She played tennis the next day.

I really started to think about this. The total cost for this had to be at leat $2,000 (they live near NYC). Insurance was billed and paid 100% of the cost, no questions asked. What would have been the consequences if the insurer had looked over the request and said no? Would you consider this rationed care? or just common sense. This couple can easily have afforded to pay for this from their own pocket. To me this is purely a cosmetic, esthetic situation that I still don't get.

I look at such things in a particular way as I was born with a blood clotting disorder that has caused a life of medical problems and expense. Even tho I have had "good" insurance the financial cost has been staggering. Right now I have delayed several procedures and a hand surgery as I am not sure I will be able to afford the injectable blood thinners needed before, during and after surgery or the tests. The cost of this one woman's "problem" could more than cover the meds I need.

Are our priorities and our thinking in this country so out of whack that people consider a trajectory problem to justify this expense and to then expect their insurer to pay the cost? Is this one example of why health care costs are so "bloated"? ("Well, isn't that what I pay premiums for!!!" ) people ask indignantly. It's the old "I am taken care of so what do I care about your pancreatic duct disorder that damages your liver and makes you more likely to develop pancreatic cancer?".

I share this personal experience with you as one way to personalize this issue and perhaps engender some straight thinking about where our priorities should be. Comments? Maybe they will trickle in.

(Sorry about the puns.)

Earth Lotus Yoga Studio

FALL CLASS SCHEDULE September 1st - December 31st, 2009

Monday
9:30 am - 11:00 am

11:15 am - 12:00 pm Chair Yoga
6:00pm - 7:30 pm Beginner's

Tuesday
9:30 am - 11:00 am Fundamentals of Yoga
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Wednesday
7:30 am - 9:00 am All-Level Class
9:30am - 11:00 am
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Hot Yoga Vinyasa Flow (1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month)

Thursday
9:30 am - 11:00 am Beginner's
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Friday
9:30 am - 11:00 am
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Yoga-lite (1st Friday of each Month)
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Restoratives (2nd & 4th Friday of each Month)
***Restoratives will begin Friday, October 9th

Saturday
10:30 am - 12:00pm
12:15 pm - 1:45 pm Beginner's
===============
===============
CLASS CARD OPTIONS
Drop-in class: $13

4 class card: $45 (2 month expiration)

8 class card: $80 (2 month expiration)

12 class card: $108 (3 month expiration)

Melissa M. Marasia, R.Y.T.

Earth Lotus Yoga Studio

3720 Route 711, N Suite #1

Ligonier PA, 15658 724 - 259 -3405

Idlewild's HallowBoo!

Idlewild's HallowBoo!
Originally uploaded by Idlewild Park

red barn

DSC03309
Originally uploaded by m.vath

St. Michaels

DSC03305
Originally uploaded by m.vath

ummm...okay, huh?

Here's Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. How does this relate to the right of the federal government to take over health care?

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures;

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States;

To establish post offices and post roads;

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court;

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against the law of nations;

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;

To provide and maintain a navy;

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the consent of the legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings;--And

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.

On the other hand we have Amendment X which reserves our rights as States and the People.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

We reserve the right to determine our own health care, thank you very much.

the rattlers on Laurel Mountain must be dancing ;)

State foresters have been trying to help by improving snake habitat along the Laurel and Chestnut ridges by cutting trees around traditional basking sites to remove some of the sun-blocking canopy, said Ed Callahan, district forester for Forbes State Forest. The agency has a pamphlet it hands out to commercial loggers who may encounter snakes, and it's trying to educate the public about snakes, too, he said.

Read more in the Tribune Review.

Good morning, Ligonier!

livecam

Newsweek Health Care Article

By Sharon Begley NEWSWEEK
Published Aug 29, 2009
From the magazine issue dated Sep 7, 2009

To the credit of opponents of health-care reform, the lies and exaggerations they're spreading are not made up out of whole cloth—which makes the misinformation that much more credible. Instead, because opponents demand that everyone within earshot (or e-mail range) look, say, "at page 425 of the House bill!," the lies take on a patina of credibility...

...To be sure, there are also honest and principled objections to health-care reform. Some oppose a requirement that everyone have health insurance as an erosion of individual liberty. That's a debatable position, but an honest one. And many are simply scared out of their wits about what health-care reform will mean for them. But when fear and loathing hijack the brain, anything becomes believable—even that health-care reform is unconstitutional. To disprove that, check the commerce clause: Article I, Section 8.

Read full article

With Katie Connolly, Claudia Kalb, and Ian Yarett
© 2009

Where have all the trees gone?

Thousands of downed trees are strewn across the Ligonier Township property as far as the eye can see.

.....

The parcel belongs to one of Westmoreland County's largest landowners — Rolling Rock Farms, located on property owned by the Richard King Mellon estate — and recently was clear-cut so the timber could be sold.

Read more in the Tribune Review...

Here are the two miniature horses.

I'm just thinking that The Ligonier Valley Trail starts at a farm and the Town's Edge farm will be kinds near the trail once it moves through town. What nice stops for families visiting Ligonier.

I set the eggs in the grass to try to get a picture of the cats.

LOL - They were more interested in being friendly than getting in the shot. ;)

Hey, just made by first visit to Town's Edge Farm.

Hubby and I finished grocery shopping at Giant Eagle. I purposefully didn't buy eggs because I've been dying to try the fresh eggs from the farm. Talk about convenient! I just bopped right over in no time. It's right past the high school on the right. There's a prominent sign so you can't miss it. As soon as I pulled into the driveway, I was greeted by this very friendly and docile shelty and Bill Snyder, the owner. I didn't get a chance to meet Debbie but I do hope to eventually.

Everything is clean and orderly. They have a little shop there off the driveway with all the products and pricing sheets. A dozen eggs was $2.25. There were all kinds of freshly butchered meats available including beef, pork, chicken and pork sausage.

The atmosphere is friendly and there are chickens roaming about and two darling cats and two lovely miniature horses. What fun for children this would be. I highly recommend including regular trips to the farm as part of your shopping routine. Healthy food and a real education about how food is made.

I feel like dunce because the only name I can remember now is Junebug, the little gray cat. I love that name! Maybe Bill or Debbie will pop on here tonight and let us know this sweet doggie's name. ;)

UPDATE: Bill was kind enough to chime in with the names. Thanks, Bill!

Hi Diane, Thanks for the nice write up. We appreciate the work you do and are regular readers. Now for the greeters of guests at the farm,The dogs name is Lawrence T. Taylor, Larry for short. There are five cats: Boo Boo, Big momma kitty, Little momma kitty, Shaver, June bug and Woody. The miniature horses are Tid Bit and Meriah, plus we have Butch the orphan calf in the barn. Keep up the fine work you do keeping the town up to date.

Bill Snyder

Amazing

Hammered dulcimer guy!!! He is so fast and quality!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Cool scottish group

Def not traditional
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LL .....still cookin'

Project Name	Today	Yesterday	This Month	Total
Ligonier Living	156	719	19,001	167,298
The Closing Specialists	0	30	922	71,920
titleinsurancetalk	19	115	2,955	93,548

attacking choice..

The liberal attack on FSAs, along with even broader attacks on full Health Savings Accounts, is an assault on the very notion of individuals managing their own health care budgets. The real agenda, one suspects, is to make government-run health care a default option by eliminating all other significant alternatives. Yet President Obama repeatedly has pledged that anybody happy with his or her current health coverage will be able keep it. Surely that pledge should apply as well to coverage that individuals provide for themselves through their own careful savings.

Read more in The Washington Times.

My day begins!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

why are people concerned about the government healthcare takeover?

Here's a start:

1. capitalism versus socialism - There is a philosophical debate concerning the taking of money from people against their will to give to another.

2. tort reform - Lawmakers are afraid to legislate tort reform which is probably the most likely solution to reducing the cost of health care because they don't want to face off with attorneys. They'd rather face off with the average citizen.

3. illegal immigrants - A large portion of the uninsured are illegal immigrants. People who live their lives following the rules resent having to pay for scofflaws.

4. natural laws of economics - Money doesn't leave the economic eco-system. Like water, it just moves around. You cannot force price reductions. Every move is offset by another. There is always a consequence. Every economic move is a seesaw of sorts - a bargain or exchange. In a free exchange, the seller and buyer negotiate for their mutual benefit. Individuals will negotiate selfishly and guard their interest. This free exchange finds a balance that the parties accept. If not, they seek another buyer or seller. This is a natural competition for goods and services. Winners and losers are determined by ability, quality and price.

Unnatural control over pricing or delivery of products simply changes who the buyers and the sellers are. The money is all still there. The favors and the wooing are all still there. Insert government into a market and the sellers woo the buyer, government, instead of the consumer, YOU.

Create a bureaucracy where they can say no to YOU and yes to the government and you might not get the services you desire because you are no longer the decisionmaker. The healthcare provider still gets paid but they don't have to compete to make you happy. They only have to compete to make the government happy because that's who butters their bread.


THIS IS NOT REALLY A DEBATE OVER HEALTHCARE. IT'S A DEBATE OVER CONTROL OF MONEY, YOUR MONEY. NO ONE GUARDS YOUR PURSE BETTER THAN YOU.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE MONEY IN THEIR PURSES ARE GUARDING THEIR PURSES.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO MONEY IN THEIR PURSES OR WHO WISH TO GET THEIR HANDS ON THE MONEY HELD BY OTHERS ARE PUSHING THE PROGRAM.

old charm found when brush cleared

When the morning fog lifts in the Ligonier Valley, Dr. Theresa Nimick-Whiteside relishes a view of the Allegheny Mountains from the gently sloping front lawn of her country home.

Dr. Nimick-Whiteside, a physician who specializes in tumor immunology, works at Hillman Cancer Center and lives in Squirrel Hill. On weekends, this stone cottage built in the 1930s offers the tonics of nature, a welcome boost to anyone's immune system.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09241/993979-30.stm#ixzz0Pa5UxkPT

Good morning, Ligonier! Looks like there's a sub sale today. ;)

livecam

Bill Moyers on Health Care

Bill Moyers talks about Health Care, "we're all in the same boat."


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/29/bill-moyers-on-health-car_n_271851.html

playing at the Ligonier Theater...I've seen it. It's good!

thinking about the Highland Games Sept. 11, 12 & 13

Harp Competitions begin at 1:00 pm; then at 4:30 pm there will be a Scottish musicians Jam Session. More on theHighland Games.

Louis at bath time

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Maybe Pam is still sleeping...LOL so shhh...

That was a hard last few days for her trying to find Louie. I just have to tell you a little bit more about the Louie story.

Louie - our lost big black dog - was adopted and moved to Ligonier. He must not have understood. He must have thought in his own doggie way that he had been captured and so escaped and went on a search to find his family. Everyone reading this knows that Louie has been running all over Ligonier Valley searching and searching...running and running. No one was able to catch him. Everyone who tried failed. He was fast and he always ran away. Louie was afraid and he wanted "home."

His "real" mom and dad - the ones he grew up with were called to help with the search and rescue. They drove hours to get here. Following a tip that he had been seen on Route 271, they went up the mountain and there they found him. As soon as Louie saw his "mom", he ran to her.

Isn't it something that from Louie's perspective, his search was a success. He ran and ran. He searched and searched...and finally...he found his family.


The adoption was undone and a new value placed upon the love of this dear canine. He has gone back to his "real" home.



What an amazing story. Louie - You're something else.

From the senate

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Congrats from senator don white

Jim and louise received this recognition for their 60 years of marriage!! This is too fabulous. I'm thrilled that their achievement has been recognized.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

on the planning meeting last night

My overwhelming impression last night was how interesting it was to have listened a bit at a couple of meetings in the beginning as the process was starting those many months ago and now to step in a listen after so much has been accomplished. These citizen volunteers deserve mega kudos for their efforts on behalf of the Borough.

Donna says.......

Treat everyone you meet as though they are the most important person you'll meet that day -Roger Dawson

glacier116@hotmail.com

724-396-4337

at your doorstep this fall

with my chair ~ for your massage

So, Pat, you may have yet another big black lost dog, eh?

Anyone else out there missing a big black dog? Pat's neighbor found a docile big guy.

Sounds like...

Years ago, I bought a small ceramic plaque. I can't remember where or when or how much. It just spoke to me then. It moved with me five times. It has been chipped and repaired but it is one of my most cherished items. It is one of those items I would grab if the house caught on fire, right after the dog and photos. No idea who authored it. It was a compass pointing me in the right direction. I hope you might appreciate it, too:

"This was my prayer, a piece of ground not over large with a garden and next to the house a stream of constant water."

Louie found!

Louie, the traveling curly-coated retriever has been recovered! A HUGE thank you to all of the folks who called us with sightings, tried to get Louie to come to them, stopped their cars on the highways and tried to keep him from getting hit with a car. He was caught on 711N near the top of the mountain. He is fine, other than being thin and having some burrs in his coat.

This is the most caring community I have ever lived in. Again, THANK YOU to everyone!

Louie - fingers crossed

Our big black dog, Louie, may be found. I received a call from Pat whose neighbor has found and captured a docile and big black dog. We've left a message for Pam with Pat's number and are waiting to hear.

Young Brothers Tae Kwon-Do at the Country Market!

As some of you know, this spring I took over as the head instructor at Young Brothers Tae Kwon-Do in Latrobe. We have an excellent curriculum and a family-oriented program under the direction of 9th degree black belt and two-time world champion Grand Master Kong Young Bo. Our students gain self-defense skills, physical fitness and develop self-confidence and focus while observing the tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit and modesty.

This Saturday, we'll be visiting the Ligonier Country Market! We'll be doing demonstrations at 9 AM, 10:30 AM and noon. Please stop by to say hi and learn more about tae kwon-do!

Tae kwon! We're looking forward to seeing you!

Lauren Schneider

yea!

The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday banned unsolicited, prerecorded, commercial telemarketing calls - better known as robocalls - just because they are annoying.

Read more in the Washington Times.

bad move

Prague and Warsaw knew Moscow would react negatively, but after years of patient diplomacy, they chose to stand with the United States. Canceling the deployment will betray the trust of our allies in Warsaw and Prague, leave Europe defenseless against Iranian missiles, enhance the Kremlin's stature and diminish U.S. credibility. There is no upside.

Read more in the Washington Times.

on football

When T.J. Seftas came to Seton Hill University three years ago, he didn't know what to expect.

The Ligonier Valley High School graduate knew he'd have a shot at playing a lot early because the program was so young. But he didn't know how the team would do, or how the program would fare.

Read more in the Tribune Review.

I agree with the Trib. Stop screaming and threatening and make your case.

On the "Watch List": Ligonier Valley's school-consolidation discussion. A school board session descended into chaos during public comments about the report, which recommends closing Laurel Valley Middle-High School. And this accomplished what? Those opposed to the school's closing don't need to commandeer the speaker's podium or otherwise grandstand. They simply need to make clear their argument for keeping the school open. Read more in the Tribune Review.


It's about money. I'm hearing all kinds of private hints at arguments against consolidation based on money, but I have yet to hear or read one being laid out fully and logically. Until the anti-consolidation side makes a case based on finances moving forward, they will lose. Thus far, I have been told privately, consolidation has been held up because of fear. Apparently prior school boards have been threatened or intimidated into dropping the idea. It's only a matter of time until you get a group of strong people capable of withstanding that kind of pressure.

If you have good ideas, let's hear them. What better expression of civics with which to educate your children than to make a public argument to support your case? If you make no clear argument and simply bellyache and threaten, then that is the lesson being taught. Since it's not normally a fruitful method, the additional lesson will be one of loss without understanding.

A good argument may win the day because, frankly, I'm not convinced that the right school is being closed. I am convinced that we need to close a school but I haven't heard all the facts or arguments clearly laid out advocating each position. I'd sure like to hear both sides. Silence concedes victory. So, bellyache and bellow and you lose by default.

I will restate here what I have tried to convey privately that this forum is open for debate and anyone willing to stay civil is welcome to discuss school consolidation and lay out their case here on Ligonier Living. I am happy to welcome thoughtful contributors.

Good morning, Ligonier!

livecam

The Just Say NO Crowd

"I don't have to read it, or know what's in it. I'm going to oppose it anyways."--


Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), quoted by the Express-Star, on the health care reform bill.





With that attitude, how can there be bipartisanship? It's time for Democrats to come together and pass health reform, without the just say NO crowd.

jennifer miele and Bob Mayo from channel 4 news she was hooping it up at westmoreland fair at the 4 H Auction to raise money for 4H scholarship 1

the little tomato plant in the Diamond

It's got blooms. ;)

Hey, Marianne! You're in this video. ;)

Ritter at SAMA

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley is pleased to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, Popular Culture: A Retrospective of Published Illustrations by John Ritter. The exhibition features more than 30 images by Ritter, whose American post pop compositions incorporate vibrant colors and photo collage while revealing a unique interpretation of contemporary politics, youth culture and media, and how each affects our interpretation of reality. The exhibition opens August 14 and will remain on view through November 7.

Read more at SAMA.

oh, there's the official version

Idlewild Park

Pittsburgh Trip - 05/2008
Originally uploaded by khargy

Rollo Coaster

Idlewild 053
Originally uploaded by jkthompson72

old Ligonier cemetery

100_1268
Originally uploaded by slff1

just this paragraph makes want to blahhhhhh

Section 431(a) of the bill says that the IRS must divulge taxpayer identity information, including the filing status, the modified adjusted gross income, the number of dependents, and "other information as is prescribed by" regulation. That information will be provided to the new Health Choices Commissioner and state health programs and used to determine who qualifies for "affordability credits."

Read more on CBSNews.com.

I do love this logo.

Bowling alley starting to look good. ;)

Does anyone know what this is?!

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Too cute!!

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Louie - the big black dog -has been seen again.

Two of our closers saw Louie - perfect description - out on Route 271 about a mile from Pickin Chicken. A bunch of people stopped their cars, formed a half circle and tried to stop him but he took off back in the direction of Ligonier.


If you see him call 724-331-7501 ANYTIME.

Leasha Tinkey is moving on from the ligonier Tavern she has been a loyal employee for almost 25 years she will be missed by all! She will be now working at out of the fire cafe stop and she her there.

Restaurant Etiquette: Thank goodness

Here are 10 ways to be the best customer you can be:

Tip 15 percent or more. Waitresses depend on tips for about 90 percent of their income, as they can earn as little as $2.15 an hour. They must also share their tips with bus staff, bartenders, hostesses and food runners. "We may keep only 80 to 70 cents of every dollar we get, sometimes less," says Steve Dublanica, author of Waiter Rant.

Tip at buffets. If you've ever left a buffet without tipping, consider yourself warned—standard tipping rules absolutely apply. Your server still brings drinks, gives great service and has to clear three times as many plates.

Treat your waitress with respect. Just because she's serving you food doesn't mean she's a servant. "When you go to a restaurant, you want what you want when you want it—and to some degree that's what you should get at a restaurant," Steve says. "But when people start thinking that we're not human … it hurts."

Put down the cell phone. If you absolutely have to make a call, wait until after you've heard the specials and everyone has placed their order. Otherwise, you'll hold up your dinner—and everyone else's.

Don't place blame where it doesn't belong. Your waitress doesn't mix every drink and sear every steak. If you don't like something, it isn't her fault. "If your steak is undercooked, I'll be happy to get you another one," says Tara, a waitress at Carmichael's in Chicago. "Just let me know, and I'll get it out as soon as I can."

Urge your kids to be on their best behavior. There's nothing more frustrating than going out to dinner and having the night ruined by the screaming kids at the next table. Teach your children to be respectful and courteous at every meal—especially in public. Your waitress—and fellow dinners—will thank you.

Don't ask to change tables. Seating on a busy night is like a house of cards—one wrong move and the whole thing comes tumbling down. "Two people take less time to eat than four people. Six people take more time to eat than four people. So we plan according to those times," Steve says. "If you change one table, everything gets thrown off."

Ask for the check. On a calm night, it's actually impolite for the waiter to drop the check on the table. "If you're having a wonderful evening, the last thing I want to do is go, 'Bang, here's the check,'" Steve says. Speak up when you're ready to go.

Don't overstay your welcome. The only time it's acceptable for a waiter to hand you the check is during a busy night. "If I've got to get you out of there, I will drop the check on your table," Steve says. "Getting another table means the waiter makes more money, the restaurant makes more money, everyone there makes more money because it's a business and we've got to move things along."

Let the waiter know when you're ready to pay. Waiters aren't psychic, so let a little money or a credit card peek out of the bill when you're ready to settle. "You don't want us hovering over your table," Steve says.

*I totally know what the man meant saying when people forget that you're human...when I waited tables I was a human before a waitress....amazing how some humans treat other humans... I also learned to not put up with it.

speaking of zoning

We received a comment from someone who is trying to get a copy of the current zoning ordinance from the Borough office and seems to be having trouble. I would think a body could still purchase it, right??

Borough Planning Commission meeting tonight

don't forget if you are interested in being a fly on the wall as they decide whether or not to recommend the new zoning package to Council.

Louie - the big black dog - is a hobo.

I've decided that Louie has the soul of a hobo. He likes to ride the rails or rather run the trails. LOL

For ComTech

Comtech did it again :) Two thumbs up!

Well, my beloved Macbook was not loading and not letting me use it at all. Granted it's like 3 years old :-p Took it to ComTech yesterday and it will be all set this afternoon!!!! They are amazing....so helpful, not out to gouge people with costs, and just know what the heck they are doing and do it WELL!!! Thank you guys!!! Especially Mike, he was working on it and I spoke to him personally. I highly recommend using them for all your computer needs!!!!! I can't say enough good things about ComTech. They also talk to you and answer any questions that you have. Very personal and caring service.

Let's do it!

We have a little less than one month and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America.
If you forward this email to least 11 people and each of those people do the same .... you get the idea.

THE PROGRAM:

On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed
outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds

just got this e-mail....good time to share thoughts on socialism

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class.

That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class".

All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.

The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that.

great vintage postcard of the Idlewild pool

NewsPlusNotes has a nice history of the pool.

Huge load

Idk what this was but looked like some sort of trailor. Poor driver...he did the best job that I've seen. We need a bypass.... No wonder we have busted up pieces of the diamond when these huge loads have to go through town. This driver did it without touching any of the diamond or sidewalks but most do not have that skill!!!
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