#Latrobe Pennsylvania

[justinspoliticalcorner]

LATROBE, Pa. — When fascism finally went mainstream in America, it came hawking a $60 made-in-China Bible and shadowed by a 50-foot American flag braced by construction cranes — and it opened with a story about Arnold Palmer’s private parts. I’d driven nearly five hours into and under the Allegheny ridges of Western Pennsylvania — up and down slopes that got steeper each mile with the volume of Donald Trump flags and yard signs that proclaimed “I’m Voting for the Convict 2024″ — out of a sense that the decline and fall of American civilization has reached a depth that I needed to personally bear witness. It was a fever dream — maybe I could find words that have eluded everyone else. Just six days earlier, Trump came to the Philly suburbs and turned a supposed town hall into a 39-minute dance party as his deeply confused crowd watched a once and wannabe future U.S. president sway awkwardly to Sinead O’Connor and Luciano Pavarotti or look utterly frozen in the bubble of his 78-year-old head. And yet when the alarm goes off the next morning, it’s still Groundhog Day in America, an election with a 50% chance of the music-trance guy winning. Something both incredibly momentous and weird is happening at the same time. Now, the sun was nearly setting over the runway at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. With the most consequential U.S. presidential election since 1860 just 17 days away, about 3,000 to 4,000 of the most die-hard MAGA Trump fans who weren’t exhausted by the campaign and the GOP candidate’s frequent visits to Steelers’ country had been waiting for hours on a sunbaked tarmac. They’d let out the obligatory whoop for the obligatory flyover of Trump Force One, and then finally the man tasked with bringing their country back was on the podium, filtered by bulletproof glass. Donald Trump’s red meat of mass-deportation camps and R-rated attacks on his opponents would have to wait. Monday’s DJ was now Saturday night’s comedian, with his cult as captive audience. What started out as an obligatory shout-out to Latrobe’s famous native son — Palmer, the late great golfer who brought the sport to your TV screens in the 1960s — went on for five minutes, then 10, then 12. What started as a nice but meandering tale about Palmer’s working-class roots grew into a stone silence during long detours into stuff like types of golf club shafts as the tale grew increasingly instead about Trump — about how his own power and wealth allowed him to claim friendship with this great man. You are standing in the twilight wondering if this could get any stranger when of course it did. The man who bragged in his first campaign that he could shoot somebody on Fifth Avenue and people would still vote for him now wants America to know he can tell a penis joke with the cameras rolling and still get elected as the 47th president. [...] So I came to Latrobe to try and write the 72-point headline that the Times editors can’t — “PHALLUS-JOKE MAN AND DANCING FOOL COULD LEAD THE FREE WORLD AGAIN” — and to scream at the top of my lungs from the bluffs overlooking this tiny airport that this would-be emperor telling the shower story is actually wearing no clothes. Who will shout that Trump’s “closing argument” is the melding of his increasingly public breakdown with how that might lead to an all-too-real domestic war of midnight raids and armored personnel carriers against the fiction of an “Occupied America”? Ironically, Trump’s endless Arnold Palmer bit seemed part of an effort Saturday night to prove that the rambling candidate is not “exhausted,” something that his own aides reportedly said after several recent interviews were canceled. But the Republican nominee — kind of like Madonna’s “Sex” phase and shock photos when her 1980s were ending — also appeared to sense that he needs to get more and more outrageous to get attention, after numbing America to his Hitlerian language that immigrants “will cut your throat.”

Will Bunch at The Philadelphia Inquirer on Donald Trump's Latrobe rally (10.20.2024)

Will Bunch wrote in The Philadelphia Inquirer about Donald Trump’s fascist insultfest in Latrobe, PA in which he infamously obsessed about Arnold Palmer.

[unteriors]

State Route 982, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

[beckinkk]

"It's 5 O'Clock in Pittsburgh"

Beck Inkk (myself), acrylic on wrapped canvas, 2023

Two skeleton pals enjoying a night at a hole-in-the-wall bar. Sharing stories, memories, stogies, and some Rolling Rock beer and whiskey.

Available - $1,200

[aryburn-trains]

EB T-1 speeds through the station on a troop train. Latrobe, PA 8/12/1951

[voidingintotheshout]

Meanwhile, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump spent a good chunk of his closing comments in the rally obsessing about how big a snake Arnold Palmer had in his pants before he died. From the article:

"In a Pennsylvania rally speech his campaign team billed as 'the beginning of his closing argument in the final stretch,' Donald Trump focused on the issue most important to voters in this election: a deceased golfer’s … anatomy," Harris' campaign said in an email.

.

.

[Clarification: Donald Trump, who is still alive, commented about the massive size of golfer Arnold Palmer‘s penis before Arnold Palmer died. Donald Trump, as of now, is still alive. Arnold Palmer is not. Arnold Palmer‘s penis has also died.] 

[truscapepa]

Watering Instructions for Newly Planted Lawn Seed: The Key to a Lush, Green Lawn

Let’s get real: New seeds need attention—lots of it.

Your seeds are fragile and need to stay moist to germinate properly. Think of it like baking bread; you can’t rush it, and the process has to be just right, or you’ll end up with a mess. Watering is the single most important step in making sure your lawn takes root and flourishes.

Day 1: The Soak

After planting your new seeds, the first watering is critical. Saturate the soil, but don’t drown it. Aim for about an inch of water to penetrate the top layer of soil. If you can stick your finger into the ground and feel moisture an inch down, you’re on the right track. This will help kickstart the seed’s journey to becoming the green lawn you’ve envisioned.

Tip: Use a gentle spray. Too much pressure from a hose or sprinkler can push seeds around or cause pooling, which can lead to patchy areas later. Think of it like a soft shower, not a power wash.

The First Two Weeks: Consistency Is King

Seeds are sprouting, and this is the most critical period. Water twice a day, ideally early morning and late afternoon. The goal is to keep the soil damp throughout the day, but not soaked. Overwatering can be just as harmful as under-watering. Avoid puddles; aim for moisture spread evenly across the surface, like a sponge that’s been wrung out—moist, but not dripping.

Pro Tip: If it’s particularly hot or windy, consider adding a third round of watering. Heat and wind dry out the soil fast, and dry soil means dead seeds.

Weeks 3-4: Cut Back but Don’t Stop

Once the seeds start to sprout and little blades of grass poke through, it’s time to adjust your schedule. Cut back to watering once a day, preferably in the morning. By now, the seeds are developing roots and need deeper, less frequent watering to encourage strong, deep growth.

Now the tricky part: Shift your mindset from keeping the topsoil damp to watering the lawn deeply. Deep watering encourages root growth and helps the grass become more drought-tolerant.

How deep? Aim to get water about 6 inches into the soil. Water long enough for this to happen, but don’t let the ground get soggy.

Weeks 5 and Beyond: The Maintenance Phase

By this point, you should see significant growth, and your grass will be establishing itself. Water every other day now, still focusing on deep watering. Once your lawn is fully established (around 6-8 weeks), switch to watering twice a week. This encourages the roots to go even deeper in search of water, making your lawn more resilient.

Final Thoughts: Timing Matters!

Early morning is always the best time to water, especially as your lawn matures. Watering in the morning allows time for the moisture to be absorbed before the sun’s heat kicks in and evaporates it. Avoid watering in the evening—wet grass overnight can lead to mold and fungus, which nobody wants to deal with.

A well-watered lawn is the foundation of a beautiful landscape. While it may take some time and commitment, the reward is a lush, green carpet that will make your neighbors envious. Follow these steps, stay consistent, and watch your lawn thrive!

Special Note: For newly seeded lawns, we recommend working with a provider that offers temporary managed irrigation systems to ensure your lawn gets the consistent moisture it needs without the hassle. At TruScape, we provide a hands-off approach by renting, setting up, adjusting timers, and removing temporary irrigation systems after your lawn is established. This allows you to focus on enjoying your new lawn while we handle the critical early-stage watering for you!

[c-rowlesdraws]

okay, one more politics post for the night:

tonight, Trump is doing a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. I'm watching clips of it thanks to this brave man on twitter posting through it; I call this man brave because for me, watching a Trump rally live and unfiltered feels like looking directly at a solar eclipse, if a solar eclipse was also kind of like a racist, demented relative making a toast at Thanksgiving. And there's Some Stuff coming out of Trump's face tonight. He's talking about deporting "gang members" (read: latinos) by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, the same Act that Roosevelt invoked to force Japanese-Americans and others into internment camps during WWII. He's saying that "[America] couldn't have an act like that now, because now everything's woke". He goes on to call out "woke generals" Mark Milley, a Catholic, highly-decorated army general and Trump's former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and General Jim "Mad Dog" or "Chaos" Mattis, a career Marine and Trump's former Secretary of Defense. He also added a fun local detour to his stump speech sure to make the fine folks of Latrobe smile: an anecdote about Arnold Palmer impressing all the other golf pros in the showers with his incredible, absolutely enormous penis. Trump wants this audience to know Arnold Palmer's thang was Swangin'. "This is a guy that was all man."

and I had to pause while writing this post and come back, so he probably said a bunch more wild stuff after that that I don't even know about yet!

The point is. My point is. This guy cannot be allowed to be president again. Ideally, he can eventually be pushed as far away from any sort of power as possible; but first, we have to vote to stop him from becoming the president again. And by "we", I don't just mean registered Democrats (hello)-- I mean everyone, of any political persuasion, who is eligible to vote. The folks in Trump's audience tonight applauding as he praises Arnold Palmer's huge hog on live television are beyond help, so it's up to the rest of us.

[corporationsarepeople]

Mainstream news organizations suddenly became more blunt about Trump’s decline – and derangement. “Trump’s age finally catches up with him,” the Washington Post wrote Saturday. “Trump kicks off Pennsylvania rally by talking about Arnold Palmer’s genitalia,” AP headlined its coverage of the Latrobe debacle. “Donald Trump’s vulgar rally ramble fuels questions about his state of mind,” the Financial Times wrote.

As always, the New York Times immediately “sane-washed” the story. On its breaking news politics page, a short report said Trump told “golf stories” about Palmer without mentioning his lewd remark. But shockingly, after wide social media outcry, reporter Michael Gold told a critic to direct his questions to senioreditor@nytimes.com, because “I filed something that included the thing you mention as omitted, but I’m not given the power to publish what I say.”

Maybe the pressure worked. Later in the day, the Times ran a longer piece by Gold, headlined “At a Pennsylvania Rally, Trump Descends to New Levels of Vulgarity,” which included the Palmer story verbatim, and warned that Trump’s crude talk could alienate “swing voters.”

- - -

If Trump does win, I’d expect him to step down fairly quickly. He will refuse if he has enough mental faculties left to know the difference, of course, but his cabinet could remove him and his major donors will insist on Vance replacing him as soon as possible. Vance is their guy.

[porcelainapparition]

Latrobe, Pennsylvania

built in 1933

[pixelfoodie]

Banana split is a classic dessert consisting of a lengthwise-cut banana topped with scoops of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate ice cream. Typical garnishes include nuts, fruits, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. The dessert is traditionally served in a long dish called a boat. It was invented in 1904 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania by David Strickler, who wanted to make something "different" for a college student who had one day entered the pharmacy where he worked as an apprentice. The pharmacies often featured a soda fountain where customers could indulge in a soda or a frozen treat for just a few cents. Banana split has remained popular ever since, and there is even the annual Great American Banana Split Festival held in Latrobe, where the original soda fountain is still kept. src.: https://www.tasteatlas.com/banana-split photo ref.: Brent Hofacker

[unteriors]

State Route 982, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

David Rowe

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

A number of people telling me we all need a night off had almost convinced me not to write tonight. 

But then Trump spoke at a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he told a long, meandering story about golfing legend Arnold Palmer that ended with praise for Palmer’s… anatomy. 

He went on to call Vice President Kamala Harris—whose name he deliberately mispronounced—“a sh*t vice president. The worst. You’re the worst vice president. Kamala, you’re fired. Get the hell out of here, you’re fired. Get out of here. Get the hell out of here, Kamala.”  

As Trump’s remarks got weirder and weirder, the Fox News Channel cut away and instead showed Harris being cheered at a packed, exuberant, super-charged rally in Georgia. 

Trump’s speech comes on top of his repeated backing out of interviews and his bizarre appearances. Last night, his advice to an audience in Detroit to vote took its own wild turn: “Jill, get your fat husband off the couch,” he said. “Get that fat pig off the couch. Tell him to go and vote for Trump, he’s going to save our country. Get that guy the hell off our— get him up, Jill, slap him around. Get him up. Get him up, Jill. We want him off the couch to get out and vote.” 

Trump’s performances over the past few days seem to confirm that the 2024 October surprise is the increasingly obvious mental incapacity of the Republican candidate for president. 

It seems clear that a vote for Trump is really a vote for his running mate, Ohio senator J.D. Vance, who if he becomes president will be the youngest American president in our history. At 40 years old, he is two years younger than Theodore Roosevelt was when he took office in 1901 at 42. Vance would also be one of the least experienced presidents ever. His 18 months in the Senate has given him only slightly more experience in office than Chester Alan Arthur, who succeeded James Garfield in 1881. Arthur was a political operative who had never held elected office at all before becoming vice president. 

I’ll be back at the wheel tomorrow.

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[goalhofer]

Main St. in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

[offender42085]

Post 1009

Andrew Braddy, Pennsylvania inmate NU5558, born 2000, incarceration intake in 2019 at age 19, sentenced to 12 years; projected release date not available

Involuntary Manslaughter

In March 2019, a Latrobe man was sentenced to serve up to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter for the August 2017 shooting death of his 15-year-old friend.

Andrew Stephen Braddy, 18, told a Westmoreland County judge he was guilty of the charges but said nothing more about his role in the shooting death of Devin Capasso. The teen was killed when a gun, held by Braddy, discharged as they listened to rap music in a Latrobe home.

“This was a tragic accident. It was his friend, and there were drugs being consumed. Drugs and guns never mix,” defense attorney Robert Mielnicki said.

Braddy was 17 at the time of the incident. He was initially charged with a general count of criminal homicide, and prosecutors said there was evidence he intended to kill Capasso, a crime that if he was convicted could carry a potential life prison sentence. Defense attorneys have for the last year insisted involuntary manslaughter, which is a killing that occurs as a result of a negligent or reckless act, was the more appropriate charge.

Assistant District Attorney Tom Grace said the plea bargain finalized Monday was appropriate.

“Factually, this charge is the best fit. It involved a reckless killing. This was a situation where young kids were fooling around with guns. There is no evidence of bad blood between them,” Grace said.

Prosecutors said Braddy and four others were in a fourth-floor apartment on Main Street on Aug. 29, 2017, when he and another teen showed off two handguns stolen from vehicles within the past week. As the group listened to rap music, Braddy started to wave one of the guns, manipulated the weapon to prepare it to shoot and told Capasso he was going to fire before he pulled the trigger, police said.

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Rita Hathaway imposed terms of the negotiated plea bargain that calls for Braddy to serve six to 12 years in prison.

That sentence includes a 2 1⁄2 to five-year prison term for the misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter charge, the maximum penalty for that offense. The judge ordered Braddy serve a consecutive term of 3 1⁄2 to seven years behind bars for a count of possession of an unlicensed firearm.

As part of the plea deal, Braddy withdrew his pretrial motions that included a request to have his case transferred to juvenile court, a move that would have prevented him from remaining in custody beyond his 21st birthday.

3g

[truscapepa]

Mastering Winter: Your Go-To Snow & Ice Management Solution in Greensburg, PA

Winter in Greensburg, PA, is a season of beauty, with snow-covered landscapes and crisp, cool air. But for businesses, it also brings challenges—especially when it comes to managing snow and ice. At TruScape, we understand that your business's safety and accessibility are paramount during these colder months. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing top-tier snow and ice management services, ensuring your property remains safe and operational no matter how harsh the winter gets.

Why Snow & Ice Management Matters

Winter weather can be unpredictable. A light dusting can turn into a snowstorm overnight, and untreated surfaces can quickly become dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Effective snow and ice management isn’t just about clearing snow; it’s about preventing hazards, minimizing downtime, and keeping your property safe for everyone.

At TruScape, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

Sidewalk Snow Clearing: Keep walkways clear and safe for all.

Parking Lot Snow Removal: Ensure your parking areas are accessible and hazard-free.

De-Icing: Proactive treatments to prevent ice buildup before it becomes a problem.

Snow Hauling: If space is an issue, we’ll haul away the snow to keep your property clutter-free.

The TruScape Difference

What sets TruScape apart from other snow and ice management companies? It’s our commitment to reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction. We know that in the world of business, time is money, and a snow-covered parking lot or icy walkway can lead to lost revenue and potential liability. That’s why our team is on call 24/7 during the winter months, ready to respond quickly to any situation.

Our service is not just about moving snow—it’s about providing peace of mind. With our state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained crews, we ensure that every job is done right the first time. Whether you need seasonal service or a one-time snow removal, TruScape has you covered.

Plan Ahead with TruScape

Don’t wait until the first snowflake falls to think about snow and ice management. Planning ahead is key to a stress-free winter. By partnering with TruScape, you can rest easy knowing that your property will be well taken care of, no matter what winter throws your way.

Visit our Snow & Ice Management page to learn more about our services and to request a consultation. Let TruScape be your trusted partner in navigating the winter months with confidence.

Stay safe, stay operational, and let us handle the snow!

[broadcastarchive-umd]

#QSLfriday KITE was an AM radio station in Kansas City, Missouri, licensed to First National Television, Inc., that broadcast from 1934 to 1942. It was initially one of four "high-fidelity" stations broadcasting above 1500 kHz, the upper end of the broadcast band in the 1930s. It transitioned to standard operations in 1941 and changed its call letters to KXKX in July 1942 before leaving the air on October 9.

First National Radio and Television Institute, a radio engineering school with 600 students, also held an experimental television license, W9XAL, which by 1934 was broadcasting for three and a half hours each day.

KITE sent this radio verification card to a listener in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in March 1941.

Committee to Preserve Radio Verifications   |   Tumblr Archive