Monday, April 30, 2012

Who really is Mitt Romney, or the other Mitt Romney.

Some here have stated that they are not fans of Mitt Romney, but do we really know him? This was posted on the Second Amendment forum yesterday and has two pages of responses, all positive. The OTHER Mitt Romney. . . . I am a Southern Baptist, something that is not particularly compatible with Mormonism. Having said that, I happened upon the following today and thought it was interesting. Draw your own conclusions. What Do You Know About Mormons? A few years back, a hive of hornets decided to make its nest on top of a second-story swamp cooler outside my cousin's Boston-area home. My cousin made an ill-fated attempt to remove the hornets, which resulted in a two-story fall and a broken arm. This looks like a job for your home teacher, said my cousin's home teacher. The home teacher brought over his own ladder and clothed himself in homemade beekeeping gear. He then made his way to the hornet's nest and gathered the whole thing up in a garbage bag, avoiding any stings or the more severe injuries that had beset my cousin. He did this with no public fanfare, no accolades and no thought of collecting payment for his efforts and who was this noble home teacher ? A man by the name of .....................Mitt Romney. Now, unless you're familiar with Mormon lingo, you probably got lost when I introduced the phrase home teacher or you may have conjured up images of some kind of private educational tutor who was taking care of my cousin's kids. That would have left you wondering why a tutor thought it was their responsibility to wrangle hornets. But if you're a Mormon, the phrase made perfect sense, as did the rest of the story. You would know that every month, every member of a Mormon congregation receives a visit from two home teachers, who share an inspirational message but, more importantly, are charged with the responsibility of looking out for the family's welfare, so if a family is struggling, the home teachers are the spiritual first responders and a good home teacher jumps at any opportunity to be of service. Among other things, Mitt Romney is a good home teacher. People who look to Mitt's faith for clues about how he'd govern as President usually miss the target by a wide margin. They rip the more obscure elements of Mormon doctrine out of their theological and historical contexts polygamy or underwear or planetary real estate and think they've discovered or explained something. They haven't. The world at large, as it focuses on unusual theoretical elements of Mormon doctrine, all but ignores the eminently practical aspects of Mormonism as it is manifest in each Mormon's daily life. Consider the fact that home teachers receive no compensation for what they do. In fact, neither does anyone else in a Mormon congregation. The whole enterprise is supervised by a lay clergy that will often work over forty hours a week in their unpaid positions in addition to their jobs you know, the ones that actually earn them money. Mitt Romney has spent his entire adult life in these kinds of high-responsibility, time-intensive positions. He has been both a bishop a leader of a ward that consists of a congregation of about 500 people and a stake president, who oversees a stake which consist of about six or more wards, giving him ecclesiastical responsibility for thousands of people. So what does this mean ? What, precisely, does a bishop or a stake president do that eats up so much of their time? Go to a Mormon meeting on any given Sunday, and you'll see three dudes sitting up by the pulpit. The guy in the middle is the bishop, and he's already spent most of the day in meetings where he reviewed the ward's staffing needs and organized relief efforts for families who may be struggling with health, financial, or spiritual issues. He's also been meetings one-on-one with members of the church who look to him for counsel and support for personal problems that would turn your hair white. Usually, he's been doing all this since before the sun came up, so don't be surprised if he nods off while the meeting progresses. Please keep in mind, too, that there are no elections for bishops and stake presidents, nor are there reelections. Each leader is called to serve, and they accept the responsibility dutifully, no questions asked. They then serve for a period of time, usually between five and ten years, after which they are released, meaning they rejoin their congregations as lay members and have no more responsibility than anyone else. The call to serve can come to any priesthood holder in good standing, but it usually comes to a certain personality type. Remember, bishops and stake presidents are confronted with massive organizational challenges accompanied by the most intimate, personal, spiritual struggles imaginable. So they must lead without being authoritarian; they must judge without being judgmental and they must minister without offending. That means the people who get this assignment are often more even-tempered than exciting, more reassuring than revolutionary and more competent than colorful. Sound like any particular Presidential Candidate you might know ? Those who remain baffled by Romney's cool public persona have not spent a whole lot of time with an LDS stake president, a role for which Romney provides the quintessential example. If one truly understands his background, one shouldn't expect a President Romney to dazzle the masses with rhetorical virtuosity. The writer is unknown, but I that him or her for the insight. Tom Ford NO. 1019

Sunday, April 29, 2012

The "old saw" is "retail follows rooftops," so here is why Crestwood Courts will be a while in coming back.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/154124/U.S.-Homeownership-Hits-Decade-Low.aspx Less home ownership means more apartment buildings and "rental" homes on the market. Now here in Crestwood were experiencing the same trend as more and more homes are going up for rent or lease every day. Reversal of this trend is not easy, and it will take some time before it happens here (if ever.) What to do? Well we must first gain confidence in the economy, and put people back to work. This is not likely to happen until the "obamacare" bill is declared Unconstitutional, as business owners are not going to hire under a cloud of expense, possible fines, and uncertainty that is the "obamacare" package. (Don't believe me? Read it!) The old thinly veiled Chinese curse seems to be in effect here, "be glad you live in interesting times," no? Well what are your thoughts on this matter? We are going to need input (not complaints) to forward to our elected officials so they gain a direction to move in. Tom Ford NO. 1018

Monday, April 23, 2012

Knowing the business climate in the Nation today, what sort of business are we looking for here in Crestwood?

There have been viable businesses turned down here for reasons that I believe we can no longer accept. The business climate is not good in the least folks, and yet we feel we must throw road blocks in the path of anyone not meeting "Crestwood's standards." Now I am the first to agree that there a certain types of businesses (adult oriented) we would never want to see in our or any other family type community but what of "sports bars," and the like? Please give us your thoughts on this as i am of the opinion that unless we change our thoughts reference what we will and will not allow, were going to have a serious problem in the not to distant future. Tom Ford NO. 1017

Friday, April 20, 2012

New and start up businesses V Crestwood regulations!

After due consideration it has become all too obvious that our fair City has far to many restrictions on new (and existing) businesses for our own good. Every time a person or a company places an application before the P&Z Board they are me with a certain type of resistance and questioning that seems more designed to keep them out rather than welcome them, and assist in their endeavours. Once they pass muster at the P&Z Board they then have to bow to the wishes of the Sign Board. It is, more often than not, this "hoop" that seems to throw a wet blanket on the hopes and dreams of the prospective business, as I believe Crestwood's sign ordinances are far too restrictive. It is my opinion that we must do something with our "Economic Development" Board (jump start it, or replace personnel,) as well as looking into revamping the out moated regulations so we can attract (and keep) a vibrant business community. Tom Ford. NO. 1016

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

To increase tax's or not to increase tax's, that is the question! Whether is is nobler to live within our means, or tax and spend?

Sorry about that "Bard," but it's early, and all I could think of at zero dark thirty!

I thought having a thread all to itself reference taxes here in Crestwood would be more than interesting. If your for, or against mattes not to me, but I do wish to see concise facts, no emotion, and exactly what YOUR plan would be to alleviate the "strain" that some on the Board seem to think is mandatory.

We all know about raises for employees, new vehicles, excessive salaries, and "duplicate positions" by now so please let's come up with a viable reason for or against the 10th tax increase in 12 years!

In closing let me ask that you not attempt to belittle your fellow Crestwoodians, but rather attack this from the standpoint of a business that is going through hard times and needs restructuring to stay viable.

Your turn lease.


Tom Ford

NO. 1015

Friday, April 13, 2012

$205,075.00 to "trans locate" ONE BUSH from highway project! (click here for the story.)

Well this is how the so called "stimulus" money is being spent in San Francisco! Now as you read this you may see a correlation between this vote insuring project and our community.

Flash back if you will to a Ward Four Alderman waving paperwork behind the Dias in support of a "bridge to nowhere" project that we had to have to save us all from the dreaded "canopy fires that MAY plague Crestwood (we have never had one in 43 years that I know of.)

Now as to what this correlation might be, we see that a tax and spend person pushed for this, and a Botanist was needed to identify the bush before it was deemed necessary to move it.

Wonderful. we now have the needed personnel in place (two Ward Four Alderman, one tax and spend the other a Botanist) who fit the bill completely, so all we need is another useless project for them to champion, and were off to the trough!

Tom Ford

NO. 1013

Culver's coming to crestwood? Click here for the article by the "Patch."

Well we may be the proud supporters of a new Culver's restaurant if all goes well at the next Board meeting.

If you have never tried a "butter burger" from Culver's I can guarantee you that once you do you will be back for more.

I wish them Gods speed in their deliberations with the Board, and I hope yo see them opening here soon.

Tom Ford

NO. 1014

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Discounts available to Seniors (like me!)

With the economy being like it is, I wanted to pass on some discounts at various businesses some of which begin at age 50. I have noticed, however, that while this is a general comprehensive list, some of these discounters may differ with their requirements. I hope you can benefit from some of these savings. Getting older is not all bad! (HMMMM)

Restaurants

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan’s: discount varies by location
Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culver’s: 10% off (60+)
Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+)
McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney’s: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)
Retail and Apparel

Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
Big Lots: 10% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Clarks: 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off (50+)
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)
Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)
Grocery

Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+)
Travel

Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members
American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hertz: up t0 25% off for AARP members
Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Activities & Entertainment

AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)
Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off
Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)
SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Cell Phone Discounts

AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)
*Check out our Secret Cell Phone Discounts to view all cell phone discounts available to you!

Miscellaneous

Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)
Since many senior discounts are not advertised to the public, our advice to men and women over 55 is to ALWAYS ask a sales associate if that store provides a senior discount. That way, you can be sure to get the most bang for you buck.

Tom Ford

NO. 1012

Saturday, April 07, 2012

QB Tim Tebow to speak at Georgetown Easter service (click here for the story.)


The old saying that "The Lord work's in mysterious ways" certainly does apply here, no?

I really believe that this will bring more into the flock than the Church has seen in some time. Now once there it's the Church's job to keep them in the fold.

Say what you will about Mr. Tebow, be it his athletic skills or his faith in the Lord, but as for me, I would have him on my team even if for no other reason than his ability to motivate those around him! He is a winner,plain and simple.

Now if we here in Crestwood could only find a "Tebow type," or in other words a LEADER for the job of C/A, who will earn the respect of ALL our valued employees, we would be home free.

Please join me in asking the Good Lord to grant our Mayor and Board of Alderman the wisdom, the courage and the strength to find such a person soon.

HAPPY EASTER to all, and may you and your family have a blessed day.

Tom Ford

NO. 1011

Sunday, April 01, 2012

St. Louis Post Dispatch voters guide for Ward Two Tuesday election. (click here for the report from the Post.)

It's your choice in Ward Two this Tuesday, April 3,2012 and I urge you to please go to your polling place and cast your ballot.

By now you all know or should know my position, candidate wise. I am going to vote for the most experienced candidate in the Ward Two race, and here is why.

Crestwood must have a Board member who knows the position were in, and has a clear view of how to move us out of trouble into a position of strength again.

Ward Two must have a person who knows what we, the residents of the Ward want and need, and will respond to their concerns. For the past six years we have had an Alderman who does not answer emails and remains aloof from his constituents. We don't want or need another who may, for whatever reason do the same thing.

We need a candidate who has taken the time to vote (look up their voting records,) in County and City elections as that person is taking an interest in our surroundings, and knows the workings of our Government.

Lastly, we need a person who is ready to go to work for us from the day they are sworn in. There is no time left in Crestwood for "on the job training" as the clock is ticking and we had better respond, and respond quickly and correctly.

In closing, I ask that you please take a few minutes from your day on Tuesday and go to the polls to vote for the person of your choice, I know I and my family will. We hope to see you there!

Tom Ford

NO. 1010
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