THAT'S BULL!

A Queens, New York woman has become the second person to file a lawsuit claiming injuries from being thrown off a mechanical bull in a Western-themed New York City restaurant. The woman's lawsuit accuses Johnny Utah's in Rockefeller Center of negligence and "assault and battery". It says the restaurant allowed "an inebriated individual" to ride the bull. Did she not know that's the purpose of the bull is to throw riders off? And as far as her drinking, she probably didn't realize that most of the people inside the bar were drinking. It seems like the whole thing is just a lot of bull, mechanical or otherwise.

JUST LIKE THE GOOD OLE DAYS

One of the relics of the 1950's is making a comeback. The retail invention called--layaway. For many years it has been all but extinct, with the Kmart corporation about the only major retailer bothering to keep layaway plans among their customer services. The service- in which a customer pays off the purchase price of a product in installments plus a small fee before taking it home- appeared headed for obsolescence two years ago when Wal-Mart shut down its' program. But thanks to the economic downturn, and many credit card companies reducing their limits, layaway is making a comeback. This Holiday season many other national retailers have joined Kmart in advertising their layaway options, including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Burlington Coat Corporation, and many other regional chains and local stores. What will happen when the credit card companies figure out that people don't need them anymore? Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Skyliners and layaway. Yes, the good ole days were still the best.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SAINTS'

Congratulations to the Easton Area Community Center (formerly Saint Anthony's Youth Center) for an absolutely superb night. It was my privilege to emcee the 13th annual Larry Holmes All-Star Celebrity Roast at the Best Western Hotel Center on Sunday night. Thanks to the Champ and his inviting all his celebrity friends, the event raised thousands of dollars to help keep the youngsters of the community off the streets, and in organized activities. The event honored Mrs. Margaret Walson, who along with her husband John Walson Sr., invented cable television in the United States. Also honored was son Ed Walson, who along with brother John Walson Jr., has been a big supporter of the Youth Center. Everybody was there, including Hall of Fame football star Lenny Moore, and Heisman trophy winner and Washington Redskins star George Rogers. From the boxing world, former Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier, Gerry Cooney, six-time world champion Emile Griffith, former champions Bobby Czyz and Iran Barkley and former heavyweight contender Renaldo Snipes. And of course, the Hall of Fame Heavyweight Champion of the World, Larry Holmes. Thanks to all who made this night possible, and a big thank you from all the kids that you helped.