Election (Primary) Day

Today is election day. You absolutely must get out and vote today!

Don't know where to vote? Indianapolis residents, click below to find your polling location. Residents elsewhere, click here.



Send me your comments. Joe

AJA Press

We Good Europeans...

What's next for Indiana now that ObamaCare has become law? Some remarks from an incredible piece by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels in the Wall Street Journal:

Check to see if Indiana should drop its health insurance plans and dump its government workers into the exchanges. Paying the new tax penalty might actually be cheaper for the state, as it will be for many private firms. I'm not certain the same rule applies to government as to business, but since no member of Congress read this entire bill before the vote, I don't feel embarrassed about not knowing.

Call the state's attorney general to see if we can join one of the lawsuits to overturn ObamaCare. Yes, it's a long shot. But why not try?

We may no longer need the Department of Insurance since insurers will now be operating as regulated utilities under the thumb of the federal government.

...for the moment, our federal overlords have ruled. We better start adjusting to our new status as good Europeans.

Send me your comments. Joe

AJA Press

Attempted Home Invasion - Thwarted

Mobile Post

Attempted Home Invasion - Thwarted

I was just sitting in my family room, playing games on the Wii with my son, when my wife said, "Some guy just walked through our yard. He looked in the window." At first I just kept playing, then she said, "What's he doing?"

So I quit playing the game, said, "Is he still out there?" and walked to the patio doors. There at the house behind ours stood a 20-something black male trying to open the patio doors of our neighbor's house. He was wearing a black coat, gray pants, and a dark winter hat. I opened the door and yelled, "Hey!" Of course, he didn't look -- wanted to make sure I couldn't identify his face -- he just turned and started to walk away. I told my wife to call the Police and headed out the door after him, trudging through the snow in house slippers with no coat on.

I called 911 on my cell phone as I followed him down the street, talking on speakerphone. The man walked slowly around the house as I followed, and started running when he rounded the corner. I ran after him, and when he slowed to a walk so did I, staying close enough for him to hear me talking to the 911 dispatcher but far enough away to maintain safety. Not knowing if he was armed I wasn't about to try to tackle a man half my age and five inches taller who has nothing to lose and his freedom to gain.

Half a block down the road his friend was waiting: another tall black male wearing a tan Carharrt coat and dark blue jeans so low that as he turned to flee he tripped over his own crotch and fell in the snow. Having given descriptions of both creeps to the 911 operator I continued to follow the one who had walked through my yard and tried to walk in to my neighbor's house.

I updated 911 as the creep ran through another yard and vaulted a fence. "He just jumped the fence," I said as I ran along the fence. "He's hiding between two sheds now where he thinks I can't see him."

I heard him jump over something and saw him come back between the sheds. "He just jumped the fence again," I said as I followed him around the house where he jumped the fence a third time and fled. In my slippers, which were now soaked with snow, I wasn't prepared to jump the fence and go after him.

I waited for the Police to arrive at the street corner with a nearby resident who had seen his buddy flee in the opposite direction. Two Cumberland, Indiana, officers responded and began searching the area while an IMPD officer was at my house taking a report from my wife.

--------

Shortly after I began writing this, the phone rang, and the IMPD officer informed me that they had a suspect in custody nearby. He asked me if I would like to come by and identify him.

I drove the short distance (less than a quarter mile) to a house in the 900 block of Woodlark between Tenth and Washington Streets on Indy's east side, where the officer met me on the street. As I waited in the car he brought the suspect out onto the porch in handcuffs. Standing there before me was creep number two, the buddy with the baggy pants who had taken off running when he saw me chasing his friend down the street. I confirmed his identity and told the officer which one he was.

Moments later, the officer asked me to stick around and get a look at a second person. This one was brought to the porch sans handcuffs. He had ditched the black coat and changed out of his gray pants, but was wearing the same dark winter hat I had chased down the street moments earlier.

The officer thanked me for getting involved, informed me that both the creeps had a record, but said they would probably not be able to arrest them since they hadn't actually entered the home.

It's great to see the authorities respond so quickly and successfully, but a little disappointing to know the creeps got away this time. My wife is concerned that they might come back for revenge. I suspect that they're just cowardly enough to stay away from the house where a crazy man in house slippers chased them a block and half and later returned to identify them.

Maybe I'll start looking into security systems, anyway.

Below this post are pictures and a Google Maps link of the house where the creeps were found by the Police. Got any similar stories you'd care to share?

Mobile Post

View Larger Map

Indiana Road Crews #FAIL in Snow

My complete Cinch Audioblog

Send me your comments. Joe

AJA Press

First Snow and Icy Streets

My complete Cinch Audioblog

Send me your comments. Joe

AJA Press

Audioblog: Winter Driving in Indianapolis

My complete Cinch Audioblog.

Send me your comments. Joe

AJA Press

Mitch Daniels 2012

I find it interesting that, just two days ago, the following video was added to YouTube by the Mitch Daniels 2008 Reelection (Indiana Governor) campaign. If you aren't familiar with Mitch Daniels and Indiana, he won election in 2008 by a very large margin, and the following video was a very early video from his reelection campaign.

What I find interesting is that, if Mitch is firm about not running for President in 2012, why would he want to focus on and remind people on his hugely successful campaigns (2004 and 2008), and his real live interaction with the people? Sorry, Mitch, but I'm still not convinced that you won't be running in 2012.


Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe


Maddy's Cancer Battle

AJA Press | #TCOT
podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Need I Say More?

Your comments?

Joe

AJA Press | #TCOT
podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Best Barber Shop in Indianapolis!

Since moving to Indianapolis seventeen months ago, I have struggled with a dilemma that many, many men struggle with: where to get my haircut.

See, it is not the same for women as it is for men. Women can go anyplace. Really. They go to beauticians, or whatever they call them now, and get their hair "done." Not men. We get our hair "cut." And no two barbers are alike. It can take many, many years for a man to find a barber that he likes, who cuts his hair just right. Many years, and many bad haircuts. Don't believe me? Watch this: [more below the video]

Direct video link.

Since moving to Indianapolis, I have lived in desperate fear of where to find the right barber. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but only a slight one. Instead of trekking out to one barber after another looking for one that I feel comfortable with, I have allowed my wife to cut my hair. She does an okay enough job, but it just isn't the same.

Today, feeling like I was wearing a mop on my head, I decided that it was time to take my life into my own hands, and to head out and find a real barber. For the sake of convenience -- and because I felt that the look of the place was promising -- I ventured to the nearest real barber shop to my home: Bob's Barber Shop in Cumberland, Indiana, on the very near east side of Indianapolis.

I want to share with you one of the most pleasant hair cut experiences I have had in my entire life -- perhaps the best ever. When I walked into Bob's, which is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5PM, there was one man in the chair and no one waiting. Bob (I at first presumed and was later confirmed) was cutting away at the hair of an elderly gentleman, chatting away. I sat and waited. Before my turn in the chair, another man came in for his cut, and Bob greeted him with a friendly greeting that made it clear that they knew each other (this turned out to be the way that Bob greeted everyone who came into the shop while I was there).

I took my turn in the chair and responded to the standard, "How you want it cut?" I must admit, I was a bit concerned for a time while Bob cut away at my hair so quickly that I was sure it couldn't possibly look good in the end. I don't believe Bob even touched my mop with a pair of scissors -- all clippers.

After cutting and trimming with the clippers, Bob picked up a smaller electric razor and shaved the hair at the back of my neck, trimmed my sideburns and over my ears -- he even zapped away the hairs that grow out of every man's ears as he gets older (yes, I admit that I have them). Most any barber would have been done at this time and offered his customer a mirror. Not Bob.

Next thing I know, Bob is lathering up the back of my neck, my sideburns, and over my ears with a soothing warm shaving creme and reaching for his straight razor. This, my friends, is what separates a real barber from a mere hair cutter. Using that straight razor, Bob expertly sliced and diced away the stubble that most so-called barbers would have left on the back of my neck, etc.

But that's not all. After wiping away the excess shaving creme, Bob fired up a little device that I have seen no barber ever use before. I'm not really sure what it's called, but when Bob touched the 14 inch by 5 inch device to my back, I knew exactly what it did, and it felt great! Bob quickly massaged my back and shoulders with this little gadget, and even placed it on the back of the chair so that the vibration of the device would emanate through the back of the barber chair down my spine. Unbelievable!

And when done, Bob never even offered me a mirror. Why? Because he has confidence in his work and knew that I would be pleased with the results of my haircut. And he was right! Bob's Barber Shop is where I will get my hair cut for as long as I live in Indy and he's still cutting hair. And with as rare as real barbers have become lately, I encourage you to pay him a visit. There is no way that you could possibly be disappointed!

As I paid my bill and prepared to leave, even in these tough economic times, I slipped Bob a small tip and said, "I'll be back." Just between you and me, I'm looking forward to it!

Your comments?

Joe

AJA Press | #TCOT
podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Contact #Indiana Congressman Now About HR 2014

Indiana voters, ask your Congressman (mine, is 7th District Representative Andre Carson) to join in supporting House Resolution 2014. Click here for more on the bill.

Contact Representative Carson now!

A suggested form letter follows:

Congressman Carson:

I am an Indiana voter in the 7th District, writing to ask you to join as a co-sponser of House Resolution 2014, recognizing the service of the Womens Airforce Service Pilots with a Congressional Gold Medal. These brave women were pioneers in the this country, as they blew the doors wide open for women to serve in the military in all aspects.

Women today would not have the freedom to proudly serve their country if not for the courage and spirit of women such as America's WASPs. It is the very pioneering attitude of these brave women that made America a free country 233 years ago.

These women deserve much, much more than a mere Congressional Gold Medal, but this is a simple first step that you can take to thank these brave American patriots for their service to our country.

Your comments?

Joe

AJA Press | #TCOT
podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Contact #Indiana Senator Bayh About Senate Bill 614

Indiana voters, ask Senator Evan Bayh to join Senator Richard Lugar in supporting Senate Bill 614. Click here for more on the bill.

Contact Senator Bayh now!

A suggested form letter follows:

Senator Bayh:

I am an Indiana voter writing to ask you to join Senator Lugar as a co-sponser of Senate Bill 614, recognizing the service of the Womens Airforce Service Pilots with a Congressional Gold Medal. These brave women were pioneers in the this country, as they blew the doors wide open for women to serve in the military in all aspects.

Women today would not have the freedom to proudly serve their country if not for the courage and spirit of women such as America's WASPs. It is the very pioneering attitude of these brave women that made America a free country 233 years ago.

These women deserve much, much more than a mere Congressional Gold Medal, but this is a simple first step that you can take to thank these brave American patriots for their service to our country.

Your comments?

Joe

AJA Press | #TCOT
podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Letter from Indianapolis Mayor Ballard on CIB Bail Out

It seems that the news is all about Bail Outs lately (unless it's about Pirates), and that is now hitting closer to home here in Indianapolis. I'm not completely up to date on the CIB Bail Out (and maybe I should be before I post on it), but this email from Mayor Ballard's office seems to make sense to me.

What are your thoughts?

Joe

To view this email as a web page, go here.

Having trouble seeing the email? CLICK HERE I hope this finds you well.  As you are likely aware of the financial problems facing the city's Capital Improvement Board, I wanted to reach out and update you on my position regarding the various proposals being discussed. The Capital Improvement Board is a vital part of our city.  Its role in funding facilities, special events, and projects throughout Indianapolis is critical to the economic vitality of not only downtown, but also to our neighborhoods, the region, and the state.  Facilities including the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Conseco Fieldhouse, and Victory Field bring millions of people to Indianapolis.  Millions of visitors generate significant business; hotel, restaurant, and retail, which in turn, provides thousands of Hoosier jobs and produces revenues that fuel the regional and state economies.  The Indianapolis hospitality industry draws an estimated 22 million people annually, drives $3.5 billion in the Central Indiana economy, and employs over 66,000 Hoosiers. Finding a solution to the problems facing the CIB is absolutely imperative as it directly impacts the employees and their families who depend on these 66,000 jobs.  Additionally, it impacts the long-term financial health of the city and the resources available to strengthen our neighborhoods. Finding a solution is important to the regional economy because many employers locate and remain in Central Indiana because of our vibrant Downtown.  And it is important to the state economy as Marion County contributes $975 million to the state; this represents 18% of the state's total sales tax revenues. Over the last several months we've worked closely with state and city leaders to develop solutions to fund this vital entity.  There are several components to the proposals making their way through the State House and it appears, with great regret, that local tax dollars will be needed as part of the solution.  I am committed to enacting a solution that protects the 66,000 Hoosiers employed in the hospitality industry and minimizes the burden on all Marion County taxpayers.  The solution must also involve the users of the facilities and those who most directly benefit from them. It is for these reasons that I am opposed to the proposal for a broad-based food and beverage tax, and I am opposed to any increase in property or income taxes.  While I certainly prefer not to have to consider tax increases of any type, I believe we should look first to users and visitors in the form of rental cars, hotels, and tickets.  And we must consider an optional expense, like alcohol alone, that draws more from visitors and facility users. Additionally, I have asked the state for an expansion of the Professional Sports Development Area to include the JW Marriott and allow for the redirection of that tax revenue from the state to the county.  I join Senator Luke Kenley and several legislative leaders in asking the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers to each contribute $5 million.  And, in tightening our belts, we have already proposed cutting $8 million from the CIB operating budget.  This proposal is true to my pledge that the burden for solving this problem should fall mainly on those who use and profit from these facilities.  That's why we've worked diligently to craft a solution that doesn't involve broad-based taxes on food, income, or property.  Additionally, I ask that the General Assembly and City-County Council consider sun-setting any proposed taxes, as there are several variables that may change the situation in the years to come. Please know that I'm committed to continue working with state and city legislative leaders to enact a solution that will bolster our important economic engine that provides 66,000 jobs to Hoosiers and generates millions of dollars in revenues that are critical to the county, regional and state economies. As always, I welcome your input and appreciate your consideration of this proposal. Sincerely, Gregory A. Ballard Mayor City of Indianapolis Paid for and authorized by the Ballard for Mayor Committee, Jim Merritt Chairman

This email was sent by: Indiana Republican Party 47 S. Meridian St., Ste 200 Indianapolis, IN 46204 USA We respect your right to privacy - view our policy

Mitch Watch

Check out the newest feature at Average Joe American, Mitch Watch.

Watching Mitch Daniels for comments and appearances that would indicate a 2012 Presidential bid.

Fox News Sunday 3.29.2009

Find it now in the sidebar at Average Joe American.

Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Mitch Daniels for President

Now that should be a rumor-starting title, shouldn't it?

Has anyone else noticed that second-term Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has been appearing on the national news shows quite a bit lately? Just something to keep our eye on, I think.

During his 2008 re-election campaign, the Republican Governor called it Hoosier's last chance to cast a vote for him for public office. But the former OMB director and most successful Governor in Indiana history is just the kind of person this country needs occupying the White House in 2012. But don't take my word for it.

Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but this is one Hoosier who would love to cast a ballot for Mitch Daniels in 2012.

Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Looking Toward 2012

Though at the end of this video, it says PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY MITCH DANIELS, is certainly isn't. It is, however, indicative of what many Hoosiers feel would be a good thing in 2012: Mitch Daniels for President.

Though Mitch has already said that he won't run for elected office again, with the positive change he has implemented in Indiana over the past four years, he would surely be a strong candidate for the GOP in 2012.


Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Calls for McCain

Just finished making calls for the Indiana Republican Party and picked up my VIP Tickets to Monday's John McCain rally at the Indianapolis Airport.

I made over 100 phone calls today, and will be at the Victory Center tomorrow afternoon making more. I received quite a good response from registered voters I called today, most of whom were very supportive of Senator McCain, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, and other Republican candidates. There were people who actually urged us on to continue the work for Senator McCain. I think there are quite a few voters out there who are wary of an America with Barack Obama in the White House (as is evidenced by Senator McCain's 5 point lead in Zogby's poll dated October 31).

It's not too late to get out and get your tickets to see Senator McCain on Monday, and to get out the vote for McCain / Palin on Tuesday. In fact, now is the time, because four years is a long time to regret the Socialist agenda of Barack Obama.

Mobile post sent by averagejoe using Utterli.  Replies.  mp3

Wednesday's Video Roundup

AUDIO: Governor Sarah Palin Joins James Dobson of Focus On The Family
Download Here

Governor Palin in Indianapolis Last Week (Part 1)

Direct video link.

Governor Palin in Indianapolis Last Week (Part 2)

Direct video link.

Governor Palin in Indianapolis Last Week (Part 3)

Direct video link.

Governor Palin in Indianapolis Last Week (Part 4)

Direct video link.

The Work of Terrorist Bill Ayers

Direct video link.

Free Pizza If You STEAL A McCain / Palin Sign

Direct video link.

Aren't We All Just As Average as Joe the Plumber?

Direct video link.

Indiana Property Tax Assessor Ballot Initiative

Direct video link.

Sign Sparks Debate

Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Tuesday's Video Roundup

The Aaron Pelsue Band - Revolution
This is the band that leads worship at our new church every Sunday

Direct video link.

Electing Obama Will Generate An International Crisis

Direct video link.

Obama Presidency Crisis Scenarios, According to Gov. Palin


Obama Not Ready for International Crisis
The last thing the country needs is a President the world might be tempted to test.

Direct video link.

Tough Times

Direct video link.

Concerned About Obama's Naive Foreign Policy?

Direct video link.

The Facts on Bill Ayers

Direct video link.

Obama: The Moon-walking Bear of Politics

Direct video link.

Welcome Home
The soldier in this video is returning home from 14 months in Iraq.

Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Indiana: Change That's Working

Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Why Indiana STILL Needs Mitch Daniels

Direct video link.

Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music