Monday, December 31, 2012

“Dancing With the Tiger: Winning in Emerging India”

"Dancing With the Tiger: Winning in Emerging India" is the topic for the luncheon at 11:30 a.m. 8 January sponsored by the World Trade Club of Indiana.

Presenter is Charles Dhanaraj, PhD., Associate Professor of Management Schmenner Faculty Fellow in International Business Kelley School of Business.

It'll be held in training room "a", third floor, PNC Capital Markets, 101 West Washington Street, Indianapolis.

Cost per person is $35 for nonmembers, and, yes, you can register online.

(Photo thanks to Provocate.org)

Friday, December 28, 2012

Speaking of Trash

The Indy Department of Public Works had to suspend trash, curbside recycling, and heavy trash collection Wednesday, December 26 and Thursday, December 27.

Please refer to the altered schedule below:

If your pickup was supposed to be yesterday - it will be today
If Friday, December 28 - will be tomorrow
Monday, December 31 is unchanged
If Tuesday, December 25 and Tuesday, January 1 - will be Wednesday, January 2 (Double Pick-Up)
If Wednesday, December 26 and Wednesday, January 2 - will be Thursday, January 3 (Double Pick-Up)
If Thursday, January 3 - will be Friday, January 4
If Friday, January 4 - will be Saturday, January 5

A double pick-up means that you will set out 2 weeks of trash, recycling, and heavy trash (if that is your scheduled day). DPW is anticipating residents to have extra trash and will waive the 10 bag limit for those two double pick-up days only.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Want Trash Pickup? Wait a Week!

Here's the latest, courtesy of WTHR.com:

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has suspended solid waste services for Wednesday, December 26 and Thursday, December 27 due to the inclement weather.

City routes are currently one day behind due to the Christmas Holiday. DPW will resume private and city collection Friday for Thursday trash routes. Friday trash routes will be collected on Saturday. Monday trash routes will remain as normal and there will be NO trash pick-up on Tuesday, January 1 due to the New Year's Day holiday.

Wednesday, January 2 trash collection will be a double pick-up for last Tuesday's trash as well as the current trash for the week. Thursday, January 3 trash pick-up will again be a double pick-up for last Wednesday trash routes as well as the current week.

The rest of the week will operate on a slide schedule meaning trash routes will run a day behind. Thursday routes will be collected on Friday, January 4 and Friday trash routes will be collected on Saturday, January 5.

All residents with normal trash routes on Thursday and Friday of this week should leave their trash out for pick-up on Friday and Saturday.

What To Do This Weekend: Roller Derby

Come on! You know you need a break after all that holiday hoopla!

Get on over to the Naptown Roller Girls: Dec. 29 in the Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (29 December).

That's Mauled Lang Syne -- the next bout for Indy's own roller derby queens, mashing up the Warning Belles and Third Alarm for a New Year's themed cel-abrasion.

Admission is $17 at door; $12 students with ID; $10 children 7-12; $8 for military personnel with ID; children 6 and younger free. For advance tix (at a discount), go online.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

White Christmas!

By Kristina Pydynowski
Senior Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com


AccuWeather reports all the ingredients are coming together for a major snowstorm to unfold Christmas Day and spread from the southern Plains to the eastern Great Lakes and Northeast.

Far more potent than the snow event headed to the Northeast Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, this storm will unload windswept and burying snow on its northwestern flank.

While snow will push through the Rockies--including Denver--Christmas Eve, the worst of the snowstorm will take shape Christmas Day across the southern Plains.

Snow will intensify Tuesday as it spreads from the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas to the Red River and western Arkansas. The major snowstorm will then press northeastward Tuesday night into Thursday, passing from Arkansas into the Ohio Valley, then the eastern Great Lakes and Northeast.

Some snow could even press as far south as the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Tuesday and northern Louisiana Tuesday night.

Residents and visitors of the central Great Lakes should not let their guard down as a slight westward shift in the expected storm track would cause the significant snow zone to also shift.

The storm has the potential to unleash more than a half of foot of snow starting Tuesday night in Arkansas. Totals may even top a foot, especially farther north across the eastern Great Lakes and interior Northeast.

While great news for children and those wishing their communities to turn into a winter wonderland around Christmas, the snowstorm is sure to create a nightmare for travelers.

Several inches of snow will alone make driving treacherous. Winds severely blowing and drifting the snow around will only worsen the situation by dramatically reducing visibility and further clogging roads.

Airline passengers in the path of the snowstorm should prepare for lengthy delays and cancellations.

Where the snow is preceded by rain, a greater danger lurks for motorists as rapidly falling temperatures will also cause any wet spots to turn icy.

There is also concern, greatest along the I-81 corridor of Virginia and the I-95 corridor of the Northeast, for an icy mix of weather to accompany the storm Wednesday into Wednesday night as it moves through the East.

Other areas east of the storm's track will be faced with a windswept and soaking rain with an outbreak of severe weather--including tornadoes--erupting in the South.

Holiday travelers may want to consider altering their plans to avoid driving during hazardous conditions and flight delays and cancellations, which windswept rain can even cause.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Library's Holiday Closings

All locations of the Indianapolis Marion County Public Library will be closed three days straight: 23, 24 and 25 December (except the InfoZone in the Children's Museum, which will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 23 December and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 24 December).

Additionally, all library locations will close at 5 p.m. 31 December 31 and will remain closed all day 1 January (except the InfoZone which will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1 January).

(Historic photo courtesy of IMCPL.org)

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Emerson Theater Up For Sale


This Indianapolis Observer recalls the Emerson as a venue for foreign films.

The eastside theater, built in 1926, is located at 4630 East 10th Street, Indianapolis -- in the Little Flower neighborhood.

The asking price is $145,000.

Monday, December 10, 2012

More Tax Money for the Pacers

"Pacers Sports & Entertainment will get another $10 million from the city under a one-year contract extension approved Monday afternoon by the Capital Improvement Board of Marion County", reports IBJ.com.

Ask yourself: toward what better use could we put that $10 million. Hmmm. Public safety? Infrastructure repair? Kindergarten classes?

Instead, we gift tax dollars to billionaires.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Hope for Haiti

Hat-tip to Provocate.org for this information:

Head to the Big Car Service Center, 3819 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis (map), at 6 p.m. tomorrow (10 December)for "Hope for Haiti" -- and bring the kids.

It's a fundraiser for the Art Creation Foundation for Children in Jacmel, Haiti.

The event will be family-friendly with an interactive replica of a tap-tap, a large colorful bus that serves as the main form of transportation in Haiti. Kids can also partake in Haitain Vodou drumming.

Food and drink will be provided by the Haitian Association of Indianapolis. In a "kid-free zone" will be a display of Haitian artwork presented by Jeremy Efroymson and fashion designs by Berny Martin, Haitian-American fashion designer and creator of Midwest Fashion week.

See the Big Map of Haiti by Dani Monet Malone. The piece depicts a large scale map of Haiti but, the closer you get, you can see an assemble of photos, scrap, scrawls and more.

Friday, December 7, 2012

St. Nikolaus Fest

All are welcome to enjoy a nostalgic visit with "Christmas past" at the annual St. Nikolaus Festival in the Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis (map) on Sunday afternoon (9 December).

With a focus on family fun and making lasting memories, the Athenaeum Foundation brings traditional holiday favorites to ring in the season of joy. Admission is $5 for children (adults are free). Tickets are available online.

Here's the schedule:
*Noon - Registration and Check In
*1:00 The arrival of St. Nikolaus and Tree Lighting Ceremony
*1:30 Session 1 of the Court of St. Nikolaus (Auditorium)
-Children’s Dancing lead by Dans Norden (Willkie Room)
-Gingerbread house making (Max Kade Room)
-Reception, snacks, adult bar (Damenverein) -Traditional and holiday songs with the Indianapolis Maennerchor
*2:30 Puppet Show with Adzooks Puppeteers
*3:00 Session 2 of the Court of St. Nikolaus (Auditorium)
-Children’s Dancing lead by Dans Norden (Willkie Room)
-Gingerbread house making (Max Kade Room)
-Reception, snacks, adult bar (Damenverein)
-Traditional and holiday songs with the Indianapolis Maennerchor

Since 1985, the Sankt Nikolaus book of names has kept the name and age of every child who has visited with St. Nikolaus. At check in, your child’s name is added for a personalized visit with St. Nikolaus himself.

All proceeds from this fundraising event benefit the care and maintenance of the Athenaeum.

This event is sponsored by the Athenaeum Foundation, the Athenaeum Turners, Indiana German Heritage Society, the National Bank of Indianapolis, Indy’s Child Magazine and Ruth Reichmann in memory of Eberhard Reichmann.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Midwesterners' Thoughts on Immigration

A public opinion survey published by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs finds a majority of midwesterners who have accurate information about shifting immigration flows and changing labor needs support key immigration policy proposals.

According to Chicago Council Survey data, Americans today are considerably less threatened by immigration than they have been in the past two decades. Despite this trend, midwesterners are split over whether to pursue a comprehensive immigration reform package or an incremental approach (38% comprehensive versus 41% incremental).

The Midwest Immigration Survey Brief released today provides detailed data on the following points:

• Most midwesterners are unaware that unauthorized immigration has declined; a majority of those who are aware support immigration reforms.
• Majorities think most immigrants in the Midwest are here illegally; those know most are here legally favor immigration reforms.
• A majority of midwesterners who recognize local businesses are having a hard time filling high and low skilled jobs support immigration reforms.

The survey brief draws on data from two Chicago Council Surveys that posed questions about immigration and immigration policy. The first survey, fielded May 25 to June 8, 2012, was part of a series of national surveys that the Council has undertaken since 1974. The second was a Midwest-focused survey on immigration fielded August 16 to 27, 2012, as part of The Chicago Council’s independent Task Force on Immigration and U.S. Economic Competitiveness: A View from the Midwest.

Learn more: Midwest Immigration Survey Brief (PDF).

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

America and the World

"America and the World: A View from the Senate" is the topic for Senator Richard G. Lugar's presentation sponsored by the Richard G. Lugar Franciscan Center for Global Studies.

Lugar leaves the Senate in January 2013, and this will be his last global studies lecture as a sitting United States Senator.

The event at 7 p.m. 9 December in the Marian University Theater, 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, is open to the public at no charge -- but the university would like you to register here.

Here's how the center introduces the event:

Senator Lugar, who has represented Indiana in the United States Senate for 36 years, is an unwavering advocate of United States leadership in the world, strong national defense, nuclear non-proliferation, free trade, alternative energy, and education.

A fifth-generation Hoosier and family farmer, Lugar was an Eagle Scout, a Rhodes Scholar, and a naval officer before entering politics. A former mayor of Indianapolis, he is the longest serving United States senator in Indiana history.

Lugar is the ranking member and former chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Senator Lugar has been a leading voice in reducing the threat of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons.

In 1991, he forged a bipartisan partnership with then-Senate Armed Services chairman Sam Nunn (Democrat from Georgia), to destroy these weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union. To date, the Nunn-Lugar program has deactivated more than 7,800 nuclear warheads that were once aimed at the United States. The Nunn-Lugar program has now gone global, and Senator Lugar traveled to Kenya and Uganda with Pentagon arms control experts to help secure deadly biological diseases in research labs in addition to destroying lethal or potentially lethal armaments.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Hunger is Not a Foreign Concept


Hat tip to Provocate.org for information on this event:

Head to the Big Car Service Center, 3819 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis, at 6 p.m. 4 December for "Hunger is not a foreign concept".

Indianapolis is the host of an impressive network of organizations that are making profound and creative impacts on the hunger and food needs of people both locally and globally.

“Hunger is Not a Foreign Concept” is a platform in which experts from a variety of local organizations will share what they are doing to address food needs of the hungry throughout the world.

"In planning this event, we have garnered an extensive awareness of how much is being done in our own community that we would have not otherwise been aware of. It is the mission of this event to share that awareness to others who find Hunger a compelling and important issue to empower them to participate in the challenge of making food readily available to all."

Friday, November 30, 2012

Durham Likely to Die in Prison


"Tim Durham will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars after a federal judge on Friday sentenced the disgraced playboy and businessman to a 50-year prison term for defrauding Ohio investors of $250 million....

"Unlike state prisoners, federal inmates must serve 85 percent of their sentences. Durham would have to live to 93 to survive his sentence."

Read the rest here: here.

Indiana Town Hall Series

Join the conversation at the Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, for the last of three public forums on health care.

"Medical Professionalism: From Leeches to MRIs" is the topic for the 6 December session, moderated by Barbara Lewis, host of WFYI's Sound Medicine.

It begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by the panel conversation beginning at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Practice Your German Language Skills

Immerse yourself in the German language during the annual Advent Service in Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, 603 North New Jersey Street, Indianapolis (map).

An English translation is provided for the service, which begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, 2 December, with a reception to follow.

All are welcome.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

10th Annual Holiday Author Fair

Some 80 Indiana authors and their latest books will be showcased during the 10th annual Holiday Author Fair at the Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, from noon to 4 p.m. 1 December.

Oatess Archey and John Beineke -- author and subject of the book, "Going Over All the Hurdles" -- will speat at 2 p.m.

] At 2:30 p.m., Olivia Rusk talks about her "Just Your Average Teen Who Happens to be Bald", and Keith Erekson discusses "Everybody's History" at 3 p.m.

This year’s books range in topics from Kurt Vonnegut and James Dean to women’s issues and ghosts, to music, cooking and basketball. You’ll find a variety of fiction, nonfiction and children’s books.

There's more information on the event here.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Ballard's Current Scam


Yes, we're talking about that ugly building Mayor Ballard wants to put on the Indianapolis Fire Department property -- and move the fire department functions elsewhere (including onto a lot that has drawn unanimous objections from its neighbors).

Who pays for all this building and moving? You 'n' me, folks!

"When you consider that the City lacks the necessary funds it needs to fund basic city services, you have to ask why so much of our tax dollars are being spent on something that yields so little return for a public benefit," writes Gary R. Welsh in Advance Indiana.

Read more here: "The High Cost Taxpayers Will Pay To Redevelop One Block Of Mass Ave"

Friday, November 23, 2012

Amahl & the Night Visitors

Looking for an alternative to yet another production of the "Nutcracker" this holiday season?

The Indianapolis Opera is staging six performances of "Amahl & the Night Visitors" by Gian Carlo Menotti between 7 and 16 December in the Opera Center, 4011 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis.

Tickets start at $25 (go online to buy).

The story tells of the night the Three Kings, following the star of Bethlehem, stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor, crippled shepherd boy who lives with his widowed mother. Inspired by the Wise Men's tale of a kingdom "built on love alone," Amahl offers his own simple gift to the Christ Child. And then a miracle happens. . .

Note: the production is one act, in less than an hour, so it's perfect for kids as well as adults.

(Image courtesy of Indianapolis Opera)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Explosion: a Criminal Act

The story of the Richmond Hills explosion only gets more complex as the investigation continues.

Seems that the brother of the man living in the epicenter of the blast, 8349 Fieldfare Way, has been taken into custody along with another man.

More at WTHR.com

And Fox59.com

Monday, November 19, 2012

House Explosion: Intentional Act


"Fox59 News has learned that Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department homicide detectives have determined that the Nov. 10 explosion at the Richmond Hill subdivision was an intentional act."

See Fox59.

And WTHR.

And WRTV.

And Indianapolis Star.

We'll find out more during the 6 p.m. news conference.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Indy International Festival Ends Today

OK, folks! Today's your last chance to see the 2012 edition of Indy's International Festival -- complete with Poland's legend of the Man in the Moon!

Head on over to the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, now -- or you'll have to wait until 2013 for all the multiethnic fun the Circle City has to offer.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

International Festival is This Weekend in Indy


You are coming to Indy's International Festival, yes?

It's Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis.

Just one of the reasons: a traditional, European puppet theater featuring the characters of Mr. Punch and his wife, Judy, will be staging performances at booth 251 throughout the festival.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

An Outside Look at Ritz' Defeat of Bennett


"For waging such a scorched-earth campaign against teachers and public education, Bennett was rewarded with a whopping $1.3 million in campaign contributions, much of which came from out of state....

"Ultimately, he was able to grossly outspend his underfinanced opponent, local educator Glenda Ritz, by more than $1 million. Yet, in the conservative union-averse state of Indiana, he was nonetheless booted out of office in what the Star called 'the Election Night shocker'. That was thanks not to some brilliantly vague personality campaign by Ritz, but to a substantive, laser-focused assault on Bennett’s corporate-driven privatization agenda."

Read the rest of the analysis here: Phony school “reform” agenda takes a beating

Monday, November 12, 2012

Indy's International Festival is This Weekend!



For a preview of what's happening at this year's International Festival, check out the fest's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/INDYInternationalFestival

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Water Is Life

It's something so simple, and yet so complicated: clean water.

It's something we take for granted in Central Indiana, but not so in Sierra Leone.

The Fishers Rotary Club (along with support from clubs in Westfield, Carmel and Noblesville, and a matching grant from Rotary International) launched the Water is Life program in 2009 to provide Sierra Leoneans with clean drinking water through the purchase and installation of 100 fresh-water wells.

Here's one way they raise the funds to continue their project: the 2012 Water Is Life Charity Ball. The black tie optional event is set for 7 p.m. 1 December in the Forum Credit Union Conference Center, 11313 USA Parkway, Fishers.

The event also includes a Christmas Tree Trail with trees to be auctioned at the ball. See the 12 holiday tree, festooned by local decorators, starting at Allisonville Nursery.

And, check out the video:


(Photo, of the tree decorated by J. Baker Interiors, courtesy of the Fishers Rotary Club -- as is the video)

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

God Has Spoken


If God plans everything, then Mourdock's defeat was preordained, n'est-ce pas?

Understanding U.S. Cultural Norms


Ansuyah Naiken of the International Center of Indianapolis will explain U.S. social customs and manners, ways in which Americans communicate, and how Americans view time and the role of family during a presentation beginning at 6 p.m. 27 November in the Senior Room of the Glick Center at Crooked Creek, 2990 West 71st Street, Indianapolis.

Dr. Juana Watson of Marian University will discuss the difference between assimilation and acculturation.

This program is part of the Reuben Educational Series sponsored by the Immigrant Welcome Center. It is free and open to the public.

Reserve a chair by calling 317:808-2302, ext. 2388, or sending an email to rsvp@immigrantwelcomecenter.org.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

First Friday Food Trucks


First Friday now means food trucks in Indy, thanks to Leinenkugel's.

The parking lot of the venue formerly known as the Murat Theatre (map) will be filled with at least 15 different food trucks from 5 to 9 p.m. 2 November -- not to mention music, games and art. Green River Ordinance is playing this weekend.

Admission is $5 (plus whatever food, beer etc. you purchase). And, yes, the event is family friendly.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

No, It's Not Because of Sandy


All Indianapolis Public Library locations will be closed November 12, 2012. for the annual Library Staff In-Service Day.

(Photo courtesy of Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library)

Monday, October 29, 2012

Indiana Town Hall Series

Join the conversation at the Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, for the second of three public forums on health care.

"Healthcare Disparity and Access" is the topic for the 1 November session, moderated by Barbara Lewis, host of WFYI's Sound Medicine.

It begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by the panel conversation beginning at 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Mourdock: God Plans Everything That Happens


"There are plenty of reasons that a sensible Hoosier would not want to have Mourdock as a senator. He’s a Tea Party favorite who toppled the longtime incumbent, Senator Richard Lugar, in a primary, during which he said that his definition of bipartisanship was 'Democrats coming to the Republican point of view.'” As state treasurer, he sued to stop the Obama administration’s rescue of Chrysler, a company that is directly or indirectly responsible for about 100,000 jobs in Indiana.

"But let’s just talk today about his comment on abortion. Mourdock was basically saying that everything that happens is part of God’s plan. Did that mean God’s plan included evil things like sexual assault? Or just pregnancies as a result of sexual assault? Theologians have been arguing these kinds of questions for more than a thousand years. I don’t think we can expect to work them out in the Indiana Senate debate."

Read the rest here.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Headless Horseman Rides Through Sunday


The Headless Horseman has extended his stay at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in Fishers (map). Instead of riding off on Saturday (27 October), he'll make more appearances on Sunday (28 October).

Gates will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday (25-28 October). Nightly thrills include a haunted hayride, pumpkin bowling, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow marionette show, catapulting pumpkins, scary-o-ke singing, nightly showings of Disney’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” film and a carnival games midway.
Hayride times are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Special programs this week include:

*Ghost Hunters (7, 8 and 9 p.m. Friday)
Find out just what it takes to be a successful ghost hunter and hear from Indiana Scientific Paranormal Investigators and Quest Paranormal Research as they share their techniques and tales of the job.

*Insects as Food (7, 8 and 9 p.m. Saturday)
Purdue University’s Department of Entomology and the Thomas Say Society will present a journey through the global uses of insects, focusing on their role as food for many cultures. They will be cooking up some recipes – try a taste!

Thursday and Sunday tickets are at the gate; Friday and Saturday tickets are $15 at the gate.

(Photo courtesy of Conner Prairie Interactive History Park)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Mourdock Has Jumped the Shark


Here's the lead paragraph in tonight's Huffington Post: "Indiana GOP U.S. Senate candidate Richard Mourdock declared Tuesday night he opposes aborting pregnancies conceived in rape because 'it is something that God intended to happen'."

Look hard in the mirror, all of you who voted for Mourdock in the Indiana Republican primary.

You decided to replace a true statesman -- Richard G. Lugar -- with this Tea Party buffoon!

This Indianapolis Observer is appalled.

Surely there will be more in other news outlets, but you can read Michael McAuliff's coverage here: "Richard Mourdock On Abortion"

UPDATE
Thomas L. Friedman wrote this in the New York Times:
"Too many Republicans, particularly moderate business types, don’t want to admit how much their party has been led around of late, not by traditional conservatives, but by a radical Tea Party base that has driven decent, smart conservatives — like Bob Bennett of Utah, Bob Inglis of South Carolina, Richard Lugar of Indiana and Olympia Snowe of Maine — out of office."

How can the Indiana GOP sleep at night?

UPDATE 2
Richard Mourdock, misogynist: "The latest entrant into the Republican rape insensitivity bake-off is Indiana Senate candidate Richard Mourdock, who said tonight that 'even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen'."

UPDATE 3
"Rape Pregnancies: Just Another Part of God's Plan": "Mourdock was so busy worrying about articulating why he wants to take away women's rights after they are raped that he neglected to remember that rapists are both criminals in the eyes of the law, and sinners in the eyes of his God."

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Move Along, Folks; Nothing to See Here


"There are new concerns that the city's homeless could be costing Indianapolis big money and business," according to Fox 59.

Read it here: "Mayor's office works to solve homeless issue in city".

And a tip of the hat to Advance Indiana for calling attention to the issue: "Ballard Worries About Homeless Blight On Downtown But Not Growing Crime Problem".

This Indianapolis Observer sez, add the "panhandling problem" to Indy's high visitor tax and it's a wonder anyone books a meeting or convention in the Circle City!

Friday, September 28, 2012

A Morbid Fear


"Indiana was a free Union state, but one with strong pro-slavery sentiments," writes Stephen Towne in "Emancipation in Indiana", part of a series on the Civil War in The New York Times.

" The racism of the majority whites in Indiana of that era was profound. Both Republicans and Democrats shared a hatred and morbid fear of African-Americans."

Read the whole article here.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

A World of Difference


The fifth annual "A World of Difference – An International Parade" will step off at 10 a.m. September 29 from Lafayette Square Mall, Indianapolis (map).

The celebration from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes the parade, but also an informational fair, restaurant taste event and performances. More than 40 different cultural organizations are involved in the World of Difference, which is sponsored by the Lafayette Square Area Coalition.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Indiana Town Hall Series

Join the conversation at the Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, for the first of three public forums on health care.

"Vaccines: Yesterday and Today" is the topic for the 4 October session, moderated by Barbara Lewis, host of WFYI's Sound Medicine.

It begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by the panel conversation beginning at 7 p.m.

The last two sessions are set for 1 November and 6 December.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Golf Classic

The 21st annual Golf Classic sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Indiana and the Indiana Japan Chamber will be held 23 September at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, 4400 West 16th Street, Indianapolis.

After a continental breakfast, the shotgun start is set for 9 a.m. An awards luncheon at 2:30 p.m. ends the day. Registration fee for non-members is $170.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

If You've Never Driven in Carmel...

For those of us who just can't figure out how to navigate roundabouts, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works has scheduled open houses throughout Marion County to provide an overview on "how to drive, ride and walk them".

That's because Indy will start building their own, and doesn't want confused drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians. Seriously.

If you want to attend, here's the schedule:

Warren and Lawrence Townships- 20 September, 4-6 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 4332 German Church Road

Pike and Washington Townships- 24 September, 4-6 p.m., Nora Branch Library, 8625 Guilford Avenue

Perry and Franklin Townships- 26 September, 4-6 p.m., Franklin Road Branch Library, 5550 South Franklin Road

Center Township- 1 October, 4-6 p.m., Damenverein Room, The Athenaeum, 401 East Michigan Street

Wayne and Decatur Townships- 2 October, 4-6 p.m., Decatur Branch Library, 5301 Kentucky Avenue

(Photo courtesy of Indy.gov)

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Fest-Filled Weekend

Everybody knows that September is Indy's best month, weather-wise, and the stack of things to do this weekend is proof.

Indy Jazz Fest is well underway (it started Monday), with the big performances Saturday and Sunday in Broad Ripple's Opti-Park.

The 17th annual Irish Fest starts today and runs through Sunday in Military Park downtown.

The Indianapolis Sister Cities International Festival is from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday at the Indianapolis City Market downtown.

Also on Saturday is the 32d Fiesta sponsored by La Plaza, which celebrates Indy's Latino communities. It's on the American Legion Mall downtown from noon 'til midnight.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

If You Wanna Know Why The Star Has Tanked....


...check out this post by Paul K. Ogden: "Former Indianapolis Star Editor is Flown to Spokane..."

Snippet:

..." former Star Editor-in-Chief Dennis Ryerson was flown out to Spokane to support the Straub in his appointment as 'director of law enforcement' of that city."

As Ogden says, "seriously?"

Monday, September 10, 2012

Can Somebody Who Follows the Colts...


...explain to this Indianapolis Observer just why the team sent Peyton Manning away?

"Manning Magnificent in Denver Debut".

And we're surprised, why?

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Liz Naumann at the Athenaeum Art Space


A wine and cheese reception marks the opening of the exhibition of the art of Liz Naumann.

The event takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. tomorrow (7 September) in the Athenaeum Art Space, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis. It's open to the public at no charge.

A German artist from Gutach/Breisgau in the Black Forest, Naumann brings the art of Heimat to the Athenaeum. Her paintings of rural farmhouses, landscapes, Fastnacht (Fasching) masks and little chapels are full of vibrant color. Included are numerous images from Freiburg, the Black Forest and, in particular, Pfaffenweiler -- the ancestral village of many Hoosier Germans (especially in Jasper).

The exhibit will continue through September. For more information, contact the Max Kade Center, 317:274-2330.

(Painting by Liz Naumann courtesy of the Max Kade Center)

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Wet Enough For Ya?


Citizens Energy Group and Mayor Greg Ballard today [4 September 2012] announced the recession of Executive Order #4, which declared a water shortage warning and contained mandatory water use restrictions, effective at noon tomorrow [5 September 2012].

The mandatory warning and water restrictions took effect 13 July 2012.

"Haunted DC"

Gear up for Halloween by watching "Haunted D.C.", a presentation of Victorian Theatre by Candlelight.

The play, by James Trofatter, will be staged on weekend days from 12 through 21 October in the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 North Delaware Street Indianapolis.

The performance progresses through the mansion as guests encounter different ghosts, among them: Abraham Lincoln, William Henry Harrison, James Garfield and Dolley Madison who are rumored to haunt D.C. to this day.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children (ages 6 to 17); no children under 6. Advance registration required.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Guerilla Art in Indy


Your Indianapolis Observer was tipped to this ephemera by a friend in Santa Monica, California.

How come these images aren't all over the Indianapolis media?

You can see more here.

Kudos to Tasha Lewis!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Trash Pickup Delayed by Labor Day Holiday


There will be NO residential trash, heavy trash, or curbside recycling service on Monday (3 September) in observance of Labor Day.

All routes will run one day behind as a result.

Monday’s routes will run on Tuesday, Tuesday’s routes will run on Wednesday, and so on, with Friday routes being run on Saturday (8 September).

All routes will return to normal schedules on 11 September.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Rabbit Breeders Convention


The 62nd annual convention of the Indiana State Rabbit Breeders Association will be held September 8 and 9 in the Northwest Pavilion of the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis (map).

Judging will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 8 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 9. Admission is free.

(Photo by Christa Schumacher-Schwarz)

Friday, August 24, 2012

All American Horse Classic


The All American Horse Classic is set for September 4 through 89 in the Pepsi Coliseum, West Pavilion, South Pavilion and Outdoor Arena of the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis (map).

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

IndyFringe


It's not too late to participate in the IndyFringe Festival, continuing through August 26.

"Do Re Mi Fa So Latino", an Hispanic re-imagination of American pop culture, performs on the Phoenix Theatre mainstage.

"After Paul McCartney" (comedy with a question mark by Rob Johansen -- pictured above) takes place at Comedy Sportz Arena.

"Singular Sensations!" is on stage 2 at Theatre on the Square.

"The Blue Monkey Sideshow presents NEW BLUE" in the Cook Theater at Indiana Landmarks.

And, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Catch a performance this week (before they're all gone for another year).

(Photo courtesy of IndyFringe)

Monday, August 20, 2012

Big final weekend caps great State Fair


The report is in from this year's running of the Indiana State Fair:

INDIANAPOLIS – A beautiful final weekend of weather and a diverse line-up of free concerts throughout its 17-day run helped the Indiana State Fair finish as a tremendous success. For just the second time since the fair went to the 17-day format, the fair attracted more than 70,000 visitors on three different days. Overall, 853,941 people attended the event.

“We went all out to celebrate the ‘Hoosier Spirit’ this year, and people really loved it,” State Fair Executive Director Cindy Hoye said. “Our partnership with the American Dairy Association of Indiana was fantastic – I’ve never seen the Dairy Bar so crowded for so many days! This was a very special fair.”

An extended line-up of nationally known performers like REO Speedwagon, Allstar Weekend, Easton Corbin, MC Hammer and David Crowder made the Free Stage a very popular attraction. The nearby SuperDogs show also played to capacity crowds throughout the fair.

A wide variety of events at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand kept fairgoers entertained. From the Timberworks Lumberjacks to the Great American Wild West Show, visitors were treated to fun, interactive shows day after day. Motor sports fans also had a lot to see in the grandstand with four different events, including the Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National motorcycle race on Saturday.

Four days of 90 degree weather and six days of rain and thundershowers kept attendance down on certain days, but special discounts and promotions continue to draw families to the fair. The new $18 three-day advance admission pass was an instant success and the fair’s $2 Tuesday specials continue to be a big hit with people.

The fair expects to announce next year’s featured agricultural commodity in the coming weeks. Next year’s State Fair runs Aug. 2 – 18.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Mourdock: Repeal the 17th Amendment


Here's the report from Salon.com:

"Richard Mourdock, who recently ousted longtime Republican Indiana Sen. Dick Lugar in a GOP primary, [said], 'You know the issue of the 17th Amendment is so troubling to me … The Senate was there to represent the states. In other words, the government of the states', Mourdock said in May."

Yep. The Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate doesn't think the voters of Indiana should elect their senators.

You can read the whole article here.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Cotton-Ropkey House Needs an Angel


IBJ.com reports, "Indiana Landmarks is making another push to save an 1850 house on the city’s northwest side that is threatened by development.

"The Cotton-Ropkey House, at 79th Street and Marsh Road just west of Interstate 465, sits on 95 acres that Kite Realty Group bought in 2004. Five years later, facing a tepid development climate, Kite agreed to let Landmarks search for a buyer. Kite would sell the house for $1 if the buyer would agree to move it to another site."

One of the oldest houses in Marion County, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original owner, Isaac Cotton, was a Pike Township clerk and assessor who served as the township's Civil War draft enrollment commissioner and was a beekeeper, swine breeder and wool grower. The home was sold to the Ropkey family in 1937. The Ropkeys sold the house and land in 2004 when zoning issues forced a move of their hobby, the Ropkey Armor Museum out of town.

This Indianapolis Observer would hope that St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, located across 79th Street, would purchase the home for a parsonage. Another option is moving it to a site further west on 79th Street in the Normandy Farms development. Any architecture angels out there?

The Cotton-Ropkey house at 6360 West 79th Street dates from 1850 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original owner, Isaac Cotton, was a Pike Township clerk and assessor who served as the township's Civil War draft enrollment commissioner and was an accomplished beekeeper, swine breeder and wool grower. Most recently the antique farmhouse was home to the Ropkey family which maintained a collection of military equipment relics, including tanks and airplanes. The Ropkey Armor Museum has since moved to Crawfordsville.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Stage Coach Mishap at State Fair


Here's the news release from the Indiana State Fair:

Prior to tonight’s eight-horse hitch competition at the Indiana State Fair, a stage coach performing the pre-event entertainment tipped on its side while taking a turn. Six people, including the driver, were aboard the coach. The five passengers, including the State Fair queen, were transported to Methodist Hospital with minor injuries. All are reported to be in stable condition.

The driver of the coach has more than 20 years of stage coach driving experience and kept his team of six horses under control after the coach tipped. He was examined by the medical team on site and had no injuries. The crowd on hand was asked to leave the Coliseum until the hitch competition began at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Michael Beschloss on Washington DC

Here's your chance to see someone in person who's usually just a talking head on a television screen.

Michael Beschloss, touted by Newsweek as "the nation's leading presidential historian", will talk about Washington, D.C., during the seventh annual Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series event to be held at 6 p.m. 13 September in the Columbia Club, Indianapolis.

Tickets are available (starting at $125) from the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, which benefits from the event.

If you're really a big fan, for $175 you'll get admission not only to the dinner and presentation, but a private reception with Mr. Beschloss in the Harrison Home.

As part of the program, the Presidential Site will present the 2012 Advancing American Democracy Award to The Honorable Sarah Evans Barker. This award recognizes an individual who advances the values of American democracy by encouraging and enabling ethical citizen participation in government.

The Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series is made possible through a restricted fund provided by the family of the late Mary Tucker Jasper to support an annual series of lectures. Mary Tucker Jasper was a 75-year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter.

Here's Beschloss in action:

Friday, August 10, 2012

Sunday's India Day in Indy



Thursday, August 9, 2012

Indianapolis: A City of Immigrants


The Indiana Historical Society Press has released "Indianapolis: A City of Immigrants", a booklet by M. Teresa Baer, managing editor of family history publications for the IHS.

Baer will talk about the history of immigration in central Indiana and the story behind publication of the booklet at noon 21 August in the Multipurpose Room at the Indiana History Center, 450 West Ohio Street.

The 70-page paperback is available online. Cost is $11.99.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Hoe Down for Children's TherAplay


Got your Western wear handy? That's the suggested attire for a Hoe Down and Wild West Casino set for 29 September at Lucky Farms, 9919 Towne Road, Carmel.

Parking and shuttle service is provided at College Park Church, 2906 West 96th Street, Indianapolis, from 6:15 to 11:15 p.m.

Tickets are $100 per person. Reservations are due by 14 September.

The Hoe Down benefits the Children's TherAplay Foundation, a non-profit outpatient pediatric rehabilitation clinic providing physical and occupational therapy for children with special needs.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Handcuffed Man Shoots Himself


"The Curious Case of Chavis Carter".

This Indianapolis Observer is conjuring up images of a similar incident in Indianapolis not too many years ago.

What is it about law enforcement that causes such explanations?

Friday, August 3, 2012

“Chew On This — Crossroads 1987″


Join Indiana Humanities and Indiana Sports Corp. for "Chew on This", a series of dinner conversations at 10 special venues around Indianapolis to discuss the success, failures and lasting impact of the Pan American Games in Indy on its 25th anniversary.

In addition to conversing and consuming with 19 other smart and engaged folks, your discussion may be facilitated by one of the city’s leaders who helped make the Pan Am Games the success they were.

After the conversation, participants are invited to an exhibit of Pan Am Games memorabilia in the Indianapolis Artsgarden for appetizers and cocktails. This event is part of Indiana Humanities’ two-year theme, "Spirit of Competition".

Tickets are available online.

"Chew on This" is a program designed by Indiana Humanities to use the power of food and drink as a convener of people and catalyst for conversation to inspire thoughtful discussion on engaging topics.

(And, a tip of the hat to Provocate.org for this info.)

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Ernesto May Form in Atlantic


State College, Pa. -- 2 August 2012 -- AccuWeather.com reports Tropical Depression five formed over the Atlantic Ocean at approximately 5 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

The depression could strengthen into Tropical Storm Ernesto by early Friday near the Windward Islands, according to AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Andrew Mussoline.

If formed, Ernesto will produce winds in excess of 40 mph, a storm surge of 1 to 3 feet and heavy, flooding rains.

"Strong wind shear, an inhibitor of tropical development, will limit the potential for rapid strengthening over the next couple of days," Mussoline said. "However, the wind shear is expected to weaken during the weekend, where the opportunity for further strengthening is possible."

Satellite imagery Thursday indicated Ernesto was fairly disorganized, indicating little strengthening will occur through the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to Meteorologist Mark Mancuso, "Tropical systems that fail to organize into a tropical storm or hurricane prior to entering the Caribbean, often fail organize until reaching the western end of the sea."

This may be due to the impact of the large land mass of South America to the south and towering mountains over the Greater Antilles to the north.

The first part of next week the system could be anywhere in the vicinity from Belize to the western tip of Cuba.

Looking at impacts to the United States, the system, potentially a tropical storm or greater by then, could move into southern parts of the Gulf of Mexico during the latter part of next week.

Here's hoping that tropical storm forms in the gulf and continues north to give the Hoosier state some rain!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The Worst is Yet to Come: Atlantic Hurricane Season


State College, Pa. -- 1 August 2012 -- Despite a quiet July in the Atlantic, the AccuWeather.com Long-Range Forecasting team still expects the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season to be near normal in terms of the number of named storms. The forecast calls for a total of 12 tropical storms, five named hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

With the number of named tropical storms and hurricanes so far this season factored in, there should be eight additional tropical storms, four of which will become hurricanes, through the rest of the hurricane season. Of those four hurricanes, two could strengthen into major hurricanes, Category 3 or higher.

The tropics will become more active from the middle of August through the middle of September with an uptick in the number of named storms. This is the normal peak time of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The U.S. may be impacted by two more named tropical systems, according to AccuWeather Expert Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski. The central Gulf Coast to the southern Virginia coast is most likely to get hit. Once again, Florida could be susceptible.

The chances are lower for the western Gulf coast and northern Atlantic coast to endure a direct landfall of a named tropical system, but they are not immune. Even if a storm does not make landfall in these areas, there can still be impact of flooding rainfall far from where storms move inland.

A gradual fading of the season will occur during October, depending on how fast and strong El Niño comes on. El Niño is a phenomenon characterized by above-normal water temperatures across the central and equatorial Pacific. Water temperatures are warming in the Pacific with the pattern trending toward a weak El Niño.

When an El Niño pattern develops, it forces strong westerly winds high in the atmosphere to shift farther south across the Atlantic. More frequent episodes of high wind shear inhibit tropical development by preventing vertical building of clouds and a well-defined center.

This Indianapolis Observer hopes that some of that "flooding rainfall" makes it to the Hoosier State!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Celebrate Benjamin Harrison's Birthday

It's a former president's birthday party -- and everyone's invited.

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site celebrates his 179th birthday 20 August, but the celebration's on the birthday eve -- specifically, a summertime concert featuring Alexandra and the Good Batch between 1:30 and 4 p.m. 19 August on the south lawn of the Harrison home, 1230 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis.

Alexandra -- Alexandra Geis -- is not only a singer-songwriter, she is a direct descendant of Benjamin Harrison. The concert will feature her children's music.

Prior to the free concert, there will be complimentary walk-through tours with Harrison family descendants and distribute a free "Good Batch" CD to every family (while supplies last).

Free birthday cake and ice cream for all guests, a craft for the kids, and a happy birthday song to satisfy all the worthy celebrations.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Ballard Staff Cashes In During Recession


Gary R. Welsh, "Despite a large budget deficit the City of Indianapolis is facing, Mayor Greg Ballard handed out pay raises as high as 31% for top members of his staff."

This Indianapolis Observer wonders just how hizzoner got away with that misuse of taxpayer money!

UPDATE (added 31 July):
"Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s staff received a collective 18-percent raise this spring following the hiring of a new deputy for education with an annual salary of $120,000."

Check out the details in this IBJ.com report: "Dems grumbling over big raises for Ballard's staff".

This Indianapolis Observer knows it's not "only the Dems" who are astonished at Ballard's giving his staff huge raises when simultaneously talking about huge public safety cuts!

UPDATE (added 1 August):
Here's the new normal. Gary R. Welsh writes about Ballard's boneheaded move on Monday. IBJ.com elaborates on the story on Tuesday. And, on Wednesday (today) The Indianapolis Star puts the three-day-old news on page one.

Friday, July 27, 2012

End of an Era for The Indianapolis Star


According to IBJ.com, The Indianapolis Star plans to sell its downtown headquarters building at 307 North Pennsylvania Street.

Now that they've fired most of their editorial staff, this Indianapolis Observer is guessing that they don't need all that space!

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Indy Star to Build Paywall


According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, The Indianapolis Star intends to erect a paywall for its online site as early as August.

IBJ quotes Jim Hopkins (a former USA Today editor and reporter who writes a blog about Gannett) as questioning both the upcoming paywall and a expected subscription cost hike.

"Hopkins scoffs at the notion that content is king at Gannett, noting that layoffs at almost all its publications -- including the Star -- have resulted in less news coverage. 'Reducing the quality of content, then asking people to pay more for it seems like a strange way to do business,' he said."

Monday, July 16, 2012


The 17th annual Middle Eastern Festival takes place at St. George Orthodox Christian Church, 4020 North Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, this weekend.

Hours are 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday (20 and 21 July) and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday (22 July).

In addition to fabulous food plus music by David Al Hakim and his band, there'll be dancing, kids' games and a marketplace.

On the menu are lamb shanks, gyros, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, meat pies, spinach pies, hummus, and a wide array of pastries.

Admission at the door is $5, children under 12 free). For food, you purchase strips of $10 worth of "St. George bucks".

(Photo courtesy of St. George Orthodox Christian Church)

Thursday, July 12, 2012

A Drought in Indiana Brings Water Use Restrictions


Citizens Water has asked Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard to declare a Water Shortage Warning in Marion County in order to implement mandatory water use restrictions including a ban on lawn watering.

These restrictions, expected to be implemented tomorrow (13 July), under the Indianapolis Water Conservation Ordinance, apply to residents in all Marion County communities except Lawrence and Speedway, which operate their own water systems.

While the Indianapolis restrictions may not be enforceable in communities outside Marion County, Citizens is asking all of its customers to abide by the mandatory restrictions or other similar restrictions that may be implemented and enforceable in their own communities.

Mandatory water restrictions are now necessary to maintain proper water pressure to ensure public safety and adequate water supplies for all Central Indiana customers throughout the summer, the company says. Drought conditions and high water use are causing reservoir levels to fall quickly and are putting stress on the distribution system leading to costly main breaks.

Citizens realizes mandatory water use restrictions will create concern among some customers, but the following water use restrictions are absolutely necessary given the continued severe drought conditions.

Indianapolis Water Conservation Ordinance Restrictions:
Customers should be aware that under the water use restrictions during a water warning, the following actions are unlawful under the Marion County Water Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 706).
· Sprinkling, watering, or irrigating of grass;
· Washing cars, trucks, trailers, mobile homes, railroad cars or any other type of mobile equipment, except as required by applicable local, state, or federal law for health or safety reasons;
· Using water to clean sidewalks, driveways, paved areas, structures, buildings, or other outdoor surfaces;
· Filling empty swimming pools;
· Installing new landscaping or new lawn by using sod until return to normal conditions are declared by the mayor;
· Using hydrants except for fire suppression or as otherwise directed by Citizens Energy Group; and
· Operating water fountains that are non-recycling.

Exception: · Vegetable gardens and flowers may be watered every other day by container or hand-held hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle. It is also permissible to water trees once per week.

Exemptions: The following water users and water uses shall be exempt from the prohibitions noted above: · Nurseries -- Provided water use is limited to the amount essential to preserve inventories;
· Automatic commercial car washes -- Provided a majority of the water used is recycled;
· Manual commercial car washes -- Provided only a handheld hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle is utilized;
· Golf courses -- Provided tee boxes and greens are watered only on an every other day schedule that begins on Monday of each week and fairways are watered only once per week on Thursday; and
· Parks -- Any watering of property owned or controlled by the department of parks and recreation as directed by the mayor or mayor's designee where such watering is necessary or appropriate for asset preservation.

Violations
· Each customer shall be responsible for compliance with the ordinance with respect to the premises where the customer receives water service. If the identity of the water user cannot be ascertained, the customer with service at that address shall be liable for violations that occur on such premises.
· Water Conservation Penalties are as follows: · First violation in twelve-month period = $100
· Second violation in twelve-month period = $250
· Third violation in twelve-month period = not less than $500
· Fourth violation in twelve-month period = up to $2500 per day per violation Enforcement

The Water Conservation Ordinance shall be enforced by the Indianapolis Department of Code Enforcement. (G.O. 15, 2009, § 1; G.O. 36, 2011, § 24)

(Photo by Ivan Prole)

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

"Hear, There and Once More"


"Hear, There and Once More" is the theme for a quilt exhibition by the Charm Club.

It continues in the Moore-Bruns Gallery and Ogborn Gallery of the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center, 205-225 West Hawthorne Street, Zionsville (map), through 8 September.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays; admission is free.

Members of the Charm Club in 2012 are Janet Brandt, Carol Elrod, Anita Hardwick, Betsy Harris, Eve Howes, Joyce Johnson, Jane Lee, Kate Lenkowsky, Mary S. Moore, Carolyn Queisser, Judy Pleiss, Judy Sweeney and Barbara Thompson.

(Image of "I've Had Enough of the Blues", an original quilt by Anita Hardwick which was inspired by the Tommy Castro song of the same name, courtesy of the Charm Club)

Friday, July 6, 2012

"Othello" in the Park for Free


One of Shakespeare's most iconic works, "Othello", will be presented by Heartland Actors' Shakespeare on the Canal at White River State Park in the Celebration Amphitheatre July 20, 21 and 22.

Performances are at 8 p.m. July 20 and 21, at at 2 p.m. July 22. NOTE: there is no admission charge -- yes, it's free.

The production features Lauren Briggeman, Diane Timmerman, Chris Hatch, Adam Crowe, Scot Greenwell, Brian Noffke, Sam Fain, Robert Neal, Michael Hosp, Jeff Keel, Tom Beeler and Bridgette Richards; it's directed by HART's artistic director Michael Shelton, with lighting by Laura Glover and costumes by Kathleen Egan.

If you're attending, consider arriving early with a picnic to enjoy preshow music and activities in White River State Park.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Super Derecho: "The Land Hurricane"


By Alex Sosnowski
Expert Senior Meteorologist
AccuWeather

AccuWeather.com reports a "super derecho" of violent thunderstorms left a more than 700-mile trail of destruction across the Midwest and mid-Atlantic on Friday, cutting power to millions and killing thirteen people.

More than 600 damaging wind reports were received by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center as the derecho took roughly 12 hours to race from northern Indiana to the southern mid-Atlantic coast.

A derecho is defined as a widespread and long-lived wind storm that accompanies rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. The most severe derechos are given the adjective "super."

Winds gusted to 91 mph (equal to that of a category 1 hurricane) at the Fort Wayne International Airport, Ind., Friday afternoon.

As the derecho maintained its violent nature, an 81 mph gust was then measured at Tuckerton, on the southern New Jersey coast, early Saturday morning.

Downed trees dominated the damaging wind reports and led to the deaths of 13 people, according to Fox News.

One of the multiple trees that crashed into homes in Springfield, Va., killed a 90-year-old woman as she was sleeping in her bed, according to the Associated Press.

A few hours earlier, a falling tree outside of North Middletown, Ky., (located east-northeast of Lexington) killed a man who was attempting to clear some tree limbs off a road.

Two boys died by a pine tree fell onto a tent at Parvin State Park, N.J.

Damage on Friday was not confined to downed trees. Power poles were also snapped, while some structures sustained damage. At least four semi-trucks were blown over by the winds on I-75 between Findlay and Bluffton, Ohio.

States of emergencies have been declared in Virginia, West Virginia and Ohio. With 2.5 million in the dark, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell stated that his state experienced its largest non-hurricane power outage in history.

Friday's super derecho was triggered by a ripple in the jet stream and fueled by the intense heat that caused Washington, D.C., to set a June record high and Columbia, S.C., to break its all-time record on Friday.

Derechos typically strike the lower Midwest states once every year, according to the SPC. The occurrence of derechos, however, are quite rare across the mid-Atlantic, south of Philadelphia. On average, this region endures a derecho once every four years.

One of the most recent significant derechos to slam the United States occurred on May 8, 2009. This weather phenomena traveled more than a thousand miles in 24 hours from southeastern Kansas to the southern spine of the Appalachian Mountains.

Destruction from the May 2009 derecho totaled millions of dollars with numerous injuries and several deaths reported.

One main difference between the May 2009 derecho and Friday's is the number of tornadoes spawned. Forty-five tornadoes were sighted in May 2009, while there was only one unconfirmed report of a tornado on the ground in Newcomerstown, Ohio, Friday afternoon.

Winds in the strongest derechos can top 100 mph. The derecho that tore through Wisconsin and Lower Michigan on May 31, 1998, produced a 128 mph wind gust in eastern Wisconsin.

Additional severe thunderstorms will threaten parts of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic later today, but a repeat of Friday's widespread destruction is not expected.