A year in Review

As 2007 draws to a close we reflect back on things and happenings around here.

When we began our little blog on Omaha we never imagined it would explode into the outlet of insanity that it has become. We entered into this to see if anyone would actually read our views on things in and around our fine city. Slow at first we touched on some issues that would get a few readers here and there, a couple of comments and then came the Elkhorn Annexation and the meter started running. With the introduction of Mayor Landow and Muppet Mike we found our place in the blogging Atmosphere.

Quietly creeping along through the summer we gained more viewers here and there and then came that faithful day when a few of us with kids in youth hockey commented on happenings around the city. Suddenly we found another audience.

Travel try-outs began and we included a few thoughts  that including some that crossed the line and our readership soared at times.

With the help of Boots Sheldon we kept the youth hockey world up to the minute as we all waited for the slowest web site in the city to update. Parked at the library at 29th and Ames, Boots hit the refresh button every few seconds so we could alert eager parents to the rosters of the travel teams.

Then came the comments. Still regulars like the good Captain Obvious and Flounder stopped by along with Mad Dad,Mom of Many (Mongo’s favorite) and Under the Bleachers. The drama unfolded.

But hockey wasn’t the only subject on here and when the debate died down a bit others popped up to take its place. Nightly shootings in North Omaha earned it the name No-K Coral, home of Senator Ernie Chambers’ Worlds Largest Ball of Crime Scene Tape.

Then Jodi Reeder drove the wrong way in front of police headquarters and blew a .189 for her 4th DUI after the Desk Sergeant on a smoke break pulled her over. Our friend Mandy suggested the Central Softball team should have worn bar rags tied to their arm in support of their coach.

Ernie Sued god but Jonny Cochrane is now on God’s staff and told Ernie to shut up.

We had Mud Drags at Sandpiper Cove when the river dropped to low for the boat to get out.

An OPS teacher get fired for bringing Heroin to school and people tried to defend her. She then opens the Crista Crosby School for the Incredibly Stupid.

And then the day came when we opened an attachment in an email and laughed for hours.

A regular commenter under several different names, Mongo sent us a little editorial on John Lotter looking for a new trial. When he suggested that Lotter and Nissen be “Tied to a pole wearing assless chaps on Bull Dyke and Strap-on night at the Max” our mailbox filled up and we knew we had to get him to write for us on a regular basis.

It didn’t take long for the second in a long line of hits to post, when Mongo stirred up a battle royale with his post on Mike Govig entitled “What to do with Coach Pervert”. The comments soared and the battle between supporters and critics of Govig was getting so personal we had to pull the plug and edit some comments. At times we couldn’t keep up.

Shortly after that Brandy Reynolds gave a sex-ed class to a student in her Fremont apartment and Crista Crosby’s school gained another faculty member.

Mongo struck again after an Spam from God email hit his real mailbox and Mongo took offense to someone inviting him to a religious golf tournament. It was here we learned of a well hidden Curch the Mongo attends and everyone wanted to become a member. Parishioners at the Church of Shut the Fuck Up the Game is On, has soared.

A man shot the crap out of a door in North O. Witnesses told police the door was part of a rival gang and when it flipped the “Deadbolts Closed signal” and it was on. That witness had also smoked 3 1/2 lbs of weed in 2 hours.

October brought us a Lincoln Weightlifting coach taking pictures of young girls changing in his basement gym and then posting them on the Internet.

Alissa Harrger was busted for doing 94 mph on Dodge,drunk off her butt with her infant child in the car “Weee go fast mommie”. It was her 6 th DUI in 4 months.

Mongo got another FCA email the made him suggest if her wanted to pay $150 for a foursome it would involve “Him a stripper, a midget and Marie Osmond”.

Mr Public Safety Dan Welch continued his assault on the Omaha Fire Department.

Mongo got the result from the Gold Tournament for God with the winners being Peter,Paul, Mary and Joseph thanks to the hole in one from Big Joe without pulling a club out”.

Muppet Mike suggested a new Stadium for Omaha to be paid for by fleecing the residents out of more tax money.

Hannah Montana fans were fleeced out of their tickets by online scalpers.

Mongo got spiritual with his post “Cast ye light upon ones self” which took us from enlightenment to hunting.

Hockey snuck up and bit us again when someone asked why the Peewee A and Peewee AA team couldn’t play a game against each other. At times this resembled a bar brawl.

By far at this point it had the most comments in a 24 hour period. Even Sheriff Dillion stopped by to calm down the rukus but the town was to wild even for him. Finally Mongo stopped by and had it out with Mom of Many and things died down for a bit.

The came the post from Mongo that set the stage for a record breaking number of hits. His post “Life’s Lesson #231″ took us on a shopping journey that had people across the country sending in comments.

About 15 minutes after it went online we notified everyone of a new Hockey Blog that has since stopped posting. We tried to help out.

November gave us Mongo’s next adventure with the Happy Thanks-Christmas at Wal-Mart. Even we as staff sat and howled at that one.

The Kansas freak show church cult was nailed for flag desecration in Sarpy County.

The Sounding Stones saga began as members of the Elmwood Park neighborhood had a meeting with Mayor Landow as the Muppet was out for an oiling before the holidays.

Hockey controversy hailed again after some comments about our fictitious B-22 team. We disbanded the team and held another try-out for the B-22a team. Insane is the only word I have to describe it’s followers.

The Mayor and Police Chief were also out of town the day the President came to Omaha.

Tragically this was also the day that a deranged man walked into Von Maur and opened fire. Things slowed down for us here because as some might know we were deeply effected by this tragedy as were some of our readers.

Our city stepped up and showed its heart, courage and compassion and we can all be thankful we live in a place as good as it is.

Our Q & A page changes from time to time and turns into a slugfest here and there. Along with our referee comment section this keeps the hockey folks happy.

This has been a year to remember. For those of you who joined us late and want to catch up on previous posts, you can view them by clicking on the archives at the bottom right hand side of the page or find a subject, click and scroll to the bottom and work your way up. Plan on spending a weekend as there are 421 posts. We did it and it was a great rip down memory lane.

Whats in store for 2008, well we will let you help us with that along with whats going on around town.

As always we welcome comments and suggestions.

2007 proved to be a fun and eventful year. Here’s to 2008 being even better.

From all of us here at the Eye on Omaha, Have a safe and Happy New Year.

Bugs Manderson

Patches Castelar

Geno Pinkney

Timothy Colecreek

Rebel Shurburne

Mongo Torrey

Sparky Pine

12.27.07 Thursday Afternoon

With objections to their placement falling on deaf ears at City Hall, the Sounding Stones or better known as The Sewer Pipe Sculpture, has made its way to deface the splendor that was once Elmwood Park.

The so called work of art was moved from Turner Park to Elmwood Park when Mutual of Omaha didn’t like the looks of it near it’s new development and pawned it off on another neighborhood. Mayor Landow and Muppet Mike were elated at sticking it to another part of the city and showing them who’s boss.

At a motion hearing for Roy Ellis, accused of the murder of Amber Harris, a very very large man entered the court room and called Mr Ellis a dirty name. 6′3 295 lb Billy Roy Tyler then sat about ten feet from Ellis and mean mocked him while making fun of Ellis’ lawyers motions for a change of venue.

Deputies removed Tyler from the Courtroom. Tyler was at the Nebraska Correctional Center the same time as Ellis so were guessing he knows what of piece of shit he is.

A 19 year old man was shot in his back by his home near 27th and Leavenworth last night. Police are releasing few details at this time.

And I am sorry for the late posting. I thought Geno had the morning covered however I was wrong and he wasn’t back till later this afternoon. Im learning on the go with this daily posting stuff.

Mongo Torrey

MongoTorrey@hotmail.com

12.26.07 Wednesday

Hope everyone had a good Christmas, Happy Boxing Day.

Thanks to a double homicide in the No-K Coral, 2007 is now the #1 year for homicides in Omaha surpassing 1997.

Police answered a call for help at 4213 N 21st street on Christmas eve. A 20 year old woman there claimed she was sexually assaulted. A man at the location then grabbed the woman by the hair and pulled her away from police who then arrested him. When searching the house they found the bodies of two other women in the basement. Sounds like somebody didn’t get the things he put on his list.

An Omaha family is suing Heartland towing for false imprisonment and emotional distress after one of its drivers towed their car with 4 kids inside.

This story brings back memories of the three stooges. The parents parked at a meter in front of the Douglas County Court house and left the kids, including a 12 year old in the car. Problem is the meter is marked No Parking 4-6 p.m.. A meter reader tagged the car for tow at 4:15 and a few minutes later the Heartland Vulture Mobile pulled up, hooked up and took off. When the parents exited the Courthouse they notified authorities who then contacted the driver and he returned with the car and kids. Heartland claims he was only a few blocks away and no harm no foul.

First, how did the meter reader miss the kids in the car unless this person never looked but quickly wrote the ticket and called the tow in an effort to beat the clock on the people inside the building.

How did the tow truck driver miss the kids? Unless he in an effort to increase revenue, snatched the car as fast as possible and never looked at the inside of the car.

The more I sat and thought about this the more I started to think about this towing contract the city has with these guys. I recently witnessed an accident where the tow truck arrived the same time as the rescue squad. Now this guy tows a car within minutes of the citation, rapidly without examining the vehicle before dragging it on his truck. Is someone else getting a cut of the towing contract for the APB alert for parking violations? And is this company in such a hurry to punch the ticket on the tow that they are disregarding safety? There’s more to this story.

And what were the parents thinking, leaving 4 kids in a parked car? Ok so one was 12 but apparently he wasn’t mature enough to start screaming for help when ToMater was yanking the car they were in off the street. Unless he was and Mater just ignored him because he needed to hit his quota. Maybe he can get some law firm to do a ride-along and they can combine their ambulance chasing efforts and save gas in the process.

And today beings the new Holiday season, the 13 days of Bowl Week.

Have a good day everyone

Mongo Torrey

MongoTorrey@hotmail.com

12.24.07 Mongo’s Christmas Eve Edition

Shades of the 70’s surfaced at Elkhorn High School last week as 2 students were arrested for possession with intent to deliver after selling a batch of pot laced brownies. 5 other students were cited for possession and released to their parents.

A 15 year old was shot in the head after an apparent argument outside and apartment building at 3215 N 61st Street. The teen is expected to recover from his injuries and police are looking for suspects.

The State is considering new rules for roadside memorials that have become more and more popular. Some claim the memorials help in the healing process while some claim they become a distraction and could cause an accident.

The memorials are illegal in the right of way but workers generally work around them or move them back. The proposal by the state would allow for someone to pay for a standardized marker to be placed at the site for one year then taken down and given to the family. Critics say it shows the state has no heart and understanding.

 Here is my take on this.

While I understand peoples need for grieving and healing I don’t understand how building a permanent shrine at the place of their death is necessary. I can see how this can be helpful at first but then at some time you must move on. Isn’t it more important to honor the person at their final resting place?

The memorials have grown from what once was a marker placed by MADD to show the locations of alcohol related fatalities to include now memorials to people killed in gang related gun battles all the way to some crazy woman putting a memorial up to her dog that wasn’t quick enough to get across the busy street.

Put aside the emotional aspect and think, would you want your memorial to be a mud splattered cross surrounded by moldy stuffed animals and faded cards and wilted flowers?

When I take my long dirt nap just put up a tasteful headstone and stop by to chat once in awhile.

And a person in Chicago apparently was unhappy with the ABC affiliates news cast and attempted to drive a mini van through the studio during the evening broadcast. If you get a chance to see the video, the anchorman’s facial expression in priceless.

Word from the rest of the crew is that they made it to their destination safely for the holidays dispite the weather. If your heading out today, drive careful and enjoy the holiday.

Mongo Torrey

MongoTorrey@hotmail.com

Last Minute Shopping

 I was wrapping up a little Christmas shopping this morning at Best Buy and while checking out I was chatting with the clerk. The final rush was starting, with people trying to find those last minute items and some getting a late start.

This very nice young lady who was working the check out told me how she must work Christmas Eve again and how last year people were blaming her for the store being out of stock on some popular items at the end of the day. “Well I hope your happy that you ruined my kids Christmas” she said at least 4 people told her last year. Just for that I would have intentionally forgotten to disarm the shoplifting alert tags on all their merchandise.

I amazes me what complete butt-holes some people can be at this time of year. I highly doubt this young woman was responsible for ordering the merchandise that ran out. Blame yourself for not dragging your fat ass of the sofa early enough to get that copy of Slash Kill Burn XVIII for playstation 21 and you wouldn’t have that problem.

The grocery stores have the same issues. Mob scenes of people trying to gather all the goodies for gording the entire family into a quadruple by-pass and how dare you get to the ham pile before them. Sweet little old ladies are ready to take out your ankles with a shopping basket in the race to get the last packages of brown and serve rolls, meanwhile hoards of family men gather around the Jack Daniels display, stocking up in preparation of the post holiday ritual, the day the credit card bills arrive.

So if you read this before you head out to finalise your list please remember to be kind to the men and women who are there to serve you at the stores and restaurants. Smile even if it pains you and wish them a Happy Holiday. For that matter, wish the bitchy person in line with you the same. And don’t blame the check out clerk for being sold out of that one item your little dumpling must have. Go find the department manager and bitch slap his stupid ass for not ordering enough stuff.

Now where is the remote, it is almost time for kickoff.

Mongo Torrey

MongoTorrey@hotmail.com

12.22.07 Saturday

Two things caught my attention in the news today.

First, hat’s off to the patrons at the Poop Deck Tavern near 60th and Grover who thwarted the attempted robbery in the parking lot last night. A 19 year old Omaha man was attempting to relieve another man of some cash when other patrons leaving the bar stepped in and held the man for police.

And the South East corner of the State is in the news again and again not for a good reason. A 28 year old Falls City (How many freaks per capita does this town have) man and a 35 year old Catholic School Teacher from Dodge City KS. have been arrested after someone turned in digital pictures of the pair in sex acts with a young girl. Police believe the pictures were taken in the Falls City mans home.

The woman teaches second grade and the girl is a student at her school but not one of her students.

Where do you even start with this? I am going to wait for a few more details to be released before I really get into this, however this still gets back to what I said a few months ago. You need to keep an eye on the people keeping an eye on your kids.

Other than that I’d say if the state wants to build a new prison, Falls City might be a decent location and we can cut transportation costs.

Watch the weather while you finish your shopping and be careful out there.

Mongo Torrey

MongoTorrey@hotmail.com

Sharing a Christmas Card

I got this in my email and had to share with everyone.

To My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee. 
 

To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I thought some of you might enjoy that even though it came unsigned. Not sure if there was a fish involved but Merry Christmas to my fine finned friend, oh wait Happy Honamas, whatever , my church it’s Give me 40 on 12 and I’ll take 20 on the overs now move your ass your blocking the TV.

HO HO HO

Mongo Torrey

Friday Afternoon update.

In the words of Frank Barone “HOLY CRAP”.

Apparently nobody is actually working today because we just looked at our stats and rolled past our previous record sometime this afternoon.

Thanks everyone. Good to hear via email from some of you.

Geno, Patches and I are out of here to start our holiday visits with family. If your heading out on the roads, be safe . Everyone have a great holiday and we will see you next week.

We are handing the keys to Mongo for the long weekend, however we will be reviewing the security cameras to make sure he isn’t holding wild party’s in the office while we are gone.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Bugs Manderson

Patches Castelar

Geno Pinkney

and the already on the road Timothy Colecreek.

Holiday Bonus from Mongo Torrey

So here we are, the Friday before Christmas and now I know how Clark W. Griswold felt when he opened his Jelly of the Month Club bonus. As I slid the letter opener across the top of the envelope sitting on my desk this morning my imagination wandered as to what this years Christmas givings would be.

Would it be a check this year ? A large gift certificate to a chain of grocery stores? A trip for two to the Bahama’s? I pulled the card from the envelope only to have my desk littered with green and red Christmas glitter that was tactfully placed inside the card. Never mind,I could feel the shape of the gift card inside and eagerly ignored the holiday wishes on the front to gain access to the riches that awaited me on the inside.

I starred at the credit card sized piece of plastic for several minutes then poked my head over the cube wall to see everyone else doing the same. Total silence filled the office and everyone sat in their 5×5 padded cell and gazed into the abyss that was the corporate card. Tucked neatly inside the 4 little slits that held a card that entitled the bearer to a free health screening and complimentary colonoscopy. Like the boot up our ass all year wasn’t enough now they want to snake it out too.

Finally I could hear the whispers beginning to make their way above the cube farm walls. “What the Fuck”,”You must be kidding”,”Ain’t no goddamn way”,”This is a joke, isn’t it?”,”How many fingers do they use?”,”Do gerbils leave marks?”.

It was a safe assumption that moral would be shit for the rest of the day. Still, like everyone else I continued to stare in disbelief. How did someone come up with this as a good gift idea? And if this is what they gave the people that really did their job, what did the underachievers get, a plasma donation card? Well at least they would cash in on the $25 bucks after their visit. Suddenly that sign for the job fair down the hall didn’t sound like such a bad idea after all.

I called Mrs. Torrey at work to share the good news then waited a few minutes for the laughter to subdue. She informed me of the $500 Hy-Vee gift certificate’s they got and the I could come join the company holiday party over at her employer as they were having Prime Rib catered in for lunch. Maybe I could get there after my visit to the job fair on my bathroom break.

After hanging up the phone with her I noticed a distinct buzz of laser jet printers running and knew the mass resume printing had begun. Everyone else saw the flier on the door too, I assume. Glancing over at the department manager I couldn’t help but wonder what little extra he got in his envelope. Judging from the look on his face I’m guessing it included a piss test and toenail trimming as an added incentive.

Being one step ahead of the rest of the sheep here, I slipped the latest copy of my general misadventures of employment out of my briefcase and headed for the elevator to get in line and the recruiting station downstairs. I could see the rest of the herd was starting to gather and I wanted first pick of the offerings.

Even the Merry Maids booth looked inviting at this point. They looked happy at least.

I stopped by a couple of booths and listened briefly to a couple of pitches and knew why they were still looking to fill more than a few spots, until I hit the jackpot.

Not naming to company and we will call the person there Fred, I found the perfect place for me to whore my services to. Fred scanned over my resume, asked a few tasteful but provocative questions then went over the compensation and benefit package. When we got to the part where he asked if I had any questions I asked “How long have you been with the company.” Fred smiled and said “15 Fun filled years, and most of us there have been there for 10 plus.” I know people in marriages that long who don’t have that kind of enthusiasm.

“So Fred, does everyone have a sense of humor there or do you check it at the door?”

“Well Mr.Torrey, we enjoy our work and we enjoy coming to work every day. We all have a sense of humor, you have to in this business, but we take our job seriously. It’s just good to enjoy your work.”

I’m in where do I sign, when can I start I thought.

Then the shocker, I got offered the job right then and there. Didn’t even have to think, I took it. Fred and I shook hands, we set up an appointment for right after the first of the year to begin my training and to give me time to give my former employer the finger.

I got ready to leave when Fred whispered in my direction “You asked about the sense of humor, well keep this to yourself now that you work for us but, one of new hires from your company, yeah we had him put the gift cards on your desks as a going away gag, yeah we got a sense of humor.”

These are my kind of people.

So with that, I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. I will be here for the weekend as some of my counterparts will be off on snow covered highways to share time with family members they make fun of the rest of the year.

I want to thank everyone who sent me the numerous emails with holiday wishes.

Thanks to Bugs and the gang for bringing me on board and for offering me the opportunity to make my comments and make a few of you laugh.

The crew is allowing me to make this announcement as well, this morning I was offered and accepted a position working with them on a regular and permanent basis, both here and in other ventures.

Being a spot fill in and occasional contributor I knew my password could be canceled at any time however I am glad I did not grasp the same fate at KETV traffic girl Veronica Todd and will not have to posture myself into doing car lot commercials selling Humers.

Thanks guys, I look forward to a very good 2008 and lots of fun here in the future.

If I don’t get to hear from you, Merry Christmas everyone.

Mongo Torrey

MongoTorrey@hotmail.com

Friday 12.21.07

Four jail workers were indicted by a Grand Jury for failing to render aid to an ailing inmate after a man died from a ruptured ulcer while in custody. The Jury also said the city jail should be closed immediately.

A robber hit the Crane Coffee store at 99th and Cass yesterday around 10 a.m. No word on how much the robber got but rumor is police think he was trying to raise enough cash to get a latte over at Starbucks.

Two people went to the hospital after a fight at the M.V.P. Lounge on South 99th turned into a stabbing. One person was stabbed, another cut his hand on glass from the door that one of the fighters kicked in.

My wife and I stopped in Von Maur for the reopening yesterday.  The store was busy as many residents showed their support for the company and its employee’s. We witnessed many people giving the clerks hugs and wishing them well.  The Von Maur family is a class act and we will continue to support them from our home for their faith in our community.

And with alot of our readers heading out on the road for the holiday we want to get our Christmas wishes out now. A  couple of us will be around here over the weekend (word is Torrey has something in editing that no one will show me yet, yikes)

We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Travel with care, get there safely and enjoy this special season with your loved ones.

From all of us here at the Eye on Omaha, Merry Christmas.

Bugs Manderson

12.20.07 Thursday

Former Air Force Captain Eric Baird got 2 years for his possession of child porn. Baird has been discharged from the Air Force and will spend the next two years grabbing his ankles and calling out Bubba’s name.

I loved this story, A City Inspector checking on a house who’s utilities had been shut off since September noticed something funny, the lights were on so a check up was in order. Someone had used jumper cables to reconnect the power to the house, buckets were being used as toilets and there was 59 lbs of pot in a closet and a scale and baggies. Wonder what was going on there?

And Omaha police intervened in 3 crimes in progress in one night. Officers responding to an alarm arrested 3 men who broke into a North Omaha clothing store, also the busted two would be beer thieves from a convenience store and nailed a would be artist in the act of painting a South Omaha Ice Cream store with graffiti. Nice work.

Von Maur will open its doors again at 10 a.m. today. We would like to encourage everyone to support the store and the Von Maur family and thank them for not giving up on Omaha and for all the great things they have done and are still doing for the victims, their employee’s and families. They made a $500,000 contribution to the victims fund yesterday.

Everyone have a great day

Geno Pinkney

Filling in for Bugs  

Not as funny but much better looking.

Wednesday 12.19.07

The man who lived in the house that could have gone BOOM was given 3 years probation, 150 hours of community service and $1000 fine for stockpiling 1600lbs of fireworks in his garage near 186th and Nina.

Jeremy Stork said he made a bad decision when he had the explosives delivered to his home because there was nobody out at the property where he had a bunker to store them legally. The stockpile, if ignited, could have flattened house within a 127 ft radius.

3 people were arrested after another bottle attack in a parking lot. This time the would be thieves picked the wrong target, an off duty police officer with a little ultimate fighting under his belt. The officer tussled with the would be assailant until someone pulled a knife so he backed off, then tracked the suspects car and called in a few friends on duty for a little “arrest the dumb-ass” fun.  Nice job.

Also in police news, the City Council approved spending a little over a half million on some new cruisers. Due to a few crashes and high number of miles, more of the fleet has dropped out of usable condition. Federal standards say 85,000 miles, however Omaha goes well over that.

Mr. Public Safety Dan Welch wanted to spend $200,000 on a study to determine if we could save a few bucks by slapping a little Bondo and duct tape on the cars.

The County is changing the way it handles no-shows for Jury Duty. Now a hearing will take place and a fine, jail time or both could result. Typically there are about 14 no-shows a month. Wonder how many of them happen to be in the court room anyway and can report due to incarceration?

Brittney Spears sister is following in her footsteps. The 16 year old star of Zoey 101 has announced she is knocked up by her long term boyfriend. (What is long term at age 16?). Mom is said to be supportive of her daughter and Brit has offered parenting advice including how to make home videos. 

And we are posting a new question on the Q & A page and pulling the old one.

Have a good day everyone, back later……

Bugs Manderson

12.18.07 Tuesday

Here we go again,

A Blair teacher has resigned over a romantic relationship he started with a 17 year old student over a month ago. No word if the two had swapped body fluids yet but an investigation is underway.

A jury took around 6 hours to convict Terry Sellers of 2 counts of first degree murder for his killing and robbery spree over 4 days back in 2005. He could get the hot seat for the crimes. His girlfriend and little helper in the crimes testifyed against him saying he killed the one man for the rims on his car and another for the borrowed car he was driving.

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT

Hey whada ya know, the State that never met a tax it didnt like is dropping the gas tax by 4 cents a gallon. Just in time for Tiny Tim to get that operation.

The Omaha City Council meets today and will vote on an ordanance banning a couple of Mexican Rodeo events. Steer Tailing and Horse Tripping could soon become illegal however, River Jumping and Outrun the Boarder Guard events seem to be safe.

And Von Maur has announced that it will reopen it’s door on Thursday. The public is invited out Wednesday night to help move the memorial and help the  Douglas County Historical Society preserve the items.

Back later

Bugs Manderson

Monday 12.17.07

This has to be the headline story.

A 40 year old Wal-Mart employee was arrested in Council Bluffs after threatening to shoot two fellow employee’s who dared criticize his Huskers and tease him about the 5-7 season. He told the two he would shoot them in the parking lot however police searched his car and only found an “I Luv Oz” bumper sticker, 2 used tickets to the Big Red Breakfast and a foam cornhead hat.

 As for the two mental midgets who found it necessary to tease the man, let this be a lesson. Be careful teasing a half-wit with an obsession for the Huskers or next time he might show up with the Hot Dog guy and pelt you with Fairbury Franks.

9 people were arrested outside a NO-K Coral gathering hall after an off duty police officer doing security called for help. Police arrived at the Clairborne Center to find multiple fights in the street and other assorted crap. They used pepper balls to disperse the crowd.

This building is the site of the former Cartier’s which had uncontrollable problems similar to this. The building must have been cursed by the Nasr family before they left.

An AMTRAK train derailed near Gretna, stranding hundreds of riders for hours. The trail was on its way to Chicago from Denver when the front engine jumped the tracks.

A Papillion woman was stabbed multiple times by her 74 year old husband who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Police had to tazer the man after they arrived because he refused to drop the weapon.

Reviews are in on city snow removal and residents of Elkhorn were correct in the assumption that their level of service would suffer. Public works officials deny the claims or that they threatened to move the Sounding Stones to Elkhorn if the people out there don’t stop complaining.

U2’s Bono was spotted in the Dundee area this weekend, once at Tavato’s and again at the Dundee Dell. Yeah well those of us who don’t live in the cool part of town spotted celebrities of our own in our hood. Last week we saw a girl who looked just like Ashley Simpson except 200lbs heavier, shopping at Wal-mart.

Back later…………………

Bugs Manderson

Patches Castelar

Friday 12.14.07

Authority’s rounded up 11 Illegal Aliens (we will not call them undocumented workers unless we are being sarcastic) after a traffic stop near the Minden exit on I-80.

A State Patrol Officer pulled over a 99 Toyota Mini-van and the Spanish Speaking men bailed and ran into a wooded area. They were rounded up throughout the evening and hopefully given the bus ride back home. No word on if Kelsy Peterson’s former boyfriend was in the van.

Some Lincoln businessmen are offering the State Fair 50 million to get the hell out of the way of the University and move to another location so a research facility can be built.

Copper thieves hit the Police and Fire training facility being built near Hwy 133 and Rainwood Road. We see the ID directive at the scrap metal recyclers is working well to deter the thefts.

A man who robbed a bank at 168th and Harrison was arrested after a bank customer followed his truck and called police. So much for that Christmas shopping list his gal gave him to take care of.

And a woman who hit a tree with her car near 24th and Elm last week was charged with DUI. She claims it wasn’t her fault she honked the horn and the tree refused to get out of the way. She blew a .121 and from the looks of the mug shot a few more things as well.

Everyone travel safe this weekend.

Bugs Manderson

Mongo’s Christmas Letter

Happy Holiday’s from the Torrey’s

It’s has been an eventful year in our house.

Maynard is still pursuing a career in youth hockey and was accepted on a travel team coached by hockey legend Ogie Ogelthorpe. We travel the country with a fine bunch of people who at times seem a little bizarre, one guy runs up and down the hall in a speedo with a cape screaming, but for the most part they are normal folks just like us.

Maynard made the honor roll at the alternative trade school he attends. He is preparing for his future in the septic tank pumping industry and his teachers say he is always up to his knees in work or something like that.

Darla was promoted at her job and is now working center stage. After attending the seminar on the upside-down pole slide her act has reached new heights and the tips are good to. She is working on her Santa’s naughty elf routine for the Holiday party over at the Truck-drivers Training Academy. Talk about getting the good gig’s.

Mongo has taken on a new venture in writing for a local web blog and has gathered quite the following. We get mail from around the country. It is so exciting.

He is also continuing his work as a research professional for the liquor industry and moonlighting down at the homeless shelter as a short order cook.

Mongo also had an exciting adventure participating in a police ride-along thanks to the folks who run the neighborhood watch program. It cost him $1500 to take part and the funny thing is we had to take his fee down to the police station because he forgot his wallet. They didn’t want to see him leave,  in fact he was so entertaining that the officers handcuffed him to a chair until we begged to let him go so he wasn’t late for church.

Speaking of church, it has been a very good year there as well. Mongo has been able to take more from the collection plate this year than he has had to put in. In fact the weekend of the Colts- Patriots game Pastor Rocko had to ask if he could make payment arrangements with us for once.

On a sad note, we lost our long time companion and family dog biff this last summer. After years of laughs watching him chase the rabbits on 3 legs and keeping the yard clear of pesky meter readers, Biff passed on to that big ole Dog House in the sky. His curious ways finally got the best of him and he learned an unfortunate lesson about smoking near a gasoline can left sitting in the yard.

This fall we took a family vacation out to Winnemucca Nevada to go watch the Winnemucca Buckaroo’s High School Football Team. We topped that off with a side trip to see the Worlds Largest Collection of Used Oil Filters and Andy’s Reptile Village and Cafe. It was a nice change from the Hustle and Bustle of the big city.

Mongo’s 25th class reunion was this year and he was in charge of the entertainment one evening. They took in some local culture at the Playhouse and the guys really seemed to enjoy the presentation. In fact one guy said it was better than Broadway which doesn’t surprise us as we don’t find Council Bluffs all that interesting anyway.

That is about all we have for this year. Tonight we are going to see Santa and Mongo has quite the list for him this year. I am sure Santa will be thrilled to see our family again.

Happy Holidays to all.

Peace on Earth and Joy to the World.

The Torrey’s 

12.13.07 Mongo’s Thursday Edition

This early morning crap is getting old. I’m thinking of hiring some temps around here as many meetings as these other guys go to.

Here are your headlines for today,

Police made the largest Pot bust in Douglas County history when they uncovered one ton of pot in a traffic stop on I-80 at 96th Street. Hope this has nothing to do with the disappearance of our fine finned friend around here. A small group of people were gathered at the scene chanting “Burn-it Burn-it”. Police were not amused.

KETV reports they have an exclusive interview with the Mother of the cowardly shooter at Von Maur last Saturday. Who gives a shit. Same old story, he was a good kid, he was troubled, blah blah blah blah blah blah, Shut up and get off the TV. Lets continue to hear about the victims he cheated out of the rest of their life.

Police are looking into a bank robbery at the Metro Federal Credit Union at 111th an Emmet. That’s really close to the rink. Did any teams have payments due yesterday?

And Russell McCormick has been given 30-60 months for his 10th DUI conviction. Also the Judge has suspended his license for 15 years. I think if Russ has been popped 10 times he doesn’t give a crap if he has a license or not.

That’s it for me this morning, still trying to write my xmas letter but after the other night I had to calm down before continuing to take pen in hand.

Happy SHIT day

(So Happy it’s Thursday for you who don’t now acronyms).

Mongo Torrey

MongoTorrey@hotmail.com

Wed. 12.12.07

Fire Chief Robert Dahlquist announced he is retiring from his post on Dec 14th. Knowing Bob for many years we can tell you he is a good man who dedicated his life to helping others. Thanks for many good years Bob.

Mr Public Safety,Dan Welch was quoted as drooling over the idea that he could be able to run around a Fire Station wearing his Jr Fire Chief badge if someone would consider him to fill the position.

County Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson said that the State dropped the ball when they disallowed a $10,000 landscaping project attempted by Brew Burgers at 108th and L. State Employee and complete moron Tim Weander said by letting the business construct logos of 3 of the State’s University’s it would open the door for others to do something else in the Right of way. We guess the weeds and trash are more appealing Tim. Our bad.

Two complete idiots fell through the ice on Lake Candlewood yesterday. A neighbor saw them on the ice right before they fell through and ran to help but his rope wasn’t long enough. The two teens managed to pull themselves out of the water and roll across the ice to shore. 

The City Council is considering a ban on two Mexican Style Rodeo events, Steer Tailing, where the steers tail is wrapped around the cowboys leg and the animal is pulled to the ground and Horse Tripping where the horses legs are roped and the horse falls to the ground.   Jim Suttle questioned if we shouldn’t include a few American Rodeo events. Is Teacher-Illegal Alien Bed Wrestling still a banned event. Just Checking.

I see the comment line is lighting up.

Were making a decision on if we should pull the Q & A page here in a few.

More Later

Bugs Manderson

Tuesday 12.11.07

The ride to work was fun. Nothing like watching a Dale Jr. wanna be take the wall going into turn 3 on I-80 because he thought his 4×4 was invincible. How much does it cost to get a pickup off a guardrail?

Bail was denied for Kelsey Peterson as she was deemed a flight risk. Peterson’s lawyer claims that she was abused and threatened by the alleged 13 year old that she drove to Mexico. His lawyer claims he should be given a visa to come back and testify. We still think they should leave the little thug South of the border and ship the rest of his family down to join him.

Bo Pelini gets to deal with his first player in trouble issue after a redshirt QB was arrested for assault and trespassing. Police claim the player was intoxicated and attempted to enter a dorm building without proper escort then became combative.

A phone call to police about a home invasion Sunday night turned into a drug bust at the home of the invasion.

A man pushed his was into the house near 14th and Ogden and the residents overpowered him and called police. When police arrived the also found a meth manufacturing and packaging operation. Talk about a double play.

Sorry we have been limited with our content the past few days. We are attempting to get enough work out of the way so we can take a few extra days off over the holidays.

Back later ……………

Bugs Manderson

12.10.07 Monday with Mongo

 Funerals and memorial services are underway for the Von Maur shooting victims. Westroads reopened except for the department store.

Get ready for the Kelsey Peterson case to get really crazy as if it wasn’t already. She is due in court today to see if she will be released from jail pending trial.

Meanwhile an attorney has agreed to represent the alleged 13 year old alleged victim free of charge. She claims the family of undocumented workers have been torn apart by this and that they have done nothing wrong.

I guess this lawyer was gone from class the day they discussed the term ILLEGAL. You can sugar coat it calling them undocumented but the true fact of the matter is they are illegal aliens, so don’t say they did nothing wrong.

As for dear Kelsey, I wouldn’t plan on being home for Christmas. I doubt they are going to allow bail.

A home invasion near 25th and Fort Saturday left a woman in the home shaken but uninjured as a man forced his way in, yelling the name of a man who also lives there, firing a couple shots then leaving. Someone owes someone something.

Are you sick of seeing the story about Oprah out on the trial with Obama? Just let the guy give his message, we don’t need Oprah telling us how we should feel about ourselves.

UNO Tied Lake Superior State 1-1 and 3-3 over the weekend.

The Lancers dropped an overtime loss to Sioux City 3-2 then bounced back to blank Lincoln 2-0.

Creighton topped St Joe’s 90-84 in OT

 Some of the boys will be around later today is their schedule allows.

Only 14 more shopping days till Santa slides his fat ass down the chimney. I am still trying to figure out what to get Mrs. Torrey. Watch you ankles, I could be shopping in a store near you in an attempt to not offend her with my offerings this year.

Mongo Torrey

MongoTorrey@hotmail.com