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 Holabird AdvocateProviding all the news we see fit to print since 2002!Saturday, December 29, 2012 Sun Makes Public Appearance
Whenever our Publisher wore socks without shoes, someone would comment, "Your toes must feel good, because they're out". Those of us here in Mitchell can say the same thing about the Sun. It has been a while since anyone in these parts has felt the warmth of the Sun, and all of us here at the Holabird Advocate are so grateful to see and feel the Sun once again!
Yoko Fires Back After 42 Years by Chris Willman
Was the Beatles’ breakup partly due to the fact that the semi-democratic band was on the verge of turning into “Paul McCartney and the Beatles”?
“John, in fact, was not the first one who wanted to leave the Beatles,” says Yoko Ono in a newly released interview. “Ringo one night with Maureen (Starkey, his first wife) came to John and me and said, well, he wanted to leave. And George was the next, and then John. Paul was the only one who was trying to hold the Beatles together. But then again, the other three felt that Paul was going to hold the Beatles together as "his" band. They were getting to be like Paul's band, which they didn't like.”If John Lennon’s widow sounds a little less conciliatory and political about this than she has lately, that’s because this is the still slightly bristling Yoko Ono of 1987, who has come to us in a time machine to offer some thoughts less filtered by the passage of time. Her lengthy take on the breakup is a big chunk of a previously unpublished conversation with record industry mogul Joe Smith. At one point in the chat, Smith says that he and a lot of people in the music industry had been rooting in the 1970s against the Beatles getting back together, lest they come back with substandard material and tarnish their brilliant ‘60s legacy. Ono agrees and, after flatly declaring “I did not break up the Beatles,” adds: “You can’t have it both ways. If you’re going to blame me for breaking the Beatles up, you should be thankful that I made them into myth rather than a crumbling group.” She also maintains that the resentment Ringo Starr and especially George Harrison may have felt about being second-class citizens in the supposed democracy may have fed into the breakup. “In the early days Paul and John wrote the songs. Rather, John and Paul,” she said, correcting the order with a chuckle. “George didn’t write much, and Ringo especially didn’t write at all. When George started to write a lot of songs in the end, it was like, who’s gonna get the space? John was really trying to protect George and not ignore him and put (in) as many songs of George’s as possible. But frankly there wasn’t much space for that on one album, and they can’t keep on making double albums. So in a way all three of them were outgrowing the Beatles. I think Ringo was getting interested in film, and George was more interested in playing with Ravi Shankar. “That was very, very logical, because in the group George is still George and Ringo is Ringo, but when they go outside, George is the Beatle and Ringo is the Beatle and they’re treated differently,” Ono continued. “And in fact George did mention that ‘I feel more comfortable playing with those (other) guys because they understand me and this and that, and here I’m treated like the backing group for Paul.’ And that was the complaint that was expressed may times. “So in the beginning,” Ono went on, “when all four of them were more insecure, there was compromising and just uniting to make it. Then when they made it, of course, they blossomed and each one of them became the king. So it was very difficult to unite and do something together.” Ono sounds like she considers herself Lennon’s second wife—with the Beatles, not Cynthia Lennon, as the spouse she replaced. “For John it was like a divorce,” Ono is heard telling Smith. “I think he was feeling very good about it, as if a big weight was off him. At the same time, he was very proud of the group. He had an extremely high opinion about each one, which might be surprising. He used to say, ‘Well, they're very intelligent kids, you know. The fact that they come from Liverpool, you'd think they wouldn't understand these things; they do.’ That sort of attitude. He was always very protective of them in that sense. I don't really think he had voiced anything that he really missed about the Beatles, maybe because I was the other party that he got the divorce for. At the same time, that's a very bad thing I said, that he ‘got a divorce’ for marrying me. I fell into the trap right away about the whole ‘Does that mean you broke up the Beatles?’ Um—I didn't break up the Beatles. Each one of them were getting very independent.” Publisher's Notes by Jerry Hinkle
The year is coming swiftly to a close, so I feel I must take a little time to thank all of you for your support in bringing back the Holabird Advocate. These last two months have been busy, but I'm glad I took on the second job of Publisher of this Newsblog. As much as I love this job, I also love the job that pays the rent, which as it happens has given me double shifts tomorrow, Monday, and on Tuesday, which just happens to be our 11th anniversary. With God's help, I'll have something put together sometime on January 2! Of course, it world events demand it, I'll break in earlier if need be!
Friday, December 28, 2012 Back to the Big City
It wasn't an easy trip, but Our Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, drove the old familiar route back home to Mitchell, arriving at around 12:30 in the afternoon yesterday. E.E. Hinkle used to urge to slow down and look at the beautiful scenery as he drove. Jerry did slow down, but didn't look at the scenery. As a good drivers does in wintertime, Jerry kept his eyes on the road, both of them at the same time.
Once home, Jerry called back to Holabird so his family wouldn't be worried. Then he unpacked, took a nap, and then went to his paying job.
Looking into Google Plus
Shelby Hinkle suggested to her uncle Jerry Hinkle, that he sign up for Google Plus. Of course, has has heard of it before, but didn't know anything about it. He still doesn't, but he'll study up on this. The fact that Google is behind it, is a point in it's favor. Jerry's worst fear is that he'll sign up for it, and discover it's as lame as Twitter!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012 Boxing Day Adventure by Jerry Hinkle
It's funny how back in Mitchell, I'd have to go looking for adventure to put on the Front Page of the Holabird Advocate, but when I come to Holabird, adventure just seems to happen. My parents and I went to Pierre to take care of a few things, my mother had her annual mammogram (y'all ladies who haven't better get it done), we went to see the last day of the Capitol Christmas Trees, and we met my brother Doug and dropped off some stuff that his family left behind.
Before leaving Pierre, we stopped at the Walmart and I saw a video camera that was label as "YouTube ready". Which started me thinking if I should diversify into Television. For as little as $18 I could join the thousands of others who flood the internet with videos in a cheap attempt at super stardom. Worst case scenario: people who can't read can watch me make a fool out of myself and laugh at me. For $28 I can get an HD video Camera. I'm going to study on this a little more before I do it, but so far, I'm not seeing a downside. Sometime next year, I could start filming "The Jerry Hinkle Program" and be just as famous as everyone else who does that!
So we get back to the Ponderosa, have evening vittles, and then my dad and I argue about politics (one of the few legal forms of recreation that I enjoy). About 9 pm, my niece Brittany comes over to look for her special medicated toothpaste and toothbrush kit. It turns out that we thought it was part of the stuff that Doug left behind. Dad arranged to meet Doug in Blunt, and wanted me to go along. We were going to meet at my niece Ashley's place, so my parents, Brittany and I piled in the car, but halfway there, we got a call from Doug that the house was dark, so we met at the gas station. One thing is for sure, Brittany will have one heck of an essay for school about what she did on Christmas vacation. It'll be funny too!
Coming back to Holabird for the Christmas season was so much fun and enjoyable, but tomorrow it's back to the big city! I have a feeling I'll have writers block for a while. Happy Boxing Day! God be with you and do the best you can!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012 Silent Night and Busy Day by Jerry Hinkle
I spent a little too much time at the Allen party last Sunday, and as a result was about 2 minutes late to my paying job, luckily I show up late about as often as my mother burns the gravy, so the boss knew I wouldn't make a habit out of showing up late. Either that or nobody noticed the slight tardiness on my part, at any rate, I hit the ground walking very fast, managing to leave the work area cleaner that it was when I arrived.
Christmas Eve saw me back on the job, quite busy, but out by 3pm. After fueling up at M&H, I made it to the Ponderosa at about dusk. My brother Dougie and his family was already there. At first the plan was to go to Methodist Midnight Mass at 9:30, but the temperature was -9 outside and my mother had sliced open her finger while she was slicing the prime rib roast.
This morning the silent night was filled with the sounds of Hinkles eating pancakes, bacon, and two kinds of sausage. My dad became rather insistent that we change the oil in my Park Avenue Buick, Teenage Mutant Ninja Danny, which was due for it's 6000 mile checkup. Dougie took charge and soon discovered that my tires needs inflating and rotating, and that a few of my headlights and tail lights were out, and needed changing. Nobody said owning a luxury car is easy!
Christmas Dinner went well, with my brother Darrel and his family joining us, as well as Ken and Joyce Ferris. As Christmas day gave way to Christmas evening, most of the guests started leaving until it was just me and my parents.
As I look out into the dark cold winter night through the dining room picture window, I notice how truly dismal, depressing and desolate the month of December is outside in the country. Back at Mitchell there are plenty of lights outside. Lights that offer protection from the unknown, as well as a cheerful break from the darkness of the cold winter. I can't see those lights from the Ponderosa, but I know they are there. I can barely see the lights of Holabird and Highmore from here as well.
We celebrate the miracle of light at Christmastime because at one time there was no light. With all the depressing news of death and violence lately, it can get us down if we let it. Darkness could surround us. But we who are people of God are called to be the light of the world, a candle by the window to offer security guidance and cheer in the dark days. If indeed the media is waging a war on Christmas, the body of Christ appears to be losing. But the light cannot be overcome by the darkness unless we snuff it out. I hope we can keep the light of Christmas burning on the inside that radiates to the world the whole year through.
Sunday, December 23, 2012 Christmas Underway
Tomorrow being Christmas Eve gives those who need to get their shopping done very little time with which to do it. Our own Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, has been so busy with other things that he hasn't had much time or the inclination to do that. Today, he had time to go to the Mall. He had plans to buy Warning Salsa for everyone in his family, but they were all sold out!
Speaking of being busy, Dr. and Mrs. Allen are having a high society function at their home at 5 pm tonight and are most insistent that our Publisher show is courageous dynamic self there. Trouble is, he has to work at 5:30 Luckily it's a come and go affair, so he can show up, be their long enough to bore all in attendance and leave before people want to toss him out on their own.
Jerry also has to work tomorrow, but has that evening off. then he won't have to be back until Thursday evening, So he'll be in the Holabird area for about 3 days. those so incline can make an appointment for an audience with him, but there's no rush.
Thursday, December 20, 2012 End of the World Begins by Jerry Hinkle
As you all know, the Mayans, a Native American civilization that died out before the white people could kill them, predicted somehow that the world, or at least the calendar, would come to an end. It seems that this occasion is being met with all kinds of "End of the World" parties. We humans can find so real strange excuses to consume massive quantities of alcohol.
OK, So we'll play along. Yes the world is going to just stop existing because an ancient society that couldn't even predict the end of its own existence says it's so. Well that's all there is to it, then! Of course, if the end of the world doesn't happen at midnight, there is still 24 hours for it to happen. So long world, it's been good to know ya!
When this world ends, and the new one begins, I hope y'all will come back to the Holabird Advocate to find out how it all turns up! God be with you and do the best you can!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 Winter Storm Caledonia Strikes
Last night was very hard for our Publisher. First a gang of marauding teenagers tried to mug him armed with chains and knives. Then as he got away from them, he discovered a terrorist plot to blow up the Corn Palace, but that goodness he woke up to find it was all a dream before the bomb went off. He was awakened by a clatter outside, but instead of a sleigh with reindeer, it was a snowplow. While our Publisher slept at least 3 inches of snow fell on the ground. There will be another snow removal at 11pm don't don't any of y'all park your car on the street tonight!
Meanwhile the snow report indicates a light dusting in the Medicine Creek area of Holabird, as well as the Twin Cities area. And as it's supposed to, the sun is shining on the Ponderosa!
Christmas at McDonald's?
There was a report on Yahoo News that McDonald's COO was requested to the companies independent franchisers that they buck the trend and open on Christmas Day. Sales of the fast food giant dipped by about 2% in October, but in November, they went up by about the same amount in places where the restaurants were opened on Thanksgiving. the company appears to think making themselves available on Christmas will boost sales for December as well. All of the restaurants owned by the company will be opened on Christmas day. Some Churches are not happy about this.
UPI Reports that Heather Oldani, a spokesperson for the company had no comment, except to say that, "restaurants will be open to serve our customers when and how they need over the holidays."
All of us here at the Holabird Advocate will have more on this story if the need arises.
Easy Bake Oven for Boys
For nearly 50 years, little girls have been able to learn the fine art of baking by using a light bulb inside an Easy Bake oven. Now little boys can learn learn too! A 13 year old girl circulated a petition for Hasbro, makers of the Easy Bake oven to make their product more gender neutral. Over 40,000 people signed the petition, and Hasbro is listening. If only there was an Easy Bake grill!
Monday, December 17, 2012 Special Report: Sandy Hook Massacre by Jerry Hinkle
I've stayed silent on the issue of the shooting at Sandy Hook elementary ever since it happened last Friday. The reason, I didn't know enough about it to give it the full analysis that an issue like that deserves. Truth be told I'll probably never understand this mess, and that's OK. I doubt anyone who has spoken or written about it understands it any more or less than I do.
I was working a double shift at my paying job, and on a break when I heard about it. Another shooting? It seems like every time the heat from one shooting in the news dies down another takes its place. Predictably the gun control freaks are politicizing this story to the point of nausea as well.
I stayed silent as long as I have for two reasons. First, I didn't want to write about it at all, but I knew that as unpleasant as the task was, i had to cover it. Being courageous and dynamic comes at a price. Sometimes I have make the hard choices. Secondly, I wanted to get all the facts right. No speculation here! what I wrote about this had to be what I knew to be true. 28 people died, and 20 of them were children. One minute they had their whole life in front of them, the next minute they had a one man wrecking crew shooting a gun in front of them. I owe it to them to get the details right.
Once again people are under the mistaken belief that the absence of a gun would have prevented this tragedy. But on the same day that school was being shot up, 20 children were being stabbed in China. The person that did the killing wanted a lot of people to hurt and he didn't care how it happened. He got what he wanted! The sad part is that we as humans say that we don't want to here about things like this, and yet when you saw the headline I used, you kept reading. That's human nature for you!
A photo from Sir Richard Branson that has made the rounds on Facebook reports that nearly 11,000 people were murdered by handguns last year. When you consider that there are 80 million guns in this country, that shows that guns are not the problem. Don't get me wrong 11,000 deaths is 11,000 too many, but the solution is not to take 79,989,000 guns away from those who take the responsibility to heart. There has got to be a better way, and I hope we find it before one more innocent life is cut tragically short. God be with you and do the best you can!
Thursday, December 13, 2012 Change of Plans for Christmas Concert
It appears that our Publisher is working at his paying job during the time that the Oak Ridge Boys will be on stage at the Palace of Corn next Thursday. Also nobody has applied to be our cub reporter, which means that Jerry won't have to spring for tickets, incidental money and a bonus. All things considered he broke even.
Winder Storm Caledonia This Weekend?
There have been reports of the possibility of freezing rain and another snowstorm in the Mitchell area next Saturday and Sunday. If such an event does occur, all of us here at the Holabird Advocate will name it Caledonia instead of Caesar like the Weather Channel. Our Publisher likes to keep everyone on their toes!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Publisher Gifted on Grandmother Birthday
On what was the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bergit Hinkle, her grandson, Jerry Hinkle, our courageous, dynamic Publisher, was on the receiving end of much generosity. On his way to the office yesterday, there was a rather large package, which he set aside to open later. Later on, at the office, one of the Fusion Pastor's wives dropped by with a plate of cookies. Then at his paying job, Jerry got a little helping hand, which is always welcome on a fundraiser night!
Our special report on Bergit's birthday was a ratings bonanza. Our biggest post relaunch audience, 18 Readers logged in, and the response was 100% positive, which is consistent! Oh, and by the way, the package was from South Dakota 4-H, and that was really something. Jerry was expecting a t-shirt, but the package was somewhat bigger. He noticed that they spent $14.65 on the postage. Turns out that on top of the 4-H t-shirt, they threw in a 4-H cap, some decals, a 4-H coffee mug and a nice little note. When they give a prize, they don't go halfway!
Oak Ridge Boys to Play the Palace
The Oak Ridge Boys are scheduled to bring their Christmas show to Kornfield County at the Corn Palace on the evening of December 20. If anyone is available to play cub reporter and cover this concert, the Holabird Advocate will supply your ticket, front the successful applicant $15 for incidentals, and a throw in a possible bonus if certain criteria are met. If we can't find someone, our Publisher may have to do that himself, providing other obligations don't get in the way!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Bergit Hinkle's Century by Jerry HinkleIt was 100 years ago today that a baby girl was born to a typical Hyde County, South Dakota farm family. That little girl grew up to be my grandmother, Bergit Hinkle. Very little about her life is known, except for what she had written for the Hyde Heritage book, but she told me a few things about her early years that I'd never have found out any other way.
When she was born on December 11, 1912, her dad was hoping for a boy to replace John Acel, the son that lived for 45 days after being born in 1910. She told me that he was disappointed that she's been born a girl. I'm not sure if that was the case, but she must have thought so. At any rate, another boy was born in 1916, and if, in 4 years this Newsblog is still in operation, I'll have one of his grandchildren write about him.
Back to Grandma. when she was growing up, she liked ice skating, and in the wet years in Valley Township she was literally able to skate to school. When she told me that, I found it hard to believe, but when we had that hard winter of 1996-97, and the flood that came in the spring, I began to see that she could have done that. She also liked dancing. She hated celery, that is until she tried it. At least that was her story. She was always trying to get me to try different foods. Even claiming that I hated peanut butter before I tried it, but it didn't work. It wasn't until I moved to the big city that I was willing to try out new things. I HATE celery, and yes, I tried it!
Grandma was the 4th of 6 children if we include John Acel. She was the middle child. For all of her Skating to school, Grandma only made it to the 8th grade. As it happens, that's all he education she needed. Grandma had more common sense than just about anyone that has earned a Ph.D. When it came time to marry, she ended up marrying the boy next door, my Grandad. Her dowry was an expectant sow. Grandma was married for 63 years to Grandad. From what I saw their marriage was more about putting up with the other person more than love, but as I think on it, putting up with someone is a part of love. I noticed that when Grandma washed the dishes, he would dry. I've been told it wasn't always that way between them. Motherhood was something that Grandma took to well. She took care of her family through a depression, dust storms, drought, grasshoppers and other forms of pestilence. Somehow Grandma's 3 kids never knew they were poor. Keeping up with the Joneses was easy when the Joneses were poor too! They managed to send the youngest daughter to college, get the oldest daughter married off, while the son stayed behind to help out until Uncle Sam requested the honour of his presence in the Army. Her children were indeed the best gift that she gave to this world! As soon as she sent her kids out into the world, they came back with grandchildren. She was always ready with a hug and a cookie whenever either was needed. The healing words "Don't cry it's a long way from your heart" didn't always do the job, but her heart was always in the right place. Grandma was not one to travel, she was usually content to stay home. Indeed she never traveled far from there. When the end came, she didn't want to die in a cold impersonal hospital. She wanted to die at home. As difficult as it was, that is how it happened. On that cold December day in 1994, she died in her own house, just a few feet from where she was born. It was a very sad occasion for me, but a few years after her passing I noticed something wonderful. My brother had a baby girl 15 years ago. Like my great grandfather, I was hoping for a boy, because my other brother had 3 girls that tried my patience severely. While at first I was disappointed, I began to see glimpses of Grandma in Brittany. She made all kinds of facial expressions, especially that "Are you kidding me" look. I began to see that watching Brittany grow up was like having Grandma back. Like Grandma, Brit is quick with a joke, and always had a hug for anyone who needed it. She even bakes cookies. I know that she will grow up and be every bit the incredible lady that my Grandma was. She's not exactly like Grandma, and she never will be, and that's fine. But it's good to know that there is a part of her that will always live on, even though they never met. So happy 100th Birthday Grandma! God be with you and do the best you can! Monday, December 10, 2012 Blizzard Brutus Blows Away
After all was said and done, the official snowfall tally for Mitchell was 1.5 inches, which is hard to believe, since the city will start removing snow tonight at 11pm. The wind reportedly gusted up to 54 MPH at times. it is expected to warm up in the area over the next couple of days.
A Word from Our Sponsor
The Holabird Chamber of Commerce had heard that recent events in Washington state, including approving gay marriage and legalizing pot smoking for fun has the more conservative residents of that state looking to move to a place more hospitable to their way of thinking. Some are willing to move all the way to Texas. We'd like to take this time to ask you to consider Holabird. It's a clean little friendly town with the lowest crime rate in the country. Nobody smokes weed here, at least not publicly. And no gay person has ever been married in Holabird. The best part is there are no Texans! Yes, Texas is a nice place to visit, but all that hot air gets old after a while. But in Holabird. the hot air gets cold after a while.
If you have a business, dig this! There is no income tax in Holabird, and no city sales tax!
so what are you waiting for the Holabird metropolitan area has plenty of unoccupied houses that, with a little love and care, could be your new home!
Sunday, December 09, 2012 Winter Storm Brutus Becomes Blizzard
The weather in in Mitchell has become brutal, putting the brut in Brutus, as in the winter storm that has been upgraded to a blizzard. The overnight low in Kornfield County is expected to be around -5 with a wind chill value of -20 well into tomorrow.
The Mitchell Fusion service opened with "Let it Snow" today. Many were absent from the service, optioning to watch it online. Those who did put forth the effort to attend were praising God for the moisture, and for making it to the service despite the weather. Mitchell declared a snow emergency at 10:33 am this morning, so there is at least 3 inches of snow on the ground! For some reason, the Public Library is closed today, so the Holabird Advocate moved the home office to the Ramada Inn.
Are the Poor Getting Poorer? by Jerry Hinkle
Everyone talks of how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, but I'm skeptical that such a thing is possible. The Forbes 400 provides us with a gage to see that the rich do in fact get richer, but what of the poor. I was watching "A Christmas Carol" earlier today, and I must say that the poor have come a long was since the 1840's. Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses? Both of these institutions are not doing the vigorous trade that they enjoyed in the Victorian era. Nobody is working for 15 shillings a week, or forced to steal coal from their employer to keep warm. It is, in fact, a good time to be poor in America. Tiny Tim would have better better healthcare now. He and his 5 siblings would be able to enjoy Nintendo, Xbox, or whatever else they fancied. Mrs Crachit may be forced to take a job outside the home, but she'd be able to get training to built up her marketable skills. If someone can show me a flaw in this line of thought, feel free to send an E-mail or post to our Facebook page. Either way, God we with you and do the best you can!
Saturday, December 08, 2012 Winter Storm Brutus Brings Snow
The Calendar says December, but until yesterday morning, it never really seemed like it in Mitchell, when Winter Storm Brutus came uninvited. The weatherman promised 2.5 inches, but it hasn't quite arrived yet. We've heard that back in Holabird the folks have received more that 3 inches of snow. another round of flurries is expected today and into the night with temperatures in the teens. Sounds like a good excuse to stay home and bake cookies!
Publisher Wins Shirt
It's been said "To err is human, to really screw up you need a computer" The South Dakota 4-H Facebook page reached 1001 "likes", so to celebrate they drew randomly from those "likes" to gift someone a t-shirt, and the name of Jerry Hinkle was drawn. In order to find out his shirt size, they needed to contact him. They were so desperate to contact him, they "liked" our FB page to leave him a message, which he thought was spam. Eventually all the misconceptions were cleared. In a few days, he'll have a new t-shirt, just in time for the winter weather.
What IS in a Name by Jerry Hinkle
Shakespeare once suggested that what we call a rose would smell as sweet, or as Andy Griffith translated "You can change the name of a rose, but you can't do anything about the smell". Sometimes a good name can make all the difference. The name of Greenland suggests beautiful lush pastures and trees. Have you ever been to Greenland. It's a dreadful, cold, barren place.
Lee Iacocca wrote in his book, "Straight Talk" of a board meeting that took place while he was the CEO of Chrysler. It was suggested that the company change its name to Chrysco, because the name of Chrysler was too associated with cars. Mr. I shot back "If we changed the name to Chrysco, we'd be too associated with shortening." The motion failed!
Walter P. Chrysler bought the Maxwell company. Have you ever driven a Maxwell? The car was a joke, and I mean that literally. Comedian Jack Benny had so much fun at the Maxwell's expense that he got rich and never had to used foul language. Comics can't do that these days! Chysler knew that he had to change the name before he changed the cars. The proud name of Chysler has taken some beatings, but it's still on every car they've produced since 1925. Formitable!
I foolishly thought a new name would freshen up my writing, so the Holabird Advocate became the Jerry Hinkle Program. For some reason the new name did not take to the Readers. It took me nearly 4 years to realize that I had made a mistake. Now if I can live up to the reputation that I've created for this blog, all will be well! God be with you and do the best you can!
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 Holabird Found on Facebook
It started out as an ordinary at the home office, when all of the sudden, we were notified that Shannon Walls posted to our Facebook page. Shannon's son, Hunter Mees, helped bring about something wonderful into our lives about 7 years ago, just by getting cancer.
Hunter's story began with an article in the Wessington Springs newspaper. It was picked up by South Dakota Magazine, then we picked it up, and by the time we set it back down, people all over the state were talking about it, people were getting their hair cut, and giving money to the tune of $30,000.
The world has changed a whole lot in those 7 years. Since then, blogging has given way to other social media, our Publisher picked up a BA degree, and Hunter is cancer free and playing high school basketball. Being a small part of the effort in Hunter's cure has become our most prized accomplishment. While some criticize the Internet, it can't be denied that had it not been created, Hunter's cure would have had to have come from somewhere else. Technology has it's place.
Our Publisher has a page on MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. And yet Blogger is still his favorite form of media, social or otherwise. The Holabird Advocate has a Facebook page as well, where people can go to get all the inside scoop on what we're up to.
When 1st and 2nd Amendments Collide by Jerry Hinkle
The recent flap over Bob Costas speaking his mind on guns last Sunday proves that both sides of the issue need to step back and look at the other side. After Costas made those remarks, a lot of people became offended, or at least claimed to be, and demanded that he be fired.
In much the same way, when Hank Williams Jr. made some so called offensive remarks, not only were there calls to get him fired, but those calls were answered almost immediately after the fact. For now, it appears that Mr. Costas will keep his job. That's good, because it would be sad for anyone to lose their job at Christmastime!
I find it hard to believe that this country is so polarized that they throw a fit over anything that a sportscaster says. Then again whenever these kinds of issues get brought up, people get their undies in a bunch. As for me, I was not offended by any of Mr. Costas's remarks. He felt compelled to share them, I listened. even though i didn't quite agree with everything he said, I was never offended.
I believe in both the 1st and 2nd amendments. I feel free to speak my mind and deal with the results when it goes bad. That's what a blogger does. I have to speak my mind. When someone gets offended they stop reading, them I'm sunk! Still that is what makes America the best country in the world. We can disagree, but there is plenty of room for all opinions.
I don't own a gun, and at present have no use for one. But I'm glad I live in a country where I can choose to get one if I so desire. Should I choose to, it is my responsibility to learn the proper way to handle a gun. As corny as it sounds, it's true that guns don't kill people. My dad has a 30-06. It has killed everything from rabbits, coyotes, raccoons, skunks and deer. never has it killed a person. The only way it could, is if someone who did not have my dad's moral compass and his careful aim was to use it. The gun didn't kill that football player's girlfriend. it was the football player himself. It's sad bit true! It's not a gun culture, it's a hate culture. You can take away the gun, but removing the hate is a whole heap harder! God be with you and do the best you can!
Monday, December 03, 2012 Laina "Overly Attached Girlfreind" Named Holabird Advocate Person of the Year
In June of this year, a young lady from the Denton, Texas area know as Laina became a YouTube sensation when she made a viral video parody of a Justin Bieber song. Her signature "creepy face" has generated quite a few memes as well. Of the 23 videos on her YouTube channel, 5 have gone mega-viral (more than 1 million hits each). All this in less than 6 months. Impressive stuff so far.
But that is just part of the reason Laina, and the fictional character she has accidentally created, is being honored by our little newsblog. This young lady, whose last name has been successfully concealed from the public. has used her sudden fame to give back to the world. In her first "Dare to Share" challenge, which we'll post sometime later today, she helped raise more that $22,000 for a charity called Surf Camp in about a month's time.
While it's true that she's not curing cancer or feeding the hungry, Laina is using what she has been given to help others. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate are impressed by that. Her videos are mostly G rated, family friendly, and funny. Her parents can be proud.
Mike Rounds to Run for Senate
Yes, we are aware that this is old news, but Former Governor Rounds had to make this formal announcement while we were on hiatus. It matters little, however, since this announcement did not catch anyone by surprise. The content of his speech, invoking his grandchildren, reminded all of us here at the Holabird Advocate of his late predecessor, Bill Janklow, when he gave a similar speech in his run for the House back in 2002.
Some are wondering if Rounds has the right stuff to go up against Senator Tim Johnson in 2014. Someone must think he has a chance, or he would have washed his hands of the race already. Our Pollmaster General reports that among Holabird Advocate Readers, 42% prefer him, compared to 25% for Johnson. The rest favor Representative Noem for the seat that hasn't been Republican since Larry Pressler vacated it in 1997. Time will tell if the rest of South Dakota goes GOP in this race.
"White Christmas" a Dream Come True by Jerry Hinkle
For the first theatre review since the relaunch, I hit the jackpot with the Mitchell ACT production of "White Christmas". I had mixed feelings about this going in. The Movie upon which this play is based has been a favorite of mine ever since I first saw it on TV 25 Christmases ago.
However, Director Melissa Vatter Miller known to many as "Mama Mel" put together a great cast. Director Devin Carey did his part to make the dance numbers in the show look up to the Broadway standard, to my untrained eye at least. For this production Wallace and Davis were played by Mark Puetz and Tanner LaValliere respectively. The movie goes into better detail about how they teamed up, but that's OK. The guys meet up with the Haynes sisters, Judy and Betty, played by Madison-Ainsley Miller and Elizabeth Moore respectively. This is where the chemistry kicks in! The two ladies blend well enough together that you'd believe they were actual sisters, and the dance numbers between Bob and Betty and Phil and Judy as well as the kissing were very realistic, and very convincing. The play made better use of supporting characters than the movie with plenty of "Let me be in the show" moments. The problem with most musical theatre is all of the singing and dancing, but not here. The worst part of this production was the intermission. This reviewer managed to finish his popcorn and candy bar, visit to the rest room, wash hands and face (next time buy M&M's) and still get back to his chair and wait for Act II for what seemed like forever. The wait, was worth it however. With two standing ovations in Sunday's afternoon matinee, this show was a crowd pleaser! The bottom line is that I laughed when I was supposed to, cried when I was supposed to, and I applauded with the rest of the audience about 87.5% of the time. To me, our community theatre is just like Broadway at a fraction of the cost, and that's thanks to the tremendous local talent we have in the Mitchell area. If it wasn't, I wouldn't go as often as I do! Wednesday, November 28, 2012 Publisher Dreams of White Christmas
Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, has not always liked snow, but after the intense heat this summer, as well as the constant changing or cold, cool, and warmth of fall has him longing for winter weather. Back when he lived on the Ponderosa, snow made getting around difficult. However if one is careful, it's no big thing in the big city.
The Mitchell Area Community Theatre is putting on a production of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas". Jerry wonders if that will make it snow. He figures it might snow in the theatre. It'll be fake snow, but it will be welcome nonetheless. Jerry looked over his schedule and saw that he had Sunday afternoon free. So he got his golden ticket, and it's a good thing too! The show is close to selling out-and fast!
Rose Warney-Bad Con Artist
Our Publisher has occupied some of his spare time investigating a con artist. If you get a request from someone named Rose Warney from Tamale, Ghana. Be prepared for one sad story after another. Dead father, sick mother, and a younger brother. She may claim to have a Master's degree in accounting. One thing she will do is ask for money. she asked our Publisher for $150 to pay her internet bill, which is 3 months overdue. She claimed all this and more.
All of us here at the Holabird Advocate are wise to the ways of evil women. If you're not, get hep, or the sucker will soon be taken!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 Old Home was Good Bread
All of us here at the Holabird Advocate were shocked and saddened to hear that The Old Home bread store in Huron is closing. In fact, we're told today is their last day. A lot of memories will be going along with that store.
It started out downtown. Our Publisher, Jerry Hinkle tells us about the times while he was growing up in the 70s,how seeing the sign reminded him of the commercial. Old Home sponsored Keloland's weather report with Dave Dedrick, and later on with CW McCall and his lady friend Mavis, who was a waitress at the Old Home Cafe. Jerry actually thought that store was the cafe and was bewildered when he went in the first time and saw nothing familiar.
Old Home and Keloland go way back. Dave Dedrick once said that once Metz Bakery, the producers of Old Home bread, advertised on Kelo, demand for the product forced them to buy a second oven. Times have changed. Corporations control the bread market now. In fact, Sara Lee, the company that owns Metz was bought not long ago by Grupo Bimbo, the same outfit that is trying to buy Hostess.
After a while, the bread store moved to it's present location near the mall in Huron. Trips to the Fair City will never be the same for a lot of people. The Locals tell us that Tuesdays were the best days to get bread, so it's kinda fitting that they close out on a Tuesday.
"Actor" Calls TV Show"Filth"
Angus T. Jones, who plays the youngest of the 2.5 men on the TV show of the same name was recently videotaped giving a religious testimony for the 7th Day Adventists in which he said, in part that his show is "Filth". All of us at the Holabird Advocate had a good laugh at that, since we knew that 10 years ago. Looks like Jon Cryer is gonna be looking for a job soon! (Somebody get Charlie Sheen's phone number)
Publisher's Notes by Jerry Hinkle
Some mornings I wake up wondering if there will be anything I can write about today. This was one of them. All the sudden things happen and then it's headline overdose time. Last night, I went to Walmart shopping for vittles and what do you know, I found some Twinkies. They were hiding, cleverly disguised at Great Value Golden Creme Cakes, but I saw through the box. I knew that wouldn't be enough, and then BOOM! More stories fall from the sky. you never know when inspiration will hit! It's hard to believe we've only been back for 4 weeks. Juggling this job and the job that pays has been tough at times, but well worth it. I hope you Readers have been enjoying your job as well! I'm planning on announcing Person of the Year on Monday. God be with you and do the best you can!
Monday, November 26, 2012 Corn Country Gets Colder
Variety is the spice of weather here in beautiful downtown Mitchell. Yesterday was jacket weather, but today it was 14 degrees, so even the girls at the Kongo Klub are wearing 7 layers. Tomorrow might be jacket weather again. Now all of us here at the Holabird Advocate don't mind a little cold weather. But how about some snow? In any case, short sleeves are out, unless it's an undershirt, so get hep!
Giving Tuesday by Bill GatesOver the weekend, the annual holiday gift-shopping season kicked off here in the U.S. with the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally known as Black Friday. Today is called Cyber Monday, as people return to their offices after the long Thanksgiving weekend, and take a bit of time to do some online shopping. But there’s a new “day” in this post-Thanksgiving period I’m excited about: Giving Tuesday. Over 1,000 charities, community organizations and businesses in the U.S. have banded together to promote this Tuesday as a day to give back, and to encourage people to give more, give smarter and celebrate the spirit of giving.American philanthropy is the envy of just about every other part of the globe. Last year giving in the U.S. topped $300 billion, and 65 percent of Americans reported that they’d made some charitable contributions during the year. Those are impressive statistics, but with so much unmet need in the world, it’s clear there is ample room for people to do more. Working with Melinda and Warren Buffett on the Giving Pledge over the last couple of years has been a fantastic experience, and has convinced me that we need lots of people starting conversations about the impact and the fun of charitable giving. That’s a conversation that needs to happen all over the world, not just here in the U.S. So I wish the organizers well as they launch the first Giving Tuesday tomorrow. I hope lots of people will use the reminder to do something meaningful, and that it becomes part of the rhythm of this holiday season. If the organizers of Giving Tuesday can get more people thinking about giving and encourage us to be more generous with our time and resources, they’ll have done a very good thing. Publisher's Notes by Jerry Hinkle
I hope that all of you Readers enjoyed our guest editorial. You don't need a Bill Gates sized bank account to be generous. The widow in the bible gave two copper coins, because it was all she had to give. The boy who gave his lunch of a few fish and a couple loaves of bread to Jesus fed 5000 people. The key is to give to the right people.
Am I alone in wishing that Larry Hagman's death could be a dream that we could wake up to, just like when Bobby died. Real life is not like reel life I guess. I understand that TNT only filmed JR in 6 episodes of season 2 of the Dallas reboot. The cynical part of me is wondering how much publicity the network will milk out of it.
Time Magazine is looking for input on who their Person of the Year is. Well, I've already selected ours, and I can tell you that she is not even on their short list. I had that selection in mind before I relaunched the Holabird Advocate. I'll let you know more about that next month. God be with you and do the best you can!
Sunday, November 25, 2012 Publisher in the Soup
Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle was taught by his grandfather, E.E. Hinkle, to be generous, especially to those in need, but to be discreet. This is easier said than done sometimes. Whenever he helped with the food drive at DWU, he always made sure to make donations when nobody was looking.
As it happens, the Methodist church here in Mitchell was collecting cans of soup to but in the food baskets that the Salvation Army food pantry gives to those in need. Jerry has done this before, but when his father found the receipt from the supermarket, he saw that Jerry bought name brand soup and really read him the riot act. This year, he bought generic, slipping in name brands if they were on sale (a trick Jerry learned from his mother).
Trouble was he spent the same amount as last year, but bought twice as much soup as last year as well. Jerry was concerned that someone would catch him before he dumped the soup at the collection point. After losing a fair amount of sleep figuring out how to keep it anonymous, he realized that he might be able to find strangers to help him make delivery. Then he slept peacefully, until 9 am. Since the downtown church started at 8:30 he would have to take the soup to the Fusion service.
Jerry made it to the Sherman Center early enough to scout the collection point. Turns out those making donations were to take them to the alter. In front of everyone else. When the time came, that's what Jerry did. Luckily the service was not well lit so nobody noticed it took 2 trips for him to leave his donation. Lesson learned? It sure takes a lot of effort to smuggle soup into the food pantry. Hopefully the needy are thankful for the effort that some go through.
Obviously by printing this article all of you Readers will know the secret now, so all of us here at the Holabird Advocate challenge all of you out there to be just as generous toward the food pantry in your area as our Publisher was to his. And to make it interesting, try not to get caught!
FB Game Review by Jerry Hinkle
Since I don't watch TV, most of the time I'm not working at either this job or my paying job is spent at either YouTube or at various Facebook games. This time around I thought I'd talk about "Journey of Jesus: the Calling". As FB games go, it's pretty harmless. The part I like the most is there is no mob to join. The player is rewarded for quests as he or she goes along.
The game starts out in the player's New Testament era hometown, where they need fist and must go to Galilee. Guess who you meet there! The quests are fun, but challenging. For example Jesus needs you to fetch water so he can turn it into wine.
The down side is that one has to be careful not to run out of energy.
Gold can be converted into nearly any resource needed to complete a quest, but it comes at a price, a real life credit card, and available credit. This reviewer prefers to wait for the energy recharge rather than spent hard earned money. The waiting is part of the fun. sometimes I leave the game altogether and wait do something else while recharging.
I recommend this game to anyone from 13-113. It can be frustrating, and it also help to have a lot of friends to beg for help, like any other FB game. I've never heard any complaints about this game, so if you try it out and find something you don't like other than what I've told you, be the first to complain to me about it.
Saturday, November 24, 2012 Larry Hagman, TV's "JR Ewing" Dies in Dallas
Larry Hagman, who played the conniving and mischievous JR Ewing on the TV show "Dallas", died Friday afternoon at Medical City in Dallas at age 81. The official cause is complications from his battle with cancer.
All of us here at the Holabird Advocate are going to miss both Hagman and JR if there is a 3rd season of the Dallas reboot. We are under the impression that season 2 is already in the can! For many people Hagman and the man they loved to hate who he brought to life was "Dallas". It is so fitting that he died in that great city. It was hard to tell where Hagman left and JR started. The character had his own beer, and even his own money. You can bet those $100 bills are worth a lot more now! Life, as well as the show will be different. We will miss JR and the actor that brought him to life, but we will also be greatful for the many hours we spent on Friday night wondering what the old boy would be up to next.
In addition to Maj, his wife of almost 60 years, Hagman is survived by a daughter, Kristina ; a son, Preston ; and five granddaughters. we share your grief at this time.
Quick Thanksgiving Vacation for Publisher
Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle has been working so much that it leaves room for little else. Despite that, he did make it out to the Ponderosa for a little while. Doug and Cade Hinkle were already there getting a taste of country life. Cade managed to shoot another doe on Thanksgiving morning. Doug and Grandpa, Harold Hinkle, are still working on processing the last deer that Cade shot. Harold fried up some of the deer sausage for morning vittles, and it was very good!
Jerry took a little walk through E.E. Hinkle's old house. He was a mite curious to see how the house took to all the "improvements" that Harold and Mary Hinkle have been making to it. the house still has that "lived in' feel to it. The new toilet works fine. the best part was seeing all the measurements on the wall. It's been a spell since any of the grand kids was measured. Conner Hinkle hasn't been measured at all it don't look like.
Jerry left after dinner with some of the leftovers. For some reason after eating 5 lbs. of turkey, a peck of potatoes, a pint of gravy and a little bit of dressing, he wasn't really hungry until breakfast time the next day.
By the way, all of us want to salute the newly married Erin Powell, who together with her husband Dan Powell hosted their first Thanksgiving dinner. We've heard no complaints so it must have been a success. Any family get-together when you don't have to call the police, an ambulance, or Dr. Phil is a good one.
Growing Love by Jerry Hinkle
Some time ago, I was asked once how my grandparents, E.E. and Bergit Hinkle, managed 64 years of marriage. I believe that part of it was working. They were too busy working and sacrificing to run around on each other. no time to hang out at the bar, because the cows needed milking, eggs needed to be gathered, and sheep needed to be fed. On top of that the kids needed things as well: clothes, shoes, guidance. No time to be selfish.
A young lady named Rose who supposedly lives in Ghana has been after me via e-mail for some strange reason. Constantly wondering about love and romance. She seems to be in a hurry. But it takes 90 days under ideal conditions to grow a field of corn, and love is even more delicate. as she shares bits and pieces of her life with me, how her mother is sick in the hospital, how she has to help raising her brother, how she can't keep a job because the boss always wants her to sleep with him, I have to wonder why she's looking for love and romance at all. Sometimes I wonder if she is scamming me, but a con artist would be better at that sort of thing. She keeps asking me for my phone number too. She is amusing though! If she is for real, I hope things work out for her somehow.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012 Holabird Advocate Celebrates 1500 Issue
We had originally planned to revive "10 Questions" for the 1500th post of this website, but since nobody asked a question, all of us here at the Holabird Advocate can only assume that y'all already know everything you want to know for now! Instead we have temporarily moved the Home Office back to Holabird catch you up with all the latest news that we see fit to print!
Parade of Lights? Goodbye! Hello to Christmas at the Corn Palace!
The Parade of Lights has been a holiday tradition for the Mitchell area for years. Some were a mite disappointed that it was cancelled this year, but a new tradition in the making took place last Monday night with Christmas at the Corn Palace. Santa himself was available for pictures with kids of all ages. All manner of holiday entertainment, including the MHS Show Choir, and an ACT preview of "White Christmas". There was a chili feed, on top of free cookies and a choice of hot or cold apple cider. It was topped off with the lighting of the Christmas tree across from the Corn Palace. The 60 degree weather didn't spoil the Christmas spirit of the hundreds of people who took in the festivities, those who weren't in attendance really missed out on a good time!
Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble gobble!Saturday, November 17, 2012  Queen Brittany Reigns at Banquet
One of the duties of the Hyde County 4-H royalty is to preside over the Hyde County 4-H Banquet at the auditorium in Highmore. Brittany Hinkle was selected as this year's queen because she was the awesomest candidate. Of course as you can see the tiara fits, so she's wearing it! Brit also talked about her trip to Washington DC earlier this year. The warmer weather would indicate why she is also wearing a short sleeve shirt and jeans, but some of us here at the Holabird Advocate are wondering why she isn't wearing an evening gown. The again we rejoice that she's not wearing a tank top and booty shorts like the big city girls, so a big thumbs up from us!
FUMC Commitment Sunday Tomorrow
Sunday, November 18, the First United Methodist Church of Mitchell, and Mitchell Fusion, will have a commitment service where members and "regulars" can commit to make a pledge for 2013. Now, when out Publisher first heard the words "Commitment Sunday", being a confirmed bachelor and all, was a little nervous, but when he figured out that it was just a chance to invest in the Church and not a trap for some desperate female to get her hands on his money, he warmed up to the idea. Readers who live outside of Mitchell, and do not wish to contribute to FUMC or Fusion could sure commit their financial support to an institution of worth in their own area, and all of us here at the Holabird Advocate are quite sure any financial support will be welcomed.
Issue 1500 Coming Up
As hard as it is to believe the next post will be our 1500th post. To mark this occasion I will be bringing back the "10 question with..." segment with myself in the hot seat. so submit a question by e-mail or on Facebook, and I'll try to answer it. the earlier you ask, the sooner it gets published!
Thursday, November 15, 2012 Most Likely to Secede? by Jerry Hinkle
First it was polarization, now it is secession that seems to be the latest media buzzword. The fact is that there is usually a few people who use the S word when an election doesn't go the way he or she may have hoped. For some reason it's becoming a big news story this year. I must admit that I was slightly curious as to why people in 47 states want to secede. It doesn't seems possible, yet the media tells us that it is happening.
I have no idea if any of you Readers are having the notion of separating yourself from the Union, but if you do have such notions I have just one thing to say: DON'T DO IT! This country needs you, And whether you know it or not, you need the country. Secession was tried 150 years ago, and it didn't work. The American body politic is like the body of Christ, all of the parts are needed. As in the body of Christ, the eye can not say to the feet, "I don't need you" Neither can the right hand of the American body politic say the same thing to the left. The right hand and the left can do wonderful things when the work together. The right foot and the left need each other to move the body ahead. Right now the left foot is leading the right, but in 4 years, that could change and the right foot may lead for a while. It's not quite the crisis situation you may think it is. I for one refuse to give up on this country. I hope you won't either! Our best days could still be ahead! God be with you and do the best you can! Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Holabird Advocate Celebrates Veterans
All of us here at the Holabird Advocate took a tip from the state of South Dakota and were closed for more that one day! Nobody complained that we were away, but now we're back, so let the complaints begin!
McGovern Conference Carries On
Our Publisher, being a proud son of Wesleyan, took in some of the annual McGovern Conference on Monday. Senator McGovern himself selected this years theme, which was "Moving Beyond Political Polarization" before his death. Dr. Sean J. Flynn of the DWU History Department gave a short presentation on George Washington's Farewell Address and how it was related to the topic. There was also a session that touched on the media's role in politics. Because of his death, Senator McGovern was unable to give his usual closing remarks, so a moment of silence in his honor was observed instead. His absence was keenly felt.
Love Story by Jerry Hinkle
There is an old joke that goes "50% of all marriages end in divorce, not bad when you consider how the other 50% end up". For some reason those words came to mind when, last weekend, I found out that a friend of mine had died.
Jon was a young man, just 2 days past 41st birthday when he died. he left behind a wife and 2 kids who will miss him I'm quite sure. People die every day, but when it's someone who had a wonderful life ahead of them like Jon did it is especially sad. It's so unfair, so tragic. It is a painful reminder that Jon did not truly belong to us, but to God.
And yet I was reminded that while their marriage is over because of his death, the love is still there. Their love story has not ended. That is because God is Love. Every year on Facebook I mark my grandparent's wedding anniversary. Their marriage ended when my Grandma died nearly 18 years ago, but their love never did. It lives on in the hearts of their children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors and everyone else that their love touched since they got hitched 81 years ago. It's the same with Jon and his wife. we who knew Jon can be sad that his life is over, but I choose to be glad that his life happened. I hope all of you readers will keep Jon and his family in your hearts and in your prayers. God be with you and do the best you can!
Saturday, November 10, 2012 Athena on the Way!
Today in Kornfield County the weatherman tells us it will get up to 58 degrees. Tomorrow we may see a high of 29 degrees, all due to the winter storm that the Weather Channel is calling Athena. We are told to expect an inch of snow in this area, the Black Hills may get as much as 3 inches. if you are in the path of Athena, please take all proper cautionary measures!
Less Bite for Mary Hinkle
Harold Hinkle reports that his wife Mary has to go to the dentist to get a tooth pulled. This bewildered all of us here at the Holabird Advocate, since Jerry Hinkle used to tell us stories of how his mother used to take her man-made teeth out at the dinner table and play with them after every meal. from what we see it didn't kill his appetite.
Are We Ready For a New State?
Recently the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico held a vote to see if they wanted to retain their Status as a commonweath, be an independent country, or be admitted to the Union as our 51st state. Usually when the people of that island do that, the vote is to remain a commonwealth, but time there seems to be a movement toward statehood. If they are ready to do so, then the question is are the other 50 state ready for this. There hasn't been a state admitted to the union since 1959. In fact this 53 year period is the longest the Union has gone without admitting a state. If this state is admitted, it will mean the nonvoting delegate will be replaced by 2 Senators and possibly as many as 8 members of the House of Represntatives giving them 10 votes in the Electoral College. This issue will be brought before Congress soon. Let us know your thoughts!
Thursday, November 08, 2012 Upside-down Flag at Half-mast
A McDonald's Restaurant in Follansbee,West Virginia has become the center of a controversy when their American flag was flying at half-mast in the upside-down position. The local veterans are quite upset about the display. According to reports it was that way until sometime around 11:30 am when a customer asked why that was, and corrective measures were taken. the owner of the franchise claims that it was accidental. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate sure hope so! At any rate Mcdonald's reports that sales are dropping. Perhaps they need to fly their own flag upside down!
Publisher's Nephew Gets Birthday Surprise
Harold Hinkle has arranged for our a little surprise for his oldest grandson, who will be celebrating his 11th birthday at the Ponderosa this evening. Justin's uncle, our courageous dynamic Publisher, Jerry Hinkle will be giving him a very special gift tonight. That is all we will print now, other than to speculate that he will either really like this gift of hate it. You know how fussy kids can be!
Publisher's Remarks
Hello, it is I, Jerry Hinkle the man of 1000 personalities, and I just wanted to say a few things sort of semi-seriously about the nice welcome we've had on the web since bringing back the Holabird Advocate Newsblog a week ago. Last week, I had about 5 Readers on an average day, and since the relaunch we've had a little more than 250% increase at 13 Readers (unlucky for some). It may not be reaching 16 counties on 6 of the 7 continents like the old days anymore, but that's alright. Right now my only concern is that people may get bored with this site. Then again with the election over there may be a market for boring. At any rate I hope the blues states and red states can get together and for a purple nation if at all possible, but I won't hold my breath. 'nuff said!
I'm going to be busy this weekend, so not much will be happening on here. You can stay up to date, submit story suggestions, complain, and just be more involved with the Newsblog by visiting and hopefully "liking" our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HolabirdAdvocate
Wednesday, November 07, 2012 America Voted
by Jerry Hinkle
Election 2012 is in the can, as we say back in Holabird. I can't say that too much of what I saw on election night surprised me. All the people I thought would win their respective elections in South Dakota did so. I didn't know which ballot initiatives would stick, but a couple of them did pass, which shows that we are not resistant to all change, so that's good!I thought both Obama and Romeny were super classy in their gracious respective displays of victory and defeat. It would be nice if some of their respective supporters could be as gracious and super classy, but that will take time. Those who have seen some of my postings on Facebook may be surprised to read this, but what I do on there is just for my own entertainment. I love yanking liberal chains when I can! I've tried to pick fights with conservatives, but they always get me with well reasoned and insightful arguments. I hate that! One of my liberal friends woke her son in the middle of the night to tell him that Big Bird was safe from the big bad Romney. PLEASE!Closer to home, it was pretty much Republican victory all the way round. Holabird's Nick Nemec did not make it to the PUC. But as Grandad would say, all he lost was an election. He still has his wife, kids, and he still has the best job of all, feeding a hungry world! I sort of expected that, but Matt McGovern's defeat took me by surprise a little, if only because the main thing against him was his last name. Yesterday, when I was a guest at "100 Eyes on South Dakota Politics" I wondered out loud if I should change my name to McGovern. I see now that the name has a curse to go along with the blessing. It's all I can do to live up to my own grandfather's last name, let alone Matt's. One thing is for sure, the McGovern name can open a lot of doors, but if you don't have something to back it up, you'll get shown the door. From what I've seen, Matt has that something, and I hope it's put to good use!In closing I'd like to publicly offer congrats to my Wesleyan brother, Kyle Schoenfish, and his fellow District 19 Representative, Stace Nelson. Both of these great gentlemen, who ran as Republicans have been blistered in the past for not always following their part line. They are called extremists. To me a better term is maverick, and there's nothing wrong with that. If I were a Marine, I'd say "Semper Fi" But since I'm just a Publisher, I'll simply say, "God be with you and do the best you can!"Tuesday, November 06, 2012 America Votes
by Jerry Hinkle Holabird Advocate Publisher
Today is election day, the day that sets democracy apart from every other system of government. Every 4 years, almost always without fail, this country elects, and sometimes re-elects someone to govern as President of these United States. There is usually a wrinkle or two in the process, but it all works out eventually. We haven't had an election go to Congress since 1824, nor to the Supreme Court since 2000.Be that as it may, you have my fearless prediction here: Either Obama or Romney will be the declared winner by 9:30 pm Holabird time tonight! Look for Ohio and Florida to be the huge decider in this cycle. Either way, I won't be leaving this country for Canada based on who is elected President. If any of you want do, please do and the sooner the better. This country survived 8 years of Clinton and 8 Years of Bush, and it's still the best nation in the world! If you disagree find one better and move there ASAP!Closer to home, however, there are a few things that I can predict. Romney will carry SD and the 3 electoral votes it contains will be his. Democrats have carried South Dakota, but it hasn't happened in my lifetime. If I'm wrong I will eat vegetables! Also I'm hoping that my good friend and Wesleyan Brother, Kyle Schoenfish is elected Representative from his home in District 19. I got $40 riding on that! And even though I never sent him any money, I hope that you'll vote for Nick Nemec in the 4 year PUC race. He didn't get the benefit of a fine DWU education, but his time in the USMC has given him the drive to fight for right and freedom, so keep your honor clean by voting him in. I'm not going to hold my breath on that because I know that many people won't vote for him just because he's a Democrat. It would be a shame if that was your only criteria!Since, as my dad reminds me, it is a secret ballot I won't tell you how I voted. Grandad was looking over my shoulder, as I did, so y'all can probably guess how I voted from that! I'll be watching the returns tonight to see how it went, and hopefully be in bed by midnight. Until next time, god be with you and do the best you can!Monday, November 05, 2012 Publisher Votes Early
Not wanting a good bath and shave to go to waste, our Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, put his walking shoes on and headed to the courthouse to see if it was too late to vote early. The County Auditor, who knows Jerry by sight, wasn't available, but one of the deputies filled in as the straight man for what could have been a really funny YouTube video.
Jerry walk up the step to the Auditor's office, asked if it was too late to vote early, trying hard not to sound like a hillbilly. After getting out his drivers license and having the deputy make sure he was registered. She asked if Jerry lived at his address. He spoke right up, "Oh yes ma'am. I walked all the way up here 'cause I didn't wanna drive all the way over to the Fairgrounds like I had to 2 years ago". She looked at the computer and said, "Well you've been moved to the Corn Palace this year." Not missing a beat, he replied, "Oh well, I'm hear already, I might as well go ahead". She gets out the ballot and the envelope making sure he understands the procedure. He went to the booth, filled in the proper ovals, placed the ballot carefully in the envelops so it wasn't bent, folded, stapled, or mutilated, and sealed it just as he was told. He then presented it to the deputy who looked it over as saw that her instructions were followed and let him know he did well! The easy part was over. The hard part kicks in while waiting for votes to get counted! some people don't take the time to vote, but Jerry enjoys voting. He does take it seriously, but always tries to have a certain amount of fun with it.
Publisher to the Manner Born
For the first time in 5 years of living in the big city, our Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, took his courageous, dynamic self to St. Mary's Episcopal Church for their turkey dinner. He went a few hours too early the first time. some dude named Rector told him that the dinner didn't start until 4pm. Well, you know how folks are in the big city. Jerry got there at about 5 pm and bought a $10 ticket, then made his way down to the basement through an amazing array of halls, finally making it to the dinning room, which was beautifully decorated. They let him pick up one dessert from the dessert table (he chose chocolate cake with whipped cream), and had him sit at a table with some random strangers. It turned out that one of the strangers was a retired trucker that used to frequent Mac's Corner. He asked if Jim and Eleanor King were still living, and was told they had both passed,
Jerry was presented with a plateful of food to eat consisting of a bit of turkey, mashed potaoes and gravy, dressing and a generous amount of cranberry sauce. He was quite proud of himself for eating carefully enough that he didn't get his clothes, or his hands, dirty. He drank about 3 cups of coffee along with the meal, and when it became evident that he was to get no more, he left to go outside into the chilly rain.
North of 40 by Red Green
I wanna talk to all you middle aged men out there because I've noticed that some people expect you and I to be fountains of wisdom just simply because we have reached a certain age. Well I've found a way to fake wisdom. It's really easy, all you have to do is smile and nod, maybe add a chuckle after someone else stops talking. See, If you're silent it gives the impression that you are in deep contemplation of the universe and all of its infinite mysteries, when really all you're really thinking about is "Didn't my wife want me to pick up something before I got home?"
See, it's easy to fake wisdom with silence. That silence tells people you're wise. So don't open your mouth and let them know that you're a total moron. Just let that be your little secret. And remember, I'm pulling for you. We're all in this together!
Sunday, November 04, 2012 Cade Hinkle Bags 1st Deer
In South Dakota there are many rites of passage. Killing your first deer is one such rite. Our Publisher killed his first deer with a car at age 24. His nephew Cade actually shot one (legally we hope) at age 10. As one can clearly see by the photo supplied by his grandmother, Mary Hinkle. This dry doe is nearly twice his size with the weapon draped across his prey the great equalizer in this story. When one figures the cost of the license, and the processing, it may have been cheaper to go to Cabela's and buy some jerky, but then we would not have this wonderful story of a boy and his deer!
Hinkle Waits for Dinner
One thing that country boys like Jerry Hinkle just doesn't seem to be able to get used to is the notion of Dinner as the evening vittles, but when in the big city you gotta do as the big citizens do! Namely have lunch at noon and have dinner closer to the evening. In this case 5 pm! The destination? St. Mary's Episcopal here in beautiful downtown Mitchell and the Turkey dinner therin!
When to Vote? That is the Question!All of us here have been pondering if we should see if tomorrow is too late to vote early in this election. At the time, we were under the assumption that the polling place for the Home office was going to be the Kornfield County Fairgrounds just outside of town, which is a heck of a drive. Last night we got a piece of mail telling us that our polling place was the Corn Palace, which is actually closer than the Kornfield County Courthouse is in the first place. Feel free to weigh in by email: publisher@gmail.comFriday, November 02, 2012 Surprise Guest at Newsblog Relaunch
Amid all the fun and frivolity of the Holabird Advocate relaunch party, one thing was forgotten. Somebody gotta read this site. At midnight, when we posted, someone from Sioux falls logged on. Of course none of us knows who it was, but our Publisher hopes that it was SD Blogwatch Man, or as we used to call him back in Holabird, "The Watcher".
Not much is known about The Watcher, except that he was reported to live in Sioux Falls and had the power of Cheese, whatever that means! If he is watching this, our Publisher standing offer of a prime rib dinner still stands. Failing that, feel free to send us any and all inside information at your disposal!
Not much Rest On Sunday
Our Publisher has the day off from his other job this Sunday, but he'll stay busy. Fusion is starting a new sermon series called "Enough", and the first service deals with "When dreams become nightmares". Also on Sunday. St. Mary's Episcopal Church here in Mitchell is having a Turkey Dinner . After that, he'll be at the new home office. So if you wanna find Jerry Hinkle on Sunday, now you'll know where to look!
Thursday, November 01, 2012 Holabird Advocate Back on Web
It's been almost 4 years since all of us here at the Holabird Advocate gave you, the Reader, all the news we see fit to print. Much has changed, and some things haven't. We've been doing some experimenting to see where we can improve and freshen up the old Newsblog. Having you back here with us is the best change of all! As before, we'll depend on you to let us know how we are doing! You've already seen that the Pollmaster General is working!
McGovern Comes to Brown Bag
Matt McGovern, candidate for PUC was the featured speaker at the brown bag at Java city yesterday. He spoke briefly about his background as one of Senator George McGovern's grandchildren, his career as a lawyer, his vision as to what Public Utility Commissioner should be. Mr. McGovern actually knew where Holabird is, so we know he's got something on the ball!
Hurricane Sandy Blowsby Jerry HinkleHolabird Advocate Publisher
I was actually hoping to put off editorials for a while, but the weather out east kinda changed my plans. Like a lot of others, I was shocked at the level of devastation and destruction caused by what some called Frankenstorm. The videos and photos really show what earthly nature is capable of when unleashed. But I also noticed something else.
At last report, only 55 people have died because of this storm. This is thanks in part to the technology that has been made available to us through the grace of God to stack the progress of a hurricane and give those effected ample warning. Among those who were saved include some of my relatives from Woodbury, CT! They evacuated in time, staying safe and dry until Sandy was through with their area.
The technology that we have today is so awesome. Even just 50-100 years ago, the best way to see how a storm was progressing was to look out a window. Now we have satellites in space, live Doppler radar and other things that I don't even know about. And it was all placed there by our Father in Heaven! I just wonder if we as humans truly comprehend how miraculous the whole thing is.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 While you're waiting for the relaunch of the Holabird Advocate vote in our first poll! Tuesday, October 30, 2012 With the website changing back to it's original name, I hope to set a few things right. It won't be as good as it used to be, but it will still be better than what I've been doing here. I hope that the 5 of you still reading enjoy it. The relaunch issue will poke fun at my favorite target:myself!
When I started the Holabird Advocate 10 years ago, I really didn't think anyone outside of my family and a few close friends would read it. But at it's height, the "Hinkle Empire" reached 16 countries and has been read on every continent except Antarctica. Not bad!
Last night I went to the Haunted House on Main Street that benefits the Children's Miracle Network. All who can really should make the effort, even if you, like me, don't believe in Halloween. It is for a good cause. For me, most of the entertainment came from the 4 or 5 screaming ladies who, if they weren't scared sure fooled me! I decided to get into the spirit of the holiday and wear black, which pretty much made me invisible. At any rate it was $5 well spent, and it was fun if I do say so myself. DWU Theatre sponsored it, so that in itself was another good reason for me to show support!
Quinten Burg, Candidate for State Senate in District 20 was at Java City for the McGovern brown bag, so I went to see what, if anything he has to offer! He has a rather refreshing honest and common sense approach to politics. Whether that is enough to unseat Senator Vehle remains to be seen.
Monday, October 29, 2012 As I posted earlier this year, barring the unforeseen I would be bringing back the old Holabird Advocate to this web address, effectively canceling the Jerry Hinkle Program, on Jan 1, 2013. I have since decided to move up this relaunch to November 1, 2012. To celebrate the relaunch, I'll be hosting a relaunch party in the lobby of the Ramada Inn at 9:30 Halloween night. It will be formal, unless I can find a Peyton Manning Jersey that will fit me, in which case it will be a costume party. Thursday, October 25, 2012 I had so much fun at yesterday's brown bag at Java City that I wanted to go again. But first I went to see America. She was not having a good day. We had about a half inch of snow, and the coffee machine was broke. Long story short I had to drink Coke for breakfast. Grandad would have had a fit, but what was I to do, ya know! Turns out It goes well with a biscuit, sausage and hash browns
Matt Varilek was one of the speakers, as was James Schorzmann. They are both running for House seats. Varilek for US House, and Schorzmann for the State House in Disrict 20. Both of these gentleman seem honest and sincere. They are also both Democrats. Hopefully the voters won't hold that against them. The Republican incumbants in both of these races have an advantage, but like the car rental people, these men will try harder!
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