Sunday, October 31, 2010

Song Of The Day - Sunday, 10/31/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/31/2010
Post:  982

"Nobody Does It Better" is a power ballad composed by Marvin Hamlisch with lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager. It was recorded by Carly Simon as the theme song for the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. It was the first Bond theme song to be titled differently from the name of the film, although the phrase "the spy who loved me" is included in the lyrics. Released as a single from the film's soundtrack album, the song became a hit (spending three weeks at #2 on the US singles chart and reaching #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart) and is still popular today. The song also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Song.

The title of the theme was later used for Carly Simon's 1999 greatest hits album, The Very Best of Carly Simon: Nobody Does It Better.

In 2004, the song was honored by the American Film Institute as the 67th greatest song as part of their 100 Years Series.

This song goes out to Cletus "Snowman" Snow of Canaan and his basset hound 'Fred'. We understand that Cletus and 'Fred' listen to Carly Simon tunes as they put the hammer down in their K-Whopperon those long hauls .....

Bible Verse Of The Day - Sunday, 10/31/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/31/2010
Post:  981

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder. – James 2:19

Halloween is a season where many scary things are showcased. Our fears are exploited as the images of frightful creatures and horror movies come to the front. Evil is depicted as a powerful and unstoppable force. But the Scripture paints a different picture: all of hell trembles before the living God. Not only did Jesus defeat ALL the power of fear at the cross, he gave that same victory to us! To stand in the power of Jesus name is the opportunity given to every believer. Even demons shudder before those who know this!

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Laugh Of The Day - Saturday, 10/30/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/30/2010
Post:  980

John Elroy Sanford (December 9, 1922 – October 11, 1991), better known by his stage name Redd Foxx, was an American comedian and actor, best known for his starring role on the sitcom "Sanford and Son".

Here are some funny scenes from "Sanford and Son" starring Redd Foxx (playing Fred Sanford) and Demond Wilson (playing Lamont Sanford, his son) .....

Quote Of The Day - Saturday, 10/30/2010

Published by Lois Lame,


Date:  10/30/2010
Post:  979

"Public officials must not be allowed to use public funds for the purpose of purchasing affinity display ads which have no purpose other than to increase their own name recognition among the public for political purposes."  ~ A. E. Newman, Candidate for Southern District Associate Commissioner of Gasconade County

Bible Verse Of The Day - Saturday, 10/30/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/30/2010
Post:  978

In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!”  ~ Luke 4:33-36

The Scripture acknowledges a dimension of demons and angels. This is more than a superstition of the ancient world; this is a biblical reality. Notice what happens when these worlds collide: demons screaming while Jesus quietly but sternly casting them out. Even though evil may have a louder voice, it is only the sound of desperation. The authority that Jesus has doesn’t need a lot of fanfare; it only needs someone who is willing to speak. God’s whisper is greater than all of hell’s cries.

Today’s commentary  by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Friday, October 29, 2010

PART 2 of 2: "Necessary, appropriate and effective expenditures of public funds" do not include political affinity display ads!

***** UPDATED thru 11/10/2010 *****

Published by Dick Schaefer, Award-winning, Unpaid, Part-time Contributing Writer; Amateur Investigative Reporter; and Aspiring Photo-Journalist

Date: 10/29/2010
Post: 977

A high-profile elected official of Gasconade County appears to have been placing affinity "name recognition" political display ads in The Hermann Advertiser-Courier for some time ..... and paying for them with public funds!  I first raised this issue in a previous posting dated 10/21/2010.  That posting may be accessed for reference by clicking on the following link:
http://hermannhearsay.blogspot.com/2010/10/does-this-ad-represent-necessary.html

From what I have been able to learn, the display ads in question are paid for using public funds as opposed to personal funds or campaign funds. This issue was brought to the attention of the County Commissioners during the past year's budgeting process and the Sheriff was asked to discontinue paying for the ads out of the county's General Revenue Fund. In the 2010 Missouri State Audit Report for Gasconade County posted on the Missouri State Auditor's website in August, State Auditor Susan Montee said this:

"Disbursements incurred by the Sheriff's office for advertising do not appear to represent a necessary use of county funds. During 2009 and 2008, the Sheriff's office purchased band booster advertisements totaling approximately $1,000 per year, which were paid from the county's General Revenue Fund and approved by the County Commission.

The Sheriff's office manager explained the advertisements are purchased to increase public awareness of the Sheriff's department. Starting in 2010, the County Commission no longer allows payment for advertising from the General Revenue Fund. The Sheriff currently pays these expenses from the Sheriff Department Law Enforcement (Civil Fees) Fund, which is controlled by the Sheriff and not by the County Commission.

The county residents have placed a fiduciary trust in county officials to ensure expenditures represent a necessary use of public funds. The Sheriff should evaluate the propriety of spending county funds on these types of items.

Recommendations to the Sheriff:

Ensure all disbursements from county funds represent necessary uses of county funds.

The Sheriff provided the following written response:

The Sheriff will personally ensure that all disbursements from county funds will represent the necessary use of county funds. In regards to the audit finding concerning advertisements done by the Sheriff's office, the Sheriff feels that community awareness programs are an integral part of the overall responsibility the Sheriff has to keep the citizens of Gasconade County informed of programs that are available to citizens and citizen groups and that the Sheriff will continue to support these awareness programs. The Sheriff understands that the County Commission will no longer allow for these types of disbursements."

Since the August, 2010 State Audit, the Sheriff has continued to advertise inappropriately using public funds ..... as though he is "daring" someone to STOP him.  I have counted eight (8) such inappropriate ads in The Hermann Advertiser-Courier alone since August of 2010.  This Sheriff doesn't listen to sound input and advice ..... NOT EVEN FROM THE MISSOURI STATE AUDITOR!

Here's a list of the affinity display ads placed by the Gasconade County Sheriff's Office in The Hermann Advertiser-Courier during the past two years. The Sheriff's Office display ads I've found in 2009 and 2010 editions of the Hermann Advertiser-Courier (thru 10/27/2010) are as follows:
  1. 01/14/09, pg. 12A, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  2. 01/21/09, pg. 14A, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  3. 02/11/09, pg. 12A, Natl Boy Scouts Wk, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  4. 02/11/09, pg. 18A, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  5. 03/11/09, pg. 15A, Natl. Girl Scouts Wk, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  6. 04/01/09, pg. 07A, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  7. 04/15/09, pg. 07A, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  8. 05/06/09, pg. 12A, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  9. 05/20/09, pg. 20A, Memorial Day ad, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  10. 07/01/09, pg. 10A, 4th of July ad, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  11. 08/12/09, pg. 13A, School Safety, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  12. 09/02/09, pg. 03B, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  13. 09/23/09, pg. 13A, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  14. 09/23/09, pg. 19A, Farm Safety/Health Wk, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  15. 10/07/09, pg. 08B, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  16. 10/07/09, pg. 02B, Natl 4-H Week, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  17. 10/07/09, pg. 05A, Photo-Randy Esphorst receives check from Brown Shanty Grp
  18. 10/21/09, pg. 07A, Go Bearcats! Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  19. 10/21/09, pg. 08B, Halloween Contest, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  20. 11/11/09, pg. 20A, Veterans Day, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  21. 12/23/09, pg. 13A, Bearcat Girls JV Basketball, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  22. 12/30/09, pg. 07A, Bearcat Boys JV Basketball, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  23. 02/10/10, pg. 15A, Bearcat Girls Varsity Basketball, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  24. 02/24/10, pg. 18A, Bearcat Girls Varsity Basketball, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  25. 03/10/10, pg. 03B, National Girl Scout Week, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  26. 04/07/10, pg. 07A, Bearcat Golf Team, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  27. 04/14/10, pg. 20A, Bearcat Track Team, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  28. 05/05/10, pg. 07A, Bearcat Baseball Team, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  29. 05/26/10, pg. 14A, Memorial Day, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  30. 09/08/10, pg. 10A, Labor Day, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  31. 09/15/10, pg. 02B, Bearcat Cross Country Team, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  32. 09/22/10, pg. 14A, National Farm Safety & Health Week, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  33. 09/29/10, pg. 03B, Bearcat Girls Softball Team, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  34. 10/06/10, pg. 12A, National 4-H Week, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  35. 10/13/10, pg. 18A, Bearcat Football Team, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  36. 10/20/10, pg. 17A, Halloween Coloring Contest, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  37. 10/27/10, pg. 18A, Bearcat Volleyball, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  38. 11/03/10, pg. 03B, Bearcat Volleyball Team, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
  39. 11/10/10, pg. 14A, Soluting Our Soldiers On Veterans Day, Randy Esphorst, Gasconade County Sheriff
Note:  I have NOT examined The Gasconade County Republican for similar advertisements by the Sheriff's Department.  And I don't know whether any similar advertising is being done in any other publications throughout the county.

Again, the question is:  "Are these ads being paid for with public funds from Gasconade County OR is the Sheriff paying for the ads out of his own personal funds or campaign funds?"

IF the Sheriff is paying for these ads out of personal funds or campaign funds, then I salute him for being a very smart politician.  However, IF he is paying for the ads from personal funds or campaign funds, then the ads should indicate who is paying for the them according to Missouri election and campaign financing laws.  But none of the display ads I have thus far examined indicate anything at all about who has been paying for the ads.

IF the ads are being paid for with Gasconade County public funds, then I question their necessity, their appropriateness and their effectiveness.  IF the ads are being paid for by Gasconade County, then why not list the names of all elected county officials ...... OR better yet, why not cut out altogether the practice of using public funds to pay for what really amounts to political affinity advertising?

I have asked my representative on the County Commission to probe these concerns during the county's budget review meetings for the past two years.  Northern District Associate Commissioner Matt Penning agrees with me and has asked these questions during the 2010 budget process.  The result has been that the expenditures were moved from the General Revenue Fund over to the Sheriff's Law Enforcement Fund.  Apparently the Sheriff doesn't get it.  He is still paying for the advertising out of PUBLIC FUNDS ..... AND NOT HIS OWN PERSONAL FUNDS.  Apparently he believes such advertising represents a necessary, appropriate and effective use of county funds.  I disagree!

These are clearly affinity advertisements intended to associate the Sheriff's name in a positive and supportive way with the Hermann Bearcats, 4-H, holiday observances, etc.  This is nice, and I applaud the Sheriff for supporting these things.  But he shouldn't be doing it with public money.  IF the Sheriff seeks to increase his "name recognition" in a positive way, he should do so with his own personal funds or with campaign funds.

These ads are NOT necessary.  The county's budget is very tight.  This expense could be easily
eliminated without sacrificing service to the citizens of the county.  Money saved in the Sheriff's bloated department budget could be used to better maintain county roads and county facilities ..... like our woefully neglected county courthouse!

These ads are NOT appropriate.  Why should the Sheriff be allowed to spend public funds for what appears to have the sole purpose of increasing his "name recognition" among subscribers to The Hermann Advertiser-Courier?  These ad expenditures are of a political nature.  They convey no essential or useful information to the public.  We already know that Gasconade County has a Sheriff's Department.  (I suppose ALL Missouri counties have a Sheriff's Department!)  I checked my local CenturyLink telephone book and found both the address and telephone number of the Sheriff's office listed.  I also called 1411 for directory assistance, and they were happy to give me the telephone number.  They even sent me a text message with both the Sheriff's office address and the telephone number.  These folks have always been most helpful to me!  So why on earth do I need to continue seeing (and paying for) Sheriff's Department display ads which provide the same information in The Hermann Advertiser-Courier?!

The ads are NOT effective.  Because the Sheriff's Department display ads in The Hermann Advertiser-Courier appear along with a whole host of other display ads, they are probably not even noticed by that many readers.  The Sheriff's ad isn't effective because it doesn't stand out.  The Sheriff's ad isn't effective because it has no utility.  People will not refer to the local newspaper when they need to contact the Sheriff's Department.  Like me, they will look up the telephone number (or address) in their telephone book, or like me, they will call 1411 and seek directory assistance.  The ads are a complete waste of public money.  But I suppose they are politically useful to the Sheriff in terms of keeping his name before the public.

More useful, effective and appropriate advertising or promotion by the Sheriff would be public service announcements which inform and educate the citizens of Gasconade County about such things as:
  1. the telltale signs indicating the existence of a potential meth lab or other illegal drug activities in our neighborhoods,
  2. the services which the Sheriff's Department provides to citizens such as more frequent patrols when they are scheduled to be absent from their rural residences for extended period of times,
  3. driver safety education programs at the high schools in Gasconade County,
  4. drug awareness programs at all schools in Gasconade County, and
  5. etc.
Now these are expenditures by the Sheriff's Department I could support!  Public funds spent.  Public benefits received.  Repetitive affinity display ads containing the Sheriff's name, the address of the Sheriff's Office and the telephone number of the Sheriff's Office benefit ONLY the Sheriff ..... and therefore should be paid for by the Sheriff out of his own personal funds or his campaign funds!

Watkins Weekend Weather Report - Friday, 10/29/2010 thru Sunday, 10/31/2010

Published by Frank Furter, IT Manager, Weekend Weather Reporter, Custodian and Coffee Brewer

Date: 10/29/2010
Post: 976

Welcome to the Watkins Weekend Weather Report!  It looks like it's going to be a cool and partly sunny weekend for the final three days in October.

Here's my weekend forecast for the Hermann area:

Today: Sunny. High 62F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Clear to partly cloudy. Low 36F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow: Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 72F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.

Tomorrow night: A mostly clear sky. Low 39F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the low 40s.

The weather in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday for the Missouri - Nebraska game will be as follows:

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 69F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.  (That means, Tiger fans, that Mizzou QB Blaine Gabbert will be able to operate without worrying about a slippery football or high winds.  GO TIGERS!)



To order Watkins products, contact:
Dick Schaefer
Independent Associate #378589
573-225-2582
richardhschaefer@yahoo.com
For free details about the Watkins business opportunity,
visit www.tsginfo.com and enter code GD4279.

Song Of The Day - Friday, 10/29/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/29/2010
Post:  975

"I Feel the Earth Move" is the first single released by pop singer Carole King, in 1971.

A showcase for King's upbeat piano style, "I Feel the Earth Move" has lyrics with the same percussive feel:

I feel the earth - move - under my feet
I feel the sky tum-b-ling down - tum-b-ling down
I feel my heart start to trem-b-ling -
Whenever you're around

King's version of "I Feel the Earth Move" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated June 19, 1971. It remained there for five consecutive weeks.  It also peaked at #6 in the United Kingdom.

Here is Carole King performing "I Feel The Earth Move" live .....

Photo Of The Day - Friday, 10/29/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/29/2010
Post:  974

The Weber-Schulte Guest House
East Fourth Street
Hermann, MO
10/4/2010

Photo by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Friday, 10/29/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/29/2010
Post:  973

"The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up."  ~ Bob Uecker

Quote Of The Day - Friday, 10/29/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/29/2010
Post:  972

"All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don't discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others."  ~ Danny Thomas

Bible Verse Of The Day - Friday, 10/29/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/29/2010
Post:  971

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?  ~ Psalm 8:3-4

When we look at the vastness of God’s creation, the thought that God would actually be mindful of us in the midst of it seems egocentric! Yet this is the revelation of the God of the Bible. It’s not that we have created a God in our image, but God has created us in His image. The Bible describes that image as a little lower than the angels! The majesty of God’s universe takes nothing away from His care for us. Do you feel insignificant in your environment? Remember that God cares for you! When you understand the mission of God through Jesus Christ to redeem His creation, how can you come to any other conclusion?

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Hermann Hearsay Decides Against Live Coverage On Election Night

Published by Jimmy Oldsun, NDRIRSRWRAFTC & Editor

Date:  10/28/2010
Post:  970

Our competitor over on West Fifth Street has announced that they will be covering the election returns next Tuesday night, 11/2, live from the county courthouse.  Heck, they're even gonna have three of their top correspondents working the election returns on Tuesday night!  That's all fine and dandy, but Hermann Hearsay has decided to just wait and publish the final results on Wednesday.  Why shoot fire folks, we just figure most Hermann people will be watching the World Series on Tuesday night, or the national election returns, or perhaps their favorite TV shows, or maybe they'll be pitchin' washers down at the Eagle Hall, or maybe a few like Elmer Fudd and Quincy McGoo will be drinkin' Stag beer down at Sharp Corner Tavern, or maybe some of the lady folks will be doin' some late night grocery shopping out at Village Market.

So we'll just wait and make our report along with a complete analysis of local election results on Wednesday, 8/3.  We figure most folks here in Hermann can wait to hear the results on Wednesday.  And if y'all can't, well that's just tough luck!

"Those who cast the votes decide nothing.
Those who count the votes decide everything." 
~ Joseph Stalin

PART 2 of 2 (Sheriff Advertising) Being Written ...... Albeit Slowly!

Published by Dick Schaefer, Award-winning, Unpaid, Part-time Contributing Writer; Amateur Investigative Reporter; and Aspiring Photo-Journalist

Date:  10/28/2010
Post:  969

Folks, I know a number of you are waiting patiently for me to complete a report I started several days ago regarding the unnecessary spending on PR affinity advertising by the Gasconade County Sheriff' Office.  I'm still working on it, I assure you.  My investigations have taken me to the local public library and the Missouri State Auditor's website.  The kind of hard-hitting investigative reporting I do is very tedious and time consuming.  Lots of detail and lots of checking and re-checking pertinent facts!  I guess that's why you don't see investigative reports like mine in the local newspapers or on the website of a local "news" organization.

Expect to see PART 2 posted either this evening or at least by tomorrow afternoon at the latest!

Hermann Hearsay, your source for the stories that others are too lazy or too timid to report!

Song Of The Day - Thursday, 10/28/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/28/2010
Post:  968

James Joseph "Jim" Croce (January 10, 1943 – September 20, 1973) was an American singer-songwriter. Between 1960 and 1973, Croce released six studio albums and eleven singles. His singles "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time In A Bottle" were both number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Croce died in a plane crash at the age of 30.

Here is Jim Croce performing one my favorite songs of 1973, "Time In A Bottle" .....

Photo Of The Day - Thursday, 10/28/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/28/2010
Post:  967

Bronze Plaque at the Statue of Hermann Arminius
Hermannplatz at North Market Street
Hermann, MO
10/4/2010

Photo by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Thursday, 10/28/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/28/2010
Post:  966

"I tell ya, I don't get no respect ... Last week, my wife told me that she was going to cut me down to twice a month. But I thought about it, and I figured that it wasn't too bad. I know a couple of guys that she cut out completely!"  ~ Rodney Dangerfield


Quote Of The Day - Thursday, 10/28/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor


Date:  10/28/2010
Post:  965

"A perfection of means, and confusion of aims, seems to be our main problem."  ~ Albert Einstein

Bible Verse Of The Day - Thursday, 10/28/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date: 10/28/2010
Post:  964

After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.  ~ Judges 2:10

And so the book of Judges chronicles a people who turned their hearts from God, came under judgment, cried out to God, and were delivered. The only problem is that this pattern happened over and over again. One of the issues was that generations grew up who were not taught the ways of God. Whether as a parent or a leader in the church, are we empowering the next generation with God’s words and deeds, or are we protecting our achievements for our own satisfaction? The book of Judges stands as witness and a warning of what happens when the current generation does not take the time or energy to invest into the next generation.

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Song Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/27/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/27/2010
Post:  963

"You've Got a Friend" is a song from 1971. The song, written by Carole King, was included in her album Tapestry of 1971, but was made famous by James Taylor's cover version the same year. Taylor's rendition, released as a single from his own 1971 album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. The James Taylor version also spent one week at the top of the Easy Listening charts. "You've Got a Friend" won Grammy Awards both for Taylor (Best Male Pop Vocal Performance) and King (Song of the Year).

Here is James Taylor performing "You've Got A Friend" .....

Photo Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/27/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/27/2010
Post:  962

Tasting Room - Dierberg, Star Lane & Three Saints Wines
East First Street
Hermann, MO
10/4/2010

Photo by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/27/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/27/2010
Post:  961

An episode from the "Amos n' Andy Show" ..... George "Kingfish" Stevens slips up .....

Quote Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/27/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/27/2010
Post:  960

"All politics is local."  ~ Thomas P. 'Tip' O'Neill

Bible Verse Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/27/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/27/2010
Post:  959

Pharaoh said, “Lazy, that’s what you are-lazy! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’  ~ Exodus 5:17

This passage occurs as Moses is confronting the Pharaoh of Egypt to liberate the people of God from slavery. But as the Jews found, reforming a culture doesn’t come easily. Many times (if not most) lasting change is met with accusations and hardship. It can become much more challenging before that moment of breakthrough comes. Yet God’s promises stands sure and, like the Israelites, we need to brace ourselves for the long haul. Some promises are fulfilled in our lifetime, others will be fulfilled long after we are gone, but God’s word will not return void. He is faithful to do all that He promises

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Song Of The Day - Tuesday, 10/26/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/26/2010
Post:  958

"Daydream" is the second album by The Lovin' Spoonful, released in 1966. It features two hits, the title track, which reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Top 40 charts, and "You Didn't Have to Be So Nice" (U.S. No. 10).

With only five originals on their debut release, "Daydream" introduced the rising songwriting talents of lead vocalist John Sebastian who either wrote or co-wrote all the songs on this release except for one cover tune.

Here is one of my favorite groups from the 60s, The Lovin' Spoonful, performing "Daydream" .....

Photo Of The Day - Tuesday, 10/26/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/26/2010
Post:  957


Gazebo at Hermannhof Winery
Viewed from East First Street Bridge
Hermann, MO
10/4/2010

Photo by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Tuesday, 10/26/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/26/2010
Post:  956

"For the first time in history, there are 100,000 home foreclosures in the month of September. 100,000 people were told this fall they were going to lose their house. 100,001 if you count Nancy Pelosi."  ~ Jay Leno, 10/14/2010

Quote Of The Day - Tuesday, 10/26/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/26/2010
Post:  955

"Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership."  ~ Colin Powell

Bible Verse Of The Day - Tuesday, 10/26/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/27/2010
Post:  954

The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.  ~ Psalm 14:2-3

This can be a discouraging Scripture until you understand that it gives us good news. According to Scripture, we have become so corrupt that we cannot get ourselves to seek after God. But this is where God’s mercy shines. In our ignorance, He sent someone to teach us about the Father. As we turn aside, He sent someone to show us the way to God. As we became corrupt from Adam’s sin, He sent someone to take that sin upon Himself and bring us back to purity. In other words, this passage tells us that we need a Savior, or one who will save us from our sin. And thanks be to God, He sent a Savior for His people, Jesus Christ! That is good news indeed!

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Monday, October 25, 2010

Song Of The Day - Tuesday, 10/25/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/25/2010
Post:  953

For several months, our "Song of the Day" has been taken from the collections of the following artists:

Sunday - Willie Nelson
Monday - The Beatles
Tuesday - Elvis Presley
Wednesday - Ray Charles
Thursday - Eric Clapton
Friday - John Denver
Saturday - Patsy Cline

Starting today, we will be "mixing it up" a bit.  I hope you will enjoy the variety of our song selections.

"Hotel California" is the title song from the Eagles' album of the same name and was released as a single in February 1977. It is one of the best-known songs of the album-oriented rock era. Writing credits for the song are shared by Don Felder, Don Henley and Glenn Frey. The Eagles' original recording of the song features Henley singing the lead vocals and concludes with an extended section of electric guitar interplay between Felder and Joe Walsh.

Here then are the Eagles with their very popular song "Hotel California" .....

Photo Of The Day - Monday, 10/25/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/25/2010
Post:  952

Hofgarten
Viewed from Gutenberg Street
Hermann, MO
10/4/2010

Photo by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Monday, 10/25/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/25/2010
Post:  951

A memorable scene from the "Andy Griffith Show".  Deputy Barney Fife (played by Don Knotts) barks out instructions to newly deputized "officers" .....

Quote Of The Day - Monday, 10/25/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/25/2010
Post:  950

"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without."  ~ President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Bible Verse Of The Day - Monday, 10/25/2010

Published by Lois LameSSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/25/2010
Post:  949

He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.  ~ Micah 4:3

This vision of the end times is something that we all long for. If we asked most people to describe a perfect world, we would probably get similar answers: no more wars, poverty is gone, sorrow would no longer exist. Interestingly enough this is how the Biblical narrative begins and how it ends. Our longings for a better world are a sign that we were made for more that what this current earth has to offer.

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Song Of The Day - Sunday, 10/24/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/24/2010
Post:  948

It's "Willie Nelson Sunday".  Here's Willie singing "Always On My Mind" .....

Bible Verse Of The Day - Sunday, 10/24/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/24/2010
Post:  947

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.  ~ Hebrews 4:9-11

Just like the other commandments, the Sabbath of Moses was a shadow of the Sabbath that Christ gives us. Jewish adherents celebrate Sabbath once a week, but Christ wants to offer Sabbath to his people everyday. Notice that we are to take great effort to enter the rest of God, because we are prone to take the burden of our work and our lives everyday. But to constantly wrestle with those burdens, willingly lay them down and rest is an action of faith and obedience that God blesses.

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Song Of The Day - Saturday, 10/23/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/23/2010
Post:  946

It's Saturday, so once again it's time for a Patsy Cline song. Here's Patsy singing "Blue" .....

Photo Of The Day - Saturday, 10/23/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/23/2010
Post:  945

Entrance to Hofgarten from Gutenberg Street
(Hermannhof Suites in Background)
Hermann, MO
10/4/2010

Photo by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Saturday, 10/23/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/23/2010
Post:  944

"Vice President Joe Biden told The New York Times that President Obama has asked him to run again in 2012. The bad news? Nobody is asking Obama yet."  ~ Jay Leno, 10/15/2010

Quote Of The Day - Saturday, 10/23/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/23/2010
Post:  943

"What?  Me worry?"  ~ A. E. Newman, Candidate for Gasconade County Southern District Associate Commissioner

Bible Verse Of The Day - Saturday, 10/23/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/23/2010
Post:  942

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?  ~ Esther 4:14

Esther was given the unique role of being the queen of Babylon when the king had given an order to eliminate the Jewish people. Her cousin, Mordecai, reminds her that she was placed there for purposes that they could not have fathomed until now.

In the same way, we have been placed in positions for such a time as this. Whether employed or unemployed, demoted or promoted, God has placed us where we are for a unique purpose.

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Friday, October 22, 2010

Watkins Weekend Weather Report - Friday, 10/22/2010 thru Sunday, 10/24/2010

Published by Frank Furter, IT Manager, Weekend Weather Reporter, Custodian and Coffee Brewer

Date: 10/22/2010
Post: 941

Welcome to the Watkins Weekend Weather Report!  It looks like it may be a wet weekend for Hermann's Oktoberfest!  (A great time to buy one of our "Frank said it would!" golf umbrellas!)

Here's my weekend forecast:

Today: Partly cloudy. High 79F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight: Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low 54F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Tomorrow: Showers and a few thunderstorms likely. Warm. High near 80F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Tomorrow night: Variably cloudy with scattered thunderstorms. Low 57F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

Sunday: A few thunderstorms possible. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid 50s.

Song Of The Day - Friday, 10/22/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/22/2010
Post:  940

It's Friday so it's time for a John Denver song!  Here is John singing "Sunshine On My Shoulder" .....

Photo Of The Day - Friday, 10/22/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/22/2010
Post:  939

Entrance to Hofgarten from Gutenberg Street
Hermann, MO

Photo taken 10/4/2010 by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Friday, 10/22/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/22/2010
Post:  938

Commenting on the debate between Delaware Senate candidates Christine O'Donnell and Chris Coons .....

"They asked her to name a Supreme Court case that she disagreed with; she said Kramer vs. Kramer."  ~ Bill Maher

Quote Of The Day - Friday, 10/22/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/22/2010
Post:  937

Juan Williams, the former National Public Radio news analyst who was abruptly fired this week for expressing a personal view on Fox News, called for the federal government to stop funding the radio organization.

Juan Williams said this morning in an interview on "Fox and Friends" .....

“If they want to compete in the marketplace, they should compete in the marketplace.  They don’t need public funds. I think that they should go out there. They think their product is so great, go out and sell the product.”  ~ Juan Williams

Bible Verse Of The Day - Friday, 10/22/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/22/2010
Post:  936

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  ~ Philippians 1:3-6

So many times sincere believers feel anxious about where they stand in life. How do I know that I’m in God’s will? How can I be sure that I haven’t missed something along the way? Paul assures the Philippian church and the church today that God is ultimately in control. He is able to hold us to Him better than we are able to hold onto Him.

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Thursday, October 21, 2010

PART 1 of 2: Does this ad represent a "necessary and effective expenditure of public funds" by the Sheriff's Department?

***** UPDATED thru 11/10/2010 *****


Published by Dick Schaefer, Award-winning, Unpaid, Part-time Contributing Writer; Amateur Investigative Reporter; and Aspiring Photo-Journalist

Date:  10/21/2010
Post:  935

Is this newspaper advertisement (see photo below) by the Gasconade County Sheriff's Department appropriate?  Does this ad represent a "necessary and effective expenditure of public funds" by the Sheriff's Department?  Give me your comments.  I will return on Monday,10/25 with my own critical analysis and opinion in PART 2 of 2:  "Necessary and effective expenditures of public funds" do not include political ads by public office holders!

Newspaper Ad by Randy Esphorst, Gasconade Courty Sheriff
Appearing on Page 17A of the Wednesday, 10/20/2010 edition of The Hermann
Advertiser-Courier, the Sheriff's display ad was one (1) of twenty-one (21) total
affinity ads "endorsing" the "Halloween Coloring Contest" for children ages 12 and under.


Photo taken 10/21/2010 by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Song Of The Day - Thursday, 10/21/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/21/2010
Post:  934

It's "Eric Clapton Thursday"!  Here is Eric Clapton performing "Bell Bottom Blues" at the Kanagawa Yokohama Arena in Japan on November 24, 1999.


Photo Of The Day - Thursday, 10/21/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/21/2010
Post:  933

Hermann Hill B&B
(Viewed from Stone Hill Winery)
Hermann, MO
10/4/2010

Photo by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Thursday, 10/21/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/21/2010
Post:  932

"A very joyous week. A week where the whole world was watching a bunch of men trying to climb out of a hole they dug for themselves -- but enough about the Democrats. Lets talk about those Chilean miners."  ~ Bill Maher

Quote Of The Day - Thursday, 10/21/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/21/2010
Post:  931

"I'm proposing jail sites in FIVE Gasconade County communities.  If ONE jail site in the small town of Rosebud is as good an idea as the Sheriff says it is, then think what a great idea it would be to have jails in FIVE of our small communities!  Vote Newman for Commish in 2012!"  ~ A. E. Newman, Candidate for Southern District Associate Commissioner

Bible Verse Of The Day - Thursday, 10/21/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/21/2010
Post:  930

Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD ? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.”  ~ Genesis 18:13-14

We think that since people in the Bible were pre-modern, superstitious people that it was easy for them to believe. The Scripture actually paints a different picture. We find Sarah’s laughter to be a nervous reaction to a promise from God that was preposterous. Have a child at her age? Impossible! Yet when Sarah had her child, she named him Isaac – which means “laughter”.

God is in the business of turning our laughter of skepticism to the laughter of joy, because for God, all things are possible. 

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Song Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/20/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/20/2010
Post:  929

It's Wednesday, so that means it's time for a Ray Charles song.  Here is Ray Charles performing "Busted" with the Count Basie Orchestra .....

Photo Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/20/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/20/2010
Post:  928

Hofgarten Entrance at First and Gutenberg Streets
Hermann, MO
10/4/2010

Photo by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/20/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/20/2010
Post:  927

Peter Sellers as Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau always made me laugh.  Here's the funniest scene from "The Pink Panther Strikes Again" .....

Quote Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/20/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/20/2010
Post:  926

"Best I can do for them is to give them every piece of information I can find and let them make the judgments. That's just my basic view of my function as a journalist."  ~ Jim Lehrer

Bible Verse Of The Day - Wednesday, 10/20/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/20/2010
Post:  925

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."  ~ Ephesians 1:3

Do you see yourself as already blessed in Christ? Many people don’t realize what God has already made available to us through Jesus Christ. To acknowledge Jesus as “Lord” is a lot more than a ticket to heaven; it’s a gateway to tap into blessings that God HAS ALREADY given you. Whether in hardship or in triumph, our heavenly Father has given you and I everything that we need to walk on this earth. His promises applied to our unbelief can reap amazing benefits!

Today’s commentary by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Song Of The Day - Tuesday, 10/19/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/19/2010
Post:  924

It's Tuesday, so that means it's time for another Elvis song.  Here is The King of Rock n' Roll singing "Fever" .....

Photo Of The Day - Tuesday, 10/19/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/19/2010
Post:  923

Gasconade County Courthouse
As viewed from sidewalk on north side of First Street
Hermann, MO
10/4/2010

Photo by Dick Schaefer (Hermann Hearsay).
Copyright protected.  All rights reserved.

Laugh Of The Day - Tuesday, 10/19/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  10/19/2010
Post:  922

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. They wake up in the morning and that's the best they're going to feel all day."  ~ Dean Martin