H-T Instant Message Q: Your views on Monroe Co. Election Bd impasse, likely ruling out vote centers for 2012? sign up: [email protected]

Friday H-T business: how BHSN '77 grad John Fenton took over/ turned around SoCal's Metrolink commuter rail after 2008 crash that killed 25.

Indiana's unemployment rose from 8.7% in Aug to 8.9% in Sept.; Monroe's dropped from 7.3% to 6.9%; U.S. rate remained flat at 9.1%.

Big Red Liquors is acquiring Bloomington Liquors on N. Walnut and Hoosier Liquor on W. 17th St. Hearing on alcohol permit transfer Nov. 2.

"The McRib is back." Interesting example of supply-driving-demand using the "now for a limited time" marketing method. Are we suckers?

Monroe Co. real estate sales up 19.2 % in Sept vs Sept 2010. Year to date sales down only 1.1% over 2010, surprising given 2010 tax credit.

You asked for it; you got it: Macri's Deli to open in early December in old Depot building downtown.

Friday's my last day at the H-T. I'm cleaning out my desk drawers, giving way pens, Static Guard, granola bars and Tide sticks to my buds.

H-T reporter Rod Spaw will be taking over this Twitter Feed. I'm off to The Daily Press in Newport News, Virginia. My best to all followers!

Happy 11-11-11, everyone.

Upland Brewing Co vs Bloomington Brewing Co stationary bike challenge at Bloomington Farmer's Market Sat April 21 at 10 a.m.

#IU Occupiers getting louder - being stopped by IUPD from encroaching into trustees space.

#IU Occupiers deciding how long to chant when trustees return. "Public meeting, public comments" is suggestion. Also- do for 5 minutes.

Academic Scholarly Bookstore now buying and selling used board games, dvds, cds, puzzles, and more. Back Btown biz. tiny.cc/iuvnew

Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is a finalist for the 2012 Chamber of the Year award given by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Axia Technology Partners opening Btown office June 1.

Author Solutions Inc. sold for $116 million. Will become a division of Penguin Books.

Bloomington Sam's Club grand reopening 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17

Btown live traffic now on Google Maps. Reviews anyone?

The Combine 2012 thecombine.org