Good morning everyone. As always, glad it's Friday because that means I get to sleep in tomorrow. It's the little things in life that make us happy, isn't it?
It's also February 29th otherwise known as Leap Day. This is a such an interesting day in our calendar system and frankly I haven't thought that much about it until this year. Because it comes only every four years, it's pretty rare when someone is born on this day. But out in Ankeny at Reeces, WHO Radio's Van and Bonnie broadcast their morning show and invited all Leap Day babies to celebrate their unique birthday. There were quite a few people out there and the place reminded me of Chucky Cheese. In other words, it was a little crazy. Jeriann also had a hard time hearing me during our tosses so there was a lot of talking over each other. Hey, it's live tv! One of the best interviews of the morning was involving a woman who is 24 but was recalling on live television how she tried to buy cigarettes on her 18th birthday which was the the 28th not the 29th. I think as she started to tell the story she realized she was probably saying something she didn't want to share... it just sort of came out. Again, gotta love live tv.
According to a website devoted to the day, most leap day babies celebrate on the 28th so they can celebrate on the same month in which they were born. Your birth certificate says February 29th but your driver's license will say March 1. Here's a link to the sight that has a lot of fun facts.
Mystery Illness
Two dozen students all in the same class at Catell Elementary School in Des Moines got ill yesterday and had to be taken to the hospital. They were throwing up and feeling dizzy. It is still not clear what caused them to get sick. Doctors suspect that it is some kind of environmental hazard because the students all got sick at about the same time. Look for more to come on this story. The good news is that most of the students are out of the hospital and doing just fine. Two of them had to stay overnight but are doing well.
Prince Harry In Afghanistan
We heard about this story overnight. Apparently the Royal Family was able to keep it under wraps for a few months. Until today, that is. Last year when Harry went to Afghanistan, the British government asked the major news outlets not to report on the fact that Harry is fighting on the front lines in the war on terror. But someone couldn't keep their mouth shut and it leaked. We've heard different reports about who blabbed. A magazine in Australia and the Drudge Report are both being blamed. The Royal Family says Harry is now on his way home because it's too much of a threat for him and his fellow soldiers to be there when terrorists know he is there.
Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine.
Brooke
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Everyone has the Flu, Smoking hot debate and More Snow
Good morning everyone. By my estimations, Pat is already in a much warmer place right now. He's off to Turks & Caicos for a week of sunshine and I couldn't be more envious. He picked a good time to leave becuase Megan Salois (who is filling in for sick Jeriann... more on that a little later) says we will get about an inch of snow and some freezing rain later today right around the time most of you are headed home from work. Seriously, will this please stop!!Ok... to the news.
Flu Outbreak
It's usually one of the unspoken rules of journalism that reporters are anchors are not supposed to be part of the story, but this week our newsroom IS the story. Here's what I mean. 
Apparently every state but Florida is dealing with what is called a "flu outbreak." Here in Des Moines, Broadlawns Hospital says about 80 people a day are coming in to get treated. And here at WHO, they're dropping like flies... as the saying goes. Jeriann has influenza. Ed is sick... and Sonya Heisthusen. And this morning our morning show producer Heather went home ill. There are few others who have called in sick today as well. I am drinking Airborne (which I stole from Pat's desk... sorry Pat, I owe you) trying to stay well or we may not have a Today in Iowa show tomorrow.
Apparently every state but Florida is dealing with what is called a "flu outbreak." Here in Des Moines, Broadlawns Hospital says about 80 people a day are coming in to get treated. And here at WHO, they're dropping like flies... as the saying goes. Jeriann has influenza. Ed is sick... and Sonya Heisthusen. And this morning our morning show producer Heather went home ill. There are few others who have called in sick today as well. I am drinking Airborne (which I stole from Pat's desk... sorry Pat, I owe you) trying to stay well or we may not have a Today in Iowa show tomorrow. Smoking Debate
I was reading Dave Price's Blog "The Price of Politics" and he made an interesting point about what's going on with the smoking ban bill debate. Basically, he doesn't know what will happen. Which is a rare thing. Dave is one of those reporters who always knows what's going to happen.
"I hate not knowing what will happen with this smoking ban debate. Hate it. Knowing is supposed to be an advantage of being in the media, you know...knowing what will happen before it happens. I don't know what I don't know on this one."
Kind of shows you that maybe even lawmakers aren't sure what will happen. The Senate did debate and finally pass its own version of the bill late last night. It bans smoking in all public places and businesses. The House version bans smoking except in casinos and Veterans Halls. So now the House has to approve the plan or make changes to it. They can either send it to Culver and be done with it or insist on their own version and then require the Senate to pass it. Are you confused yet? Either way, there is some work that needs to be done before this thing is made law. Dave also speculated in his blog that if the Senate and House have to work out a compromise deal, it could include allowing cities to pass their own bans instead of creating a state law. Like Dave said, who knows what will happen.
This is definitely one of those issues that gets people on both sides of the issue worked up.
More Snow
Megan Salois says we will get about an inch of snow and some freezing rain after 3:00 pm today. That means another dreary day here in Iowa.
Stay safe. See you tomorrow.
Brooke
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Clinton Complains, Drake takes a Dive and Searching for Some Sun
Good Morning,
I stopped complaining about being tired when I saw Andy Fales walk in the door after 5:30 this morning. He'd been driving all night back from Springfield. the only reason I was so tired this morning is that we finally got the garage fixed about 10pm last night. It was an ordeal for the guy who did it, but he did the job right and took the time to make sure. Precision Door is the company. I mention them only because they went so far above and beyond...as with restaurants I don't talk about the bad ones except in general terms...but when I have a good experience, I says so.
I also had a shockingly good experience with my health insurance provider last night. Usually diving into the black abyss of customer service Hell that usually accompanies a health care question is a patience sapping experience...Last night I had a woman help me who could not have been nicer. And unlike most HR or health care situations...the woman didn't treat me like I was 7 and had broken the playground rules in some way. I d not an an encyclopedic knowledge of the health care system or my individual policy. In fact I'm not entirely sure it's written in English. I am sure of this, I've worked here nearly a decade. I've paid into the system and haven't taken as much as I've put in. If my company hires a third party to deal with these issue...they should do it. Last night Our Health care provider here at WHO came through for me in a big way.
The News
Debate
Is it ironic that Sen Clinton spent much of the time during last night's debate complaining about how the Media is harder on her than it is on Sen Obama, and then all of the commentators used those comments to paint Sen Clinton as a whiner? I didn't think anyone won the debate last night but if you ask me Clinton is in sort of a no win. If she attacks she's seen as the shrill bitter candidate, and if she tries to be softer she is either attacked for acting or her message of experience doesn't resonate with voters.
Good Samaritan
If there are any of you who would complain we don't do enough "good" stories in the news...I would say this is one. A young man saw a woman's purse get snatched in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Ankeny. He took off after the guy who stole the purse and helped police find the suspect. He says he did it, just cause it was the right thing to do. We all have smaller chances to do the "right thing" during each day. How many times to you take it? How many times do you simply say...it's not my business, or that's too hard? I admit that's my attitude too often. Why don't we do the right thing more?
School Curriculum
Should every school have to teach the same thing? Is a state-wide curriculum is being voted on at the legislature. This one is headed to the house and I'd like to hear what you have to say about it.
Searching for the Sun
I will be on a week long search for more sun and higher temperatures. I don't know that I'll be able to bring you back any...but I hope to bring you some pictures...or a t-shirt.
Later,
PWD
I stopped complaining about being tired when I saw Andy Fales walk in the door after 5:30 this morning. He'd been driving all night back from Springfield. the only reason I was so tired this morning is that we finally got the garage fixed about 10pm last night. It was an ordeal for the guy who did it, but he did the job right and took the time to make sure. Precision Door is the company. I mention them only because they went so far above and beyond...as with restaurants I don't talk about the bad ones except in general terms...but when I have a good experience, I says so.
I also had a shockingly good experience with my health insurance provider last night. Usually diving into the black abyss of customer service Hell that usually accompanies a health care question is a patience sapping experience...Last night I had a woman help me who could not have been nicer. And unlike most HR or health care situations...the woman didn't treat me like I was 7 and had broken the playground rules in some way. I d not an an encyclopedic knowledge of the health care system or my individual policy. In fact I'm not entirely sure it's written in English. I am sure of this, I've worked here nearly a decade. I've paid into the system and haven't taken as much as I've put in. If my company hires a third party to deal with these issue...they should do it. Last night Our Health care provider here at WHO came through for me in a big way.
The News
Debate
Is it ironic that Sen Clinton spent much of the time during last night's debate complaining about how the Media is harder on her than it is on Sen Obama, and then all of the commentators used those comments to paint Sen Clinton as a whiner? I didn't think anyone won the debate last night but if you ask me Clinton is in sort of a no win. If she attacks she's seen as the shrill bitter candidate, and if she tries to be softer she is either attacked for acting or her message of experience doesn't resonate with voters.
Good Samaritan
If there are any of you who would complain we don't do enough "good" stories in the news...I would say this is one. A young man saw a woman's purse get snatched in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Ankeny. He took off after the guy who stole the purse and helped police find the suspect. He says he did it, just cause it was the right thing to do. We all have smaller chances to do the "right thing" during each day. How many times to you take it? How many times do you simply say...it's not my business, or that's too hard? I admit that's my attitude too often. Why don't we do the right thing more?
School Curriculum
Should every school have to teach the same thing? Is a state-wide curriculum is being voted on at the legislature. This one is headed to the house and I'd like to hear what you have to say about it.
Searching for the Sun
I will be on a week long search for more sun and higher temperatures. I don't know that I'll be able to bring you back any...but I hope to bring you some pictures...or a t-shirt.
Later,
PWD
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Snow, Debate and Best Water
Good Morning!
We're all feeling the mid-week sluggishness a little early. We're heading into the home stretch of our February ratings period and I think we're all ready for a break. No complaining...We were just encouraging each other to stick it out today...
The Great Garage saga ends today when I fork over enough money to go to Europe to get a new door that no one will over see. As you can tell...I'm excited.
Snow
Once and for all...the snow is not a prerequisite for the Girls State Basketball Tournament. It doesn't help, of course, to have snow during the tournament any year. Hopefully the timing worked out so people can still get to the metro or back to their hometown.
Once and for all...the snow is not a prerequisite for the Girls State Basketball Tournament. It doesn't help, of course, to have snow during the tournament any year. Hopefully the timing worked out so people can still get to the metro or back to their hometown.
Debate
Beyond tonight's Debate (MSNBC at 8pm with NBC's Brian Williams and Tim Russert), is anyone actually biting on the Hail Mary play by the Clinton Camp? A picture of Obama in a turbin? Really? The worst part of this is the response from Clinton's camp when Obama called her out for releasing it. It went something like this: "we didn't release it, but we can't be sure someone from the campaign didn't release it."
If there were a Clinton translation booklet...I think that might mean...yeah we did it.
I'm not advocating for either campaign...I'm just asking all of them to stop assuming we're all stupid.
There's a great article on this in the Washington Post.Drake
What's it going to take for the East Coast media to come around about Drake? They're good! The AP voters drop the Dogs to 20th in the nation when their RPI is 11th? They're ranked the bes
t mid-major program right now. I hope Drake doesn't lose on some sort of a fluke in the tournament so all of the naysayers have a chance to dismiss their success. They deserve a good run in the MVC Tournament and an even better run in the NCAA.
t mid-major program right now. I hope Drake doesn't lose on some sort of a fluke in the tournament so all of the naysayers have a chance to dismiss their success. They deserve a good run in the MVC Tournament and an even better run in the NCAA.Best Water
We did a little clip on the best water in the country (Los Angeles surprisingly) and it got me to t
hinking...who would you say has the best tasting water in Central Iowa? I think there's a huge difference in the quality of the water from town to town. So rank em...comment on your water, or tell us who's water you'd rather have.
hinking...who would you say has the best tasting water in Central Iowa? I think there's a huge difference in the quality of the water from town to town. So rank em...comment on your water, or tell us who's water you'd rather have. Have a good day everyone...
PWD
Monday, February 25, 2008
Weekend Shooting, Nadar Running, and Girl's State WX
Good Morning and Welcome to your work week.
Mom and Dad's visit was a success, though I am sure they'd say it was too short. I'll get into the details later but first:
The News:
Shooting
Police are looking for two men in connection with a shooting that killed a Des Moines teen early Sunday Morning. The shooting happened around two along 11th between University and Carpenter. Police are looking for two men as material witnesses tot he shooting.
Mom and Dad's visit was a success, though I am sure they'd say it was too short. I'll get into the details later but first:
The News:
Shooting
Police are looking for two men in connection with a shooting that killed a Des Moines teen early Sunday Morning. The shooting happened around two along 11th between University and Carpenter. Police are looking for two men as material witnesses tot he shooting.Daycare Fire
Our morning Photojournalist Roger Riley went out to Van Meter this morning to catch a fire at a childcare facility. The Country Kids Club Daycare is closed this morning after this fire. No cause just yet.
Nader
If you saw Meet the Press this weekend you saw Ralph Nader announce he's going to run for
President as a third party candidate. A lot of people blame Nader for Al Gore's loss in the 2000 
Presidential election and if you look at the numbers it's hard not to. Anyway the question for all of you is this...should Nader run or is he just a "spoiler"?
Pair that with a new Des Moines Register Poll out this weekend that says Sen Barack Obama would win in Iowa if he ran against Sen John McCain. The Poll shows Sen Hillary Clinton would lose the state.
Hawkeyes Arrested
Any thoughts from Hawk fans about the latest two arrests of football players in Iowa City?
Girls State Basketball
You knew this forecast was coming right? Actually, as Jeriann pointed out, the idea that we get bad weather during the Girls Tournament is largely a wives tale, urban legend...that kind of thing. She says the weather has not been unusually wintry over time. The late winter storms that have hit during Girls Basketball are hard to forget and this week it looks like we're going to get another mess!
Our morning Photojournalist Roger Riley went out to Van Meter this morning to catch a fire at a childcare facility. The Country Kids Club Daycare is closed this morning after this fire. No cause just yet.
Nader
If you saw Meet the Press this weekend you saw Ralph Nader announce he's going to run for
President as a third party candidate. A lot of people blame Nader for Al Gore's loss in the 2000 
Presidential election and if you look at the numbers it's hard not to. Anyway the question for all of you is this...should Nader run or is he just a "spoiler"?Pair that with a new Des Moines Register Poll out this weekend that says Sen Barack Obama would win in Iowa if he ran against Sen John McCain. The Poll shows Sen Hillary Clinton would lose the state.
Hawkeyes Arrested
Any thoughts from Hawk fans about the latest two arrests of football players in Iowa City?
Girls State Basketball
You knew this forecast was coming right? Actually, as Jeriann pointed out, the idea that we get bad weather during the Girls Tournament is largely a wives tale, urban legend...that kind of thing. She says the weather has not been unusually wintry over time. The late winter storms that have hit during Girls Basketball are hard to forget and this week it looks like we're going to get another mess!
The Papaya
There is new dance that is replacing the Macarena. (As if anyone is still doing it) This morning we had some video of the Papaya. Everyone in the Philipines is doing it and its hysterical. Check it out on YouTube.
Weekend
Frist of all...Way to Go Drake! Great win this weekend...
I'll let any of my colleagues add to the blog about their weekend activities but mine were pretty tame. We went to a Stars game Friday night. The highlight was getting on the "kiss cam". Great...
I thought the Stars had done a nice job coming up with fun stuff to watch between periods but I have to say the guys sitting just below us were obnoxious! They were banging on the boards the entire second period making them shake to the point they looked like they were going to break. It was over the top. I'm all for enthusiasm, and I know the stars want to encourage it, but this was too much. One of the guys was even swearing as he's yelling up to his buddies to start the section cheering. I support the Stars and having an AHL team in Iowa but I didn't have a great experience at the game this weekend.
I did, however have an awesome experience this weekend at Biaggi's. We went out to dinner with My Brother, his family, his mother-in-law, and my parents. I can't say enough about the service and the food. It was great.
Sunday Sally made some home made coleslaw and we at some of the pulled pork we cooked last weekend along with home made BBQ sauce. We ate too much last night!
I thought the Stars had done a nice job coming up with fun stuff to watch between periods but I have to say the guys sitting just below us were obnoxious! They were banging on the boards the entire second period making them shake to the point they looked like they were going to break. It was over the top. I'm all for enthusiasm, and I know the stars want to encourage it, but this was too much. One of the guys was even swearing as he's yelling up to his buddies to start the section cheering. I support the Stars and having an AHL team in Iowa but I didn't have a great experience at the game this weekend.
I did, however have an awesome experience this weekend at Biaggi's. We went out to dinner with My Brother, his family, his mother-in-law, and my parents. I can't say enough about the service and the food. It was great.
Sunday Sally made some home made coleslaw and we at some of the pulled pork we cooked last weekend along with home made BBQ sauce. We ate too much last night!
My weekend was pretty eventful for a change. First, Eric and I had dinner with Mark Tauscheck and his wife Tiffany and Dave Price and his wife Emily. People sometimes ask if I am friends with the people I work with and the answer to that is yes. I really like my co-workers which is a blessing. Mark and I used to do Today in Iowa together back in the day so we used to spend a lot of time together. Remember? The guy makes me laugh. Anyway, the next day I took a road trip with Sonya Heitshusen, Erin Kiernan and Jannay Towne. We went to Omaha for Jeriann's bachelorette party. I won't share ALL the details but it was a fun night. Dinner and some fun moments laughing it up. Love downtown Omaha especially the Old Market area.
BB
Hope you have a good week. If you're traveling, stay safe.
PWD
PWD
Friday, February 22, 2008
Trading words in Austin, Jeriann in Colo and Mom and Dad Make a Visit
Good Morning,
I'm finding if I don't get to this during the show I won't get to it. My garage drama continues. It's never good when anyone coming to fix something at your house looks at you...shakes their head and says, "it's gonna cost a little more than I thought."
I'm not cheap but the LAST thing I want to spend money on is a new garage door no one is going to see...ever.
Anyway, Sally and I are sick of parking outside, so it looks like we're going to pull the trigger today.
To the News:
Just Words
So I haven't asked...who thinks Barack Obama plagiarized his lines about "just words". Sen Hillary Clinton apparently does so she's trying to hammer home the theme that Obama doesn't really have any new ideas. Did it work? Any of you believe it...any of you who were actually going to vote for Sen Obama?
I should add in here (since we missed yesterday's headlines) that we had quite a debate about the NY Times article about John McCain and his relationship with a Lobbyist. Two unnamed sources, are the basis for an article that intimates John McCain had an affair with this woman.
I don't know where to start on this one....wait, yes I do....
You shouldn't be able to smear someone so easily. The sources should have had to reveal their names or the story shouldn't have run. The other debate we had was where are the attacks coming from? These days McCain is finding out he's got harsh critics on the left and the right.
Hardly a Pet Palace
Every once in a while you have to shake your head and wonder what's wrong with people. Someone had the idea that they'd breed pets out of this storefront in Ottumwa. The problem? For starters the owner got sick and the people she left to take care of the store...didn't. The animals were left to suffer. I don't consider myself an animal activist or someone who'd go out and paint themselves for a PETA rally. I do have pets, and they make my life better that it would be without them. Its simple...animals don't deserve to live like that.
Jeriann in Colo
Jeriann got a great invitation from Niland's Cafe to come up and have breakfast. I love it when the entire town shows up for our fun forecast. If you don't know the story of the Lincoln Highway, you should look it up. We had our first "Baby Happy Dance" and a history lesson from a guy named Joe while Jeriann had some breakfast.
Mom and Dad make a Visit
My parents are happy Jeriann cooperated with a forecast good enough to drive over from Chicago this weekend. We're looking forward to having them here and have a few ideas about what we might do tonight. My Mom and Dad were season ticket holders for the Chicago Blackhawks early in their marriage...my Mom says she likes hockey just as Much as my Dad does, so you might spot us at the game tonight at 7. Defending the Caveman is running at the Temple Theatre downtown. My parents have seen it but they sounded excited about seeing it again. Finally, we haven't been down to see the Dueling pianos in the East Village. We might go to dinner at Lucca then to the pianos.
I bring this up for two reasons...one for all of you if you're looking for a suggestion, and two, to ask all of you: What am I missing?
I'm finding if I don't get to this during the show I won't get to it. My garage drama continues. It's never good when anyone coming to fix something at your house looks at you...shakes their head and says, "it's gonna cost a little more than I thought."
I'm not cheap but the LAST thing I want to spend money on is a new garage door no one is going to see...ever.
Anyway, Sally and I are sick of parking outside, so it looks like we're going to pull the trigger today.
To the News:
Just Words
So I haven't asked...who thinks Barack Obama plagiarized his lines about "just words". Sen Hillary Clinton apparently does so she's trying to hammer home the theme that Obama doesn't really have any new ideas. Did it work? Any of you believe it...any of you who were actually going to vote for Sen Obama?
I should add in here (since we missed yesterday's headlines) that we had quite a debate about the NY Times article about John McCain and his relationship with a Lobbyist. Two unnamed sources, are the basis for an article that intimates John McCain had an affair with this woman.
I don't know where to start on this one....wait, yes I do....
You shouldn't be able to smear someone so easily. The sources should have had to reveal their names or the story shouldn't have run. The other debate we had was where are the attacks coming from? These days McCain is finding out he's got harsh critics on the left and the right.
Hardly a Pet Palace
Every once in a while you have to shake your head and wonder what's wrong with people. Someone had the idea that they'd breed pets out of this storefront in Ottumwa. The problem? For starters the owner got sick and the people she left to take care of the store...didn't. The animals were left to suffer. I don't consider myself an animal activist or someone who'd go out and paint themselves for a PETA rally. I do have pets, and they make my life better that it would be without them. Its simple...animals don't deserve to live like that.
Jeriann in Colo
Jeriann got a great invitation from Niland's Cafe to come up and have breakfast. I love it when the entire town shows up for our fun forecast. If you don't know the story of the Lincoln Highway, you should look it up. We had our first "Baby Happy Dance" and a history lesson from a guy named Joe while Jeriann had some breakfast.
Mom and Dad make a Visit
My parents are happy Jeriann cooperated with a forecast good enough to drive over from Chicago this weekend. We're looking forward to having them here and have a few ideas about what we might do tonight. My Mom and Dad were season ticket holders for the Chicago Blackhawks early in their marriage...my Mom says she likes hockey just as Much as my Dad does, so you might spot us at the game tonight at 7. Defending the Caveman is running at the Temple Theatre downtown. My parents have seen it but they sounded excited about seeing it again. Finally, we haven't been down to see the Dueling pianos in the East Village. We might go to dinner at Lucca then to the pianos.
I bring this up for two reasons...one for all of you if you're looking for a suggestion, and two, to ask all of you: What am I missing?
Have a great weekend,
PWD
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Obama and the Big Mo, Bed Bugs, and The Big Chill
Good Morning,
The cold finally came home to roost at the Dix household yesterday.
Our garage door snapped. At first I thought it was just the metal cable that pulls the door but when the guy came over to fix it, he noticed one of the two HUGE metal springs was just about coming apart. He told me he'd seen one of these things go through a brick wall when it snapped. OK well we need to fix that. I moved the cars out and kept them outside last night. No one was really happy about that plan but until I can go into my garage without fear of bodily harm...I will deal with the cold. Bottom line I have new respect for the people who have to get into their cars every morning after they've been outside all night. It hasn't been that long since that was ME...I guess I've gone soft.
To the news:
Obama and the Big MO-
He's won the last ten contested states and Barak Obama seems an unstoppable force right now. Not so fast, says Sen. Clinton. She plans on making a stand in the delegate rich states of Texas and Ohio. Clinton can't be happy about seeing some of the numbers from Wisconsin. He pulled even with her when looking at support from white women. He also got a lot closer with what the poll described as "blue collar" voters.
The cold finally came home to roost at the Dix household yesterday.
Our garage door snapped. At first I thought it was just the metal cable that pulls the door but when the guy came over to fix it, he noticed one of the two HUGE metal springs was just about coming apart. He told me he'd seen one of these things go through a brick wall when it snapped. OK well we need to fix that. I moved the cars out and kept them outside last night. No one was really happy about that plan but until I can go into my garage without fear of bodily harm...I will deal with the cold. Bottom line I have new respect for the people who have to get into their cars every morning after they've been outside all night. It hasn't been that long since that was ME...I guess I've gone soft.
To the news:
Obama and the Big MO-
He's won the last ten contested states and Barak Obama seems an unstoppable force right now. Not so fast, says Sen. Clinton. She plans on making a stand in the delegate rich states of Texas and Ohio. Clinton can't be happy about seeing some of the numbers from Wisconsin. He pulled even with her when looking at support from white women. He also got a lot closer with what the poll described as "blue collar" voters.Bed Bugs
We were all pretty creeped out by Megan's story about a return of the bed bug. Since I'm the
only one going out of the country anytime soon, and that's where the bugs are prominent...you can be sure I'm going to pack the black light and check out the hotel. I'm not really worried, but it makes my skin crawl just to think about something coming out of the mattress and sucking out your blood while you sleep. See? I just gave you the heebie Jeebies too.
Atlantis Home
The Shuttle came home this morning. I always think it's cool to listen to mission control when the shuttle is landing. The facts they throw out are amazing!
We were all pretty creeped out by Megan's story about a return of the bed bug. Since I'm the
only one going out of the country anytime soon, and that's where the bugs are prominent...you can be sure I'm going to pack the black light and check out the hotel. I'm not really worried, but it makes my skin crawl just to think about something coming out of the mattress and sucking out your blood while you sleep. See? I just gave you the heebie Jeebies too.Atlantis Home
The Shuttle came home this morning. I always think it's cool to listen to mission control when the shuttle is landing. The facts they throw out are amazing!
The Atlantis crew needed to come home so the Navy could shoot down a wounded spy satellite.
FROM MSNBC:
If all goes as planned, the USS Lake Erie, an Aegis cruiser, will launch the SM-3 
tactical missile at about sundown Hawaii time (or about 10:30pm EST) from a position about 600 miles northwest of Hawaii.
tactical missile at about sundown Hawaii time (or about 10:30pm EST) from a position about 600 miles northwest of Hawaii. How do you think that call went? "Ummm Commander, we're gonna need to come on home a day or two early...yeah we need to shoot a missile into space and we're not real comfortable with having another big target out there for the missile to lock on to."
Drake
Another close one but sooner or later the ball starts bouncing the other guy's way. Drake's had a lot of great luck and some good bounces this year. You knew it was going to go the other way sooner or later. They'll bounce back and I think they'll give Butler a great game this weekend.
If you can stand the cold there's a lunar eclipse out there tonight. Send Jeriann some pictures if you’re out and we'll put em up tomorrow morning. Congrats to our Billy Joel winners...two more days to try to win tickets to the concert. You have to be watching between six and seven. You never know when we're going to announce the song title.
Have a good one
PWD
Another close one but sooner or later the ball starts bouncing the other guy's way. Drake's had a lot of great luck and some good bounces this year. You knew it was going to go the other way sooner or later. They'll bounce back and I think they'll give Butler a great game this weekend.
If you can stand the cold there's a lunar eclipse out there tonight. Send Jeriann some pictures if you’re out and we'll put em up tomorrow morning. Congrats to our Billy Joel winners...two more days to try to win tickets to the concert. You have to be watching between six and seven. You never know when we're going to announce the song title.
Have a good one
PWD
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Primaries, Castro and Heart Food.
A good afternoon to you. Sorry this is late but I was helping Brooke out this morning with a project she's working on. That meant I did the Today show cut-ins and helped with the Nooner.
Anyway, the result is a late blog. I apologize.
Primaries
Anyone who says their vote doesn't count this year is CRAZY! Can you believe we were having a debate over who went first about this time last year? It looks like Iowa was important, but as long as there's a competitive race and people make their voices heard at the ballot box...each state can have it's turn picking a nominee.
Castro
This has been coming for a long time. The man who's led Cuba for the last 59 years is stepping aside. He's essentially been out of power since 2006, but he's still been the figurehead.
What does it mean for Cuba?
I've always wanted to go to Cuba and almost made it happen when a delegation from Iowa went down there a few years ago on a trade mission.
The Big Read
If you live in Waukee you might be interested to know the town is participating in a program called The Big Read. It's a program from the National Endowment for the Arts that's supposed to encourage people to take up reading again. The events last six weeks and all surround a book called The Shawl.
We'll try to keep you updated about the events as they happen, but we were talking on the set this morning. Do you read books? We all agreed we read but to varying degrees. i usually have a couple books going on my nightstand and I really enjoy a good book. We talked about a blog book club. Any interest? Any good books you want to suggest?
I'm going to finish up the Noon news and look forward to a butt kicking at the Gym. Have a great day!
PWD
Anyway, the result is a late blog. I apologize.
Primaries
Anyone who says their vote doesn't count this year is CRAZY! Can you believe we were having a debate over who went first about this time last year? It looks like Iowa was important, but as long as there's a competitive race and people make their voices heard at the ballot box...each state can have it's turn picking a nominee.
Castro
This has been coming for a long time. The man who's led Cuba for the last 59 years is stepping aside. He's essentially been out of power since 2006, but he's still been the figurehead.
What does it mean for Cuba?
I've always wanted to go to Cuba and almost made it happen when a delegation from Iowa went down there a few years ago on a trade mission.
The Big Read
If you live in Waukee you might be interested to know the town is participating in a program called The Big Read. It's a program from the National Endowment for the Arts that's supposed to encourage people to take up reading again. The events last six weeks and all surround a book called The Shawl.
We'll try to keep you updated about the events as they happen, but we were talking on the set this morning. Do you read books? We all agreed we read but to varying degrees. i usually have a couple books going on my nightstand and I really enjoy a good book. We talked about a blog book club. Any interest? Any good books you want to suggest?
I'm going to finish up the Noon news and look forward to a butt kicking at the Gym. Have a great day!
PWD
Monday, February 18, 2008
Icy Monday, Beef Recall and Cat or Mountian Lion?
Ok it's gonna be short and sweet this morning...
Mondays are hard anyway...getting up early is getting harder because of the weather. I'm going on vacation in a week and a half and I can't wait! 79 and scattered clouds where we're headed.
To the News
It's Cold!
I'm glad I took the time to use the snow blower right when it stopped snowing yesterday. It was much easier to get all the slush off the driveway. We had a little debate over conditions Sunday and we all seemed to have a different opinion. I fell under the opinion...it wasn't as bad as I expected Sunday. We did what we normally do...trip to the gym, Starbucks for a little studying/reading the paper, and then home. The roads were certainly slick, but still passable.
This morning I thought it actually got worse. Everything under the snow froze. I thought it was harder to drive to work this morning. Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves...
Beef Recall
Did anyone else see that video from the Humane Society? It was disturbing to say the least. I'm glad the violations are coming to light but this one is too little too late. We already ate the beef! The problem is not that these cows were sick. As I understand it, it's that when a cow becomes unable to walk, and you drag it to slaughter...you can imagine the stuff on the floor. Well, that's the stuff you don't want in your meat and there's a significantly higher chance you'd get some of it in the meat if the cow's carcass is dirty. I'm not sure I'd eat meat for about a month if I had to sit through the process and watch. I'm not saying it's cruel or anything...these animals are bred for us to eat. I just think there's a humane way to do this. I'll ask our good friend Brad Hook to weigh in here...am I being a sissy Brad?
Cat or Lion?
Did you see Mark Tauschek's story about the guys in northwest Iowa who say they caught a picture of a mountain Lion? What do you think? I believe these guys. We've heard a lot of debate over the return of the cats to Iowa. The funny part for us in the morning was the collective laughing at our friend and former colleague who was nearly obsessed with mountain lion sightings! She would bring up the story at any opportunity. Well Elisha...looks like you've got your proof!
Mondays are hard anyway...getting up early is getting harder because of the weather. I'm going on vacation in a week and a half and I can't wait! 79 and scattered clouds where we're headed.
To the News
It's Cold!
I'm glad I took the time to use the snow blower right when it stopped snowing yesterday. It was much easier to get all the slush off the driveway. We had a little debate over conditions Sunday and we all seemed to have a different opinion. I fell under the opinion...it wasn't as bad as I expected Sunday. We did what we normally do...trip to the gym, Starbucks for a little studying/reading the paper, and then home. The roads were certainly slick, but still passable.
This morning I thought it actually got worse. Everything under the snow froze. I thought it was harder to drive to work this morning. Feel free to discuss amongst yourselves...
Beef Recall
Did anyone else see that video from the Humane Society? It was disturbing to say the least. I'm glad the violations are coming to light but this one is too little too late. We already ate the beef! The problem is not that these cows were sick. As I understand it, it's that when a cow becomes unable to walk, and you drag it to slaughter...you can imagine the stuff on the floor. Well, that's the stuff you don't want in your meat and there's a significantly higher chance you'd get some of it in the meat if the cow's carcass is dirty. I'm not sure I'd eat meat for about a month if I had to sit through the process and watch. I'm not saying it's cruel or anything...these animals are bred for us to eat. I just think there's a humane way to do this. I'll ask our good friend Brad Hook to weigh in here...am I being a sissy Brad?
Cat or Lion?
Did you see Mark Tauschek's story about the guys in northwest Iowa who say they caught a picture of a mountain Lion? What do you think? I believe these guys. We've heard a lot of debate over the return of the cats to Iowa. The funny part for us in the morning was the collective laughing at our friend and former colleague who was nearly obsessed with mountain lion sightings! She would bring up the story at any opportunity. Well Elisha...looks like you've got your proof!
Friday, February 15, 2008
NIU Shooting, The Cost of Curting, and Jeriann's Back
Good Morning...
The morning didn't start as well as I usually like. I sat down at my computer this morning and the top button of my shirt snapped. So now I'm at work...it's three in the morning and the button on my collar isn't there. I kinda winged it. I don't think you could see, but I do think I need to lay off the doughnuts. It's a task easier said than done around here. Our excellent AP Jenny brought in cookies this morning. They were great!
We'll get right to it.
NIU Shooting
I knew right away when I heard about this shooting yesterday, that it would be our lead story this morning. Seven people are now dead and more people are in critical condition after a former Grad student walked into a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University and started shooting. Why anyone would do this is beyond explanation. How to protect anyone from such a random act of violence is a question without a real answer.
Recruiting Station Moved
In a move only the Federal Government could pull off, it remodeled the Recruiting Battalion at Camp Dodge at a cost of 1.7 million dollars to taxpayers...Then the Army decided to close that recruiting battalion and merge it with the Minneapolis station. I can't imagine why people think the government doesn't spend our tax money wisely.
Monsanto's Gift
Monsanto will give $5 million to the World Food Prize Headquarters in Downtown Des Moines. The announcement will come this morning.
The Cost of Courting
With Valentine's Day behind us, this story seemed appropriate this morning. Consider this, if you are just getting into a relationship. In an average two year relationship and wedding a guy will spend some 40-thousand dollars on a girl. Brooke asked when we got back to the desk, "Aren't women going to be offended by that story? They pay for dates or go "Dutch" a lot these days". I would ten to agree with her.....even if you split the cost...it's quite a
Jeriann's Fun Forecast
Thanks to Java B Good for its help this morning in giving us a last minute place to have Jeriann's fun forecast. Jeriann works hard at setting these things but and actually had another location lined up. They called to say they couldn't have her after all on Wednesday! So we had to punt this morning. I thought Jeriann and our host did a great job.
I hope you all have a great day
PWD
The morning didn't start as well as I usually like. I sat down at my computer this morning and the top button of my shirt snapped. So now I'm at work...it's three in the morning and the button on my collar isn't there. I kinda winged it. I don't think you could see, but I do think I need to lay off the doughnuts. It's a task easier said than done around here. Our excellent AP Jenny brought in cookies this morning. They were great!
We'll get right to it.
NIU Shooting
I knew right away when I heard about this shooting yesterday, that it would be our lead story this morning. Seven people are now dead and more people are in critical condition after a former Grad student walked into a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University and started shooting. Why anyone would do this is beyond explanation. How to protect anyone from such a random act of violence is a question without a real answer.
Recruiting Station Moved
In a move only the Federal Government could pull off, it remodeled the Recruiting Battalion at Camp Dodge at a cost of 1.7 million dollars to taxpayers...Then the Army decided to close that recruiting battalion and merge it with the Minneapolis station. I can't imagine why people think the government doesn't spend our tax money wisely.
Monsanto's Gift
Monsanto will give $5 million to the World Food Prize Headquarters in Downtown Des Moines. The announcement will come this morning.
The Cost of Courting
With Valentine's Day behind us, this story seemed appropriate this morning. Consider this, if you are just getting into a relationship. In an average two year relationship and wedding a guy will spend some 40-thousand dollars on a girl. Brooke asked when we got back to the desk, "Aren't women going to be offended by that story? They pay for dates or go "Dutch" a lot these days". I would ten to agree with her.....even if you split the cost...it's quite a
Jeriann's Fun Forecast
Thanks to Java B Good for its help this morning in giving us a last minute place to have Jeriann's fun forecast. Jeriann works hard at setting these things but and actually had another location lined up. They called to say they couldn't have her after all on Wednesday! So we had to punt this morning. I thought Jeriann and our host did a great job.
I hope you all have a great day
PWD
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Drake's Streak goes South, Andy does WX and catching up on the Blog
Good Morning!
I'm sorry I didn't contribute yesterday. I tried...really, but the people at the Los Angeles International Airport aren't as generous as our Airport people are. They don't have free wireless. I wrote on the plane and wanted to post it.
We arrived back in Des Moines last night just before 10pm. A little early. It was late for Roger and me.
Here's the entry anyway:
Somewhere over Colorado at 33,000 ft:I took Sally’s laptop computer this morning so I could blog a little while we were on our trip. If you missed the show this morning we are headed to Los Angeles on the first non-stop flight any major carrier has offered to the west coast from Des Moines. Those of you who’ve been around a while will remember AccesAir’s failed venture to bring west coast service to Des Moines. Things are, of course, different now. Skywest and United, the airlines running this route, are banking on business travel to fill the seats. You would think these people know what they’re doing. Los Angeles is one of the top ten destinations from Des Moines’ Airport, so you would think there would be demand. Leisure travelers might enjoy a quicker connection to Hawaii or other west coast destinations. Most importantly they tell me, they’re using regional jets. The CRJ-700 to be specific. It’s more fuel efficient and if they can get thirty to fifty passengers a day on the 66 seat aircraft they’re going to be making money on the deal. We’ve met a few really nice people on this flight and, surprisingly, to me at least, any of them are those leisure travelers. We talked to at least three couples headed to Hawaii, and one to San Diego. The question, as with every new venture at the airport, is can we sustain the traffic o this route to keep it going? That’s always the risk, not just here but in a lot of small to medium sized airports. I got on the phone with a lot of the businesses who might use this flight and a couple of travel agents. They were all in agreement. It’s a great idea, and they all hopes it would work. The business community was unanimous in its conclusion that this would make it easier for companies like Pioneer and Kemin Industries to get people back and forth to Asia they do a lot of traveling to Asia…ING has a division in southern California that’s slowly migrating to Des Moines. I guess there are a lot of people in the Des Moines office that still do business in Southern California. Finally, Pioneer representatives told me they’d use this as a recruiting tool. They think if they can tell top job candidates that you can get to either coast in less than four hours without having to connect; some of those people would be more likely to accept a job in Des Moines. We’re just passing over the Rockies now so my earlier assessment of our position was probably wrong.Roger Riley is along to shoot the video record of this trip and is having a great time taking digital pictures out the window of the plane. Colorado Springs and The Garden of the Gods was clearly visible. Wow this view is great! I never cross the Rockies in a plane without thinking…how in the world did anyone ever get across these things on foot? For the record, we are guests of United on this flight. They are ferrying us back and forth today. It will be a long day but I think we’ll get good use out of the story/stories we’ll pick up while we’re in California. Maybe more later, but I might try to get a few wink of sleep right now. As I said, it’s going to be a long day.
So on to today's news:
Drake
Well they lost, but we were talking this morning and I actually think that's a good thing. The streak doesn't mean anything if the team loses in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, or in the first round of the Valley Tournament for that matter. This gets losing out of the way, and they lost in a tough place to play and made it a good game. No damage. They might drop a few spots in the AP poll but that's ok.
Murder Trial
How bizarre is this case? Guy accused of shooting his mistresses husband...Authorities initially think the guy shot himself? The wife (accused of cheating) also brings another guy along for good measure? Should be interesting.
Valentine's Day
I didn't get a chance to read the blog from yesterday either but I think Brooke asked about Valentine's Day. It's Not that big of a deal in our house either. It sounds like an excuse but we really try to do something special for each other on a regular basis. Hallmark doesn't need my money.
Andy
What can I say? He's a pro...he's a good sport and he's funny. Look for the What's bugging Andy Morning edition on the web this morning. He was totally funny but also right on the mark about getting up early in the morning. It's full of moments where you have to look around and wonder if you're on candid camera. It would make a good reality show...
Look for What's bugging Jeriann tonight at 10pm.
Have a good day!
PWD
I'm sorry I didn't contribute yesterday. I tried...really, but the people at the Los Angeles International Airport aren't as generous as our Airport people are. They don't have free wireless. I wrote on the plane and wanted to post it.
We arrived back in Des Moines last night just before 10pm. A little early. It was late for Roger and me.
Here's the entry anyway:
Somewhere over Colorado at 33,000 ft:I took Sally’s laptop computer this morning so I could blog a little while we were on our trip. If you missed the show this morning we are headed to Los Angeles on the first non-stop flight any major carrier has offered to the west coast from Des Moines. Those of you who’ve been around a while will remember AccesAir’s failed venture to bring west coast service to Des Moines. Things are, of course, different now. Skywest and United, the airlines running this route, are banking on business travel to fill the seats. You would think these people know what they’re doing. Los Angeles is one of the top ten destinations from Des Moines’ Airport, so you would think there would be demand. Leisure travelers might enjoy a quicker connection to Hawaii or other west coast destinations. Most importantly they tell me, they’re using regional jets. The CRJ-700 to be specific. It’s more fuel efficient and if they can get thirty to fifty passengers a day on the 66 seat aircraft they’re going to be making money on the deal. We’ve met a few really nice people on this flight and, surprisingly, to me at least, any of them are those leisure travelers. We talked to at least three couples headed to Hawaii, and one to San Diego. The question, as with every new venture at the airport, is can we sustain the traffic o this route to keep it going? That’s always the risk, not just here but in a lot of small to medium sized airports. I got on the phone with a lot of the businesses who might use this flight and a couple of travel agents. They were all in agreement. It’s a great idea, and they all hopes it would work. The business community was unanimous in its conclusion that this would make it easier for companies like Pioneer and Kemin Industries to get people back and forth to Asia they do a lot of traveling to Asia…ING has a division in southern California that’s slowly migrating to Des Moines. I guess there are a lot of people in the Des Moines office that still do business in Southern California. Finally, Pioneer representatives told me they’d use this as a recruiting tool. They think if they can tell top job candidates that you can get to either coast in less than four hours without having to connect; some of those people would be more likely to accept a job in Des Moines. We’re just passing over the Rockies now so my earlier assessment of our position was probably wrong.Roger Riley is along to shoot the video record of this trip and is having a great time taking digital pictures out the window of the plane. Colorado Springs and The Garden of the Gods was clearly visible. Wow this view is great! I never cross the Rockies in a plane without thinking…how in the world did anyone ever get across these things on foot? For the record, we are guests of United on this flight. They are ferrying us back and forth today. It will be a long day but I think we’ll get good use out of the story/stories we’ll pick up while we’re in California. Maybe more later, but I might try to get a few wink of sleep right now. As I said, it’s going to be a long day.
So on to today's news:
Drake
Well they lost, but we were talking this morning and I actually think that's a good thing. The streak doesn't mean anything if the team loses in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, or in the first round of the Valley Tournament for that matter. This gets losing out of the way, and they lost in a tough place to play and made it a good game. No damage. They might drop a few spots in the AP poll but that's ok.
Murder Trial
How bizarre is this case? Guy accused of shooting his mistresses husband...Authorities initially think the guy shot himself? The wife (accused of cheating) also brings another guy along for good measure? Should be interesting.
Valentine's Day
I didn't get a chance to read the blog from yesterday either but I think Brooke asked about Valentine's Day. It's Not that big of a deal in our house either. It sounds like an excuse but we really try to do something special for each other on a regular basis. Hallmark doesn't need my money.
Andy
What can I say? He's a pro...he's a good sport and he's funny. Look for the What's bugging Andy Morning edition on the web this morning. He was totally funny but also right on the mark about getting up early in the morning. It's full of moments where you have to look around and wonder if you're on candid camera. It would make a good reality show...
Look for What's bugging Jeriann tonight at 10pm.
Have a good day!
PWD
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Flying to LaLa land, Jeriann gets cranky and Strike is over
Pat Wings It
Pat is off to a warmer climate this morning as the rest of us race from the parking lot to the front door of the office trying to keep our nose hairs from freezing up. If you missed it this morning, Pat was live out at the Des Moines International Airport to talk about a new daily non-stop flight to Los Angeles. This is a good thing for business travelers because you're spending less than four hours traveling to California. With connections in places like Chicago, Denver or Minneapolis you would spend at least 6 hours getting to LA and this time of year you might not make it out of those connection stops because of bad weather. As Patrick pointed out, it's going to cost you more to get there but most business travelers will pay for the convenience. Pat did some looking online and the ticket prices for this direct route were ranging from roughly $500-1,000.
And if you are wondering what Pat is going to do until 5:00 pm when the flight returns, he tells me he will be working. Some of the people who work on the morning show were joking that he'd find a way to get in a round of golf or something. But he's actually working on a story about a business relocating to Iowa. However, if he returns with a tan we will be suspicious!
What's bugging Jeriann?
Did you see the commerical this morning about Jeriann and Andy Fales switching jobs for the day? Tomorrow morning, instead of waking up to Jeriann's perky forecast, you'll get the pleasure of seeing Andy try his hand at delivering the weather. This is a must see! Set your Tivo if youn't tun in. The trade-off is that Jeriann gets to do "What's Bugging Jeriann." She's sounding off about love and marriage and I guarantee you will love what she has to say.
Writers Strike it over... now give me my tv shows back!
Finally the writers and producers have come to an agreement. They get to go back to work writing new shows starting today but it might be too late. Some shows will air new episodes in late March, others won't start up again until fall. And some just won't return.
Valentines Day
Are you planning to do something for the day or do you boycott? I want to know your thoughts on this.
Have a great day!
Brooke
Pat is off to a warmer climate this morning as the rest of us race from the parking lot to the front door of the office trying to keep our nose hairs from freezing up. If you missed it this morning, Pat was live out at the Des Moines International Airport to talk about a new daily non-stop flight to Los Angeles. This is a good thing for business travelers because you're spending less than four hours traveling to California. With connections in places like Chicago, Denver or Minneapolis you would spend at least 6 hours getting to LA and this time of year you might not make it out of those connection stops because of bad weather. As Patrick pointed out, it's going to cost you more to get there but most business travelers will pay for the convenience. Pat did some looking online and the ticket prices for this direct route were ranging from roughly $500-1,000.
And if you are wondering what Pat is going to do until 5:00 pm when the flight returns, he tells me he will be working. Some of the people who work on the morning show were joking that he'd find a way to get in a round of golf or something. But he's actually working on a story about a business relocating to Iowa. However, if he returns with a tan we will be suspicious!
What's bugging Jeriann?
Did you see the commerical this morning about Jeriann and Andy Fales switching jobs for the day? Tomorrow morning, instead of waking up to Jeriann's perky forecast, you'll get the pleasure of seeing Andy try his hand at delivering the weather. This is a must see! Set your Tivo if youn't tun in. The trade-off is that Jeriann gets to do "What's Bugging Jeriann." She's sounding off about love and marriage and I guarantee you will love what she has to say.
Writers Strike it over... now give me my tv shows back!
Finally the writers and producers have come to an agreement. They get to go back to work writing new shows starting today but it might be too late. Some shows will air new episodes in late March, others won't start up again until fall. And some just won't return.
Valentines Day
Are you planning to do something for the day or do you boycott? I want to know your thoughts on this.
Have a great day!
Brooke
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Mortgage Help, HeartAware, and Mary Lou on Shawn
Good Morning,
We had a busy studio this morning with a satellite interview with Mary Lou Retton, and a live guest to tell you about a Heart test you can take from home...Brad had a lot of accidents early because of the snow and Schools delayed because of the snow north of Highway 30.
So let’s get to it.
Mortgage Help
If you ask me lenders are doing the smart thing here. No one wants homes all over the country to go into foreclosure. Much better to have people stay in their home and pay off the loan. Now
that said, there are some consumer advocate groups who are saying that's not enough. I'm not sure how far I think these lenders should have to go. One of the things that's bothered me about the credit crunch is that people who never should have taken on a mortgage...now have one. You can't just pretend they should have a home loan. Now the lenders never should have allowed these loans to go out, and something tells me, in some cases, they knew where this was going to go. No one is blameless in all of this.
If you want help with a Home loan you're falling behind on you can call 1-877-622-4866.
The Cost of War
Losing young men and women in combat is a terrible cost to war. Losing these men and women
after they come home is unacceptable. The AP released the results of a Veteran's Administration survey showing the majority of soldier suicides come from the ranks of the National Guard. If these men and women are troubled emotionally after they come back, we owe them help to deal with those problems. They sacrificed themselves for us...the least we can do is put the resources in place to make sure they can maker a successful transition back to their regular lives.
We had a busy studio this morning with a satellite interview with Mary Lou Retton, and a live guest to tell you about a Heart test you can take from home...Brad had a lot of accidents early because of the snow and Schools delayed because of the snow north of Highway 30.
So let’s get to it.
Mortgage Help
If you ask me lenders are doing the smart thing here. No one wants homes all over the country to go into foreclosure. Much better to have people stay in their home and pay off the loan. Now
that said, there are some consumer advocate groups who are saying that's not enough. I'm not sure how far I think these lenders should have to go. One of the things that's bothered me about the credit crunch is that people who never should have taken on a mortgage...now have one. You can't just pretend they should have a home loan. Now the lenders never should have allowed these loans to go out, and something tells me, in some cases, they knew where this was going to go. No one is blameless in all of this.If you want help with a Home loan you're falling behind on you can call 1-877-622-4866.
The Cost of War
Losing young men and women in combat is a terrible cost to war. Losing these men and women
after they come home is unacceptable. The AP released the results of a Veteran's Administration survey showing the majority of soldier suicides come from the ranks of the National Guard. If these men and women are troubled emotionally after they come back, we owe them help to deal with those problems. They sacrificed themselves for us...the least we can do is put the resources in place to make sure they can maker a successful transition back to their regular lives.Potomac vs. Chesapeake Primary
Barak Obama seems to have a bog lead in all of the polls for today primaries in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. The headlines this morning indicate the Clinton camp is giving up
on these contests in favor of bigger prizes in Ohio and Texas. Bottom line, no frontrunner, no nominee for a while if you're a Democrat.
The debate over this story came yesterday. I was calling it the Potomac Primary. The girls were calling in, the Chesapeake Primary. What do you prefer?
HeartAware
There is an online study that only takes a few minutes and may save your life. That the pitch from the Iowa Clinics this week as they kick off their HeartAware program. I took the survey last night and am happy to report that I have a 1% chance of having some sort of cardiovascular disease. I also know, however that high cholesterol runs in my family, I am slightly overweight and have(at times) a high stress job that could effect blood pressure. All of these are things for me to watch even at 33. My point is that you're never too young to watch it.
The survey is on the Iowa Clinics Homepage
Mary Lou on Shawn
Brooke was good enough to set up an interview with Mary Lou Retton this morning to talk ab
out her new promotion for Tyson Foods. It's called Gold Medal Moms. If you think your Mom deserves a once in a lifetime trip to the Summer Olympics in China...you can write them: http://www.goldmedalmoms.com/ .
We, of course, got off the subject of Tyson and Moms and on to the topic of Iowa's golden girl Shawn Johnson in a hurry. Mary Lou thinks Shawn is ready to take the gold in the All-around competition this summer in Beijing.
Barak Obama seems to have a bog lead in all of the polls for today primaries in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. The headlines this morning indicate the Clinton camp is giving up
on these contests in favor of bigger prizes in Ohio and Texas. Bottom line, no frontrunner, no nominee for a while if you're a Democrat.The debate over this story came yesterday. I was calling it the Potomac Primary. The girls were calling in, the Chesapeake Primary. What do you prefer?
HeartAware
There is an online study that only takes a few minutes and may save your life. That the pitch from the Iowa Clinics this week as they kick off their HeartAware program. I took the survey last night and am happy to report that I have a 1% chance of having some sort of cardiovascular disease. I also know, however that high cholesterol runs in my family, I am slightly overweight and have(at times) a high stress job that could effect blood pressure. All of these are things for me to watch even at 33. My point is that you're never too young to watch it.The survey is on the Iowa Clinics Homepage
Mary Lou on Shawn
Brooke was good enough to set up an interview with Mary Lou Retton this morning to talk ab
out her new promotion for Tyson Foods. It's called Gold Medal Moms. If you think your Mom deserves a once in a lifetime trip to the Summer Olympics in China...you can write them: http://www.goldmedalmoms.com/ .We, of course, got off the subject of Tyson and Moms and on to the topic of Iowa's golden girl Shawn Johnson in a hurry. Mary Lou thinks Shawn is ready to take the gold in the All-around competition this summer in Beijing.
I will be "on assignment", as they say, tomorrow on Today in Iowa. Roger Riley and I are going to wing our way to the West Coast tomorrow. We'll explain tomorrow's broadcast. Then Thursday morning we're in for a big switcharoo. Please believe me when I tell you that it's worth your time to get up and watch the whole show Thursday morning
Have a good day
PWD
Have a good day
PWD
Monday, February 11, 2008
Patomac Primary, Hearty Month and You Asked For it
Good Morning...
We tried, we thought you could handle it, but there's no doubt now, the blog comments have deteriorated into pure stupidity. So as of this morning if you want to comment we'll ask you to sign up. Those of you who do will be welcome to comment and contribute. It has little or nothing to do with what was said. It's pretty clear to us who was commenting.
My only thought?...get your boss to let you write a blog.
To the News:
Potomac Primary
After a weekend of caucuses from The Pacific Northwest to the East Coast, Sen Barack Obama is looking to continue the momentum he built up. Obama won all of the democratic contests this weekend but still trails Sen Clinton when you add in the Super Delegate count. If you haven't heard of Super Delegates, these are Party Big wigs...VIP's that get a vote at the Democratic Convention. Interesting that the Dems Super Delegates in this state are still split. If I were a voter who went out and caucuses here in Iowa, and my Congressman for instance, was going to go against the will of his district and vote for the candidate we DIDN'T choose...I'd be upset.
On the Republican side there aren't enough delegates for Iowa winner Mike Huckabee to win the nomination...but who knows what would happen if, for instance Mitt Romney committed his delegates to Huckabee instead of McCain. We'll see.
Smoking Ban
What about this ban on indoor smoking? It looks like it's going to pass and that it's going to be signed into law. I'd be interested to hear your opinions about banning smoking in all public places.
Heart Healthy
Megan Reuther is going to give people some tips each Monday of February to try and promote some good heart health. This week it was the testing you need to have done to make sure you are heart healthy. If you're a thirty something like me, you might not want to skip over this stuff. If for no other reason,. you might want some baseline testing done. The idea is that doctors will have something to compare it to later in your life to see if anything's changed. I've run into a few instances with friends where doctors think they see something wrong on a test but aren't sure because they have nothing to compare it to. Next week: Exercising for a healthy heart.
This is one of those areas where you think you shouldn't worry about your heart until you are older. But this morning one of the nurses from the traveling clinic in Megan's story said a lot of our bad behavior in college and during our 20's (like eating poorly and drinking too much alcohol) can really take a toll on your heart while you are still relatively young. Even people who live a healthy lifestyle can have heart problems if it is hereditary.
Weekend
We did our part for the economy this weekend. It wasn't actually new money out of our pocket, it was mostly money we had from Christmas returns. This morning's tie was a result of that return/exchange spree.
Find of the weekend came when we walked into Blockbuster and found a pre-viewed copy of the third season of The West Wing for $20. We got the second season for Christmas and have been looking for the others. We just happened to have 2 $10 gift cards from our stockings...Perfect!
Speaking of perfect Sal and I had a great date night Saturday. I have said before I won't call out bad businesses or bad experiences by name here but I will praise great ones. We had dinner at 801 Steak House as a special celebration. The service, the food and the entire experience was really worth it...and for those of you who've eaten there you know it's pricey! We don't do it often but that, I guess, is what makes it special.
Eric and I went to a movie on Saturday night while my sister watched Evan. We love going to the Fleur so we decided to see 'There will be Blood' with Daniel Day-Lewis. I got 8 Oscar nominations so we figured it had to be good. It definitely was, but a little bit of a downer. I think I was in the mood for something funny and this definitely didn't help me beat the winter blues. Has anyone else seen this movie? It was also one of those movies that left you wondering about a lot of things, too. I guess that's the mark of a good movie, but there are a few things that I want answered when I walk out of the theatre.
Have a good start to the week.
PWD
We tried, we thought you could handle it, but there's no doubt now, the blog comments have deteriorated into pure stupidity. So as of this morning if you want to comment we'll ask you to sign up. Those of you who do will be welcome to comment and contribute. It has little or nothing to do with what was said. It's pretty clear to us who was commenting.
My only thought?...get your boss to let you write a blog.
To the News:
Potomac Primary
After a weekend of caucuses from The Pacific Northwest to the East Coast, Sen Barack Obama is looking to continue the momentum he built up. Obama won all of the democratic contests this weekend but still trails Sen Clinton when you add in the Super Delegate count. If you haven't heard of Super Delegates, these are Party Big wigs...VIP's that get a vote at the Democratic Convention. Interesting that the Dems Super Delegates in this state are still split. If I were a voter who went out and caucuses here in Iowa, and my Congressman for instance, was going to go against the will of his district and vote for the candidate we DIDN'T choose...I'd be upset.
On the Republican side there aren't enough delegates for Iowa winner Mike Huckabee to win the nomination...but who knows what would happen if, for instance Mitt Romney committed his delegates to Huckabee instead of McCain. We'll see.
Smoking Ban
What about this ban on indoor smoking? It looks like it's going to pass and that it's going to be signed into law. I'd be interested to hear your opinions about banning smoking in all public places.
Heart Healthy
Megan Reuther is going to give people some tips each Monday of February to try and promote some good heart health. This week it was the testing you need to have done to make sure you are heart healthy. If you're a thirty something like me, you might not want to skip over this stuff. If for no other reason,. you might want some baseline testing done. The idea is that doctors will have something to compare it to later in your life to see if anything's changed. I've run into a few instances with friends where doctors think they see something wrong on a test but aren't sure because they have nothing to compare it to. Next week: Exercising for a healthy heart.
This is one of those areas where you think you shouldn't worry about your heart until you are older. But this morning one of the nurses from the traveling clinic in Megan's story said a lot of our bad behavior in college and during our 20's (like eating poorly and drinking too much alcohol) can really take a toll on your heart while you are still relatively young. Even people who live a healthy lifestyle can have heart problems if it is hereditary.
Weekend
We did our part for the economy this weekend. It wasn't actually new money out of our pocket, it was mostly money we had from Christmas returns. This morning's tie was a result of that return/exchange spree.
Find of the weekend came when we walked into Blockbuster and found a pre-viewed copy of the third season of The West Wing for $20. We got the second season for Christmas and have been looking for the others. We just happened to have 2 $10 gift cards from our stockings...Perfect!
Speaking of perfect Sal and I had a great date night Saturday. I have said before I won't call out bad businesses or bad experiences by name here but I will praise great ones. We had dinner at 801 Steak House as a special celebration. The service, the food and the entire experience was really worth it...and for those of you who've eaten there you know it's pricey! We don't do it often but that, I guess, is what makes it special.
Eric and I went to a movie on Saturday night while my sister watched Evan. We love going to the Fleur so we decided to see 'There will be Blood' with Daniel Day-Lewis. I got 8 Oscar nominations so we figured it had to be good. It definitely was, but a little bit of a downer. I think I was in the mood for something funny and this definitely didn't help me beat the winter blues. Has anyone else seen this movie? It was also one of those movies that left you wondering about a lot of things, too. I guess that's the mark of a good movie, but there are a few things that I want answered when I walk out of the theatre.
Have a good start to the week.
PWD
Friday, February 08, 2008
Checks in the Mail and Jeriann's in Ankeny
Good morning. Not sure why but this week has been a long one. I am very ready for the weekend. It might have something to do with the weather and the fact that my husband has been out of town. Glad to have you home Eric! It makes me appreciate him even more when he's not around to help out with Evan.
I agree with Brooke...I think, in part it's the time of year. We're getting into the weeks where Iowa's long winter starts to get a little too long.
Jeriann In Ankeny
Did you catch Jeriann out at the Ankeny Public Works garage? Talk about a fun group of people. These guys have been operating on NO sleep and they still woke up early and got in by 5 to help Jeriann do her Friday Fun Forecast. They invited her a few weeks back and so she decided it would be the perfect place to go live this time of year. Jeriann got a crash course in snow removal and what it takes to keep the roads clean.
I thought these guys were great...especially the guy who was doing his own little Samba on the side...great moves! I actually saw him warming up in the background!
Checks in the Mail... soon
The President is expected to sign that economic stimulus plan that will include tax rebate checks to most people who pay taxes. Individuals who make less than 75-thousand and couples earning less than 150-thousand will qualify. The taxesDisabled Veterans and seniors are also covered under this revised plan that the President said he wouldn't accept. Looks like he changed his mind probably because he didn't want any hold up. Those checks will be sent out in May.
The government wants you to spend it in order to help the economy. So start thinking about what you can't live without! And remember, it's all for a good cause!
Entertainment. Is it news?
This is something I have been struggling with for a while now. I admit, I look at US Weekly just like most of the other people I know, but at what point does celebrity news have a place in traditional newscasts? On Wednesday I was watching MSNBC and they literally stopped their political coverage about Super Tuesday results to check in with their Hollywood corespondant about Brittney Spears. It went something like this: "Breaking news out of Los Angeles this morning... We are told that Brittany Spears is released from the hospital. " What! That's breaking news?
Today, it was all about Anna Nicole Smith. Apparently she died a year ago today and it's important enough to be all over the wires and on news websites. Really? Am I way off base here for feeling tired of Brittany and all the other pointless celebrity stories making their way on national news? Maybe I am just cranky today.
Nope, not cranky...you're right on the money!
I usually lose this argument in the newsrooms I've worked in. I don't get it and it's not my thing...but then again, I always convince our producers to put US Open golf highlights into the show. I know they don't care about that either, so maybe there's a little bit of , "To each his/her own".
Hope you all have a great weekend. Stay warm. Sounds like it is going to get very cold.
I know this is becoming a running joke, but I have to say it again. Spel cheq is still down.
It's not so much the spelling as it is a small keyboard and fat fingers....OK it's the spelling too.
Brooke
I agree with Brooke...I think, in part it's the time of year. We're getting into the weeks where Iowa's long winter starts to get a little too long.
Jeriann In Ankeny
Did you catch Jeriann out at the Ankeny Public Works garage? Talk about a fun group of people. These guys have been operating on NO sleep and they still woke up early and got in by 5 to help Jeriann do her Friday Fun Forecast. They invited her a few weeks back and so she decided it would be the perfect place to go live this time of year. Jeriann got a crash course in snow removal and what it takes to keep the roads clean.
I thought these guys were great...especially the guy who was doing his own little Samba on the side...great moves! I actually saw him warming up in the background!
Checks in the Mail... soon
The President is expected to sign that economic stimulus plan that will include tax rebate checks to most people who pay taxes. Individuals who make less than 75-thousand and couples earning less than 150-thousand will qualify. The taxesDisabled Veterans and seniors are also covered under this revised plan that the President said he wouldn't accept. Looks like he changed his mind probably because he didn't want any hold up. Those checks will be sent out in May.
The government wants you to spend it in order to help the economy. So start thinking about what you can't live without! And remember, it's all for a good cause!
Entertainment. Is it news?
This is something I have been struggling with for a while now. I admit, I look at US Weekly just like most of the other people I know, but at what point does celebrity news have a place in traditional newscasts? On Wednesday I was watching MSNBC and they literally stopped their political coverage about Super Tuesday results to check in with their Hollywood corespondant about Brittney Spears. It went something like this: "Breaking news out of Los Angeles this morning... We are told that Brittany Spears is released from the hospital. " What! That's breaking news?
Today, it was all about Anna Nicole Smith. Apparently she died a year ago today and it's important enough to be all over the wires and on news websites. Really? Am I way off base here for feeling tired of Brittany and all the other pointless celebrity stories making their way on national news? Maybe I am just cranky today.
Nope, not cranky...you're right on the money!
I usually lose this argument in the newsrooms I've worked in. I don't get it and it's not my thing...but then again, I always convince our producers to put US Open golf highlights into the show. I know they don't care about that either, so maybe there's a little bit of , "To each his/her own".
Hope you all have a great weekend. Stay warm. Sounds like it is going to get very cold.
I know this is becoming a running joke, but I have to say it again. Spel cheq is still down.
It's not so much the spelling as it is a small keyboard and fat fingers....OK it's the spelling too.
Brooke
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Stalled Stimulous, Fundraising and Super Tuesday, and Jeriann's Challenge
Good Morning!
We're a little late getting this one going today...it's been a busy morning with some side projects we're workiong on for next week.
I'll be brief:
Jeriann was out at the Walnut Creek YMCA this morning getting a baseline test for the fittest executive contest. No she hasn't been promoted...there's a media catagory too. She'll work the next three months to eat better workout more and generally be a healthier person (a project she was already well on her way with). I'm proud of her for doing it. We all can make an effort to be healthier in what we eat and what we do. I suspect Jeriann is already pretty fit.
I told her I did the same conterst last year or the year before...I can't remember. The best part for me...I was the only one in the contest! Steve Karlin would have kicked my you know what, but he injured himself and couldn't do it. And no, I didn't go tonya Harding on him.
To the News:
At the writing of this blog we are just hearing the news that Mitt Romney will suspend his Presidential Campaign. This campaign is getting expensive and first reaction in the newsroom was... Romney didn't want to spend his own money anymore. The Governor actually told the Conservative Political Action Conference that he doesn't want to hold up a national campaign against Democrats.
Money IS the issue today on the Democrats side. Both candidates filled the gas tanks.
Sen Clinton announced she'd beat her online goal and raised four miollion dollars since Super Tuesday. Not to be outdone, Sen Obama has raised seven and a half since the polls last closed. What do you all think of the amount of money spent so far? I'll let you comment.
They're still counting votes in New Mexico. Florida voters are hoping it lasts another week.
The News of Romeny stepping aside is overshadowing the stalled out the tax rebate package now stalled in the Senate. No one wantws to be the party that stopped money from flowing back into American's pockets. The horse is already out of the barn on this one.
Meanwhile Iowa Republicans just announced they'll put forward a package to give the state's economy a shot in the arm. The plan includes extending tax free status to just about everything during the so called "tax free weekend" here in August, not just school related supplies.
Have a good day:
PWD
We're a little late getting this one going today...it's been a busy morning with some side projects we're workiong on for next week.
I'll be brief:
Jeriann was out at the Walnut Creek YMCA this morning getting a baseline test for the fittest executive contest. No she hasn't been promoted...there's a media catagory too. She'll work the next three months to eat better workout more and generally be a healthier person (a project she was already well on her way with). I'm proud of her for doing it. We all can make an effort to be healthier in what we eat and what we do. I suspect Jeriann is already pretty fit.
I told her I did the same conterst last year or the year before...I can't remember. The best part for me...I was the only one in the contest! Steve Karlin would have kicked my you know what, but he injured himself and couldn't do it. And no, I didn't go tonya Harding on him.
To the News:
At the writing of this blog we are just hearing the news that Mitt Romney will suspend his Presidential Campaign. This campaign is getting expensive and first reaction in the newsroom was... Romney didn't want to spend his own money anymore. The Governor actually told the Conservative Political Action Conference that he doesn't want to hold up a national campaign against Democrats.
Money IS the issue today on the Democrats side. Both candidates filled the gas tanks.
Sen Clinton announced she'd beat her online goal and raised four miollion dollars since Super Tuesday. Not to be outdone, Sen Obama has raised seven and a half since the polls last closed. What do you all think of the amount of money spent so far? I'll let you comment.
They're still counting votes in New Mexico. Florida voters are hoping it lasts another week.
The News of Romeny stepping aside is overshadowing the stalled out the tax rebate package now stalled in the Senate. No one wantws to be the party that stopped money from flowing back into American's pockets. The horse is already out of the barn on this one.
Meanwhile Iowa Republicans just announced they'll put forward a package to give the state's economy a shot in the arm. The plan includes extending tax free status to just about everything during the so called "tax free weekend" here in August, not just school related supplies.
Have a good day:
PWD
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Vote Totals, Snow Totals and Box Score Totals
Good Morning!
No clear winner no nominee, but Republicans sure have a front-runner. We'll see if Mitt Romney can pull out a couple of wins and get closer to John McCain. Mike Huckabee is the surprise of the night with five states won.
I hope those of you who have a day off are enjoying it. Some businesses closed this morning and almost all the Metro and Central Iowa Schools closed.
I'll pull from the Today in Iowa mailbag first this morning because we got an interesting email it says:
Please quit telling people what to do , if they want to go outside let them. You do not know everything and people have there own minds. ALso quit saying just because one school cancell's the other would . You are going to get yourself in trouble some day doing that. Just announce the facts and nothing more.
I wrote back to this gentleman and the following explaination is close to what he got back in his inbox:
He isn't the first person to give us this kind of feedback. Maybe you think the same thing. I'd only say that we make those kinds of statements based on about a decade of watching these school closings come in, and from actually talking to Administrators about what they do.
These District leaders talk to each other in the morning and if one of them were blogging here I think they would tell us it would be rare for West Des Moines or Des Moines to close and one of the other Districts in the Metro area to stay open. This owrks the other way too. If Johnson chooses to close or if Urbandale would close, we would probably say...West Des Moines and Des Moines that DOESN'T mean your going to have the day off. Those districts sometimes have more kids in less urban areas and the busses sometimes have a harder time getting kids to school.
We say "you might want to stay home" when the Iowa DOT starts talking about "Travel not advised". That's not us, that's the State Patrol and DOT making that decision. Now if you think we're crazy and it was "much worse back in the day" when you had to draw your horse and buggy up the hill both ways in the snow to work...have at it.
We say "you might want to stay home" when the Iowa DOT starts talking about "Travel not advised". That's not us, that's the State Patrol and DOT making that decision. Now if you think we're crazy and it was "much worse back in the day" when you had to draw your horse and buggy up the hill both ways in the snow to work...have at it.
But we also say those things because we also get emails from people asking why we didn't tell them to stay home. I'm not kidding. We're trying to give you the perspective of four or five people who've already driven to work.
This morning: It's not nice.
If you have to go out. We just want you to be careful.
To the other news:
Super Tuesday
No clear winner no nominee, but Republicans sure have a front-runner. We'll see if Mitt Romney can pull out a couple of wins and get closer to John McCain. Mike Huckabee is the surprise of the night with five states won.Between the two Democrats, Not a huge seperation. Obama won more states, Clinton won the States with more delegates. It's going to be close.
New from an exciting election night was marred by the news of 31 people killed in storms across the south.
Drake
The Bulldogs continue to write an improbable script on the way to a Missouri Valley crown. The 
Dogs are now four games up on Illinois State and have a 20 game winning streak. Next up: Evansville at home this weekend.
Dogs are now four games up on Illinois State and have a 20 game winning streak. Next up: Evansville at home this weekend.I have to go close my eyes for a few minutes. I was at Drake last night speaking to one of the MPA classes about relationships between government and the Media. Didn't get home until a little past bedtime and then I had to stay up until the polls closed in California. I'm paying for it now and the caffine doesn't seem to work anymore.
PWD
P.$, -Spyll Chick is Stell Browquen.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Super Tuesday, Snowy Tuesday, Fat Tuesday
Good Morning Happy Fat Super and snowy Tuesday!
We'll go right to the news
Let the Voting Begin.
We were a little unclear about the math (as we usually are) on Super Tuesday. We keep saying the races will be contrested in 24 states, Democrats have 21 and Republicans 22 (or maybe it's
the other way around). Anyway, the way that math works out is that there are states where only Democrats or Only Republicans are voting.
the other way around). Anyway, the way that math works out is that there are states where only Democrats or Only Republicans are voting. Obama is gaining on Clinton in a few key races and Romney is gaining on McCain in California...The latter is thanks in part to a campaign among conservative talk show hosts against the Sen from Arizona. Is it me or is the Republican party struggling to find itself? When The man the party nominated is writing the leading talk show host in the nation to plead that McCain is actually a conservative...there is clearly disagreement over the ideas and positions that define conservatism. It will be interesting to see where this debate leaves Republicans after the elections.
Cell Phones and Driving
I got a new cell phone a few weeks ago and I have to admit to dialing or texting while I was driving. I realized what I was doing and stopped. But the number of people I see doing this on a daily basis is scary. And while we're on the subject of driving, I renew my plea for proper ramp etiquette on the freeway. Driving at full speed to the end of the ramp, then stopping in rush hour traffic doesn't work. In fact, it backs up traffic and it takes just one car doing it wrong to screw up everyone's merge. I plead with Central Iowa Drivers...Get up to the speed of traffic, look for an opening and get in there!. If you are the one in the right lane...LET EM IN!
Record Audience
The Super Bowl pulled more than 97 million people in this weekend. I remember last wee someone on sports talk radio saying the NY/NE matchup woiuld be the worst thing for ratings....ummmmm maybe not. Not only are you bringing in two of the biggest markets in the country...everyone watching was at least a little curious to see history. In this case it ended up being the Giants beating the Patriots. History...just not the kind everyone was thinking they'd see.
On a side not, the second half survey for Super Bowl Commercials is now up and online at Harvest Research. Let em know which commercials you thought were the best.
Tuesday/Wednesday Snow
Jeriann says this one's setting up to be big. As of the writing of this blog, the target for the biggest totals had moved off to our east to Newton and Grinnell. The Des Moines metro area should still get a significant amount of snow. We're talking 6-10 inches. Some of it will come in bursts this afternoon and this evening...the rest will come after 10pm. Enjoy!
Mr. Manners (or...Why I'm still fat Tuesday)
Thanks to all the people at the gym who actually stick to the half hour they're supposed to be on a treadmill.
Thanks to all the people at the gym who actually stick to the half hour they're supposed to be on a treadmill.
I didn't have the best experience at the gym yesterday. I showed up a few minutes before five and signed up for a machine at five. It happened to be the first treadmill in line. The guy on it was still running so I figured I'd wait and let him finish.
Ten minutes later he's still running so I stepped in front of the machine and stared at him...it didn't work. Now I'm fifteen minutes into the hour I wanted to spend at the gym and I haven't done a thing.
One of the trainers noticed and asked the guy to gett off the machine...The Guy responds..."I'm only going to be five more minutes".
Clearly he gets the point of keeping it to a half hour.
Clearly this is a good solution for everyone.
Afterall, I get my ten minutes of the half hour I signed up for. Who wouldn't be happy?
We're all busy, we all want to spend as much time as we can on the treadmill...
Here's a way to get around the system. Show up fifteen minutes into the half hour and sign up for the following half hour. That way you get 45 minutes on the tredmill. It seems like a simple solution to me. Either way, get off the tredmill when you know you're over your time and there's someone staring at you!
I need all the time on there I can get.
Have a great day. We'll have school closings and delays running in the early morning hours...so wake up with us tomorrrow on Today in Iowa anad we'll let you know if you can go back to bed.
PWD
Edytors' Nowt: Spel Ckuck is still browken
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Super Tuesday Eve, Super Bowl and
Good Morning.
I am getting started on this a little early (Sunday)because I'm so bummed...What was FOX thinking? Every song they presented in this year's pre-game show was...recorded.
Was it just me or did I see just about everyone who was singing fall behind the recording? 
What's worst is that they did it to the National Anthem! Does anyone else r
emember Whitney Houston? That might have been the single most memorable Pre-Super Bowl moment of my lifetime. We were weeks away from the first Gulf War and she captured the emotion and pride of an entire nation. Can we not trust the woman singing to do the same this year? If you can't get up for that moment...say no to the offer to sing the anthem.
What's worst is that they did it to the National Anthem! Does anyone else r
emember Whitney Houston? That might have been the single most memorable Pre-Super Bowl moment of my lifetime. We were weeks away from the first Gulf War and she captured the emotion and pride of an entire nation. Can we not trust the woman singing to do the same this year? If you can't get up for that moment...say no to the offer to sing the anthem. ....And here comes the coin toss. Yikes. It's like the Yalta convention out there!
Joe Buck Said it best...Finally football!
-Is everyone sitting away from Peyton Manning cause he yells a lot when he's watching his brother plays?...if so I like him more than I did before the game
-(Halftime) Do any of the kids in the front row actually know who Tom Petty is?
At least he's really singing.
-How bout Phil Mickelson for giving up his Super Bowl tix so some Dad and his kid can go instead...
-(2nd Half) TGI Friday's Potato Skins are goooood
-(Halftime) Do any of the kids in the front row actually know who Tom Petty is?
At least he's really singing.
-How bout Phil Mickelson for giving up his Super Bowl tix so some Dad and his kid can go instead...
-(2nd Half) TGI Friday's Potato Skins are goooood
-Was it me or did eveyone lose audio a lot on Mediacom?
-Great Game...one of the best endings to a Super Bowl in a while. The only problem? Couldn't sleep after my heartrate got to about 170.
It was all Super Bowl and Weather this morning. Jeriann says Oskaloosa and other areas nearby could get a lot of snow tomorrow morning added to the foot they got yesterday. Now this is the Iowa I remember growing up!
I don't have a lot to add this morning. I just wasn't wowed by the commercials that aired during the Super Bowl. Am I the only one who thinks that? They were not really clever or funny. Loved the screaming animals. That's the only one that got a rise out of me.
Pat and Jeriann and I went to Trostels Friday afternoon to celebrate the start of the weekend. It's a rare occasion when we all get together outside of work, so it was kind of fun kickin' back together. Love the mac and cheese at Trostels. Enjoy the pictures.
Have a great week.
Brooke and Pat
Friday, February 01, 2008
Civil Debate,Super Bowl Weekend and Chocolate Breakfast
Good Morning!
I wanted to reiterate something as we started the blog this morning. We'll take inapropriate posts off the blog. We're all for criticsim of the product or how we produce the news. There's even a place for critcisim of us, we're happy to hear your opinions. There is a group of people at the station that will monitor the posts simply to make sure they're on topic. Thanks for the grammar lessons and the great posts from the last few days.
On that note I found this explaination of my gramatical sins on a site called Englishchick.com. To attone for my error, I will write this lesson 1000 times:
This horse belongs to Xena and I.
INCORRECT "I" is a pronoun that must be the subject, never the object, of a verb. "Me" is a pronoun that must be the object, never the subject. (The same is true for he/him, she/her, we/us, etc.)
As a simple test, try removing Xena from the sentence. You wouldn't say "Me is going to Athens." You'd say "I am going," so say "Xena and I are going." You wouldn't say "This horse belongs to I," you'd say "This horse belongs to me," so say "This horse belongs to Xena and me."
Contrary to the belief of Katherine's friend John, "Xena and I" is not always correct.
I don't know who Xena or Kathrine or John are and I'm not sure who the horse actually belongs to; but I hope that explaination helps.
To the News:
Civil Debate
Hillary and Barack were friendly during the debate last night in California. In fact, they spent time praising the candidate who left the race this week -- John Edwards. Wasn't as exciting to watch but a little more civilized.
Super Bowl Weekend
I love watching the commericals although the past couple of years I have been disapointed. The New York Times reports today that the spots this year will be more friendly and warm. The reporter says ad firms think the country needs some positive commercials that will make us feel good. I personally love the dry humor you see in ads. And I am tired of the sleazy ads that aren't funny. I get it. Sex sells. But at least make them funny.
Also... Monday morning on Today in Iowa we will take a look at some of the commercials and show you results of local research done showing which ads people most prefer and which ones they flat out didn't like. I'll let Pat explain the details becuase he knows more about this testing center.
This weekend we're going to be giving you a weblink to take a survey after the Superbowl. The questions will be about the commercials, what you think of them...that kind of stuff. We'll use the results Sunday night. Should be fun to see in Iowa's reaction is the same as the national favorites. We'll tell you all about it Monday Morning.
Chocolate Breakfast
Jeriann is coming down from her sugar high as I write this. She was out at Living History Farms this morning for their annual Chocolate Breakfast with WHO Radio's Van and Bonnie. Twenty vendors were there showing off their chocolate treats and giving out samples. There was a little bit of everything from chocolate cheesecake to fudge to chocolate dipped Dutch Letters. I have a gut ache this morning from trying some of the food Jeriann brought back. Thousands of people get up in the middle of the night and stand in line for an hour to get to this event and I think it illustrates one important human behavior. People love free food! Nuf said.
I wanted to reiterate something as we started the blog this morning. We'll take inapropriate posts off the blog. We're all for criticsim of the product or how we produce the news. There's even a place for critcisim of us, we're happy to hear your opinions. There is a group of people at the station that will monitor the posts simply to make sure they're on topic. Thanks for the grammar lessons and the great posts from the last few days.
On that note I found this explaination of my gramatical sins on a site called Englishchick.com. To attone for my error, I will write this lesson 1000 times:
This horse belongs to Xena and I.
INCORRECT "I" is a pronoun that must be the subject, never the object, of a verb. "Me" is a pronoun that must be the object, never the subject. (The same is true for he/him, she/her, we/us, etc.)
As a simple test, try removing Xena from the sentence. You wouldn't say "Me is going to Athens." You'd say "I am going," so say "Xena and I are going." You wouldn't say "This horse belongs to I," you'd say "This horse belongs to me," so say "This horse belongs to Xena and me."
Contrary to the belief of Katherine's friend John, "Xena and I" is not always correct.
I don't know who Xena or Kathrine or John are and I'm not sure who the horse actually belongs to; but I hope that explaination helps.
To the News:
Civil Debate
Hillary and Barack were friendly during the debate last night in California. In fact, they spent time praising the candidate who left the race this week -- John Edwards. Wasn't as exciting to watch but a little more civilized.
Super Bowl Weekend
I love watching the commericals although the past couple of years I have been disapointed. The New York Times reports today that the spots this year will be more friendly and warm. The reporter says ad firms think the country needs some positive commercials that will make us feel good. I personally love the dry humor you see in ads. And I am tired of the sleazy ads that aren't funny. I get it. Sex sells. But at least make them funny.
Also... Monday morning on Today in Iowa we will take a look at some of the commercials and show you results of local research done showing which ads people most prefer and which ones they flat out didn't like. I'll let Pat explain the details becuase he knows more about this testing center.
This weekend we're going to be giving you a weblink to take a survey after the Superbowl. The questions will be about the commercials, what you think of them...that kind of stuff. We'll use the results Sunday night. Should be fun to see in Iowa's reaction is the same as the national favorites. We'll tell you all about it Monday Morning.
Chocolate Breakfast
Jeriann is coming down from her sugar high as I write this. She was out at Living History Farms this morning for their annual Chocolate Breakfast with WHO Radio's Van and Bonnie. Twenty vendors were there showing off their chocolate treats and giving out samples. There was a little bit of everything from chocolate cheesecake to fudge to chocolate dipped Dutch Letters. I have a gut ache this morning from trying some of the food Jeriann brought back. Thousands of people get up in the middle of the night and stand in line for an hour to get to this event and I think it illustrates one important human behavior. People love free food! Nuf said.
Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy the game.
And forgive me. Spell check isn't working again and I am in a hurry!(most of the spelling errors are mine!)
Brooke and Pat
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