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| A big 'thank you' to readers who helped out | A fairy tale for the suburbs | Affordable reliable energy is big issue | Aldermen must abide by regulations | All press has a 'slant' here's mine | Annual roast raises laughs and funds | An open invitation | Big Dig finger-pointing is starting | Boston Globe would give us goose poop | Boston's bad what about the Valley? | Buckle or not | By cracky, these whippersnappers deserve ban | Candidates offer choices - go vote! | Center is good for region's economy | Conference can shed light on media | Corruption can happen anywhere | Could any governor lower taxes? | Dear Mr. President: let's hear more on energy | Debate rages on Agawam project | Democrats for Romney, join me! | Despite life's trials, there's plenty for which to be thankful | Don't thrust your beliefs on others | Do we need a big box store in town? | Do we need another Stop & Shop? | Do you feel guilty eating Kentucky Fried? | Do you know a 'Hometown Hero?' | Election mystery: where was Mitt? | Faith is great, unless it blinds | Fee boycott may not be the answer | Flea market is great 'dig' for history buffs | Fly the flag on 9/11 for the victims and the troops | Gabrieli presents plans instead of promises | Get ready for Deval's visit this week | Gov should get criticism he deserves | Help say 'Happy B' day' to a nice guy | Here's a little backstage peek at reporting | Here's my gift list this holiday season | Hillman spends a minute in western Mass. | How can we ignore the generals? | How do you think we rate as a brand? | How many donut shops do we need? | How many mistakes do the national TV news shows make? | I'm looking for another good reporter | I'm seeing 'ghosts' and dead chickens | I'm tired of Springfield bashers | Is contest latest salvo in culture war? | Is Mitt running for prez or not? | It's time to tell them what you think | Katrina: the storm that changed everything | Kriss provides a lesson for all | Lees's departure will make election lively | Let's exchange for the table for food for thought | Life demands standards | Locally produced show is axed | Local TV used to mean local shows | Movie shows times haven't changed much | New governor will get big wish list | New takes on old favorites aimed at Boomers | Our life in the Commonwealth should not be reduced to only one issue | Outside eyes | OWBs create permitting problems | Patrick needs to pass his first big test | Press gives us dessert instead of main course | Publishing cartoons serves no purpose | Random thoughts for the New Year | Rivoli news: good...tree cutting in park: bad | 'Slow' news summer? Not so far this year | Smoking Ban violates privacy, rights | 'Speak Out' feature allows readers to share opinions | Springfield remains a city with promise | State hinders small businesses with elevator 'reforms' | Story may shed light on N. Korea | Summer jobs more important than you think | Super controversy is super silly | Tackling the trash issue in E.L. | Terrorists beware! Romney is on patrol | The current state of Laughing Brook is no laughing matter | The purpose of a free press is to provide an arena for ideas | There are better reasons to visit Holyoke | There is a silver lining in city's story | There is a silver lining in city's story | These are the real issues facing all of us | These stories aren't getting much attention | The year of muffin tops and prairie dogging comes to pass | Time to quit picking on Springfield | Treat the Burgess legacy with the historical respect it deserves | Trip gives chance to make observations | War of words continue in Bay State | We all need to pitch in to help our towns | We can't take freedoms for granted | We have to help Deval keep his promises | We love to receive your letters | We thank you for your suggestions | What does 'quality of life' mean to you? | What I learned on my summer vacation | What speech is acceptable today? | What's the point of fireworks being illegal? | Where is the local content? | Who's putting fuel on the casino fire? | Why do pundits attack the VT victims? | Wisdom from Springer's mouth to your eyes | With spring comes welcomed hope | WWSD: What would Shays do? | Your government was determined by 14 percent of the voters |
 
   > Here's my gift list this holiday season

Here's my gift list this holiday season

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



Are you done shopping for Christmas? Well, I just have a few articles left to buy for my wife and some frivolous items for my buddy Dave's stocking, otherwise I am done.

And I still have money to pay our bills. Now, that's a Christmas miracle!

If I hit the lottery, though, I think I would expand my list a little to get the following items:

To Ken Ritchott in the Chicopee mayor's office, I'd get a foolproof camera so he never misses a shot of his boss receiving a check.

For State Senator Brian Lees, enrollment in a crash course on the court system.

To every office worker in downtown Springfield I'd give a gift certificate for an order of homemade fries from City Jakes, an over-stuffed sub from Frigo's, and a great beer from the Student Prince. Then they should all get a nap!

To the staff of Holyoke Mayor Mike Sullivan, a Segway in order to keep up with him.

In fact, Chicopee Alderman James Tillotson, who attends nearly every meeting and event in the city, should get a Segway as well.

For Springfield Mayor Charlie Ryan, a weekly deep tissue massage to work out all of the pain of governing.

To the members of the Finance Control Board, copies of Dale Carnegie's book on how to win friends and influence people.

To Brad Shepard at WHYN AM, I'd give a collection of the most obscure two-reel comedies made in the 1930s and an extra binky to give newsman John Baibak to calm him down.

Naturally, Springfield City Councilor Domenic Sarno needs a fresh pair of suspenders.

To Mino Giliberti of Buon Appetito in Westfield, a clone so he could take more time off and still cook all of those great meals.

For Chicopee Alderman George Moreau, a helicopter so he could reach that VIP billboard on I-391 and take it down himself.

For my friends at Womanshelter/Companeras, a year without an increase in domestic abuse.

To Holyoke Police Chief Tony Scott, five minutes alone with the judges who keep letting criminals back out on the street.

To every employee of Reminder Publications, the ability to turn left out of our parking lot without a five-minute wait.

To Chris and Dan Buendo, my bosses, my sincere thanks for another year of employment. And I'll keep washing your cars every week.

To Tom Devine, a royalty check, since I stole the format of this column from his web site! If you must steal, then steal from the best is one of best rules of life.

And to our readers and advertisers, our best wishes for a joyous holiday season.



This column represents the opinions of its author. Send your comments to mdobbs@reminderpublications.com or to 280 N. Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028.





 

 

 
 
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