MY HOMEPAGE: 'CONTROVERSIAL' OR 'THOUGHT PROVOKING' ?
Last week, I received an e-mail from someone I consider to be a very good friend. In their e-mail to me they stated, "Your Websites are the best…and sometimes very controversial !!" I took exception to the second part of that statement and suggested that 'thought provoking' would be a much better description of my Websites and Homepage based on the material that I place on them. I replied, "Everything I 'post' on my Websites is intended to present a 'set of facts' which I can easily 'back up', substantiate and explain. True; I may, on occasion, impart some of my own thoughts, opinions or feelings, but my main 'focus' is to bring things to peoples attention that they may not know about or are, in my humble opinion, just plain stupid and unacceptable."
I then cited numerous examples further explaining why describing my Website (particularly my Homepage) as 'thought provoking' is more appropriate then calling it 'controversial'. After reading my explanation, I received their response; "Okay...thought provoking it is!!"
Is my Website, particularly this Homepage, 'CONTROVERSIAL' or 'THOUGHT PROVOKING' ? You make the call !!
IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF HIM, INFORMATION ABOUT
UNSCRUPULOUS FORMER
MINNESOTA 'MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR' TIMOTHY M. STULL
HAS BEEN MOVED TO IT'S OWN WEBPAGE
As a result of my exposing Stull and his companies for unethical and unscrupulous tactics they employ and how they REALLY operate, I received this additional e-mail from one of Stull's prospective customers:
"Tim, After doing a little checking on The Lending Company’s background I couldn’t find any problems, but when I did a search on your name I came across this Website
We are not willing to take a chance this may happen to us, nor can we afford the time or the money we may lose in any dealings with you. This is in addition to the negative perception I got from you when you tried to increase your commission by jacking up our rate, adding an origination fee, junk fees and trying to slide a pre-payment penalty past us. Therefore we are moving forward with a more reputable, local company. I am sure you can understand our decision.
I might suggest that you make things right with this gentleman so you can put your former mistakes in the past so that they won’t compromise your future any longer. Because I am a firm believer in “what goes around, comes around”.
Have a good day."
Knowing that I saved JUST ONE family from Stull's underhanded, unscrupulous and unethical tactics, makes my designing a Webpage about Stull, his companies and their tactics, all worthwhile.
Who knows how many others saw my Webpage about Stull and went elsewhere for their mortgages or refinances because of what they found out about Stull by reading my Webpage about him. If you've been 'STUNG BY STULL', I'd like to hear from you at deltadickshow@yahoo.com.
Today, July 23, 2008 I received an e-mail from a visitor living in a town in Jefferson County, Missouri to my Homepage who was in the process of obtaining a mortgage from one of Timothy Stull's mortgage companies. (See my Webpage about the unethical acts of Stull and his companies at www.deltadickshow.com/reallybadmortgagecompanies.html.) That Webpage describes how this unethical and less than honest company, and it's owner, financially raped us on a refinance of our mortgage.
Here's a portion of the e-mail about Stull that I received:
"I just googled Mr. Stull’s name and I came across your web page. Thanks so much for this information, we were within two weeks of closing a loan with him. We are definitely going with someone local that we can trust. I too had troubles getting a Truth In Lending disclosure, and when I finally did, it looks a lot like yours. So I told him no way I was paying his junk fees and the origination fee, so he revised the rate, and the fees, but after reading your page I am certain that he would put them back on there right before closing.
I hope you get some satisfaction from your complaints, but I want to thank you for informing me of his reputation before I lost money.
Thanks"
I'm putting all of the information that I received today (and to date) on the Webpage I've created describing Stull's tactics; www.deltadickshow.com/reallybadmortgagecompanies.html. Check it out. It's interesting to say the least. Or, do a 'Google' search on "Stull", "Tim Stull", Timothy Stull" or Timothy M. Stull". I think I got all the 'bases covered' about him.
Additionally, I'm advising the person that sent me the e-mail to contact their local Better Business Bureau as well as their states Attorney Generals Office and Commerce Department. Stull's continued actions and being allowed to continue conducting 'business as usual' without 'following the rules' or having any regulatory oversight reflects poorly on the legitimate mortgage companies still doing business.
If there are any legitimate companies left out there.
Because of the amount of information that I've uncovered about former Minnesota 'Mortgage Originator' Timothy M. Stull who fled Minnesota and is now operating in Arizona, I've moved all of the information that was on this Webpage and on the original Webpage that I created. Everything is now all available on one Webpage. To see it, go to www.deltadickshow.com/REALLYBADMORTGAGECOMPANIES.html.
WEBPAGE NOTE
Because I try to 'group together' my observations about each story listed on the Webpage, sometimes my 'new' comments, observations, thoughts, etc. about various topics may not appear at, or near, the top of this particular column. Therefore, I strongly urge you to scan this entire column every time your check out this Webpage so you don't 'miss' anything.
Besides; your mother would want you to do that.
ONE MORE GRUELING DAY !!
November 3, 2008
Tomorrow, what seems like an eternity getting here, is going to end. THANK GOD !! It seems like this 'election season' has been TWO YEARS LONG !! For those of you voters who are new to the voting 'system' or are undecided, here's a 'DELTA DICK PRIMMER' for voters who are uninformed and/or undecided:
PRESIDENT/VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Senator John McCain/Governor Sara Palin
UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM MINNESOTA
Dean Barkley
ALL OTHER ELECTED OFFICES
For those other elected offices not listed above, please vote for one of the 'challengers' that are seeking to 'beat' the incumbents (the politicians currently elected to that position who are wallowing at the 'public trough' until they're voted out of office by us). The only exception is that if a 'challenger' is a real idiot (such as in the case of challenger Al Franken who is trying to 'unseat' current Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman), well, then, vote for one of the other challengers that has more sense.
Case in point: Like Dean Barkley for instance.
AS THE END OF THE ELECTION DRAWS NEAR ........
November 3, 2008
And not a moment too soon !!
Once the election is over, I will present a short poem reflecting my persona thoughts about it. I will also remove all of my 'creations' regarding all of the political crap that we've all been forced to endure since this whole mess started, from my Website. So get one last look before it
LAYING HENNEPIN COUNTY TO REST
November 3, 2008
The Minnesota Office of the State Auditor has looked into how appropriate it was (and is) for Minnesota's largest county to enter into a contract with former Metropolitan Council Chairman Ted Mondale's computer software company, make partial payments to Mondale's company and, yet, not receive the software 'package'. While this sort of arrangement 'can't get past my nose undetected', it's apparently allowed.
Said the state auditors office, "It is not unusual for software development payments to be made as the product is being developed, as certain benchmarks are met." Continuing, "It is up to the county to monitor the contract and to determine whether the vendor is meeting the contract requirements." "it is also up to the county to determine what actions should be taken if the contract terms are not being met."
Think about this: It's been OVER FOUR YEARS since Hennepin County entered into this 'software development contract' with Mondale's company, NAZCA. Mondale's company has been paid $355,000.00 taxpayer dollars of a $550,000.00 contract, yet; the 'software package' hasn't been delivered !! The county (and its taxpayers) aren't 'benefiting from' Mondale's company (because the county doesn't have the 'product), yet, MONDALE'S COMPANY IS BENEFITTING FROM HENNEPIN COUNTY because THEY have the county's money !! Once again, fact is certainly stranger than fiction.
My thanks to Assistant Legal Council Nancy J. Bode of the Office of the State Auditor for her prompt action and reply to my inquiry. It's nice to know that a state employee is 'on the job'. She also suggested, "Therefore, if you continue to have concerns about this contract, we recommend that you discuss your concerns with the county."
As regular readers of this Website know, I've been trying to do that for almost a year and have been met with no success from Hennepin County's 'High & Mighty'.
AND THE WORLD BREATHES A 'SIGH OF RELIEF'
November 3, 2008
On October 21st, I changed my Homepage to reflect my support for Independent Party candidate Dean Barkley in his bid to unseat current United States Senator from Minnesota Normmy Coleman. After the November 4th election, my Homepage will revert to how it originally was.
SPEAKING OF SENATOR NORM COLEMAN .....
November 3, 2008
The sleazy political ads against Senator Coleman and his family by challenger Al Franken accurately portray just low much of a 'low life and scumbag' Franken really is. ANYBODY that would vote for Franken or support him in ANY other way, is of similar composition.
ANOTHER MINNESOTA AGENCY WITHOUT OVERSIGHT
October 29, 2008
Stated on the Homepage of the Minnesota Department of Human Services:
"The Minnesota Department of Human Services helps people meet their basic needs by providing or administering health care coverage, economic assistance, and a variety of services for children, people with disabilities and older Minnesotans."
Reported in the Minneapolis-Star Tribune newspaper:
"The staff at the state's facility for retarded adults in Cambridge routinely put residents in metal handcuffs and other improper restraints to punish them and to control their behavior, according to state investigators."
"Handcuffs and ankle restraints were widely used for minor behavior problems, not only for safety reasons as is required by law, investigators found. The abuse of restraints, which occurred over a two-year period, was detailed in a report made public today by the state's Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities."
"The Minnesota Department of Health cited the facility for 15 rule violations in February."
I have NO DOUBT WHATSOEVER that what was reported actually took place. In fact, Loren Colman, the Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Human Services replied, "We don't deny it."
I used to work for companies that supposedly provide 'care' for the mentally retarded. What I saw, from EVERY company that I worked for was more than I could accept. Finally, in September 2006, after witnessing the abuse, maltreatment and 'torture' that took place, I left the 'field'.
Sadly, I'm sure it's still is taking place.And probably always will. You'll be interested in the following Webpage I created and am working on: www.deltadickshow.com/BehindClosedDoors.html. It's about some of my experiences at the taxpayer funded group homes, schools and 'day care' centers where I worked for ten years. And just think back over just the past two months about how many stories have been reported where developmentally disabled people have gotten lost, been abused, etc. It's staggering.
As with so many state and federal agencies, the Minnesota Department of Human Services is the 'fox' that is 'keeping watch' over the 'hen house'. Check back later; I'm searching for the stories that I've saved and will provide very detailed information about what I experienced when I tried to reports the abuse of mentally retarded (now called 'developmentally disabled) people.
A GREAT PLACE TO EAT
October 29, 2008
A couple of weeks ago we went to a place called E. J.s Bar & Grill for lunch. It's in Gaylord, Minnesota and I was in there last summer when we were distributing posters for the 2008 Zummerfest in Hamburg. While I was there, I was hugely impressed with the spaciousness of the building and the actual 'layout' of this fine bar and grill. I made up my mind that one day I wanted to go back and have lunch or dinner there. Well, that happened, as I said, a couple of weeks ago.
What a delightful atmosphere, great menu and excellent food !! I heartily recommend going there. It's easy to find; it's on the north 'frontage road' of highways 5/19 and has a large sign (that's elsewhere on this Webpage) you can't miss. Their physical address is 450 Main Avenue East, Gaylord, Minnesota 55334 and their telephone number is (507) 237-3663.
If you go there (and I hope you do), tell them that you heard about them on the DELTA DICK SHOW Website. THANKS !!
ANOTHER GREAT BUSINESS
October 29, 2008
One Sunday when I was recording the DELTA DICK OLDE TYME MUSIC SHOW at the Waconia Lakeside Ballroom, I stopped at the local 'QWIK-TRIP' Convenience Store in Waconia (Minnesota). I've never actually been into one of their stores; boy was I ever surprised and impressed !!
The place was clean, well organized and the staff were very helpful, pleasant and accommodating. What a pleasant experience (and surprise). 'Convenience stores' sure have come a long way from the days of the 'Tom Thumb' and 'Seven-Eleven' stores.
If you're in the area, stop in at the 'QWIK-TRIP' in Waconia and check it out. They're located at 809 Vista Boulevard in Waconia, Minnesota 55387 and their telephone number is (952) 442-4373.
As with EJ's Bar & Grill, tell them that you heard about their store on the DELTA DICK SHOW Webpage.
JUST WANT YOU WANT TO HEAR
October 28, 2008
Most of the DELTA DICK 2008 OLDE TYME MUSIC INTERNET SHOWS are now available 24/7/365 online. They're available at www.deltadickshow.com/2008Broadcasts.html. If a show is missing, you won't hear anything when you 'click' on the audio control for that particular show. The missing 2008 shows will be added as time permits as will shows from previous years. If anyone notices any 'glitches' or other problems, I'd appreciate hearing about them at deltadickshow@yahoo.com.
Hope you enjoy listening !
'TRYING TO BEAT THE HIGH COST OF HEAT' WEBPAGE
October 28, 2008
With the sudden onset of cold weather, this recently launched Webpage will be updated more frequently. See the entries below to learn more about what this is all about.
THIS WINTER'S HEATING EXPENSE WEBSITE NOW 'UP AND RUNNING'
September 10, 2008
As promised, the Website I said I was going to design chronicling how we were going to try and reduce our heating costs this winter is now (although under construction) 'on-line' and available at www.deltadickshow.com/TryingToBeatTheHighCostOfHeat.html. (See information below that was previously posted on this Homepage.) With the price of natural gas projected to be 30-50% higher this year, it's time to think about conservation measures to keep your winter heating expense under control. Check the Website frequently as I'll continually be updating it throughout this fall, winter and spring.
SPEAKING OF THIS WINTER .....
September 3, 2008
The cost of using natural gas to heat your home this winter reportedly is going to INCREASE by 30-50% according to the latest reports. This will be our second winter in Deltaville U.S.A. and the second year in a row that we've had to pay high energy prices to the local utility; Xcel Energy. Our cost for natural gas last winter was about $650.00; this year it'll probably be around $800.00. Those kinds of prices are a 'shock' to us considering that during our last two winters in Bentonville U.S.A., we heated our ENTIRE HOUSE for less than $500.00 each year. We did that by installing a corn burning stove. (I even wrote a book about our experience!) And, I 'chronicled', almost daily for two years, our corn burning/money saving efforts on a Website that became very popular and would later become the basis for my book, 'BURNING CORN TO HEAT OUR HOME'. So here's what I've got planned for this winter to address the high cost of energy.
I've already started a Website that is going to 'chronicle' our winter heating 'experience' by using supplemental electric heat; thereby hopefully saving on our natural gas energy costs. That Website, which isn't really up and running yet; it's in its initial stages of construction and it can be found at www.deltadickshow.com/TryingToBeatTheHighCostOfHeat.html. For those of you that are familiar with my corn stove Website, this Website about using supplemental electric heat instead of natural gas, will be designed in a similar fashion. For those of you who aren't familiar with my corn stove Website, what I did was keep kinda like a diary or 'journal' that let everyone who was interested, know how heating our home by burning corn was working out. (Which, I might add; worked out very well!)
I've 'done my homework' which has included learning the difference, advantages and disadvantages of the various type of supplementary heaters available. I've learned how to calculate exactly, in dollars and cents, how much it costs to operate a space heater as well as the differences between 'radiant' heaters and 'convection' heaters. And everything that I've learned and will experience this coming fall and winter, will be available to anyone who wants it by simply going to my new Webpage at www.deltadickshow.com/TryingToBeatTheHighCostOfHeat.html.
I hope you'll find my new Webpage interesting, informative and useful. As always, your comments, thoughts, ideas and suggestions about this new Webpage, or about anything on any of my Websites, are always welcome at deltadickshow@yahoo.com. THANKS !!
NO SURPRISE HERE !!
October 28, 2008
In it's last Sunday edition, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune newspaper endorsed current Minnesota Senator Normmy Coleman and presidential democratic candidate Barak Obama.
I've continually pointed out numerous errors that it's published that consistently plague the 'fish wrap' of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul; you've just witness two more.
And they STILL refuse to print my letter to their editor (see below).
HERE'S A LETTER YOU'LL NEVER SEE IN THE
CORRUPT AND BIASED MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE
October 24, 2008
I wrote the following e-mail to the editor of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. But because the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is a biased and corrupt newspaper (as are most of other newspapers, television and radio stations in the country), they refused to print it because it expressed views that oppose their own 'agenda'. But here it is. Please tell your friends to check it out.
"TO THE EDITOR:
During this time of political uncertainty and financial upheaval, it's very reassuring to know that there is at least one local political candidate that is as 'down to earth' as the people he wants to serve.
That person is Dean Barkley, the Independence Party Candidate for United States Senate from Minnesota.
Senator Barkley entered the 'senate race' last July 15th because he, like thousands of other Minnesotans, didn't approve of what was taking place in Washington D.C. with our current politicians. As it has turned out and as we all have learned in recent weeks, 'things' in Washington, are actually much worse than we Americans were ever led to believe. While our financial economy and institutions were crumbling to the ground all around us, our elected politicians all told us our country was in 'good shape' financially. In short, our government, through our elected politicians, lied to us. That doesn't bode well for America.
For several years, I've used the availability of the Internet to interview people that I believe have a message that resonates with 'main street America' and aid them in delivering that message to those interested in hearing it. I make those interviews available on my Website at www.deltadickshow.com.
So it is with Independence Party Candidate Dean Barkley. I invited him to by my guest on my Internet show; THE DELTA DICK SHOW; available at www.deltadickshow.com. During this intriguing thirty-five minute interview, recorded on October 16th, Senator Barkley and I discussed issues that are of grave concern, not only to Minnesotans, but to everyone living in America.
Please do your readers a great service by telling them about the availability of this interview with Senator Barkley. Again, it's available 24/7 on my Homepage at www.deltadickshow.com.
Thank you."
I signed my name and listed my address and telephone number.They never contacted me and even though they 'Welcome your participation' to the readers of their daily fish wrap, they certainly have no intention of printing a comment from a reader that challenges them to publish something with which they don't agree. That's called prejudice.
Watch to see which candidate for senate the corrupt and biased Minneapolis Star-Tribune endorses for United States Senate. You just KNOW in your heart it won't be Dean Barkley.
ONE MORE WELL DESERVED 'CAUSILITY'
October 28, 2008
Remember the $300,000.00 'gala affair' (unauthorized, I might add) in 2007 that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sponsored for fellow 'fish cops' from throughout the United States and Canada? (See below). Well, another 'head' has, indeed, 'rolled'. This time it's Captain Cathy Hamm; the wife of another D.N.R. employee, Mike Hamm, who conveniently 'retired' when the allegations of their misspending for this extravagant event first came to light.
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, D.N.R. Commissioner Mark Holsten stated that he had fired Cathy Hamm, the D.N.R.s Central Region Manager in the agency's 'enforcement division' for 'serious employee misconduct pertaining to management of public funds, failure to follow D.N.R. procedures and violations of the D.N.R.'s harassment and discrimination policy'.
Hamm's attorney stated that Hamm wasn't fired; she resigned before she could be fired. Semantics !! Right. And I'm Barak Obama. At any rate, 'Ding, Dong; The Wicked Witch Is Gone!!" Along with $300,000.00 of taxpayer dollars. Perhaps she should be required to pay pack some of that $300,000.00 from her $43,000.00 in 'severance pay' and retirement benefits that she will be receiving; again taxpayer dollars. Her husband, former chief of D.N.R. enforcement should also be made to 'ante up' as well. Imagine how much he walked away with when he 'parted company' with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Does what happened here sound all too familiar? Where's the accountability of government workers?
TOP MINNESOTA OFFICIAL RESIGNS AFTER AUDIT
October 8, 2008
And well Department of Natural Resources Chief Conservation Officer Mike Hamm should. (See below.) The only other thing that needs to take place is for him to pay back the $300,000.00 of taxpayer dollars that he misspent. Meanwhile, and at last report, his wife, Captain Cathy Hamm, a supervisor in the DNR's Enforcement Division, still works for the agency.
NOT SURE IF ANY 'HEADS ROLLED' OR NOT, BUT .....
September 10, 2008
Regarding the 'inappropriately spending' of nearly $300,000.00 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to help 'train and entertain' United States and Canadian Game Wardens (see below), I questioned whether or not anyone from the D.N.R. would be held accountable for this unauthorized event.
Well, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, two D.N.R. employees, 'Colonel' Mike Hamm, the head of the Enforcement Division and his wife (how convenient) 'Captain Cathy Hamm a regional supervisor who led the planning of the conference, have been placed on 'administrative leave' (probably with pay; of course) since the beginning of the ongoing investigation.
Sounds to me like the DNR has the same 'administrative leave' policy as the City of Minneapolis where taxpayers are paying the full wages and benefits of two MPD cops who got drunk and shot up a normally quiet Minneapolis neighborhood while their (felony and gross misdemeanor) cases slowly progress through our overloaded court system!!
NICE GOIN' MINNESOTA D.N.R.
September 5, 2008
The Minnesota State Auditor's Office (you know; the agency that investigates misuse of taxpayer's money) determined that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources violated state law and inappropriately spent nearly $300,000.00 of our hard-earned taxpayer dollars to help train and entertain United States and Canadian game wardens at a 'questionable' conference in St. Paul last year. DNR employees were also paid with our taxpayer dollars to serve as shuttle bus drivers and 'babysit' the children of out-of-town guests.
Think any 'heads will roll' because of what took place? They should !! Stay tuned. In the meantime, to read the entire story as it appeared in the August 29th edition of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, CLICK HERE.
MORE COMMENTS FROM LISTENERS TO MY INTERNET SHOW
October 24, 2008
"Hi,
I have recently discovered your show, and I love it! I am a concertina player from Ely,( maybe the only one in the area ) and I love the Dutchman style of music that you play. I can't hear that type of music in this area. There are times I wish I lived closer to the cities. Keep up the good work!"
And this one.....
"Dear Sir,
Could you please tell me what happened to Bruce Bradley? (I checked; Bruce Bradley is alive and well in Brownton, Minnesota! D.D.) He's one of my all time favorites. I've written to him and requested a schedule the last two years but haven"t heard a thing. I live in upper Michigan and we have traveled to Minnesota to hear him. I appreciate your time and enjoy your show on 24/7. Keep up the good work."
Hmmmmm...... Maybe I'll start (and host) an 'Internet Talk Show' !
'BARAK OBAMA UPDATE' WEBPAGE (What else??) UPDATED
October 22, 2008
STAR-TRIBUNE PRINTS WRONG INFORMATION !! AGAIN !!
October 22, 2008
In it's October 10th edition, their 'FIXIT' column was responding to a reader's question as to the origin of 9-1-1 as a nationwide emergency call number. The reader inquired if 9-1-1 was chosen because of the Bible, specifically the ninth chapter of Luke, in which the 11th verse has to do with healing. The reader further went on to inquire how 211, 311, 411, etc., were chosen for use.
Well; the Minneapolis Star-Tribune once again printed a response without doing the proper research. Here's their response:
"The Federal Communications Commission determines how the three-digit one-one numbers are used, but they are reserved for public use:
• 211 reaches information about community services provided by the United Way to handle social and non-emergency health crises.
• 311 is for government information and is in service in some areas. In Minneapolis, for example, it connects to city information.
• 411 is telephone directory assistance.
• 511 is highway information relating to delays, construction, etc.
• 611 is used in some Minnesota communities to reach the telephone company's business office to request repair.
• 711 is the relay service for TTY-only communication (Minnesota Relay) used by the deaf, hard of hearing and mute.
• 811 is used as the test code when setting up other three-digit one-one numbers. For example, approving a new 911 system."
Well, just the most minute amount of research would have revealed that 8-1-1 is NOT "used as a test code when setting up other three-digit one-one numbers" !!
8-1-1 is a new, federally-mandated national "Call Before You Dig" number for contractors, home-owners and do-it-yourselfers. 811 was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects. People digging often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked due to concerns about project delays, costs and previous calls about other projects. These assumptions can be life-threatening.
Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself or those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs.
Any ??? And no; Jesus and the Bible didn't mandate 9-1-1 as the emergency number!!
I honestly can understand why the Minneapolis Star-Tribune just doesn't simply turn off it's lights, send it's employees home and lock their doors. For good. Especially after failing to make a $9 million dollar debt payment to their creditors !! (See below.)
GOING 'DOWN THE TUBES' ?
October 8, 2008
Ever since the Minneapolis Star-Tribune newspaper quit publishing it's 'TV FOR THE WEEK' television guide and coupled with the dramatic reduction of actual pages in its newspaper, I predicted many moons ago that the publication that once called itself 'Newspaper Of The Twin Cities' was in serious trouble. I suggested that it was going to be bought out by its rival; the St. Paul Pioneer Press, or go out of business completely. Once again, I (rightfully) sensed (like I have the uncanny ability to predict) that 'something wasn't right'. Something wasn't right, indeed; but I was.
In its October 1, 2008 edition, the Star-Tribune reported that (according to its own headline) "Star Tribune skips quarterly debt payment of $9 million * Stung by weak performance and nervous about cash, the paper stops paying senior lenders. All options are on the table." The article goes on to state, "All options, including a bankruptcy filing, are on the table as the newspaper and its advisers negotiate with the paper's lenders." Maybe they should have listened to me when I told them well over a year ago that if they didn't have papers in their street-side paper boxes for people to buy, they'd go out of business.
Those of you that 'follow' this Webpage on a regular basis (and THANKS!! for doing that) remember only all to well my incessant begging and pleading with the Star-Tribune, for over six months, to put papers in their 'paper box' by the bank in the City of Hamburg. I simply stated that if they weren't going to 'keep it stocked' with their newspapers, they had zero chance of selling any. Ultimately, instead of putting papers in the paper box for people to buy, they removed the paper box completely !! I'm not surprised that they're in financial 'trouble'.
Again; I sometimes even amaze myself.
AND SPEAKING OF THE STAR-TRIBUNE'S CREDABILITY .....
October 22, 2008
They don't have any ! Pure, plain and simple !!
Just look at the number of blatantly wrong facts that they've printed that your humble Webmaster here has pointed out time after time after time on my Website. Then, look at the number of 'Corrections" that the Star-Tribune prints about an article they they had previously reported with erroneous facts and statements. Not to mention the 'lop-sided' reporting that favors the Democratic Party and keeps 'chipping away' at the Republican Party.
Newspapers, television & radio stations and other 'media' are supposed to give us the facts; NOT their opinions. The media in our country has become a corrupt organization with it's own 'agenda' and, sadly, 1) They have the means to spread their incorrect and prejudiced views and, 2) There are 'people out there' that think whatever they read in the newspaper or hear on the TV or radio, 'must be correct' because our local media wouldn't give us anything but the facts and the truth.
H as in hog; W as in wash !!
WHAT ABOUT THEIR 'POLLS' ??
October 22, 2008
Unfortunately, the corrupt media in our country (including the Minneapolis Star-Tribune) has the ability to conduct their 'polls' and then 'skew' the results of those 'bogus' polls in any manner that further gives them the ability to portray the results of their 'polls' and give them (the media) whatever benefit they seek. Two cases in point: The Minnesota Senator's race and the national Presidential race.
The media is intentionally misreporting that 'our poll numbers' show that Obama has a 'commanding lead' over John McCain. Same thing in the Coleman/Franken/Barkley Senatorial race here in Minnesota.
The media WANTS us to believe that McCain and Barkley's 'performance' is SO BAD that they might just as well 'pack up and head home'. And, believe it or don't, there are millions of voters that believe what the media is saying is 'the gospel'; and ask themselves, "So why should I even vote?"
The media in America is corrupt. Period. The media in America has no accountability. Another Period ! The media plays 'mind games' with us using their phoney polls and manipulate their 'figures' to make you think that what they're reporting is true. It isn't. To prove my point, look at the Jesse Ventura Minnesota Governor's campaign of a few years back. The media totally discounted him and stated that he didn't have a chance. But, contrary to what the corrupt media wanted and tried to mislead us to believe, their 'screwing around' with the 'poll numbers', backfired on them. Jesse, much to the dismay of the corrupt media, beat BOTH the republican and democratic candidates !!
So, that's how it is with the corrupt media and their polls. They 'twist the numbers' so that you'll believe what THEY want you to believe; NOT what the true facts are. As it gets closer to election time, they'll 'fine tune' their results to be more in line with what REALLY is happening and 'covers up' what they done for the past many weeks and months (and sometimes even years! ).
So BEWARE !! Somewhere else on this Homepage I said (about another topic), "Figures don't lie but liars figure'. So it is with our corrupt media.
That being said, John McCain and Dean Barkley are still 'very much in the race' for the elected positions that they seek and should be considered serious candidates.
HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VOTE THEMSELVES
ANOTHER 3.4% PAY INCREASE
October 22, 2008
Currently, Hennepin County's 'Gods' who perch in their lofty taxpayer paid perches overlooking the City of Minneapolis and the taxpayers money and get paid $93,888.00 each every year for doing so, voted to increase their annual salary by 3.4% each year for the next two years !!
In 2009, each of these 'gods and goddesses' will receive $97,080.00; in 2010 their salary will go up to $100,380.00 !! And don't you just suppose that they ALSO receive free health insurance, reimbursement of all expenses; maybe a county-owned vehicle (or at least a vehicle allotment), etc., etc., etc!!
It would seem to me that in light of the horrible financial that our country is in, our elected officials would 'set an example' by foregoing any expense of taxpayer dollars that benefit themselves. "Lead by example".
DELTA DICK HOMEPAGE CHANGED (AGAIN !!)
October 21, 2008
When you go to my Homepage, you'll see that it's been modified to reflect the election of Dean Barkley for the senate seat now held by Norm Coleman. Mr. Barkley is an Independence Party candidate, exactly like Jesse Ventura was when he ran for Minnesota Governor. (And was elected !!) We NEED Dean Barkley elected as our Minnesota Senator for a whole 'laundrylist of reasons; many of which are talked about during my interview with him.
Enjoy the interview, listen to what Barkley has to say and send him a donation to help his election campaign. We DON'T want a senator that is partially responsible for our nations $10 TRILLION DOLLAR DEBT and certainly do NOT want someone else elected who can't manage his own finances and shows up laying on a bed, wearing a rabbit costume, diapered in 'Huggies' (or is it 'Luvs') diapers and holding on to a teddy bear.
For those of you that may be wondering why Dean Barkley is called 'Senator Barkley' it's because he actually WAS a United States Senator for a short time. He served out the remainder of the term of the late Senator Paul Wellstone who was killed in an airplane crash. Jesse Ventura was the Governor of Minnesota at that time and appointed Senator Barkley to serve out Senator Wellstone's remaining term.
And because he once WAS a senator, it's politically correct to call him 'Senator Barkley'. Just like it's appropriate to call Bill Clinton 'President Clinton' even though he's no longer president.
So much for 'Political Science'; when the bell rings everyone go to geography !
Incidentally, this Webpage that your reading now is the same Webpage as my Homepage. This Webpage will continue to be updated from now until after the election is over at which time it'll once again be available at www.deltadickshow.com.
HE'S RESURFACED
October 8, 2008
Remember John Reger; the talented and personable television reporter/weekend anchor that CBS owned WCCO TV in Minneapolis-St. Paul stupidly and recklessly 'threw out the door' last spring along with its Chief Meteorologist Paul Douglas ? Well, I'm happy to report that John is 'alive and doing well' near the Monterey/Pebble Beach area of California. John anchors the KOIN-TV 5PM, 6PM and 11PM for the CBS affiliate and a FOX network station and a couple of other 'gigs'; one with Telemundo; a Spanish oriented cable/satellite station; another anchoring a 10PM show for FOX. Sounds like he's a very bizzy person. And a great television personality.
See? There IS life after WCCO; the 'bad neighbor' and KSTP TV on University Avenue in St. Paul; the 'boulevard of broken dreams' as Steve Cannon calls it.
SPEAKING OF FORMER TV TALENT .....
October 8, 2008
Former KARE 11 anchor Paul Magers is also 'alive and well' in California at KCBS TV in Los Angeles. Seems hard to believe that Paul's been gone for almost five years. His last 'on air' appearance was December 12, 2003; he began working for KCBS on January 5, 2004.
And yes (hopefully not sounding like Star-Tribune 'Gossip Columnist C.J."); Paul finally sold his 'Minneapolis Mansion' to Par Ridder, the former publisher of the St. Paul Pioneer Press who 'jumped the (Mississippi) river' to take a similar job with the Pioneer Presses competitor; the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
SPEAKING OF PAR RIDDER ....
October 8, 2008
According to an article that appeared in the Star-Tribune, Par Ridder agreed that he had confidential information on a Pioneer Press laptop computer that he took with him to the Star Tribune. He also stood accused of taking financial information from the Pioneer Press on a USB drive, a portable device that makes it easy to transport large amounts of data. When the Pioneer Press asked him to return the drive, Ridder sent a new USB drive in an unopened package.
"I returned a USB drive, not the USB drive," he said in his videotaped deposition. Lovely, just lovely.
Further, according to the article, "Ridder, in videotaped testimony presented by Pioneer Press attorneys, also said he took a set of noncompete agreements that prohibited him and his senior management team from going to work for the rival Star Tribune. Previously Ridder, 39, has said that he had been released from the agreement."
Still more; "Ridder testified that the noncompete agreement was no longer valid because he had clearance in late 2005 from Arthur Brisbane, his supervisor at Knight Ridder, to remove it from his personnel file. However, Brisbane, in a videotaped deposition, said he doesn't believe he ever released Ridder from the noncompete because if he had he would have reported that to senior Knight Ridder executives, including CEO Tony Ridder, Par's father. Yet Brisbane said he never spoke to the elder Ridder about the matter."
"Brisbane added that it didn't make sense that he would have released Ridder at the time, because at that point Knight Ridder was preparing itself for sale. The company wouldn't be releasing executives while simultaneously trying to sell itself, he said."
"Ridder said in an earlier affidavit that he signed the noncompete agreement two weeks after his first day on the job, an indication that his lawyers plan to argue that his noncompete is invalid. State courts have often ruled that the agreements are invalid if not signed on an employee's first day, unless otherwise compensated for."
And this is the guy that's ultimately responsible for what gets published in his paper. Now, the original question was 'Why can't the Star-Tribune make it's $9 million quarterly debt payment?' Welcome to "Basic Honesty and Arithmetic 101".
PETTERS GROUP WORLDWIDE
October 8, 2008
Add the jailing and criminal charging of its CEO for his actions of his publicly held company to the likes of AIG Insurance, Wells Fargo, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Lehman Brothers. Only real difference is that the FBI, Postal Inspectors, SEC and other agencies involved 'did their homework' while investigating CEO Tom Petters and his actions.
As a result, Petters is in jail where he belongs while awaiting his criminal trial. Let's hope that the same agencies that investigated, exposed and criminally charged Petters, are similarly as aggressive in their investigations of the CEO's of the other companies listed above.
SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT HERE
October 3, 2008
Electricity provider Minnesota Power, in a move that it defended as 'a step toward fairness', recently announced the proposal of increasing the cost of its electricity to its residential customers by a whopping 24 PERCENT while increasing the cost of its electricity to its 'big commercial users' by only 3.5% !!
Upon learning this, Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson called Minnesota Power's proposal 'rate shock' and the Minnesota Citizens' Federation Northeast called the cost distribution 'lopsided and unfair'. Those are two of the biggest understatements since Noah said 'It looks like rain!'
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the state regulator of utilities like Minnesota Power is the final authority in granting or restructuring such rate increases. If you'd like to express your thoughts, send them a letter at Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place E., Suite 350, Saint Paul, MN 55101-2147, ring up their Toll Free telephone at 800 -657 - 3782 or send them an e-mail at consumer.puc@state.mn.us.
HENNEPIN COUNTY BEING STUPID AGAIN
October 3, 2008
In the September 24th edition of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, it was reported that those self-appointed gods on the 24th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center who identify themselves a county commissioners, have decided to close three of its 'service centers' on Saturdays as part of a 'cost cutting' measure. Yet, on the very next page, an article in the same newspaper reports that the Hennepin County Commissioners APPROVED the building of a planetarium, whose operating costs are estimated at $2.6 million dollars annually, at the joint Minneapolis-Hennepin County Library! (For those of who who are friends and supporters of Amy Klobuchar, a service center is where one goes to renew their drivers license, get license plates or license tabs to keep your vehicles currently registered; etc.)
What the county is ignoring is the 'convenience factor'; having these places open on Saturdays makes it easier, and more convenient for working and/or single parents to get their drivers licenses renewed, get current license plates for their cars and trucks or transfer the title of vehicles they have bought or sold.
For the county to say it is 'compensating' for closing these service centers on Saturdays by keeping them open longer during the weekdays shows just what type of convoluted thinking goes on up on the 24th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center. They're so far up above us, the oxygen level must be scarce ! And everyone knows, a lack of oxygen to ones brain 'fouls' their thinking.
C'mon back down to earth with the rest of us.
'PLAY THE GAME' BY OUR 'RULES' OR DON'T 'PLAY' AT ALL
October 3, 2008
Muslim cab drivers who refuse to carry passengers with alcohol from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport can have their cab license suspended by the Metropolitan Airports Commission for thirty days. A second refusal results in a two year license suspension. The Muslim cabbies challenged the ordinance and appealed a district court judge's refusal to issue a temporary injunction blocking the commission from imposing the penalties. The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld the district court's decision. Good move COA !!
Look: This isn't 'rocket science'. If we go to a foreign country, we are expected to abide by the traditions and customs of that foreign country rather than attempt to change their customs, traditions and laws to conform to our own 'upbringing'. If we don't like it, we ought to just leave.
Same thing here in the United States: If we're a foreign country to you; well, you'll just have to play by our rules. Observe our customs, obey our laws, speak our language and get along with the wonderful American people and traditions of the greatest nation on God's earth. If you don't agree with us and/or can't speak or learn our language, abide by our laws, rules and regulations or accept how great a country this really is and how we live our lives, then, regardless of your background or nationality, simply leave our country.
And the sooner the better !!
STAR-TRIBUNE WRONG AGAIN; WHAT ELSE IS NEW ??
September 20, 2008
It its never-ending apparent self-imposition to embarrass itself by reporting incorrect information and misstating facts, the fish wrap that bills itself (or used to) as 'Newspaper of the Twin Cities' has done it again. This time, it has to do with the mispronunciation of the word nuclear. Here's what the Star-Tribune wrote:
"When Palin delivered her acceptance speech at the RNC a couple of weeks ago, she got some pronunciation help from the TelePrompTer for the word nuclear -- spelled out phonetically as "noo-clee-er."
Speaking sans TelePrompTer Friday, she referred to nuclear power as "noo-cue-ler" -- a pronunciation made famous by the current White House occupant."
BOB VON STERNBERG, AIMEE BLANCHETTE
The true fact is that former Presidential candidate Walter Mondale is the first major public figure that used this mispronunciation back in the 1980's. The 'current White House occupant' didn't make the mispronunciation famous (as reported by the Star-Tribune), he only is perpetuating it.
Be careful what you read in, and subsequently believe from reading, what they print in their newspaper.
'RALPH THE RIPPER' REMINGTON MOVED TO
September 18, 2008
Information that used to appear below about Minneapolis City Councilman Ralph 'Rip His Head Off' Remington has been moved. Minneapolis' most embarrassing person has transcended to the official 'DELTA DICK DOOR KNOBS' Webpage currently under construction. Check back later to learn more about why two United States Senators from Minnesota, a Wayzata lawyer, his bank, a former Minnesota official, Remington and others, are now listed on the 'DELTA DICK DOORKNOB' Webpage for all the world to see.
Thank you, Al Gore, for 'inventing' the Internet. (Maybe he should be listed, too!)
A BETTER ALTERNATIVE THAN BEING ON THE 'DO NOT CALL' LIST
September 11, 2008
The concept of the 'DO NOT CALL' list established by the Federal Trade Commission is a fine concept except for one major drawback: It simply doesn't work. I registered my telephone number with the National Do Not Call Registry but continue to get calls from telemarketing and other companies trying to sell me everything but the Brooklyn Bridge. A few years ago, I discovered an inexpensive computer program that makes the FTC's DO NO CALL Registry look like a kindergarten picnic that went sour.
When loaded into your computer that has a 'dial up' modem connected to your telephone line, this program displays, on your computer screen (where else?) the name of the caller, the telephone number, including area code, from where the call is originating, along with the time and date. If that isn't enough, it also announces the name displayed on the Caller ID through your computers speakers. And it does even more !!
A lot of cell phones (and 'land line' phones, too) only display the phone number and, for example, 'Minnesota Call'. So when a call of that type is received, you get the calling telephone number and 'Minnesota Call' displayed and the audio 'Minnesota Call' comes through your computers speakers. But you can also create an 'alias' that is announced (like 'Delta Dick') instead of just hearing 'Minnesota Call'.
You can also download the 'log' it 'builds' so that you can create a permanent record of all incoming calls.
This is a proven program, one I whole heartedly endorse but you gotta subscribe to Caller ID from your local telephone company and it obviously won't work if you access the Internet via 'dial up'. (Well; actually it WILL work if you use dial up, but ONLY if you're 'off line'. Or if you have two telephone lines; one for computer access and one line to 'talk' on.
RIGHT ON TIME; TWO WEEKS LATE !!
September 11, 2008
On August 29th, I posted information here that told how bill collectors in Minnesota can go in and 'snatch' money from your bank accounts without you even knowing about it. (See below.) Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson as well as consumer advocates say it's 'not right'; Hennepin County District Court Judge Gary Larson, who headed the civil courts division from 2000 to 2004 said "It makes no sense to me that you can use the power of the state of Minnesota to sue somebody - without paying a fee to us and bringing it into court." Well now, some two weeks after I brought the issue up on my Homepage, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is calling for 'legislative reform' to ensure that such guttersnipe companies cannot bypass the court system before gaining access to consumers bank accounts.
How, oh how, does the 'Newspaper of the Twin Cities' remain in business ?? I wonder if they now that prohibition is no longer.
STEALING YOUR MONEY LEGALLY; FACT IS STRANGER THAN FICTION
August 29, 2008
Minnesota is one of a few states where a bill collector can both file a lawsuit against you and 'garnish' your bank account (that means legally stealing your money in your bank accounts) without ever appearing in court. Even worse, they can do this without you even knowing its taking place !! The only way you might find out that guttersnipe collection agencies and their equally low life attorneys have done it is when your checks begin 'bouncing' because they 'stole' all of your money out of your checking (or other bank) account !!
Hennepin County District Court Judge Gary Larson, who headed the civil courts division from 2000 to 2004 said he has never understood Minnesota's system. "It makes no sense to me that you can use the power of the state of Minnesota to sue somebody - without paying a fee to us and bringing it into court."
Yet, that is exactly what is happening and Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson and consumer advocates agree it's not right. Said Attorney General Swanson; the 'deck is stacked against consumers'. Minnesota legislators need to change Minnesota laws to prevent this type of repugnant activity from being able to take place in our state. To read the entire Star-Tribune article, CLICK HERE.
WHEN YOUR 'UNLISTED' TELEPHONE NUMBER ISN'T
September 10, 2008
Even though you pay the telephone company money to have your telephone number unlisted, it really isn't. Even if you 'block' your outgoing telephone calls, there are times when your identity still 'gets out' without your knowledge.
Anytime you call a toll free (1-800, 1-888, 1-877, 1-866, 1-855) number, the identity of the telephone from which the call originates is 'passed along' to the recipient. How else would Xcel Energy be able to identify your incoming call to them without first having a real, live person talk to you? Same thing with your telephone, power, utility and cable TV companies; anytime you call them, or any other toll free number, you're revealing who you are; or at least the telephone number and location from where you're calling.
The 'justification' behind identifying the number from where a call to a toll free number originates even if it's an unlisted or 'blocked' number (or so I was told once by the telephone company) is because when you're calling a toll free number, the company that 'owns' that number is paying for your call to them (instead of you paying for the call). And that entitles the company that 'owns' the toll free number and is paying for your incoming call, to know who is calling them and from where that call is originating.
YOU MAY DISAGREE WITH ME BUT YOU CAN'T ARGUE THE FACTS
September 10, 2008
Remember last spring I reported about the little old 73 year old lady who held garage sales at her deceased mothers house in Minnetonka (Minnesota). Well it seems that the big, bad City of Minnetonka thought that this sweet little old lady was violating the city's new 'zoning ordinance' that prohibited 'retail sales' in 'residential' areas. Suddenly, the City of Minnetonka decided to play God and rule that all garage sales were illegal !! Another example of too much power by the government.
So, the City of Minnetonka charged the sweet little old lady with violating Minnetonka's newly passed ordinance prohibiting garage sales. She persevered and decided to 'fight city hall'. People say you can't; she thought she could. (So do I.)
Scheduled to go to court this month, the City of Minnetonka has withdrawn their case against Ms. Regular Person. No doubt the outcry from the citizens of Minnetonka (and elsewhere) criticizing the foolish spending of taxpayer dollars to prosecute a case that the city couldn't possibly have won put some sense in the heads, of the heads, of Minnetonka officials
Yet (and sadly), this represents just one more case of over-intrusion of the government into our everyday lives. Thank God John McCain and Sara Palin want to change that !!
WHERE'D THE MEDIACOM CABLE STUFF GO ??
September 10, 2008
My information about the cable television giant that was borne in hell is so bad that it deserves its own Webpage. Check out my Mediacom Cable Webpage that details our problems with our cable television, Internet access and telephone provider. Seems we're not the only ones that aren't thrilled with their service. You can find my Mediacom Webpage at www.deltadickshow.com/mediacom.html.
DISAPPOINTMENT FOR GOVERNOR PAWLENTY
September 5, 2008
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has shown us how much 'class' he has and has taught all of us how to accept disappointment with dignity. He was one of only two choices considered for Republican Presidential nominee John McCain's selection for Vice President of the United States. As most everyone knows by now, Senator McCain selected Alaska Governor Sara Palin as his running mate. Still, Governor Pawlenty has much to be proud of.
Being considered for the second most powerful position in the world is awe-inspiring. To even be considered for that position, one has to have outstanding qualities and a proven 'track record'; things that our Minnesota governor has 'Pawlenty' of. He has proven himself time and time again as a person that IS
concerned about our great state, its citizens and the quality of life we all enjoy. His resume' both as governor, and before, has many impressive entries. Being considered the 'number two' pick for the world's most powerful nation only adds to his credibility. While he may be disappointed, he should also be very proud.
A 'contradictory benefit' of Pawlenty being 'passed over' had a benefit to Minnesota that some of you may not have realized. He's STILL our governor. Had he been selected and the McCain-Pawlenty 'ticket' elected this November, Carol Molnau would then be 'running' our state. Think how that would be.
Alas; that may still come to fruition. If the McCain-Palin team is elected, expect Governor Pawlenty to be appointed to a top position in McCain's Cabinet. That'll be good for the governor; he is well qualified for any position to which he is appointed and he deserves it.
It'll be bad, though, for Minnesota. The defrocked Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation will once again be in charge. Perish the thought !! Where's Jesse ??
NOTABLE JESSE VENTURA QUOTE
Speaking about Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty when it was rumored he was being considered for Senator John McCain's running mate: "I would be terrified, because that would make (Lt. Gov. Carol) Molnau the governor."
ADD ANOTHER ONE TO THE LIST WHO DON'T LIKE AMY KLOBUCHAR
September 5, 2008
Got this e-mail last Wednesday night from a listener to my Internet show and visitor to my Website: "Your show is good. Ask the senators to give Amy the boot and we all will vote for Whoopie Goldberg for the senate."
ANOTHER STUPID LAWSUIT THAT MAKES NO SENSE
September 5, 2008
This time, it's against the Target Corporation. The prices we all pay at Target stores will be going up because Target, Corp. has been ordered to pay $6 million to settle a two year old class action lawsuit alleging that 'visually impaired' people were blocked from using the www.target.com Website. WHAT ??
'Visually impaired' means that you can't see normally like other people; you could even be totally blind. Why, on God's good earth, do these 'visually impaired' people think they have a claim against Target? Using the reasoning that resulted in the verdict against Target, states should also be held accountable for damages against this 'select group' of people because they aren't able to drive their cars on our 'visually impaired unfriendly' highways. And the radio stations should similarly be held accountable because of 'hearing impaired' listeners who can't. What about grocery stores and their 'impaired unfriendly' shopping carts. What about Rapid Oil Change ? You could go on and on !!
We've got way too many lawyers sitting around just waiting to file frivolous lawsuits for a variety of stupid reasons. How much of the $6 million do you think the lawyers that represented the plaintiffs will receive? Divide $6 million by 35 or forty (or more) percent. There's your answer. Who's 'winning' here. No one except the lawyers. Disgusting !!
A GENEROUS INDIAN TRIBE
September 5, 2008
According to recently published reports, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has donated nearly $60 million over the past two years, ranking it among the biggest sources of philanthropy in the state of Minnesota.
The tribe owns and operates Mystic Lake Casino-Hotel; the fourth largest such operation in the United States.
NEW ROGERS (MINNESOTA) POLICE CHIEF MAKES THE RIGHT DECISION
September 5, 2008
The city of Rogers called off its annual police department open house, which was full of popular giveaways, because of ethical questions about donations sought from businesses and residents. Rogers Police Reservist Scott Adams is also a Rogers City Councilmember. After ethical questions were raised about the propriety of the police soliciting thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise from area business and residents who they are paid to protect, the city council voted to not hold the annual event. The newly hired Rogers Police Chief, Jeff Luther, agreed with the decision telling city officials that he also had a problem with the solicitations. The new chief's statement helped to end the long-standing event.
To read the complete story as it appeared in the August 27th edition of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, CLICK HERE.
SPEAKING OF THE NEWLY HIRED ROGERS POLICE CHIEF .....
August 5, 2008
He's Jeff Luther; a person that I've known for a long, long time. I first met him when he was a volunteer with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Emergency Squad and I was a police dispatcher for the Sheriff Office. I haven't talked to Jeff for many, MANY years but until only recently, we kept in contact at Christmas time via Christmas greetings. I've put a call in to him and will provide more information about him at a later date after we 'reconnect'.
E-MAIL RECEIVED FROM A MUSICIAN I FEATURED ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW
September 3, 2008
"I'm sitting here listening to your show featuring my new CD. Wow!!! Thanks again for the airplay and wishing you many many years of bringing fun music to the world via your show.
All The Best... Mike Surratt"
XCEL ENERGY; A REALLY SCREWED UP BILLING SYSTEM
September 3, 2008
If you're an Xcel Energy (formerly Northern States Power Company) customer and are on their 'budget plan' where you pay a set amount to them each month for eleven months for your electric and/or natural gas service and then 'square' with them in the twelfth month, examine your 'energy bill' carefully. They aren't applying any additional money (over what you owe them each month) to your account !! I discovered this about three or four months ago and have been trying to get this horrendous problem resolved but haven't been able to do so thus far. My 'next stop' is going to be with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission; the state agency that regulates public utility companies.
Here's what's going on: Last November (2007) we signed on with Xcel Energy's 'Budget Helper' (or whatever it's called). The concept is that the customer pays a fixed amount each month, for eleven months, for their energy costs regardless of what the actual amount really is. Then, in the twelfth (or 'true up' month as they call it), you pay whatever amount remaining that hasn't been paid for energy usage that remains unpaid. In the unlikely event that you've paid for more energy than you've used, Xcel Energy supposedly 'credits' you with the amount of overpayment.
When we began Xcel Energy's 'budget helper' program last November, they determined that the monthly amount we should pay for those eleven months would be $33.00 a month for natural gas; $45.00 for their electrical service; or, a total of $78.00 each month for the next eleven months. Then, this October (2008), Xcel Energy would calculate how much of their natural gas and electricity we used, figure out its cost, subtract our $78.00 monthly payments and come up with a 'grand total' that we would need to pay to 'zero out' our account. Sounds simple enough but it really isn't. It's very complicated. And unfair.
Realizing that paying Xcel Energy $78.00 a month wasn't nearly enough to 'cover' our actual usage, we sent them substantially more than was due every month for our electrical and natural gas service combined. We thought that the 'extra' money that we had sent them would be applied toward the amount we actually owed them. Not so.
Like automaker Ford; they have a 'better idea'.
Imagine our surprise when we opened our June 2008 Xcel Energy bill and it showed that we owed them $$625.89 !! And remember, we were paying them MORE each month than the 'budget amount' that they calculated that we should pay them. Well, something sure doesn't add up. Making this whole thing even stranger was the fact that some of our previous bills didn't want us to pay them ANYTHING when, in fact, our June bill showed that we owed them $625.89 !! Is this that 'new math' that was the 'rage' a few years ago? Plus (and get this), several of our Xcel Energy bills showed a 'Credit Balance' !! (Our August Xcel Energy bill shows that WE STILL OWE THEM $421.10 from last winters bill; yet, they also state that they don't want us to send them a payment this month because we have a current 'credit balance' of $162.92!!)
I called their customer service department (twice) trying to get an explanation as to what was taking place. The two people I talked to agreed with me that Xcel showing an incorrect amount owed to them and retaining a 'credit balance' on our account because we had been 'overpaying' our bill each month, didn't make any sense at all.
Quite simply; if an Xcel Energy customer pays more than is due, Xcel Energy should apply that 'extra' amount paid, to their customers outstanding balance. PERIOD !! Don't 'screw around' making 'partial credits' to outstanding balances and then generating 'credit balances' which also don't accurately reflect what's taking place. That makes NO SENSE AT ALL !!
I'm currently trying to convince Xcel Energy that 2 + 2 still does, always has and always will, add up to 4. Their billing department belongs in the 'Special Needs' class !!
Stay tuned. I'll let everyone know how this whole mess turns out. Meanwhile, check YOUR Xcel Energy statements to see if they're doing the same thing to you.
ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER
August 29, 2008
This just in from Temple, Texas: "Hello Dick; I've always enjoyed your show. I also enjoyed your comment about Edwards. Nice job Delta Dick."
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF SLOPPY JOURNALISM
August 29, 2008
Once again the Minneapolis Star-Tribune newspaper has proven itself as a source that apparently doesn't 'proof' what it intends to publish. Case in point: The Minnesota city on US highway 12 that is that is twenty miles west of Minneapolis is Maple Plain (singular); not Maple Plains (plural). I should know; my first job in law enforcement back in 1967 began there.
How do they (the Star-Tribune) stay in the newspaper business?
JUGGLING NUMBERS TO HIDE THE TRUE FACTS
August 29, 2008
Only about four out of ten Minnesota students can be labeled 'proficient' in science according to results recently released on August 19th by the Minnesota Department of Education. But, (and get this), the results 'don't count' toward graduation requirements or the federal 'No Child Left Behind' law.
Figures don't lie; liars figure.
THEY LIKE MY WEBSITE
August 25, 2008
Here are a couple of e-mails that I received from visitors to my Website:
"Hello Delta Dick,
Please allow me to introduce myself, I am T.F. and I recently found your Website as I perused through a variety of links on the Carver County Website. I am a longtime listener of old time music (I grew up with the Ben Barta Band, the Jolly Ramblers, Marv Nissel, The Wendingers, etc.) and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your music on the web. The only thing that would make it better would be receiving your show on my am/fm radio in the squad car as I patrol the roads of Carver County.
I enjoyed listening to your interview with Sheriff Bud Olson, which took place back in April. I think it is great that you took the time to visit with our Sheriff and I look forward to the next interview. I would love to stop by and say hello sometime when I am passing through Hamburg, if you are open to visitors.
Thanks again for the GREAT Website!"
And this one:
"Delta, What a great site!"
Do YOU have a comment about my Website? If so, I'd like to hear from you. Send them right along to me at deltadickshow@yahoo.com.
RIGHT ONCE AGAIN - I'VE LOST COUNT HOW OFTEN !!
August 25, 2008
Remember how I earlier said that the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul requiring bars to pay $2,500.00 each in order to be allowed to stay open until 4AM during the Republican National Convention was stupid and didn't make any sense? (See 'Pigs Get Fat; Hogs Get Butchered' below.)
Well, many of the bar owners refusing to let their cities financially rape them by requiring them to pay the hefty licensing fee, took my advice and told their city councils to 'Stick It In Your Ear". That got the attention of the City of St. Paul who now have lowered that outrageous charge to a more reasonable $500.00.
A simple (yeah, right) call to the City of Minneapolis landed me (after several 'transfers' to: once to Hennepin County Information, twice to the Minneapolis RNC Office, once to the Mayor's Office and two 'trips' to Minneapolis 3-1-1) at the Minneapolis Division of Licensing. Once connected, some English sounding person, a male, that I spoke with said he didn't know what Minneapolis had done (if anything) and transferred me, instead, to the 'Office of Linda Roberts'. Like the rest of the world, Ms. Roberts was 'either on the phone or away from my desk. So I can't report if he City of Minneapolis has come to it's senses or not. But I'd guess, 'probably not'.
MORE SCHOOLS FALLING BEHIND
August 11, 2008
That was the headline on page one of the August 6, 2008 edition of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Yet, the school teachers want more money. I have an idea that makes perfect sense:
Make the teachers GIVE BACK the raises that they've already received (for not doing their job) and put a 'freeze' on any future salary increases until the passing scores and grades rise back up to where they should be and belong.
SPEAKING OF GIVING BACK MONEY ......
August 11, 2008
You know those two Minneapolis cops that got drunk, thought they were in the 'old west' and recklessly fired their guns on the streets of Minneapolis? Well, they're STILL GETTING PAID while they sit on their butts and DO NOTHING !! That simply isn't right.
I've called for their immediate dismissal but you KNOW that's not going to happen; the WHOLE CITY should be storming the Minneapolis City Hall DEMANDING that they get immediately fired !! And then, after everything is said and done and court adjourns after having found them guilty of their heinous acts and they FINALLY get fired, the City of Minneapolis, and its taxpayers, should DEMAND that they repay the city ALL of their wages that they collected from the time they were put on 'administrative ;eave' as well as repay ALL of the money that the city taxpayers spent for their medical and other benefits.
FROM THE DESK OF PAUL DOUGLAS
(Wherever that may be; I think it's in Excelsior, Minnesota)
July 23, 2008
According to Paul Douglas, the 'Main Meteorologist' recently defrocked by CBS affiliate WCCO-TV in Minneapolis-St. Paul, hail bigger than golf balls indicates a severe 'updraft', possibly strong enough to spin up a tornado within minutes. Birds fly low before a storm. Fish bite before a frontal passage. 'Green sky; time to fly'. Loud static on the AM radio, head for cover. The taller the thunderhead, the greater the potential for large hail and damaging winds. And, as stated previously, any 'updraft' strong enough to keep 2 inch hail aloft may be violent enough to spin up a twister.
Birds fly low before a storm. Fish bite before a frontal passage. 'Green sky; time to fly'. Loud static on the AM radio, head for cover. The taller the thunderhead, the greater the potential for large hail and damaging winds. And, as stated previously, any 'updraft' strong enough to keep 2 inch hail aloft may be violent enough to spin up a twister.
CLICK HERE to check out what he's been up to since being canned by the 'Bad Neighbor'; WCCO-TV.
SPEAKING OF THE MINNEAPOLIS POLICE.....
July 13, 2008
Those two off duty Minneapolis cops that got drunk and recklessly discharged their guns, drove drunk, embarrassed the hundreds of GOOD, DEDICATED, HARD WORKING Minneapolis cops and behaved like small, undisciplined children (see below), have now been formally, criminally charged with felonies for their drunken behaviors, by the Dakota County Attorney's Office.
Yet and ironically enough, they also are STILL BEING PAID, their FULL SALARY & BENEFITS, with Minneapolis taxpayer dollars, even though they haven't worked in weeks !!
Fact, once again, is stranger than fiction !
