Jay Kersting's Blog

It was ten years ago this past weekend when something life changing occurred.  

We were visiting my parents, who then lived in Signal Mountain, Tennessee, the weekend of Valentines Day.  While there, I worked on our taxes.  This was a tough year because we had moved in 1997 and I had to do Federal and part-year Minnesota state taxes.  We also had an addition (Ben) to our family.

Well, while working on taxes I would go ask my mom for help.  I guess I need to rephrase that, I attempted to ask Mom for help.  Had a little trouble.  I started stuttering.

Prior to this point I had an occasional stutter or stammer.  But nothing that was too distracting.  This was different.  I was unable to get anything out.   That might be a slight exaggeration, but it was tough for me to get my words out. 

At the time, I was working in business to business computer sales.  Most of my work was over the phone at that time, and I couldn't talk in person nor over the phone.  

Essentially, I was paralyzed.  

After about two or three days of prompting....pushing actually...I went to a doctor.  Then another and another.  And more doctors still.  And a speech therapist.  Didn't know what my problem was.  They examined my head and found nothing.  (Everyone who knows me could have told them that.)

In late April, it was determined that my problem was lack of quality sleep.  The stresses of work, having moved, the addition of a family member, etc., led to this tipping point.  Obstructive sleep apnea.

And this is the point of sharing this story with you.  Obstructive sleep apnea is a problem that affects more people than most realize.  Football great Reggie White died as a result of obstructive sleep apnea.  If you are having sleep issues, get them checked out.  

It is better to sleep wearing a weird mask that forces air up your nose and into your lungs and wake up somewhat refreshed...even at 4am...than to NOT wake up at all.

I am sure that Mrs. White would agree. 

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OK, the looking forward part.....vacation starts for me on Thursday at 10:00am.

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It has been widely reported in the mainstream media, and stressed by his Democrat collegues in the U.S. Senate, that John McCain has a bit of a temper.  And both groups are using that to imply that McCain should not be President due to this temper.

Well, we have had another President with a temper issue.  And both the mainstream LIBERAL media and the Democrats in the Senate liked him.  And he lost it again over the weekend.

Bill Clinton had a temper and still does.  These hypocrites loved him.  Personally, I think the man was not only a bad President AND a bad person, but more importantly he was ineffective.  

So, how about a little honesty from the media? 

Sorry, now I am just getting a little crazy.

There are checks and balances throughout our government.  This temper concern is silly.

Besides, we don't hear much about another candidate's temper issues.  Or how she has reportedly shown a anti-semetic streak. 

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It won't make you sick, but....... 

The largest beef recall in our nation's history is under way.  But don't worry, you and probably your  children have already eaten it.

WHAT???

Go to that link, read the story and explain it to me.  

If I understand this correctly, they reason for the recall was for how the cattle were treated.  There were cattle called "downer cattle" that were slaughtered and processed.  These were cattle that were sick to walk.  Usually a bad sign regarding the health of any animal.

There is a CHANCE you might get sick.  But even the USDA is saying this is unlikely.

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OK, time for me to clarify a position that I have.  This is regarding my long held position on capital punishment.

I am for capital punishment.  Period?  Well, not quite.  Here is HOW I want to see it used in the future.

The burden of proof, as most people know, in criminal cases is guilt beyond reasonable doubt.  Trust me, I was just a jury foreman, I know this.  In the punishment phase of capital cases, I think you increase that standard to a higher level.  I don't want to see an innocent person executed.  On the flip side, I don't want a guilty person to ever see a second a freedom again in their life. 

If there is DNA evidence, if there is video evidence, if there is another other kind of evidence beyond refute to prove guilt, then send them down the express lane.

Furthermore, I have no problem with including sex offenders.  The ONLY problem with this is that sex offenders may go ahead and murder because the penalty is the same.  BUT that is only if you think capital punishment is a deterrent.  If you say that it is NOT a deterrent, then express lane these scumbags also. 

For those who don't completely understand our legal system, here is my little lesson for you.  Most of the legal challenges that are allowed in out system are NOT based on new evidence, but rather on legal procedural errors.  This is a problem.  IF new evidence is found, present it and let REAL justice prevail.  Too often, our justice system does NOT provide JUSTICE.

Oh, and stop this lethal injection crap.  Who cares about being humane to someone who wasn't humane?  Seriously, this is stupid.  

Hangings, guilliotines, firing squads are all acceptable.  Gas chamber is a little too damned humane in my opinion.

And in this day and age of WWE, TNA and UFC, why the hell NOT put executions on Pay-per-View.  I wouldn't pay for it, but there are a lot of sick bastards out there who would.  But, you'd have to reformat things a little bit.  You know, schedule an undercard.  Keep the main event for some real sick serial killer type.  Oh, and you got to have a sideline reporter.  Got to have the sideline reporter.  I want to see some silicone bimbo outside talking with the families of the victims or the cry-me a damned river protestors.  

Yup, let Vince McMahon produce it....as long as most of the profits go back to the states to pay for their stay in the grey bar hotel.

And McMahon would be on the hook for the costumes too.

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Happy Presidents Day.  Add your comments as you see fit.