#Sign Manufacturer in Kentucky

[wcrjreporter]

Inmate Report 07-30-22 4:30 A.M.

 4:30 A.M.                                                                                        07-30-22 

Being an anti-sex trafficking activist, in a town that is considered a hub of sex trafficking, in one of the highest trafficking states in the Nation, is precarious… to say the least. 

How I ended up in Warren County Regional Jail in Bowling Green, Kentucky involves a Chinese Manufacturing Company, a dead dog, a divorce, sex, drugs, lots of rock n roll, and many other world-traveled family secrets along the way. 

The why’s of what I’m actually writing about here is still unfolding, as is the what in the hell happened that I would be CHARGED with complicity to rape and kidnapping, and how in the hell will this all end… remains to be seen. All I know is I am charged with something I would never do, in a Jail full of people who probably would (side note: apparently even the Jail itself has a reputation for doing the things I am charged with. Ha.) 

On top of that I am, as I mentioned before, an activist… which means even while facing my own hellish, nonsensical, purgatorial reality, seeing what is happening to the human beings around me I cannot help but feel the need to do something. Even if attempting to do so leads to my own peril. (You may think that statement dramatic, but wait until the investigation and whatever this current saga may be is over. This town is twisted. That is a total understatement.)

I’m not necessarily writing this for anyone in particular, more as a mental exercise to keep myself grounded in reality. Reality can be brutal sometimes when you’re in here. Dreams offer escape, but waking up to this shit-hole of a cell after being literally anywhere else in my mind is a special kind of hell. Same four walls, same foul air, same putrid food, same tainted water. All of us trapped in here, having to find new ways every day to live together. Some days are VERY hard.

Currently all the cells surrounding mine are on Covid lockdown (but oddly, only for 5 days). Many of the Deputies, also the Jailer, remain unmasked when entering cells despite this. He (The Jailer) is not my biggest fan, since this week I spoke to Department of Corrections (DOC) alongside my colleague on the outside about the conditions here. Those complaints ended with DOC making a “home visit” to WCRJ, complete with a kitchen walkthrough and a sit-down interview with yours truly. (Later, it would turn out, DOC did nothing to address the issues I spoke to them about regarding severe medical neglect, sexual harassment of inmates by Guards, tasing people in restraint chairs, not providing proper medication to inmates, unhealthy and unsafe food and living conditions, improper mental health care, etc. Just a wink and nod at the Jailer and away they went. Meanwhile, since then, people have literally died… or sued the Jail for sexual abuse as well.)

I was subsequently visited by two Deputies the next day who pulled me out of my cell to ask me if I had any rapes in my cell specifically to report. I told them, at the moment in my cell, no. They made me sign a piece of paper which later turned out to be a statement claiming I agreed that I  made false PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) reports… which stemmed from me telling my colleague over a video chat (monitored by the Jail) that I had received several reports from female inmates in the Jail of sexual assault, and some allegations that the Jailer had a hand in covering up such assaults himself. (Later like I said the Jail would be sued for sexual assault by a Guard on a female Inmate… after all this occurred with me… just throwing that out there.) They had me sign this form to cover their ass. Clearly it didn’t stop the actual, serious problem of Guards assaulting female inmates.

It was an odd situation since I had never made out a PREA report. I had simply told my friend, IN VERY VAGUE TERMINOLOGY to protect the identities of the people who told me they were assaulted, that some serious things had happened there. (Unfortunately, after this, the serious things continued.)

My friend has set up another video visit with me today and I’m not quite sure what to tell her, because based on how they have reacted to all this I am concerned about possible retaliation against myself (which eventually does happen), or more importantly the women who told me about the alleged abuse.

On top of that issue, there is medical neglect here. When my friend “M” was sick two weeks ago (shaking suddenly with a fever) we tried many times to call for the Guards or hail medical (even pressing the emergency button on the wall) since… in a situation like that you can’t very well drive yourself to a hospital or get a first aid kit. You’re locked behind bars. You need assistance, even for basic healthcare. After no response for a considerable time (I’m talking 20, 30 mins) we had another inmate in the cell call her family on the phone and tell them to call the front desk at the jail and tell them there was a medical emergency in our cell. This was pure desperation at this point.

10 minutes later the Guard comes in screaming at her (and us) in the cell and demanded she come out. While she finally got escorted (very rudely) to medical we then lost our TV privileges and all but one phone in our cell for the rest of the day. We were told this was for us calling her family and getting them to call the front and make a complaint in order to expedite our cellmates medical care. Apparently you get punished for asking for help here when you are sick.

When my friend “D” (one of the female inmates who also told me she was abused in the Jail in 2019) was vomiting so hard in our cell she literally pissed herself three nights ago,then started wretching, and finally went into a seizure, they wouldn’t help her. It wasn’t until I threatened to file a grievance unless they took her to a hospital and got her medical care. They finally came in and removed her from the cell, but instead of getting her medical attention they took her and dumped her in an isolation cell (the hole) to seize, piss, shit, and vomit on herself alone. They then kept her in isolation for three days, she only just got back yesterday to our cell. Shell-shocked, haggard, and glad to be alive.

When she got back she told me that she almost lost her mind when she came to from her seizure and realized she had been put in the exact same cell she was raped in in 2019, an assault she claims the Jailer knew about. She begged to be moved but no one listened to her, and she had to spend days sick, broken, and filled with panic and disgust.

There is an evil in this place. Evil happens here, and corrupts. I have written letters, I have written songs, I have prayed, danced, and tried to sing it away, but even now I can feel the light draining from my eyes. I don’t hear the women screaming at night as much as I used to and I wonder - did they move them because I complained? Did they get out? Did they survive?

August 1st marks 80 days that I’ve been here (I was arrested Friday the 13th - true story) and so far I myself have escaped the “turtle suit”, getting tased, being left to piss and shit myself in the restraint chair, or raped in the hole, and I wonder if I will get out. Will I survive? (I ended up surviving, but now I am fighting on the outside to keep my freedom… which is why I’m posting this anonymously.)

Either way, despite my charges, despite that reputation, I cannot stop myself from speaking up for those who haven’t survived. Will anyone believe me? Who knows… but for the first time in my life I am learning to use my voice. I just pray for all of us it’s not too late.

Anon #143669

[bllsbailey]

Mike Johnson Demands Firing of Ukraine's Ambassador After Zelensky's Campaign Swing Through Pennsylvania

Fat Ugly Democrat Party Woman and the Weasel Con Man.

House Speaker Mike Johnson demanded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

recall Ukraine's US ambassador in a sharply worded letter made public Wednesday.

I demand that you immediately fire Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova.  As you have said, Ukrainians have tried to avoid being “captured by American domestic politics,” and “influencing the choices of the American people” ahead of the November election. Clearly that objective was abandoned this week when Ambassador Markarova organized an event in which you toured an American manufacturing site.  The facility was in a politically contested battleground state, was led by a top political surrogate for Kamala Harris, and failed to include a single Republican because – on purpose – no Republicans were invited. The tour was clearly a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats and is clearly election interference. This shortsighted and intentionally political move has caused Republicans to lose trust in Ambassador Markarova’s ability to fairly and effectively serve as a diplomat in this country. She should be removed from her post immediately.    Additionally, as I have clearly stated in the past, all foreign nations should avoid opining on or interfering in American domestic politics. Support for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to be bipartisan, but our relationship is unnecessarily tested and needlessly tarnished when the candidates at the top of the Republican presidential ticket are targeted in the media by officials in your government. These incidents cannot be repeated. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and I trust you will take immediate action. 

The incident Speaker Johnson refers to was a visit to a US munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The factory makes 155mm artillery ammunition used by the Ukrainian Army. Zelensky took the occasion not only to thank the workers for their diligence and acknowledge the vital work they are doing but to criticize statements made by Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance on how to end the war in Ukraine (the criticism was on point but the thought process behind the statement was definitely suboptimal). Adding to the aura that Zelensky was campaigning for Kamala Harris on American soil were the fact that:

Pennsylvania is a critical state for Trump and a must-win state for Harris, where she appears to be flailing about; see Game On: Big Warning Signs for Kamala HQ in Pennsylvania After Release of New Susquehanna Poll.

Zelensky was hosted by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the runner-up in the beauty contest to be Kamala's running mate.

Democrat Senator Bob Casey and Representative Matt Cartwright were invited, but no Pennsylvania Republicans were on the list. In fairness, Scranton is in Cartwright's district, but the Democrats-only vibe created was troubling.

The media tried to run interference for the visit with a healthy helping of "bothsidesism." For instance, "Zelensky’s visit to Pennsylvania mirrors a trip to Utah in July, where he met with Republican Gov. Spencer Cox and signed a memorandum of understanding with state leaders. In both cases, state leaders expressed support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia."

Not to belabor the obvious, but Utah is not a swing state, the governor is not a Trump surrogate, and that visit was not 40 days out from a presidential election.

The immediate effect of the kerfuffle is that neither former President Trump nor Speaker Johnson plans to meet with Zelensky while he's in the US (Republicans follow Trump’s lead of icing out Zelensky | CNN Politics). For good measure, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman, Kentucky Republican James Comer, has opened an investigation into the whole affair; see Republicans Would Kindly Like Some Answers About the Legality of Zelensky's Visit to PA – RedState.

“In 2019, the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives impeached President Donald J. Trump for abuse of power under the theory that he attempted to use a foreign leader—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—to benefit his 2020 presidential campaign, despite a lack of any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of President Trump. The Biden-Harris Administration recently flew the same foreign leader—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—on an American-taxpayer-funded flight to Pennsylvania, a battleground state in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, which has been described as the ‘trickiest battleground for Vice President Kamala Harris to win.’  The Committee seeks to determine whether the Biden-Harris Administration attempted to use a foreign leader to benefit Vice President Harris’s presidential campaign and, if so, necessarily committed an abuse of power,” wrote Chairman Comer.

I'm not a huge Comer fan, but this is definitely a sauce-for-the-goose-is-sauce-for-the-gander moment; see What the Biden-Harris Administration Just Did With Ukraine's Zelensky Should Be Impeachable – RedState. If Trump could be impeached for attempting to protect Ukrainian prosecutors investigating Biden Crime Family corruption in Ukraine, Harris should get the same treatment for using a foreign nation to meddle in a US election.

Legendary French Diplomat Charles Talleyrand is supposed to have said, "C'est pire qu'un crime, c'est une faute." It was worse than a crime; it was a blunder.

That is certainly the case here.

For the last two years, a large part of the English-speaking (though not necessarily American) pro-Ukrainian crowd on social media has struggled to change support for Ukraine with fairly deep bipartisan support in Congress and with the public into a partisan political issue with the Democrats staged as the supporters of Ukraine. So much so that when this war winds down, I plan on blocking 99.9% of the sources I use for Ukraine news on "X," formerly Twitter. It is hard to conceive of a more stupid and pig-headed position unless it is the alleged conservatives who keep claiming Russia's invasion was justified, a point of view that is totally at odds with reality and implausible to anyone not six sigmas to the left of the center of an IQ Bell Curve. Somehow, Zelensky either allowed himself to be roped into a "Great Idea," or he's internalized the leftist talking point Ukraine's independence is a Democrat issue.

As the war enters a critical phase next year with Trump almost certainly back in the White House, Zelensky has effectively burned critical bridges he will need at the negotiating table and on the battlefield. 

Speaker Johnson is correct. The Ukrainian ambassador either knowingly or unknowingly embroiled her president and her nation's struggle for self-determination in a US presidential campaign on the side of the probable loser. Zelensky should take the "L," fire his ambassador, apologize, and get Hillary Clinton to make him a huge red button labeled "RESET."

[travelingtheusa]

TENNESSEE

2024 Sep 2 (Mon – Labor Day) – We drove into Knoxville to go shopping.  I had to buy a new bra to replace the one that walked away.  The mall was so incredibly huge!  It rivals the Crystal Palace in Washington, D.C.  And it was only one floor!  We walked and walked and walked.  I made an appointment yesterday for a bra fitting at Dillards.  When we got to the mall, Dillards was closed.  We went into Belk to look around.  Since I am assuming the presidency of SMART this month, I wanted to get something a little more suitable than jeans and t-shirts.  We looked through the clothes racks for a while, then Paul left to find a bathroom.  I looked at my watch, saw it was almost 11 a.m. and walked over to the lingerie department for my bra fitting.  When I got there, no employee was around.  I tried on a few bras, still found no employee for a fitting, so I bought what I always wear.  Then I walked back to the clothing department to find Paul.  He was sitting outside the fitting room, waiting for me to come out.  That’s when I realized my bra fitting was in Dillards and not Belk.  I think this is an early warning sign of dementia.  😊  We also stopped in JC Penney to look for clothes.

      We stopped in Loco Burro in the mall for lunch.  The meals were quite large.  I had two tacos with rice and beans.  Paul had a burrito with rice and beans.  It was very filling and left us with food to take home.

      Next stop was for fuel and then back to the campground where I could rest my back after all that walking.

2024 Sep 1 (Sun) – We drove to Clinton to tour the Museum of Appalachia.  It was quite interesting.  There must have been 30 log cabin buildings around the property.  In addition, there were exhibits and displays describing the lives of Appalachians from 1700 onward.  A lot of famous people came from the area – Chet Atkins, Roy Cauliff, the Carter family (to include June Carter who married Johnny Cash), etc.  Dolly Parton credited a radio personality for giving her a start in her career.  There were many musical instruments – both manufactured and home-made.  We saw banjos made out of a toilet seat, a bed pan, a wood burl, and so on.  We enjoyed the tour very much.  When done, we went into the café and had lunch.  The place was very popular and the line of people waiting to order never seemed to go down.  We both had chicken noodle casserole.  I had cream spinach and pinto beans for sides; Paul had broccoli casserole and corn pudding.  Afterward, we strolled through the shop and bought souvenirs

      Next door to the museum was a brand new campground that was recently built.  We drove through it and was quite impressed.  There were sites with gravel and sites with concrete pads.  All sites had full hookups and every other site had a wifi antenna. 

       I have been going back and forth every day with the muster master for the national muster that will be taking place later this month.  I am responsible for the seminar/class schedule and it has certainly been a juggling act.  As we get closer, it seems there is a mad push to get things perfect.

2024 Aug 31 (Sat) – We packed up and left Kentucky at 9:30 a.m.  It was 178 miles to Raccoon Valley Park in Heiskell.  We thought we had been here before but it doesn’t look familiar to either one of us.  When we arrived, the office was closed.  Our paperwork was in a slot by the door.  We located our assigned spot and set up.  We have full hookups.  The campsite is gravel with no trees.  At least we have 50 amp electric hookup and we can run all 3 air conditioners.  It is well into the 90s today.  Hot! Hot! Hot!

[dailyclay]

I have an unresolved ghost town story.

Last year, I graduated from the university I had been attending in eastern Kentucky. I’m from central Kentucky, so on weekends I would drive home - about 1.5 hours on the interstate, or 2-2.5 hours on the backroads.

(I liked the backroads better. 20 mph slower. Windows down. Music up. In no rush.)

So, there were three main ways I would take when I had the time for a Fun Drive.

- I could take US 60 all the way back home, which was my go-to because it was easy and went through Lexington so I could grab something tasty for dinner.

- I could take US 60 part-ways and then take 460 when it split at Mt. Sterling, which actually saved some time because I didn’t have to veer south toward Lexington.

- I could take some spindly little mystery way that my phone’s navigation said was the actual quickest way to get home without taking I-64. It would follow 60 for about half an hour and then shoot up north, spit me out around Paris, and then I could follow 460 back home.

That last route I never was quite able to remember without navigation. There were landmarks I recognized, like a great big sheep farm in a wooded valley and a particular hill that opened to a view of endless power lines and always seemed foggy, but there were too many unexpected detours that I needed Siri to let me know when I needed to turn to be certain. I drove this way maybe a dozen times.

One of the landmarks along this route was a funny little town - a smattering of buildings along the road in the middle of farmland, each structure with a matching sign in the front with the name of the building. There was a General Store and a Saloon. Even the houses had names, like Patience Residence or Prudence Residence or Temperance Residence. The signs weren’t old, but they were made to look old. It always left a “theme park” impression in my mind - very manufactured, very touristy, but with a budget that accounted for some artistry.

People did seem to live there, though. I saw people mowing in the summer, and other times I’d see people sitting on their front porches. I never saw another car driving, though.

For most of my final semester, I stayed on campus. I was an RA, I had big final projects and group work to do, and weekend hours at to work at an ice cream boba shop. The few times I did go home, I just took the interstate. I had lots to do and not a lot of time to do it.

But I found myself on campus again a few weeks back. My band and I had played a gig in Martin County and I was dropping off my bassist and fiddle player back in town. I had some daylight to kill, so I thought I’d take the mystery way back home.

I saw the sheep farm. I saw the great big hills with the cascading power lines. I drove all across north-eastern Kentucky, exactly as my phone told me and as my hands remembered, but I never saw that little town.

It’s possible it was a funny little tourist thing, some sort of weird BnB creation. Maybe it was a church thing or a retirement home thing. Maybe it was a recovery community. It might’ve been a movie set - which is maybe why it’s gone now. Or maybe it’s still there and the navigation strayed away from it, despite spitting me out dutifully at my known landmarks.

I’ll go back again to campus, sometime. My bass player graduated, but my fiddle player is a junior. I also have friends in the town surrounding campus. Next time, I’ll take my phone’s roulette instructions again and see what I find.

[robisontreeservice]

The History of Lexington KY

Lexington, Kentucky is a city with a rich and storied history. Founded in 1779, the city was one of the first to be established west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was named after the Battle of Lexington, which had occurred just four years earlier in Massachusetts, marking the start of the American Revolutionary War.

In its early years, Lexington was a hub of activity and growth. It quickly became a center of commerce, education, and culture in the region. The city was home to the first newspaper west of the Alleghenies, as well as the first theater. Transylvania University, founded in 1780, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Lexington's prosperity continued through the 19th century. It became known as the "Athens of the West" due to its reputation for education and culture. The city was a leading producer of hemp, which was an important crop at the time. Lexington was also a center of the thoroughbred horse breeding industry, an association that continues to this day.

During the Civil War, Lexington was a contested city, changing hands between the Union and Confederate armies several times. This led to much destruction and hardship for the city's residents. However, Lexington was able to recover in the years after the war.

In the 20th century, Lexington continued to grow and evolve. It became a hub for the automotive industry, with several major manufacturers establishing plants in the area. The University of Kentucky also expanded significantly during this time, becoming a major economic and cultural force in the city.

Today, Lexington is a thriving city of over 322,000 people. It has a diverse economy, with strengths in sectors like healthcare, technology, and of course, the equine industry. The city retains its reputation for education and culture, home to several colleges and universities as well as a vibrant arts scene. Lexington's history has shaped it into the dynamic community it is today.

Arborists are the dedicated professionals who care for the health and well-being of trees. They are the tree doctors, diagnosing problems, recommending treatments, and performing necessary procedures to keep trees healthy and thriving.

Much like human doctors, arborists require extensive knowledge and training. They possess a deep understanding of tree biology, physiology, and ecology. They can identify different tree species, diagnose diseases and insect infestations, and recommend appropriate treatments. Additionally, they are skilled in pruning, cabling, and bracing trees to improve their structure and stability.

Arborist play a crucial role in maintaining the health and beauty of our urban and natural environments. Trees provide numerous benefits, including shade, oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and habitat for wildlife. By caring for trees, arborists help to ensure these benefits are enjoyed by present and future generations.

Here are some of the key tasks performed by arborists:

Tree assessments: Inspecting trees for signs of disease, insect damage, or structural problems.

Pruning: Removing dead, diseased, or weak branches to improve tree health and structure.

Cabling and bracing: Installing cables and braces to support weak or damaged branches.

Planting: Selecting and planting appropriate tree species for specific locations.

Fertilization: Providing trees with essential nutrients to promote growth and health.

Disease and insect control:��Identifying and treating diseases and insect infestations.

Tree removal: Removing trees that are dead, diseased, or pose a safety hazard.

If you are concerned about the health of your trees, consider consulting a certified arborist. They can assess your trees, recommend appropriate care, and help you keep them healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Robinson Tree Service is proud to employ certified arborists who are dedicated to providing the highest quality tree care services. We offer a wide range of services, including tree pruning, removal, planting, and disease and insect control. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced arborists.

Robison Tree Service 105 Summer Ridge Rd, Mt Sterling, KY 40353, 859-644-4874 http://www.robisontreeservice.com/

[ledenews]

Robert Villamagna: ‘Found Objects’ of Life Inspire this Tin Man’s Heart

It’s the way he sees it. And when you say something like that about Robert Villamagna, you mean there’s more than what meets his eyes when he interprets what goes into his works of art. And no one sees it the same because, when it comes to this artist’s imagery, it all makes sense in a different way never considered before. Take his “Old King Coal” piece as an example. Once upon a time ago, coal was king in West Virginia, and for decades fossil fuels ruled in Kentucky, too. In Appalachia America not so long ago, if a kid quit high school to work in the mines, he was simply following in his daddy’s footsteps into coal country. Not only was it acceptable, it was expected, but it’s different these days and that’s why Villamagna’s coal king is crying. "Old King Coal" hits hard with folks of the coalfields in Appalachia America. He honors people with his art, and his work speaks to social and commercial issues, too, and from his first step to his final step, the process proves a mission of imagination on every occasion. Sometimes Villamagna “sees” it first and then builds it, and sometimes this tin man’s heart is inspired – literally – by discarded junk. No matter what prompts his projects, Villamagna’s mixed media style is fantastically distinctive, and his work is in high demand, too. After more than 20 years as an associate professor of art at West Liberty University, he’s now a full-time artist – with office hours, to boot – and these days his work often is described quite simply as “It’s a Villamagna.” And ain’t that just cool? Combining the lithograph metals, vintage photos, and, as you describe, “found objects” … how – and why – did all of that come together for you as “mixed media”? For much of my life, I have been attracted to “junk” and collected a variety of things. I just love the look and feel of old objects. I think about who made them and who used them. Years ago, I discovered a used book about artists using found materials. The idea of taking these various materials and using them to create art had never occurred to me. What a concept! The switch was pulled. About 10 years later, (my wife) Chris discovered another book titled “The Fine Art of the Tin Can” by Bobby Hanson. That introduced me to using repurposed metal in my work. Villamagna is vigilant when searching for what he calls "found objects" for his work. Please explain the process of finding “found objects.” First of all, let me clarify the term “found objects”. We usually think of art being created with paint, clay, crayons, pencil, etc. Sometimes artists make art using unexpected objects … things we don’t normally consider as art materials. These objects had another function or purpose and are referred to as “found objects”. These found objects can be manufactured (a bicycle seat, a discarded vacuum cleaner, an old photo) or from nature (stones, bones, leaves). The materials I use in my work cover a wide range, but primarily I use repurposed metal (from old signs and cans), old photographs, parts of things such as from old toys, oddball machine parts, broken clocks, etc. Most of the time I purchase these materials at flea markets or on eBay. There are times when I actually “find” materials while walking. You just have to be vigilant. Occasionally, the tin fairy will leave an old potato chip can or piece of cool metal on my porch. It’s nice when friends are on the lookout for materials for you. Christmas can happen when you least expect it! Do you collect your materials before you have the artistic idea, or do you go searching for very specific items to create a very specific piece of art? I’m constantly on the hunt for materials. My search is not specific to individual items, more in general categories: printed cans, doll houses, old photo albums, pieces of weird junk, etc. The items I acquire fill shelves and bins until I pull them for a particular piece of work. Sometimes one object can kickstart an idea, such as piece I did this past summer that began with an old pennant from Myrtle Beach. Other times I may have an idea I wish to pursue, so I rummage through my materials to see what might work. Do you have “office/studio hours,” or is your work created in a more happenstance style? I’m usually working in my studio Monday through Friday, sometimes Saturday as well. I’m guessing I average 40-50 hours per week in the studio. Most days I’m up at 4:35, but I usually don’t get into the studio until 9 am. One of my favorite quotes is by artist Chuck Close: “Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.” The "Tin Man" honored the Jamboree tradition in the city of Wheeling with one of his recent works. How do you describe the soul of Appalachia? When I think of “soul”, I think of something not in its physical state, but rather the experiencing of deep feelings and emotions. So, while I may envision Appalachia as a mountainous area in the central-southern part of the Eastern US, it’s soul is it’s music, followed by its literature. I would love to say its soul is it’s art, but that would not be the truth. Not that art doesn’t contribute, but I feel it’s the music that is the true soul. The Irish/Scottish fiddle music combined with African American blues music (banjo, guitar). When I work in the studio, I listen to a huge mix of what I label folk-blues, covering such artists as John Prine, RL Burnside, Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, Guy Davis, Guy Clark, Jimmy Duck Holmes, and Tim O’Brien to name a few. I know I’m leaving some out. This music inspires me, and for me it’s the soul of Appalachia. Villamagna honored American veterans with this work of art, and it helps that American Legion Post 1 is the oldest post in the United States. At times, Villamagna makes simple statements about society with his artwork. Read the full article

[mrrooferoh]

Options for Roofer Replacement Services in Huntington WV: How to Choose the Best Option?

When it comes to choosing a roof replacement service in Huntington, WV, there are several factors to consider to ensure you're selecting the best option. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:

Research Local Companies:

Start by compiling a list of local roofing companies in Huntington, WV. You can use online directories, search engines, or ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have had their roofs replaced recently.

Check Credentials:

Verify that the companies you're considering are licensed, insured, and bonded. This is important for your protection in case of accidents or damages during the project.

Professional Roofing Services | Roof Repair Service |  Portsmouth |  Ashland KY | Huntington WV |  Charleston WV | Roof Replacement Services |Commercial Roofing Services | Residential Roofing Services | Gutter Installation Services |New Roof Installation |  Johnson County |  Morehead KY |  Grayson KY | Olive Hill KY | Ashford Ohio |  Belle WV | Chesapeake Ohio | Crown City Ohio |  Denton KY | Argillite KY |  Barboursville |  Bloomingrose WV | Ceredo WV |  Dunbar WV |  Alum Creek KY | Blue Creek Ohio |  Blount WV | Catlettsburg KY |  Cabin Creek WV |  Drybranch WV |  East Lynn WV |  Franklin Furnace Ohio |  Haverhill Ohio |  Elkview WV | Fort Gay WV | Greenup KY | Hitchins KY | Flatwoods KY |  Glenwood WV | Hernshaw WV | Ironton Ohio |  Kentucky |   Kitts Hill Ohio |  Kenova WV |  Roofers Services Institute WV |   Richmond KY

Read Reviews and Ratings:

Look for online reviews and ratings for each company on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. This will give you insights into the experiences of their previous clients.

Request Multiple Quotes:

Contact several roofing companies to request quotes for the roof  replacement project. Make sure the quotes are detailed and include information about the materials, labor, timeline, and any additional costs.

Experience and Expertise:

Consider the experience of each company. A company with a long history in the industry is likely to have more expertise and a better understanding of local roofing regulations and challenges.

Ask for References:

Request references from the companies you're interested in. Contact these references to ask about their experiences with the company's services and the quality of their work.

Material Options:

Inquire about the types of roofing materials each company offers. They should be able to explain the benefits and drawbacks of various materials and help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.

Warranty:

Find out about the warranties offered by the roofing companies. A reputable company should provide both a manufacturer's warranty on the materials and a workmanship warranty on the installation.

Communication and Customer Service:

Pay attention to how responsive and informative each company is during your interactions. Good communication is crucial throughout the project.

Visit Past Projects:

If possible, ask if you can visit some of their completed projects. This will give you a firsthand look at the quality of their workmanship.

Compare Costs:

While cost shouldn't be the only deciding factor, it's important to compare the quotes you've received. Be wary of significantly low quotes, as they could indicate inferior materials or workmanship.

Contract and Agreement:

Once you've chosen a company, carefully review the contract and agreement. Ensure that all the terms, project details, costs, and warranties are clearly outlined before signing.

Permits and Regulations:

Confirm that the chosen company will take care of obtaining any necessary permits and adhering to local building codes and regulations.

Timeline and Schedule:

Discuss the project timeline and schedule with the roofing company. Make sure you have a clear understanding of when the project will start and how long it's expected to take.

Payment Schedule:

Be cautious of companies that demand a large upfront payment. A reputable company usually follows a payment schedule tied to project milestones.

Trust Your Instincts:

Finally, trust your instincts. Choose a company that makes you feel confident and comfortable about their abilities to complete the project successfully.

By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you'll be better equipped to choose the best roof replacement service for your needs in Huntington, WV.

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[digitalenthuastic]

The Growing Electric Vehicle Market: Can Car Manufacturers Keep Up?

Introduction

The electric vehicle (EV) market has experienced a remarkable surge, with global sales more than doubling from 3 million to 6.6 million between 2020 and 2021, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA). As EVs capture 9% of total car sales, it’s evident that their popularity is skyrocketing. However, a pressing question remains: Are car manufacturers prepared to meet the surging demand for electric cars? In this blog, we explore the challenges and advancements in the industry as it races to keep up with the growing EV market.

The Push for Electric Cars

Around the world, government agencies are setting ambitious targets for the future of transportation, with Europe and China leading the pack in EV adoption. The United States, too, has made significant progress, with an estimated 16 million EVs currently plying its roads. Car manufacturers have been compelled to reevaluate their production predictions due to the rapid pace of EV adoption, as acknowledged by Tyson Jominy, VP of data and analytics for J.D. Power.

Notably, new EV-specific production sites have emerged in the United States, particularly in Tennessee and Kentucky, where industry giants like Ford Motor Co. and SK Innovation have made substantial investments. These developments signal manufacturers’ confidence in the future of EVs and their commitment to meeting the surging demand.

What Will Prompt the Switch to EVs?

While SUVs currently dominate the vehicle market, accounting for approximately 60% of all sales, full-sized electric pickup trucks are gradually gaining traction in the EV space. Renowned models like Ford’s F-150 Lightning, the Chevy Silverado, and the Dodge Run are capturing consumer interest and expanding the EV market’s horizons. The Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance Members plan to procure over 375,000 new EVs by 2026, and an overwhelming 95% of respondents in a survey expressed willingness to switch to an EV if it fulfilled their capacity and specification requirements.

Although certain areas, such as Colorado Springs, are encountering challenges in meeting consumer demand promptly, the trend of increasing EV purchases shows no signs of deceleration. The shift towards electric cars continues to gain momentum, indicating a promising future for the industry.

Learn More at - https://searchev.in/the-growing-electric-vehicle-market-can-car-manufacturers-keep-up/

[mystlnewsonline]

Missouri Attorney General Supports HALT Fentanyl Act

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey joined 22 other states to urge U.S. Senate to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act. JEFFERSON CITY, MO (STL.News) Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey joined 22 other states in urging U.S. Senate leadership to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act.  The legislation would permanently schedule all current and future fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs, giving law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on the epidemic by stopping the flow of the dangerous drugs developed to imitate fentanyl. “The fentanyl crisis is one that Missourians are affected by every day here at home as drugs pour across the southern border uninhibited,” said Attorney General Bailey. “Every state is a border state thanks to Joe Biden’s refusal to secure the border. I’m calling on the United States Senate to aid in this fight and help save American lives.” If the bill is passed and signed into law, offenses involving fentanyl-related substances would be triggered by the same quantity thresholds and subject to the same penalties as offenses involving fentanyl.  The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the legislation with bipartisan support, and the attorneys general call on the Senate to do the same. “The cause of this fentanyl scourge is clear: Mexican drug cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, import dangerous raw materials from China, use them to produce deadly synthetic opioids at low cost, and unlawfully transport those opioids across the U.S. border,” the attorneys general state in the letter. “The federal government’s response to this existential threat has been woefully deficient… he current Administration’s abject refusal to secure our border—one of the basic duties of any government—is a direct cause of this crisis.  Even more fundamentally, however, the federal government has not equipped law enforcement with the tools needed to prosecute the sale and use of illicit fentanyl analogues.” The attorneys general note in their letter that placing fentanyl analogues on Schedule I must be done permanently. Permanent scheduling allows the criminal prosecution of anyone caught possessing, distributing, or manufacturing illicit variations of the drug—“a task previously burdensome for prosecutors”—without the uncertainty of whether the temporary authorization will expire during the prosecution.  Permanently changing the scheduling of fentanyl analogues “would eliminate lengthy litigation and permit prosecutors to quickly remove those involved in the illicit narcotic market from the streets.” Such legislative action “would allow authorities to keep pace with clandestine labs attempting to bypass regulations by altering the chemical structures of controlled substances.” “The fentanyl crisis has devastated many American communities, families, and lives, including those in our respective States. This national catastrophe requires a serious federal solution. Permanently scheduling fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs will allow the federal government to engage resources thus far underutilized in the fight against the fentanyl epidemic, putting drug cartels and traffickers on notice and saving American lives.  We urge you to take up and pass the HALT Fentanyl Act as soon as possible,” the attorneys general state in the letter. Fentanyl is killing Missourians at unprecedented rates, and this problem has only increased under President Biden’s disastrous border policies. Attorney General Bailey continues to fight in the courtroom to force President Biden to secure the southern border. Just last week, he filed suit against the Biden Administration over its attempt to redefine some illegal border crossings as “lawful pathways” into the country. Missouri is joined by Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming in writing the letter. SOURCE: Missouri Attorney General Read the full article

[monumentsignlouisville]

Your Top Choice for Custom Signs in Louisville

At our Louisville, KY sign company, we recognize the multifaceted roles signs play—from warmly welcoming customers to effectively promoting your business. We're dedicated to enhancing these functions by collaborating closely with you to grasp your unique requirements. By prioritizing a personalized approach, we ensure that our signs not only meet but exceed your expectations, delivering impactful results for your business.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 5.28

585 BC – A solar eclipse occurs, as predicted by the Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling Cyaxares in the Battle of the Eclipse, leading to a truce. This is one of the cardinal dates from which other dates can be calculated. 621 – Battle of Hulao: Li Shimin, the son of the Chinese emperor Gaozu, defeats the numerically superior forces of Dou Jiande near the Hulao Pass (Henan). This victory decides the outcome of the civil war that followed the Sui dynasty's collapse in favour of the Tang dynasty. 1533 – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, declares the marriage of King Henry VIII of England to Anne Boleyn valid. 1588 – The Spanish Armada, with 130 ships and 30,000 men, sets sail from Lisbon, Portugal, heading for the English Channel. (It will take until May 30 for all ships to leave port.) 1644 – English Civil War: Bolton Massacre by Royalist troops under the command of James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby. 1754 – French and Indian War: In the first engagement of the war, Virginia militia under the 22-year-old Lieutenant colonel George Washington defeat a French reconnaissance party in the Battle of Jumonville Glen in what is now Fayette County in southwestern Pennsylvania. 1802 – In Guadeloupe, 400 rebellious slaves, led by Louis Delgrès, blow themselves up rather than submit to Napoleon's troops. 1830 – U.S. President Andrew Jackson signs the Indian Removal Act which denies Native Americans their land rights and forcibly relocates them. 1871 – The Paris Commune falls after two months. 1892 – In San Francisco, John Muir organizes the Sierra Club. 1905 – Russo-Japanese War: The Battle of Tsushima ends with the destruction of the Russian Baltic Fleet by Admiral Tōgō Heihachir�� and the Imperial Japanese Navy. 1907 – The first Isle of Man TT race is held. 1918 – The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the First Republic of Armenia declare their independence. 1926 – The 28 May 1926 coup d'état: Ditadura Nacional is established in Portugal to suppress the unrest of the First Republic. 1932 – In the Netherlands, construction of the Afsluitdijk is completed and the Zuiderzee bay is converted to the freshwater IJsselmeer. 1934 – Near Callander, Ontario, Canada, the Dionne quintuplets are born to Oliva and Elzire Dionne; they will be the first quintuplets to survive infancy. 1936 – Alan Turing submits On Computable Numbers for publication. 1937 – Volkswagen, the German automobile manufacturer, is founded. 1940 – World War II: Belgium surrenders to Nazi Germany to end the Battle of Belgium. 1940 – World War II: Norwegian, French, Polish and British forces recapture Narvik in Norway. This is the first Allied infantry victory of the War. 1948 – Daniel François Malan is elected as Prime Minister of South Africa. He later goes on to implement Apartheid. 1958 – Cuban Revolution: Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement, heavily reinforced by Frank Pais Militia, overwhelm an army post in El Uvero. 1961 – Peter Benenson's article The Forgotten Prisoners is published in several internationally read newspapers. This will later be thought of as the founding of the human rights organization Amnesty International. 1964 – The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is founded, with Yasser Arafat elected as its first leader. 1968 – Garuda Indonesian Airways Flight 892 crashes near Nala Sopara in India, killing 30. 1974 – Northern Ireland's power-sharing Sunningdale Agreement collapses following a general strike by loyalists. 1975 – Fifteen West African countries sign the Treaty of Lagos, creating the Economic Community of West African States. 1977 – In Southgate, Kentucky, the Beverly Hills Supper Club is engulfed in fire, killing 165 people inside. 1979 – Konstantinos Karamanlis signs the full treaty of the accession of Greece with the European Economic Community. 1987 – An 18-year-old West German pilot, Mathias Rust, evades Soviet Union air defences and lands a private plane in Red Square in Moscow, Russia. 1991 – The capital city of Addis Ababa falls to the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, ending both the Derg regime in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Civil War. 1995 – The 7.0 Mw  Neftegorsk earthquake shakes the former Russian settlement of Neftegorsk with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). Total damage was $64.1–300 million, with 1,989 deaths and 750 injured. The settlement was not rebuilt. 1996 – U.S. President Bill Clinton's former business partners in the Whitewater land deal, Jim McDougal and Susan McDougal, and the Governor of Arkansas, Jim Guy Tucker, are convicted of fraud. 1998 – Nuclear testing: Pakistan responds to a series of nuclear tests by India with five of its own codenamed Chagai-I, prompting the United States, Japan, and other nations to impose economic sanctions. Pakistan celebrates Youm-e-Takbir annually. 1999 – In Milan, Italy, after 22 years of restoration work, Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece The Last Supper is put back on display. 2002 – The last steel girder is removed from the original World Trade Center site. Cleanup duties officially end with closing ceremonies at Ground Zero in Manhattan, New York City. 2003 – Peter Hollingworth resigns as Governor-General of Australia following criticism of his handling of child sexual abuse allegations during his tenure as Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane. 2004 – The Iraqi Governing Council chooses Ayad Allawi, a longtime anti-Saddam Hussein exile, as prime minister of Iraq's interim government. 2008 – The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal formally declares Nepal a republic, ending the 240-year reign of the Shah dynasty. 2010 – In West Bengal, India, the Jnaneswari Express train derailment and subsequent collision kills 148 passengers. 2011 – Malta votes on the introduction of divorce; the proposal was approved by 53% of voters, resulting in a law allowing divorce under certain conditions being enacted later in the year. 2016 – Harambe, a gorilla, is shot to death after grabbing a three-year-old boy in his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, resulting in widespread criticism and sparking various internet memes. 2017 – Former Formula One driver Takuma Sato wins his first Indianapolis 500, the first Japanese and Asian driver to do so. Double world champion Fernando Alonso retires from an engine issue in his first entry of the event.

[bobharvey456]

Duro-last Roofing Contractor Kentucky

Every Duro-Last system is delivered to the job website with all components included and up to 85% of membrane seaming accomplished in the manufacturing facility. The Duro-Last Quality Control Lab performs a selection of standardized tests on all components of the Duro-Last roofing systems to ensure the standard of each roof we set up. The Duro-Shield single-ply membrane is prefabricated and custom-designed to fit duro last your metal roof precisely, eliminating up to 80-85% of rooftop set up labor. But what do sustainability and funky roofing actually mean for building homeowners, facility managers, contractors, architects, and other specifiers? Riddell Roofing was founded in 1982 and included roofing and concrete providers.

The highly-reflective white membrane delivers real vitality cost savings for constructing homeowners and managers in nearly all climates. Duro-Last is proud to be a constitution partner in the EPA ENERGY STAR® Roof Products Program, a charter member of the Cool Roof Rating Council and a member of the US Green Building Council. Moser Roofing Solutions has been acknowledged as A+ Service Providers by Duro-Last. This distinction means Moser ranks within the prime 1% of Duro-Last roofing contractors in terms of offering quality roofing service.

Swiss firm Holcim will buy Michigan PVC roofing agency Duro-Last Inc. for practically $1.three billion. Duro-Last generates web gross sales of about $540 million in North America’s highly profitable $40 billion roofing market. Holcim, Zug, Switzerland, has signed an agreement to acquire duro-last roofing roof methods manufacturer Duro-Last Inc., Saginaw, Mich., in a $1.29 billion transaction, based on reuters.com. Duro-Last focuses on commercial roof techniques and has annual gross sales of about $540 million.

This transaction is valued at USD 1,293 million, representing a pro-forma 2023 EBITDA a number of of 11.9x, or 7.4x after synergies. This transaction is valued at $1.293 million, representing a 2023 EBITDA multiple duro last roofing of 11.9x, or 7.4x after synergies. While 60 mil adhered EPDM is an efficient roof, to use his personal words , he has "maintained them 30+ year"....

The Duro-Last roofing system is resistant to fire, chemical compounds, grease, high winds, and punctures, and easily accommodates wide temperature extremes. Duro-Last's custom flashing resists ponding water and helps clear up roof issues earlier than they'll happen. Plus with Duro-Last's out there Roof-Trak® protective walkway system, heavy gear duro last roofing contractors, and maintenance traffic are easily managed. Prefabrication supplies quality-assured products, lowering the prospect for installation errors in the area. This also retains our labor costs low, which allows us to give you aggressive prices.

[impossiblesuitkitty]

CENTRAL BELT SALVAGE

##https://centralbeltsalvage.co.uk/##

##https://centralbeltsalvage.co.uk/##

CENTRAL BELT SALVAGE

Are you on the hunt for unique and affordable home decor? Look no further than Central Belt Salvage! This hidden gem of a shop offers everything from antique furniture to quirky knick-knacks. With such a wide range of treasures, it's impossible to leave empty-handed. So come explore with us as we take a closer look at what makes Central Belt Salvage the go-to spot for all your salvaging needs.

The Central Belt is one of the most heavily industrialized regions in the United States. The area is home to a number of major cities, including Indianapolis, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The region also has a large number of manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities.

As a result, the Central Belt has been heavily impacted by accidents and disasters over the years. In particular, the region has been hit hard by accidents at industrial plants and other facilities. This has led to major damage and loss of life.

In recent years, there have been a number of efforts to address these issues. For example, companies have started engaging in safety initiatives and making improvements to their infrastructure. Additionally, state governments have started investing in programs aimed at improving safety in the region.

The Central Belt of Kentucky is one of the most economically depressed areas in the country. This region has seen a decline in population and manufacturing over the last few decades, leaving many businesses and communities struggling.

One way to help revitalize this area is through salvage. Salvage is a process of recovering valuable materials from CENTRAL BELT SALVAGE abandoned or damaged goods. By doing so, businesses can recycle these materials and create new products, which can help revive the economy in Central Kentucky.

There are several salvage companies operating in the Central Belt, and they are helping to recycle products that would otherwise end up in landfills. These companies have created jobs for people who were unemployed or underemployed, and they are helping to revive communities that were once struggling.

The Central Belt Salvage project is a joint effort between the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) and The Greater Houston Partnership. The project has two goals: to reduce congestion on I-10 and to help preserve historic roadways in the Central Belt region.

The main goal of the Central Belt Salvage project is to reduce congestion on I-10. To achieve this, TTI and the Greater Houston Partnership are using a variety of techniques, including intelligent transportation systems (ITS), traffic management devices, and real-time data analysis.

One of the most important tools used in the project is ITS. ITS helps manage traffic by providing drivers with real-time information about traffic conditions in their area. This information allows drivers to make better choices about where they should drive and how fast they should drive.

Another tool used in the Central Belt Salvage project is traffic management devices. Traffic management devices can be either physical or electronic. Physical traffic management devices include signs and markings that tell drivers how to behave on a roadway. Electronic traffic management devices use sensors to detect when vehicles are violating traffic rules, and then activate warning signals or other interventions to prevent accidents from happening.

In addition to using these tools, TTI and the Greater Houston Partnership are also using real-time data analysis to improve traffic flow on I-10. This data analysis includes things like weather forecasts and vehicle tracking data. By using this information, TTI and the Greater Houston Partnership can predict

[stubobnumbers]

Television History - 1950

TV History - 1950.

I'm starting the journey through TV in the year 1950. All information is from wikipedia. First up, the new shows that debuted in 1950, sorted by network. (If I don’t post years next to a show, that means it only lasted one year…or no year is listed on wiki.)

CBS: What’s My Line (1950 version) – The show ran from 1950 through 1967. Beat The Clock (1950-1961). Abe Burrows Almanac (I’ve never heard of this show.)

NBC: Your Show Of Shows (1950-1954). The Colgate Comedy Hour (1950-1955). Four Star Revue (1950-1953). Stars Over Hollywood (1950-1951). Hawkins Falls(?) (Wikipedia says it ran from 1951-1955, but it’s listed in 1950.) Your Hit Parade. September 18 – The Paul Winchell Show debuts on NBC with the title The Speidel Show.

Other shows: September 5 – The Cisco Kid, starring Duncan Renaldo and Leo Carillo, premieres (1950-1956). September 7 – The game show Truth or Consequences debuts (1950–1988). October 5 – The comedy quiz show You Bet Your Life, featuring Groucho Marx, premieres (1950–1961). (I actually watched a bunch of this on PBS.) October 12 – The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show debuts (1950–1958). October 28 – The Jack Benny Program, starring Jack Benny, premieres (1950–1965). July 11 – Andy Pandy premieres on the BBC (1950, 1970, 2002). July 3 – The Hazel Scott Show on the DuMont Television Network (1950). (I’ve never heard of the "DuMont Television Network".

Events listed for 1950. February – European Broadcasting Union (EBU) inaugurated. February 15 KENS began transmissions as KEYL. It was the second television station to sign on in the San Antonio market. WSTM-TV began transmissions as WSYR-TV. It was Syracuse’s second television station, signing on a year and three months after WHEN-TV (now WTVH). February 21 – WOI-TV signs on the air as Iowa’s second television station (following WOC-TV, now KQWC-TV), and the first in the Des Moines area. March 27 – WHAS-TV signs on the air. It was the second television station to sign on in the Louisville market and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. April 2 – WTKR began operations on channel 4 as WTAR-TV. It was Hampton Roads’ first television station and the second television station in Virginia, after WTVR (channel 6) in Richmond. May 1 – WLNS-TV began transmissions as WJIM-TV. It is Michigan’s second-oldest television station outside Detroit. June 1 – WWMT signs on the air as WKZO-TV. It was West Michigan’s second television station to debut after WLAV-TV (channel 7, now WOOD-TV channel 8 in Grand Rapids). June 17 – WAND (at this time called WTVP) goes on the air in Decatur, Illinois. July 1 – WHBF-TV signs on the air. It is the fifth-oldest surviving station in Illinois, and the oldest outside Chicago. July 26 – First television broadcast station in Mexico, XHTV, Mexico City on channel 4; Gonzalo Castellot Madrazo is the first announcer to appear. September 18 – First television network in South America launches, PRF-TV on channel 3 in São Paulo, Brazil. September 30 First BBC television broadcast from an aircraft. WSMV-TV began transmissions as WSM-TV at 1:10 pm CT. It was Nashville’s first television station and the second in Tennessee. October 10 – The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approves CBS’s color television system, effective November 20. October 25 – Cuba signs on to television as Havana’s Union Radio TV signs on for the first time, the first television station in the Caribbean.

Ok, the wikipedia page on "DuMont Television" is fascinating. The DuMont Television Network (also known as the DuMont Network, DuMont Television, simply DuMont/Du Mont, or (incorrectly) Dumont[a] /ˈduːmɒnt/) was one of America’s pioneer commercial television networks, rivaling NBC and CBS for the distinction of being first overall in the United States. It was owned by Allen B. DuMont Laboratories,1 a television equipment and set manufacturer, and began operation on June 28, 1942.

The network was hindered by the prohibitive cost of broadcasting, a freeze on new television stations in 1948 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that restricted the network’s growth, and even the company’s partner, Paramount Pictures. Despite several innovations in broadcasting and the creation of one of television’s biggest stars of the 1950s—Jackie Gleason—the network never found itself on solid financial ground. Forced to expand on UHF channels during an era when UHF tuning was not yet a standard feature on television sets, DuMont fought an uphill battle for program clearances outside its three owned-and-operated stations in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, ultimately ending network operations on August 6, 1956.

DuMont’s latter-day obscurity, caused mainly by the destruction of its extensive program archive by the 1970s, has prompted TV historian David Weinstein to refer to it as the "forgotten network". A few popular DuMont programs, such as Cavalcade of Stars and Emmy Award winner Life Is Worth Living, appear in television retrospectives or are mentioned briefly in books about U.S. television history.

This hurts me. DuMont produced more than 20,000 television episodes from 1946–1956. Because they were created prior to the launch of Ampex’s electronic videotape recorder in late 1956, they were initially broadcast live in black and white, then recorded on film kinescope for West Coast rebroadcasts and reruns. By the early 1970s, their vast library of 35mm and 16mm kinescopes eventually wound up in the hands of "a successor network," who reportedly disposed of them in New York City’s East River to make room for more recent videotapes in a warehouse.

Although films submerged for decades have been successfully recovered (see The Carpet from Bagdad as an example), there have been no salvage-diving efforts to locate or recover the DuMont archive. If it survived in that environment, most of the films have likely been damaged. Other kinescopes were put through a silver reclaiming process, because of the microscopic amounts of silver that made up the emulsion of black-and-white film during this time.

It is estimated that only about 350 complete DuMont television shows survive today, the most famous being virtually all of Jackie Gleason’s Honeymooners comedy sketches. Most of the existing episodes are believed to have come from the personal archives of DuMont’s hosts, such as Gleason and Dennis James.

Huh. TIL There were other tv rating systems besides the Nielsen's. The earliest measurements of TV audiences were performed by the C. E. Hooper company of New York. DuMont performed well in the Hooper ratings; in fact, DuMont’s talent program, The Original Amateur Hour, was the most popular series of the 1947–48 season. Two seasons later, Variety ranked DuMont’s popular variety series Cavalcade of Stars as the tenth most popular series.

In February 1950, Hooper’s competitor A. C. Nielsen bought out the Hooper ratings system. DuMont did not fare well with the change: none of its shows appeared on Nielsen’s annual top 20 lists of the most popular series. One of the DuMont Network’s biggest hits of the 1950s, Life is Worth Living, did receive Nielsen ratings of up to 11.1, meaning that they attracted more than 10 million viewers. Sheen’s one-man program – in which he discussed philosophy, psychology and other fields of thought from a Christian perspective – was the most widely viewed religious series in the history of television. 169 local television stations aired Life, and for three years the program competed successfully against NBC’s popular The Milton Berle Show. The ABC and CBS programs that aired in the same timeslot were canceled.

Life is Worth Living was not the only DuMont program to achieve double-digit ratings. In 1952, Time magazine reported that popular DuMont game show Down You Go had attracted an audience estimated at 16 million viewers. Similarly, DuMont’s summer 1954 replacement series, The Goldbergs, achieved audiences estimated at 10 million. Still, these series were only moderately popular compared to NBC’s and CBS’s highest-rated programs.

Nielsen was not the only company to report TV ratings. Companies such as Trendex, Videodex, and Arbitron had also measured TV viewership. The chart in this section comes from Videodex’s August 1950 ratings breakdown, as reported in Billboard magazine.

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

Mom wrote an essay about Godzilla and Japan a few years ago in which the late Akira Takarada featured prominently. She’s not on social media, so I asked if I could share it here.

Enlightened by a Japanese Monster

By Barbara Murphy

Akira Takarada entered the ballroom at the 19th annual Godzilla Festival in Chicago in 2010. Here was the Japanese actor whose character Ogata helped to save humanity in the original 1954 Godzilla movie. Erect and fit in his seventies, he wore a tailored, striped summer suit, a contrast to his ardent American fans, wildly clapping in their wrinkled cargo shorts and “Got Zilla?” t-shirts.

What in the world was I doing here? Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, I hated monster movies. Too much fighting. Not enough dialogue.

But then I became a mother in 1993 to a son who by age four had checked out every dinosaur book in our county library system. His fascination with prehistoric creatures led to a passion for fictional monsters, mostly Japanese—colorful Pokemon and no-nonsense kaiju. Library visits now included a full sweep of videos with titles like Godzilla’s Revenge; Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster; and Gamera vs. Zigra.

I found Ghidorah creepy with all those swinging heads, and Gamera, the flying turtle, almost comical. But I was taken by the rainbow-colored Mothra and her twin fairies in Mothra vs. Godzilla, another kaiju movie in which Takarada had a role. In the fairies’ song, they call Mothra a guardian angel who will come whenever the people need kindness and protection. Who doesn’t want someone like that in their lives?

No slouch when it comes to fighting, Mothra’s devotion to her people and her strength and beauty encouraged me to discover more about Godzilla’s world. By the time my son was 10, there we were, my husband, son, and I, driving 800 miles to an event that still turns human heads when we say it: The Godzilla Festival, or G-Fest. We have attended every year since, even in 2018 when my husband and I returned from an overseas trip at 10 PM the evening before we needed to depart.

While participating in the Godzilla Festival and learning about kaiju, I have seen my son grow from a shy youngster to a leader there of panel discussions in 2018 and 2019 (the most recent to have been held thanks to COVID-19), surrounded by “Big G” friends who live in Scotland, Kentucky, and California.

Beyond that, my knowledge and love of Japanese culture and its people have deepened, making the past two years of increased hate crimes and prejudice in our country against Asians even more troubling.

A soft spot for Japan was already alive in my heart when I was young, in spite of my being born 11 years after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It’s hard to recall what I learned where, in school or the culture, but I do recall some paradoxical sentiments.

I was taught that the Japanese were evil. Their aggressiveness in WWII was proof, and kamikaze pilots in movies underlined the point. I also ascertained that a lot of their post-war products, including toys, were an attempt to conquer the world in a new way, manufacturing and exporting the cheapest products they could. Everything was suddenly “Made in Japan” and, similar to some of today’s Chinese goods, everybody complained but bought them anyway. The Japanese continued to be our enemy.

Here came the tough part. I loved the cute toys.

I still have some of them: a glass tea cup decorated with pink flowers; a seven-inch stuffed mouse wearing a pinafore and striped beret.

That talent for creating cuteness became more visible when regular attendance at the Godzilla Festival led our family to a tour of Japan with other Godzilla fans in 2015, where we saw parking space cones decorated with smiling faces and cream-filled biscuits stamped with pandas. We also witnessed firsthand the generosity and star power of Mr. Takarada as he arranged for us a private tour of Toho Studios and signed autographs for waiting fans after dining with us on a boat on Tokyo Bay.

Preparing for that once in a lifetime journey also increased my awareness of the Japanese language. I had heard its rhythms often enough in those early videos and more recently during my favorite G-Fest tradition, interview sessions with a translator and Japanese guests such as Mr. Takarada. However, when one is trying to learn to speak a few phrases like “Thank you” and “Can you help me find my hotel?”, one’s appreciation grows.

As Takarada that day in 2010 said hello in English, we smiled, appreciating the gesture, but as everyone sat, and he spoke into the microphone in Japanese, we began to get what we had come for: the native language of our hero who never talked. Godzilla did not have to speak, his rage-filled roar plenty, fueled from being created out of American-made nuclear debris.

In that first black and white film, Mr. Takarada plays a sailor who accompanies Dr. Serizawa, a scientist with a conscience, into the depths of Tokyo Bay after Godzilla has nearly destroyed Tokyo. Both safely secured to a boat, it is Dr. Serizawa who carries his creation, the Oxygen Destroyer, a narrow tank that literally holds a solution. Once released, that chemical will deplete all living things nearby of oxygen. Knowing the enormous power of his invention beyond the current crisis, as Takarada’s Ogata rises to the surface and safety, Dr. Serizawa remains underwater, severing his own tie to the boat.

The first time I saw this sacrifice for the common good, I was in the darkened TV room of my son’s Japanese teacher. I did not know it then, but she was born in Hiroshima. When our tour group visited the Hiroshima Museum, it felt odd but affirming to stand next to Japanese museumgoers. My son and I got so caught up in the relics that the tour guide had to come find us to get us back on the bus.

Once I’d climbed one stage of Mount Fuji, tried to keep up with Kyoto morning commuters, and seen the decorated boats and shrine of Itsukushima, any remnants of my childhood stereotypes of the Japanese had dissolved.

During Mr. Takarada’s next visit to G-Fest in 2012, he sat in the front row of the annual costume parade. The ballroom was packed as adults and children stomped and swayed up the aisle to the table of judges across from Mr. Takarada. A wide variety of characters drew praise, among them a gray and silver fabric Anguirus, a long necked Rokurokubi who frightened onlookers like a good yokai should, and a crawling Mothra larva with eyes that lit up red and blue.

And then a young man dressed in a yellow costume, a replica of the diving suit and helmet Mr. Takarada himself had worn in Godzilla, carrying an Oxygen Destroyer, approached Mr. Takarada amidst camera flashes and cheers. Overcome with emotion, the young man removed his helmet and bowed to Mr. Takarada. As they hugged, I felt lucky to be present as a Japanese actor and an American viewer met in real time and to witness the convergence of history and art where one act inspires another. And the next day, at the closing luncheon, I was the beneficiary of Mr. Takarada’s attention.

Mr. Takarada, wearing the traditional yukata, entered the room from the back where we sat. The whole room stood up and applauded; he bowed and began to walk toward the front where a place had been reserved for him. As he moved forward, I too bowed, my hands together in a prayer-like position in front of my heart. Then, as I separated my hands to begin clapping again, he gently took my right hand and kissed it. No swagger. Just pure star decorum.

It’s impossible to predict what motherhood and monsters can bring.

[sleepysera]

7.30.22 Headlines

WORLD NEWS

Iraq: Protesters storm parliament in Baghdad, set up sit-in (AP)

“Thousands of followers of an influential Shiite cleric stormed into Iraq’s parliament on Saturday, for the second time this week, protesting government formation efforts lead by his rivals, an alliance of Iran-backed groups. The alliance showed signs of internal division, with some calling for counter-protests — a development that would raise the specter of civil strife — while others later urged for dialogue.”

Ukraine: Red Cross requests access to prison after POWS die (AP)

“Russia launched nighttime attacks on several Ukrainian cities, Ukrainian officials said Saturday as they and Moscow blamed each other for the deaths of dozens of Ukrainian prisoners of war in a separatist-controlled area of the country’s east. The International Red Cross asked to visit the prison to make sure the wounded had proper treatment.”

Canada: Pope says residential schools were cultural ‘genocide’ (AP)

“Pope Francis agreed Saturday that the attempt to eliminate Indigenous culture in Canada through a church-run residential school system amounted to a cultural “genocide.” Speaking to reporters while en route home from Canada, Francis said he didn’t use the term during his trip to atone for the Catholic Church’s role in the schools because it never came to mind.”

US NEWS

Appalachian Floods: Kentucky death toll rises to 25 (AP)

“At least 25 people died — including four children — when torrential rains swamped towns across Appalachia, Kentucky’s governor said Saturday. Gov. Andy Beshear said the number would likely rise significantly and it could take weeks to find all the victims of the record flash flooding.”

Abortion: Indiana Senate to vote on near-total abortion ban (AP)

“Indiana state senators are set to meet in a rare Saturday session to vote on a near-total abortion ban, with passage sending the bill to the House after a contentious week of arguments over whether to allow exceptions for rape and incest.”

Healthcare: California aims to make its own insulin brand to lower price (AP)

“Now, with several insulin patents nearing their expiration dates, California is looking to disrupt that market by making its own insulin and selling it for a much cheaper price. Last month, after a few years of study, state lawmakers approved $100 million for the project, with $50 million dedicated to developing three types of insulin and the rest set aside to invest in a manufacturing facility.”