Matthew Shepard act passes

WASHINGTON– In an historic step toward equality for GLBT Americans, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the Matthew Shepard Act, which updates and expands the federal hate crimes laws to include bias motivated violence based on a victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, and disability, and provides new resources and tools to assist local law enforcement in prosecuting vicious crimes.

Cool.

Read more here at the Human Rights Campaign.

Give a rouse to the eight (8) Republican Senators that stepped up to the plate to protect GLBT people from violence based on simply who they are: John Warner (VA), Richard Lugar (IN), Susan Collins (ME), Olympia Snowe (ME), George Voinovich (OH), Arlen Specter (PA), Norm Coleman (MN), and Gordon Smith (OR). These are the "good guys." (Uh, except Norm Coleman. He is simply getting very worried about quite annoyed Minnesota voters in 2008!)

(Thank you, Badlands Blue, for that list.)

Sen. John Thune, again on the wrong side of an issue. Please feel free to call his office (202-224-2321) and let him know that his vote did not reflect South Dakota values of mutual respect--and leaving people the @#$% alone.

U.S. Bishops take three steps back

This editorial headline from The Guardian (UK) says it all

US bishops have bent the knee to the will of the bully
Uniting in homophobia, the Anglican church has delivered another blow to the battle against global religious fascism

Here's the cheery report from the CSM:

The question remains how traditionalists in the US and the developing world, particularly in Africa, will respond to the action and whether it will quash further defections among Episcopalians.

Talk about wishful thinking. They will do what they want.

To me, the great tragedy is that there is no point to giving in to the demands of the loud, IRD-funded echo chamber. They don't respect the concept of full GLBT inclusion, and they never will. They are already complaining.

Many good thoughts from Susan+ Russell and her commenters here over at Inch At A Time are worth a look.

The end message? Here in South Dakota as well as everywhere else, we cannot ever give up. Homophobia is wrong everywhere -- in the church, on the ranch, in the Legislature.

The MSM is clueless again

Newsweek has the "big scoop" that Democrats are "courting evangelicals." As usual they just quote the right wing verbatim and believe anything they say, even when it's ridiculous. They quote Richard Land:

"Dean told me how the Democrats were pro-life in that they wanted a country in which abortion was rare. I said, 'I agree, but we disagree how to get there.' Still, it was certainly a change in tone."

A change in tone? "Safe, legal and rare" is not only a mantra of Bill Clinton; it's in the friggin' 2004 Dem platform? Gee, Dick, why didn't you throw us a line the last Presidential elecation? We really could have used your help.

I can't believe he is serious. I think Land is simply playing the political system, because the GOP is no longer in his back pocket, he's casting about for new friends, or maybe scare his old ones into being his friends again.

Here's another one:

"We want to be viewed as we are—people of faith—not a political bloc," says Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals.

Hello.

The Republicans have been using you as a voting bloc for 20 years. Hence their focus on a few hot-button issues: gays, abortion, abstinence. If the GOP really shared evangelical values, we'd be hearing a lot more about the widening split between the rich and poor, and about hunger and health care for the poor.

The whole country will be better off when the evangelicals figure out that playing political games with the powers of the world is not only wrong, it does not serve the Kingdom. Playing political games has gotten them nothing but lip service and disdain from the political leadership. Activism and voting for their Christian values -- ALL of them -- will support the change their tradition demands.

Just another example, how one can defend the inability of this government to extend SCHIP is totally beyond my understanding from my faith perspective. God knows we don't want a low-income mom or child seeing a doctor on my penny. Where are the "values voters" on this one??? Evangelicals, please drop the teams and the labels. There isn't enough "love your neighbor as yourself" in America, and it won't happen until we put more pressure to re-order our priorities.

Professor fired for offending students with Genesis

I'm just glad that this couldn't happen here in South Dakota. I hope it isn't really the truth in Iowa--maybe more facts will come out later.

UPDATE: The professor has indeed been fired. The students sound like total babies to me. Of course I wasn't there, but it sure sounds like these students didn't seem to be in school to learn anything. Hm Maybe they should have gone to Sen. John Thune's alma mater instead of Southwest Iowa Community College... a little more money, but hey, no danger of your fragile, narrow world view being challenged there.

Susan Russell says it right

Watching brothers and sisters walk away from the Episcopal Church because they've been disagreed with is a painful thing. The Episcopal Church walking away from the gay and lesbian baptized to preserve the unity of the Anglican Communion is a sinful thing.

You can read more here.

South Dakota native named Exec. Dir of Stonewall Dems

Give a rouse for a South Dakota native son, and one of the most remarkable people I have been proud to work with since Rep. Gordon Howie inspired me to become involved in South Dakota politics (not just talking about it and voting) in early 2004. (Thanks, Gord!)

Jon has infectious enthusiasm and is one of the most gracious people I have ever known. It's thrilling to "one of our own" on the national stage, and it's especially wonderful to have someone sitting in his seat that understands the realities of GLBT folk in places like South Dakota, and the challenges they (and their allies) face.

Stonewall Democrats Board Names Jon Hoadley as Executive Director
South Dakota Native Brings National and Grassroots Experience

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Marble
(202) 436-5966, office
(202) 436-5966, cell
johnmarble@stonewalldemocrats.org

Monday, September 17, 2007

Washington, DC – Today, the National Stonewall Democrats Board of Directors named Jon Hoadley as the organization’s new Executive Director. Hoadley officially accepted the offer this morning. He will begin his tenure on October 1.

Jon Hoadley comes to National Stonewall Democrats from Gill Action, an issue advocacy organization working to secure equal rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. At Gill Action Jon focused on legislative and political programs at the state and local level.

"Jon Hoadley's established credibility and results-driven passion are a motivating and complementary fit for the work of the members of National Stonewall Democrats," said National Stonewall Democrats Board Co-Chair Laurie McBride. "Our search process returned highly qualified candidates and among them Jon’s talent, passion and experience uniquely qualified him to lead our organization as we continue our growth. We are extremely enthusiastic about this choice."

"At the intersection of LGBT and Democratic politics, National Stonewall Democrats is an organization exceptionally positioned to change the political landscape and fight for equality," said Hoadley. "As we return to our focus of grassroots growth and results, our members have already begun to move our party into greater inclusion, accountability, progressive policies and winning strategies. That is why I am excited to deepen my personal partnership with Stonewall Democrats."

Before joining Gill Action, Jon Hoadley served as Executive Director of South Dakotans Against Discrimination (SDAD). Hoadley built a broad network of advocates who implemented one of the most accomplished ballot campaigns on LGBT issues in American history. Working with both Democrats and Republicans, Hoadley created a statewide infrastructure that stunned the nation by winning 48.18% of the vote on a marriage initiative in one of the most conservative states in the country. Following the 2006 election, Hoadley helped South Dakotans turn the infrastructure they built during the ballot campaign into a lasting statewide LGBT organization - Equality South Dakota.

"Jon Hoadley intuitively understands how our membership uses momentum on the local level to create change on the national stage," added National Stonewall Democrats Board Co-Chair Stephen Driscoll. "He has worked within our movement on the ground and he is ready to utilize his abilities to strengthen the impact of our chapters and members throughout the country."

Hoadley served as a member of the National Stonewall Democrats Board of Directors from 2004 until 2007. While a student at Michigan State University, he also served as Chair of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party. Additional professional experience has included consulting work on LGBT and Democratic campaigns and professional fellowships with People for the American Way and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force.

Jon Hoadley is a native of Vermillion, South Dakota. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Relations from James Madison College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women's Studies from the College of Arts and Letters, both with highest honors.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Governor Howard Dean - Chair of the Democratic National Committee

"Jon has already demonstrated that he is one of our party's most aggressive and accomplished leaders," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Governor Howard Dean. "He understands that our party can win everywhere if we commit the resources needed to build and strengthen our party in every state. Jon will bring this commitment to Stonewall Democrats along with a dedication to communicating our values everywhere."

Matt Foreman - Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"I know Jon as a movement leader who uses collaborative leadership to actually achieve goals which directly improve the lives of LGBT people," said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "He isn't just needed by the Stonewall Democrats, he is needed by our entire movement. I've worked with him on national efforts and local campaigns in his native South Dakota and I am thrilled that he has accepted this position."

Patrick Sammon - President of the Log Cabin Republicans

"We don’t agree on most political issues, however Jon and I understand that much work remains in both parties to achieve equality," said Patrick Sammon, President of the Log Cabin Republicans. "Jon will do an excellent job leading National Stonewall Democrats."

Toni Broaddus - Executive Director of the Equality Federation

"Statewide leaders across our country know Jon, and we know he shares our understanding that the majority of the results and work of our movement is being realized at the local level," said Toni Broaddus, Executive Director of the Equality Federation, a national network of statewide LGBT organizations. "He is not only familiar to us, but he is familiar with our own goals and strategies and we are enthusiastic that an advocate of statewide work will be leading one of our national partners."

Robin Brand - Chief Operating Officer of Gill Action

“Jon is a talented up and coming leader in the movement for equality,” said Robin Brand, Chief Operating Officer of Gill Action. “He has been an important part of the political team that launched Gill Action and developed its strategic vision. We are happy that he will continue working to secure equal rights for all Americans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.”

Chuck Wolfe - Chief Executive Officer of the Victory Fund

“Jon’s strong commitment to equality for all Americans is matched by his energy and enthusiasm for electoral politics. He has worked hard, even in challenging political environments, to make sure our community has a voice," said Chuck Wolfe, CEO of the Victory Fund. "I am proud that openly LGBT officials will be able to continue their partnership with Jon in his new role as Executive Director of National Stonewall Democrats.”

National Stonewall Democrats is the national voice of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Cabela's demands land--or, uh, cash is okay too

As expected, Cabela's has threatened to take their marbles home in the last few days before the vote.

"If this [land transfer (gift)] deal goes away, and it’s not subsidized by another mechanism, we will not build a store there," he [Cabela's store developer Tim Holland] said. "To say we’re going to come to Rapid and lose money because we all want to be there is not correct."

Actually, no. What we are saying is that you are likely to make a BUTTLOAD of money, or you wouldn't even be considering coming here at all. However, we also think (call us old-fashioned) that it's only fair that you, uh, EARN it, WITHOUT an outright gift of 30 acres of prime land from the taxpayers of Rapid City. I mean, I like shopping at Cabela's, but not THAT much. Incentives, OK. TIFs, oh, all right, if you insist. But this land gift is a little much even by South Dakota standards, ESPECIALLY when some of the principals involved in the deal -- how do I say this -- may have a personal interest in the deal.

What truly floors me is that solid Republicans like Alan Hanks, and others I know right here in ol' Robbinsdale, don't have a problem with all this government intervention in the business of.. business. Isn't this why we can't have a comprehensive nationalized health system? Because government will interfere with efficiency and good economics, so we'll eventually come to grief?

Here's a real free-market guy, John Suggs, writing on this topic at Reason Online:

Of course, proponents of public incentives don’t just point to the workers the businesses they attract will have to hire. They argue that there is an economic “multiplier” effect, by which spending at a factory or entertainment venue indirectly generates spending on other goods and services.

Imagine a local economy of $100 million in 2000. A new business relocates to the area that year and directly spends $10 million. Economic development boosters claim that for every dollar spent another three are generated indirectly, as the relocation draws more businesses. (Manufacturers of automotive parts, for example, will establish plants or distribution facilities near a new car assembly plant.) So in 2001, the economy should be pumping along at $140 million—the original $100 million plus $10 million in direct spending plus $30 million from the multiplier effect.

“It never happens,” says Phil Porter, an economist at the University of South Florida. Porter has looked at several cities where the multiplier effect was promised and checked to see if it worked as predicted. His method is to take the current economy and work backward—in the case of our hypothetical city, subtracting both the $10 million spent by the enterprise and the $30 million allegedly generated by the multiplier effect. If the effect worked as promised, he’d arrive at $100 million. Instead, he invariably gets less.

Vote!

Advice from Dave: don't buy the conventional wisdom

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

From the Departmet of Duh

Newt states what's obvious to anyone rational, of course this doesn't include the right wing of the truly conservative Repubs who have been asleep a the switch the last eight years:

Republican presidential candidates need to make a "clean break" from President George W. Bush and the U.S. government or they will lose in November 2008, a veteran Republican leader said on Friday.

(snip)

On Iraq, Gingrich said that "to stay the course I think in the long run is not a very sound strategy," and that the United States should work quickly to stop Iran's "proxy war" against U.S. troops in Iraq.

The Dems, especially, need to make a clean break not to stop "partisanship" as Newt calls it, but to call their abusers out on their nasty tactics and fight back.

Newt has that wrong... who is questioning people's patriotism? Smearing people's military service? Using government as a means to political ends?

Time to spread the truth, friends.

You can say that again

Tonight, Sen. Jack Reid, in the Dem response to the President's excruciating call to "stick it out" another year in Iraq, said:

Democrats and Republicans in Congress and throughout the nation cannot and must not stand idly by while our interests throughout the world are undermined and our armed forces are stretched toward the breaking point.

No kidding. Here's a local version of this call to action, based on our State's issues:

Dem's and Rep's in the Legislature and throughout this State cannot and must not stand idly by while our state loses credibility around the country as a place where "conservative" demagoguery and division are more powerful than common sense. We must take action while our families and communities are stretched and torn by those who arrogantly and cravenly get their way by excluding and marginalizing everyone who disagrees with them.

Let's hope the 2007 Legislature doesn't sit idly by if the arrogant decide to "hold court" again as they did in 2004-5. If they try, we must not let them.

Obama event Saturday night

Speaking of finding a new President (Take the Republican Party.... please!) Obama volunteers nationwide are hosting house parties this Saturday in support of the Obama campaign's efforts in the early primary states. My Dem friend Matt is hosting one at his place Sat night here in Rapid City, (in Robbinsdale even!), with food and drinks provided. This will be a lot of fun and really helpful to the campaign. Obama wants us doing diplomacy instead of shooting the Middle East, like now, so I'm happy to recommend that you sign up and help.

Sat Sep 15, 7-9pm
Contact Matt McGovern: 430-5182
http://qurl.com/sgsy8

Words of hope

Sure, the President has me pretty livid from his rhetoric tonight. Is he fooling anyone any more?

But Jessica Radack has some words of peace from her faith tradition:

I have made you a covenant people,
a light to the nations:
to open blind eyes,
to bring captives out of prison,
and those who sit in darkness from their dungeons.

This should be read not only as a message to Jews, but to all Americans. Sorry to wax religious on everyone, especially since religion has been used to justify so much bad as of late, but the Bushies don't corner the market on G-d.

May we lie down this night in peace, and rise up to life renewed. May night spread over us a shelter of peace, of quiet and claim, the blessing of rest.

There will come a time when morning will bring no word of war or anguish; there will come d day of happiness, of contentment and peace.

Praised be the source of joy within us, for the night and its rest, for the promise of peace.

Still looking to the Gore-acle

With the buzz about Al Gore leading up to the Nobel event coming up at the end of October, and all the Gore speculation (he's going on a Western States tour this fall).. I couldn't help but get misty-eyed for what could have been.

Here's a taste from the National Archives of what we had coming our way if Gore had been inaugurated instead of that guy who lost the 2000 presidential election:

Public debt is on track to be $2.4 trillion lower in 2000 than was projected in 1993. Debt reduction brings real benefits for the American people -- a family in South Dakota with a home mortgage of $100,000 might expect to save roughly $2,000 per year in mortgage payments. Reduced debt also means lower interest rates and reduced payments on car loans and student loans.

We know where that has been going. Ask anyone who has had to refinance recently.

Instead of a President whose answer for everything from the mortgage crisis to Katrina-caused financial crises is another tax cut, borrowing from our children and grandchildren. President Gore would have (and just may yet) offer real answers instead of more tax cuts for the wealthy.

It was Gore that brought us Reinventing Government. He brought me a government charge card (I'm a Fed employee) so I can buy a briefcase at Office Max instead of paying five times as much from GSA, plus an expensive paperwork load. In contrast, the Bush Administration has been a huge step back, as government has been used as a political tool instead of powerful force for the benefit of the American people. These days we're happier the LESS attention our agency gets from the White House. Gore would have supported Federal scientists and even read their stuff to inform HIMSELF. If you doubt how hard it is to stay clear of political meddling for scientists in the government these days, just take a look at the PEER website. Many of us besides me are counting the days until this is over.

If Gore were President, don't you think that we'd at least have a 9-11 memorial by NOW. He would not have let that drop off the plate.

Whatever Gore does this fall, I'm behind him 100 percent. And other South Dakotans should be too, since his values are more in line with ours: prudence, sensible solutions, and yes, respect for people that actually know what they are talking about.

What Real Generals Sound Like

A refreshing answer to the spin spun by General Petraeus and the W-acolyte at his side.

Real generals tell it like it is.

The Cabela's Deal, continued

I have an update (below) of Shirley Frederick's excellent summary of the Cabela's issue that I've been meaning to post.

I also recommend the recent Rapid City Weekly News article and the forum planned Monday night at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, sponsored by the RCWN and the Chamber. Mayor Hanks was declining to speak, but now he's decided to (in my opinion) take the risk on this issue.

Tom Lawrence also wrote a GREAT editorial in the RCWN last week, calling for less name calling and more consideration of the real issues. Hooray for Tom and his excellent paper that just keeps getting better.

Keep your eyes open, there is lots to learn from this thing! You can vote tomorrow down at City Hall if you like, or do it with the the majority of voters on Sept. 18.

OK, without further ado... here is Shirley's wonderful piece...

LOOKING CAREFULLY AT THE CABELA'S DEAL

by Shirley Frederick - August 8, 2007

Rapid City has been negotiating with Cabela's, a corporation that calls itself The World's Foremost Outfitter. As an incentive to Cabela's to locate a retail store in Rapid City, the City Council voted on June 18, 2007, to give Cabela's the city Visitor Information Center, $2 million from the 2012 fund, and 30 acres of city-owned land at the VIC.

Meanwhile, Bill Gikling, president of the Rapid City Development Board, sold land to Cabela's, and the store will be located on that land.
In an effort to recoup the cost of the deal, the City Council created a tax increment financing district (TIF) with an estimated value of $22 million. It includes the 30 acres, the land purchased by Cabela's, 40 acres of property owned by Gikling, and land owned by other developers.

The difference between the taxes on the undeveloped TIF district land and the taxes on the developed land (the tax increment) will go to the city. Cabela's will pay property taxes at the same rate as everyone else, but all the tax increment will go to the city. The county, the school district, and the West Dakota Water District will receive their share of tax dollars based on the undeveloped value of the TIF district.

Opponents of the TIF say that the money from the TIF will not be nearly enough to pay off the $22 million and that the balance will come from city sales tax plus property taxes from residents outside the TIF district. In effect, large amounts of TIF money that should go to the school district, the water district, the county, and the city for tax-funded services will go to the city to pay for development. Some opponents say that multiple TIFs are the primary reason our property taxes continue to go up.
The land giveaway has been referred to a public vote, which is scheduled for September 18. Meanwhile, Cabela's announced that they are willing to deed the VIC and three acres of parking space back to the city.

Informal conversations and intense blogging have kept this deal on the front burner as Cabela's supporters duel with government watchdogs. Of particular interest are the frames being used by both sides. The most common frame is government as a parent and citizens as children. So we hear public officials making promises to the children:

* The prestige and huge marketing power Cabela's brings will be a major boost to the entire region.
* Cabela's wants to invest in Rapid City's future.
* This public-private partnership will be good for Rapid City
* Through increased sales tax revenue and rising property values in the TIF district, the city will recapture the dollars given away.
* This partnership will improve the quality of life for the people of Rapid City.
* The Cabela family is giving the public an opportunity to share in their good fortune.

Note that Cabela's, a corporation that trades on the New York Stock Exchange, is worth $1.35 billion, and uses public money to increase its profits, frames itself as a kind and generous family.

Getting back to the government's family—some of the children are spoiled, saying, “I want Cabela's and I want it now. And anybody who is against me is a stupid liar.” From the blogs:

* Opposition like this is why we are still in the Dark Ages.
* Opponents are just shooting off their keyboards. This is a no-brainer. Let's get moving.
* Opponents are lazy negative whining naysayers who don't want progress.
* John [an opponent] is spreading falsehoods faster than Bill Clinton at an impeachment hearing wearing Monica's dress!

So the spoiled children and the indulgent government parent are allies in the effort to promote Development with a big D.

Opponents of the Cabela's deal also use the government-as-parent frame. But they want their government to be open, honest, and fair, not deceitful and indulgent.

* By creating this TIF the city transfers the tax burden onto the very people who have been paying their taxes for years.
* This is a shady deal hatched in secrecy and rammed through the City Council in a 72-hour hustle.
* This deal was made in closed meetings by an aggressive circle of insiders..
* City staff and officials are deliberately misleading the public and have created a confusion stew.
* Promoters make inflated claims of sales tax increments for which there is little evidence.
* In a rapidly developing area a TIF is a scheme to permit land speculators to cash in.
* Much of the cheerleading comes from the bankers and realtors who will benefit.
* City government has a duty to evenhandledly represent all businesses, not just those with hardball-playing dealmakers.

Other opponents use ridicule to discredit the promoters:

* If Cabela's is such a tourist draw, why not tear down Mt. Rushmore and build it there?
* If you call yourself a destination store and promise to hang dead animals everywhere, you, too, can get free land.
* They want to give away the farm, the keys to the machinery, and all of the cows.
* A TIF is like a black box. Public money goes in, development comes out. Who knows what happens in between?

Then there are those who want their government to be more responsible in building community:

* Big box retailers take money out of the city and send it to their out-of-state shareholders, while locally-owned businesses return profits to the community.
* We need a rational development policy focused on the downtown area and public places.
* Where do we get this pro-growth mentality? And why does “growth” always refer to new buildings and more shopping? What about better education, a thriving arts community, improved transportation, renewal of aging buildings, parks throughout the city, support for local businesses and farmers? Those are the kinds of growth that build community.

And, finally, one wag turned the frame upside down and made government the child and the people the parent:

* Government is like a five-year-old child. It needs a lot of supervision.

Facts and figures are being used by people on both sides to defend their position, but voters who go to the polls will vote based on how they view government.

Mainstream? Not.

Recent inflammatory and violence-inciting oratory against GLBT folk from Nigeria has been in the news. What makes it newsworthy--as there is no shortage of homophobia in Nigeria, (or in South Dakota)--is that it allegedly came from a Bishop of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, which has a number of American "Anglican" churches under its authority. In blogger Jim Burroway's words:

It is however new and disturbing to see an entire mainstream church movement move in this direction.

I didn't really agree with his take, here is my response:

The truth is that the self-proclaimed “orthodox Anglicans” at Standing Firm, etc, who are affiliating (and providing resources and talking points to) the African churches are not mainstream. In fact virtually all Episcopalians have not been receptive to the calls from these fringe groups to leave our Church. The so-called “orthodox” (who in reality are quite un-Anglican and un-orthodox) are heavily funded from outside the church by a group called the Institute for Religion and Democracy (IRD). They are loud but not mainstream in any sense.

You can read the rest here at Box Turtle Bulletin.

Rapid Citians and Venezuelans know something

The Economist has an article in last weeks issue that talks about their national youth orchestra program. Apparently more than 250,000 kids are participating in a state-supported orchestra program that has earned international acclaim. The key thing, which I think is relevant to South Dakotans, that even very difficult conditions, the program has huge benefits for all kids, not just wealthy and high-ability ones:

..four-fifths are from poor backgrounds and many have physical or mental disabilities. As well as musical training, some learn how to make instruments.The benefits have been widespread. A 1998 study by psychologists from the University of the Andes found that participants, who include formerly violent delinquents, tended to steer away from crime, drugs and other temptations. They also showed marked improvements in academic performance, self-esteem, leadership qualities and social integration.

We know about that here too.

Support school music in our community in anyway you can this year. It makes a world of difference.

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Tally's Rocks

On The Mount this morning, Bill Fleming asks:

I’ve heard that if you’re sitting at a table at Tally’s and you tap your left foot three times, they bring you an extra side [of] fries.

Is that right?

See you down there today at lunchtime.