Tag Archives: Indianapolis

The Night Red Went to Jail

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Christmas, 2004. The Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons meet up at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for a rematch following the so-called “Malice in the Palace,” the night of super-classy sportsmanship with riots and arrests with a soupcon of basketball as a pretext.

Red was at the the Christmas Day, post-riot rematch between the Pacers and Pistons in Indianapolis.

“It was the first time that the two teams had played since the riot and I wanted to be there and be supportive, so I got seats that were only thirteen rows away from the floor, underneath the basket. The place was full, even for a Christmas game, and Detroit was kicking our ass pretty early. Sometime in the second quarter, the game had hit a little bit of a lull. Player Ben Wallace went to the line. Wallace had been one of the major instigators of the brawl. So in my shy, demure voice [Editor's note: Red has a voice that could fill ten cathedrals without amplification. Red has a rich voice, a voice made to be heard. It is also a voice that can't not be heard. "Shy" and "demure" are two adjectives that run screaming when they see Red coming.], I shouted out 'Ben Wallace is a thug.' It was quiet and quite a bit of the lower part of the Fieldhouse heard me and there were laughs and giggles all around, probably because Ben Wallace was, in fact, a thug. Wallace hit the free throw and the game went on.

So about five minutes later, two green-coated Conseco ushers/members of the Fieldhouse nazi squad showed up by my seat and said 'Sir, can you please come with us. I had no idea why; I thought maybe I'd won a contest or was getting an upgrade to the front row.

'What's this about?' I kept asking. 'What's this about?'

'Please follow us' was the only response I could get.

I was taken deep in the bowels of Conseco Fieldhouse, more confused as to what was happening and where I was being taken. The usher-nazis open up a door and I see 15 or 20 IMPD officers and a few Marion County sheriff's deputies huddled around a couple boxes of Long's donuts and as soon as the door opens, everybody looks. There's a lock-up cell in the corner with bars and a chair in it. The cop in charge looks over at all of us, me and the nazis, and asks 'what'd this guy do?'

At which point I realized I was in Conseco Jail. The other stormtrooper told the donut squad “He said Ben Wallace is a fag.”

And that's when all of the Indianapolis cops proceed to die laughing. There are sprinkles, and jelly, and cream filling everywhere. In the jail.

When the laughing stopped and the donuts were cleaned up, the same guy asks again 'Is that what you said?'

'No. I said Ben Wallace is a thug.' More donuts and sprinkles and laughing.

'Is that really what you said?'

'Yes.'

The head cop said 'Just go back to your seat.”

I got back to my seat right before half-time, where I had to explain to everyone what had happened. ["I was in Pacers Jail. Oh, and by the way, there's such a thing as Pacers Jail."] and that I wasn't intoxicated or belligerent. As soon as I told the story, a nice lady a couple rows in front of me pointed out that four rows to the left and slightly in front of me sat Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh. The only conclusion I can draw at this point is that Larry Legend's hearing is slightly flawed and I was ratted out to the Pacers Brain Trust. I guess the moral of the story is: Detroit fans can throw cars and babies and brawl without any retribution but yelling “Ben Wallace is a thug” in Indianapolis will get you thrown straight into Pacers Jail. [It's a morality play, Red. A Tale of Two Cities. It's a Comedy of Manners.]“

And that's the night Greenwood Red went to jail. On Christmas. Adds Red, “You haven't really lived until you've been thrown in Pacers Jail.”

I asked if he was making it up, especially about the donuts. But Red swears it's all true, including the donuts.

As I've said before, Red has tales.

You can follow him on Twitter. @GreenwoodRed. He chirps a lot. But he does it well.

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2012 Election: IN-93 and IN-58

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Indiana General Assembly: House District 93.

Candidate Ryan Guillory (D) v. Incumbent David Frizzell:

David Frizzell has served in the House since 1992. He is currently the majority whip for the Republicans. In 2011-2012, he served on the Education, Insurance, Public Health, and Utilities and Energy committees. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Loyola College. Congressman Frizzell does not have a campaign website but his House site can be accessed here.

His opponent for the House seat is Ryan Guillory, an attorney in Indianapolis. He earned a B.S. in Neuroscience and a B.A. in History from Tulane, a Master's in U.S. History, also from Tulane, and his J.D. from Indiana University. His website is ryanguillory.com which, helpfully, he updates frequently. His top three priorities are mass transit, repealing Senate Enrolled Act I (which would protect first responders and improve public safety), and education. His policy on education is: returning control of schools to local government (much like candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz), supporting teachers, and expanding pre-K opportunities and funding statewide full-day kindergarten.

Indiana General Assembly: House District 58.

Woody Burton (R) is the incumbent. There is no challenger. He has two websites: his personal site is here, his House site is here. His personal site does an excellent job of providing generalized information and some of his policy positions. Mr. Burton follows the dictum of “show your work.” Additionally, more than many politicians' sites, he has an ongoing invitation for input and civic engagement. He encourages people to contact him at his office or through surveys he mails to constituents or through frequent town-hall meetings. His website welcomes citizens to contact him if they are having issues with any branch of state government. He is to be commended for the message of his site. He explicitly states that his goal is to be “accessible and responsive to all Johnson County voters.”

The one drawback to his public websites and statements is that he is prone to the same non-specific platitudes that plague politics. “Prioritizing economic development and education while preserving fiscal integrity” means little if there is no discussion about how one does that or which measurements of fiscal integrity or, even, which definition of fiscal integrity; or, fiscal integrity in which timeframe. Burton's websites do not address these things but he does a better job than many politicians at linking to policy papers and pdf's that, again, show his work. And I can't say enough about the tone of invitation to constituents, regardless of party, that his site exhibits.

In the House, he has most recently served on the Financial Institutions Committee (Chairman), the Elections and Apportionment Committee, and the Insurance, Judiciary, and the Rules and Legislative Procedures committees. He has served in the General Assembly since 1988.

He is a real estate broker in Greenwood and has many professional certifications as a realtor, residential specialist, and auctioneer.

That being said, there really should be a Democratic candidate for this House seat. While I genuinely have respect for Mr. Burton and appreciate the welcoming attitude found on his public sites, I also believe that District 58 deserves a choice. Despite the openness that Woody Burton displays, it is disappointing that there is no representative of the Democratic Party up for election this year. If only I knew of a Democrat living in the district who was passionate about government and believed wholeheartedly that solid legislative policy can be used to create a better way of life for Hoosiers. If I knew of a Democrat living in House District 58 who was interested, I might be tempted to write her name in on my ballot on November 6th.

Carson! Random! Thursday! Two Tums, Two Advils, and a Cup of Coffee Edition

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Citizen Carson

U.S. Representative André Carson (D-IN-7) is a bit prone to controversy of late; most recently for his comments regarding education, innovation, and madrassas. While I admit Rep. Carson has an especial proclivity for placing one or both feet in the general vicinity of his oral region and I further admit that many in the Indianapolis suburban area are, anecdotally, less than keen on Mr. Carson, I wanted to take the opportunity to point out something small but meaningful that André Carson has done for his community.

On the south side of Indianapolis, near what is questionably termed “The Magnificent Mile,” Mr. Carson has adopted a median. Granted, it’s a patch of grass in the middle of Madison Avenue that is as brown and parched as everything else in this drought-ridden Hoosier summer, but still, I think the congressman deserves credit for an investment in the community—and the thoughtfulness that necessarily lay behind it.

He’s so often in Washington D.C. with his duties as House member and now he is busy with campaigning, of course, as he faces Carlos May (R) in the 2012 general election. But there’s something to be said for his adoption of a median: it expresses a connection to his community and the desire to take ownership of its welfare that I find, frankly, refreshing and a little touching.

It would probably be a very easy thing as a U.S. Representative to just go to Washington and worry about connecting with the voters and leave it there. The small gesture of adopting a median in an area where any attention and care is sorely needed says something really good about the man.

Granted, perhaps some campaign advisor suggested the move to elicit a reaction such as mine.

Still, I think well of it. Thank you, Representative Carson. Perhaps in the fall, when the rain hopefully returns, some wildflower seeds and spring bulbs could find their way to your adopted median on Madison Avenue. Or some ornamental trees. But you decide; it is, after all, your median.

If you ever wanted to know How to Adopt a Median around Indianapolis, Here You Go.

Readings du Jour pour Jeudi (or, in Indiana-speak, “Hey, y’all, here’s some stuff to read for Thursday. Like ‘soup of the day,’ only with words. And who the heck is ‘Judy’ anyways?”)

Associated Press. “Gov. Perry tells feds Texas won’t expand Medicaid, set up online service to shop for insurance,” Washington Post, July 9, 2012.

Carpenter, Dan. “Taxes, Daniels, denial,” Indianapolis Star,  July 11, 2012.

Montgomery, Lori. “In 2009, Americans paid lowest tax rates in 30 years to federal government,” Washington Post, Thursday, July 12, 2012.

Schneider, Mary Beth. “Gregg criticizes Daniels’ surplus,” Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, July 10, 2012.

Something to Talk About

“To me the highlight of politics, frankly, is to inflict my opinion on someone else.” Richard Mourdock, Republican candidate to represent Indiana in the U.S. Senate

“Sure, I believe in American exceptionalism in the same way that the British believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism.” Barack Obama

“The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” United States Treaty of Tripoli, signed into law by John Adams in 1797.

“I am going to eliminate every non-essential, expensive program that I can find, and that includes Obamacare.” Mitt Romney, who should probably be asked how he defines “essential” and then be asked for examples of programs, other than Obamacare, he’s thinking fit his definition of “non-essential.” The third question Mr. Romney should receive is “What if an essential program is also expensive?” The fourth question should be “What if the program is essential for some but not for all? Does the metric for ‘essential’ necessarily include ‘all-encompassing?’”

“Two Tums, two Advils, and a cup of coffee.” The perfect hangover cure, according to Liz Laughlin, as quoted in the Indianapolis Star.

“We have not inherited the earth from our ancestors. We have inherited it from our children.” Native American proverb

“We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.” Carl Sagan

Poll Position: Indianapolis

For those living in central Indiana who are concerned about the future of Indianapolis, the Indy Rezone initiative is looking for citizen input on what the future of Indianapolis should be. They have a poll on their webpage. Currently the question is “The zoning and redevelopment issue that should receive the most attention is…” Unfortunately, there is no “all of the above” choice or even the ability to choose more than one answer. Still, if you have an opinion and/or if you frequently lament that “no one’s listening to me,” here’s your chance to weigh in on the future of the Circle City. Vote here.

Lastly, the Jackassery Award for Fine Living Goes To…

Mr. Aaron Stefanski of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who thought life would be a dream if only he’d get drunk, tie his two kids to the hood of his car, and take a pleasure cruise around the neighborhood.

Awesome.

The Indianapolis Star reports that Mr. Stefanski “told officers he thought the children, ages 4-7, would enjoy the ride.”

Kids 4-7 enjoy many things, some harmful. That’s why they have parents.

Congratulations on your Supreme Asshattery, Mr. Stefanski. Bone-headed moves like this involving beloveds tied to cars haven’t been seen since Mitt Romney tied ol’ Seamus to the roof of his car. I guess if you wanna be rich, ya gotta act like the rich… Well, if you can dream it, you can do it!

Clown.

Non-Foodie Review: The Brass Ring Lounge

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What:  The Brass Ring Lounge, Indianapolis, Indiana

The Brass Ring Lounge is a little gem of a place, just off Shelby Street a block out of Fountain Square in Indianapolis. Fountain Square has always been a bit artsy: historic (read: old) buildings, antique shops, duckpin bowling, and ethnic food. It had gotten a little sad, frayed more completely than just the edges. But after a couple of years of new investment, including a new fountain, in the area, Fountain Square proper is rejuvenating in some wonderful ways. It’s still artsy. But now, seemingly, it’s artsy because it wants to be, not because it’s too poor to choose differently.

The Brass Ring is a lot like its Fountain Square home. Housed in a building that must once have been a Thirties-era filling station, it celebrates its garage doors by throwing them open when the weather’s nice. It celebrates the past in every corner—black and white photos from Vegas’ heyday, once-provocative pin-ups of Marlene Dietrich and Bettie Page, and TCM, exclusively, is showing on the two TV screens above the bar. Standards and big-band music play through the speakers, except on nights when there is live music. Oh, yes, there is a piano. They have live music. Not karaoke, not a band; when you’re lucky, there’s a pianist, a vocalist, and maybe a cool cat of a jazz drummer using those brushy things to provide rhythm on a snare. The place is artsy and hip and, not to anthropomorphize over much, very self-aware.

Just as an aside, there’s a goldfish, for life, and a plaster pink elephant, presumably mascot, oracle, muse, and occasional warning.

The Ring is staffed by attractive hipsters, happily of the welcoming kind and not the sneering variety. And this is all to the good. The clientele encompasses everyone: young, old, hipster, the emphatically and perpetually non-hip. The occasional professional has been sighted. Mostly it’s just normal folk. All of them are treated well.

The liquors are extensive, handsomely displayed and illuminated. The staff is knowledgeable about the selection, whether one is ordering a cocktail or a craft beer (also a good selection) or a soft drink. They have food, too, and what appears to be good food, (again, with the anthropomorphic language) as self-assured and aware as the place that hosts it (read for this: someone on staff is up on their foodie culture– sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, specialty cheeses. It’s elevated bar food: all wraps and hummus, et cetera, et cetera). Prices are reasonable, and gourmet bar food and sandwiches aside, let’s be frank here: you aren’t going to the Ring for food, regardless of how presumably wonderful it is. Though you certainly could do so.  And without fear of ridicule.

Fine drinks and fine staff, the Brass Ring is a fine place. Best of all, to this reviewer, it’s got that magical ability to be anything you need it to be. It has the personality that chains or the local dive bars lack. Its affection for the past lends it what could pleasantly be termed “character.” There is no pressure at the Ring to look a certain way or be a certain thing. You just go in. If you’re with friends, it’s conducive to all manner of convivial conversations. If you’re alone, that’s fine, too, and you don’t feel gritty when you leave. The soundtrack and the littleness of the place manage to provide just the right amount of sound and anonymity without coldness to suit whatever need you’ve got going, be it brooding, socializing, or just a draught to pull you through.

Rating: 4 Sláintes ♣♣♣♣

Brass Ring Lounge on Urbanspoon

To © or Not to ©. And Other Things Blogtastic.

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You would think now that Emerald Orange is nearly in her terrible twos, the author would feel like an old hand at the proper care and feeding of the blogosphere. This is simply not the case. The author is perpetually mystified by the dos and don’ts of The Successful Blog. The Successful Blog itself is a strange and perhaps mythic creature whose very identity can shift on a daily basis. This author suspects The Successful Blog avoids authors who worry overmuch about Successful Blogs. Putting that question aside for a moment, the author has read both fantastic and outright tragic blog posts on the Internet, lack of censorship being brilliant for information and creativity but unsuccessful at quality control and (maybe) overproduction. At any rate, as this particular blog nears its toddlerhood, here are some thoughts on bloggery that the author has not yet resolved in the effort to create a Better Emerald Orange. She puts it to you, blogosphere. What are your thoughts?

To © or Not to ©. Plagiarism is bad. It is theft. Proper attribution is only fair, especially in the world of copy-paste. Everyone wants the credit for their own work, whether it’s shoddy or exceptional or something in-between. So here’s the question: is it protective and prudent or merely pretentious to throw the “all words and images here are the copyright of the author unless otherwise specified” script on the blog or About page or on every post? Some blogs mention it, some don’t. To this “writer” it would seem to go without saying that, yes, by all means, please take what you like but throw me a link or an attribution. Because only Bad People plagiarize and there just can’t be very many Bad People out there. Naïve? Humble? What say you, blogosphere?

Find Your Niche. As is immediately obvious to anyone who peeps in at it, Emerald Orange is nothing if not Utterly Random. Which means one day, the author is pleasing to someone but on the next she is offending/boring them. There’s a lot of advice out there on Becoming a Better Blogger. Quite a bit of it suggests it is wise to create a niche blog: to limit the blog to one topic or type and create others if one wants to branch out. For this author, that’s probably a keen suggestion, but one that would require more time online than she currently has. But she hates knowing that perhaps she is disappointing her little band of followers and guests who sort of like one thing and then check back and see something incomprehensible or uninteresting. Is the random/niche polarity really so important in pleasing the (potential) readership? Or do you just do that thing you do and be grateful when/if someone somewhere likes it a little? (This has been the author’s philosophy.)

Breakfast Serial (And Style). This writer is a tireless defender of the serial comma. Despite the fact that current media practice eliminates the last comma (e.g.: “apple, kiwi and orange” instead of “apple, kiwi, and orange”), this author refuses to let the serial comma go gracefully into that good night unless she has a darned good reason for doing so (paid employment writing somewhere that’s insistent on the subject). The author also has been known to experience anxiety about the style question: should she be using AP, Chicago Manual, or MLA? Does it really matter if one is consistent? Does it matter even then? It’s just a blog, for goodness’ sake! Do any other bloggers freak themselves out on these things?

Show Me the Money. Monetization of The Blog. Some bloggers go outright with the Tips or Donate button, some get/have ads, and others still are Amazon Associates so when they recommend books or what have you, any clicks generate a tiny commission. The truly confident and/or entrepreneurial authors/bloggers publish their blogs by subscription only or as serial e-books. This author understands: what’s better than to get paid a little something so you can pay your bills and have more time for writing? And if one has more time to write and research, the writing is much more likely to be something worth reading. But then it sort of makes her squirm: the best thing about the Internet is the (mostly) free dissemination of information and the collaboration and connections that creates. Luckily for the author, she suspects this is only (or should be only) an issue for Successful Blogs (depending on definition of “successful,” again.)

Support Group. The blogosphere is full of warm, funny, and smart people. Just as the geniuses at WordPress suggest, it really is a good idea to Read Other Blogs, “Like” them, and comment on them. It’s rewarding on its own (good stuff to read and it’s nice to support other people) and sometimes it creates a support network of bloggers who follow—and, happily, become acquainted with–one another. And recently, (switching to first person now) I became aware of yet another way to support and be supported by fellow bloggers. The kind folks at Indianapolis Bloggers have come up with the brilliant idea to create a kind of home base for, well, Indianapolis blogs. They have generously allowed me to join the lists. If you’re around the Circle City, you should check them out. If you’re not, you should check them out anyway and then steal the idea for your city (with proper attribution to Indianapolis Bloggers, of course).

Happy writing and blogging, one and all. I’d love to hear what your thoughts and suggestions on all things blogging are.  And, if you’re reading this, thanks for stopping by.