I'll be fine. Really.

BBBiiiiii-il! I LOVE YOU SO, I ALWAYS WILL . . .

2007-02-05T19:35:00.000-05:00

Ode to 'Tilly

The best and funniest brother of all.

You are an inspiration and a superb Christian Dad, Husband, Son, etc.

With you, it really IS rocket science.

You are a braniac and solid hoot!

Love you!

Zenyatta Mondatta, they're BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-02-05T14:25:00.000-05:00

The Police reunion hoopla just got kicked up another notch. Grammy Awards officials confirmed Tuesday morning that the rock trio will reunite for a performance Feb. 11, opening the nationally televised awards show at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. That's tantalizing news for fans of Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland, who are widely expected to launch a global concert tour this summer, 23 years after their split. I, for one, will be going for a second mortage to see as much of it as I can. Radio stations in British Columbia, Canada have reported that the band is rehearsing at Lions Gate Studios in Vancouver, where band members have been spotted out and about.(Above: The best drummer EV-ERR!!)

FOR A SONG

2007-01-18T21:59:00.000-05:00

I heard a story on the radio today about favorite songs. Is it impossible to have one? My I-roster stats say that I have listened to one song, "I Wouldn't Believe Your Radio," by the Stereophonics, far more than any other. It contains one of my favorite lyric phrases of all time..."If I had myself a flying giraffe, you'd have one in a box with a window." That tune is in the treadmill list, but lately I have settled into some quieter music.

I wanted to get the buzz on your favorite 'love song.' Mine is "There We Are," by James Taylor. Why? It is simple and just so lovely to me. I never tire of hearing it.

Here are other 'softies' from my-pod, available for purchase as my submitted imix at the Itunes Store entitled "Clouds One through Eight":

Betcha By Golly, Wow - The Stylistics
Between You and Me-DC Talk
Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered-Ella Fitzgerald
Break Up to Make Up-The Stylistics
Can't Hide Love-Earth,Wind & Fire
Caroline I See You- James Taylor
Cloudy-Simon & Garfunkel
Dirty Work-Steely Dan
Don't Let Go-En Vogue
Dream a Little Dream of Me-Dean Martin
Easy (Extended)- The Commodores
Fragile-Sting
God Only Knows-The Beach Boys
I've Grown Accustomed to Your Face-Rosemary Clooney
I Dont Want to Live Without You (Single Edit)-Foreigner
Live for Your Love-Natalie Cole
I Need to Be in Love (1991 Remix)-The Carpenters
In This Very Room-The Gibbons Family
Lately-Stevie Wonder
Mass: Simple Song- Andreas Delfs, Renée Fleming & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
On My Way to You-Barbra Streisand
Only Love Is Real-Carole King
Seasons of Love-London Gay Men's Chorus
Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) Marvin Gaye & Diana Ross
Tea In the Sahara-Sting
The Night Is Still Young-Billy Joel
Theme from "Six Feet Under" Soundtrack

Touch Me in the Morning-Diana Ross
Violin Romance No.1 in G Major, Op.40 Gil Shaham & Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Willow Weep for Me-Sarah Vaughan

photo: Reuters

MORE THAN MOMMA MUNSTER

2007-01-11T16:33:00.000-05:00

Yvonne DeCarlo (1922-2007)

One of my favorite quotable lines from Seinfeld is from Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine. As she realizes that all the waitresses in Monk's Diner have 'something in common,' she wrinkles her nose and says, "It's like a Russ Myer film in here!" Myer, nicknamed 'King Leer,' was a director of psychedelic cult films featuring amazon actresses. Myer cast Yvonne DeCarlo in some of those B features, which was flattering - at first. Having tired of those roles, DeCarlo defined her career by playing Moses’ wife Sephora, opposite Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments. The list of stars she worked with reads like a 70's game show panel, but her prolific body of work is admirable.

Her portrayal of Lily Munster in the horror-spoof sitcom The Munsters (1964-66) is what secured her as an entertainment icon and moved her work into my generation.

In the early 1970s, she was still going strong in Stephen Sondheim Broadway musical Follies (1971). She was married to Hollywood stuntman, Robert Morgan, who lost his leg while filming How the West Was Won (1963). They had two sons. DeCarlo died Sunday of heart failure at 84.

TIME TO SOAR

2007-01-08T18:52:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Air Combat Command unit has been flying above the globe for 52 years. It's been a bit longer since the United States government first assembled a unit of power. As Nancy Pelosi puts it, "In more than 200 years of history, there was an established pecking order -and I cut in line."

2007 is off to a promising start as, for two weeks in a row, we're hearing good news about the blows to the marble ceiling.

It shouldn't be surprising that it took more than 200 years for Congress to select a female speaker of the House. The United States isn't exactly at the forefront when it comes to women in politics. Women make up a larger share of the national legislature in 79 other countries, including China, Cuba, North Korea and Vietnam, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, an association of national legislatures. The U.S. even trails a couple of fledgling democracies: Afghanistan and Iraq.

And just out of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, joining the Thunderbirds in the no. 3 right wing position will be Capt. Nicole Malachowski, currently assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Captain Malachowski will turn a new page in history as the first female demonstration pilot on the jet team.

STORYKEEPING

2006-12-09T05:55:00.000-05:00

We won! We won!

Julia and I took first place honors at the Chamber of Commerce Henry County Academy for Community Leadership Graduation!

Our project, Henry County Storykeepers- Remembering Then, Empowering Now, will become reality after being chosen for outstanding content and presentation.

Based on our personal and professional experiences, the ideas and effort came easily as we developed the program. Here's an edited- for- space version:

PURPOSE:
Provide a resource for telling and preserving individual and community stories. As the slogan suggests, this process has social, historical and personal significance while linking the past to the present and providing a positive “bridge” to tomorrow. Other important goals include: preserving not only history, but the authentic voice and vocabulary of individuals, and to establish a ‘voice’ for those groups poorly represented in our culture.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We (Julia and Ruth) are native to Henry County and our families have deep roots and rich history here. We each chose to return here after college and have resettled here with our families. Sensing a negative cultural shift, and knowing that economic decline has had a damaging effect on our hometown, our goal is to implement a project that will provide practical resources for sharing both personal and community history.

LEVEL A (three Months):
Create an individual story-collecting kit for the preservation of one’s own history or to collect stories about the life of a company, organization, place or family. The kit would consist of a list of 10 basic questions to inspire the collection of thoughts, feelings and facts about the subject matter. Multiple kits could be developed which are tailored to a particular group’s needs – i.e. ‘The Life of a Local Organization’ kit. A cassette tape and journal are made available for collecting information. The kits will be distributed at a workshop at the local library as well as made available through speaking engagements to local organizations. . The search for future funding through grant application and possible local fundraising also begins at this level.

LEVEL B (six months):
Establish a free website and permanent story-collecting “station” at the Henry County Public Library ‘Indiana Room.’ An on-line computer will be available to record one’s history by typing it into a word-processing program or as a submission form on a website. That site would also remove any geographic barriers to story-collecting.

LEVEL C (nine months):
Purchase audio and video equipment to establish a portable, user-friendly “studio” for story-collecting. An accompanying kit would include suggestions and instructions for setting up a storytelling event at a family gathering, military reunion, local club, church, athletic team reunion, company or group meeting. This could be housed at the library and made available through the regular check-out system there with guidelines for use and care of the equipment. Training sessions for the use of this would be made available through advanced workshops.
LEVEL D (one year):
Plan and implement a Storytelling Fair as a community event that will include:
· Storytelling stations with computer access, photography, and an interview set for audio and video recording. Live demonstrations of the portable studio.
· Two or three sessions, with a small fee, instructing individuals how to write their autobiographies. Information collected on this day would become part of the library archive and could potentially become an annual Henry County event.
· Sessions with local youth and elder partners sharing the storytelling process.
· Paid booth space (as fundraising for the project) for local groups to set up for story-collecting for their members and constituents.

Future Possibilities:
· Establishing a scout badge for local troops for storytelling.
· Implementing an adult education class for storytelling projects and techniques.
· Funding a position for implementing the programs.
· Local school curriculum development for storytelling
· Practical use: documenting a site – i.e. antiques/ places – for insurance purposes
· Use of the project as a group fundraiser
· Working with New Castle High School’s media program to include local youth in the project. The school library system could also include a link to the website for classroom projects.

Possible Community Collaboration:
· A committee comprised of representatives from local historical societies, photographers, librarians, funeral directors, teachers, and all interested parties to help organize and create accountability for Henry County Story Keepers events and finances.
· Local preservation and historic interest groups could be approached to support the efforts of this project as a subcommittee or project.

COMMUNITY SIGNIFICANCE:
Everyone has a story. Storytelling nurtures relationships, builds trust, and promotes unity. This establishes the environment necessary for healthy communication during good times and bad.

ROY'S WORLD

2006-11-12T21:08:00.000-05:00

The best capture of the election outcome by our pal Roy Smith! Thanks, Roy!

EVERYBODY LOVED RAYMOND

2006-10-27T21:14:00.000-04:00

James Raymond Dicken
1937 - 2006

I will not die an unlived life.

I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.

I choose to inhabit my days,

to allow my living to open me,

to make me less afraid,

more accessible,

To loosen my heart

Until it becomes

a wing,a torch, a promise.

I choose to risk my significance;

To live so that which came to me as seed

goes to the next as blossom

and that which came to me as blossom,

goes on as fruit. -Dawna Markova

I love you, Dad

THE CASE FOR SACK LUNCHES

2006-08-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

"Want your tots?"
This adorable picture headlined the Courier-Times today. Check out the underwhelming response of these first-graders eating their first cafeteria lunch. I like the unspoken, "Twelve years of THIS?" Hang on, kids, pizza day's a' comin' !!

DOING WITHOUT

2006-07-29T11:12:00.000-04:00

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Not Buying It - by Judith Levine
If you've ever contemplated scaling back your broadly-defined “Entertainment Budget,” but failed, Judith Levine allows you to witness and learn from her drastic experiment to quit the entire consumer rat race for a full year. She is an excellent and humorous writer. While allowing you personal access to the angst of buying generic cotton swabs and of how the constant wants vs. needs struggle affects her social space and self worth, she cleverly injects some stunning facts about American waste into this personal diary. You’ll love it. And, perhaps go a few weeks without “Uncrustables.”

STAR BRIGHT

2006-06-11T16:33:00.000-04:00

We're adopting a dog! After much planning, conversations and visits to Petfinder.com, we've found a pooch! Star will join us next Friday, June 16, 2006. After a lifetime of rolling my eyes at freaky 'pet-people,' I have already been on two trips for supplies, including a Woolrich bed and gourmet treats from JB Paws in Pendleton. She will eat her hypo-allergenic food on stainless, diner-style bowls atop a bone-shaped rug while wearing her pink plaid collar. She deserves it. She was found last October in Anderson running scared with her heart full of worms and ribs showing. Now, thanks to Kim Kase at Countryside Animal Rescue, she's healthy, calm, regal, beautiful, shockingly obedient for an ex-stray and ...ours. :)

SWEET!

2006-04-05T08:25:00.000-04:00

A road trip last Saturday with my friend Karen to Union City, Indiana, turned up a treasure (or two.) Ghyslain Chocolat des beaux arts offers an unlikely oasis of good taste and, well, great tasting chocolate. Hand-painted easter bunnies, truffles and spun sugar confections produced absolute euphoria that left me shaking my head sadly at, but not refusing, all common chocolate thereafter. The gourmet shop, which offers factory tours, private lessons and a $5 lunch special is a must-indulge. We enjoyed a deliciously fresh rosemary chicken salad croissant. Not just a croissant, but one made that day by a French-Canadian Chef. Wow! SO...WHY is this guy in Union City? Discover his story and some great holiday shopping at: www.ghyslain.com And Happy, Happy Easter.

CROCK CLOTHING CAPTAIN CROAKS

2006-03-23T23:01:00.000-05:00

Bernard Lacoste, who spent more than 40 years at the helm of the Lacoste clothing empire best known for its crocodile-embossed polo shirts, has died, the company said Wednesday. He was 74.
The famous crocodile insignia comes from the father, whose nickname was "Le Crocodile." The nickname apparently originated when Rene Lacoste admired a crocodile suitcase in a store window, and his Davis Cup captain promised to buy it for him if he won an important upcoming match. He never got the bag, but U.S. sports writers took up the name because it described his style on the court.

APPRECIATION

2006-03-13T21:51:00.000-05:00

"I've always had an interest in New Castle history. You can look down Broad Street and see how many old buildings are sitting there empty. I just love to hear the 'I remember when ...' stories." – David Nantz

The third floor of the old Colonial Building in the 200 block of South 14th Street in New Castle houses not only an ambitious couple, but a great deal of hope for the future of New Castle.

David Nantz, 24, is a local portrait photographer. Before he fell for his wife, Lisa, he was smitten over a rotting commercial building. One week after he turned 21, he bought it for $80,000. He and some friends did the demolition and clean-up work, then brought in a contractor to do the framing and continued to sub-contract other work for the next 18 months.

Dave's photography studio is on the first floor of the building, the site of what was one of the first grocery stores in New Castle. The second-floor landing, which has been refinished to look like the original business offices, remains. The original light fixtures and local historic photos grace the hallway. Vintage-looking door decals mark the previous site of WCTW, where my Dad says he used to run up to volunteer to answer the phone on ball game nights as a kid.

Then to the third floor. . .

I recently had a chance to tour the Nantz home. IT IS STUNNING! It is also an inspiration to this sometimes-reluctant local nester. “If you don’t know the history of where you are, you can’t enjoy and appreciate it,” David tells me. He’s as proud of his town as he is his new home and is a member of local committees and organizations to be a part of improving it. "We spend a lot of time here," Dave said. "Most visitors' first reaction is they can't believe they're in New Castle." As for Lisa, she has made the transition from Indy to NC. "Now I wouldn't trade this for a house," she said, resting against her long kitchen counter. "I love it."

As I look out one of 27 huge windows and down into a window in an adjacent downtown building, I do a doubletake and then my heart smiles as I realize there is new life there. A too- bright, shadeless light bulb wings slightly, revealing a bright, fresh coat of paint. I learn that an old school chum has returned to town and purchased the building. "It's going to be apartments!" David chimes, then smiles as he lifts his wine glass.

Here's to New Castle. Here's to making it better by taking steps to appreciate it's past, then making a future where we are.

O'BANNON DIRECTS 'PEACE HOUSE'

2006-02-22T22:24:00.000-05:00

"Understanding always comes before problem-solving. This is the key to true community. Service becomes an expression of purpose."

- Judy O'Bannon

Judy O’Bannon has spent much of her life supporting and promoting efforts to strengthen Indiana communities. She's still on the road sharing with Hoosier friends and made a stop in Hagerstown, Indiana on Wednesday night where, having been inspired by numerous speeches she has given, I was finally able to meet her.

As the chair of the 25-member Indiana 2016 Task Force, she encourages Hoosiers to set the state’s 200 th birthday in 2016 as a target for long-term goals and to become more involved in their communities in the years leading up to the bicentennial.

Additionally, as host of the WFYI-produced television series Communities Building Community, Judy helps bring attention to the many ways Hoosiers throughout the state are strengthening their communities. The show began airing statewide on PBS stations in spring 2003, and a second season is currently in production to be premiered in Summer 2004.

In early 2004, Judy accepted a position as director of external affairs for Peace House, a collaborative effort between Earlham, Goshen, and Manchester colleges. Peace House, part of the larger Plowshares collaborative, will house students in Indianapolis for a semester of their college experience. Here they will study peace and justice by combining academics and an internship—with a group experience of living in and exploring the diverse city of Indianapolis.

I D'ONO

2006-02-15T22:13:00.000-05:00

Vincent D'Onofrio never looks quite the same. Is he the chubby Pvt. Pyle of Full Metal Jacket? The dead ringer for Orson Welles of Ed Wood? Bill Newman in JFK and again in Malcom X? A Stanislavic Poster Boy, D'Onofrio loses himself in his roles. He gained a world record 70 pounds for his role in Full Metal Jacket (1987). One of the founders of the River Run Film Festival along with his sister, Elizabeth D'Onofrio, and their father, Gene, he balances bona fide hunkiness with a serious manner. He's my favorite L&O character. Who's yours?

HYPE OF THE HALFPIPE

2006-02-15T06:41:00.001-05:00

Chicken Salad Air- The rear hand reaches between the legs and grabs the heel edge between the bindings while the front leg is boned. Also, the wrist is rotated inward to complete the grab.

Okay. That's a definition for a snowboard move featured in the 2006 Torino games. Snowboarding is HUGE. . . and I'm sure there's a better term for that.

Recently, two very young athletes have stunned the wide world of sports with their california-speak and earthy-but-endearing personalities, not to mention near perfection in their sport.

Both Hannah Teter and Shaun White are "stoked" about recent gold.

Meanwhile, I can't help but love the refreshing personalities these children of Deadheads bring to live television.

Consider, for example, Shaun's recent interview tale of a hiking expedition with his father, Roger, on Oregon's Mount Hood:

"We got up there and had all this food, so I started feeding the squirrels, then birds came, and before I knew it, it was sketchy. I had, like, four squirrels in my lap and this bird that kept trying to land on me because I had all this food with me. I was freaking out. I didn't want to move because I thought they'd bite me. Then I'd have to get rabies shots. They're dangerous. My dad was all, 'Dude, you're on your own. You're screwed.' I was like, 'Thanks, dude.'"

And on why he wants to compete in the Olympics: "I'm gonna get so many babes."

PARTY ON PICKWICK

2006-02-07T17:35:00.000-05:00

Author Charles John Huffam Dickens (early alias: Boz) was born this day in 1812 in Portsmouth England. In the nineteenth century everyone, from Queen Victoria to street sweepers, either read Dickens or had Dickens read to them.

Haven't ever really sampled anything beyond the Christmas Carol?
Get a quick Dickens dose with:

The New Year - Dickens describes a party on New Year's Eve 1835. Published in Bell's Life in London as Scenes and Characters No 11.
Omnibuses - Dickens' hilarious account of riding in a London omnibus.
Seven Dials - Sketch describing this notorious London slum, so named for the seven streets that come together there. Dickens observes the residents there living in squalor and filth. He's was so good at this.

"We once travelled four hundred miles, inside a stage-coach, with a stout man, who had a glass of rum-and-water, warm, handed in at the window at every place where we changed horses. This was decidedly unpleasant. We have also travelled occasionally, with a small boy of a pale aspect, with light hair, and no perceptible neck."

BONO AT BREAKFAST

2006-02-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

Photo: Time
Entire speech on C-SPAN. Catch it. Very Impressive.

Bono, keynote speaker for the 54th National Prayer Breakfast at the Hilton Washington Hotel on February 2, urged American leaders to follow through with promises to aid the world's sick and impoverished.

He lauded the audience of national and foreign government, military, and religious leaders for their efforts to fight AIDS and grant debt relief for Africa. But Bono also prodded them make harder sacrifices.

"After 9/11, we were told America would have no time for the world's poor. We were told that America would be taken up with its own problems of safety. … But America has not drawn the blinds and double-locked the doors." Bono said. "You have doubled aid to Africa. You have tripled funding for global health. And Mr. President, your emergency plan for AIDS relief and support of the Global Fund, has put 700,000 people onto life-saving antiretroviral drugs and provided 8 million bed nets to protect children from malaria. … But here's the bad news. There is so much more to do. There is a gigantic chasm between the scale of the emergency and the scale of the response."

Event planners had tried to keep the U2 frontman's appearance a carefully guarded secret. Co-founder of the Washington-based humanitarian organization, DATA (Debt. AIDS. Trade. Africa.). He has been recruiting churches and American politicians in the battle against the AIDS pandemic. He said treatable diseases cost Africa 150,000 lives every month—a "completely avoidable catastrophe." He also chastised those who champion free markets while preventing the poorest of the poor from selling their products.

"While the law is what we say it is, God is not silent on the subject," Bono said.

"There are the laws of the land, and then there is a higher standard. We can hire experts to write them so they benefit us, so that they say it's okay to protect our agriculture, but it's not okay for African farmer to protect their agriculture to earn a living. As the laws of man are written, that's what they say. But God will not accept that."

He also called again for the U.S. government to increase its foreign aid contribution by 1 percent of the federal budget. Bono said, "It sounds to me that in this town of deals and compromises, 1 percent is the best bargain around."

This article first appeared 2/3/06 Christianity Today. Used by permission of Christianity Today International, Carol Stream, IL 60188.

FUN ON WHEELS

2006-01-26T17:48:00.000-05:00

While festivities begin for the grand re-opening of the gorgeous New Castle-Henry County Public Library, there's a related triumph to celebrate. An upcoming reunion of bookmobile staff will be a harvest of fond memories.

My experiences with the NCHCPL Bookmobile are "recent history" as I worked there just a couple of years ago. I worked with Terry & Marcia in, "The Love Shack," a tiny commercial building on Indiana Avenue which housed the bookmobile's burgeoning off-road collection and various small, semi-domesticated animals. As the new main library structure was being built on the same block, we dutifully kept the bookmobile rolling, resting off-site in a local grain garage several miles away.

Physical discomfort aside, I miss my bookmobile days for many reasons. There is a serious and real need to keep literature on-the-move and accessible. I absolutely loved being a part of that. The face-to-face contact with patrons in remote locations is rewarding to both parties. There's something about being 'out,' meeting folks literally where they are, that becomes a passionate quest as you rumble from stop to stop, viewing the physical beauty of Henry County. The pulse of the community beats a little quicker when it can receive a free, personal service like the bookmobile. A positive memory and a love of literature is created in children. They get the thrill of escaping the normal school day to climb aboard a fun-filled library on wheels with creative themes and an "A-List" of the very best books, chosen with care. That same caring staff knows your kids, your struggles, your vacation spots and your hopes for the future.

My hope for the future of the NCHCPL Bookmobile is that it keeps rolling into the lives of an ever-curious and ever-growing population in a place that will always need literature and will always crave connection.

Congratulations on a beautiful, new, much-deserved bookmobile home. Enjoy it everyday.

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

2006-01-16T09:48:00.000-05:00

Karen Crawford of New Castle, Indiana offered the correct answer to the trivia question below. Yes! It's Morgan Freeman!

She wins a year's supply of:
Congratulations, Karen!

CTW LAUNCHED GREAT CAREER

2006-01-15T22:33:00.000-05:00

Here's a man who has not only 'played God,' but also got paid handsomely for it. He's one of my favorite actors of all time. I have loved him since I first saw his work on The Electric Company. Can you name the man who played the Easy Reader and Mel Mounds the D.J.?

EVEN NOW

2006-01-11T23:07:00.000-05:00

Need I say anything at all? You either love him or you don't. I have been a huge fan since the beginning when Mandy hit the airwaves. If you were to play one of his songs I can literally tell you how old I was, what grade in school I was in, what was happening in my life, etc. Some things from our youth cause us to shudder and ask "what was I thinking?". This, however, is not one of those times. I continue to be a faithful fan. Besides, he is music and he writes the songs.

HERE'S A STORY. . .

2006-01-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

When I think of the late sixties/early seventies three things come to mind: The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family, and Gilligan's Island. Does this embarrass me? Afraid not!! Thanks to stations like TV Land these shows are easily accessible almost on a daily basis. But for those of us whose are blessed enough to have them on DVD, we can watch them anytime day or night. (My collection was made complete this Christmastime with the gift of Gilligan's Island.) Even though these shows aren't works of art, they take me back to a simpler time in my life. I think of the house in Sunnyside that I grew up in, having tea parties with my mom, cooling off in the summertime in front of a fan (no air-conditioner!), actually getting along with my siblings, and anxiously awaiting next week's episodes of my favorite shows. To quote a show's theme song from that era (one that I'm not particularly fond of) "those were the days!".

HIP TO BE SQUARE

2006-01-08T15:23:00.000-05:00

Long before I began making mental notes on turning 40, I made some nods to nosalgia. In 2005 I purchased CDs by Queen and Duran Duran. I received a Doris Day CD as a gift and 'woo-hooed!' about it. I began to organize and frame photos. I even once shouted, "DON'T THROW THAT AWAY!" This is a surpise, given my history of eye-rolling disgust of things sentimental and 'so yesterday.'

Besides finding myself prefering day-time activity, loving a routine and not knowing it is payday, I have caught myself in fits of joy when being reminded of forgotten simple pleasures.

If you are reading this, there is a chance you get a synaptic charge and subsequent grin when you read:

Donkey Kong

That's just an example of phenomena from past decades of my life that are noticible only in retrospect.

Here are some facts. In 1982, 40 people died of a mysterious disease called AIDS. Test-tube babies were called a 'scare.' Nutrasweet was something new. So was a VCR, which sold for $888.00 suggested retail.

It has happened. I am noticing history that I have lived. And it is fun.

And so I introduce and invite you to a new "What's New (Castle)" feature for what's now old to you. Feel free to post something from the 70's, 80's or 90's that will make us all blush with shameful recognition. Remember, NO PARKIN' ON THE DANCEFLOOR!

FREECYCLE

2005-12-21T17:28:00.000-05:00

The Freecycle Network was started in 2003 in Tucson, Arizona because junk was literally starting to overflow their landfills. Today, the international network provides individuals and non-profits an electronic forum to "recycle" unwanted items. One person's trash can truly be another's treasure! Want something for free? Want to give something away? Visit http://www.freecycle.org/. New Castle is in the network.

MOST WONDERFUL TIME

2005-12-15T21:32:00.000-05:00

Christmas is just over a week away. This is the first night this week that I have not attended a 'holiday function.' Feeling dragged down by festivity? Here's a possible remedy: a grape and blueberry smoothie followed by the Colbert Report and a hot Epsom Salt bath. Then drink 64 oz. of water and hit the pillow at 8:30p.m. ...DOH! It's already 9:36! Anyway, I exhale and proclaim that I'm psyched for a great Christmas.

Sometimes we get tired and forget what Christmas is. We argue over retail marketing stategies in defense of our religion. (Wow. Is our faith so weak that this is all it takes to threaten it?) We curl into ourselves and choose fear over growth and learning. We throw strange, facsimile comforts at our problems and curse what we don't understand.

May you remember in the next two weeks, and, for the love of Pete, the other 300+ days in the future...that this entire season of glittering chaos is the modern-day seeker's star. There's so much evidence here in this celestially darkest part of the year to lead to a new discovery of truth. Be Courageous.

What are you wanting? What is your big question this year?

We want connection. We want love. We want life.

Unlikely as it seems, there was once a baby born in chaos, cold and animal stink who is still the all-purpose filling for our half empty glasses. So keep looking. And get ready to find that crazy little thing called love. It's Christmas.

LOVE IN THE AIR

2005-12-11T18:21:00.000-05:00

Wes and Caylie were married at Spiceland Friends Meeting yesterday. The wedding was lovely and reverential. The reception was classy and elegant, but comfortable with a sense of celebration...just like the bride and groom! Congratulations and lifelong love to you both!

HE'S ON IT!

2005-12-01T14:19:00.000-05:00

His original hips and knees are long gone. His voice, however, is undeniably the same rich and measured siren that has filled the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for over 60 years. At 84, Tom Carnegie is a constant in the ever-changing IRL.
He is also the founder of the organization I work for, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. He was among a few fellows in the Indianapolis Lion’s Club in the 1960's who thought a place of commemoration for Hoosier Hoops would be a fine idea. And so a small museum was pulled together in downtown Indianapolis. Now, in its 15th year in New Castle, Tom needs a walker to visit it. There’s no ‘slowing down on the backstretch’ for this guy, however. He’s an active board member and supporter here, still camps out at the track for all of May, and always takes time to say hi and to see ‘how you’re doing.’ He is generous with a laugh. He still hosts the Hall of Fame Induction banquet and thrills the 1000+ audiences with clever, always complimentary, toasts of the honorees and guests. We love Tom.

PURE GENIUS

2005-11-21T19:34:00.000-05:00

After lo, these many years of Luddite avoidance of the airwaves, Terry is back at it again--sort of--with a couple of friends.

Terry, along with friends/co-workers Alan (Webmaster at Draper and for Reel Pie) and Roy (Short n' Snappy artist), is now a Podcaster! Yes, these three friends, calling themselves the Bionic Geniuses, host a weekly Podcast called the Bionic Genius Roundtable. They talk about movies, books, TV, music, comics, comedy ... anything, really. As long as they can in some way make fun of it (or of themselves), anything goes! The show probably won't all that entertaining to anyone who wouldn't remember who Gordon Lightfoot is, or Johnny Quest, or Otter, although such features as "Will it Whistle" and some occasional original comedy sketches are sure to entertain young and old alike. Each episode (except for No. 1) is 25-30 minutes.

The BGs "tape" their Podcast Wednesdays during their lunch hour, then it gets posted as soon as Alan can get it done. By the way, all the musical themes for the show are composed by Alan, the graphics that will soon adorn our Web site are by Roy, and ... well, I guess Terry is pretty much dead weight.

Anywho, hop over to the podcasting site, http://bionicgenius.podomatic.com/ and check it out. Apologies for the miking on teh first couple of episodes ... forgot the mic stands! Our Web site is also up, although still in progress. It's www.bionicgenius.com.

See ya in the funny papers!

Terry C

NO BLUE CHRISTMAS FOR BALLET STARLET

2005-11-19T20:41:00.000-05:00

Tomball, TX population 9700 (excluding the untold thousands in the surrounding Houston bedroom sprawl), presented their annual Holiday Parade on 19-Nov. The so named "Two Miles of Smiles" takes place along that length of Main Street and is a traditional kick-off of the Christmas season. Amongst the 150 units was...wait for it...The Ballet Conservatory float including Miss Emily (1st row, 2nd from the left). There were bands, community groups, churches, middle-aged guys in little go-karts, and in predictable lonsestar fashion, thoroughbred horses and thoroughbred beauty queens.
One highlight, our little darling aside, was the king of rock and roll himself, Elvis...alive and well in East Texas... now a clogger.

ASLEEP AT THE MOUSE

2005-11-10T16:15:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO UNCLE STEVE DICKEN . . .
LAST SUNDAY!!!
Boy are our faces red! And NOT with red cake icing! We totally spaced Uncle Steve's birthday on Sunday. He was right there teaching Sunday School to us and we failed to even mention the anniversary of his own birth, an important day to all of us! Please forgive us this trespass. You ROCK! Belated greetings and forever love to you!

THE TIES THAT BIND

2005-11-08T08:41:00.000-05:00

Most of us can get a vivid mental picture of childhood through the sense-memory of the women in our lives; their scent, their laugh, their song or their food offerings. That picture is not complete without the memory of the aprons they wore.
Mom's apron was a ceremonial signal to me that all else was set aside as it was time to prepare a great meal.
Aunt Catherine's bright white work apron had a lovely, familiar whiff of citrus and the sweet, subtle smell of fresh ground meat as she lovingly pressed your face into her after returning from work at Wilson's Market.
Aprons were both functional and decorative and were used for everything from carrying things to wiping your dirty face.

I remember receiving my first, perhaps only, apron. Tailored to my own small waist at 7 years old, I remember it as a first impression of having responsibilty to other people. It was 'personalized' with a favorite lavendar gingham with matching rick-rack trim. It had pockets customized to my god-given gifts with places for six crayon colors and wider pockets for scissors, paper, doll-bottles, garden tools and spoons! The possibilities were endless!

As I recall that apron, I am challenged to examine the expectations God and community have of me. Am I called? Am I equipped? What joy awaits from service and industry in my own corner of the world? A still, small voice whispers that it's time to 'suit up' to the task under my nose and not in an unknown, someday metropolis. The ties that bind us to God and tradition are not to be seen as restrictive, but long, flowing links to comfort and, perhaps, to the future.

YOU'RE A WONDER, WONDER WOMAN

2005-11-07T17:37:00.000-05:00

Darling, fun, endless energy, self sacrificing, perfect hostess, teacher. See also Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray. This is the dictionary entry you'll find if you look up our wonder woman, Lori Ann. Overcoming disease, semi-domesticated animals and natural disasters with no complaining. She could fight crime and fly an invisible plane...if she wanted to. Don't ya' just love her! We do.

I HAVE BLOG-BLOCK

2005-11-06T20:57:00.000-05:00

COLBERT IS CABLE'S 'MUST SEE T.V.'

2005-10-30T19:30:00.000-05:00

Stephen Colbert, who, after serving as fake-news correspondent on The Daily Show, has his own show, a parody of "personality journalism" chat shows a la The O'Reilly Factor. On one hand, Colbert can't lose: He's benefiting from basic cable's best time slot, with a built-in audience. On the other hand, the bar has been raised for Colbert. The Daily Show is at peak, coming off a great year in which it became an indispensable part of the political conversation during the 2004 campaign, spawned a best seller (America: The Book) and won two Emmys. Daily Show fans know that Stewart is the guy scanning the headlines and pausing to ask, “What's really going on?" The whole joke of Colbert's persona is that he deliberately avoids that completely. He’s proudly ignorant and obtuse - qualities which make him perfectly suited for parodying the new breed of cable anchors. I especially enjoy his guest interview spot when he jumps up, runs triumphantly across the set to his guest and takes a bow to the audience while the likes of Lou Dobbs sits in a dark corner of the set waiting for the interview. Thumbs up for an out-loud laugh every night after dinner! The Colbert Report: Comedy Central at 7:30 p.m.

BILL RETURNS FROM TRIP ACROSS POND

2005-10-30T18:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome back, William! Bill has returned safely from a week in Derby (DAR'-bee), England on business for Rolls Royce-North America. Boy are his arms tired...and we're all tired of hearing that he doesn't like to go! Silly Chap! Love 'ya, you haggis-havin' bloke!

IS 'CAPTAIN CRUNCH' A GRAIN?

2005-10-27T18:38:00.000-04:00

Although the government food pyramids seem to have become a generic health cliche', I am happy to report that the Online Dietary Assessment and Physical Activity Assessment are fun new tools that bring USDA guidelines to practical life. A day-to-day evaluation of what you eat and how much you move, this is one of the first diet tools that I have used that help you to see your food intake “big picture.” (some bigger than others…har—har!) It is very detailed, personalized, and its FREE. Check it out at www.mypyramidtracker.gov

HOUND DOG

2005-10-19T15:00:00.000-04:00

This is not the dog Elvis' song was referring to, but a well-loved member of the Dicken family. Molly's favorite activities include sleeping, sleeping, sleeping, sleeping, sleeping, and barking at the neighbors. She also enjoys visiting family in Indiana where she not only gets to relax with Pap in the recliner, but she also can eat whatever food she finds when no one is looking. (She LOVES Jack's donuts!)

MY BONNIE LIES OVER THE OCEAN

2005-10-15T22:55:00.000-04:00

The new to Texas Dicken family made the best of Autumn in the South by taking a Saturday road trip. The hour and a half long drive started off with a visit to relation on Lori's side of the family in Friendswood. Following the two-hour visit and stop for lunch they headed to what has become Lori and Emily's favorite destination so far in Texas--the beach. The day couldn't have been more perfect on Galveston Island with clear blue skies and highs in the lower 80's. Although this is not the October weather they are accustomed to for a short while colorful leaves, apple orchards, and cool temps didn't even cross their minds as they enjoyed the beautiful afternoon frolicking on the beach.

LOUIS NYE THE DRYSDALE GUY

2005-10-11T10:48:00.000-04:00

As filed by Blog Field Reporter,
Karen Crawford:
Veteran comic actor Louis Nye has died at age 92. Last week, Nipsy Russell. Which comic legend will we lose next? Sad. Very sad. Loved Sonny Drysdale. They were always trying to hook him up with Ellie Mae.

A HOOSIER FAMILY'S FIRST FALL IN THE LONESTAR STATE

2005-10-08T23:15:00.000-04:00

Not unlike the Autumn fun enjoyed in their Hoosier past, a pumpkin patch was discovered in east Texas by the Dicken family. 8 yr old Emily holds a pumpkin selected at the Old Time Christmas Tree Farm just north of Houston. While a white Christmas is as rare as, well, snow in Texas, bountiful Christmas Tree farms abound in this region. The bales of hay, gourds, Indian corn, pumpkins and even a corn maze were all in place. However, almost everything except the countless rows of live, growing Christmas trees was imported from points beyond just for the fall weekend festivals. Not quite the same as Dougherty's and countless other orchards in central Indiana where the Dickens originated. Those pumpkin patches around New Castle that they frequented in years past had pumpkins just cut from their nearby vines, gourds and fresh grown apples which seem to be as scarce around Houston as, well, apple orchards in Texas. Although pale in comparison, the experience delivered a fine, fall atmosphere enjoyed thoroughly by local familys, many who are imports from the Midwest and other points north. A veritable cold snap for early October, the temperatures are climbing only into the mid to upper 70s. A welcomed reprieve from the months of brutal heat, the cool air contributed to the Fall spirit and generated a jubilant feeling throughout the region; akin to Spring fever sparked by the first thaw in the snow belt. Although in 2004 there was 2 inches of snow on Christmas eve at Galveston Island, 50 miles to their south, this imported family will likely enjoy highs no lower than 50 degrees at the peak of mid-winter and warmer yet during the holidays. They do have plans to seek out the snow, "wintry mix" or maybe just miserable cold rain when they visit Indiana for a few days over Christmas. There's no place like home for the holidays. Vintage Dicken sarcasm aside, they will indeed miss the snow just like they miss the changing colors and snap of fall cool. Far above the nostalgia and pinings for the crisp fall temperatures in Central Indiana, they will most miss the blessed warmth from family that even the mild climate of the Texas coastal plains could never replace.

GOOD NEWS FOR 'GOOD EATS'

2005-10-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

Bringing the funny is taking more money these days. The Food Network is in the process of taking all of their programs to HI-DEFINITION format. My favorite program on the network, of all-time actually, is Alton Brown's, 'Good Eats.' You'll learn (and retain) more practical knowledge from this program than from any other on the tube. Period. A gentleman and a scholar, Alton Brown has this to say about the new technology as posted on HIS blog:

"Although our look may have gotten expensive, I assure you our props, sets, costumes, actors, and general mentality are still budget basement. Good Eats is still held together by dental floss, duct tape, peanut butter and brine. We still don’t spend as much per episode as American Idol spends on Paula Abdul’s hair. And unlike much of what goes out on those 315 or so channels that pass for television, Good Eats is hand made…no committees, no corporate spank, and no stinkin’ focus groups. We’re still all about the food, and puppets…and the occasional bad movie rip-off, and food…and strange camera angles, and bad shirts, and food. Why just today, I got run over by a giant meatball. And you know what? In hi-def, it looks really scary." - A.B.

Want to be blinded with even more food science? Go see Alton!

WESTWOOD PARK LAUNCHES SITE

2005-10-05T11:14:00.000-04:00

When you're not surfing the web, why not walk into one? Ptwp! Westwood park is a great place to spend these clear, blue-sky days of autumn in Henry County. Numerous species of trees native to Indiana may be found in the park on the easy hiking trails. The lake is great just to stare at if feeling contemplative....Duuude......And who knows, park volunteer, Bill Wilt might welcome you with his familiar grin and jovial, barreled voice! The water is great and the new webpage offers regular features to keep you visiting; fishing reports and a photo of the week. Sorry, Wally Gator, NO MOTOR BOATS. Enjoy!

EMILY REPORTS

2005-09-27T21:32:00.000-04:00

This is Emily's first attempt at blogging after her first lesson...

"I took a picture of Ruthann blogging. Ruthann like's to blog. She does it everyday!!
Ruthann does it at work.

PHOTO CREDIT: Emily A. Dicken (8)

NIGHTMARE THEATER REVISITED

2005-09-23T16:46:00.000-04:00

It's late on a Friday night in 1974. Wrapped in a blanket, with a bowl of Chesty potato chips and a flicker across your TV screen.You are soon rewarded with a vision of a creepy castle set atop a craggy cliff, and then with the sight of a ghastly ghoul arising from his coffin. With a trademark laugh and a chilling greeting of "..Good Evening...", you know you are watching Nightmare Theater, an independently produced Horror Show on Channel 4 out of Indianapolis. Hosted by none other than one of the most famous and endearing horror hosts of all time - the great and legendary Sammy Terry. Yes, he is still...well...whatever you call it. And you can see the Hoosier Broadcast Legend and Quaker(!) (Bob Carter) at the Indiana State Museum on October 22, 2005 at 9:30 p.m.

RUMOR MILL OR COFFEE GRINDER?

2005-09-23T14:14:00.000-04:00

Graphics: Alan Houser
Some rumors about businesses coming to the New Castle area are perpetual urban legend, i.e. a multi-plex theater and Frisch's, etc. BUT . . . What's New (Castle) has it on good authority that Starbucks has applied for permits within the city limits. Hooray!

FAMILY ESCAPES RITA, NARROWLY MISSES JIM CANTORE VISIT

2005-09-23T14:02:00.000-04:00

The Dickens made it to safety (and fabulous room and board) last night around 8:00 p.m.

HAPPY HOOSIER AUTUMN TODAY!

2005-09-22T13:26:00.000-04:00

What follows is Dr. Helen Steussey's account of an experience with her son. The Henry County Healthy Communities Commitee is inspired almost daily with her emails.

"TJ and I rushed to the school and picked up the glass cage. There was the butterfly, black and orange huddled in the corner. The flowers stood ignored.

We drove the brief mile to our land planted many years ago with a prairie-like mixture of tall grasses and wildflowers. As we pulled up between the towering grasses we were met with a wonderful sight! Flocking to the bright yellow goldenrods were dozens of monarch butterflies – hovering, dancing, fluttering were all of these beautiful black and orange wings so like the still wings of the butterfly sitting in our cage.

Gently we lifted the lid off of the cage and set it carefully in the grass along the drive. We waited. The butterfly lay in his corner unaware of his compatriots feasting above his head. Couldn’t he see? Or smell? How do butterflies sense the flowers they need to sustain their life? We waited a good five minutes.

Finally I nudged him with a flower. Suddenly he awoke and took to the air. Strong wings carried him aloft – above the other butterflies – up as high as the trees he flew. He soared over the green, gold and yellow prairie reaching up to the blue of the sky. Finally he settled up on top of a willow tree to survey the choices of nectar below.

We lost sight of him as he and his brothers sampled the flowers and took off on their long flight south to Mexico many, many miles away.

TJ and I were so pleased as we left the land knowing out butterfly was fine and had company for his journey. But as we drove down the road TJ sighed and said, “It’s a good thing we had the land for those butterflies.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Where could they eat here?” He nodded at the broad expanses of flat grass on either side of us. Hardly a flower, only a few trees in that sea of flat grass and roads and houses. Hardly a spot of habitat or sustenance for a delicate creature with a long way to go.

TJ is afraid the monarchs could become extinct. We could lose these wondrous creatures if they can’t find shelter and food to carry them on one of the greatest migrations on our planet. Our only hope is that more people plant flowers and habitat for these regal kings of the sky – the monarch butterflies."

THE AREA EMBRACES AGRI-TOURISM

2005-09-19T19:24:00.000-04:00

Vegan Terry Coffey contemplates the difference between a gourd and a squash.

The best apples in the Rose City backyard are to be found at the Jacobs Family Orchard. After a couple of years under the former owner's (the Anderson's) care and tutlage, The Jacobs have not only maintained, but improved upon this delightful local destination. A petting zoo and corn maze are added attractions. Many farm markets and orchards in the state have turned to tours, parties, and a variety of fresh foods to attract regional visitors. This is great reason for you to check out more than one. Visit the Apple Journal to learn more.

Jacobs Family Orchard: Monday-Saturday: 8a.m.- 6p.m., Sunday 12p.m. - 6p.m. Apples, beans, caramel apples, cider, cider slush, homemade donuts (The first one is free to pop in your mouth on the spot.)

Ruth's Apple Raisin Pancakes

3 egg whites

1 cup nonfat milk

2 cups reduced fat buttermilk baking mix

1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1.) In large bowl whisk whites until foamy; whisk in milk, then stir in baking mix.
2.) Add remaining ingredients; mix just to blend.
3.) Heat griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat; coat with vegetable cooking spray.
4.) Portion batter onto griddle with 1/4-cup measure. Cook until nicely browned, turning once, about 3 minutes on each side. Serve hot with maple syrup or nonfat yogurt.

TO LIFE

2005-09-18T18:42:00.000-04:00

(PHOTO: Commercial Review)
Tevya (Ron Freeman) makes one of many declarations and inquiries of God in the Jay County Civic Theater presentation of Crying Baby Productions Fiddler on the Roof. From the beginning anthem of beautifully trained voices offering Tradition to the mournful, sweet goodbye to Anatevka, the cast offers a unique, yet reverent portrayal of a theater classic. Terry and I were drawn to see this play on Saturday night in Portland to support the vibrant local arts community there and the players who were also a part of The Small Town Scenario project this summer. Director Linda Priest Rodden (also Yente) put into words my sentiments for this production in her notes published in the playbill, "Generally an audience in a small town must sit through some less-than-exciting moments, during which a cast member...struggles and makes everyone uncomfortable." Not so here. She goes on to marvel in the professionalism and strength in the excellent character portrayals. Agreed! And the icing on this delicious theatrical cake is sweetened by the artistic nurturing of our dear friend, Heather Steed, who contributed acting, stage management, property and scene talents. Linda's son, Seth, displayed his flexibility as the radical Perchik and as the Fiddler. And, of course, the toddler Emma Rodden's cherubesque discipline as she sang and moved with ease through some difficult village choreography. Others in the Rodden family participated along with so many other believable and beautiful players. A favorite scene was Tevya's "vision" of Fruma-Sarah that makes one wish one could have such a dream! You can't help but feel blessed by the company's Sabbath Prayer. All five daughter's played their parts with finesse, with our sentimental favorite being Tzeitel, played by Reel Pie star, Ami Billington. You were all superb! I encourage others to see future productions and to visit Portland, Indiana's Arts Place. Mozeltoff!

THIS WEEKEND'S MOVIE RECOMMENDATION

2005-09-16T18:39:00.000-04:00

The Station Agent

Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) is a man trying to live life on his own terms. Looking only to be left alone, he takes up residence in a rural town's old train depot. But much like the station agents that occupied small town depots before him, he finds himself reluctantly becoming enmeshed in the lives of his neighbors, especially Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), a forty-year-old artist struggling with the break up of her marriage, and Joe (Bobby Cannavale) a thirty-year-old with a talent for cooking and an insatiable hunger for conversation - whether anyone wants to talk to him or not. The STATION AGENT is about three people with nothing in common, except their shared solitude, until chance circumstances bring their lives together. Before long, from this forgotten depot, this mismatched threesome forges an unlikely bond, which ultimately reveals that even isolation is better shared.

Dinklage on being a dwarf:

"I don't like people being cautious and tentative and choosing their words carefully around me because I'm a dwarf. There are a lot of people in a lot worse shape than me. I'm 4'5" and it's part of who I am, just not the whole part. I guess the word to call me is my name, Pete."

WE LOVE J.R.!

2005-09-12T10:34:00.000-04:00

Today is the 68th birthday of our dear patriarch, James Raymond Dicken. He rocks! Send a greeting to him at jdicken@pccu.com

INDIANA'S NICEST DAY

2005-09-10T10:25:00.000-04:00

The Penrod Arts Fair is today at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It will be great to see the museum renovation and, especially, the 300+ artists and their wares. Last year, I bought a cool mobile made of glass and beads. Also, an urban youth art league sold a brown plate to me that said, "Get your eat on!" I did...and plan to again today. More later!

http://www.penrod.org/artsfair.html

ACTION!

2005-09-09T16:32:00.000-04:00

After a short break from an intense, but fun summer of filming and editing, Jeff, Terry and Steve continue the process of completing Small Town Scenario. The film, which includes individual projects in Farmland, New Castle, and Portland is now in the editing stage. Read more about it at the production company site: www.reelpie.com

THE POWER OF SYNDACT-Local boy born with 'natural cool'

2005-09-08T16:05:00.001-04:00

Medically speaking, webbing (syndactyly) refers to the union of two or more fingers or toes, which usually only involves a skin connection between the two, but may rarely also include fusion of bones in the affected digits. My nephew, now a pre-teen, was born with his two lil’ middle fingers fused and had them separated as a toddler, adorable tiny cast and all. According to Dan, It is not a defect, but rather a sign of extreme coolness. In fact, the condition empowers the fused victim with a positive force field. BUT…people aren’t the only ones…any genetic anomaly found in ANY living material, animal or vegetable, can be infused with this awesome mystique. FOR EXAMPLE: Those two cheez-its linked in an odd twosome…that bizarre occurrence of a double egg yolk OR, if you are extremely lucky, the double jellybean blob!

A REALLY BIG SHOE

2005-09-08T14:47:00.000-04:00

The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum in New Castle, Indiana houses the treasures of Indiana’s favorite game. And it’s a good thing, considering the vast changes in the sport. But while some teams, mascots and players themselves might go unrecognized by Hoosier youth, there’s one icon of the sport that remains steadfast: Converse All Star "Chuck Taylor" sneakers are ninety years old but still going strong! And since 1923, except for the addition of endless new colors and patterns, original "Chuck Taylors" have not changed one bit.
The familiar canvas high-tops, introduced and promoted by Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer, Chuck Taylor, are well represented in the new display, including an autographed pair that hit the historic hardwood on Milan Miracle Worker, Bobby Plump. The famous footwear will delight you whether fan or fashionista.
Lesley Vulgan, Manager of Collections and Artifacts at the Hall of Fame, says that while all displays are unique and have an interesting background, the Chucks display was especially enjoyable to pull together. “I had the best time researching the endless variety of colors and styles,” says Vulgan, “And we all knew about inductee Chuck Taylor, but his life was a very interesting one.”

The museum staff noticed a group of gentleman visiting the Hall this spring. Not unusual. But these guys, all professionals and dressed as such, were all spiffed up from the ankle down with, you guessed it, Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars. The pilgrimage was led by Robert Parker of Louisville, Kentucky who owns countless pairs of the shoes, many of which the museum contracted to display on loan, including a green and red holiday pair of “Chucks,” complete with bells.
Besides other ongoing features that families will enjoy; the John Wooden Locker Room Pep Talk and the Last Second Shot, many touch-screen exhibits and a gift shop round out the museum of Hoosier hoop heritage. Visitors will have the chance to have a photo taken with the giant basketball shoe outside on the Hall of Fame grounds and enjoy designing their own shoe in a hands-on exhibit inside the museum.

Plan to visit!

Open 10 AM – 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday – 1 PM – 5 PM Sundays
Admission $4 adults and teens, $2 children 5-12, preschoolers free

I-70 to State Road 3 North to Trojan Lane (follow signs)
St. Road 38 to New Castle, turn left on St Rd 3 and go south to Trojan Lane.
408 Trojan Lane, New Castle, Indiana 47362 - 765-529-1891
http://www.hoopshall.com/

Special offer: Wear Chuck Taylor All-Stars and receive discount admission of $1!!!