Jay Kersting's Blog

Last night as I am working on dinner, I had "Special Report with Brit Hume" on the TV.  For those who don't watch, this is one of the most eye opening and informative political focused news shows on satellite television (Fox News Channel - DirecTV 360..need a referral discount?).

The DON'T miss segment on Special Report comes after the bottom of the hour news. It is called "The Grapevine" and it has several stories each night.

Now it is widely known by now that the news media has a bias, the cause can be debated.  Those who deny the existance of the bias are, quite simply, aligned with the bias, stupid or just full of shit.   

Last night, Brit Hume and his staff exposed the Associated Press for the bias shown in how they reported the departures from the Presidential race of The Ambulance Chaser and Rudy Giuliani.  After seeing or reading that, do you see a problem?  Chaser ran a "spirited top-tier campaign" while Giuliani "suffered a debilitating defeat"????

If this is not an example of political bias, then it MUST be an EXAMPLE of FOLICAL BIAS!! 

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Speaking of the political culture of our nation, I saw an exchange between Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. 

Mukasey would not comment on "waterboarding" because he felt that commenting would be irrelevent when it is NOT being used currently.  Leahy pushed him a bit.

I just wonder if Mukasey had the words of Dick Cheney in the back of his mind as he was looking at Leahy.  I KNOW that I would have.  (e-mail me if you don't recall that exchange on the Senate floor)

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California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will endorse John McCain today.  That gives him TWO action stars to Mike Huckabee's one (Chuck Norris).  I have NOT heard where Bruce Willis will throw his support.  Guessing here...Willis has played John McClane in four movies....could be a hint.

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I have not said this for a few days, so I will say it again.  I am not excited about the Super Bowl and I am not wanting the New England Patriots to win.  I just really don't care.  I have not been this full of apathy since....well, it's not worth thinking about.

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Now to the important stuff....

Britney Spears got in to ucla.  Fortunately it is at the ucla Medical Center.  I'd hate to have had her get into the university and raise the average I.Q. of the place.

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Comment as you see fit....I like the feedback...really, I do. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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So, during the first segment in the 10:00 hour of Partyline on Tuesday, I locked horns with "Lefty" when I called him out on his distortions. Listeners to KLIK know who he is and, with his moniker, where he stands.

You see, Lefty is one of those people who likes to "find" the facts to fit his argument rather than to find facts to FORM an argument.  In this case, I called him out for distorting the facts. 

Distorting the facts is bad enough.  Forgetting them, well, that is just plain sloppy.  And here is an example that I can share with you.

A lot of folks around here recall Game Six of the 1985 World Series. Cardinals fans remember, vividly, that Don Denkinger blew a call at first base that allowed Jorge Orta to remain there. Most Royals fans will admit that a mistake was made and then point out that this officiating error occurred with just one out in the ninth. But Cardinals fans, well, they forget that Darrell Porter and Jack Clark missed a pop fly allowing Steve Balboni to get on base. That Orta WAS thrown out at third on Jim Sundberg's bunt. (Two outs for those scoring at home.) Whitey Herzog called for the intentional walk of Hal McRae who was replaced by speedy Onix Concepcion. And that after Concepcion scored on Dane Iorg's hit, that Porter MISSED THE TAG on Sundberg to allow the winning run.

The Cardinals choked after a bad call. Right?

Yes, but there is more to this story.

You need to remember the OTHER bad call of the night. And Cardinals fans do not want to know that the Royals got jobbed by the umpires as well.

In the same game, where no one scored until the eighth inning, Frank White stole second base. It was clear on EVERY angle of the television replays. But the umpire called him out. Can you honestly tell me that Frank White could not have scored from second on the Pat Sheridan's single? Really?

So, that would have given the Royals a run in the fourth. And that could have changed the momentum. And that could have changed the outcome.

But do you hear Royals fans bitching and whining 22 and a half years later about THAT bad call. NO! You know why? Because following a little adversity, the Cardinals CHOKED!! On October 26th of 1985 in the bottom of the ninth the Cardinals CHOKED! Five innings earlier, the Royals did not.

And in game seven, the Cardinals did not put up a single run to the Royals ELEVEN.

Now, this is HISTORICAL FACT. This is not revisionist. When your friendly Cardinals fan tells you that Don Denkinger cost the Cardinals the I-70 Series, you now can correct them. Because as Paul Harvey would say, now you know the rest of the story. And the WHOLE story.

So, back to people like Lefty. I will know that I am right and I will admit when I am wrong. Anyone who has listened to the show knows this. I am strong in my beliefs and I will defend them. But know that I do so with facts that have been used to form those beliefs, and that have not been twisted around.

It is like the Ronald Reagan quote from 1964.

The Pakistani government did NOT sign a treaty with Al-Qaeda.  With the Taliban and against the wishes of the United States, yes.  But there is a difference between the two groups.  Those who DO NOT know this difference are a bit dangerous.  The United States did send financial support to the Taliban during the Clinton Administration.  This was to subsidize NOT growing opium poppies.  So, did we support Al-Qaeda?  No, but we did support members of groups that later splintered off and became Al-Qaeda.

The "Bush Doctrine" is not that we will attack unilaterally and without provocation.  The "Bush Doctrine" like it or not is that IF a nation-state suppports terrorist organizations INSIDE or OUTSIDE their borders, financially or with safe haven, we have the right to defend oursevles by declaring them an enemy nation-state.  (Whether or not the USA acts on it or not...see Iran as an example)  Iraq had given support and safe haven to Abu Nidal.  Well, up until he tried to whack Saddam Hussein at least.  That put them at the top of the list.

These are facts.  Check for yourself.  I invite you to do so...and if you find an error, let me know.

Oh, and once again, on October 26th of 1985, both the Royals and the Cardinals were victims of bad calls.  The Royals played on.  The Cardinals CHOKED.  Get over it. 

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Worth noting........

The Florida Primaries are CLOSED primaries, which means that you have to affiliate with a party to vote in the primary.  I don't like this idea, because it hurts independents like me.  Good news for me that I DON'T live in Florida.

But, this proves that John McCain can get the votes of Republicans and not just draw independents.  

I was flipping between the basketball game and the Florida Primary results and both were exciting for a while.  And both events had the same feel.  In fact, Bill Hemmer made a sports analogy during his reports last night.

Rudy Giuliani is to drop out of the race later today according to several reports. 

Endorsing Senator John McCain will probably get him more momentum, both in votes and in finances, that he needs.

As for the Democrat side, I found it HILLARIOUS that Hillary Clinton went to Florida to make a victory speech.   Congratulations Senator Clinton....you won NOTHING.  No Delagates.  Zip.  Zero.  Nada.

Oh, but she did get the endorsement of the more obscure ranks of the Kennedy family.  I think even Mikey Skakel came out of the woodwork. 

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Speaking of the basketball game, nice to see the Volunteers pull out the win.  That was NOT a sure thing to say the least.  But a win is a win. 

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Dick Cheney is celebrating his birthday today.  He is sixty seven for those who are counting.  If you are there for the cake, he will need help with the candles.

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And finally, I spoke with my brother Topher last night.  He told me the story of putting Boba Fett to sleep on Monday.  Despite being ravaged with lymphoma and blind, Boba Fett was playfull with Topher, Zari and friends until the end.  And even had a smile at the very end.

Ben said it best, "He was a good dog.  I will miss him."  True enough. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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When the Democrats seized power following the 2006 elections, many hoped that THEY would be the party of fiscal responsibility since the Republicans had willingly surrendered that title.  And they did it BIG TIME.

Well, the Democrats not only didn't grab that title, they made things worse.  Maybe not in pure dollars and cents, but by the use of the earmark in their first year back in power.  I'm sorry, let's use the Nancy Pelosi term...they are NOT earmarks, they are "legislatively directed spending"...which makes them SOOOOO much better.  You know, like the how the Congressional approval ratings have improved in the past year.  (For those who miss the sarcasm, Congressional approval ratings hit all time lows in 2007.)

Earmarks DOUBLED in 2007 over 2006.  Let me clarify, the NUMBER of earmarks doubled.  The dollar amount dropped from $16 Billion down to $9 Billion.  But when the Democrats promised a review of the procedures and policies, this is an obvious failure to take action with ANY substance.

So last night, during his State of the Union address, President Bush gave the impression of moving toward fiscal responsibility (six and a half years late in my opinion) by annoucing that he would CUT $18 Billion from his budget presentation by reducing or eliminating wasteful and ineffective programs.  Good. 

He went a step further.  He announced that he is issuing an Executive Order that would forbid Federal agencies from spending money granted them by earmarks that were never voted on.  

So, if that is ALL of the earmark money, BIG IF, then President Bush will effectively cut up to $27 Billion from the Federal budget.

This is a good start and from two perspectives.  First, funding projects without ever having the merits of the project voted on is downright irresponsible.  Both Democrats and Republicans are to blame for this system that has ripped off We The People for decades.  Second, continuing to fund programs that have failed is insanity.  Throwing more money at these programs is worse.  And that is the way things are done in Washington.  Not to sound like Susan Powter, but STOP THE INSANITY.

So, for one day, my Bush bashing will go on hiatus.  Because he is right on this point.  

But the belts need to be tighened further.

In fact, take that stimulus package, which will buy millions of HDTV's, and redirect it to FIXING OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES ACROSS THE NATION!!!  That will create jobs, those jobs will lead to the spending of money.  That spending of money will....GET THIS...STIMULATE THE DAMNED ECONOMY!!!!!  

I will find my OWN way to buy a new HDTV.  It will just take a bit longer.   

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I want to express my condolences to my brother this morning.  Yesterday, he had to put his dog to sleep.  Boba Fett was a great dog and a great companion to my brother through the good times and bad over the last 11 plus years.  

I did call him last night, but I got the impression that he wasn't in the mood to talk.  (You got my number if/when you want to talk.)

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Also worth noting, former USC head football coach Larry Smith has passed away.  Around this part of the country, he is better known for coaching the Mizzou Tigers.  But, I think it is hard to argue that the high point of his career was his three straight Rose Bowls when he led the Trojans.  

Also worth nothing that was the same era when a good friend, who will remain nameless to protect him, was giving me a hard time for being a USC fan.  He did later convert to the Cardinal and Gold.

From what I have heard from everyone who knew him, Larry Smith was well liked and respected.   

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Sunday is the Super Bowl.  Super Bowl XLII for those who are keeping track.

Do you care?  I mean really, do you care?  

I am a Chiefs fan.  The Chiefs won 14 fewer games this year than the AFC rep in the game, the New England Patriots.  

And the national media seems to want EVERYONE to get on their bandwagon.  

A few thoughts on this....

It seems that the national media wants fans to file for free agency too.  I was drafted by my team, but I am jumping ship for Team Y.  OH, this makes sense when they benefit from the leagues being able to sell more shirts and caps.

Here is where I stand.  I have a customized Kansas City Chiefs jersey (my last name on the back).  I have had it for 11 plus years.  I also have a customized, that you can't buy in a store, Tennessee Volunteers baseball jersey.  Kathy got it for me as my graduation present.  I want a customized Kansas City Royals jersey, but that is a lot of money and it not important right now.  I have many USC t-shirts, sweatshirts and even a polo shirt.  I have more Tennessee polos than I can count, and I wear them on a regular basis.

I will NOT start wearing Florida University (FU) gear.  I will NOT start wearing Yankees shirts.  I will NEVER be caught dead in fucla powder blue. NO WAY will you catch me in silver and black or wearing a #7 Blue/Orange Broncos jersey.

Anyhow, back to the Super Bowl...uh, go Giants.  Yawn!

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John McCain racks up more endorsements in Florida.

Teddy Kennedy endorses Barack Obama.  Senator Obama....STAY OUT OF THE CAR!!!!  PLEASE GOD STAY OUT OF THE CAR!!!  

But really, these things don't sway me.  Besides, I sort of lean toward these two in their respective parties.

The Florida Primary is Tuesday.  Mom is down visiting my aunt.  No word on if Mom is voting tomorrow or not.  I would add that Mom should go and teach the folks down there how it is done.  Maybe she could get Lauren Curbow McKee (great news anchor name, you think?) to help her.  (Both are currently in Ocala.)

Back to endorsements...no one has told me if they care or not.  Comment if you care.  If you are simply exerting apathy.....whatever. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Take that Chuck Norris!!

I know, I know...I have said that endorsements don't mean much. But this is interesting ONLY because of the battle of words between Chuck Norris and John McCain. 

As long as McCain doesn't quote White Goodman, I think we will see things remain civil. 

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Now speaking of endorsements, this one may have some meat to it.  But when someone who is well known and is someone who does not seek the limelight, I think it should get your attention and possibly make you think.

General Norman Schwarzkopf has also endorsed John McCain.

There are those who have wished that he would run for President.  Something to be said for that.  

What I do know about General Schwarzkopf is this...he has an I.Q. of about 180...he makes most Mensa members feel stupid.

So with this endorsment, as opposed to Sylvester Stallone's, Chuch Norris' or anyone else from Hollywood, I would hope that people would use this one to think about Senator McCain and the other candidates.  Meaning, don't vote based upon what you see on the TV ads or from some pin-head local radio talk show host.

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By the way, I am not endorsing anyone.  I think it is obvious who I am against... (HRC for those who don't know).  

One candidate that has upset me a little bit.   

I have liked a LOT about what I have read and seen of Senator Barack Obama the man.  I disagree with many of his policy positions, but I think he is interesting and brings a fresh perspective.

But I am upset that my latest inquiry for an interview got me on his e-mail list.  I have gotten about seven e-mails from the Obama campaign.  All of them asking for a donation.

I will not give a donation to anyone.  Period.  Please don't ask me. I will donate airtime to any candidate who will stop by and chat, even HRC.  But that will not be a free ride.

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Speaking of the candidates, none of them have set up an interview time.  Part of the problem of being in one of the 15 Super Tuesday states.  If anyone reading this is involved with ANY of the campaigns, contact me to set up a time to have your candidate on.  No representatives of campaigns, candidates only....maybe candidate's spouses.  

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I am so sick of Boston sports and I have NEVER even been to Boston.

The Red Sox are the mojito of baseball...everyone jumped on their bandwagon that they have tripped over what made them a fan of them in the first place.  A hint, because ESPN and Sports Illustrated told you to be on the bandwagon.

The Patriots are 18-0....going for a perfect season.  My response....Go Eli!!!  Manning for Super Bowl MVP!!!  Yes, I did say that last year too.

The Celtics?  I don't care about the NBA any more. 

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And finally, since I do not update the blog on weekends except on rare occasions, I will take this time to wish a Happy Birthday to Bernie Kersting!!

Dad will be 65 on Saturday.  Please join me in wishing him the best on this day (if you post comments, I will forward them to him).

Oh, and some of you may not want to do this.  He is one of the reasons I got into this business.  He showed me how to pickup distant AM stations when I was younger.  And he gave me a shortwave radio AND a CB radio that I had in my room at age 8.

Thanks Dad....and Happy Birthday. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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So here is the follow up.....

Governor Matt Blunt announced that he will not run for re-election and yesterday he explained the situation further.  I asked the question, who does this benefit?

Well, after a lot of thought and a lot of reflection on many factors.  And with a lot of discussion with members of both the Democratic and Republican parties, here is what I have come up with.

This will help the Missouri Republican Party.

Why?

The Republican Party will get a lot of media attention, good, bad and indifferent.  You learn in Public Relations 101 that all publicity is good publicity, as long as you go out and spin it in your favor.  So unless the GOP finds the Missouri version of Fred Thompson as their candidate, this publicity pushes the Democrat nominee, Attorney General Jay Nixon, into the background.

The first point that many will argue with me is that the GOP candidates will spend all of their money and have nothing left to spend when they take on Jay Nixon.  To quote Lee Corso, "not so fast my friend..."  The candidates may be tapped out, but the party will come to the rescue and fill up the coffers.

The second point that I have already heard is that a primary process would be self-destructive and would leave the GOP damaged.  The example brought up is the Presidential campaign.  This would not be allowed to happen.  And as Governor Blunt said yesterday, he hopes that a candidate can be picked without a primary.  While I think that would be a mistake, it does eliminate this cannibalization argument.

And finally, the self-removal of a successful but yet unpopular incumbent governor allows the GOP to find new energy, new leadership.  

That third leg of the poltical stool could be what gives the GOP a bigger slice of the pie in the General Assembly.

As one Democrat told me, this is good news in the short term, but it could be very bad by November.

He does hope he is wrong.

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Among the several reasons given by Governor Matt Blunt for not running for re-election was so that he could spend more time with his family.  He has a son who will be three in March, so I understand this.  That is a BIG reason why I am here in Jefferson City.

Last night I was talking to my friend Ethan Mayers.  I told him about Governor Blunt.  Ethan said that he wished Isiah Thomas would spend more time with his family.

So, who would you like to see spend more time with his/her family? 

Add you comments here, e-mail, or call the show (866-632-1240). 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Part one..... 

I think six months ago it would have been predicted that John McCain would drop out of the Presidential race and Fred Thompson would be the front runner.

Well, here we are and the opposite is happening.  Fred Thompson was NEVER able to gain traction and has decided to call it quits.

Eight years ago the dirty politics inside the GOP handed a loss to John McCain in South Carolina.  This year, South Carolina gives him a bump.

Eight years ago, Fred Thompson bucked the GOP establishment and supported John McCain.  Right now, Thompson is taking no position.

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Dropping out part two....

Governor Matt Blunt is NOT seeking a second term and announced it via YouTube yesterday. 

There will be a press conference today at 9:30am to explain further.

This announcement led to a very interesting evening last night.  The annual Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce "Taste of Jefferson City" event to welcome the legislature back to Jefferson City was held at the Capital Plaza Hotel.  And yes, the discussion around the room was all about Governor Blunt and why now, who now?  

The questions were coming from both sides of the political aisle.   

Why now?  Good question and it seems that no one could come up with a good answer to fit it.  A prominent Democrat told me that he had seen polling numbers from Attorney General Jay Nixon's campaign for Governor.  He told me that the polling indicated that Nixon has a lead in those polls, but not a huge lead and that Blunt's numbers were not a bad as other Republicans, including President Bush.

So, is the move to NOT RUN being done to help the party maintain power?   That seems to be the conventional wisdom, even if the numbers don't show it to necessarily be the case.

So, who now?  Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder was an obvious entry to the race.  State Treasurer Sarah Steelman said yesterday that she was NOT running for Governor.  Maybe she will change her mind.

Who else?  Congressman Kenny Hulshof name was mentioned to me MANY times last night at "Taste of Jefferson City" as a possible front runner.  I also heard, just once, the name of former U.S. Senator Jim Talent.  I have read that name more this morning. 

House Speaker Rod Jetton's name has been floated out as well.

We will see who.

NOW - the $64,000 question is this......Which Party Benefits? 

Let me know what YOU think.  I will share MY thoughts on this tomorrow. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Tennessee Volunteers are now NUMBER THREE in the AP Poll!!!!  Tonight, they are in Lexington to take on the boo-hoo Blue of Kentucky led by Billy Gillespie.

DO you think that by now that the Wildcat faithful are wishing they had Tubby Smith back??  7 and 9 so far this season.  Hmmm....maybe.

Now, if I can get Jet Roberts to say NUMBER THREE TENNESSEE and not number FIVE.  What do coaches know anyway?   

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After seeing the highlights, if you can call them that, of the Democrat debate from last night, I am the only one who thought that the Ambulance Chaser was having to play the role of Admiral Stockdale from the 1992 Presidential Debates.  Senator Clinton and Senator Obama were pretty much shouting each other down, trying to tell us who hate President Reagan and his policies more, while ignoring the man in third place.

When the Ambulance Chaser was able to speak, he seemed to be a little lost and wondering why his $400 haircut did not get him more attention.

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I guess that the man who was down on the mat and out of the race back in June is becoming the Republican Comeback Kid.  Senator John McCain does not officially have the lead in the GOP race, but he does seem to have the momentum.

Some would say that it is his moderate positions on various issues.  Some would say it is the fact that the media loves a guy who bucks the GOP establishment.

I would say both sides are wrong.

John McCain is open to the media and has been for the past eighteen years.  They like his openness more than anything else.  The media perceives McCain as moderate.  BUT, if you look at most of his positions, he is a lot more conservative that people think.  However, the fact that he comes across as more openminded that other Republican candidates is what is really makes him appealing.

Even pundits like Robert Novak now see that McCain may have to be accepted by the GOP powers as their nominee.

Let's not get too ahead of ourselves.

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Poor Fulton, New York!  Now only buried under 3 feet of snow, but the roof of their snowplow garage collapsed.

And 3-6 inches more are on the way.

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Comment as you see fit.  Thanks again for reading 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Let me by opening with a statement regarding Dr. King.  It seems to me as a 37 year old white man, that Dr. King often gets too much credit and, at the same time, not enough credit for the status of civil rights in the United States today.

First, I say too much credit because it seems that the things, the values, that Dr. King advanced back in the 1950's and 1960's have been turned back from both sides of the racial divide.  Groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the Black Panthers not only still exist in the 21st Century, but in some areas they even seem to be flourishing.  Then you have groups that could do a lot of good, but they would rather turn people into victims to advance their cause.  The NAACP seems to be of that flavor these days.  

I think that if Dr. King was to come back for a visit, these things would make him cry.

Now, the flip side of things.  As a child of the 1970's and 1980's, mainly in suburban and rural America, it was rare that I would interact with African-American children.  In fact, the only times that I recall, were when I was visiting my grandparents in Elgin, Illinois, and we would play with the neighbor kids, Rodney and Brigette.  They just so happened to be African-American.  I didn't care then, nor do I care now.  I ONLY mention it because it is the LACK of acknowledgement that makes it noteworthy.

I think Dr. King would smile at that.  But, that was never a goal.

When I worked at WNOX, Hallerin Hilton Hill had a subject he would bring up on occasion.  It was...."Some of my closest friends are........"  Now that was a fun topic, because Hal could turn it in different directions.  Political, ethnic, racial, socio-economic, etc.  But the best part was that the statement could show various biases that people had.  Hal was a genius when it came to taking a somewhat innocent statement and use it to expose biases that many of us never thought they had.

Oh, and for those who don't know him, Hallerin just happens to be African-American.  And that is NOT why I count him among my great career influences, it is because he is good as what he does.  Same goes for Dave Foulk, he happens to be a white man, and I consider him to be among my great career influences.

So, what do you think Dr. King would think if he came for a visit to the U.S.A. today?

Oh, and who are some of your closest friends?  Does that show a hidden bias within you?  Didn't think it was there, huh?

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Jenna Bush is NOT having a White House wedding.  Katie Couric is saddened by that news.

My thoughts?  Do what YOU want Ms. Bush.  Do not do what your parents want.  Do not do what your sister wants.  Do not do what your grandparents want.

If she wants to get married in Crawford, Texas, fine.  As long it is her decision.

Oh, and I guess if her fiance is not totally opposed to it.  As if his opinion matters, really.

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The New England Patriots will play the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

I am officially sick and tired of ALL things Boston/New England.

I called the Red Sox the "mojito of sports teams"....meaning everyone pretends to like them because they are trendy, but to be honest, they are really nasty.

The Patriots are pretty much the same.  Everyone is on the bandwagon.  Everyone thinks Tom Brady is sooo...this, or that. The Pats linebakckers are....

I am sick of the Patriots.  I read David Halberstams book on Bill Belichik, and I have respect for him after reading it.  But even that has not turned me in to a fan.

Folks, if you are a fan of a team, why must you jump on the bandwagon of another team once your team is out.

Or do too many people have too much money riding on the games?

In case you couldn't guess, I am for the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.  But, I am not buying a jersey.  Not even a t-shirt. 

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Add comments, do a Google Search from this page or click on one of the ads.  I could use the money.  Ha ha ha..... 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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First off, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Trey Hillman, the new manager of the Kansas City Royals.  All I can say is, what a great guy!!  The best compliment that I can pay the man is to say that he reminded me of my dad in some ways.  Funny guy, enjoyed the people, gave out Dum-Dums and Blow Pops to the kids.....of all ages.  Teased folks as they came by and everyone enjoyed the time with him.  Unlike Dad, I am pretty sure he is pretty well versed on the intricate details of baseball. 

Sorry Dad.

I will post the interview to the News Talk 1240 KLIK webstream this morning.  It will make its way to the airwaves on Monday morning.

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If you wonder why I am critical of Congress, take a look at this story from yesterday. 

I am glad that I don't live in the 9th Congressional District of Ohio.  And this story is NOT the only reason why.  

This is not as bad when Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee asked NASA to show her where the astronauts were on Mars. 

I can't make this stuff up.  Well, I could, but thankfully, I don't have to.

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A local bank is AGAIN a victim of scammers.  Of course, they have been victim of those who send the phishing e-mails.  And then were the vishing phone calls.  Now, text messages.  I got one on Wednesday.  I don't have an account with them. 

Nor will I.  And not because of the scams.

Nope, because they chose to NOT support my station while they spend a lot with my direct competitor.  I know a ton of great people who work for them.  But, that is how I operate.  If we are not worthy of promoting your business for good, what then makes us worthy when they have a problem?

That is also why I will not mention the bank name, even in my blog.

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I will make mention of Sam Bushman and Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts.  For those who read this outside of the Jefferson City area, you are probably scratching your heads.

My dad wanted to buy his grandchildren a Jack in The Box for years and couldn't find one.  Just not a popular toy in the late 20th and early 21st Century.  Well, I took him to down to Samuel's Tuxedos.  He had several to choose from.  

Sam carries all kinds of really cool "old school" toys that our kids just don't see any more.  

Sometimes, those things are as cool to them as a Nintendo Wii.  Really.

Sam has a LOT more than just tuxedos...that is why the store is so great!!

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Have a great weekend and comment as you wish. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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It is the age old question that is repeated during every election cycle.  "Are you better off than you were X years ago?"

So, are you?

Guess what, it just doesn't matter!!!  And if you think it does, you are part of the problem.  Let me explain.

The ONLY reason this question is valid IS if you are dependent on the government.

Social Security receipients are those who DO VOTE and some ARE dependent on the government.  For them, the question does hit very close to home.  That makes them the only exception to my rule set above.

But if anyone else lets that question ring true to them, I would like to ask them to reverse the actions that got their skulls placed up and inside their rectums.

I guess I look at my situation and how I answered the question when a listener (an obvious Bill and Hillary Clinton lover) asked me.

I am a LOT better off than I was four years ago.  Even more so than I was EIGHT years ago.

This person was obviously a typical Democrat zealot who tried to get me to see things through their dirty and rose colored glasses.  But I won't take the bait.  Why?

Because how I am doing, how my family is doing IS NOT related to what the President or what the Congress is doing.   

As much as I will not give credit to Bill Clinton for how I did in the 90's, and I did have a few good years, I will not give credit NOR blame to George W. Bush for how I did not do well in the early part of this decade or how I am doing OK now.  

They don't deserve the credit.  They don't deserve the blame.

You shouldn't give them either.  

You need to do something that happens too rarely in this day and age.  

Realize that you did it.  Accept it, or change it.

For those of you who know me, I often joke about how things are X's fault.  Keep in mind, these are jokes.  Like my complaints of Wii Elbow. (Even when I asked about blaming Rick Sinclair about the lack of a handrail on my stairs....that WAS a joke.)

I have screwed up PLENTY in my life.  When I got in to a car wreck, LIVE on the radio, on 15 May 2003, I did not blame President Bush.  I did not blame Congress.  I wanted to blame Kofi Annan, but I did what everyone should do.

I blamed the other driver.

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Today, the Royals Caravan comes to Jefferson City.  That was one of the first times I was out in public last year working as a KLIK staffer.  A lot has changed since then. 

For one, the venue.  HyVee has completely renovated and expanded their store.  

For another, the Royals.  New manager, new energy, new version of the powder blue jersey and new hope from the long suffering fans.

I'll say it right now.  The Royals will once again be the best team in Missouri this season. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I have often issued the reminder that on the original "Mickey Mouse Club" from the 1950's that Wednesday was Anything Can Happen Day.  Well, it seems that, for me at least, this Wednesday is Nothing Can Happen Day.

Now, this is not a complaint.  I have actually been chuckling about it.  I have gotten things booked for the rest of the week and even for parts of next week.  But, try as I did, nothing was able to fall in to place for today.  

It is just funny how things happen at times.  

I could have tried to schedule a guest or two for today that do not interest me.  And if they do not interest me, why would they interest you?  The only answer that I come up with it, they wouldn't.

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Here it comes....

A federal report is recommending an increase in the federal gas tax for the first time since 1993.

How does 40 cents a gallon sound?  At least they would phase it in over five years.

When I arrived in Jefferson City on 26 December 2006, gas was $2.09 9/10's a gallon.  Now, it is 90 cents a gallon more.  Not due to taxes. 

The money would be directed toward our crumbling infrastructure, mainly the highways.  I am all for that.  

BUT, can we NOT find the money from the MOUNTAINS of WASTE in the Federal budget??  We can.  We should.

They won't.

We are to blame.

We put them there.

We keep them there.

Shame on US!!!

We need Dave Kovic to run things.  And bring his buddy Murray Blum in to go over the budget.

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The interview with James Meigs of Popular Mechanics is NOW on the webstream.   

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Ben's school  (Lawson Elementary) is having Doughnuts with Dad Day this morning from 7:45 to 8:45.  Obviously, I cannot make it.  But, I had an idea.

This morning I went out early to HyVee and picked up some doughnuts and a gallon of orange juice.  Kathy is going to bring Ben here to work.  We will have our doughnuts here and then I will take him to school.

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Big doings in Michigan today.  First, my guest this morning is in Michigan for the North American International Auto Show (Jim Meigs, editor-in-chief of Popular Mechanics).  Second, the GOP primary takes place there.  The DNC is not really being contested due to a violation of the DNC rules when they moved the date.  

Will Romney get a bump from his home state?

Will McCain secure his role as front runner?

Will Huckabee prove Iowa wasn't a fluke? 

Will Fred Thompson prove that he is not ready to go on the cart?  That he is feeling better?

As for me, I want to know what's happening at the North American International Auto Show.

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Dick Morris said that Hillary Clinton would insert race into her campaign for the DNC nomination.  Guess what?

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The Royals Caravan will be coming to Jefferson City's HyVee on Thursday at 3-4pm.  I will have Denny Matthews (long time Royals broadcaster) on the show Thursday morning at 7:40am.

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American Idol starts tonight.  God help us all.

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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My copy of Popular Mechanics arrived at the office on Friday, so I didn't get my hands on it until I came by here yesterday.

On the cover is a headline "Fighting Ethanol Hype" which leads to a very detailed and very solid op-ed piece by PM's editor-in-chief James Meigs.

Key statistic, if true, and even Meigs is unsure of it, is that it takes 1.3 gallons of oil to produce a gallon of ethanol.

Give it a read and you will understand how bad the bipartisan effort to SCREW US through HORRIBLE energy policy is. 

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Close Gitmo?? 

Let's be clear on this, the only thing to be considered for closure is the prison that is holding terrrorist scumbags.  No one, as of now, is considering closing the entire Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. 

But it does lead one to think about this.  When will there be a call to close the entire base?  

For one, I am absolutely, positively against any such move.  Once Cuba is a stable, democratic-republic that is an ally with the United States, I would have no problem passing the base back to Cuba.  But for now, no way.

As for the closing of the terrorist prison.  The reason for going to Gitmo in the first place is gone due to court rulings.  For those who don't recall, the advice given to the President was to go there because US law doesn't apply.  Oops.

Bring them somewhere closer to a court, where you can still isolate them and be done with it.  

Convert the prison into a military prison OR allow it to be part of the refugee processing center being built at Guantanamo Bay.

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Senator Claire McCaskill has endorsed Senator Barack Obama.  

I am not surprised at this, nor will I criticize it.  What I am surprised at is this split in the DNC.  It seems that you have two groups.  Those who want to coronate Senator Clinton the nominee because it is simply her turn, and then those who realize that she is an unelectable shrew that they wish to distance themselves from.

I have said many times, I disagree with a lot of the positions of Senator Obama.  But, I believe he is sincere and likable.  Those are criteria that should make him more electable.

Senator Clinton cannot sell sincerity like her husband.  While he was not, many people believed that he was.  That is why he got a plurality of the vote, TWICE. She will not.

No matter how many times she tries to reinvent herself.  I am still waiting for the "new Jan Brady" version, wig and all, of Hillary Clinton.

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Have a great week, listen to the webstream if you have time.  I have added several interviews for replay during our syndication "blackout" periods.  Feedback is appreciated. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Let me make NO SECRET of this.  I need to mark this date on my calendar as a date for celebration every year.  I am NOT kidding about this.

It was on 11 January 1902 that Popular Mechanics was first published.

No publication can be all things to all people.  But for me, Popular Mechanics is about as close as you can get.  Covers everything from automotive, computers, carpentry, electronics and gadgets, firearms, up to and including, possibly most importantly, some big issues of the day.  Often times, those issues are addressed before they are on the top of the minds of most of us.  In recent years, PM looked at the problems with our nation's crumbling infrastructure WELL BEFORE the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis.

PM also has been one of the leaders debunking the myths surrounding the attacks on 11 September 2001.  The writers, editors and researchers put together a team of folks to look, INDEPENDENTLY, at the evidence on the World Trade Center attacks, the Pentagon attack and Flight 93.  The so-called "Truth Movement" has launched their own attacks on PM, specifically, on James Meigs, PM's Editor-in-Chief, because they could not accept the fact that PM exposed them as the loonies that they are.

Now Popular Mechanics may not be your cup of tea.  But, I recommend the next time you need a good read on a flight, or a road trip, or on the beach, give it a look.  I bet you will find something in it that grabs your interest.

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Check out the webstream link for NewsTalk 1240 KLIK when you get a chance.   Scroll down to the bottom and you will find the link on the left side.  We are NOW streaming our live programs from 6:00-10:45am (Central) and I will be adding more interviews to the blackout times.

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I mentioned yesterday that we made a trip to the ER for my mom.  What happened is that she fell down the stairs in my house.  Not wanting to place blame, nor accept blame, but one of the issues with my staircase was the lack of handrail.  (Would it be OK to blame my realtor, Rick Sinclair of Cornerstone Realty and host of Partyline on News Talk 1240 KLIK, for this omission?  Probably not, huh?) 

Well yesterday, that problem was solved.  Dad and I bought and installed one.  Now I just need to sand down the ends and put a finish on it.  Probably just going with a light wood oil (not to make it slick...wise guys...).

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Add comments as you see fit.  Let me know what you think about the webstreaming.   

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

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First off, for those regular readers, I apologize for missing the Wednesday update.  I did not plan ahead and work on it Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, I had to get to the Capitol for the show.  Once there, I hoped I could update, but I could not get on to a WiFi connection that would allow me out on to the internet. 

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Lori Drew is the WORST parent EVER and just a ROTTEN HUMAN BEING.

I promised that once I had this woman's name that I would broadcast it in hopes of making her the pariah that she needs to be.  

Here is more of the backstory.

And here is a link to the police report. 

Innocent until proven guilty, I know.  But her denials NOW, do not make up for earlier actions regarding this.  First off, she knew what her daughter was up to. There is a lot of inadmissable here-say evidence that she admitted to taking part.  There might even be some admissable evidence, but for now she is denying everything.

One more for you to look over and form your opinion.

I think after reading all of this, you will probably agree.  Lori Drew is a scumbag.   

What do you think?  E-mail or post your comments here.

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For those waiting for my thoughts on the New Hampshire primaries, I was not surprised, and on some level I was pleased, to see John McCain win.

As for the other, I will quote my father, "Evil triumphs!"

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Well, I experienced my first Emergency Room in Jefferson City.  This was NOT under the circumstances that I would have expected.

After a fairly long work day at the Capitol, and then the running of errands, I got home.  Had a quick bite to eat.  Chatted with my mom and dad a little bit.  Then Mom excused herself to go downstairs to take a nap.

She slipped and fell.  We talked her in to going to the ER.  Of course, I hadn't been to an ER here, despite my clumsiness and having two sons.

I will keep this short, the staff at Capital Region Medical Center's Emergency Room was great.

Oh, and Mom is banged up, but she is going to be OK. 

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Two thoughts on this story, change your name and DON'T Drive Like you are Teddy Kennedy!! 

Remember how I have talked about self-fulfilling prophecies? 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 05:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Today is Elvis Presley's 73rd birthday.  If he is having cake or not really depends on your beliefs.  As for me, if he is having cake, it will be at the Carnival Buffet at the Rio.  That is IF he is having cake.

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LSU won the BCS National Championship.  That makes LSU the FIRST school to win two BCS National Championships (Both times in New Orleans) since the BCS got underway back during the 1998 season.  (First championship game was played on January 4, 1999.  Anyone else recall who won that game?)

LSU is also the first two loss team to win the BCS.  To the defense of LSU, they did lose both of their games in triple overtime.  But that also means they couldn't hold on to a game when it really counted. 

The final polls leave a lot up to debate.  First, Georgia?  Really?  The team that lost to South Carolina in a close game and to Tennessee by THREE touchdowns is number 2 or 3 in that nation.

USC?  Don't get me wrong, I love the Trojans and they peaked at the end.  But the end of season rankings are supposed, or so I thought, reflect the body of work over the course of the season.  Losing to Oregon at the time they lost is still respectable.  Losing to the Trees???  WHAT??

I will even knock my own alma mater, with their four losses.  Ten wins is great, having to play 14 games to get to that 10-4 record is something to respect.  But in all honesty, I think the losses that Tennesee did have, to California, Florida and Alabama, were embarrassing enough to drop them to no higher than 15 in any poll.  But I will agree that they should be higher than Florida, who lost to the team that put Boone, North Carolina, on the map. 

You can accusing me of pandering to my audience if you want, but Kansas ONLY lost to Missouri.  12-1 record.  Missouri ONLY lost to Oklahoma.  12-2 record.  Both should be in the top five.  Both schools, in my opinion, should be above Georgia and USC.

But I guess that is what makes college football so interesting.  It gives us SOOOOOO much to talk about.

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Dixville Notch thinks about as much of Hillary Clinton as I do.  Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, is a dinky, itty-bitty, teeny-tiny, little village that holds their primary at midnight.  McCain won on the GOP side, Barack Obama on the Dem side.  Hillary Clinton got ZERO votes.  

Maybe now the tears will be real.

Did anyone else see the video of Senator Clinton holding back her tears.  How this is all so personal for her, not political?   

If you think it was sincere, let me know.  I didn't.  It seemed staged.  It seemed rehearsed.  If there were not so many stories out in the media about how she was trying to change her image every couple of weeks, then I might buy in to this.  But I won't and can't.

Edmund Muskie was harmed by crying.  Will it help or hurt Senator Clinton?  Her gender might be a factor here.  Though I am not sure that it should be.  Wouldn't allowing her gender to be a factor marginalize her efforts?

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Duncan Hunter, the long shot Republican Congressman/Presidential Candidate (for now) went to the other dinky, itty-bitty, teeny-tiny, little village that holds their primary at midnight, Hart's Location, to campaign with the people directly.

He got ZERO votes.

That is kind of a hint, ya think? 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Tonight is the BCS National Championship Game.  Wow...a matchup of one loss Ohio State and two loss Louisiana State.  You want to know what this game proves.  Don't say NOTHING, because that is simply not true.  What this game proves is that the human factor has screwed up the fine concept of the Bowl Championship Series.

Um, that is sarcasm.

But in all seriousness, the original plan of the BCS, as envisioned by Roy Kramer, was to have a fair and impartial means of determining a national champion.

It hasn't happened.  Period.

Everytime the BCS has been tweaked in an effort for fairness, they have included MORE of the emotional and biased human factor.  That is EXACTLY the opposite direction the BCS needs to head in.  

Now, I am NOT pulling for a playoff system.  I like the bowl system because of the money that it brings in, even the Poinsettia Bowl.  Really.

But, I think voters in the Harris Poll and the Coaches Poll have to many different biases to keep things balanced.

Then you have all of the computer polls to look at.  Now, their weight in the BCS formula has been reduced over the ten years of the BCS.   Why?  Because no one can figure out how each and every poll comes up with their results.

There is where the real fix is.  

If all of the computer polls in the BCS would allow others to peek at their formulas and determine how reliable the formulas are, then they could be justified in giving the computer polls more weight and less weight to the human polls. 

But that is not the complete solution.  I offer up two others.

First, limit the impact of the major conferences in how they control the process.  The fact that the so-called mid-majors have been able to produce more strongly competitive teams over the past few years justifies eliminating the bias toward the tradition powers.  Furthermore, eliminate the payouts to schools like Notre Dame when they don't deserve a payout.  Really, do you think Notre Dame deserves more money this year than Mizzou, Tennessee and Arizona State?

And, if the Pac 10, Big 12, Big 10 or SEC produce three teams that are in the top eight, let them all in the BCS bowls.  I do agree with spreading out the money to other conferences, as that happens when a second team makes the BCS now, so they payout does not benefit one conference too much. 

Would anyone have a problem with a matchup of two teams from the same conference meeting IF they are the best two teams in the nation?  Of course they would.....if they were selected to be there.  Now, that leads to the next part.

The Plus-One option that has been discussed.  Hold FOUR BCS bowl games...or six...or eight.  The best two teams after that opening round, meet in a BCS National Championship game.  As it stands now in the BCS, you have throw away games.  So, with two legit games, you can rank the teams so that 1 plays 4 and 2 plays 3.  Then, the winners meet.  If Michigan plays Ohio State, so be it.  If Mizzou plays Kansas, fine.  If USC plays Oregon, great.  Would these all be rematches, sure.  But if the teams earn their spot there, fine.  It becomes more compelling.

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The New Hampshire primary starts at midnight eastern.  Will there be any surprises?  Doubt it.  I think the surprises come up four weeks from Wednesday....when the also rans fall by the wayside after Super Tuesday.

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And I promised an "and more."

Thank you to my wife Kathy.  She gave me cowboy boots for Christmas, and I told her the wrong size.  MY Fault.  Well, I got the right size yesterday.  Thanks Kathy....I do appreciate this and everything you do for me and our family.  Especially since I was the one who screwed up my own present.   

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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It was on this date in 1999 that Jesse Ventura was sworn in as Governor of Minnesota.  It appeared that this may be the start of a new movement in the political process.

The complete opposite happened.

You see, Minnesota has a very odd political climate.  They have two parties that control things.  One, the Republicans, were known as the Independent Republicans until 1994, and the other party is the Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party.  The DFL is like a more liberal version, if that is possible, of the Democrats.

So Ventura becomes Governor and many people think that the promise started by Ross Perot in 1992 was realized.  And that a new era, with the rise of the independent majority, had been ushered in.

Well, that is not what happened.  You see, rather than see the will of the people being realized, the GOP and the DNC had a sit down, not unlike the Five Families, to get power back.  The two parties realized that they had a common enemy.  Unfortunately, that enemy is anyone who is not a member of either one of their organizations.

Sure, the two parties still went after each other, but they also ushered in a new era where more and more people felt that they HAD to identify themselves with a part affiliation.  Hell, I was guilty of that thought process.

Now, I find myself continuing through recovery.  Unfortunately, I still have to weigh the evils of the options that are spoon-fed me by the two parties.  And if you truly look at the real options in 2000 and 2004, you should be able to see my point. 

Well 2008, has produced some more bad options for the people.  Right now, we have plenty to choose from.  I was asked yesterday on "Partyline" who I was supporting, who I thought was the best candidate.  I politely refused the answer.

In all honesty, I hope that the group that Law & Order actor Sam Waterston supports, Unity08, is able to get a mixed ticket and able to push IT forward.  McCain-Lieberman?  Bloomberg-Lieberman?  Or players to be named later.  Who ever, and if viable, I hope that everyboday gives that ticket a look and consideration.

THAT might offer something for the independent majority to feel good about supporting.  If that ACTUALLY happened, that might bring REAL change to the process.

I'd rather not step back to invoking the "Declaration of Independence" to get what we need. 

I refer you to this selection...

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

That should give you something to think about. 

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How bad has your campaign stumbled when you lose to "Uncommitted"???  Well, that is why Christopher Dodd is quitting.

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If you have a link to Nostradamus' quatrains regarding his third anti-Christ, send it to me.  I want to see what I can make of it.  I have some ideas from what my memory can recall.

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Referring to Barack Obama's win in Iowa by referencing his race offends me.  To me, it marginalizes his success.  Obama won because he earned it.  Was race a factor?  Maybe.  BUT, it was not THE factor.

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Have a great weekend.  Comment as time permits. 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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So today the Iowa Caucuses are taking place.....yawn.

Can you name for me another election year event that has less impact on the process of picking a president as it relates to the attention that it gets?  

Actually, if Iowa held a PRIMARY this would be a decent indication to the idiots on the coasts what the rest of us think.  But some odd sort of Hawkeye tradition, the Iowa Caucuses take up more time and because of that, fewer people participate.  That is what makes the results from Iowa less important.

On Monday, the New Hampshire Primary takes place and people will take their cues from a small, odd New England state instead of the midwest.  And let's face it, the best place to get the real pulse of America is in the middle.  Whether in the Midwest, the Southeast, Southwest, Great Plains or Rocky Mountain states, the thoughts of the bulk of Americans is different than what we get from the major news media groups based in New York, Washington, Atlanta, or...God forbid, Los Angeles.

Those folks don't get the rest of us, so they look down their noses at us.  They want to reach down from their ivory towers and tussle our hair and say, "Aw, how cute."  That is how those folks view the rest of us.  Read Bernie Goldberg's "Bias" or "Arrogance" for more details.  In fact, Bernie asserts that news organizations would be better at serving their audience if they were based in places like Mitchell, South Dakota.  Think about that for a moment.  Can you picture Katie Couric doing the CBS Evening News from inside the Mitchell Corn Palace?  (Fun to think about, isn't it.)

So, when the day ends, and the results from the Iowa Caucuses are in.....whatever.  

The next time we will be seeing the news teams invading Iowa is when corn prices go through the roof due to the misguided efforts to use it for ethanol and not chicken and cattle feed.

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Alright, this day in history.

Leonardo da Vinci tests a flying machine in 1496.  Didn't work.  But many of his concepts were lated used in powered flight.

Also not successful in aviation on January 3rd, Greg Boyington was shot down in his F4U Corsair on this date in 1944.  Of course, Boyington was quite successful before this date.  In fact, he was presumed dead and awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously.  Only to later get it when he was released from the Japanese prisoner of war camp. 

The first television incarnation of "Dragnet" debuted on NBC on this date in 1951.  Just a fact.

Cuba probably doesn't think much of this date in history, or maybe they do.  In 1961, the USA severed diplomatic relations with Cuba.  A year later, Pope John XXIII excommunicated Fidel Castro.

Baseball fans probably don't think much of January 3rd, especially back in 1973 when George Steinbrenner purchased the New York Yankees from CBS.

And a little better news, it was on this date in 1959 that Alaska became the 49th state.

Comment as you see fit.  Thank you for reading! 

Posted by Jay Kersting at 06:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Happy New Year!!

Have you made resolutions for 2008?  I don't do that each and every year.  But in the past few weeks, I heard something that might make me reconsider.

Here is what I heard that is different from what I had believed for years.  Make the resolutions realistic and achievable.  Don't set out to lose 50 pounds.  Set out to lose 5 or 10 pounds.  And set out a detailed plan on how you will get to your goal.

Then, if you lose 7 pounds, you hit your goal.  If you lose 20, you beat the goal BIG TIME!  And you can k