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March 31, 2008
March 28, 2008
28 March 2008 - I need to remember......
I am not exactly happy this morning. BUT, I am not devasted nor depressed either.
My Tennessee Volunteers dropped their Sweet Sixteen game to Louisville last night. NO, let me rephrase that, LATE last night.
And it was not a good game. Lots of turnovers in this game. Way too many turnovers. 37!!! 25 of those were in the first half.
Tennessee had an EIGHT MINUTE stretch in the first half where they did not score. Chris Lofton didn't score in the first half.
This was a sloppy and aggressively played game. Sometimes, this makes for something that is fun to watch. By looking at Rick Pitino's reactions, I don't think he liked watching it. The result, that he liked, but watching it...doubt he liked that.
Louisville pulled away after Tennessee closed within three and got a nineteen point win.
Embarrasssing for a team who was number one a month ago.
But.....
Not for a university who just three years ago couldn't have even DREAMED of being IN the tournament, let alone a Number Two seed for the second year in a row.
That is what I have to remind myself.
In 2005, we really liked our coach and our team. Buzz Peterson is such an nice guy. And a great image for the university. But the problem was, he couldn't get the job done.
Bruce Pearl was brought in to rebuild a program. He used Peterson's players and got to the tournament in the first year. A number two seed in his second year. A number two seed AGAIN in his third year (worst draw for a number two if you ask me).
In the end, this season was fantastic overall. 31 and 5 with a number one ranking at one point is something to be very proud of for us Volunteers fans. But not something we will be happy with forever.
But, when you think about what the team was like JUST three years ago, you have to be proud.
And wonder what the next three years will bring with Bruce Pearl at the helm. That is thought that gets me excited.
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It was nice to see Western Kentucky pull within 4 of fucla last night. And Collison fouling out. I was believing for a while. But, the Hilltoppers didn't have enough to close the deal. Dammit.
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Make NO mistake on my loyalties as we move forward with the rest of the tournament. I am for the Kansas Jayhawks to win the whole thing. As for the East region, where my Vols once resided, I am all for Louisville knocking off the Huckleberry Hound led Tar Heels.
As for the rest, don't care much. I want Xavier to beat fucla, but not too excited about it.
I doubt I watch anymore of the tournament unless the Jayhawks are in the championship game.
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See, an education can pay.
Now, this is not like professional athletes, nor is it Hollywood type money. But, I loved the quote and it reminded me of a Patrick Ewing quote.
"He's expensive, but he's worth it."
OK, not as good as Patrick Ewing's quote, "sure we get paid a lot of money, but we spend a lot of money too."
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Guess what? Most Americans DO NOT WANT the Federal Government to bail out those people who made bad decisions by getting mortgages they couldn't afford.
So, while Barack Obama is out talking about how this is EXACTLY what should be done, he is losing ground. Now I am certain part of it still comes from the fact that he has not distanced himself from his former pastor. OK, that maybe important to some.
But, I think this is a bigger problem for Illinois junior senator. I think his rhetoric is wearing out. His policies are catching up with him.
Look at the tracking polls that now show Hillary Clinton leading Barack Obama. Still within the margin of error. But to me it illustrates the jihadist methods of the Clinton campaign seems to be working. (If you don't like the term "jihadist" give me another term that fits. How else do you describe the political suicide moves of those in that campaign, including a man I USED to respect, Medal of Honor winner Bob Kerrey?)
Now, IF the light can be shined on everyone's policy positions, well, that would be a good thing.
But I still think that is a BIG IF.
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This is something that I would not even think about trying. But then again, I do not like vodka anyway.
Makes the worm in tequila seem tame, doesn't it?
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Add your comments as you see fit. Thank and have a great weekend.
March 27, 2008
27 March 2008 - Interesting proposal...I like it. You?
Senator John McCain proposed a new international organization of nations in a speech on Wednesday. While interesting, this is not what first caught my attention.
You see, on Tuesday, McCain drew criticism from our favorite third world thug dictator, Hugo Chavez. Chavez called McCain a "man of war" like President Bush.
But what got my attention was a direct response from McCain. "I am a bit flattered."
It is a sense of humor like that example that will help McCain once the attention turns to two candidates.
Now, back to his proposal, I like it. It makes sense. The UN gives equal voice to democracies and dictatorships.....and a democratic forum. Um, this is silly when you think about it. And when you look at the track record of the United Nations, you see how well it hasn't worked out. Unless you are getting the kickbacks at least.
An organization of democratic states, where that is a key requirement of membership, could be a very good thing. Being a member of such and organization would NOT require that a member nation quit the United Nations.
But, if successful, such an organization could render the political wings of the United Nations irrelevent.
That could be a very good thing. I see the potential net result as the infectious spreading of the values set forth in our own Declaration of Independence. Am I being idealistic? Maybe, but I realize that cannot happen overnight. If I thought that, then I would be idealistic. And naive.
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It came up on yesterday's show, so this is worth readdressing today.
At Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the student body is still reeling from their overtime loss to the Volunteers on Sunday, Chelsea Clinton spoke to a group as part of her "pimping" out campaign for her mommy.
My main criticism of Ms. Clinton, aside from her gene pool, is that she refuses to answer questions from the media. Even a child reporter in Iowa.
On Tuesday, she got a question that I thought was a fair question to ask her, today, regarding her mother's credibility. And answering this question would have been a positive for Senator Clinton.
Instead, she acted shocked that she was asked about her mother's credibility in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. As you recall, then First Lady Hillary Clinton opened her response by telling Matt Lauer about a "vast right-wing conspiracy" against her husband.
But young Ms. Clinton responded by stating that it was the first time in her tour of 70 or so college campuses that she had been asked the question. And that it was none of the business of the questioner.
By the way, the questioner was and still is a Hillary Clinton supporter. He told Shepard Smith yesterday on Fox News Channel's Studio B that he still thinks it is a fair question.
The proper response from Ms. Clinton, and had she been interacting with reporters for the last few months she would have known this, would have been to acknowledge a slight harm to her credibility but excuse it do to not having complete information. Then continue on by praising her mother for how she carried herself throughout the ordeal. And then close by saying this is an issue that they have put behind them.
Problem solved.
She handled it poorly and media criticism seems to be in agreement with me.
My advice, engage the media. You can learn from the experience.
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Hoops action continues tonight. Go Vols!!! Beat the Cardinals!!
Also, go Cougars! Go Hilltoppers!
I may be really tired tomorrow morning. Hopefully, I will be tired and happy!!
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Add comments as you see fit. Disagree? Agree? Different view...I like them all.
March 26, 2008
26 March 2008 - Some need to listen carefully, Future of NASA
We had a little situation on the air yesterday and it is worth taking a minute to explain it. After chatting with folks after the shows yesterday, some of it was missed.
So here is what happened. The discussion started when we got a call about a possible phone scam that used the recent contracting of new air refueller to Northrup Grumman/EADS instead of Boeing. Seeking donations to help fight this outsourcing, etc. That led to a talk about labor unions.
Things got rather negative on unions, so I tried to balance things out a bit by reminding folks that like our own government, the original intent of unions and our government were both very good. However, along the way things got a bit askew.
Then I made a very wide blanket statement. "There are a lot of things about our heritage that I would like to go back to." This happened just before the 10:00 news, so the statement was left to lie on its own for seven minutes.
Well, an intellectually dishonest listener decided that she would jump on that statement. The first call of the 10:00 hour came from this listener, who warned that making such a statement was dangerous. I asked how....then it spun out of control when she spun my comments.
She said, and I am paraphrasing because I am not in a position to transscribe, that my statement implies that I would like to go back to the times of slavery.
WHAT?? Really?
I cut her off right there. I could NOT allow her to finish that line of thought because it was so flawed.
First, and my mother taught me this a long time ago, she INFERRED something from my statement. I did not imply that. I clarified that I would like to go back to a time of citizen legislators, not professionals. She insisted that I implied more.
Again, someone who is looking for an inferrence will find it. Just like the psychos who think the U.S. Government masterminded the 9/11 attacks.
I was explaining the difference between what is IMPLIED and what she INFERRED.
She hung up on me.
Rick, who as host of Partyline, the show where these events took place, used his host's prerogative. He banned her from the show due to showing a lack of respect in hanging up on me. He warned her, if she was still listening, that her calls were no longer welcome to the show.
Since that time, other callers chuckled about it. Chatting with Rick this morning, we both had people come and talk to us about the "on-air incident" and gave us their approval for our actions.
We even had a phone message from yesterday afternoon.
Now, some may say that I was a little rude by cutting her off. And maybe I was, but I will not let someone insinuate that I am a bigot and let them get away with it.
Unless that is to insinuate that I am bigoted against idiots. Then maybe. But an idiot could not process that enough to state that.
Nor even imply it...making an inferrence, well, impossible.
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Yesterday, my trivia question was about NASA's next manned space exploration project. For those who do not know, it is called Project Constellation.
The space shuttle has been in service since 1981 and gets retired in 2010. The Apollo project wrapped in 1975 with the Apollo-Soyuz mission. That left a nearly six year lag in American manned missions to space.
Project Constellation comes on line in the next few years. First, understand the makeup of Project Contellation.
First, you have the Ares launch vehicles. Ares I and Ares V, but more on those in a minute. Next is the crew capsule, Orion. Think Apollo capsule on steriods, both in size and capability. Then the generically named Earth Departure Stage, which helps the mission depart the Earth's gravity...catchy name, huh? And finally, their is Altair, the lander vehicle. I think Altair is for the moon only, but there may be a variant for Mars. That remains to be seen.
OK, so the first rocket test for Ares is next year. The advanced rocket test will be in 2013. The first manned mission will be in 2014.
2014!!!!!
The first manned mission to the moon is scheduled for 2019.
2019!!!!!
I am a HUGE proponent of manned space exploration. So, I am appalled that there will be a 4 year delay in American manned missions. That means that NASA will be depending on the Russians to get crew and equipment to the International Space Station. While I know the Cold War is over, but Putin is hell bent on getting it started again. I don't think this is responsible.
Furthermore, where is the passion for this that we had in the 1960's?
Earlier space programs from NASA brought a number of technological advances that have improve the lives of people around the world. We could use a lot more of those advances. And I am not referring to Tang.
But there have been a LOT of medical advances over the last fifty years that can have their roots traced directly or indirectly to NASA. There have been lifestyle improvements as well.
What can be done to bring the passion for these programs that once existed? To me, it is much more important than some version of nationalized healthcare.
Besides, money spent with NASA could actually improve our health. Insurance NEVER will.
Oh, and something beside steriod using athletes would be a nice inspiration for the youth of America.
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Yes, I did see Hillary Clinton try to recant her story about the trip to Bosnia. She said the same story so many times, I think she convinced herself it was true.
She is still a damned liar.
If you vote for her, you deserve her. But please do NOT force that liar on your country. Unless you truly do not love your country.
Because a vote for Hillary, tells me EXACTLY that.
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Add your comments as you see fit.
March 25, 2008
25 March 2008 - A TRUE Healthcare crisis...and more
Yesterday, I went to the doctor to follow up on my recent hospitalization. The quick story is this....I am doing better than he expected. My recovery is ahead of where he thought I would be.
Now, the long and drawn out story.
My appointment was schedule for 10:30. I arrived in the parking lot at 10:10, answered a phone call to schedule a guest (chatted for a couple of minutes) and checked in at 10:20. I watched Drew Carey's version of "The Price is Right" while waiting. I had seen Drew do the show, but this was the first time I HEARD him do it. He does a fine job. Not nearly as condescending as Bob Barker. ANYHOW.
I finally get called back at 10:45, where I am weighed and my temperature taken (orally). Then, I am put in an examination room to wait.
And wait.
And wait.
And wait.
FINALLY, at 11:15, the doctor comes in. FIFTY-FIVE MINUTES of WAITING, all but TEN minutes are the responsibility of the doctor's office.
Now, I do not blame the doctor directly. I blame the office. Because this is the case at EVERY doctor's office I have EVER been to. EVERY SINGLE ONE.
Now maybe it is because I am a broadcaster. In this business, especially in the news/talk format, we are required to manage a clock strictly. For me, Doug Limerick comes on at 06:00:00, 07:00:00, 08:00:00 and 09:00:00 without waiting for ME to wrap up. Same for Paul Harvey at 07:30:00!
So, here is my new theory. The true cost of healthcare is not in the bills we get. It is all in the lost time of productivity.
Now follow along with my fairly simple math. Figure that 150 million Americans see a doctor each year NOT in an Emergency Room, but at an office. That is half of the population. Now figure that my wait time was typical...because in my experience, it was pretty typical.
Now, I will not base the lost productivity time on my wages, but on MINIMUM WAGE. To calculate, let us figure 112,500,000 lost hours of productivity. Unless it has ratcheted up again, I have minimum wage at $5.85 an hour.
That makes lost productivity by waiting to see a doctor over $658 MILLION.
So, next time you hear a story about lost productivity due to time spent on the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament...dismiss it. Because it is based on the same methodology you have just seen me demonstrate.
Probably by someone with an even bigger chip on their shoulder. Their bracket was blown in the first day.
So, kill the wait times, allow us to be a more productive nation. Healthcare is now paid for. Problem solved.
That was easy.
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To all of my married male friends, this was obvious. To my brother's ex-wives....NOT obvious.
The surprise was where I saw this story....a Scottish newspaper. Click on the link. But the shocker is where the study took place.
Oh, contrary to what you may think from looking at us, Kathy and I did not serve as subjects in this study.
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If you heard me talk about this on the show last week, you need this follow up. Yes, I am linking to another blog....but he has great links on his page.
Hillary Clinton is a proven liar. This is further proof. She talked about a trip to Bosnia in 1996 where she said, "There was supposed to be some kind of greeting ceremony at the airport, but instead we ran with our heads down to get in to our vehicles to get to our base."
She also talked about making a "corkscrew landing" to avoid anti-aircraft fire.
Well, when comedian Sinbad gets attention, and Lord knows he needs it, by saying that it didn't happen, you know this doesn't pass the stink test.
Now, the video has surfaced. And it shows what I already knew. Hillary Clinton is a DAMNED liar!!!
And that she is actually IN this race, with her dishonest track record, is amazing to me. Is the American public that STUPID?
If you voted for her, apologize to the rest of us and stay home in November. And I hope to GOD you don't reproduce.
OK, so maybe that is strong. And I guess I still feel like the Roddy Piper character in "They Live".....fighting Frank (Keith David) to get him to put on the sunglasses.
Please put on the sunglasses. I am getting tired in this fight.
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Speaking of anti-aircraft fire, there is only ONE Presidential candidate with any credibility on this topic.
John McCain
He knows about AAA first hand. He got five and half years to think about the dangers of it. And I doubt he has forgotten to this day.
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And finally, aren't you glad you don't live in Detroit. First, the regional depression that hit due to the auto manufacturing business being in the toilet. Now, having this guy as your Mayor.
By the way, the charges...Perjury in a civil case, among others.
Sounds familiar. That used to be a crime. But, I think since 1999, it no longer is.
Sad. No, not sad. Wrong. That is what it is.
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Read, absorb and comment. Thanks for reading.
March 24, 2008
24 March 2008 - Excuse the mess...and I am NOT referring to your bracket
OK, first of all, please excuse the mess on this page. Here is what has happened. (And I am trying to fix it.)
So, I have been seeking a way to turn this webpage into a break-even venture. Right now, I am paying roughly $36 a quarter to have this site hosted. So, to try and recover some of my costs, I placed a few ad banners on this page. I have collected nothing from this so far, though I have earned about $60 since November. (No payment comes until the $100 threshold is crossed.)
On Friday, I stumbled across another site that provides some ads as well. And this one seems better in that it allows me to select specific companies to run on my site. I found several that I thought would be of interest to those who read the blog.
Then, it got a bit messed up.
I am trying to fix it. But until I do, you will notice that the top and bottom of the page resemble the outfield wall of a major league stadium.
In the mean time, if anything grabs your attention, please consider clicking on any of the banner ads that might be of interest.
Thank you for your understanding.
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Did you hear the story of the woman killed by the spotted ray in Florida last week?
Turns out that my wife (that would be the one you know as either Kathy or Kathleen) went to high school with her brother.
Small world, isn't it?
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So, uh, um...err....how is your bracket?
I have NOT been glued to the TV all weekend watching the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Surprising to many of you I am sure. I was glued to my computer on Friday, WITH no luck, trying to watch the Vols game. I was able to get other games on Friday, but never the Vols game for whatever reason. CBS Sportsline's tech support even tried to assist.
Well, on Sunday I was able to watch the game. On the older laptop, not the new one. Not sure why it didn't work on one and did on the othter, but at least I was able to see it.
That leads to the other games.
Duke? Really? Beat Belmont by a point on Thursday, but dropped Saturday's game to West Virginia.
Gonzaga was a Cinderella team just a few years ago. Not any more. And this year, they dropped their opener to Davidson. And Davidson went on to knockout #2 seed Georgetown.
ucla, Texas, Memphis and a few others kept the games close. Even my #2 seed Volunteers went to Overtime in their second round game.
It all gets underway again on Thursday. For Tennessee, it tips off at a scheduled start of 9:57/8:57pm (EDT/CDT) on Thursday. I may be a bit tired on Friday morning.
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Bad weekend for the state of Indiana.
IU - out in the first round.
Notre Dame out in the second round. As was Butler and Purdue.
I think that the notoriously hungry basketball state is a bit down this Monday morning.
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Add your comments as you are able. Thanks for reading.
March 21, 2008
21 March 2008 - 15 of 16 is not a bad start
The USC Trojans choked in Omaha. That cost me a perfect bracket after day one. Thanks guys. O.J. Mayo can now go on to the NBA, despite rumors he may stay, and the Trojans can slip back in to basketball obscurity.
Duke almost screwed a lot of brackets for folks. Belmont is a tough program apparently. The Bruins were 25-8 heading into this game. Any team that wins 25 games deserves to be in the tournament. PERIOD. They beat "name" but not necessarily good programs like Cincinnati and Alabama this season. Apparently Coach K was unable to get his guys to take them as seriously as they should have.
That said, I think Duke is now a more dangerous team because of this tight win. The sleeping bear has been awakened.
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For those who do not have a VIP Pass for March Madness On Demand at CBS Sportsline, let me give you a description of the picture.
Not bad at all. Better than last year, but just slightly. Didn't have much room to improve.
The picture is NOT as clear as off of DirecTV but it is like analog cable TV. Or like a slightly fringe off air antenna picture. It is better than what we get on TV here in the studios. (Yes, we are still without DirecTV or cable....and have been since November. BUT THAT is another topic for another day.)
Now, I do not know this for sure, but I think it is a fair guess to say that the picture quality may be related to the quality of your internet connection. As for me, I have a good DSL service (better than what the standard and mid-level cable options are here) at my home. Someone with a T1 line running data to a single computer may find it better on their connection.
It is no better at home than it was here in the office last year....when I bogged down the connection to the whole office.
UPDATE (1621 on 21 March 2008) - I was unable to watch my game due to a GLITCH on my Sportline account. SOMEHOW, it got changed to say that I lived in Tennessee...and blacked out my game. EVEN after fixing it (oh, and my ZIP code was right, 65109..figure that OUT??), I was still locked out!!
No, I was not pleased.
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A few weeks back I commented here about the demise of the former employer of me, my wife Kathleen, my brother in law Matt and our best man Adrian Narvaez. I am referring to computer retailer CompUSA. They were bought by a liquidator back in December. Because I met pretty much the best friend a guy could ever have when I worked there (Adrian, who introduced me to Kathy) and of course my wife and lots of friends over the years, I was saddened to see them go out of business.
In fact, the Las Vegas location of CompUSA closed while we were visiting out there last month. So, the nails were in the coffin and the dirt was being thrown on top.
Well, sometimes when looking for things on the internet I get a wild hair. I typed in CompUSA.com to see what had become of the website. It was still alive.
In fact, while there at the site, I signed up to win a Nintendo Wii.
So, what happened? Well SysteMAX bought the name, some of the assets and is keeping some locations open. Mainly in Florida. But who knows. If you do not know SysteMAX, and I did not, I did know one of their subsidiary companies, Tiger Direct.
Interesting to see. I do not buy a lot of computer stuff any more. But, I would consider them.
Especially if I win a Wii. (Mom, it is yours if I do win. Don't hold your breath....you know my luck.)
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It is Good Friday. WESTERN Christians understand this. Eastern Christians celebrate later. Muslims probably don't care. Jews will focus on Passover Seders.
Just wanted to mention it. Here in the US, the financial markets are closed. I think most people of most are thankful for that, no matter what faith...or lack of.
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Let's play the Pyramid!!
Beer......high carb foods.....candy.....
"Things someone who is recovering from Acute Pancreatitis shouldn't have." - CORRECT
Florida.... ucla.... Georgia....
"College sports teams Jay doesn't like" - CORRECT
An oil change...AA batteries....medical bills....
"Things I have to pay for soon." - CORRECT
An Austrian corporal..... an Islamo-Fascist terrorist.... a redneck from South Carolina..... a Pastor from Chicago....
"People who have made hate speeches." - CORRECT
Ok, so what brought this up? Well, the comments from someone who accused me of comparing Reverend Wright with Adolf Hitler. Being part of a littany is not a comparison. I think the examples above reinforce this. Does anyone REALLY think I am comparing an oil change to medical bills?
Someone jumps to that conclusion is either intellectually dishonest, very ignorant, or stupid. The first two are correctable. The third, as we have learned from Ron White, is not. "You can't fix stupid."
I hope I am not dealing with door number three.
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Have a great weekend. Post your comments. Happy Easter. And most importantly, Go VOLS!!!!!!
March 20, 2008
20 March 2008 - Let's get it started!!
Today is the day that many sports fans have been waiting for. It is the REAL start to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Sure you had the Sacrifical Lamb Game on Tuesday, but really....I mean REALLY, did anyone watch that game or have any real belief that the team that won that game can knock out the number one OVERALL seed. If you are like me, you can HOPE for that. But it just isn't going to happen.
So, today and tomorrow there are 16 games each day to pick from. My local CBS affiliate is NOT showing MY game here. NO!!
Of course today they are playing game of Mizzou's arch-rival, Kansas. I guess that is to FEED the concept that what Mizzou fans REALLY want to do every March. Which is cheer AGAINST the Jayhawks. Not like they will have a Tigers team to support in March for the forseeable future.
Tomorrow, when the Vols are on at 12:15/11:15....they show the Gonzaga game. Are there a lot of Bing Crosby fans (only non-athlete alum I could come up with) here in mid-Missouri?
Thankfully, CBS makes it up to us for the shortsightedness of their affiliates by allowing those of us who actually want to SUPPORT a team by allowing us to watch the games on-line. So I will enjoy the game on a 15.4" widescreen.
I'll probably watch the Kansas game. My brother is an Alum, I have some Jayhawks gear, and Mom has some money on them. I know, I placed the bet for her.
Hell, my brothers would like the TV options that they have here today. Kansas is the early game, then the dinner time game is the USC game.
Looking at the rest of the local schedule of games over the next two days.....I'll be at the computer enjoying things on the 15.4" widescreen.
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Heard a story this morning when I got in that told me that there is an absolute, direct, without any doubt connection between a lack of health insurance and DEATH. Really? Here is their report on the State of Missouri.
Let me open by saying the report makes a few good points. However, to say that 10 working aged people die every week because of a lack of health insurance is, well, BULL SHIT!!
There is this simple belief been spoonfed to the American public, mainly from the masters of Bull Shit slingers, politicians. Let me be more specific in THIS case, Democrat politicians.
To follow this logic, having automobile insurance makes people safer drivers. Is this true? Of course not.
In fact, I would say that the OVER DEPENDENCE on health insurance has led to our "crisis" that we face today. That and a national lack of oversight of the medicare and medicaid programs.
For years people would go to a doctor when they didn't need to. Or worse yet, an emergency room. That is what CAUSED the problem. The problem is that people got used to having every sniffle, hiccup and hangnail fixed by a team of doctors and nurses.
While true that those without health insurance are less likely to seek medical attention. Trust me, been there, done that. But, the lack of insurance does NOT directly lead to DEATH.
And to say so is not just a little white lie. It is flat out BULL SHIT!!!
The health insurance problem is a problem that was created by the health care and the insurance industries. Each side played against each other for the last 40 years. Those of us in the middle were victims of their game. Our government didn't help it, they fed the problem. The beast got big and bloated thanks to our government. Now they are the ones who want to fix it? Uh, thank you, NO! That makes as much sense as having Reverend Jeremiah Wright working on race relations solutions with David Duke.
Do you know where this problem started? Back during World War II due to a change to the Internal Revenue Codes that allowed employers to give benefits like health insurance during a time when they were not allowed to give raises.
Who can solve this? "We The People" need to be the ones. Do "We The People" have the power or inclination to do so?
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My pick for game of the day...and I am trying to be unbiased...USC v. Kansas State. O.J. Mayo and the Trojans face Michael Beasley and the Wildcats in Omaha. I give the edge to USC for having spent more time in Omaha than Kansas State.
Oh wait, that was in June. And it was baseball. Hmmmm. Maybe I should say because the Trojans are the higher seed.
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Add your comments.
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Nice ADD by a listener this morning. We do not have a healthcare crisis. We have a PRIORITY CRISIS.
Couldn't say it better myself.
March 19, 2008
19 March 2008 - One game in and I was as wrong as Wright
I picked Coppin State. Ooops. Well, I knew they were not good, but I saw some highlights from their conference championship game and thought (that was my mistake) that they were ready for one win in the tournament.
Nope.
Mount St. Mary's got the first win of the tournament.
Not really that concerned. No bracket contest counts the "Opening Round Game" (not play-in..so says the N C Two A..not N C Double A...) anyway, so I am not worried.
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I entered several NCAA Men's Tournament bracket contests. All for prizes. No money has been bet.
All of my brackets are the same. Easier to follow that way. And a bit more sincere.
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I did not see the big speech yesterday. I did read the transcript of Barack Obama's speech.
My thoughts...well...here goes...
A quote from the speech...
"But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now. We would be making the same mistake that Reverend Wright made in his offending sermons about America – to simplify and stereotype and amplify the negative to the point that it distorts reality."
Exactly my point. Race is an issue. Racism exists. It need to be addressed. Senator Obama gets it and acknowledges that Rev. Wright only emboldens those who would oppose him with his comments.
Senator Obama makes my point for me. And he continues.
"The fact is that the comments that have been made and the issues that have surfaced over the last few weeks reflect the complexities of race in this country that we've never really worked through – a part of our union that we have yet to perfect. "
Exactly.
The United States Constitution is not a living breathing document as many want to believe. It is not a perfect document either. But, it sets forth a blue print that must be followed. Wrongs of the past have been corrected in the Constitution. 3/5th rule is GONE, minorities are now citizens. Gender bias was removed with the 19th Amendment. All good things. But, not conventional wisdom back in 1787.
So, institutional racism existed then. If you read the works of Jefferson, Madison and Hamilton, among others, you get some insight in to that conventional wisdom of that era. And you can see why they felt some ambiguity when it came to slavery (blacks sold other blacks in Africa...if it is OK by them, how can it be wrong for us - that is what you were dealing with).
Today, "institutional" and "legal" racism is gone. And it is a good thing. The last major hurdle was cleared with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But what has happened since then.
Well, a racist killed Dr. King. No one, and I mean NO ONE, could fill the void left on April 4, 1968. Voids have to be filled. Sadly, those who sought personal gain are the ones who filled it. You know the names, I do not need to list them here.
That lead to a change over the last forty years where we have see segregation creep back up. VOLUNTARILY!!
I have been fortunate to have been friends with African-Americans throughout my life. When I played with my grandparents neighbors as a toddler, I did not even notice, nor care that they looked different than me. My brother looked different than me because I was blond headed and he had brown hair. Didn't matter. I worked with several African-Americans throughout my adult life. The morning show host I worked with in Knoxville is black. Hallerin has been a great mentor that I can turn to with a question whenever I have it. Maybe I need to call him and get his thoughts on this now.
Spewing hate breeds more hate. Period. Whether you are an Austrian corporal, an Islamo-Fascist terrorist, a redneck in South Carolina, or a preacher in Chicago. All it does is breed more hate. It is like a cancer. Just ask an oncologist for the best way to treat a cancer. (I am referring to the ideas of hate here, not the people.)
That is why what Rev. Wright said is clearly wrong, and inexcusable. That is why Senator Obama, a man who is as much white as he is black, has to distance himself from him.
My only complaint with Senator Obama was he did too little too early. His flippant dismissal of his long time spiritual advisor was a joke. He knows this now. So he had to make a speech. The speech was good. He made great points. I agree with him on the state of race in America...it has been ignored too long and must be addressed. (That is why I never refer to a child by their appearance/ethnicity when talking to my children. Period.)
I hope this speech was not too late. Our nation deserves more than TWO good options when it comes to choosing a President. Sadly, with our two party system in power, two is the best we can hope for. So far, we have one good choice for November. I hope Senator Obama can hold on and give us a second. Or will his own party throw him under the bus first.
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The response to the speech has been directly attached to the political direction of the receiver of the message. Now, you have seen my response. What are your thoughts? Share them via e-mail or by posting comments here.
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And finally, a parting though for the day.
I never found her attractive. But I know everyone has different taste. Maybe she is right, this may be a bit much.
I really don't like whiny celebs. But I got a chuckle out of this.
Enjoy!!
March 18, 2008
18 March 2008 - Basketball....and more.
OK, I will be the first to admit that I pick teams that I like when it comes to filling out a bracket (for entertainment purposes only). I normally go through the whole NCAA Tournament and make gut reaction type picks based upon what I know and what I feel.
So, my Final Four picks are.
Kansas from the Midwest
Duke from the West
Texas from the South
and, of course, Tennessee from the East
Everyone picks upsets...some pools (I believe they actually exist .... from what I hear at least) require that upsets get picked. And this makes sense because it is the upsets and the underdogs that bring the drama to the tournament.
My biggest upset pick comes from the East Region. Indiana to knock off North Carolina in the second round. Sure, if you read yesterday's post you know that I have no love for the Tar Heels and their coach, Huckleberry Hound. But I see Indiana as a team that has a chip on their shoulder, a coach who must play like there is no tomorrow...because unless he wins a few games, there isn't.
Beyond that, nothing really major on my bracket when it comes to upsets. A few 2's over 1's in the regional finals. That's it.
So, what are you seeing?
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Oh, and for the Opening Round Game, not play-in game, I pick Coppin State over Mt. St. Mary's.
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Interesting political note from yesterday. Hillary Clinton continues to be critical of Barack Obama for making speeches and being short on action. That is what I had on my mind as I saw her giving a speech on Iraq while John McCain was actually IN Iraq. Hmmm.
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While on the topic of speeches, today, Barack Obama will give a "major" speech in Philadelphia today regarding the controversy surrounding his long time pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright.
Good idea.
Dodging questions from the media to set up the speech.....BAD idea. Except that the media is so enraptured by him that they give him the free pass.
As anyone who has been following this blog knows, I like Barack Obama. But, I think he is making a HUGE mistake in this situation. It is working, but for how long?
At some point, and you are starting to see it already, the media will turn on Obama. They have already started turning on McCain.
I think the best course of action is always to take on controversy head on. Delaying things for a day even got criticism from CNN to Senator Obama. If NBC, or MSNBC (they still exist? Anyone besides Rick Sinclair admit to watching them?), becomes criticall of Senator Obama, watch for me to become hospitalized again.
I look forward to this speech. But, I'd rather see him take on the media. Address them, then answer questions.
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Comments are always welcome. Hittiing some of those banner ads would be nice too. I got some hospital bills coming to me soon. Ha ha ha....
March 17, 2008
17 March 2008 - Happy St. Patrick's Day...and let the games begin!!
First off, Happy St. Patrick's Day to all. For those who do not know the legend of St. Patrick, well, in short, he is the one credited for removing the snakes from Ireland.
Why couldn't he make a trip to Washington, DC?
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OK, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament brackets have been set. Now we will hear from all of the armchair experts as to who will do what. We will hear from the non-sports media how much this will cost workplace productivity. Non-sports fans, or non-basketball fans at least, will be SICK of this by the time we get to April 7th. Oh well, sucks to be you.
So, here is how I see it. Am I upset that Tennessee is not a number one seed? No. They didn't earn it. Losses to Arkansas in the SEC Tournament and to the Vanderbilt Commode Doors late in the regular season put them in that position.
Now, that said, I like their draw. And I do not mean American University. I know nothing about them. But I like that Tennessee is in the same region as North Carolina (with head coach Huckleberry Hound), Indiana, Louisville, Notre Dame and Oklahoma. WOW!! What a region!! Should be some exciting games played in the East.
Now, back to North Carolina and head coach Huckleberry Hound.
I have made no secret of my distaste of programs like ucla and FU (aka Flori-DUH University). But North Carolina holds a special place for me. First, I have had the misfortune of knowing some obnoxious and ignorant Tar Heels fans. But mainly, I do not have any use for their coach.
I know, many in this part of the country hate him because he coached at Kansas. Well, I liked him then. Sure, he couldn't win a championship while at the most storied program in college basketball history. But, he got them to the Final Four several times.
No, I don't care for hime because of two main reasons. First, how he left when he left Kansas. But second, and mainly, how he opened his fat jowls when my alma mater fired Buzz Peterson.
I liked Buzz. Buzz and I had several great conversations about basketball while he was at Tennessee. He is an incredibly personable guy. But he couldn't get the Vols to the NCAA Tournament. So, when Buzz got fired after the 2005 season, Huckleberry opens his mouth and makes comments about how Tennessee wants the coach to be able to sell popcorn. Well, this followed his comments about Tennessee when he coached against them with Buzz at the helm.
You know what Coach Hound, it is the job of a coach to put butts in the seats. It is the job of a coach to sell popcorn. It is called the ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS. It is the financial reality of big time college athletics. I believe that Huckleberry Hound has his job because his two predecessors couldn't do that.
I hated to see Buzz go on a personal level. But, I am glad that Bruce Pearl is the coach in Knoxville and I hope he is there a long time. I also like Bruce on a personal level, but I have more respect for what he has done on the court. Especially at Tennessee in a very short time.
I hope he gets to show the Tar Heels that.
Unless the Indiana Hoosiers beat the Vols to it. I would not shed a tear over that.
If Mount Saint Marys or Coppin State beat the Hoosiers to it, I will enjoy the belly laugh.
Boy will I enjoy that.
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More on hoops tomorrow. And maybe some other topics. Back on the air at 6am CDT!!!!
March 16, 2008
16 March 2008 - Clear Liquid Diet, lots of variety...none of it good
In a brief phone call with my friend Ethan Mayers while in the hospital, we wondered what would be more effective for weight loss, his tooth extraction with complications diet or my hospitalized with acute pancreatitis and put on a clear liquids only diet. In all honesty, neither one of us wants us to find out again.
So, I am home now. But still on the clear liquid diet through today (Sunday). Which means...I get to enjoy broth and sugar free jello, with the occasional frozen juice bar. Honestly, it is not that bad. I just feel hungry all the time. BUT, I need to do this in order to get better.
Spoke with Brian Wilson last night about my going back to work. We agreed that I should sit out on Monday, that is my first day back on real food. Not knowing how my body will react to that, best to take it easy. If all goes well, I go back on Tuesday.
And trust me, I cannot wait.
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I will admit that I am a little down this morning. And it has NOTHING to do with my recent hospitalization.
My Tennessee Volunteers lost to Arkansas in the semi-finals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament. Lost by a point.
Coaches often say that a loss late in the season is good because it sets the team up for success in the NCAA Tournament. I call that "coach-speak" more than anything else. But often, I admit that coaches know more than I do. I hope that is true.
Speaking of my Vols, if you get HBO, there is a nice piece on "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" on Bruce Pearl. I think his detractors will think better of him if they watch the piece.
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More trouble in Atlanta with the weather. Interesting incident yesterday on TV. And it was WITH the TV. The channels to be specific. When I got home, the boys were watching Cartoon Network. All of a sudden we got a message on the screen saying "signal lost" in the top left corner. But, it was not like what we get when a bad storm hits here. We are a DirecTV home so when BAD storms hit, we do lose signal for a few seconds. This was different. And according to the DirecTV box, we were getting 88 percent signal. Then it hit both Kathy and I, it was the weather in Atlanta.
We did not have Cartoon Network, CNN, TBS, TNT and possibly a few others. None of them were able to get their signals out to anyone.
I am certain this was effecting cable TV as well.
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More tomorrow...expect a few thoughts on the NCAA Tournament. Add comments as you wish.
March 14, 2008
14 March 2008 - View from my hospital bed
Well, if anyone was wondering about blog updates the last couple of days, here is the story.
I am in the hospital. This is very embarrassing to me, but here is the story.
I was at work on Thursday morning. I was still in pain, but I was hopeful that it would get better. By 7:40, the pain became unbearable. I moved a one minute commercial up, left the studio and begged anyone to step in and fill time for me. By this point, Rick Sinclair had already called out Program Director, Brian Wilson, to let him know the situation. David Gaines and later Rick stepped in to fill the time.
I was on the floor in pain. Everyone was asking what they could do. I called Kathy and told her to come get me. After a couple of minutes of watching me roll on the floor in pain, Keith Buschjost told me he was going to drive me to the ER and have Kathy meet us there. (Keith - thank you so much!!)
I got to the Emergency Room of Capital Region Medical Center at 8:05am. Kathy arrived just after Keith got me here.
Typical run of blood vials and then an IV started....followed by pain medication. Had to wait for test results.
Acute Pancreatitis was the diagnosis. It was then I was told that I would be staying here for a while.
Cutting through the boring stuff, the hospital was full so I had to wait until 4:30pm to get in to a room.
The highlights...I got my first experience with Morphine. Nasty stuff...like an instant drunk, followed by a little more disorientation. I don't get what people see in that stuff. Then, I have been unable to eat any solid food, clear liquids only since I got here.
What causes acute pancreatitis? Could be a lot of things from what I have been told. Just did some reading this afternoon. Well, I don't drink often, so that is not the cause. No gall stone problems detected. So, being a diabetic who does a piss poor job of taking care of himself is the cause.
Simply put, stupidity.
OK, so now I am very hungry. I am looking forward to my broth and jello for dinner.
This is the first time since my birth that I have spent the night in a hospital.
So, there is my explanation. I am here because I am an idiot.
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Well thankfully, I was able to watch the Vols game on TV while here at CRMC. They won....barely. But a win is a win.
Looks like I will get to watch the rest of their games from the bed here at CRMC. Hey, at least I get to see them.
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Post any comments. I may write more while I have a lot of time on my hands. So, could be a weekend entry or two.
March 12, 2008
12 March 2008 - Sick, but at work
Not much to add today. I am under the weather and just trying to make it through the day. Look for an update later in the day...or tomorrow.
March 11, 2008
11 March 2008 - Maybe there was a reason he fought corruption...
Eliot Spitzer knows how to fight corruption. I never knew it was because he was up to his eyeballs in corruption.
OH....and if you are looking for www.emperorsclubvip.com you missed it. The site has been disabled. But don't worry, Google has the habit of saving a cache of webpages. If you read carefully, you will see that the women involved were "models" and not working girls. OH, I see.
Many people in this business are doing the happy dance following the news of Spitzer being caught with his pants down AND his hands in the cookie jar. Spitzer took on the radio industry while Attorney General of New York.
Now, I am curious to see how Spitzer reacts. Rumors are that he will resign. Which is exactly what he should do. BUT....I have seen political corruption before. Especially when there is any link to sex, you see a definite split as to how the two major parties handle these situations. Let me refer you to two cases from the U.S. House of Representatives. First, Mark Foley. And then Gerry Studds. Both were accused of inappropriate relations with underage males. One, thrown under the bus by his party. The other, treated as nearly a hero who served 14 more years and honored in death.
So, if you wonder why I am skeptical, there you have it.
In the case of Spitzer, I personally don't care that he paid $4500 for a prostitute. If I was a New Yorker, I would question his fiscal responsibility. I think it is the money laundering that is the problem. It is the hypocrisy that is the problem. It is the potential involvement with organized crime.
So, just like with the impeachment of Bill Clinton, it had nothing to do with the sex. It was the perjury with Clinton. With Spitzer, it is the money laundering.
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It seems that the promise of the Space Shuttle is finally coming to be. The concept of the Space Shuttle was to have quick turnarounds and many, many missions each and every year. The Endeavor is in orbit as we speak, about three weeks after the last mission ended.
Sadly, this is due to the shuttle being at the end of its life. In 2010, the shuttle program comes to an end.
The next manned spacecraft is not due to launch before 2014. That is sad. What happened to the spirit of America regarding space exploration that existed in the 1960's? I think the shuttle bored us.
That is really sad.
March 10, 2008
10 March 2008 - Just leave WELL enough ALONE!!!
OK, so this morning I get in to the studios to do my WORK. You know, MY JOB, and what do I when I get here in hopes of earning a paycheck twice a month.
First, I was already in a bit of a bad mood because the coffee creamer that I brought in on Wednesday was already empty by Friday morning. AND there is NO way that I used it all, I don't drink that much coffee. (And I use creamer more for cooling the coffee than for flavor...why powder creamer is unacceptable. That, and it is just plain disgusting.) And I do not mind sharing, but ASK ME!!!
OK, so that was not enough to set me off. Nope. I then had to find that the computer was manipulated to where ALL of the bookmarks that I use were now GONE!! Including the one that I use to get access to this blog updating page.
A solution to this would be quite simple, on the surface at least. First, DON'T screw with the tools in the tool box!!! Meaning, leave WELL ENOUGH ALONE. The second option would be to have available to me a place to plug in my laptop computer...OR..come into the 21st Century and install an encrypted Wi-Fi access point here. Of course, that will never happen.
Well, anyhow, this is my excuse for this entry being late, and manic, this morning.
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The casino debate in Jefferson City is about to heat up. One group is out against it. While I respect their views, I would respect it more if it was backed up with ANYTHING other than anecdotal evidence.
Well, a neighboring community with a casino, Boonville, has benefitted from having "Isle of Capri" in their town.
Boonville MAY get in the game to fight allowing a casino here. Why? To keep Jefferson City from getting the money.
Why to I support the idea of a casino? Because I like the idea of paying for things with other people's money. Especially when that money is given voluntarily and does NOT have to be repaid.
Unlike the group with the website and all it's cute graphics, I know that the citizens of Jefferson City will NOT be the one's who spend the money at the casino. Some will, more will not. But I want folks who are heading to the Lake of the Ozarks to stop in for a couple of hours. I want folks from Eldon to drive up, and from Fulton and Linn to drive here as well. Better to have their money being spent here than in Boonville.
Force the City to use the money as BONUS DOLLARS, not as an offset from other monies...that is the ONLY RESPONSIBLE WAY to have a casino in your community.
In the next four weeks, listeners in Jefferson City will hear a lot of distortions of the facts. I encourage you to do your own research. And then decide that having a casino is not a bad thing. If you don't like the casino, you don't have to go. But you can enjoy the benefits of NOT having your taxes increased as things improve around you.
Look at Boonville over the last six years.
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Add your comments as you see fit.
March 07, 2008
7 March 2008 - Heading for the weekend
UPDATE!!!!
Because this happened in my business, I have to share it. This is why you ALWAYS have the headphones on when doing the show. ALWAYS!!!!!
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As many of you know, I have been known to beat the dead horse on certain issues. This is especially true when it comes to all things regarding Autism.
A few months back, a study indicated that Autism can be directed back to a specific chromosome. That study also stated, allegedly conclusively, that vaccines with preservatives that include mercury were not a cause.
Oh?
I have never said that there is a direct link between Thimerosal and Autism. I have said repeatedly, why take the chance. Really, do you want a heavy metal, known poison, injected in to YOUR body? You child's body?
The FDA said in 1984 that Thimerosal was ineffective against most bacteria. Why is it still in the Flu shots most people get each year (and have been ineffective this year for most people anyway)?
To be fair, Thimerosal has been removed from all childhood vaccines since 2002.
I wonder if the CDC thinks that Chinese made toys are safe.
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Listeners to the show over the last year may recall the name Viktor Bout.
Well, if you don't know ol' Viktor, read this story and then breathe a slight sigh of relief.
I say slight....how much faith do YOU have in Thai justice?
If you are like me, about as much as I have in the CDC.
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This weekend Daylight Saving Time begins. Good news for some...just not if you are a cow.
Leave it to California.
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The Times Square Bombing of yesterday....well, this story gets weirder by the minute.
Yesterday, they had video showing someone on a bicycle in the area of the bomb before it went off. Then a bike was found abandoned.
Now the letters to Washington. And they were hand delivered.
OK.
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I can't wait for someone to read more into this story.
So they had hot dogs. Big deal. Dave and Murray had bratwurst. But Dave wasn't really President and Murray wasn't a candidate.
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Two final things. First, don't forget to Spring your clocks forward on Sunday morning (or before you go to bed on Saturday night). Second, add your comments.
March 06, 2008
6 March 2008 - Scary things
A few days back there was a shooting at a Wendy's in West Palm Beach, Florida. Scary part of that was a firefighter who was killed when he went back to exchange a kids meal toy. Hasn't every parent done something like that at some point. I know that I have.
Obviously, this story gave me something to reflect on.
Now this morning, I saw a story that got my attention. A student at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, died of bacterial meningitis.
My cousin Brynn attends Loras College.
Again, that got my attention.
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A week ago, Kathy and I were in Los Angeles and getting ready to go back to Las Vegas. Since Adrian had to work that day, we did not hurry back that morning. We took a couple of detours.
The biggest was a stop at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley. I do not care where you stand politically, this is worth the drive up if you are in Southern California. Beautiful setting and a very interesting museum as well.
Of course, the best part for me was the chance to see and walk through the Boeing 707 that served as Air Force One to President Reagan. I had seen the plane before, notably when I covered a visit by President George H.W. Bush to Kansas City back in January 1990. But being able to walk through the plane was a WOW moment for me.
The funny part to me was the plaque that told visitors that the plane was "on loan" from the United States Air Force. I am just guessing here, but I think that plane is going to be "on-loan" for a very, very, very and don't misunderstand me, VERY long time. What else are they going to put in that building?
Oh...and they disassembled the plane and trucked it up there before putting the pieces of the puzzle back together.
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Another scary thing comes from Times Square, once a scary place itself. Early this morning, a bomb detonated outside the military recruitment office in Times Square. Traffic is closed in the area this morning, no one was hurt. Just a window was broken. No one has claimed responsibility.
This could be as small as a stupid prank, or something more serious. I will withhold further comment until I hear more.
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Comment as you see fit. Thanks for reading.
March 05, 2008
5 March 2008 - Bad day for Wisconsin, Geeks
A very sad day for many in the state of Wisconsin, and it covers two distinct constituencies. First, Brett Favre has retired from the Green Bay Packers.
While I am FAR from a Packers fan, I have always respected Brett Farve. Not only was he able to energize a team and a fan base and get them to playoffs consistantly, he did so for a long time with a lot of injuries.
I wish him well in retirement. I do have one wish. Please do not go into acting. Please no.
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The next one comes down state from Green Bay. In Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, word came yesterday that Gary Gygax has passed.
Who was Gary Gygax? Well, I know this because I did live near Lake Geneva in East Troy, I worked in Lake Geneva. Oh, and my brother is a gamer. Some would say geek. Not me, he has too much depth to fall into that category.
OK, so I have not answered your question yet. Who was Gary Gygax? Gygax was the co-creator of Dungeons and Dragons...aka D&D.
I guess it was a double whammy for a lot of geeks. It is now official. Ron Paul cannot get the GOP nomination. No coming out of mom's basement until the new Star Trek movie comes out.
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To use her term, Hillary earned some more wrinkles last night.
This makes the biggest winner last night.......John McCain. Clinton and Obama will beat each other up enough that McCain can sit back and take notes. They will give him the playbook for the fall.
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One of the oddest conversions in the history of Las Vegas is coming to an end.
Once upon a time, a resort hotel opened off the Strip that catered to a homosexual clientele. Hotel San Remo then became, again in a very odd conversion, the Hooters Casino. (And because Hooters is only about the chicken wings, we know they cater to hetero- and homosexual clients.)
Well soon, the Hooters Casino will be no more.
And no, I did not make it there on vacation.
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The Old Grey Lady caught making another error. The New York Times, which already has NO credibility in my humble opinion, has once again NOT done their homework.
A memoir by a mixed race woman who sold drugs while in foster care, uh, um...er...NOT TRUE!!
Now, the book was put out by someone else, but the NYT took the bait and ran with the story...hook, line and sinker.
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Point to ponder this morning. In most urban areas you can order a pizza and have it delivered in 30 to 45 minutes. In Las Vegas, you can have a stripper delivered to your room in 15-20 minutes.
Can she bring a pizza with her?
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Add your comments as you see fit.
March 04, 2008
4 March 2008 - Counterproductive terrorists...and more
Well, if you saw the story out of Washington State yesterday, you probably know where I am heading with this. Earth Liberation Front is at it again.
Let me be clear on this. E.L.F. is a terrorist group. And E.L.F. is a stupid terrorist group. I know that is redundant, but really this group is a bunch of idiots. And directly counterproductive in their actions.
A few years ago, ELF was responsible for destroying a bunch of HUMMER SUV's in the San Diego area. The amount of polution produced by the FIRES ALONE put more carbon and other pollutants in the air that all of those SUV's combined would have if they had been each driven over 700,000 miles. PLUS, the SUV's had to be disposed of or recycled.
This time, these houses in Washington State were all built using "green" technologies and techniques. It will require more trees to be cut down in order to rebuild these houses.
Now all terrorist groups are stupid, period. But ELF takes it to the next level.
These guys make PETA look intelligent.
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OK, time for Vegas stories.
For those who have been there, The Bellagio is one of the most beautiful hotels you will ever see. Rooms there start at about $300 a night. Most table games in the casino start at $10 per game. The shops there are all of the hoitiest-toitiest you can imagine.
So yes, I was a little surprised to see a man in a chicken suit walking through the casino. If you have seen Toy Story 2, this guy was wearing the same suit that Al from Al's Toy Barn wore in his TV ad.
And the other one shouldn't have surprised me, but let me offer up this description. We saw a man with wardrobe by Larry the Cable Guy, more tattoos than Dennis Rodman, dental work straight out of England....and he was carrying a styrofoam cooler.
Now let me remind you that it was a NASCAR weekend in Las Vegas last weekend. I know and have known a lot of NASCAR fans. This guy was simply a stereotype.
Again, I ask people this. DO NOT FEED STEREOTYPES!!