The Observation Deck

It is time to start nominations for the 2016 Deck Awards:

1. Best 2016 Thread:

I nominate Mark Kindt's "Civic Accountability--Honesty in Local Government I"
http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewt ... =7&t=23643

The print version of of the LO suggested this might be the best thread in 12 years so perhaps it should be nominated for the best thread ever on the Deck.

2. Funniest 2016 Post:

????

[quote="Brian Essi"]It is time to start nominations for the 2016 Deck Awards:

1. Best Old/New Member: Mark Kindt (Mark joined years ago, never posted)

Mark Kindt's "Civic Accountability--Honesty in Local Government I"
http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewt ... =7&t=23643

The print version of of the LO suggested this might be the best thread in 12 years so perhaps it should be nominated for the best thread ever on the Deck.

Brian, your work over the last two years is monumental, and the groundwork for so much knowledge in other threads and legal actions.

But as witnessed, it is oh so easy to disqualify messenger, after messenger, after messenger.

Mr. Kindt brings a sobering account of the very serious problems in a way that is hard to ignore.

.

I nominate Bill Mager's:

"What we have here is a failure to fiduciate."

A little scrolling back confirms that much of this year was dedicated to a family of related, ongoing arguments which we all know so well. In that area, I'll join others in particular appreciation for Messrs. Essi and Kindt, and their efforts to explore problems which simply don't lend themselves to accurate summary in a 35-second TV story. Beyond that…

I think "Will it Come To This" provided some timely comic relief, throughout most of the thread.
http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/v ... =7&t=23371

There are always a number of great photo posts, but "It's a Zoo Out There" was and remains a joy.
http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/v ... =7&t=23181

"Giant Hawk Eats Giant Gull at Giant Eagle" should be considered for best title.
http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum/v ... =7&t=23658

(I don't know exactly what award categories exist.)

I absolutely agree on Best Thread: Mark Kindt's Accountability in Government.

We need to fit Brian Essi in here too. How about:

Best Investigative Reporter:

Brian Essi

I agree, Brian Essi's tireless work is most important on the Deck, he is fearless, it cannot be whittled down to 1 posting. Brian and Mark have different styles.

I am afraid that there should be a tie:

Brian Essi and Mark Kindt

Yes - they have different styles but both have been extraordinary!

Best Wit of the Year? Bridget Conant......Great come-backs for every occasion! - In addition to her insightful commentary, she often cuts to the bone with her dripping sarcasm. I love it!

Dan Alaimo wrote:I nominate Bill Mager's:

"What we have here is a failure to fiduciate."

I second that as the "Best Term Used in a 2016 Post"

Recall that Mr. Buckley's "Thought Oncology" was the 2015 Winner in that category.

Jim O'Bryan wrote: 1. Best Old/New Member: Mark Kindt

I like think of Mr. Kindt as "avuncular" or "mature"...he is not "old."

Most sublime posts: m buckley. You have to think about the post or you'll miss some of the meaning.

"Thought Oncology" was brilliant!

Brian Essi has worked tirelessly to save Lakewood from a terrible mistake. One day, people will look back and say "why didn't we listen?"

What's the deadline for nominations?

This reminds me, I want to nominate Mr. Austin for funniest one-line reply.

The context was crucial; in the post "Power is out on Westwood Victoria Clifton" one response noted as preface to another point that "Obviously has something to do with this weather…"

Stan Austin then commented "glad it was weather related 'cause I've been doing some wiring over here!!!!!!"

Maybe it was just me, but that seemed so zany when I first read it, I still remember how much it made me laugh.

http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewt ... 8&p=172070

For worst timing for a post in 2016, Gary Rice's "A Peace-Making Banjo Player's Reflections..." on the morning after election day. Way too soon.

For the best timing for a post in 2016, James Fitzgibbons' reply to Gary's post: "With all due respect Gary you are making me puke."

Funny, very funny.

As for me, I've just been sitting here wondering about all of this...

...wondering anyway, about how many old acquaintances need to be forgot.

Happy New Year to All!

Back to the banjo...

Like the Academy Awards(R) there can be a short remembrance of those we lost in 2016. Lost, not to death (unless you want to), but to digital death. I'm thinking it's a "Party of 2 Who Best Not be Named"...so only a 15-20 second slide show, panning a couple of B+W photos, set to music.