IS IT TRUE we had a problem with the posting of the June 17, 2016 IS IT TRUE?  …are  reposting some of the June 17, 2016 IIT for you’re reading pleasure?

IS IT TRUE Indiana recently  passed new regulations for the liquid used in a smoking alternative known as vaping,?  …local businessman John McCullough  Jr spent about $80,000  to make sure his company would comply with the new State law?  … it now looks like many  e-liquid producers are now being shut out in doing business in Indiana because of an alleged backroom political deal that effectively gives the sole rights to distributed e-liquid to a politically connected security firm located in Lafayette?  …we wonder why our local State Senators and State Representatives allow this law be approved without proper research and debate?

IS IT TRUE as week the newly elected President of IVY TECH Dr. Sue Ellsperman visited the Southwest campus in Evansville? …we are pleased that Dr. Ellsperman understands there is a public misunderstanding about why community colleges exists, and she said she wants to change it? …we recommend that she  addresses the staffing,  marketing,  political and communications problems at IVY TECH system wide? …if anyone can lead IVY TECH in the right direction Dr. Sue Ellsperman is the person to do it?

IS IT TRUE we hear that Vanderburgh County GOP Chairmen Wayne Parke had meetings with a few GOP precinct committeemen that supported Sean Selby for County Commissioner in the political caucus? …we hope that Mr. Parke didn’t meet with the Sean Selby supporters in order to take them to task for supporting Mr. Selby In last month’s political caucus? … we are waiting to see if Mr. Parke will publicly announce that he supports Sean Selby for Vanderburgh County Commissioner in the upcoming November 8, 2016 General election?

IS IT TRUE as week the proprietor of the controversial “bikini bar” proposed for 825 S. Green River Rd. withdrew his request for a zoning variance that would allow him to move forward with his plan? … that a group of well-organized remonstrance attended this meeting? …that the bar owner’s ex-wife testified that they wanted scantily-clad servers and entertainers because they would attract a “higher type” clientele than they currently have? …that the remonstrance should  keep an eye open for another interesting proposal  presented by the current bar owners?

IS IT TRUE we are extremely pleased that the City of Evansville have decided to build new glass enclosed shelters at select bus stops throughout the City? …the new bus stop shelters will protect our disadvantaged citizens of our community during bad weather? …we hope that the Mayor will find the money to continue building additional shelters because it’s a worthy public works project?  …we hope that the Mayor will start ridding of the unsightly park type benches that are presently located at bus stops? …we also feel that advertising displayed on these benches are also unattractive?

IS IT TRUE last week a Graduation Ceremony for 10 outstanding Evansville Firefighting recruits was held? … …we would like to congratulate graduates-Matthew Alexander, Joshua Petrig, Jamie Phillips, Colton Blanchard, Brian Dispense, Michael Gleeman, Ian Pate, Erik Schlub, Brian Richardt and Derek Rollins? . ..we would also like to give special thanks to the Evansville Fire Chief Mike Connelly for turning the Evansville Fire department into a progressive firefighting unit?

IS IT TRUE EVSC deserves kudos for its Health Sciences Institute career exploration program? …we believe all of our students could benefit from an “up close” look at a variety of occupations, from fast food to brain surgery?… a real look at a future with and without at least technical education may open a few young folks’ eyes?

Todays “READERS POLL” question is: Do you feel that it is time for the City  to do away with the advertising on bus stop benches because its unattractive?

Please take time and read our newest feature articles entitled “HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS” posted in our sections.

If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.

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By Tom Purcell

I don’t care what the new study has found. Working from home is getting old for me.

The study, by TinyPulse, finds that full-time workers who work from home tend to feel “happier and more productive than those who have to make the daily commute to the office.”

Maybe so, but telecommuting has its downsides.

I’ve been self-employed since 1993. In addition to writing this newspaper column, I provide communications services to a variety of clients all over the globe — and I’ve been able to support them from home or the nearest coffee shop.

I am able to do so, of course, because of modern technology. My laptop battery lasts up to 10 hours. It allows me to collaborate virtually on Internet work-share sites. I can send and receive large files. I can even talk “face to face” using video-chat applications.

I sit in coffee shops most days and pubs most nights. I sit in the corner and peck away on my keyboard. There’s no need for me to go to an office anywhere ever. People frequently tell me how envious they are of my freedom to work from anywhere.

But I can’t take it anymore.

For starters, there is no separation between work and leisure. I find myself working all hours of the day — sometimes into the wee hours of the night — and never enjoy the blissful feeling of arriving home after a long day at the office.

The busier my workload gets, the more isolated I become. The postal carrier and the Fed Ex driver avoid me now — because I keep trying to engage them in conversations about sports and the weather.

At one point, I called a nanny agency and attempted to hire a thirtysomething au pair. They assured me that I had to be a family.

When religious fanatics knock on my door it is they, not I, who are first to get antsy.

Religious fanatic: “Satan will have your soul unless you read our pamphlet.”

Me: “Great. I hear it’s going to rain tomorrow and what about them Penguins!”

I’m a bit burned out on telecommuting at the moment — which is why I accepted an assignment that requires me to work from an office building in downtown Pittsburgh.

It is a glorious change of pace.

I wake at 5 a.m. and must be on the road by 6 a.m. to avoid heavy traffic. I also must wear the nice clothes in my closet that I used to wear only at funerals and weddings.

I love my 12-mile commute. I’m greatly enjoying the intense competition with other drivers who won’t let me merge on the Parkway. They clearly respect my ability to cut in though. Why else would so many keep giving me the “you’re number one” sign?

The office experience is glorious, too. I work with real people in person. During meetings, we talk about issues and challenges and sometimes, to emphasize a point, I use hand gestures and facial expressions. Try doing that during a virtual phone conference!

Modern technology is dramatically changing the way we live and work, and it makes a lot of sense for companies to allow more employees to work from home. Why not spend less on office space? Why not reduce road congestion and fuel consumption?

I’m just saying that too much of a good thing can go sour.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend with real, live people. We usually begin by talking about sports and the weather.