RUN-AROUND SAM

Okay, I told you on the show yesterday I would not talk about the Sam Cahnman car story anymore; but I did say I would blog about it. It felt really good when I received several phone calls, after the show ended, with folks saying "You're right on the money, Pamela." In fact, even one former Alderman said to my face "I don't know why Cahnman is giving you guys the run-around. It doesn't make sense."

So let me try to explain AGAIN, and show you what I have here. First here's the original story from the SJ-R. I reported the story the day before for WMAY News with a little bit different take on it. I also spoke with Alderman Cahnman on the air on my talk show the same day.

But here's the rub. Alderman Cahnman says he can PROVE he doesn't own the car. Well, that's what I'm waiting on. The SJ-R printed this... Cahnman, a lawyer and former Sangamon County Board member who is in his first term as a Springfield alderman, called it “much ado about nothing” and said he could prove he no longer owned the car. The car, I might add, that was abandoned and found with drug paraphernalia in it. According to the SJ-R, Yazell (the mechanic/agent who said he sold the car for Cahnman) said he had written two receipts for the sale, one for the buyer and one for himself. The receipt is dated Sept. 14 and written in red is that $150 was paid in full.

Okay. I asked Alderman Cahnman on the air if he could provide that receipt. He said yes. He said he would get it to us last THURSDAY. Cahnman told Jim Leach on his morning show that he could provide a copy of that receipt. WE HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE RECEIPT described above. Instead, what we've received is a handwritten note that is nothing more than a statement from Mr. Yazell that he traded Alderman Cahnman's car. In fact, the note reads that Yazell owes Theil $150.00. There's nothing here that shows anything paid in full. Look for yourself.

The next story was released by the SJ-R with the headline "Court Documents Back Cahnman on Ownership of Car", but it doesn't. The "court document" is a ticket that was issued to an Ian P. Theil on September 15, 2007. All that does is show that Cahnman was not in possession of that car on 9/15/07. Something doesn't add up here. If there are documents to prove that Cahnman doesn't own the car, then PRODUCE THE DAMN DOCUMENTS. Alderman Cahnman is the one that offered that statement up freely in interviews. No other media has seen this receipt "paid in full." They've all seen the document I've copied for you at the top of this blog.

It's nothing personal, Alderman. But you're an elected official. And you're an attorney. There's no reason to give media the run-around when we're just asking you to give us what you promised to give us. And if you're going to do this on a "non-story" what should we expect when there's something of real consequence to the tax payers of Springfield? I heard Bernie Schoenburg from the SJ-R on Former Alderman Frank McNeil's show last night. (heard on WMAY Tuesday thru Friday at 6pm) He talked about being tenacious when a politician isn't shooting straight with him. I don't think I'm doing anything less than what Schoenburg would do.

Tell me the truth, don't jerk me around. This story is not that big of a deal, so there's no reason to be evasive. Unless, you have something to hide, Mr. Cahnman.

IRONIC NATIONAL GUARD STORY

If you listened to the show last week, you heard me do a story on Guard security -- well, security at military bases in general. (I promise, I promise, my blog about it will be up -- tonight I hope).

Well, here's a story that will have me laughing at least for a week.

I had been invited by the Public Affairs department of the Illinois National Guard to participate in a panel discussion/training for UPAR, unit public affairs... shoot, I can't remember what the "r" stands for. (responders? reporters?)

At any rate, I was asked to be there at 7:15 this morning; yeah, that's early, but what an honor to be asked. You know? So I'm there with my coffee in hand, my make-up in place, and my notes ready to help these soldiers tell their stories.

I get to the gate, and there stands three security guards from the company SECURITAS. ( If you listened last week, you heard me discuss this company and the concerns that some laid-off State Security Guards have of their abilities to maintain adequate security at the ILNG facilities. ) I tell them who I am and what I'm there for. The main guy says to me, "well, ma'am, the base is closed. Are you on a list?" I have no idea if I am or not.. and I tell him so. He gives me the "evil eye" and says, "may I see some I-D please?" Of course, I give him my license and he walks back into his guard shack.

5 minutes pass and he says "Ma'am I can't let you on base, no one knows who you are or what you're here for." I can't help but start to laugh.

He gives me the "evil eye" again.

He asks "what time's the class, ma'am?" I have no idea. I just know I was asked to be there at 7:15.

EVIL EYE

He asks me to pull over so other soldiers can get through.

I can't help but continue to laugh.

I call my contact (a sgt) and tell her what's happening. She tells me to give the phone to the guard. HE WON'T TAKE MY PHONE. He says "Give me a number and I'll calll, but I'm not going to use your phone."

I KEEP LAUGHING. He's not laughing.

He calls my Sgt friend, but still no go. He tells me because the Major he reports to has no idea why I would be there, he can't let me on the base. He asks me what's so funny.. I tell him I think it's all on purpose because of the story I did last week about security on military bases. He's still not seeing the humor.

Finally, he tells me to follow him in his vehicle as he escorts me to a certain building. We have to get visual verification of who I am and why I'm there before I can be left alone.

I swear -- this is cracking me up!! Finally, he lightens up a bit after a Sgt and a Lt. Col verify my identity. I, of course, remain convinced this is an elaborate way to manipulate me to tell the whole world on Monday that security at the Illinois National Guard is very strong. If it is, it worked. If it's not, it's funny as all get out!!!

WHERE'S THE BILL OF SALE?

We're waiting, Sam Cahnman. You said you'd have proof for us on Thursday of your sale of the vehicle that was found registered to you.. with drug paraphernalia in it. Today is Friday. Will we have it Monday?

WHO'S GUARDING THE GUARD?

I apologzie - my schedule has been so swamped these last two days, that I haven't had this post up yet. Check back tonight or tomorrow and it should be up.

Thanks.

CAHNMAN - A victim of smear?

No, of course not. But perhaps a victim of his own stupidity. It has to be said, and I don't apologize for it.

I started working on this story on Monday and was finally able to release it Tuesday afternoon. An abandoned car was impounded by the Springfield Police on Saturday afternoon.. and Springfield police allegedly discovered a plastic bag with cocaine residue on it and a piece of a drug pipe inside the car, a white 1990 four-door Pontiac Grand Prix.

Who was the car registered to?

Ward 5 Alderman Sam Cahnman.

Yikes

But Cahnman swears he doesn't own the car. He says that an "agent" sold the car for him September 14th, but failed to get the license plate off the car. Hmm. Cahnman says he hasn't had that car in his possession in years. But yet, he kept insurance on the car, and kept renewing the tags. Hmmm

Cahnman tells the SJ-R that he sold the car for $150.00. But why would someone keep insurance on a car, and keep renewing the tags for over $70.00 a year... WHEN THE CAR IS ONLY WORTH $150.00 ??? Hmmm

And who bought the car? No one is telling.
And where is the bill of sale? Not available yet.
And what is the license plate number on the car? Cahnman says he doesn't know
And will Sam Cahnman take a drug test? He told me on my show he would... I gave him seven days. Anyone want to put money on some doctor's excuse or legal mumbo-jumbo that will prevent him from taking it?

Cahnman says it's a smear campaign.

What do you say?

(if you didn't hear the show, here's the sj-r version of the story)

BALL REMOVER

This is the best story EV-AHHH!! (from the State Journal Register)

An alleged sex offender who said he was feeling an urge to offend again took a fillet knife to his testicles in an attempt to castrate himself Sunday night.

The 59-year-old man, who lives in the 1600 block of Seven Pines Road, was bleeding profusely when police and paramedics arrived. However, he is expected to survive.

The man successfully removed one testicle and flushed it down the toilet, and the other testicle was severely injured. He then called a friend for help. Authorities were called about 8:15 p.m. Sunday, and the man was rushed to the hospital.

The man told authorities he was feeling the urge to touch and hurt children. He was not trying to take his life, the man reportedly said, but was trying to stem the urge.

The man's offense happened in 1984. He had been on a sex offender registry for some time, but no longer was required to register.

Wow! Well, I guess he won't get that urge again. You know.... I know some male whores who should... okay, maybe that's a little drastic. But if BREAKING THE LAW isn't enough of a deterrent, then perhaps an evening with a fillet knife might do the trick?

NEVER ALONE

I love this lyric ... (bet at first you think it's about a guy...)

I waited for you today
But you didn't show
No no no
I needed You today
So where did You go?

You told me to call
Said You'd be there
And though I haven't seen You
Are You still there?

I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I"m never alone

And though I cannot see You
And I can't explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life

I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone

We cannot separate
'Cause You're part of me
And though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen

I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel you by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone.


(....Barlow Girl sings this tune)

FORGIVE & FORGET

Forgive and forget.. that's what they say. It's good advice, but it's not very practical. When someone hurts us, we want to hurt them back. When someone wrongs us, we want to be right. Without forgiveness, old scores are never settled....old wounds never heal. And the most we can hope for is that one day we'll be lucky enough to forget.

- I wish I could say I wrote this, but I did not. It's from Grey's Anatomy. And it's very good!

SO MUCH TO SAY

(From Oct 15th)

One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday, besides drinking coffee and reading the paper at a small town cafe, is going to a book store and browsing for hours.

It hit me yesterday. THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH SO MANY THINGS TO SAY. It was overwhelming! Things about money, about food, about cars, about love, about sex, about life, about politics, about Lincoln, about, about about.

I felt so small, yet so blessed. People listen to me everyday on WMAY (3pm - 6pm www.wmay.com) to hear what I have to say. Things about money, about food, about love, about life, about politics, about about about. I hope I don't take that responsibility lightly. I don't think I do.

Is there just one thing that I have to say that is consistent everyday? I don't know. Here's what I would say to you today. Be nice to other people. Treat them the way you would want to be treated. Listen. Respond. And open your mind to new ways of thinking...it could change the world.

See ya Wednesday night!

ACROSS THE MILES

(From October 14th)

I love this lyric....

All around this world I've traveled
Through it all I've come to find
The ties that bind can come unraveled
I've had to face some lonely times
But when I'm tired and feeling low
Oh what a comfort it is to know

Across the miles
there's someone praying for me
Across the miles
there's someone on their knees
Lifting my name to the Lord above
In joy and pain I can feel the love
And see you smile
Across the miles

Life can be so complicated
Walking through it on your own
When kindred hearts are separated
It gives love a chance to grow
And even though I'm so far away
Oh I'm reminded every day

Across the miles
there's someone praying for me
Across the miles
there's someone on their knees
Lifting my name to the Lord above
In joy and pain I can feel the love
And see you smile
Across the miles

HELP ME GET OFF THIS RIDE!!

(from Oct 10th)

It's a roller coaster -- relationships with people, that is.

Whether it's sexual, intellectual, spiritual, friendly or just plain fun, it can be quite the ride.

I like roller coaster rides. I like the thrill, I like the excitement, I like the wind blowing in my face, I like wondering what's going to happen when ya roll around the corner.

But sometimes when you ride a little too long and a little too much, not only does the ride become predictable, the ride makes you want to vomit.

HELP! I want off this ride.

I'M POSTING AGAIN!

It's true! You can find the posts here or at www.myspace.com/pamelafurr

I will copy some of my recent posts here. ENJOY!! And thanks for listening to the show.

(from October 7Th)
HIS NAME WAS *BILLY

I haven't blogged in FOREVER. Life kinda took over and I failed to keep a log of it. But the book EAT, PRAY, LOVE has inspired me and I'm back to keeping track.

So welcome to all of you who enjoy reading thoughts from other folks. Just a warning, you'll probably hear some of this on my radio show too. (*plug alert* listen weekdays from 3p - 6p on 970 WMAY in Springfield, IL or streaming live at http://www.wmay.com/)

Can I tell you something? Something happened this week that I believe has changed my life. And it only took 19 years.

Let me explain. (names have been changed to protect the guy -- who is also a myspacer/blog reader) His name was *BILLY. He was 23 and I was 17. He was cute. He was funny. He was a lead singer and bass player in a band. Just my type!! He was my friend and I LOVED him. I mean, I really loved that boy. I mean, he was probably the first man I EVER loved. He lived in Arkansas and I lived in NC. I would fly to Arkansas from time to time to hang with him..and he'd come to NC to hang with me. We talked on the phone until all hours of the night.. and we even recorded a song I wrote together. We were close. AND I LOVED HIM.

But he didn't love me. And one day I discovered it the hard way. I discovered it by finding he and another friend of mine in bed together. (did I add that it was in my house??) I knew then that *Billy didn't love me. And it hurt. I was crushed. I was devastated. And I lost my best friend.

Fast forward a few years. I moved to Nashville and *Billy moved to Nashville. We reconnected after two years of total disconnect, but things weren't the same. He was engaged to someone and I was working on my career.

Fast forward a few years. *Billy is married with children and I'm a part-time talk show host. We reconnect when he calls the show, but lose touch again when I move to Springfield, IL.

Fast forward to Thursday night. *Billy and I reconnect again catching up on life. He has FOUR children now and I'm still working on my career. But for the first time in 19 years *Billy says something to me that he had never said.

"I'm sorry." "I'm sorry, Pamela, that I hurt you."

WOW. WOW. Of course, I had forgiven him a long time ago. Forgiven him for not loving me...but to hear "I'm sorry" after all that time... WOW. It was powerful. In fact, so powerful, that I felt the weight of old baggage literally lift from my body. You see, I know that what happened between *Billy and I had a direct effect on EVERY relationship I've EVER had.

So to hear "I'm sorry" from that man. WOW. I think it showed me that no matter what... no matter how good a person is, or how bad a person is, when they've hurt someone, they know it.

Now I'm not saying that what happened 19 years ago was something that ate at the soul of *Billy, but he knew he hurt me. And he's known it all this time. To finally say it probably had an effect on him. (I know it did). And to hear it...it was powerful.

I don't know if there's a moral to the story. I just hope that I NEVER underestimate the power of those words. I hope that I don't wait 19 years before I say them to someone I've hurt.

For me, I pray I'm the girl that says it as quickly as possible..and forgives even faster.

Shout outs today go to Gina, Tracy and Joel. JOEL, JOEL, JOEL. We were on hiatus, but are back to being friends. See ya next week, friend!