I was looking for vinegar slaw at the deli in Baesler’s the other day and a lady’s voice behind me said, “I think it’s a little to the right.” I learned it is not called “vinegar slaw,” it’s called “A Dutch Salad” in Baesler’s. I turned to thank the lady and to tell her I’m Ronn Mott and she said, “I know that.” The lady helping me was Sharon Miles. (Sharon is the widow of Chuck Miles, a politico and PR man known to many, and liked by all.) She’s the mother of football coach Trent Miles, who is quite happy with his recent promotion and past success at Indiana State. Trent is now the Head Football Coach at Georgia State. Like many grandmothers whose children are many miles away, she said, “I’m certainly going to miss them.” It goes to show you never know who you’ll meet when you’re looking for vinegar slaw.
The telephone rang the other day and the caller on the other end of the line was Mickey Burk. Mickey lives in Tucker, Georgia, but his heart is in Terre Haute. Loves the city, and misses its people and all of those things he grew up being fond of. He was reading this opinion piece and was enthralled with the story of the Indiana Militia, one of its members I had met at Baesler’s. He was slightly angry about someone disputing my claim that the Waffen SS wore the first camouflage. The writer had said the French were the first. Now, in the article we were talking about cammys, the camouflage uniforms, not the camouflage that hides artillery, tanks, and dug-in foxholes in battle. If you’re talking about that kind of camouflage, the Apaches were probably the best, but not the first.
Anyway, it was good to talk to Mick. When he called, he wasn’t feeling well and struggling a little with his MS. Anyone who ever heard Mickey on the air knows he was never boring. Mickey is bright, funny and sharp as a tack. We miss him and wish he lived closer.
•••
Dave Crooks was doing the play-by-play at a ballgame a week or so ago between Evansville Mater Dei and Washington. He noticed on the roster the name Bucshon. Dave, who ran against Congressman Larry Bucshon, certainly recognized the name. As he was looking around at the crowd he spotted the congressman, so he left the microphone to shake Bucshon’s hand and invite him to do an interview. The congressman told Dave he would not discuss politics, and who would blame him … the situation in Washington, D.C., isn’t anything to brag about.
So, they held the conversation to basketball and kids, and I hope they recorded it because there may be a little gem for history in that interview.
Dave has invited me up to Rockville to see the newly re-built WAXI studios. We’ll follow up on that and let you know what I saw. I really enjoy bumping into folks, contacting and getting contacted by former associates and people I know because it gives me an insight I wouldn’t have from any other source.
I’m certainly looking forward to other people and other things to share with you.
Ronn Mott, a longtime radio personality in Terre Haute, writes commentaries for the Tribune-Star. His pieces are published online Tuesday and Thursday on Tribstar.com, and in the print and online editions on Saturday.
Opinion
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Ronn Mott
Discussion
RONN MOTT: People, places, and things
- Opinion
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RONN MOTT: Why Syria?
Russia is making a lot of noise in favor of Syria. They are supplying Assad’s army with more armaments and basic things such as ammunition and such.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Another beloved dog goes to heaven
We are short one granddog. This past week, “Indy” could no longer use her back legs and she went to that great dog kennel in the hereafter.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 18, 2013
• Beware those who follow Ayn Rand
• Poor excuse for gas price hikes
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MAX JONES: For loyal readers, a bit of news from the T-S newsroom
As journalists toiling to create a content-rich, relevant and compelling community newspaper each day, we feel a special bond with our legions of readers across the Wabash Valley and beyond.
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GUEST COLUMN: One Million Bones exhibit meant to raise awareness, inspire action to end genocide
The National Mall: A grassy corridor in Washington, D.C., lined with America’s greatest museums and monuments.
Ending at the U.S. Capitol building, it is a symbol of our belief in the power and greatness of America. Last weekend, we turned it into a mass grave.
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EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
Now that everyone, on both sides of the aisle, seems backslappingly happy to agree that this spring’s ISTEP school testing debacle was unacceptable, that at least some of the results lack credibility and that the issue carries high-stakes significance, what next?
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The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
I read the letters on the opinion page daily and I find an unusual silence from your liberal progressive contributors lately. Could it be because they don’t have anything to expound upon? Well, maybe I can give them some material.
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A Fathers Day Tribute: Transition — from child to father
Transition seems like a big word to use as his story unfolds. Transition was probably never used in conjunction with speech, his speech, but it demonstrates his life, as it does in many lives lived in his generation.
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READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
Horrible crime cries out for stern justice
Confused about groups’ merger
Global warming fraud exposed
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The Obama Debate: President has served us well
I have not heard a positive thing by those in this area about this president since his 2008 election and 2009 inauguration. Why this manifestation, I just can’t understand.
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RONN MOTT: Not hurried a bit by 21st century tech
Unlike so many of you, I do not get up in the morning and run to turn on my computer. In fact, if you need to reach me in a hurry, I would say that 19th century invention of Alexander Bell’s would be the best way. If you do email me or use some other electronic convenience, better give it a couple of days because I am not in that big of a hurry.
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READERS' FORUM: June 15, 2013
America needs another hero
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EDITORIAL: And now we wait for justice
It is a word we would rather never have on our front page — homicide. That we had to use it twice on Wednesday’s front page is sad, but unavoidable.
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READERS' FORUM: June 14, 2013
Mott statements contradict history
Display the flag
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RONN MOTT: Kill the Umpire!
I don’t know who appointed Major League Baseball’s umpires “Gods,” but if they have been appointed “Gods,” they have appointed people who cannot see or think very well.
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READERS' FORUM: June 13, 2013
Bad odor from gas prices
Build personal library
Morning after? No worries
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EDITORIAL: Remembering Sister Jeanne
Terre Haute is mourning the loss this week of an accomplished and beloved community activist and leader whose life’s work is an inspiration to all who strive to serve.
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EDITORIAL: Embrace the value of traffic planning
Never underestimate the value of a good plan to deal with a crisis, large or small, even if the final analysis of the management of a specific crisis is, “It could have been worse.”
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READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
Like it or not, change coming
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RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
I know I may have looked at these situations differently when I was in my twenties. The world, my life, my career, and the growth of my family all lay ahead of me. So perhaps now, many years later, I see it differently.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
• Great support for local cause
• Another idea on housing issue
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LIZ CIANCONE: Withdrawn society not very social any more
My Best Friend and I went out for lunch the other day. It was a sit-down place with our own “server” (in my day I was called “a waitress”) and everything offering personal attention. The manager even came over to ask if everything was all right.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
• What is the cost of our austerity?
• Vintage campers to gather at rally
• Seek a healthy food alternative
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EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
Later this month, the company behind this spring’s abysmal online administration of ISTEP testing for 27,000 Hoosier schoolchildren is being called to the principal’s office.
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Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
• Taking time to help the world
• Reform by politics will not improve education
• Questions from a wondering mind
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FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
The tragic death of noted weather researcher and former Discovery Channel storm chaser Tim Samaras has shaken all of us in the meteorological community.
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Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
A Psychology Today article titled “What Will You Do if You Win the $550 Million Powerball Lottery?” caught my attention. Helping lottery winners with their money is my long-time gig.
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RONN MOTT: The ‘wilds’ of Collett Park
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EDITORIAL: Fix fraud, don’t punish needy
Waste and fraud in government programs should be rooted out vigilantly. Legislation should fix a problem with a fitting solution, not punish the needy.
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READERS' FORUM: June 7, 2013
Thanks to those who helped VYFL
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