One of the reasons I love southern New England is because we get to see the ground before March.
I know, the Blizzard of 1888 was in March (I think I have photos of Wondering from that period pulling P.T. Barnum’s rickshaw), but those March storms generally go as quickly as they come. Ask my relatives in New Hampshire when they’ll see brown spots and they might tell you May. Friggin’ Atlantic up there doesn’t warm up until August.
I’m starting to get that spring feeling. Pitchers and catchers report in Florida and Arizona this week. (So what that A-Rod is A-Roid.) Love is in the air. St. Valentine’s Day is just a few days away; we’re inching toward St. Patrick’s Day.
OIB friend Tony Reno, the morning light on WICC, is doing something this week in honor of St. V’s day AM stations no longer do: he’s actually playing music dedicated to your significant other. It got me thinking about Bridgeport pols. I mean what songs would they–would you–dedicate to your significant other, and I don’t mean friends? What song would Mayor Bill Finch dedicate to Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa?
I’m thinking, that old song from 1975 Why Can’t We Be Friends fittingly composed by War. The mayor and Mario aren’t exactly at war but they’re not exactly ready to spring $40 for long-stemmed roses.
Would City Council President Tom McCarthy slip a musical card to nemesis Bob Walsh featuring the jingle from that George Jones tune, You and Me Together?
I think The Troll would counter with J. Geils’ Love Stinks (yeah yeah).
What song would you dedicate to your most loved (or hated) pol? No, Yahooy, Anna doesn’t count.
Barry’s Banner
Anyone see Barack’s first prime-time press conference Monday night? Basically, he said we’re in a crisis, let’s avoid a catastrophe. Looks like he has the votes for his stimulus package and wants to pad a few more, but I must confess I’m dizzy from all the back-and-forth and what it actually means for Bridgeport and Connecticut. The money will go to the state and after that where it ends up who knows? Republican Governor Jodi Rell is battling with a Democratic-controlled legislature. Do the Dems up there know what they’re doing? Buckle your seat belt.
Bridgeport Spotlight
News release from Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition. UPDATE: the NewsHour piece has been moved to later this week. Check BCAC’s website for air time. www.bcacct.org
BCAC and NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
Tuesday, February 10th at 7:00 p.m.Check local listings to find out what time the NewsHour is on where you live. (Note: If there is a news-breaking story on Tuesday our segment might be postponed.)
Tune into NewsHour with Jim Lehrer on public television (PBS) on Tuesday, February 10th, 7:00 p.m., and hear BCAC’s name! (NewsHour is usually on at 7:00 p.m., depending on where you live.)
At the request of NewsHour, BCAC was asked to find four parents who would agree to be interviewed on television about the impact of losing their jobs and their health insurance. Moderated by Betty Ann Bowser of NewsHour, you will witness a very powerful and moving interview.
Being featured on NewsHour was a great opportunity for BCAC and Bridgeport. The very real struggles of parents who have lost their health insurance are brought into the public debate on the national response to the health care crisis in America.
NewsHour was in Bridgeport filming last week. Four parents, Dee Brassell, Marta Calderon, Sefket “Donny” Djurkovic and Rosita Velez opened their homes to the camera crew who filmed them going about their daily chores. Then, the NewsHour camera crew came to BCAC and turned the 2nd floor conference room into a mini-television studio, complete with cameras, microphones and lights. Through the gentle but probing questions of moderator Betty Ann Bowser, the parents spoke about their experiences losing their jobs after many years of work. They described losing their health insurance and their fears about getting sick. They talked about their struggles trying to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.
Please watch NewsHour on Tuesday, February 10th on PBS. You will be moved, and we hope compelled, to join the healthcare4every1 Campaign with us and advocate for affordable health care in Connecticut. www.bcacct.org
Lennie: That was me with the sled. I was on my way to Went field with Tom (not McCarthy) and Lavinia. It’s a shame the circus never left the city.
Lennie: I saw the press conference. It took 10 minutes for him to finish answering the first question. The money going to the state means 1 thing for Bridgeport. It means we will get screwed again. This will be a good time to see how regionalization works. Remember there will be 169 towns looking for this money. There are 6 big cities, you all can do the math. MCAT and Countdown, watch regionalization at its best when this money is given out.
I would like to see Bridgeport get money to rebuild the Congress Street bridge and real monies that would truly cover the pilot payments for all the non-profit real estate we are forced to endure.
I’m off subject, but forgive me. It has occurred to me that should Obama appoint Chris Shays to any position other than a Alamo rent-a-car desk, Obama would be facing another irregular confirmation issue in the wake of the fact Shays rented his own van, to his own (lost ) campaign, for $10,000.00 smackeroos and that money went back into Shays’ pocket. I think they used to call that a circle-jerk and we taxpayers would be the recipients of his said magnanimous donation to himself.
There is a significant amount of money in the pot for Connecticut to distribute to cities. How on earth could anyone who controls those purse strings have confidence that Finch will allocate these funds for the whole good of the Bridgeport public?
My outrage over Andy Nunn receiving an $11,000 raise within the first year has become sadness.
Finch is stupid. He is an opportunist. He acquiesces to the call of the so-called cognoscenti. He is a bum of the first order and I would not be displeased if the State put many controls on any money allocated to Bridgeport.
Stafstrom to Mother Goose–“Did You Get My Message?”
Mother Goose to Stafstrom–“I Will Survive.”
Tom Coble to anyone–“Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.”
Adam Wood to Mario – “I am the Walrus.”
Mario to Wood – “Desperado.”
Bill Finch to the City – “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”
To Mrs. Mayor – “Mrs. Robinson.”
Well folks, get ready. The senate will be passing the stimulus (spending bill) within the next hour or so. One thing that has been slipped in there that most senators don’t know is the Health Bill that was intended to computerize medical records. What has now happened is that there is an amendment that will allow the government to dictate to your doctor if a certain procedure you require is indeed necessary. If the bureaucrat says No you are then SOL. Many senators were unaware this was added to the stimulus bill and state they will take it out. Time will tell. Get ready for socialized medicine.
Chris Shays to Federal Gov.–“Brother can you spare a dime?”
Ron Russo to Bridgeport–“All By Myself.”
Tom McCarthy to City Council–“Greatest American Hero.”
Governor Rell to CT, “Let them Eat Cake,” (Ok so that one is not a song, but if it was it would fit)
Jim Himes To Obama – “Money that’s what I want,”
MCAT to OIB – “All We Need is Love.”
“Bridgeport Now” LIVE Tuesdays at 8pm on Ch 77
No Cable: Try the internet: “a target=”_blank” href=”www.soundviewtv.org”>www .soundviewtv.org
Netcast: 216.41.34.230/svorg/svtheater.html
Tonight’s Show: Tuesday Feb 10
Today’s rundown of stories:
1) Finch says pay up if you want a parade!
The city’s first parade is coming and on the show to discuss:
Bob Curwen and Dave Ryan of the 27th Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Celebration.
2) Calling the Bishop of Bridgeport. Why?
The Bridgeport Catholic church has joined a national movement to opposed Obama’s plans for abortion. You didn’t know? Then you haven’t been to church lately. They are passing out postcards in church to sign and send. We contacted the Diocese of Bridgeport and expect we won’t have Planned Parenthood on the show with them.
3) Charles Brilvitch will explain the historic districts in Bridgeport. There are 24 of them.
And more.
Seen in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stratford, Woodbridge, Orange and Milford; “Bridgeport Now” is local-access weekly live TV. More local than News 12 gets.
Chris Caruso–“Man Of LaMangia.”
Bill Finch–“My Green Tambourine.”
Bridgeport Now: Just what position did you expect the church to take on abortion? Abortion is against the religious teachings of the Catholic church or didn’t you know that?
I’ll let the more seasoned OIB bloggers pick a person for: “Puff the magic drag-on”
How about Bob Scinto and Ebb Tide?
Prez Obama … “Hey Big Spender”
Mayor Ganim … “Oh the Good Life”
Laid-off city workers … ” I who have nothing”
Wondering: I agree with you … why would Bishop Lori want to appear with Planned Parenthood? That would be too condescending of him to discuss an issue like abortion. I applaud him for his stand. Now, other birth control measures, or homosexuality or the Church’s stand on the war on terrorism might be interesting to see.
Bibi’s back! Lets see how Obama and Clinton (Bill that is) will deal with Bibi’s policy concerning the Palestinians.
www .connpost.com/ci_11672242
Political Love Song? Here is one; reggaeton style, Desahogo by: Vico C.
It has a few lines directed at Politicians that are so true.
www .youtube.com/watch?v=4hsFx_8TtwI
Caruso … mama I’m comin’ home
Ganim … I kissed a girl and I (didn’t) like it
Finch … mama said there’d be days like this
Fabrizi … I want what he got
To me and Mojo … you and me against the world
Obama … Jesus Christ Superstar
Ah … one more … CC’s g/f … my boyfriend’s back and there’s gonna be trouble.
Lennie, did Joe Ganim have a drug problem?
www .connpost.com/ci_11673069
Joel, Joe had some problems but not drugs.
OK Lennie … but in the spirit of the blog theme of songs … did Joe kiss a girl and not like it???
Now that Joe’s in Pennsylvania, his love song is Philadelphia Freedom.
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Finch to Mario- “If I ruled the world” (J.B.)
Dewars to Joel- “Macho Man” (V.People)
Gov. Rell to the State- “Bad Girl” (D.Summer)
Mojo to Bpts Finest- “Bad Boys” (3rd.World)
Local Eyes to Lennie- “2nd that emotion” (SMOKEY)
Obama to Republicans- “I did it my way” (C.O.B.)
City Council to Mayor- “Chain of Fools” (A.Franklin)
Bpt. to State,Feds,Anybody- “HELP” (Beatles)
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