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Ramblings of The Baron, Pocono Lake, PA (2026)

06/15/2026

Was waiting for The State Store to open on my way to The Great Pennsylvania Getaway 400 this Sunday Last The Baron met a throng of NASCAR revelers waiting in line for The Great Wine and Good Spirits Store to realize there were people ready to spend their hard-earned money to have a Good Time in the Poconos !!!!
Tongue and Cheek, you could often hear The Baron say that Pennsylvania never accepted that The Volstead Act was repelled in 1933! But the real truth is much more damning: The Commonwealth did not just accept repeal; it actively ratified The Twenty-First Amendment on December 5, 1933. The states voters had demanded it in a landslide referendum weeks earlier!
So for the sake of Clarity The Baron will set the record straight. Pennsylvania did not miss the memo on the end of Prohibition. Instead it took the end of Prohibition and decided to make its own state-sponsored version that has lasted nearly a century. The Commonwealth did not reject the end of Prohibition; they just decided if anyone was going to profit from the "Evils of Alcohol" it was going to be the state bureaucracy ~ NOT the Free-Market!
WELCOME TO THE STATE STORE SYSTEM; Where the governments primary mission is to act as your personal state-mandated liquor store. It started as a noble experiment in public safety and in the public interest; but somewhere along the way the state decided the best way to serve the public was to hold a monopoly on your weekend cocktail. As one of the largest purchasers of alcohol products on the planet one would think the savings from all those bulk purchases would be passed on to the consuming taxpayer. Instead, they have mastered the art of the mark-up, ensuring you pay the premium for shopping at their exclusive government boutiques. Adding insult to injury they also feel the need to Advertise their stores. The Baron could not obtain the Advertising budget, but it seems endless as the Commercials are well placed and it is Barons opinion that everyone already knows where the stores are and the products, they sell. This is a waste of taxpayers' money. Especially since you have no other choice than to buy from them. It is not just a monopoly; it is a masterclass in how to gouge the public and charge them for the privilege of being told it is for their own good!
But wait, it doesn't stop at the register, the average clerk salary is 52,000/year and State benefits that most taxpayers footing the bill could only dream of. For that premium price you get a retail experience that treats the customer as an afterthought. The store hours are laughable especially in the Tourist area where The Baron calls home. They would rather lock the doors than to accommodate the thousands of Race fans we had this Sunday past. Apparently, customer service doesn't include being open when thousands of customers are here to spend money. It truly is a special kind of arrogance to hold a monopoly, gouge the consumer, and refuse to keep the lights on when business stares you in the face.
The Baron got out of line and proceeded to Holy Ghost Distillery, Inc. where Quality Products and impeccable service still reign...
So Go to The Holy Ghost Distillery, Inc. where John & Janice always appreciate your business....and tell em The Baron sent ya......

04/13/2026

Was on my way home from White Haven PA - Live and Uncensored and had a hankering for some Peanuts. Don't know why, we have all been there, just a craving. I thought to myself whilst cruising Rt 940 to stop at Harmony Beverage (known for their fresh roasted legumes) however it was late and probably closed. ( The Poconos has no sidewalks, but someone still has the job to roll them up early...politics I Guess) So I settled for the convenience store at Blakeslee Corners.....
Grabbed some gas before I sauntered into the store. Picked up 6 of Lionshead Beer just a habit from The Baron's College Days Some 50 years ago, A Cigar and a Bag of Peanuts Marked 2/$1.09 from the good old Wilkes-Barre born Business Planters Peanuts.
Convenience is right in their name but maybe the meaning was lost in translation. Honesty and Integrity in a retail setting should not feel like a high stakes negotiation in a Marakech Street Market, after all it was just a mere bag of shells, not a Hand Woven Area Rug! Yet somehow buying those bags of peanuts turned into a haggling session worthy of a Travel Documentary! The Price printed right there on the bag clear as day~yet the cashier rings it up like a rare import smuggled in from the Sahara. When questioned he stated in his best English as a 51st language "The Scanner The Scanner!" Forget about Honesty, Transparency, and Basic Math...AI is now in charge of the Store.
Integrity in business is not complicated, it is not some mystical concept reserved for Monks or Philosophers it's simply doing what's right when no one is watching, or when someone is holding a bag of overpriced nuts. If a store cannot honor the printed price on a bag of nuts one must wonder what else is up for negotiation. A little honesty goes a long way and in this case it would have cost the store nothing but a customer...There is another store right across the street!

03/25/2026

Today marks National Medal of Honor Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to recognizing the extraordinary valor and selflessness of America's distinguished heroes. Established by Congress in 1861 during the Civil War, The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military decoration, awarded to service members who have demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of their own lives, above and beyond the call of duty. Each recipient embodies the very essence of courage, sacrifice and devotion to country. The Day serves not only those who have received the medal, but to also remind all Americans of the profound cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who defend it.
The Baron did not serve, too young for Viet-Nam and too old for dessert storm. That fact does not excuse The Baron from not enlisting as many of my generation did and we are all better off because of their courage and commitment. I have the deepest respect for those who have answered the call, including close friends and classmates such as Mike McGraw, Ed Leslie, Jack Zwieble, Dan O'Hearn & Justin Matus to mention a few. Their willingness to serve and sacrifice represents the best of our community and country. The Baron holds their dedication in the highest regard.
Their commitment should not be overlooked or brushed aside by those frauds who steal their valor. It has come to the attention of The Baron there is a group in the Greenridge section of Scranton who have put up a Home Town Hero banner to Joe Biden. Was it not enough to name 2 Street after him in The Electric City? The Banners are not a political symbol-they are sacred emblems of sacrifice meant to honor those who have served in uniform and have defended the nations freedoms. When such a tribute is extended to someone who has not served, regardless of their political stature of contributions it risks, at the very least, eroding the meaning of that honor. This is not a question of partisan loyalty, but of moral clarity: the recognition of military service MUST remain reserved for those who have earned it through duty, hardship and courage. It is entirely reasonable for a community to name streets, schools, parks and public buildings for prominent figures for acknowledgement of their political or civic impact. Those are decisions of local pride or democratic choice and while everyone may not agree with them, they fall with in the bounds of legitimate public recognition. However, conflating political legacy with military honor crosses a line that should remain inviolable. Veterans-men and woman who have served in combat zones and supported missions across the globe for nearly 250 years-deserve to have their sacrifices recognized without dilution or confusion. To attribute a Veterans Banner to a non-veteran, even symbolically, diminishes the authenticity of that tribute and inadvertently takes away from those who have truly earned it. Upholding the sanctity of military honors is not a partisan stance: it is a matter of justice, respect, and national integrity.
Get the Word out to tell The Green Ridge Neighborhood Association to remove The Banner and Tell em The Baron sent ya

03/21/2026

Heading to Boardwalk - Atlantic City, New Jersey for The Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival next Month and was saddened that of my old haunts will be closed for renovations. The Irish Pub Atlantic City sustained visits from The Baron since The Late 70's. Almost 50 Years of Smiles, Great Pub Food and of Course The Guinness! Met one of the bartenders while Matriculating at King's College, Pennsylvania of all places at a Party in Margarita Apartments. He was visiting a friend in the Unit above mine. Ian, the Bartender, was a fast friend who I visited often at The Victorian Pub's ode to all things Irish.
The Pub has announced some ten weeks ago it will be closed for renovation. Some say it is closed permanently however, it is the true belief of The Baron, that in True Irish Spirit it is The Classic Example of The Irish Good-Bye.
For those not familiar to the concept The Baron will compare the much more favorable of departures to The Long Winded, drawn-out Italian Version that borders on Harassment!
THE ITALIAN GOOD~BYE
The Italian Good-bye is an exhausting ritual that drains the energy from what was an enjoyable event. What begins as a heartfelt farewell, often spirals into an endless cycle of repetitive good-byes, delayed departures, and emotional overextension. This overbearing display can feel performative, turning a natural conclusion into a spectacle that overshadows the event itself, it may also place pressure on guests to engage in lengthy exchanges when they are ready to leave, creating discomfort, rather than connection! While rooted in warmth and affection, The Italian Good-bye can inadvertently transform genuine sentiment into social fatigue, making the departure more burdensome than meaningfull. It starts in the Kitchen, moves to the dining room, then to the foyer, on to the porch, out to the car, rolling the window down and waiving...then the phone call once you FINALLY have arrived at home!
THE IRISH GOOD~BYE
The Irish Good~bye was introduced to The Baron by classmate Kevin X.Foley and embodies a quiet elegance and efficiency that many social situations can benefit from. It allows individuals to exit gracefully without disrupting the flow of the event or drawing unnecessary attention. The approach respects both personal boundaries and the natural rhythm of the gathering, sparing everyone the awkwardness of a prolonged farewell. It reflects a sense of confidence and self-assurance-an understanding that one's presence has already been felt and appreciated and that leaving need not be a performance. In a world that prizes constant attention, visibility, and connection, The Irish Good~bye offers a refreshing reminder that subtly and simplicity can be powerfull forms of social grace!
There you have it and when The Irish Pub Atlantic City returns, Make sure you Welcome them back...and tell em The Baron Sent Ya.... CAED MILE' FAILTE

03/18/2026

Was recently at The Viewmont Mall for a Meeting. The Baron arrived Early, (not his usual style) and decided to Get some Coffee to help stimulate the old thought process and maybe something to stay the pangs of a neglected stomach. The Food Court was full, mostly Mall Walkers who were taking up the Food Courts Tables after putting in their steps. It was 10am, some daily tasks accomplished, some just getting started.
There is a Cinnabon Kiosk in the Food Court. ..Ah...Corporate Logic, just as The Baron got his turn in line was the same moment in time that the crew decided to clean the Coffee machine. Somewhere in a boardroom, a group of executives probably high-fived over this newly implemented strategy of efficiency declaring "We have optimized freshness by ensuring no one can actually buy anything before noon!" This type of thinking can only be from someone who has never stood in line before caffeine. I decided to order a cinnamon bun while waiting but, there were none on display except for a Boxed take home display. The Baron inquired "The Mall walkers wipe out your Inventory as well?" The crewmember replied "We don't have them ready till noon, but we have these four-pack take home boxes for $19.50" Now The Baron is always down for a bargain, however The Baron just wanted one. "Can you sell me one from the box, I will pay the full retail price" asked The Baron. The reply was "We are not allowed to do that" God forbid someone breaking the sacred rule of the four-pack! ~Corporate decision is to Entrepreneurship what Government Intervention is to Small Business.~ Reluctantly, The Baron purchased the Four-pack. When the Card Reader prompted for gratuity, The Baron chuckled and declined.
The Baron got out of line to let the patrons behind him endure the lessons of Corporate Pastry Economics. Noticing that The Pizza Guy in the Food Court had a coffee in a Plain Styrofoam cup, not a branded one from some other Corporation, The Baron approached and asked where he secured his cup of serenity. The Pizza guy said He brewed his own and offered it to The Baron with his compliments. The Baron gave the withheld gratuity from the Cinabon crew guy and gave it to the Pizza Guy. (20% of $19.50 for a complimentary coffee) A woman, who was in the line at The Corporate Economics Class, offered to buy The Baron's remaining 3 buns from the Sacred Four-Pack. We agreed in a Price of $7ea. The Baron turned a profit of $1.50. WINNING! Thoughts of opening a Coffee Kiosk in the Food Court began to take over. Maybe get there early for the Mall walkers, sell Juice, Water & Protein bars as well as fresh Hot Coffee.
So hats off to the Modern Corporate Food Chain- where customer service is a concept, not a practice and common sense is still in R&D. Until then, the real entrepreneurs are the ones with Hot Coffee, a sense of humor, and a knack of turning a moments frustration into a business plan!
When looking for a Fresh Hot Cup of Coffee at The Viewmont Mall Go see the Pizza Dude he is just to the left of The Cinnabon Kiosk....And tell em The Baron sent Ya....

02/13/2026

Few names resonate through the halls of Polka history as do Stanky and the PA Coalminers. It was November Last when I last saw John Stankovic. I was on a Polka Junket as part of a Pocono Concertcation Weekend. John was a consummate performer and there was no way of knowing that he would not be with us for the New Year.
Sunday February 15th is a Tribute to this pillar of the Polka Community. His Band, The Coal Miners are paying tribute to their leader, along with Don Shappelle and The Pick-Ups, at Susquehanna Brewing Co.. A great turnout is anticipated so get there early....
His life was devoted to music. From the early days in the Coal Region, his passion for music was evident. Drawing inspiration from his heritage and the lively rhythms of traditional polka music, He formed Stanky and the PA Coalminers, a band that would go on to become one of the most beloved bands of the genre.
His leadership, musicianship and on~stage charisma, transformed every single performance into a celebration of community, culture & joy. John "Stanky" Stankovic's impact on the Polka community extends far beyond his music. He embodied the value of hard work, joy and togetherness that defines the genre. His songs continue to fill dance floors, his recordings continue to inspire, and his memory will continue to unite those who love a good polka!
As the community gathers to pay tribute this Sunday at Susquehanna Brewing Co., it is clear that John's Legacy will endure with every note played, Every dance shared, and every heart touched by his music. His life's work reminds us that Polka is more than just a style of music~it is a celebration of love, life and community.
Get to Susquehanna Brewing Co. and tell The Coal Miners The Baron Sent Ya......

02/01/2026

IS IT BOROUGH OR BURROW???
Was on my way to The Holy Ghost Distillery, Inc., but stopped for The Baron's Biweekly grooming at The Three Saints Barber Shop & Shave Parlor Jessup PA (The closest The Baron gets to Religion without walls crumbling from lightning strikes!!!) The Baron overheard there was a rodent in town to predict the weather. First thought was did Joe Snedeker WNEP set up a new backyard? How does one trust a weatherman who wears shorts in negative temperatures? The Baron recently directed Rawlings to remove the 12" of partly cloudy from the driveway that Snedeker predicted last week!! The Sned is hurting the economy. People no longer buy Umbrellas and Parasols; it's one or the other because of wishy/washy weather predictions...But then again traditions of the past are in a state of erosion. Now there is a fuzzy little Ferret Meteorologist stealing the February Spotlight from Punxsutawney Phil!!
A revolution is brewing not the kind with pitchforks and torches but the kind with Iced Lattes, Manbuns and WiFi! Boomers have finally had it with Adulting and have handed over the keys to society. GenZ, armed with Ring Lights, emotional support water bottles, and a crippling fear of phone calls, has accepted the challenge. First order of business change the town slogan from "a Proud Heritage" to "Jessup~Where the Vibe is Immaculate" or "Jess...Thats Whatsup"
This new world order began at town meeting held entirely on TikTok Live. Attendance was mandatory but only if participants commented with at least three emojis. The Mayor's office was replaced with a "Collaboration Hub" where decisions where being made by polls or memes. Taxes are to be paid in the form of Digital Art NFTs and The local Post Office was converted into a kombucha-bar/therapy space called "Parcel Peace" The Boomers watched in disbelief as their once orderly systems were replaced by pastel aesthetics and chaotic optimism.
Infrastructure took creative turn. roads were named after influencers and the Borough Budget was crowd-funded through a viral GoFundMe titled "Help Jessup Grow Up" The Police Department was replaced by a Team of "Conflict Resolution Advisors" who mediate disputes through interpretive dance and affirmation. Since Data Centers were opposed by the Boomer Administration The decision made by the "Collaboration Hub" is to declare it a Digital-Detox Weekend by posting candle lit selfies and claiming "Jessup is thriving!
By the end of the first month Jessup has transformed into an Utopia of Irony and Innovation. The skeptical at first Boomers began to enjoy the new order especially when their pensions were converted into "Gratitude Tokens "redeemable for Oat Milk Lattes. There are no more working traffic lights or a reliable Postal System, but The Borough has impeccable vibes, a thriving meme economy, and a generation that proved they could in fact, run the world...just not before noon!
When in Jessup Borough stop by Three Saints Barber Shop & Shave Parlor Jessup PA and meet These Gentlemen who are changing the Vibe to the New Age by wearing the dress of the Gilded Age!!! And Tell em The Baron Sent Ya.....

01/01/2026

Needed some staples for The Baron's Pantry and some cold cuts for tomorrow's lunch, so I sauntered into The Blakeslee Market with the hardt in its name. T'was about 5:15pm. Went right to the Deli to get my cold cuts and asked the guy behind the counter for some Roast Beef and Cooper Cheese. The deli guy said he would be glad to get my cheese but the meat guy is on break....?? Now it has been a while since The Baron has foraged for his own food, (Rawlings was on Christmas Break) but my how things have changed. I decided to get the rest of my order while the meat guy ate his lunch or finished his cigarette. Looking for some Capers I inquired as to their whereabouts and 2 clerks had no idea where I could find them or even what they were. While blazing a new trail through the old & dingy marketplace, over the Speaker System came a voice that the store would be closing at 8:00pm and to make my final purchase! It was 5:34!! Well, I did not want to hold up the store closing I dropped my basket and headed out ...No Cold Cuts, No Cheese, No Capers. Drove down the road a piece and found DG Market. Must not be a Union Shop. There was one person there.. Unloading Pallets, Stocking Shelves, Running the Register and Smiling as she said the Capers are in Aisle 2, third shelf, to the right of the pickles. The produce which The Baron did not expect to see was fresh and colorful, while there was no deli counter, the Packaged Roast beef was of Good quality and Value. Give them a try...and tell Thelma The Baron sent you....
DG MARKET
346 Pa RT 940
BLAKESLEE, PA

Ramblings of The Baron

06/15/2026

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