News Conf, Expansion and Wal to Wall

Noon Blogging again and I am told we will be changing things up here at The Morning Buzz. We are going to a new Web Producing platform and so I will be writing this blog in a different place. I am told this should mean little or no change to you.

We'll work through it together.

News Conf

The President decided today would be a good day to hold a news Conference...I wonder why? For people who watch and really enjoy the gamesmanship of Politics...it's a great move. The networks HAVE to cover it. The President has topics like The Economy, Israel and Syria to talk about. He reminds those swing voters he's in charge. At least...that's the idea.

Super Tuesday

I said to a friend this morning, anyone looking for answers out of this Super Tuesday vote is going to be disappointed. We may lose a candidate... If Newt doesn't win his home state...he's probably going to get out. Beyond that...I think there will be more breathless reporting to come on primaries in other states..

Mailbag

Got a nasty email from a guy who feels it's clear I am a shill for the Republicans. He came to this conclusion because we reported the results of polling here in Iowa showing The President is going to have a tough time winning the Hawkeye state no matter who the Republican nominee is. It's the truth...and it's relevant because...you know...we LIVE in Iowa.

This guy argues we should, in the name if good Journalism, withhold that fact from the voting public. The President is wining in the National Polls...that's all we need to say.

I leave you to your own conclusions about the amount of Kool-Aid this guy is drinking. I also reiterate my caution...if you are really paying attention you could make an argument either way...Pinko Commie Liberal...or Heartless Neo-Con. As long as I'm getting emails complaining about both...I know I am doing my job.

Wall to Wall

I will be coming home this afternoon to Wall to Wall carpeting in the Boys "new" room. We are going to move them at some point...they just seem to have NO interest at all in getting out of their cribs. We have their 3 year Doctor appointment this afternoon and I think we might get a gentle nudge toward regular beds. At least we're ready now.

The Key is...

Some of you have encouraged me to write some of the stuff the boys say down...This is one we put in the book moments after it happened. Saturday we had our neighbors over for dinner. their son is Will and JT's age. It's sometimes a little dicey getting the three of them to share toys.

So Sally walked in to wake the boys up from their nap...JT popped up in his crib...looked right at her...pointed his index finger right at her and said, "The key is...I have to share." Key to what? I am not sure...but he is sure...the key is to share and that can't be bad.

Monday Thoughts

Afternoon blogging and I'm glad I waited.

-Slippery roads were a good reminder this morning that it is still winter. Also a reminder for me a couple times this weekend that it's State Tournament time. I sympathize with people who are here for the week and may have never driven in Des Moines before. That said...it's not as if Des Moines is Washington D.C. or even Chicago. Even if you miss your turn or get turned around...no need to swerve across three lanes of traffic to make the on-ramp. I felt badly for the woman with Guthrie Co license plates who turned down 19th this morning. We almost hit head-on as I was trying to get into the Station Parking lot. She turned into the lot's entrance hoping I would drive past...she must have been embarrassed to see I was actually pulling into the employee lot.

The point is, take your time. It would be a shame to ruin a fun trip to Des Moines with an accident...

-Prairie Meadows is expanding. No, I'm not a year behind...The facility wants to expand again. It's got the space, the question is how? If they're going to rebuild the Poker Room I am all for it. The early report says they want more slots.

-Gov Branstad's approval rating is above 50 percent. the first time the Chief Executive's approval has been a majority since the first month of the Culver administration. A note on that. I don't have any hard and fast numbers or facts to back it up, just anecdotal evidence from people I know who work with or around State Agencies. The place was A MESS when Gov Culver left office. The Branstad administration spent the better part of a year undoing a lot of the things Gov Culver did.

That's not a partisan statement...it just is. Economic Development, rules and regulations, the budget, The Civil Rights Commission...we've heard a lot of stories about neglect. A lot of people who got on blogs like this to dismiss Gov Branstad as "Braindead" should be eating a bit of crow. Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, an efficiently run Government that is attracting investment in the state is a good thing.

-Tiger Woods put on a show Sunday and Golf fans are happy (So is NBC). It's already been a good golf season and there's a month to go before The Masters.

-Countdown to Vegas is on. I go with a friend every year for the first weekend of March Madness I found this website this morning that builds a countdown clock. I like it. Incidentally it's this kind of anticipation that means my Wife is HAPPY to see me go...just so I'll stop talking about it.

COUNTDOWN WIDGETHope

Hope you have a great Monday!
PWD

Speed Blogging

Going to to take the last 15 minutes of the Nooner for some rapid fire blogging

-Thanks to Murphand Andy for having me on KXnO radio yesterday. Some guy was convinced my Missouri Tie was actually a Hawkeye tie...and that the wearing of the tie was a not so subtle dig at Cyclone fans. Where do people think this stuff up? We had some fun with it...and I love the show. Now I can say I've really made it...I've been a guest on KXnO

-The City of Des Moines is in a pickle. The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a lower Court ruling that says Franchise fees on Utility Bills are illegal. So it looks like the City will be paying back about $40 million. If you thought this round of budget cuts and Property Tax hikes were bad...

-Tiger Woods still doesn't get it. A book came out written by a guy who was in Tiger's Inner Circle when he was winning majors. Te book is, at time, not flattering. I can understand feeling betrayed and not wanting to forward to story...but the less you say...the more of a story it is. if you go on and on about it...take the high road...say you're disappointed wish hank the best...blah blah blah...There's nowhere for the story to go...it's one day. Instead Tiger decided to mock the reporters who asked legit questions....Where's the New Tiger we were promised?

-So we ran a story on the Noon news today that said going gluten free if you are not Celiac is of no benefit. The experts this reporter put on said, like anything else it's a balance. If your body isn't allergic to gluten...you should be eating things that contain gluten. Those products give you important pieces of your nutrition. Now that isn't a license to go out and eat five plates of white noodles tonight...but you get the idea. All things in moderation.

-If you can make it through the weekend...the 60's are coming next week! Have a good one.

PWD

Guns Booze and Relief

Good Morning...

I said yesterday...I thought Iowa St was going to be a problem...and it turned out I was right...what a game! The Cyclones ave Missouri all they could handle. I can see Iowa State making a run to the Sweet 16 if they get a good match up in the first round or two.

Guns
Who knows who is telling "the truth" abut how the debate came up over two gun bills in the Iowa House. Democrats walked out in protest yesterday because they say they were told the bills weren't coming up. Republicans say they were on a list of bills that might come up as of last Monday so Dems should have known.
The whole thing was odd.
I am not sure why Iowa needs further protection of gun owners rights beyond the Second Amendment. I think that makes it Pretty clear...

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Someone explain to me why we need an Iowa Amendment?
I am no expert on Gun rights for sure...and I should say I support the right of people to keep guns for protection of their home and for recreational purposes. That said I fall in the middle on gun issues. The words WELL REGULATED come first in the text..that's no mistake. I think it would be hard to argue that the framers didn't intend SOME regulation of guns. In fact the Militias of the time were HIGHLY regulated and guns registered. The idea that if gun owners give just a little, the Government will simply take away their guns all together is, to me, paranoid. I think even people who don't own guns would side overwhelmingly with Gun Owners if the Federal Government ever tried to restrict the right of someone to have a Gun in their home or use a gun for hunting or sport shooting.

Booze

I'm not sure I could ride a bike while drunk...so I'm never going on RAGBRAI. It's too bad a few people indulging in booze have to ruin it for everybody. Adults should be able to enjoy an adult beverage in moderation in a place like the High Trestle Trail Bridge.

Really?

So Greg Edwards came in and game me crap for wearing my Missouri tie this morning. Forgive me for having a little school pride.
That said, Mike( our Floor Director this morning) said someone wrote to the Murph and Andy show to complain. this guy thought I was wearing the tie after Iowa losses in an attempt to antagonize Hawkeye fans. Really? I can't imagine why there are people who think Hawk fans can be over the top at times.
I've been wearing the tie after Missouri wins. I can't help it that Iowa loses as many Games as Missouri wins...it's coincidence...just kidding just kidding...
Seriously, I have said over and over that I love to see what's happening in the Iowa and Iowa St. Basketball programs... My interest in these teams is simple...I want to see them compete for Championships every year. That makes my job a lot more interesting.
Hope you have a good one!

PWD

Just a few Quick Shots

Good Morning...

Jeriann has the headlines again this morning with a mix of weather across our viewing area. It could be anything from freezing rain to rain in what continues to be a very weird Winter.

The News:

-Yesterday's School shooting is another reminder to me that the schools I will send my kids to are NOTHING like the schools I went to. It will be a shock to the system. How do you prepare your child for an environment where something like this can happen; and at the same time tell them this is a place where they are supposed to be safe?

-Michigan and Arizona Vote today. The narrative is that if Romney loses Michigan it's going to be a body blow...except, it's a proportional Primary...which means he is going to win SOME of the delegates. We spoke with Sen Grassley this morning. He says he thinks the nominating picture won't be made clear today. He thinks Super Tuesday might clear things up.

-I also asked Sen Grassley about re-election.
I'd heard from someone who visited his office that he wasn't going to run again. He said he'd tell us what he tells anyone who asks. He says he doesn't want to be one of those Senators that has to be wheeled on to the floor by a nurse to take a vote. He has three years to make sure he's healthy enough to run again. He says he won't do it unless he feels he can serve the full term in good health. By the way, the 78 year-old ran three miles before he got on the Satellite to do an interview with us this morning.

-So there's a lot of debate still over Sen Rick Santorum's comment that President Obama is a "snob" for wanting Americans to get "at least one year of higher education" at a college, community college, apprenticeship or vocational training.
He went on to quote a statistic that something like two thirds of kids who enter a four year college with some sort of Faith commitment...leave college without an identified faith.
Washington Post had this on its Fact Check article:

PBS earlier this month tracked down the study Santorum refers to, but it actually suggests that people who have not enrolled in college are even less religious. “64 percent of those currently enrolled in a traditional four-year institution have curbed their attendance habits,” said the study, published in the journal Social Forces. “Yet, 76 percent of those who never enrolled in college report a decline in religious service attendance.”

So you have to ask yourself, is Santorum misinformed or is he just presenting these "facts' as fear tactic...those Liberals are coming to indoctrinate you!
Shouldn't we ask more from our Politicians? Especially a guy running for President?
I ask again...is Faith something that can be undone by a Liberal arts education? If it is, how strong was that faith to begin with?
Isn't opening your horizons to new ideas and being exposed to a broader world what College is about? What are people so scared of?

-Why is everyone so concerned about Angelina Jolee's Leg?

-I have a bad feeling about Iowa State's trip to Columbia this week. ISU is a good team getting better by the week. Missouri just lost two games in a row.
Hope you have a good Tuesday.
PWD

Budgets, Oscars and Visitors

Good Monday Morning!

I hope you had a good weekend. I will try to post some pictures from our two rounds of Birthday fun. The boys had a great time running around with their Cousins. When those five boys get together, you better watch out...it's a pack of wild dogs. My Mom and Dad hit a home run with the Birthday gifts. Not over the top (which we appreciated) but they got the boys things they will really use. We hope they will also cut down on fights over toys.

Budgets

The City of Des Moines takes up the discussion over its Budget deficit again today.
Again, The Firefighters Union Went on our air to say the cuts would result in "A reduction of services...Anytime you take away an apparatus out of service, there will be a reduction is service".

Talking about the City's plan to train all Firefighters in First Aide so that even a Firetruck showing up could provide some medical attention to a potential victim...he went on to say, "we liken it to a Carpenter showing up without his tools...no ability to transport those patients."

Finally the Union Rep says, "it's extremely frightening not only a reduction in services to Citizens it also put our lives in bigger danger"

I written about this before and got a lot of feedback from Firefighters and families of Firefighters.
I reiterate what I said before: First and foremost, Firefighters and Paramedics earn every penny they make and more. They put their lives on the line every day to make sure we stay safe. I respect them, I appreciate them and I want them to work in a safe environment.

I also want my City leaders to make the best decisions they can given the financial circumstances they find themselves in.

If that means one ambulance crew has to be eliminated then I have to trust that its the best decision the City can make under bad circumstances. I understand that the Union is doing its job...protecting Union jobs. I still am disappointed the Union can't just say something like, "We are disappointed the City is choosing to eliminate a public safety position when there are other, non-critical services that could be cut. We continue to do the best job we can every day with the resources we are given. At some point, the City of Des Moines is going to find out that they've cut to much because a lack of resources will put someone's life in danger.
It is disappointing the Union uses vague and inflammatory language to describe the cut.

It is a truism that any cut of an ambulance unit would result in a Cut in services. It is what it is. The question is, would that have a significant effect on safety of Citizens in Des Moines? No one can answer that question.
If the Union is arguing I am not going to be able to get to the Hospital because of this cut...I want to hear that. If they are arguing that I will not get ANY medical care in an emergency. I'd like to hear the say that...instead of a vague implication that someone, somewhere MIGHT be in danger.

Budget Cuts
Over in Eastern Iowa they're thinking of closing the Lab School at UNI. I think this one is a short term gain, long term loss. Ask someone at the Iowa State Journalism Department if selling off WOI was a good idea. It used to serve as a real world test for students and was a unique selling point to recruit out of state students. I would think the Lab School would be the same thing. It's a real world environment for the Teachers in training at UNI.

Polling
Another Iowa Poll confirms a large Majority of Iowans DO NOT support a Constitutional Amendment banning same sex marriage in Iowa. It's further confirmation that this is an issue that a very loud minority cares about.
It's also interesting that NONE of the "whatif's" suggested by opponents of same sex marriage have actually come to pass. A moral apocalypse is not occurring because gay couples can marry. In fact, I would guess this issue doesn't effect your life in the slightest...


Oscars
A couple of thoughts. I thought Billy Crystal was a little flat. He is a funny guy and still one of the best Hosts the Oscars ever had. That said I thought some of the bits were just not that funny.
-I thought most of the women did a good job picking something to wear. Classic is always good...that's why it never goes out of style.
-Does anyone think Sacha Baron Cohen is funny at all? This guy is a 1st Class Idiot. If his movie were the last on Earth and I needed a bucket of Popcorn to survive...I still wouldn't go see it.

Visitors
Welcome to all of the people in for the Girl's State Basketball Tournament. We're glad to see you back!

Loser
It was hard to watch Missouri lose a 19 point second half lead to Kansas Saturday. It was even harder because I think I made the Mom at the Princess Party were were invited to a little mad when I suggested we turn the game on. It's my fault Steph!

Mommy Debate, Radical Scouts and Bad Night

Good Morning...Lots of good discussion on set this morning. Some of it has to do with the Stay Home/Working Mom debate, Politics and Parenting. It's fun to work with smart people who have diverse opinions and viewpoints....and I'm not just talking about the on-air folks. We have a great crew of people you never see on camera.

The News

Mommy Debate

So the Stay Home/Work debate came up in a story we pulled from our Dallas affiliate. The gist of the story was...make the choices that are best for you. I couldn't agree more.

I don't know where it comes from...no one actually owns up to judging anyone who makes the choice to stay home or to go to work, yet it seems women on both sides of this feel judged.

I look at it this way, If you stay home and treat your Day like any other Job (and it is) then you can have the same conversations your working Mom friends have. Budgets? You do that... Goals? do you have goals for your kids or family? Productivity? I bet there are a lot of stay at home Moms who tackle the efficiency of their Household.

I will also say, there should be no guilt in working outside the home. There are people that just aren't cut out to focus entirely on their Household. I think there are cases where getting out of the house and working actually makes you a better parent.

To me it's about finding the thing that makes you a complete person and doing it.

Radical Scouts

The most ridiculous story of the day comes from Indiana where one of the lawmakers refused to vote for a resolution...not a law...a resolution congratulating the Girl Scouts on their 100th Anniversary.

An Indiana Lawmaker sent a letter around to his colleagues saying he wouldn't vote for the resolution. Now, mind you, it has not force or effect. It's generally a pat on the back for organizations that hit a milestone or do some good. The Girl Scouts do both. But look at this from CNN:

Indiana State Rep. Bob Morris said many parents were "abandoning the Girl Scouts because they promote homosexual lifestyles.""As members of the Indiana House of Representatives, we must be wise before we use the credibility and respect of the 'Peoples' House' to extend legitimacy to a radicalized organization," he said, warning them not "to endorse a group that has been subverted in the name of liberal progressive politics and the destruction of traditional American family values."

I can see it now...a bunch of eleven year-olds trying to subvert the Government and enact a radical Feminist Agenda by promoting Abortion. Never mind the fact that they don't know what the word "subvert' means and that they still think boys are "yucky".

Here's the actual Girl Scout Motto:

In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.

Yeah, building young women into confident leaders...that's dangerous stuff. Who will darn your socks or make sure there's a hot meal at the table when you come home from lying to people in the State Legislature?

Now you can choose not to send your daughter to the Girl Scouts. You don't have to think it's the best choice for you...but its been around for 100 years, and I am guessing that the women who've participated would say its done more good than harm.

Crossover

I was listening to a radio program yesterday about two new statutes having to do with abortion. One on Texas and the other about to be passed in Virginia. The basic idea here is that before a woman has an abortion, she should have to see an ultrasound of the fetus. Here's the crossover issue. Since a vast majority of abortions happen in the 1st trimester, many, if not all of these women will have to have a trans-vaginal ultrasound. Don't know what that is guys? It's exactly what it sounds like...an invasive procedure. There's no exception for women who were raped and already violated against their will. And that's the problem. The FBI standard for rape basically says if there is any penetration of a woman against her will...that's rape.

Now I am in no way comparing this procedure with rape. I am asking a question: How is it that a Party who's member's called TSA pat-downs an invasive violation of someone's right to privacy, are writing a law forcing doctors to invade a woman in the most personal way you can?

The really absurd part of all of this is that Men are writing, debating and deciding these laws.

I still say opponents of abortion should get out of the Doctor's office. Isn't it too late at that point? Education and information for young men and women about the choices they make and the consequences of those choices seems like a much more effective way to end this debate.

Bad Night

So I had to watch Missouri get beat up at home last night. Murph said it best. I don't want to see Kansas State again this year. Then I had to watch my wife's Alma matter lose to Michigan in OT. I did not go to bed feeling very good about my basketball teams.

The day should get better. The Accenture Match Play Championship is this week. It's March madness for golf. A field of 64 is whittled down to two in a match play format. I love it!

I hope you have a good day.

PWD

Internet Gambling, Up all Night and Birthday 2.0

Good Morning!

I'm finally seeing the results off the antibiotics I'm taking to get rid of this sinus infection. It's amazing how much of your energy it takes to fight that off if you don't have the drugs to help. Also amazing how much it helps to be able to breathe.

The News:

Internet Gambling

A Subcommittee passed a bill that would allow Iowa Casinos to regulate Internet Poker. The Lobbyist pushing the bill says Internet Gambling would actually HELP find problem gamblers. That's a nice spin but I don't think that's actually going to be the case. I am conflicted on this one.

Internet Gambling is happening at staggering levels...and that means Iowans are gambling without regulation. That means the state is missing out on Tax money AND anyone with a problem Gambling can do it in the secrecy of their own home.

That said, trying to make this about helping people? That's absurd. This is about money. If this passes, the money needs to go to help businesses who lose all their money with a creditor defaults because of a gambling addiction. Some of the money needs to go to gambling treatment. The fact of the matter is, it will go to the General fund to pay for the things Lawmakers don't want to tax you for...like roads.

Sin Tax

Speaking of bad ideas, the State of Illinois is thinking about putting a tax on soda. I understand the motivation. We are all paying for people who drink this stuff like it's going out of style and then wonder why their list of health problems is longer than a five year-old's Christmas list.

I really think this one is turning. I don't have a problem with schools and communities driving home the message that your choices have consequences. I see a time when we, as a society, start saying, "This was your decision". Think about where we are with smoking.

As a Parent I am trying to teach my kids to approach food differently. I am trying to be a better example. All of these things are changes in the Marketplace that will help drive the choices companies make about their drinks. Isn't that the way its supposed to work?

And just in case someone was going to argue they shouldn't tax cigarettes in the same way....They haven't proven Coke and Pepsi are adding ingredients in a massive conspiracy to addict people.

Faith

A writer named Tim Huppke with the Chicago Tribune had a story in the paper the other day about the debate going on concerning birth control and the Catholic Church. His point is that an honest debate and reflection is never a bad thing, yet so many people seem unwilling to do it. See last week's blog for a conclusion on that.

I hope you read that article and listen carefully to the conversation about Faith that the Candidates for President are having. Rick Santorum says he wasn't questioning the President's Faith when he said The President believes in a "Phony theology". He argues, he was talking about The President's World View.

You have to ask yourself, what will it be about YOUR World View that Rick Santorum doesn't like...and wants to legislate against?

I'll add this, and ask...maybe I am just stupid...someone explain to me how this isn't a double standard?

Bracketology

Have you ever wondered why your team got a ten seed instead of a nine? Writers from around the country got to go through a mock bracket selection for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. I thought it was interesting to see what they had to say about it. It will certainly bring about better commentary when the Field is revealed.

Up all Night

So we had a story about new Dad's being so tired they are having more "near misses" at work. it's getting more dangerous for them. What was your reaction to this one? Do Dad's have it harder than they used to? Are we sharing more of the overnight responsibility? Debate....

Birthday 2.0

We had a really fun "first", 3rd Birthday weekend. Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players were again, awesome. It really is fun music if you have little kids. We had a little party Saturday night at dinner where the boys got their Strawberry cake and Lemon cake. Then, Sunday morning Sally put together a great brunch for some friends and their kids. The good and bad news is...the Boys "get" presents now. I walked in the door this morning and JT announced that he would like to open some more presents this morning.

Actually he is in luck because we begin Birthday week #2 for the boys. My parents are headed to Des Moines to Celebrate with our kids, my Nephew Oscar, My Dad's Birthday and My Brother's Birthday. Should be a wild party.

Speaking of Parties. We are headed to a "Princess Party" for another three-year-old Saturday. The Problem? The Missouri/Kansas Game is on at 3pm.

This may be the last game in one of the oldest Rivalries in College Basketball and it could end up being one of the best. There is certainly a lot on the line. Missouri is trying to win the Big 12 on the way out to the SEC. KU is looking to avenge a loss in Columbia earlier this year...along with making an argument for a #1 seed themselves. I will be finding a TV.

Have a great Day

PWD

Allegations, Celebrations and Reflections

Good Morning...
You'll excuse me if I am in a reflective mood today. Tomorrow my boys turn three. How did that happen?
While this year seems to be dragging a bit with the onset of the terrible two's(x2); I also feel like the whole thing has been a flash.
The boys seem to be excited for this thing we call their birthday. I am not sure they really get it yet but they seem to understand it's a party for them, hey get presents and they get cake. Sally's Parents are here to celebrate as is my Sister. Next weekend we host my family who will be here between our boy's birthday and our Nephew Oscar's Birthday. Lots to Celebrate and a very busy time.

We'll get to the News
Allegations
The Pleasant Hill City Council sure has a mess to sort out. A Private Investigator showed up at this week's City Council Meeting with a 30 page "report" detailing allegations against the Police Chief in P-Hill. The Man claims the Chief came to him two years ago wanting to tape the private conversations of some of the City Council Members. The Chief denies the allegations. Here's one of the many complications: This Private Investigator would appear to have a conflict. His son is a Police officer in P-Hill who is also making allegations against the Chief.
We should certainly pay attention to the allegations...but we should, and really tried to emphasize, that they are just allegations. We should also start asking questions about the accuser.
We have people call out newsroom all the time making wild accusations about elected officials, School Administrators etc. I always ask one question when I am done listening to them. I say, "OK tell me what they're going to say about you when I ask them about your accusations?" I tell the person I want to know everything I am going to hear.
If they give a good accounting of their own bias, I am more likely to believe them. It's also often revealing to hear how they are involved, and may have contributed to a bad situation.
There are always two sides to the story.
It floors me that people call here thinking we are going to take their call and put the information right on TV.

Celebrations
I was thinking as I was watching the highlights of winners and the losers at the State Wrestling Tournament that I like both sides of the story. We learn as much about sport and the spirit of these young Men (and women) in their losing as we do their winning. I think that's what makes a sport most of us don't flow closely so compelling this time of year.

Midnight Rambler
Well it was actually closer to Three this morning that JT was at it again.
Half awake and half asleep, I think he's just had another disturbing dream. At least, the details I could make out were disturbing...
The best I could stitch together from his mumbled description..The Oranges were in trouble in the TV Room...I think they couldn't get out for some reason. I don't know why the Oranges were in the TV Room in the first place...but I don't ask. What is it with this kid and the Fruit?
I just covered him up and told him everybody was OK.

I hope you have a great weekend!
PWD

It Costs $$, Too Much, and Bad News

Bad News came Early this morning.

When I got up, a Facebook post told me a friend from College died yesterday. He was one of my Fraternity Brothers.

It may make some of you snicker and I understand why. Some people have a view of College Fraternities that is not flattering...the beer drinking slobs of Animal House.

I was fortunate to be part of a group that actually believed in some of the ideals the Fraternity espoused, kept a 3.0 GPA collectively, managed to stay mostly sober and out of jail.

We made each other better Men by sharing our strengths and encouraging improvement of our faults. I met my Best Friend in that House. I still keep in touch with a handful of the guys and I know I would do just about anything for the rest of them if they showed up on my doorstep.

I haven't seen Jake in about six or seven years...our friendship was certainly based in the past; but Jake was one of the people who shared a little bit of himself and made me a better Man in the process.

It Costs $$

The debate over a gas tax increase is one of these Public debates that makes me a little crazy. For years we've kicked this can...literally, down the road. No one wanted to be the guy who raised taxes so revenue didn't keep up with needed repairs. The result? A funding Crisis where roads and bridges are in such bad repair that they are dangerous.

I think we forget sometimes that the roads we use, the sewers, the phone and cable lines...they all cost money.

We should use tax dollars wisely. We should keep costs at the lowest level we can. That said, we should pay for the things we all need and use.

Too Much?

Brooke and I were both saying this morning that its hard to turn away from the Whitney Houston Coverage. That said, it's getting very close to overload for me. Appropriate tribute should be paid to one of the greatest voices of a generation. I just feel like that has to be celebrated within perspective. I'm not confident that will happen.

Too Much (for sure)

A guy called the Newsroom mad about our reading of the story about Quik Trip trying to get an upgraded liquor license. They want to sell hard liquor at the Ingersoll store.

Now I think this guy may have had one too many, but he seemed to think that if we should just stop "flapping our gums" about the issue...The City would let the store sell the booze.

I doubt the City Leaders are looking to Channel 13 for cues on policy decisions.

Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day.

PWD