Monday, November 27, 2006

AGING BARBIE

We here at Freedom of Speech hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Weekend.

This is so funny we just have to pass it on, even the men might get a laugh!


Kathy shares - Finally a Barbie I can relate to. At long last, here are some NEW Barbie dolls to coincide with her and OUR aging gracefully. These are a bit more realistic.

1. Bifocals Barbie - Comes with her own set of blended-lens fashion frames in six wild colors (half- frames too!), neck chain, and large-print editions of Vogue and Martha Stewart Living.

2. Hot Flash Barbie - Press Barbie's bellybutton and watch her face turn beet red while tiny drops of perspiration appear on her forehead. Comes with handheld fan and tiny tissues.

3. Facial Hair Barbie - As Barbie's hormone levels shift, see her whiskers grow. Available with teensy tweezers and magnifying mirror.

4. Flabby Arms Barbie - Hide Barbie's droopy triceps with these new, roomier- sleeved gowns. Good news on the tummy front, two-MuMus with tummy-support panels are included.

5. Bunion Barbie - Years of disco dancing in stiletto heels have definitely taken their toll on Barbie's dainty arched feet. Soothe her sores with the pumice stone and plasters, then slip on soft terry mules.

6. No-More-Wrinkles Barbie - Erase those pesky crow's-feet and lip lines with a tube of Skin Sparkle-Spackle, from Barbie's own line of exclusive age-blasting cosmetics.

7. Soccer Mom Barbie - All that experience as a cheerleader is really paying off as Barbie dusts off her old high school megaphone to root for Babs and Ken, Jr.. Comes with minivan in robin-egg blue or white and cooler filled with doughnut holes and fruit punch.

8. Mid-life Crisis Barbie - It's time to ditch Ken. Barbie needs a change, and Alonzo (her personal trainer) is just what the doctor ordered, along with Prozac. They're hopping in her new red Miata and heading for theNapa Valley to open a B&B. Includes a real tape of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do."

9. Divorced Barbie - Sells for$ 199.99. Comes with Ken's house, Ken's car, and Ken's boat.

10. Recovery Barbie -Too many parties have finally caught up with the ultimate party girl. Now she does Twelve Steps instead of dance steps. Clean and sober, she's going to meetings religiously.. Comes with a little copy of The Big Book and a six- pack of Diet Coke.

11. Post-Menopausal Barbie - This Barbie wets her pants when she sneezes, forgets where she puts things, and cries a lot. She is sick and tired of Ken sitting on the couch watching the tube, clicking through the channels.. Comes with Depends and Kleenex. As a bonus this year, the book "Getting In Touch With Your Inner Self.”

Sunday, November 19, 2006

THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR

This article was emailed to Freedom of Speech, we believe it says it all.



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.

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

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

FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH..

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.


author unknown

Freedom of Speech wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday

Friday, November 17, 2006

SURFbored WHAT A GREAT IDEA

There was an article in the Tribune 11/9/06 concerning high school students and their concern with safe places to hang out with their friends. LeeAnn Wiseheart, School Board Member and mother of one of the students has offered to help these young people make this happen.

These teens have started a youth summit, they are coming up with ideas for a building with a pool, a gym, a coffee shop and various other safe places.

Freedom of Speech believes this is a wonderful idea. Our teenagers have been overlooked for a long time. As the population ages many people are understandibly concerned about their future, hence the new assisted living complex on Graybook lane for instance. But these young people are our future and they need to learn to make decisions about New Albany since they will be the ones in control of the Administration, and City Council one day.

Let's all support Mrs. Wiseheart and the students with our ideas, our labor and our financial support. Many of us are parents ourselves and have teenagers currently or will have teenaged children or grandchildren.

Let's protect those we love the most.









Wednesday, November 15, 2006

FOLLOW THE MONEY

Develop New Albany is searching for funding.

As stated in the New Albany Tribune:

"New Albany Urban Enterprise Association recently ended it's partnership with Develop New Albany."

" The association had paid Develop New Albany about $4000.00 a month for salary and expenses."

"The city of New Albany gives DNA $5,000.00 per year."

New Albany has been giving money to DNA for a long time. DNA Board President Farmer declined to comment on whether DNA would seek more money from the city.

Freedom of Speech has an answer for DNA should they ask for more city money.

The city of New Albany is searching for money to bail out the city budget to correct many city problems. Develop New Albany should be reminded that the city has pledged $137,000.00 per year to the Scribner Place project. Yes---that's $137,000.00 per year for a downtown project.

The DNA staff and board spoke out and supported the Scribner Place project and that is where the money is going.

Freedom of Speech feels that the city of New Albany cannot soak any more than $137,000.00 per year in downtown New
Albany. The city needs to help the east end, the west end and all for corners of New Albany.


Where did the money go? Answer: $137,000.00 per year to Scribner Place.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

DON'T DUMP ON US...PART TWO

Dennis Andres is still trying to obtain a Special Exemption to place additional fill material on his property located near Corydon Pike.

According to Ben Hersberg's Courier Journal article dated 11/15/06, a meeting was held on 11/14 to consider Mr. Andres' request. Approximately fifty people attended this meeting to show their opposition to this continued dumping.

Several of Mr. Andres' neighbors spoke as did his Councilman, Dan Coffey. Additionally, many of the attendees stood to show their opposition.

Homeowners should not have to be concerned about one person's actions which cause their peoperty to flood. Just because a person owns property does not give them the right to infringe on their neighbors' rights. We have a Stormwater Board to handle something like this, don't we?

Freedom of Speech urges the Board of Zoning Appeals to follow the County Plan Commission's lead and put a stop to this dumping.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

HELP! I'M HAVING A HEART ATTACK!!!!

WHO AM I GOING TO CALL?

  • New Albany needs trained emergency technicians to respond when we need help.
  • New Albany needs local emergency medical technicians who know city streets.
  • New Albany needs those employees who can pass the test.

Is it true that the Mayor wants to eliminate the testing process so he can hire his political buddies?

ATTN: City Council Members--New Albany needs trained Emergency Medical Technicians who can pass the test.

The Courier Journal said that Councilman Coffey wants to hire more firefighters with EMT training. And the New Albany Tribune said that Mayor Garner is working out a plan with Brain Gadd of the Firefighters Union. This is all well and good but the problem of financing still remains.

Perhaps manning the ambulances only with trained EMT's and an educated dispatcher could eliminate fire engines being sent to the scene in a non life threatening situation. When the call is about a child who fell off of a bicycle, a fire truck is a little overkill.

One thing for sure we absolutely cannot have another person having to wait 25 minutes for an ambulance.

Freedom of Speech believes that if there is a death due to slow response time by an ambulance driver, Mayor Garner and certain members of the City Council should serve as pall bearers.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

DON'T DUMP ON US ANYMORE

NEW ALBANY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS--NOVEMBER 14, 2006 AT 7:00PM
FOURTH FLOOR, CITY COUNTY BUILDING

DOCKET B-66-06 : Dennis L Andres requests a Special Exception to permit placement of fill in the floodplain on a 3 acre tract +/-, in an Open Space (floodplain) and R-1, Suburban Residential district at 1615 Corydon Pike.

Nearby residents report that dumping has alteady started.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH WOULD LIKE TO KNOW:

1. Why is the owner already dumping before approval or proper permits are issued?

2. Has anyone told the Board of Zoning Appeals members that New Albany is paying an engineering firm to enforce a state mandated Stormwater Plan?

3. Has anyone told the Board of Zoning Appeals members that New Albany has a new Stormwater Board?

4. Has anyone told the Board of Zoning Appeals members that we are now forced to pay a $3.15 monthly fee to enforce or institute the new state mandated Stormwater Plan?

5. Why would the Board of Zoning Appeals approve this request to dump or fill in a flood plain that could cause us more flooding problems?

We think the members of the Board of Zoning and Appeals and the Stormwater Board need to work together on this issue. What we don't need are several boards working against each other which is apparently the situation here.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

DEMOCRAT VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN...

The Floyd County Voters sent a message loud and clear to the Floyd County Democrat Central Committee on Tuesday, November 7, 2006.

The voters show their frustration and discontent with the Floyd County Democrat Central Committee.

What effect will this frustration have on the up coming Mayor and Council Election for 2007?

Was Floyd County Central Committee Chairman Stumler's defeated due to this frustration of the local Democrats?

Is Chairman Stumler going to continue to try to lead the local Democrat Party down the Progressive road?

It is obvious that the Democrat Voters are dissatisfied with the Democrat Party!

What will the local Democrat Voters do in 2007?


footnote: Floyd County General Election results for United States Representative in Congress - 9th District.

Mike Sodrel (Rep.)...12,548
Baron Hill (Dem.)....11,686
Eric Schansberg ........855
(Lib.)


Is the hand writing on the wall?

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

FLOYD COUNTY GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS... ELECTION 2006



United States Senator
Richard G. Lugar (Rep.)

United States Representative In Congress
Baron Hill (Dem.)

State Senator
Connie Weigleb Sipes (Dem.)

State Representative
Willian Cochran (Dem.)

Prosecuting Attorney
Keith Henderson (Rep.)

Clerk Of The Circuit Court
Linda Moeller (Dem.)

County Auditor
Tersea Plaiss (Dem.)

County Sheriff
Darrell Mills (Dem.)

County Assessor
Brenda Egge (Dem.)

County Commissioner
Mark Seabrook (Rep.)

County Council District 1
Thomas Pickett (Dem.)

County Council District 2
Larry McAllister (Dem.)

County Council District 3
Lana Aebersold (Rep.)

County Council District 4
John Schellenberger (Rep.)

Township Trustee Franklin Township
Hazel Riley (Dem.)

Township Board Franklin Township
Paul Byrne (Dem.)
Randy Hubert (Dem.)
Ernie Mayfield (Dem.)

Township Trustee Georgetown Township
David Riley (Dem.)

Township Board Member Georgetown Township
Dennis Roudenbush (Dem.)
Charles Wilson (Rep.)
Jeffrey Firkin (Rep.)

Township Trustee Greenville Township
Hilda Gibson (Dem.)

Township Board Member Greenville Township
Mary Grube (Rep.)
Rick Hall (Rep.)
Patty Nelson (Rep.)

Township Trustee Lafayette Township
Evan Freiberger (Dem.)

Township Board Member Lafayette Township
Priscilla Meer (Dem.)
Carl Schindler (Dem.)
Charles Zipp (Dem.)

Township Assessor
Barbara Sillings (Dem.)

Township Trustee New Albany Township
Jeannie Freiberger (Dem.)

Township Board Member
Bob Hornung (Rep.)
Lodema Applegate (Dem.)
Patty Walker (Dem.)

Greenville Town Board
Patti Hayes-Daniels (Rep.)
Bob Wright (Rep.)


Freedom Of Speech would like to offer our Congratulations to all the winning candidates.

Monday, November 06, 2006

ELECTION 2006 ... WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR?


THOSE DAMN HUMAN POLITICAL ADS ... I'M VOTING FOR GARFIELD!

SCRIBNER PLACE - WHO GETS THE CREDIT?

Will former Mayor Regina Overton be at the ground breaking for the Scribner Place today?

Former Mayor Overton had the courage and interest to keep the Scribner Place Project moving forward. She endured the setbacks but, she had the determination to keep Scribner Place moving ahead for Downtown New Albany.

Will Mayor Garner have the "common decency" to give Overton the credit she deserves for Scribner Place and share the ground breaking?

Freedom Of Speech knows that Mayor James Garner always likes to take credit for other peoples hard work.

This seems to be your pattern...Right Jimmy!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

HERE "WE GO" AGAIN!...PIE-SLICING TIME FOR THE MAYOR?

Here we go again...It doesn't surprise us that Mayor Garner is getting ready to put the taxpayers in another mess. Good Lord, can 2007 come soon enough for New Albany's deliverance?

What are we talking about? Well just read it and see what Mr. Mayor is up to now!

Request For Pricing

The Housing Authority of the City of New Albany is issuing a solicitation for proposals for the following service for fiscal year 2007: Solid Waste Disposal (Trash pickup) interested offerors should contact Cora Huffines, Director of Finance and Compliance at 812-948-2319, ext. 2039 or chuffines@nahain,comfor propsal packets. Deadline for proposals is November 13, 2006 by 5:00 p.m. EST at Administrative Offices, 300 Erni Ave., New Albany, In., Public bid opening will be at the Board of Commissioners meeting, November 13, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Mark Elrod Towers, New Albany Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and preference is given to Minority or Women owned Businesses, Resident owned Businesses, and Faith Based Organizations. NAHA reserves the right to terminate any solicitation. Lowest and best offer considered.
Oct. 25,27,29

Does this mean...

* Is it a fact the Mayor has promised "a 2007 Housing Authority Contract" to the current company collecting New Albany garbage?

* Why does the Mayor have a hand in this?

* Is it true the current company is still using New Albany equipment and City building? Do they not own the necessary equipment to do the job?

* Why is it such a "big secret" as to who the "ghost" backers are of this business arrangement between New Albany and the current Waste Disposal Company?

Original contract was with - City of New Albany & Clark-Floyd Landfill, L.L.C. ECO-Tech

Southern Indiana Waste Systems services the City of New Albany customers.

Freedom Of Speech would like to ask if the City of New Albany is picking up The Housing Authority garbage now, why is the Housing Authority taking bids?

Will the New Albany Housing Authority still pay/owe an outstanding garbage collection bill to the city?

So many questions and not enough answers!

Could the old adage "If it AIN'T BROKE - don't fix it" be applied to this situation?