Good Morning!
I swear to you all...I started the blog yesterday...I just got behind and couldn't finish it...Good thing for me, the headlines yesterday, look eerily similar to the ones we had this morning. Hmmmmm.
Budget
The Gov got a little hot under the collar when asked by a reporter if the 6.5% in cuts he recommended were enough. See David Yepsen's article in the Register this morning for more on the exchange and a reality check about the actual effect of these cuts on most Iowans.
Blago
This guy is too much. Every time he opens his mouth I think he gets a little more creepy. The other night on MSNBC he did an interview, in which, he admitted to trying to get "something" in exchange for naming someone to President Obama's vacant Senate seat. He's trying to justify it as some crusade for the people of Illinois...making sure they're taken care of. I think David Broder takes Blago and we the Media to task for our treatment of the indicted Governor. I agree.
Stimulus
The latest effort to jump start the economy grew into an 888 BILLION dollar proposal last night. The house passed a more reasonable 819 BILLION dollar package. When is one of the elected officials on capitol hill going to get a backbone and call out all the stupid spending in this bill? I thought this is why the people who voted for him elected President Obama. If it helps a company create more jobs, if it fosters innovation or if it repairs aging infrastructure...I'm all for it. Contraception funding does not do that. Winterizing homes does not do that.
The Today show made a big deal of the fact that not one Republican voted for the bill. Are you kidding, they're all out making their campaign commercials already...Bridge to Nowhere II. I don't know about you guys but I can't stand the people who are just contrarians. Offer some ideas and latch on to some of your opponent's ideas if they're good. That's the politician I want to see in Washington.
Jeriann's Last Day
She's going on Maternity leave as of today. JR is scheduled to have her baby Monday if he doesn't show up earlier. She's pretty done being pregnant. I can't blame her. We'll miss her energy and accuracy in the morning. One of our producers made a sign that said "Wide Load" for her and stuck it on her belly this morning. I'm sure she feels that way but I think she looks great.
People ask all the time and yes...Jeriann is that way all the time. What you see is what you get. It's one of the reasons we love her. We wish her a healthy delivery, as much sleep as the babies will grant and more happiness than she and Rob can imagine.
Mailbag
There are a few things I should clear up, speaking of Jeriann and her baby...We've received a few comments either on the blog or in email and I want to make sure I respond.
I had a nurse come up to me the other day laughing about a question someone asked her. A guy saw me around a medical facility and asked if I was there "because Jeriann had her babies". This guy must have had his stories crossed up and thought I was co worker and Dad.
Funny.
-First, Jeriann is not having twins...I am
-second, Jeriann and I are not married. We'd kill each other
One emailer wrote in to the station saying :
Why does Brook Bouma interrupt Patrick Dix and read his lines? We're also not interested in her personal commentary.
Just a question in response: What newscast are you watching? I can't remember the last time I heard an opinion out of Brooke and if I had to pick the nicest person I know it might be a tie between Keith Murphy and Her.
If you need help identifying the jerk interrupting anyone on the set it's me...
Another Blogger asked:
wondering why you chose not to tell your viewers you would not be on the air Wed..am.?
Turned to channel 13 and all we had was a pink screen.
As I understand it our digital signal went down because of a power outage at the site of our tower. That signal is the one the dish companies pick up. Sorry, we don't have control over acts of God or people tripping over power cords.
Pat asked me to add to the blog today, which is something I don't do very often. I apologize for not contributing more often. I just think Pat does a good job of covering all bases and I often feel like I have nothing more to give. Although you will be hearing from me more when Pat is off when the babies are born.
But today I noticed this story about the eight babies born to a couple in California and how much it will take to raise them. I had to pass it along. It will make you think twice before you complain about how much money you spend on your own kids. When it is all said and done, it will likely cost the family 1.8 million dollars to raise their children to age 18. According to USDA estimates, it will cost $14,000 a year in food for that many kids and $4,000 a year to buy clothes. Wow. That's heavy. The family should not feel bad about trying to land endorsements!
Finally thanks to all of you who sent emails concerned I was going to injure my kids by letting them sleep in their car seats. We had some good suggestions and a lot of opinions...confirming my point in the first place.
I really enjoy hearing from you all. If you've never contributed, feel free. If you have a question...just ask. We'll try to get it answered.
Have a good one
PWD
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Cuts, Sex Offenders Out, and Somethin's Gotta Give
Good Morning!
For whatever reason I'm feeling a lot better this morning. It might have something to do with cutting a little bit out of my schedule of events last night.
I got a much needed nap yesterday around 2. I woke up just before four fully intending to get to the gym before I made some dinner for Sally. I went to the cleaners, picked up a few things for Sally at her work and threw a load of wash in. It was an ambitious list I admit, considering I was supposed to have dinner ready by about 6.
The mailman threw me a curve ball at me when he delivered a notice of a mistake we'd made writing a check. We wrote different numerals out in the box than we did on the line. Just a brain fart...either way we clearly tried to pay more than we owed.
I called the financing company and after being sent through the automated system I got someone on the phone who told me she'd send me to the right department. Apparently the "right" department meant hanging up on me.
I called again...different person, same result. I'd now been on hold or navigating telephone menu hell for a grand total of about thirty minutes. Nothing makes me more determined than bad customer service. I finally got a guy on the phone who told me...not luck they can't wave the one time fee that totaled more than HALF OUR PAYMENT!!!!!
It's one of these, "no financing for a year" deals and we've paid WAY ahead on the account so far; always paying considerably more than the minimum. We made a mistake, and I understand they have rules but last I checked, banks are in a bit of a pinch for business these days. I know they weren't making any money on us, but they certainly won't now. I closed the account and we plan to just pay it off. It wouldn't cost this company anything to take some time, look at the situation use some common sense and just wave the fee. The companies that consider these kinds of unusual situations, and respond with the customer in mind ALWAYS get my business back.
To the news:
Budget
I continue to be surprised and interested in Governor Culver's political decision making. Last night he announced a six and a half percent cut across the board for the budget. It's not going to be popular but I think there are a lot of people in this state that will say, "Well, if I'm doing it with my personal budget, the State should to the same and cut the fat." I know the cuts will be hard but to me that makes the decision even better.
Rather than taking a lot of money out the rainy day fund, the Gov cuts the budget first and uses the rainy day fund to supplement the cuts. There will be a lot of people who will criticize the cuts and say we can't do without, but those are the people who would gain if their Department or Agency was spared the cuts.
Meanwhile the response from Republicans is to say they're not sure if we should use the rainy day fund cause we don't know how long the recession is going to last? Ummmm, last I checked there are animals coming into the State Capitol two by two. IT"S RAINING!!!!
Using the rainy day money to supplement a budget in good times is bad policy. We've done that every years since I came to Iowa a decade ago. Using it in times like these is WHAT THE MONEY THERE FOR!
So doesn't the plan seem reasonable?
Eight is Enough
So I guess if you thought you were having seven kids, having an eighth isn't really that big of a surprise. A family in California thought they were having seven and when they went to deliver yesterday...They found an eighth!
It is just one of a long list of stories someone has shared with Sally or myself this week that's made us think...well it could be a lot more challenging than it is for us right now.
Ice
Also in the "It could be worse" file this morning. There's a huge Ice storm from Texas to Tennessee and it's moving east. I talked to my aunt in Springfield last night and they were waiting for the power to go off...
If you ask me, I'd take a foot and a half of snow over a half inch of ice.
Sex Offenders
If you missed this one, and Iowa Supreme Court ruling means a small group of sex offenders will get out of prison. They're not getting out early, they're just not staying in as long as the DOC had scheduled.
Decisions like this one are hard. I think everyone would agree they'd like to see a violent sex offender locked up, especially one who fails a rehab program while in prison. The problem is, lawmakers have to write laws that will hold up if challenged. This was a law that sounded good, it was what a lot of people wanted to see and I'm sure it was politically popular. The problem was it wasn't written well and so the court has to throw it out. The court basically ruled that you can't change the rules in the middle of the game. A majority of justices agreed Iowa Lawmakers did that when they changed the rules for awarding "good behavior" time to sex offenders.
There aren't many people who are going to have a problem when something unfair happens to a convicted sex offender but the problem is president. You can't just protect the people you want to. The law has to protect everyone...even the people we'd like to see in jail.
American Gothic
The painting is arriving this week at the Des Moines Art Center. That's one to see in person
Tattoo You?
Did you get a tattoo in College? When you were in the military...or some weekend when you were on a bender in New Orleans?
Thankfully I can say no to all of the above. Jeriann and Brooke both say the same.
We had this conversation after Andy Fales' story about new regulations for the body art industry in Iowa.
No offense against anyone with a tattoo, I'm sure the picture of Wylie Coyote on your lower back is totally classy...
Seriously, some people look at body art as just that...and you know what? They call it freedom of expression for a reason. So I say go for it. But what happens when you're 75? 80?
I don't imagine the people who've really thought about it will mind. But what about the gal you work with who thought a picture of a dove on her stomach was a good idea at 22? Now that she's had three kids, the thing looks more like some prehistoric condor out of a Jurassic Park movie. Very few decisions are "forever"...that's one I'm glad I didn't jump into.
Feel free to disagree, that's what makes this fun.
I think that's it.
Have a good one
PWD
For whatever reason I'm feeling a lot better this morning. It might have something to do with cutting a little bit out of my schedule of events last night.
I got a much needed nap yesterday around 2. I woke up just before four fully intending to get to the gym before I made some dinner for Sally. I went to the cleaners, picked up a few things for Sally at her work and threw a load of wash in. It was an ambitious list I admit, considering I was supposed to have dinner ready by about 6.
The mailman threw me a curve ball at me when he delivered a notice of a mistake we'd made writing a check. We wrote different numerals out in the box than we did on the line. Just a brain fart...either way we clearly tried to pay more than we owed.
I called the financing company and after being sent through the automated system I got someone on the phone who told me she'd send me to the right department. Apparently the "right" department meant hanging up on me.
I called again...different person, same result. I'd now been on hold or navigating telephone menu hell for a grand total of about thirty minutes. Nothing makes me more determined than bad customer service. I finally got a guy on the phone who told me...not luck they can't wave the one time fee that totaled more than HALF OUR PAYMENT!!!!!
It's one of these, "no financing for a year" deals and we've paid WAY ahead on the account so far; always paying considerably more than the minimum. We made a mistake, and I understand they have rules but last I checked, banks are in a bit of a pinch for business these days. I know they weren't making any money on us, but they certainly won't now. I closed the account and we plan to just pay it off. It wouldn't cost this company anything to take some time, look at the situation use some common sense and just wave the fee. The companies that consider these kinds of unusual situations, and respond with the customer in mind ALWAYS get my business back.
To the news:
Budget
I continue to be surprised and interested in Governor Culver's political decision making. Last night he announced a six and a half percent cut across the board for the budget. It's not going to be popular but I think there are a lot of people in this state that will say, "Well, if I'm doing it with my personal budget, the State should to the same and cut the fat." I know the cuts will be hard but to me that makes the decision even better.
Rather than taking a lot of money out the rainy day fund, the Gov cuts the budget first and uses the rainy day fund to supplement the cuts. There will be a lot of people who will criticize the cuts and say we can't do without, but those are the people who would gain if their Department or Agency was spared the cuts.
Meanwhile the response from Republicans is to say they're not sure if we should use the rainy day fund cause we don't know how long the recession is going to last? Ummmm, last I checked there are animals coming into the State Capitol two by two. IT"S RAINING!!!!
Using the rainy day money to supplement a budget in good times is bad policy. We've done that every years since I came to Iowa a decade ago. Using it in times like these is WHAT THE MONEY THERE FOR!
So doesn't the plan seem reasonable?
Eight is Enough
So I guess if you thought you were having seven kids, having an eighth isn't really that big of a surprise. A family in California thought they were having seven and when they went to deliver yesterday...They found an eighth!
It is just one of a long list of stories someone has shared with Sally or myself this week that's made us think...well it could be a lot more challenging than it is for us right now.
Ice
Also in the "It could be worse" file this morning. There's a huge Ice storm from Texas to Tennessee and it's moving east. I talked to my aunt in Springfield last night and they were waiting for the power to go off...
If you ask me, I'd take a foot and a half of snow over a half inch of ice.
Sex Offenders
If you missed this one, and Iowa Supreme Court ruling means a small group of sex offenders will get out of prison. They're not getting out early, they're just not staying in as long as the DOC had scheduled.
Decisions like this one are hard. I think everyone would agree they'd like to see a violent sex offender locked up, especially one who fails a rehab program while in prison. The problem is, lawmakers have to write laws that will hold up if challenged. This was a law that sounded good, it was what a lot of people wanted to see and I'm sure it was politically popular. The problem was it wasn't written well and so the court has to throw it out. The court basically ruled that you can't change the rules in the middle of the game. A majority of justices agreed Iowa Lawmakers did that when they changed the rules for awarding "good behavior" time to sex offenders.
There aren't many people who are going to have a problem when something unfair happens to a convicted sex offender but the problem is president. You can't just protect the people you want to. The law has to protect everyone...even the people we'd like to see in jail.
American Gothic
The painting is arriving this week at the Des Moines Art Center. That's one to see in person
Tattoo You?
Did you get a tattoo in College? When you were in the military...or some weekend when you were on a bender in New Orleans?
Thankfully I can say no to all of the above. Jeriann and Brooke both say the same.
We had this conversation after Andy Fales' story about new regulations for the body art industry in Iowa.
No offense against anyone with a tattoo, I'm sure the picture of Wylie Coyote on your lower back is totally classy...
Seriously, some people look at body art as just that...and you know what? They call it freedom of expression for a reason. So I say go for it. But what happens when you're 75? 80?
I don't imagine the people who've really thought about it will mind. But what about the gal you work with who thought a picture of a dove on her stomach was a good idea at 22? Now that she's had three kids, the thing looks more like some prehistoric condor out of a Jurassic Park movie. Very few decisions are "forever"...that's one I'm glad I didn't jump into.
Feel free to disagree, that's what makes this fun.
I think that's it.
Have a good one
PWD
Monday, January 26, 2009
Yogurt in the morning, Blogging at Noon and Scheduling an Arrival
SORRY I FORGOT TO HIT "POST" ON THE BLOG YESTERDAY. hERE IT IS....LATE.
Good Morning!
Fun show this morning. We were all a little more relaxed for some reason...Jeriann says she was feeling pretty good this morning, which, at this stage of her pregnancy is not the norm.
She reports the Docs are scheduling an arrival by early next week if she doesn't labor before then. I saw the comment from last week's blog that asked if Sally and I had our twins yet and the answer is no.
Sally is actually on bedrest for the duration of her pregnancy She is receiving excellent care from all of the medical professionals we've used. I can't tell you what a comfort that good care is...
The boys are healthy and don't seem all that concerned. Sally's Mom was here this weekend to help us tie up loose ends at the house. We are grateful for the help and for all of your well wishes.
That's also the reason I'm missing some blogging or blogging later as I am today. Forgive my tardiness. I've got some things to tend to.
Deal or No Deal
I guess the Gov decided it wasn't that great of an idea to leave a couple billion dollars on the table by leasing or selling the Lottery. If it was just an idea that was being kicked around...good for the Gov for trying to think outside the box. You come up with crazy ideas when you do that, and maybe this was just a crazy idea that got out. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who seem to believe this was a way for the Gov to help out some big campaign contributors by handing them the cash cow that is the Iowa Lottery. You'd like to think he wouldn't knowingly do something like that. In any case it seems it won't happen.
Blago Gone Wacko
Lemmie get this straight, Blago tried to compare himself with a loner Cowboy wrongfully accused of a crime? Governor, respectfully, this is not something you can get out of by going on the View. He just looks crazier and creepier every time you see him talk.
It's fitting this clown hired the same PR firm that's defending Former Chicago cop and alleged murderer Scott Peterson. These two are peas in a pod. Every time they open their mouths, people all over America have their opinion solidified, "Oh yeah these guys are goin to jail."
Even if Blago didn't do anything technically illegal (and I think he probably DID), he has been an embarrassment to the State of Illinois for years now.
Where there is smoke, there's fire and this guy has swallowed enough of his own smoke to qualify for the next Cheech and Chong Movie.
My only question is who will he take down with him before he goes to jail. There's no way an ego maniacal quack like the one portrayed in the indictment is alone in his corruption and there's no way he's selfless enough to go down without taking some more people with him.
A final Thank you this morning to our floor crew. they do a great job but sometimes I don't listen...this morning you got a good look "behind the scenes" when we came out for our weather forecast. I was eating and either didn't hear our crew telling us we were coming back, or I was talking and distracted.
In any case you saw the secret to all of us staying upright in the morning. Through our shift we all graze on food. If you ever heard one of us try to clear a frog in the throat...it's probably because we're sneaking a sip of coffee or juice or we're snacking on a breakfast bar or some yogurt. In any case...I just decided to keep eating...once you bust me what's the point in trying to hide it?
Enjoy your day!
PWD
Good Morning!
Fun show this morning. We were all a little more relaxed for some reason...Jeriann says she was feeling pretty good this morning, which, at this stage of her pregnancy is not the norm.
She reports the Docs are scheduling an arrival by early next week if she doesn't labor before then. I saw the comment from last week's blog that asked if Sally and I had our twins yet and the answer is no.
Sally is actually on bedrest for the duration of her pregnancy She is receiving excellent care from all of the medical professionals we've used. I can't tell you what a comfort that good care is...
The boys are healthy and don't seem all that concerned. Sally's Mom was here this weekend to help us tie up loose ends at the house. We are grateful for the help and for all of your well wishes.
That's also the reason I'm missing some blogging or blogging later as I am today. Forgive my tardiness. I've got some things to tend to.
Deal or No Deal
I guess the Gov decided it wasn't that great of an idea to leave a couple billion dollars on the table by leasing or selling the Lottery. If it was just an idea that was being kicked around...good for the Gov for trying to think outside the box. You come up with crazy ideas when you do that, and maybe this was just a crazy idea that got out. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who seem to believe this was a way for the Gov to help out some big campaign contributors by handing them the cash cow that is the Iowa Lottery. You'd like to think he wouldn't knowingly do something like that. In any case it seems it won't happen.
Blago Gone Wacko
Lemmie get this straight, Blago tried to compare himself with a loner Cowboy wrongfully accused of a crime? Governor, respectfully, this is not something you can get out of by going on the View. He just looks crazier and creepier every time you see him talk.
It's fitting this clown hired the same PR firm that's defending Former Chicago cop and alleged murderer Scott Peterson. These two are peas in a pod. Every time they open their mouths, people all over America have their opinion solidified, "Oh yeah these guys are goin to jail."
Even if Blago didn't do anything technically illegal (and I think he probably DID), he has been an embarrassment to the State of Illinois for years now.
Where there is smoke, there's fire and this guy has swallowed enough of his own smoke to qualify for the next Cheech and Chong Movie.
My only question is who will he take down with him before he goes to jail. There's no way an ego maniacal quack like the one portrayed in the indictment is alone in his corruption and there's no way he's selfless enough to go down without taking some more people with him.
A final Thank you this morning to our floor crew. they do a great job but sometimes I don't listen...this morning you got a good look "behind the scenes" when we came out for our weather forecast. I was eating and either didn't hear our crew telling us we were coming back, or I was talking and distracted.
In any case you saw the secret to all of us staying upright in the morning. Through our shift we all graze on food. If you ever heard one of us try to clear a frog in the throat...it's probably because we're sneaking a sip of coffee or juice or we're snacking on a breakfast bar or some yogurt. In any case...I just decided to keep eating...once you bust me what's the point in trying to hide it?
Enjoy your day!
PWD
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Oath: Take 2; Kennedy Quits, and Prisoners and TV
Good morning!
Blogging from a secure location this morning to ensure security...
In the News:
The talker on the set this morning was the second oath of office the President chose to take on his first day in office. By Now everyone is familiar with the flub the Chief Justice made when he administered the oath of office. Apparently The White house wanted to stop the conspiracy theorists before they started by simply doing it over again. But this brings up the little known point that the President is the President before he ever takes the oath of office. Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States at Noon Tuesday. He took the oath at about 12:05. Also, on his second go round the President didn't have his hand on a Bible. Again before the conspiracy theorists start, Theodore Roosevelt apparently didn't have a bible when he took the oath either.
So I asked this morning just before we closed the show...who are the other Presidents that had to take the oath of office a second time?
Maybe more important, and something we didn't touch on a lot this morning is the executive order The President signed regarding his staff. No one who works in the Obama administration will be allowed to lobby a federal office they previously worked for and if you work in the Obama administration, you agree to not lobby any government agency for two years after Obama leaves office. One watchdog groupsaid no president had done more his first day in office to make his administation more transparent. We'll see but I hope.
Kennedy Quits
I don't know the circumstances behind Caroline Kennedy's sudden decision to drop out of consideration for the New York Senate seat left vacant by Hillary Clinton. It's hard to imagine what would have led to the decision. Everything I read this morning pointed to the fact that New York's Governor Patterson was going to appoint her. There was mention of a 26 page questionnaire candidates for the job had to fill out...and the fact that it would become a public. Maybe Kennedy didn't want that. Maybe she just decided this wasn't for her. In any case, save any real personal reason for her dropping out, the move has to make you feel like she didn't really want the seat in the first place. I questioned Kennedy's motivation in this blog earlier this month, this decision only reinforces that comment...for now.
Prisoners and TV
In Madison County the sherif is wondering what to do about the old analog TV's in the jail. They won't work after the transition over to digital TV in February. He thought about getting cable or satellite TV and decided against it because of the cost. I agree. The Sheriff decided he's probably going to o out and buy some HD ready Tvs. I disagree with that. I am not sure why prisoners need TV. If you are in jail shouldn't it be as unpleasant an experience as we can legally make it? I don't think people should be hanging by their thumbs or anything but I think a book cart with some magazines or simply letting prisoners sit there might be a better way to deter jail time. I know it probably isn't a deterrent, and that the TV's probably make the job of being a jailer a lot easier, but I just think this might be a luxury prisoners don't need. The transition makes it a lot easier to just take the TVs away.
Baby Watch
Jeriann is joking we should out ourselves on a "Baby Watch" for the next week. When she actually goes into labor we can upgrade to a "Baby Warning". For those who don't get it it's a tongue and cheek play on the National Weather Services watch and warning system. For those wondering...Jeriann is healthy, she's uncomfortable, and she can't wait for her baby boy to arrive. Any guesses when she'll deliver?
We'll all be waiting and hoping for the best.
Have a good day!
PWD
Here's a quiz you can take on the Innaguration put out by a Buffalo NY Newspaper.
Blogging from a secure location this morning to ensure security...
In the News:
The talker on the set this morning was the second oath of office the President chose to take on his first day in office. By Now everyone is familiar with the flub the Chief Justice made when he administered the oath of office. Apparently The White house wanted to stop the conspiracy theorists before they started by simply doing it over again. But this brings up the little known point that the President is the President before he ever takes the oath of office. Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States at Noon Tuesday. He took the oath at about 12:05. Also, on his second go round the President didn't have his hand on a Bible. Again before the conspiracy theorists start, Theodore Roosevelt apparently didn't have a bible when he took the oath either.
So I asked this morning just before we closed the show...who are the other Presidents that had to take the oath of office a second time?
Maybe more important, and something we didn't touch on a lot this morning is the executive order The President signed regarding his staff. No one who works in the Obama administration will be allowed to lobby a federal office they previously worked for and if you work in the Obama administration, you agree to not lobby any government agency for two years after Obama leaves office. One watchdog groupsaid no president had done more his first day in office to make his administation more transparent. We'll see but I hope.
Kennedy Quits
I don't know the circumstances behind Caroline Kennedy's sudden decision to drop out of consideration for the New York Senate seat left vacant by Hillary Clinton. It's hard to imagine what would have led to the decision. Everything I read this morning pointed to the fact that New York's Governor Patterson was going to appoint her. There was mention of a 26 page questionnaire candidates for the job had to fill out...and the fact that it would become a public. Maybe Kennedy didn't want that. Maybe she just decided this wasn't for her. In any case, save any real personal reason for her dropping out, the move has to make you feel like she didn't really want the seat in the first place. I questioned Kennedy's motivation in this blog earlier this month, this decision only reinforces that comment...for now.
Prisoners and TV
In Madison County the sherif is wondering what to do about the old analog TV's in the jail. They won't work after the transition over to digital TV in February. He thought about getting cable or satellite TV and decided against it because of the cost. I agree. The Sheriff decided he's probably going to o out and buy some HD ready Tvs. I disagree with that. I am not sure why prisoners need TV. If you are in jail shouldn't it be as unpleasant an experience as we can legally make it? I don't think people should be hanging by their thumbs or anything but I think a book cart with some magazines or simply letting prisoners sit there might be a better way to deter jail time. I know it probably isn't a deterrent, and that the TV's probably make the job of being a jailer a lot easier, but I just think this might be a luxury prisoners don't need. The transition makes it a lot easier to just take the TVs away.
Baby Watch
Jeriann is joking we should out ourselves on a "Baby Watch" for the next week. When she actually goes into labor we can upgrade to a "Baby Warning". For those who don't get it it's a tongue and cheek play on the National Weather Services watch and warning system. For those wondering...Jeriann is healthy, she's uncomfortable, and she can't wait for her baby boy to arrive. Any guesses when she'll deliver?
We'll all be waiting and hoping for the best.
Have a good day!
PWD
Here's a quiz you can take on the Innaguration put out by a Buffalo NY Newspaper.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Love Fest, "Rouched", and Why I Called Police on Brad This Morning
It may have been a bit of an overreaction but I ended up calling the Police, and the Police ended up flashing a bright light in Brad's eyes.
Here's what happened.
I walked by the front window this morning and saw the tail lights of a car parked out in the middle of our parking lot. It was at the end of a row of cars that belong to the rest of us on the Morning and overnight crew. I checked with everyone in the building, asking if they'd left their car running. Everyone agreed, they didn't know who it was. So usually we have a gate that only allows employee cars to enter the lot. It was up overnight because they've been plowing. So I called the non-emergency number for police and asked if they had a car nearby...could they just swing through and check it out.
Turns out, it was Brad...listening to the radio. Sorry Brad. At least they didn't pull him out of the car and frisk him.
To The News
Lovefest
We should have t-shirts made renaming the innaguration...Lovefest...at least the TV coverage. Some of it was quite well done. Some of it is forced superlative. I thought the speech was particularly well written. I thought Peggy Noonan was right on when she said she disagreed with much of the analysis this morning. I did not think the speech was filled with digs against the outgoing President. I interpreted it as more of an admonition to everyone. The Corinthians quote...put away childish things; I thought it was aimed at everyone. And appropriate as I heard the boos when President Bush took the dais. I thought, Here we are in the middle of a ceremony that is supposed to usher in a new era of American politics. I thought, all of these people who supported the President were anxious for a new kind of politics? That wasn't a good start.
"Rouched"
I learned a new word this morning...it's Rouched. I guess is means scrunched up. It described the dress The First Lady was wearing last night. So any opinions? How'd she do? Do you care? Should anyone care? For the record, I think she looked great!
Other Stuff
Sorry I missed Inaugural morning. Another pregnancy snag. Everyone's healthy but keep us in your thoughts...we'll need it.
We had a funny conversation that really summarizes all advice new parents get. Jeriann was talking about whether she should let her newborn sleep in his car seat when he comes. She asked Megan Reuther (who actually has some experience here) and he said one thing...then I told her I read another opinion that said sleeping newborns in a semi upright position like that helps them to avoid reflux that often happens with new kiddos. My point is new parent opinions are like....
Maybe I should out that a different way. Everyone's got an opinion.
Hope you have a good day.
PWD
Here's what happened.
I walked by the front window this morning and saw the tail lights of a car parked out in the middle of our parking lot. It was at the end of a row of cars that belong to the rest of us on the Morning and overnight crew. I checked with everyone in the building, asking if they'd left their car running. Everyone agreed, they didn't know who it was. So usually we have a gate that only allows employee cars to enter the lot. It was up overnight because they've been plowing. So I called the non-emergency number for police and asked if they had a car nearby...could they just swing through and check it out.
Turns out, it was Brad...listening to the radio. Sorry Brad. At least they didn't pull him out of the car and frisk him.
To The News
Lovefest
We should have t-shirts made renaming the innaguration...Lovefest...at least the TV coverage. Some of it was quite well done. Some of it is forced superlative. I thought the speech was particularly well written. I thought Peggy Noonan was right on when she said she disagreed with much of the analysis this morning. I did not think the speech was filled with digs against the outgoing President. I interpreted it as more of an admonition to everyone. The Corinthians quote...put away childish things; I thought it was aimed at everyone. And appropriate as I heard the boos when President Bush took the dais. I thought, Here we are in the middle of a ceremony that is supposed to usher in a new era of American politics. I thought, all of these people who supported the President were anxious for a new kind of politics? That wasn't a good start.
"Rouched"
I learned a new word this morning...it's Rouched. I guess is means scrunched up. It described the dress The First Lady was wearing last night. So any opinions? How'd she do? Do you care? Should anyone care? For the record, I think she looked great!
Other Stuff
Sorry I missed Inaugural morning. Another pregnancy snag. Everyone's healthy but keep us in your thoughts...we'll need it.
We had a funny conversation that really summarizes all advice new parents get. Jeriann was talking about whether she should let her newborn sleep in his car seat when he comes. She asked Megan Reuther (who actually has some experience here) and he said one thing...then I told her I read another opinion that said sleeping newborns in a semi upright position like that helps them to avoid reflux that often happens with new kiddos. My point is new parent opinions are like....
Maybe I should out that a different way. Everyone's got an opinion.
Hope you have a good day.
PWD
Monday, January 19, 2009
MLK Monday, Brooke's cut, and Why is Pat Carrying a Toilet Bowl Brush?
Good Morning!
I walked in this morning with hope in my heart. It had nothing to do with politics. It was all about the coffee.
For months now I've been trying to get the crusted coffee off the bottom of the carafe at the coffee machine. I rinse and rinse and rinse again...no luck...there it is...the caked on result of leaving the coffee to sit for a week with no one drinking it in the summer. It's gross, but doesn't really effect the taste of coffee all that much.
This weekend Sally made her semi-annual mistake of leaving the grocery shopping to me. The result is always a few extra items in the cart that weren't on our list.
As I passed through the cleaning aisle...I got a great idea...A toilet bowl brush seemed the only implement small enough to get through the impossibly small opening at the top of the coffee carafe; and long enough to reach the crusty coffee remains at the bottom.
It took about thirty seconds to clean the thing out to a silvery sparkle and I was left to wonder why I hadn't though of this earlier. The coffee didn't taste significantly different but it made me feel better that this morning's cup didn't touch what remains of the 5000 cups of coffee poured previously.
To The News
MLK and the Inauguration
My wife calls it " A Moment"; The Dean of Washington National Cathedral calls it "one of those grace notes of history". they're both talking about the confluence, today and Tuesday, of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Barack Obama's Inauguration Day.
It is a day they will write about in history books to be sure. The confluence of these events and their historical ties gives the day a great storyline. The enthusiasm people are showing for the event gives it the kind of electricity surrounding a Superbowl. I'm left to wonder: What would the coverage be like if it were Sen John McCain about to take the oath of office?
It's apples and oranges, and I understand the significance of The President Elect taking office. I still wonder.
Zach
Hawaii was good to Zach Johnson. He flew out of Honolulu last night with an extra $1.1 million after winning the Sony open and taking sixth in last week's event.
I'm glad he wasn't just a flash in the pan. I would guess this year Zach is motivated not just to win, but by the bonus for winning and being consistent on tour this year is probably a selection to the President's Cup team.
Brooke's Cut
Brooke shocked the crew this morning with her haircut. It's short and the consensus is that it looks great! Maybe we can get her to snap a photo, or I'll convince our web folks to put a stillstore up from this morning.
Weekend
We were really productive at the Dix household this weekend. Sally was confined to the couch but my brother Matt came over with his son Henry and helped build cribs. Unlike his brother, Matt can actually read a set of instructions for building one of these things. His help turned a project that would have taken be four or five hours...into a project that took less than two. The room is starting to take shape. We also built the stroller, and put together both car seats.
It's starting to look like two babies are going to live in our home and the cat doesn't like it one bit.
Hope you had a good Day. Lots to talk about tomorrow. No Noon News because of that little ceremony they've got scheduled in Washington D.C.
I walked in this morning with hope in my heart. It had nothing to do with politics. It was all about the coffee.
For months now I've been trying to get the crusted coffee off the bottom of the carafe at the coffee machine. I rinse and rinse and rinse again...no luck...there it is...the caked on result of leaving the coffee to sit for a week with no one drinking it in the summer. It's gross, but doesn't really effect the taste of coffee all that much.
This weekend Sally made her semi-annual mistake of leaving the grocery shopping to me. The result is always a few extra items in the cart that weren't on our list.
As I passed through the cleaning aisle...I got a great idea...A toilet bowl brush seemed the only implement small enough to get through the impossibly small opening at the top of the coffee carafe; and long enough to reach the crusty coffee remains at the bottom.
It took about thirty seconds to clean the thing out to a silvery sparkle and I was left to wonder why I hadn't though of this earlier. The coffee didn't taste significantly different but it made me feel better that this morning's cup didn't touch what remains of the 5000 cups of coffee poured previously.
To The News
MLK and the Inauguration
My wife calls it " A Moment"; The Dean of Washington National Cathedral calls it "one of those grace notes of history". they're both talking about the confluence, today and Tuesday, of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Barack Obama's Inauguration Day.
It is a day they will write about in history books to be sure. The confluence of these events and their historical ties gives the day a great storyline. The enthusiasm people are showing for the event gives it the kind of electricity surrounding a Superbowl. I'm left to wonder: What would the coverage be like if it were Sen John McCain about to take the oath of office?
It's apples and oranges, and I understand the significance of The President Elect taking office. I still wonder.
Zach
Hawaii was good to Zach Johnson. He flew out of Honolulu last night with an extra $1.1 million after winning the Sony open and taking sixth in last week's event.
I'm glad he wasn't just a flash in the pan. I would guess this year Zach is motivated not just to win, but by the bonus for winning and being consistent on tour this year is probably a selection to the President's Cup team.
Brooke's Cut
Brooke shocked the crew this morning with her haircut. It's short and the consensus is that it looks great! Maybe we can get her to snap a photo, or I'll convince our web folks to put a stillstore up from this morning.
Weekend
We were really productive at the Dix household this weekend. Sally was confined to the couch but my brother Matt came over with his son Henry and helped build cribs. Unlike his brother, Matt can actually read a set of instructions for building one of these things. His help turned a project that would have taken be four or five hours...into a project that took less than two. The room is starting to take shape. We also built the stroller, and put together both car seats.
It's starting to look like two babies are going to live in our home and the cat doesn't like it one bit.
Hope you had a good Day. Lots to talk about tomorrow. No Noon News because of that little ceremony they've got scheduled in Washington D.C.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Miracle on the Hudson, Thawing out and Why do they call it a "Fast"?
Good Morning
It's been a long week so I'm happy to see Friday. The weekend will be spent preparing the logistics and supply of birth and care for the first few weeks. I'm like Eisenhower preparing for the Normandy invasion. Build this, call that person, pack a bag. It's all on the list and I think we can get most of it done. Sally had the excellent idea of going to get a pedicure next week and I snuck in an appointment to go get a massage. I NEVER do anything like this but I figure it could be my last chance for a while to get the knots out of my neck.
70 days to the official due date. Maybe I'll start taking bets on the date. I've heard of people doing this but I've never participated. Anyone have a fun idea or a creative way to do this?
To the News:
Miracle on The Hudson
I woke up from a good nap yesterday and turned on the TV to find wall to wall coverage of the US Air flight that crashed into the Hudson River. Sally isn't all that keen on air travel anyway so 
we didn't watch much of the coverage live, but what a story!
we didn't watch much of the coverage live, but what a story!I don't know about you but every time I hear about one of these accidents I'm struck by how much it takes to bring a plane down. It makes me feel a lot safer in the air. Even after sucking a flock of birds through it's engines, the pilot of the plane managed to lad the thing on the water! If you want to read more about accidents in the air there's a great site with narratives of some air accidents including communications in the cockpit and with air traffic control. Another interesting addition to the NTSB site is a section that includes animations of accidents.
If you have the time I suggest reading the full reports. Some of them are amazing.
A couple of other random thoughts watching all of the coverage surrounding this accident:
-Some of the people on that plane actually got on another flight and went the Charlotte the same night! I guess they figured their odds of being in an accident again were so astronomical that they were pretty safe in the air.
-
My Father-in-law brought up a good point about the pilot. there's been talk of making pilots adhere to a mandatory retirement age of 62. It seems like a good idea at first, but consider the experience and hours in the cockpit this pilot had. How did that contribute to the best possible outcome of this accident? I, for one, would love to see someone with his experience on the cockpit every time I step on a plane.
My Father-in-law brought up a good point about the pilot. there's been talk of making pilots adhere to a mandatory retirement age of 62. It seems like a good idea at first, but consider the experience and hours in the cockpit this pilot had. How did that contribute to the best possible outcome of this accident? I, for one, would love to see someone with his experience on the cockpit every time I step on a plane.-Anyone who thinks government is well organized should consider this little factoid that came out of our reporting yesterday: the US Department of Agriculture is responsible for making sure geese and birds don't fly too close to the runways at Des Moines International Airport. USDA? How about the Secret Service Sharpshooters? Makes about as much sense.
How Cold is too Cold?
Some people asked why schools didn't cancel this morning when the temperature was just as cold, if not colder than yesterday. My answer is...I don't know. I would guess the wind has something to do with it. The bigger headline for this morning is that we're going to find ourselves back in positive territory for the temperatures. You know it's been cold when a high of 13 sounds balmy.
Fast? I don't think so.
It's time again for my annual physical and part of the drill is getting a blood test. You've done it. You have to fast for 12 hours before taking the blood test. All of you normal people just stop eating after dinner and you're good to take the test at 7 the next morning when you go to the doctor.
Not so easy for me.
I get up at two in the morning and by three, I need to eat. From there my day is a long series of small snacks. Oatmeal before the show, a protein bar and fruit juice during the first hour and of course a cup of coffee or four during the morning. SO this basically disqualifies me for the blood test the rest of the day. So this weekend I have to make a special trip to0 the hospital to get the blood test before I have my physical next week.
This always makes me think of the joke George Carlin used to tell: "Why do they call it a Fast when it goes so damn slow? "
That's about all I've got for today. Hope you all have a good weekend.
PWD
PS I finally found the pics from the baby Shower This is the pic of Jeriann's gift to us...pretty cool!
BTW...I am a techno whiz!
Here they are:
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Deep Freeze, Texting Teen and On-Call from Now On
Good Morning...
I'm not going anywhere without my cell phone for the next month or so...check that...for the next few years.
I left the house Tuesday morning at 3am as usual. I thought everything was OK...grabbed my cell phone and left as usual.
As soon as I walked in the door at work, they told me Sally had been trying to call. My phone
shut off somehow when I get into the car and she couldn't reach me.
shut off somehow when I get into the car and she couldn't reach me.The punchline here is that I ended up leaving work and we ended up at Mercy again.
This time for a bit of an extended stay. The babies are fine but the Docs (and the expecting parents) would like to make sure we don't meet these kids for another three or four weeks at least.
Neither of us like the idea of Sally in the hospital but the Docs are calling the shots at this point.
I slept pretty well Tuesday night with the knowledge that the excellent staff at Mercy was taking care of Sally. The nurses and Docs were great. They always are. Sally came home yesterday but will be taking it easy.
So that's a semi-explanation for my blogging absence.
Deep Freeze
If you don't think this is cold...I would advise you go see a doctor. Your brain could be frozen...hypothermia could be setting in...you may not have much time...GO GO GO!!!
The cold is no joke this morning. All of the Metro school canceled by late Wednesday evening. No
w I have to say...I heard a few parents complaining at the gym and I really don't understand. I'm guessing the Administrators of these Districts wanted to give parents as much time as possible to set up arrangements for their kids. If they were likely to close anyway...having more time should be a good thing. Still, parents were complaining that "those idiots in the weather department" were forcing the schools to close again. Well, that's not true, but I'd remind people of this. Not every kid has a Columbia Jacket to wear to school, and not every kid's parents can drive them to school. A walk in weather like this without the proper gear can physically hurt a kid, and it's just not worth the risk. We haven't seen temperatures like this for the last 15 years! Closing school for extreme cold once every 15 years is tolerable.
w I have to say...I heard a few parents complaining at the gym and I really don't understand. I'm guessing the Administrators of these Districts wanted to give parents as much time as possible to set up arrangements for their kids. If they were likely to close anyway...having more time should be a good thing. Still, parents were complaining that "those idiots in the weather department" were forcing the schools to close again. Well, that's not true, but I'd remind people of this. Not every kid has a Columbia Jacket to wear to school, and not every kid's parents can drive them to school. A walk in weather like this without the proper gear can physically hurt a kid, and it's just not worth the risk. We haven't seen temperatures like this for the last 15 years! Closing school for extreme cold once every 15 years is tolerable.Texting Teen
A 13 year-old in California must have sore thumbs. She sent more than 14-thousand text 
messages from her cell phone last month. Don't worry, her parents are smart. They got her an unlimited texting plan. The sad part about this story is that she often was texting her best friend, WHO WAS SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO HER! At first blush I'm sure some parents think giving a kid a cell phone is a smart idea. Use only in emergencies right? It's a great way to keep in touch but it also is contributing to kids not being able to communicate. My Father -in-law is fond of saying that his grandsons won't have their faces permanently stuck in the heads down position as they text or play games with a cell phone, PDA or Gameboy. I agree in principal but I imagine it's a lot more complicated than that when it's actually your kid and you are trying to keep the peace.
messages from her cell phone last month. Don't worry, her parents are smart. They got her an unlimited texting plan. The sad part about this story is that she often was texting her best friend, WHO WAS SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO HER! At first blush I'm sure some parents think giving a kid a cell phone is a smart idea. Use only in emergencies right? It's a great way to keep in touch but it also is contributing to kids not being able to communicate. My Father -in-law is fond of saying that his grandsons won't have their faces permanently stuck in the heads down position as they text or play games with a cell phone, PDA or Gameboy. I agree in principal but I imagine it's a lot more complicated than that when it's actually your kid and you are trying to keep the peace. It's been quite a week so I'm glad it's coming to a close!
See you tomorrow.
PWD
Monday, January 12, 2009
Blizzard? Back to Work and Oscar Buzz
Good Morning
But what's up with the guys. The Jonas Brothers sell millions of albums but they can't find jackets that fit? It seems there was a rash of shrinking dinner jackets among the men. Go rent a Tux! You're going to The Golden Globes!
Weather is going to dominate the news to start the week because we're talking about blizzard warnings in Central Iowa. It's already started snowing here...
Just know it's going to be nasty out there and take precautions. On a side note, I was NOT one of the people surprised about the pile of snow in my driveway Saturday morning. Jeriann had one model that was telling her it was going to happen but all of the rest of the data disagreed. She said Friday that she knew in her gut that it was going to pile up, but she didn't use that in her forecast because it was so far off the other models. So for the record, She had it right, she just didn't share it with anyone except me and Brooke.
Back to Work
The Iowa Legislature is back in session this morning and the Budget will be the one thing that occupies more time than anything else in the next three months. I had a guy email me a few weeks ago when I suggested that was going to be the case. He called me an idiot and told me I should keep my biased reporting off the news. Well, I still might be an idiot but I don't think it was a stretch then or now to say that financial issues will dominate lawmakers work.
Newsflash:
I guess the President is set to speak this morning at 8:15 our time. That's about a half hour away. I think he's talking about the economy and asking that Congress release the rest of the money they approved for the TARP (bank bailout). I also believe it's his last news conference.
Oscar Buzz
I forgot all about the Golden Globes until I was on the phone with my parents last night. Sally and I tuned in for about an hour. Long enough to see who went off the deep end trying to get the dress everyone talks about the next day... 
I thought Kate Winslet looked great along with Anne Hathaway, I still think Tom Hanks has one of the best looking wives in Hollywood. Selma Hayek...WOWZZZAAAAA!
But what's up with the guys. The Jonas Brothers sell millions of albums but they can't find jackets that fit? It seems there was a rash of shrinking dinner jackets among the men. Go rent a Tux! You're going to The Golden Globes! I
thought Renee Zellweger looked like someone wasn't finished cutting the material for her dress...Glenn Close...Dress is always better than pants, though Susan Saranden looked pretty good.
thought Renee Zellweger looked like someone wasn't finished cutting the material for her dress...Glenn Close...Dress is always better than pants, though Susan Saranden looked pretty good. Oh , Yeah, and they gave away a few awards too. 30 Rock did really well, John Adams, and Murph's Movie of the Year...Slum Dog Millionaire.
Pat the Builder
With apologies to Bob, I tried to build as much as I could for the Boys' room over the weekend. We went out and bought two cribs, a changing table, sheets, changing table covers and mattresses. We also had to buy a new filing cabinet because the desk we used to file eve
rything in left the building this weekend. All of this stuff came with some assembly required. No problem, I called my brother Matt who reads the hieroglyphics they call directions a lot better than I do. He also has three kids so he's done this before. We got the filing cabinet done and started on one of the cribs. We were really rolling, about a third done with one of the cribs before 
we realized one of the pieces was broken. So we had to put it all beck together...back in the box and back to the store. Thankfully they had another. Matt had to leave but I did get the changing table done on my own.
rything in left the building this weekend. All of this stuff came with some assembly required. No problem, I called my brother Matt who reads the hieroglyphics they call directions a lot better than I do. He also has three kids so he's done this before. We got the filing cabinet done and started on one of the cribs. We were really rolling, about a third done with one of the cribs before 
we realized one of the pieces was broken. So we had to put it all beck together...back in the box and back to the store. Thankfully they had another. Matt had to leave but I did get the changing table done on my own. I know it doesn't sound like much but it's quite an accomplishment for me. I put our TV stand together a few years ago and the magnets that hold the door shut are still on backwards. I just don't want to take the entire thing apart to fix it.
So, we'll do cribs next weekend. Hopefully no broken pieces.
Other than that it was a quiet and productive weekend. I hope you all stay warm in the coming days. We're still efforting shower pics from last weekend. We'll get it done sooner or later.
PWD
Friday, January 09, 2009
Meredith Layoffs, Palin Interview and The Kennedy Comparison
Good Morning!
Thanks to the folks from the City of Ankeny who sent over five water bottles for us to use. It's the latest on the list of things people are sending us so we don't have to fill up the garbage with styrofoam and plastic.
I had a hard time paying attention this morning after beginning to read the transcript of an interview Caroline Kennedy did with The New York Times. More on that in a minute. I think I can speak for the rest of the team when I say we're happy that it's Friday.
Jeriann says there's some weather coming in tonight in the form of some freezing rain or snow. Watch the forecast through the day, things like this can change quickly so if you have travel plans tonight, just make sure the roads are going to be safe for you to get where you're going.
To The News:
Meredith
The thing that strikes me about the lay-offs announced Thursday by Meredith is that it didn't surprise anyone. I should also point out the reality of these kinds of stories are often a lot different than the initial emails and phone calls that alert us to them. A big company will chose to eliminate positions and it usually comes to the newsroom as: Company X is laying off 60% of it's Des Moines workforce! The point is, Meredith is going through the same economic hardship every other American company is, and this, in some ways, was to be expected.
Palin Interview
So is it sour grapes or is it an accurate reflection of her treatment by the national media? Gov
Sarah Palin sat for an interview that's part of a documentary. The premise, (as far as I can tell from the title) is that the Media treated the Obama campaign drastically differently than it treated the McCain/Palin campaign. it's suppose to be on Youtube but I can't find the clip.
Sarah Palin sat for an interview that's part of a documentary. The premise, (as far as I can tell from the title) is that the Media treated the Obama campaign drastically differently than it treated the McCain/Palin campaign. it's suppose to be on Youtube but I can't find the clip.One of the comments Gov Palin makes is about Caroline Kennedy. He talks about the media's 
treatment of Kennedy as a candidate to fill Sen Hillary Clinton's seat in the Senate. Now I'm not trying to get anyone in a debate over who's the more qualified woman, but after reading a transcript of Kennedy's interview with the New York Times...I wonder why more of the National Media isn't picking up her story. Her answers are, in many cases, no better than many of the answers given by the McCain Palin campaign during their Presidential run.
treatment of Kennedy as a candidate to fill Sen Hillary Clinton's seat in the Senate. Now I'm not trying to get anyone in a debate over who's the more qualified woman, but after reading a transcript of Kennedy's interview with the New York Times...I wonder why more of the National Media isn't picking up her story. Her answers are, in many cases, no better than many of the answers given by the McCain Palin campaign during their Presidential run. The reporters interviewing Kennedy asked her if she'd been hurt by the economic downturn. Here's the exchange:
NC: Have your personal finances been affected by the economic crash?
CK: Um, probably -- yes. (Laughter)
CK: Um, probably -- yes. (Laughter)
When asked how much money she lives on per year, Kennedy responds that she won't answer the question but would comply with all required senate financial disclosure forms. When she's asked again, she says she'll "probably" be able to answer those questions if she's selected.
I'll bet she knows how many houses she owns though.
How is this any different?
The cherry on top of all of this is the question of why she decided to run. The reporters kept hammering the point. They were trying to get her to tell them the story of this pivotal moment...what happened in her mind that she decided to leave a semi-private existence that, until now, has rejected a political path and put herself up as a candidate for US Senate? Her answer?
NC: Could you, for the sake of storytelling, could you tell us a little bit about that moment, like, where you were, what you said to him about your decision, how that played out?
CK: Have you guys ever thought about writing for, like, a woman's magazine or something? (Laughter)
DH: What do you have against women's magazines?
CK: Nothing at all, but I thought you were the crack political team here. As I said, it was kind of over a period of time, you know, obviously we talked about politics, we talked about what's going on, we've been watching the team that the president-elect is putting together -- Hillary Clinton is going to be a spectacular part of that team, you know, then there was a vacancy here, you know, just like everybody else, you know: who's going to fill it, isn't that interesting, there's a lot of great candidates, you know, obviously I have become much more politically involved than I have in the past, so you know, I figure, why not try, I really think I have something to offer.
CK: Have you guys ever thought about writing for, like, a woman's magazine or something? (Laughter)
DH: What do you have against women's magazines?
CK: Nothing at all, but I thought you were the crack political team here. As I said, it was kind of over a period of time, you know, obviously we talked about politics, we talked about what's going on, we've been watching the team that the president-elect is putting together -- Hillary Clinton is going to be a spectacular part of that team, you know, then there was a vacancy here, you know, just like everybody else, you know: who's going to fill it, isn't that interesting, there's a lot of great candidates, you know, obviously I have become much more politically involved than I have in the past, so you know, I figure, why not try, I really think I have something to offer.
I am sure Caroline Kennedy is a smart woman who has used considerable talents to draw attention to improving education in New York, to improving this nation's political tone, and to the Arts. I am not sure she proven she is the best choice to represent the State of New York in the US Senate.
Back to the point of the Media's treatment of Kennedy, Sarah Palin sounded like this and there were three months of Saturday Night Live skits. I'd bet my retirement that no one on the SNL staff is going to touch Kennedy's interview with a ten foot pole.
You read all ten pages and then tell me what you think.
Ankeny Water Bottles
Thanks to the folks from the City of Ankeny who sent over five water bottles for us to use. It's the latest on the list of things people are sending us so we don't have to fill up the garbage with styrofoam and plastic.To the bloggers waiting for those promised pictures of the baby shower, we're efforting. I'm running into a little baby planning logistical SNAFU. We had to point the room where we keep our desktop computer. In order to do that I had to disconnect said desktop. The only problem is, my photo software is on that computer. When I tried to load the same software on my laptop...it didn't work. So Brooke promised some of her pics. When she emails them...I'll post them both on the earlier entry and on a new one.
Thanks for your understanding.
I hope you all have a good weekend.
PWD
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
School Cuts, Presidential Lunch, Dads and Kids
Good Morning...
The world has been turned on its head...life may never be the same...the Earth may not continue spinning on its axis...
They moved the coffee machine.
The idea was to hook up the coffee machine to a water line...we'd been using bottled water to feed the coffee machine. Anyway. You quickly find out how much your morning routine is ingrained in your head when someone changes the location of a place you visit several times a morning.
We'll try to adjust...but it will take a group effort.
To The News
School Cuts
The Des Moines School District has some hard choices to make. The budget cuts at the state level trickle down to the School District's budget and that means Des Moines needs to cut three million from it's budget. They think they can do it without staff cuts this year but that probably won't be the case next year. Important to point out...this isn't the result of mismanagement of money...the state is telling Districts it has millions less that it thought. School Districts now have to adjust.
Presidential Lunch
Who wouldn't want to be a fly on the wall for this one? President Bush is hosting a lunch for all the living Presidents. I wonder if it will be pleasantries or if these men will get into a real debate over the course of the Nation. If I'm President-Elect Obama I don't want to know how the Carter's handled Amy going to school...I want to know these four men's thoughts on the Middle East, The Economy etc...
Also in Washington
iTunes
They're going to charge us less for our music and we're now going to be able to share it among the computers and devices we own. Does this mean I get a refund on all the music I've picked up on iTunes?
Dads and Kids
Did we really need British researchers to tell us that Men determine the sex of a baby. Even I remember that from biology class. The research goes further saying lineage also determines how likely a man is to pass on a particular gender. Men with sisters are more likely to have girls and men with Brothers, more likely to have boys.
It worked with me. 2 brothers, 1 sister, 2 baby boys on the way. I follow my brother's lead. 3 boys for him too. It works for Brooke too. Eric has two brothers...Evan is the result.
The Problem is, My dad has 6 sisters and a brother...He had three boys. Jeriann's husband has sisters...no brothers. They're having a boy. This just seems crazy to me. What practical purpose will this information contribute to? I'm sure there's a larger purpose for the research. It just makes me think of all of the research we hear about that seems to have no purpose. How much money could the Federal Government save or redirect into more practical purposes if we cut out stuff like this?
The Men's Room
We're getting it painted today. I can't say how glad I am to be getting this off our to-do list. I'm also glad to be getting the horrid blue color I picked off the wall. I've never picked a color for a room and had it turn out the way I imagined. Good thing Sally picked this color. And who comes up with the names for the different shades? We were deciding between Marshmallow and Downy. Anyway this get us on the way to actually building cribs which I think happens this weekend. We keep going like this and we might actually be prepared for two babies in our house.
Have a good day!
PWD
The world has been turned on its head...life may never be the same...the Earth may not continue spinning on its axis...
They moved the coffee machine.
The idea was to hook up the coffee machine to a water line...we'd been using bottled water to feed the coffee machine. Anyway. You quickly find out how much your morning routine is ingrained in your head when someone changes the location of a place you visit several times a morning.
We'll try to adjust...but it will take a group effort.
To The News
School Cuts
The Des Moines School District has some hard choices to make. The budget cuts at the state level trickle down to the School District's budget and that means Des Moines needs to cut three million from it's budget. They think they can do it without staff cuts this year but that probably won't be the case next year. Important to point out...this isn't the result of mismanagement of money...the state is telling Districts it has millions less that it thought. School Districts now have to adjust.
Presidential Lunch
Who wouldn't want to be a fly on the wall for this one? President Bush is hosting a lunch for all the living Presidents. I wonder if it will be pleasantries or if these men will get into a real debate over the course of the Nation. If I'm President-Elect Obama I don't want to know how the Carter's handled Amy going to school...I want to know these four men's thoughts on the Middle East, The Economy etc...
Also in Washington
iTunes
They're going to charge us less for our music and we're now going to be able to share it among the computers and devices we own. Does this mean I get a refund on all the music I've picked up on iTunes?
Dads and Kids
Did we really need British researchers to tell us that Men determine the sex of a baby. Even I remember that from biology class. The research goes further saying lineage also determines how likely a man is to pass on a particular gender. Men with sisters are more likely to have girls and men with Brothers, more likely to have boys.
It worked with me. 2 brothers, 1 sister, 2 baby boys on the way. I follow my brother's lead. 3 boys for him too. It works for Brooke too. Eric has two brothers...Evan is the result.
The Problem is, My dad has 6 sisters and a brother...He had three boys. Jeriann's husband has sisters...no brothers. They're having a boy. This just seems crazy to me. What practical purpose will this information contribute to? I'm sure there's a larger purpose for the research. It just makes me think of all of the research we hear about that seems to have no purpose. How much money could the Federal Government save or redirect into more practical purposes if we cut out stuff like this?
The Men's Room
We're getting it painted today. I can't say how glad I am to be getting this off our to-do list. I'm also glad to be getting the horrid blue color I picked off the wall. I've never picked a color for a room and had it turn out the way I imagined. Good thing Sally picked this color. And who comes up with the names for the different shades? We were deciding between Marshmallow and Downy. Anyway this get us on the way to actually building cribs which I think happens this weekend. We keep going like this and we might actually be prepared for two babies in our house.
Have a good day!
PWD
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Gas Up, Pregnant Women and Found Online
Good Morning...
Some days it seems the mornings are harder than others but this morning I went from feeling pretty good, awake and ready to hit the ground running...to feeling a little annoyed.
Tell me if I'm missing something here.
I keep a stash of plastic bowls in a desk drawer so I can have oatmeal in the morning. No big deal but this morning I walked in and they're gone. I know I had bowls yesterday. Now they're gone.
For a while now my desk has been the newsroom buffet. Need a piece of gum...go to Pat's desk...a spoon? Sure it's in his desk drawer. Need a face wipe to take off that makeup? No problem...Pat bought some...I'm sure he doesn't mind supplying everyone else.
Don't get me wrong here. I don't mind it sharing any of this stuff, but I might pause before taking the last of someone else's personal stash. So no bowl this morning....
I also keep a refrigerator under my desk so I can keep some stuff cold...milk yogurt, maybe an orange or two. We have weird hours and it's pretty important that we eat some time before the show or you can get hungry.
Apparently I missed the sign on the thing that says it's there for anyone's use. I came in the other morning and someone else's stuff is in the fridge! Again, I totally don't mind sharing the space. I don't need all of it, but how about an email, "Hey Pat can I stash some of my stuff in your fridge?".
OK Now I feel better.
A little mix of what we had in the show and some things we didn't.
Congress
The 111th Congress is sworn in and seated this morning
two interesting things about this session. It starts without several Senate seats filled. New York, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota all have seats open for varying reasons. The Minnesota Senate race is going to the courts. Al Franken appears to be the Senator elect. Norm Coleman is going to challenge the result. Illinois Senate designee Roland Burris is in Washington but there's no telling whether the Senate will accept an appointment from a Governor who's under indictment. Colorado and New York just have to fill seats left vacant by Obama appointees.
The second interesting thing about Congress: It's the oldest average age for both the House and Senate. Interesting considering we just elected one of the youngest Presidents...largely on the vote of younger people.
Pregnant Women
We did out best to scare the socks of Jeriann this morning with two stories. One was a study saying the earlier a woman begins her pregnancy leave from work, the better her chances of a natural delivery vs a Cesarean.
Second was the study saying women who ate two apples a week were less likely to have children who developed Asthma. Something about an apple a day here.
Found Online
I also wanted to share a story my mother-in-law passed on from the Chicago press. One of the things you get a lot of as you go through a pregnancy is literature offering to "bank" your baby's cord blood. She passed on an article that gave, what I think, is a great explanation of options for parents.
OK so that's about the best I can do today. I'll be back at Noon. I'm still trying to get a few pics up from the shower this weekend. I am experiencing technical difficulties with my camera.
Have a good one...
PWD
Some days it seems the mornings are harder than others but this morning I went from feeling pretty good, awake and ready to hit the ground running...to feeling a little annoyed.
Tell me if I'm missing something here.
I keep a stash of plastic bowls in a desk drawer so I can have oatmeal in the morning. No big deal but this morning I walked in and they're gone. I know I had bowls yesterday. Now they're gone.
For a while now my desk has been the newsroom buffet. Need a piece of gum...go to Pat's desk...a spoon? Sure it's in his desk drawer. Need a face wipe to take off that makeup? No problem...Pat bought some...I'm sure he doesn't mind supplying everyone else.
Don't get me wrong here. I don't mind it sharing any of this stuff, but I might pause before taking the last of someone else's personal stash. So no bowl this morning....
I also keep a refrigerator under my desk so I can keep some stuff cold...milk yogurt, maybe an orange or two. We have weird hours and it's pretty important that we eat some time before the show or you can get hungry.
Apparently I missed the sign on the thing that says it's there for anyone's use. I came in the other morning and someone else's stuff is in the fridge! Again, I totally don't mind sharing the space. I don't need all of it, but how about an email, "Hey Pat can I stash some of my stuff in your fridge?".
OK Now I feel better.
A little mix of what we had in the show and some things we didn't.
Congress
The 111th Congress is sworn in and seated this morning
two interesting things about this session. It starts without several Senate seats filled. New York, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota all have seats open for varying reasons. The Minnesota Senate race is going to the courts. Al Franken appears to be the Senator elect. Norm Coleman is going to challenge the result. Illinois Senate designee Roland Burris is in Washington but there's no telling whether the Senate will accept an appointment from a Governor who's under indictment. Colorado and New York just have to fill seats left vacant by Obama appointees.
The second interesting thing about Congress: It's the oldest average age for both the House and Senate. Interesting considering we just elected one of the youngest Presidents...largely on the vote of younger people.
Pregnant Women
We did out best to scare the socks of Jeriann this morning with two stories. One was a study saying the earlier a woman begins her pregnancy leave from work, the better her chances of a natural delivery vs a Cesarean.
Second was the study saying women who ate two apples a week were less likely to have children who developed Asthma. Something about an apple a day here.
Found Online
I also wanted to share a story my mother-in-law passed on from the Chicago press. One of the things you get a lot of as you go through a pregnancy is literature offering to "bank" your baby's cord blood. She passed on an article that gave, what I think, is a great explanation of options for parents.
OK so that's about the best I can do today. I'll be back at Noon. I'm still trying to get a few pics up from the shower this weekend. I am experiencing technical difficulties with my camera.
Have a good one...
PWD
Monday, January 05, 2009
Let the Pomp Begin, The Ladies Return and I DID Shower This Weekend
Good Morning!
Can I tell you how happy I was to see Jeriann and Brooke this morning? Very Happy. I tell people all the time it's a lot easier getting up at two in the morning when you know you're going to be working with the kind of people I do. The holidays are over and we're now on Baby countdown for JR. She's got about three weeks to go for those of you keeping score at home. Sally and I have about eight to ten weeks.
To The News:
Pomp and Routine
It was back to school for The President Elect's kids this morning. Explaining to them why they needed to leave their friends in Chicago to go to this new school in Washington probably had it's difficult moments. It's got to be an interesting transition for any family headed to Washington. The President Elect starts meeting with the Congressional Leadership today...He also meets with all of the living Presidents. I imagine that to be an interesting room. I imagine the Presidency to be a job no one can fully explain until you've actually done it...and the Men who will sit in that room, while they have political differences, are also part of one of the smallest fraternities in the world.
Showered
Sally and I hosted her Mom this weekend, in part to get a kick start on some of the things we still need to get done. She was great! Did laundry, helped talk through a few things about The Men's Room...(yes we're still calling that)...and she even took us out to lunch. It's a big help to have an extra pair of hands.
Liz was here for a shower for Sally. Our friends threw it for her and as usual we're overwhelme
d by the generosity and support. Jeriann and Brooke were among the women who showed up for the party. Jeriann brought one of my favorite gifts so far. I'll put pictures up when I get home so you can see.
With the help of a lot of friends and family we're sneaking up on actually being ready for the logistics of having these kids. We're see if Sally and I can actually step up and be ready to run the circus from the center ring.
I gotta go do the noon News. Sorry this is a little late.
PWD
Can I tell you how happy I was to see Jeriann and Brooke this morning? Very Happy. I tell people all the time it's a lot easier getting up at two in the morning when you know you're going to be working with the kind of people I do. The holidays are over and we're now on Baby countdown for JR. She's got about three weeks to go for those of you keeping score at home. Sally and I have about eight to ten weeks.
To The News:
Pomp and Routine
It was back to school for The President Elect's kids this morning. Explaining to them why they needed to leave their friends in Chicago to go to this new school in Washington probably had it's difficult moments. It's got to be an interesting transition for any family headed to Washington. The President Elect starts meeting with the Congressional Leadership today...He also meets with all of the living Presidents. I imagine that to be an interesting room. I imagine the Presidency to be a job no one can fully explain until you've actually done it...and the Men who will sit in that room, while they have political differences, are also part of one of the smallest fraternities in the world.
Showered
Sally and I hosted her Mom this weekend, in part to get a kick start on some of the things we still need to get done. She was great! Did laundry, helped talk through a few things about The Men's Room...(yes we're still calling that)...and she even took us out to lunch. It's a big help to have an extra pair of hands.
Liz was here for a shower for Sally. Our friends threw it for her and as usual we're overwhelme
d by the generosity and support. Jeriann and Brooke were among the women who showed up for the party. Jeriann brought one of my favorite gifts so far. I'll put pictures up when I get home so you can see.With the help of a lot of friends and family we're sneaking up on actually being ready for the logistics of having these kids. We're see if Sally and I can actually step up and be ready to run the circus from the center ring.
I gotta go do the noon News. Sorry this is a little late.
PWD
Friday, January 02, 2009
Hawks Win and Lose, Leadership, and One in One Out
Good Morning
It'll be a short blog for the end to a short work week. I hope most of you didn't have to go back to work this morning and could take an extended break.
To The News:
Hawks Win
I saw a friend who's also a Hawkeye fan at a dinner party last night and he led off with, "The Hawks could beat anyone outside the top ten right now and maybe the top five."
There does seem to be an upper tier of College football this year. A handful of exciting teams and then the "also rans". I would put Iowa in the latter rather than the former. Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, USC, Alabama, Ohio State, even LSU would be hard match-ups for the Hawks. Heck, I'd love to see the Hawks match up with Missouri. That would be a good game. But lest not get carried away. This was a team that peaked at the right time. They also have one of the best coaches in the country.
Leadership
For a definition see Iowa State's Administrators and Coaches taking an unpaid week of leave to help with the budget. It's not going to make a big dent in the budget shortfall, but it's a symbolic gesture that shows they understand they are part of a larger organization that's having a tough time right now. It at least shows they're willing to pitch in. It's a principal pf leadership I think is key. Don't make anyone who works for you do anything you're not willing to do first.
One in One Out
My Sister leaves for Chicago today and we welcome my Mother-in-law for the weekend. It's another welcome visit from someone who can help is wrap our brains around the task of organization and preparation.
Boooookkkkkkkeeeeee Jeeerrrriiiiiaaaaannnnn......Cooooommmmeeee Baaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!
We should all be reunited Monday when Holiday schedule Craziness comes to an end.
Have a good weekend!
PWD
It'll be a short blog for the end to a short work week. I hope most of you didn't have to go back to work this morning and could take an extended break.
To The News:
Hawks Win
I saw a friend who's also a Hawkeye fan at a dinner party last night and he led off with, "The Hawks could beat anyone outside the top ten right now and maybe the top five."
There does seem to be an upper tier of College football this year. A handful of exciting teams and then the "also rans". I would put Iowa in the latter rather than the former. Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, USC, Alabama, Ohio State, even LSU would be hard match-ups for the Hawks. Heck, I'd love to see the Hawks match up with Missouri. That would be a good game. But lest not get carried away. This was a team that peaked at the right time. They also have one of the best coaches in the country.
Leadership
For a definition see Iowa State's Administrators and Coaches taking an unpaid week of leave to help with the budget. It's not going to make a big dent in the budget shortfall, but it's a symbolic gesture that shows they understand they are part of a larger organization that's having a tough time right now. It at least shows they're willing to pitch in. It's a principal pf leadership I think is key. Don't make anyone who works for you do anything you're not willing to do first.
One in One Out
My Sister leaves for Chicago today and we welcome my Mother-in-law for the weekend. It's another welcome visit from someone who can help is wrap our brains around the task of organization and preparation.
Boooookkkkkkkeeeeee Jeeerrrriiiiiaaaaannnnn......Cooooommmmeeee Baaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!
We should all be reunited Monday when Holiday schedule Craziness comes to an end.
Have a good weekend!
PWD
Thursday, January 01, 2009
No Resolutions, Just Random
Good Morning...The news revolves around partying and football today so just a few thoughts going into the New Year then I'm going to go watch some football.
-Is it really 2009? I feel like it was yesterday we were talking about y2k.
-Steaks last night for dinner. I forget if I've ever shared the way to cook a perfect steak (a prefer a 12 oz New York Strip).
Turn the oven on Broil. Stick the steaks on the top rack for three and a half minutes a side.
flip the steak again and season if you like. cook at 400 for another five minutes. Flip it one more time and cook another five minutes at 400. I've never ruined a steak this way and if you like Medium rare...this is the way to get that perfect pink all the way through the center.
-I turn 35 this year, will be married ten years and will have been at WHO ten years. I thought this might be the year I finally play Pebble Beach.
I'm getting a much better deal with twins.
It's funny how you see your life five years out...and how things can change in ways you never imagined.
-One of our bloggers wrote about the Hawk fan in the half shirt in Chris Hassle's story last night. If you haven't seen it, I recommend a strong drink before you do.
It was so disturbing Murph actually went BACK tot he video on last night's 10pm show.
Now try to look at this objectively...do you really have to ask yourself why some people in this state think Hawkeye fans are over the top?
-Hockey at Wrigley Field? Bret said he doesn't like it. I don't mind. And when did the Blackhawks become a contender again?
-College basketball used to be one of my favorite sports. I just can't get into it. Without a story like Drake to root for, I find I'm a man without a country. I have no loyalty to MIZZOU basketball. In fact, I grew up rooting for Kansas when my sister was there. Someone find me a team to get behind.
-I hope my kids are as smart as their Mother.
-My chances of winning Powerball went down. I still am going to believe I'm a winner when I buy my ticket. I'm still going to spend the hours between buying and losing, dreaming of what I'd do with the winnings.
-A glass of Champagne really is a great way to celebrate the New Year.
I hope you have a good start to the year.
PWD
-Is it really 2009? I feel like it was yesterday we were talking about y2k.
-Steaks last night for dinner. I forget if I've ever shared the way to cook a perfect steak (a prefer a 12 oz New York Strip).
Turn the oven on Broil. Stick the steaks on the top rack for three and a half minutes a side.
flip the steak again and season if you like. cook at 400 for another five minutes. Flip it one more time and cook another five minutes at 400. I've never ruined a steak this way and if you like Medium rare...this is the way to get that perfect pink all the way through the center.
-I turn 35 this year, will be married ten years and will have been at WHO ten years. I thought this might be the year I finally play Pebble Beach.
I'm getting a much better deal with twins.
It's funny how you see your life five years out...and how things can change in ways you never imagined.
-One of our bloggers wrote about the Hawk fan in the half shirt in Chris Hassle's story last night. If you haven't seen it, I recommend a strong drink before you do.
It was so disturbing Murph actually went BACK tot he video on last night's 10pm show.
Now try to look at this objectively...do you really have to ask yourself why some people in this state think Hawkeye fans are over the top?
-Hockey at Wrigley Field? Bret said he doesn't like it. I don't mind. And when did the Blackhawks become a contender again?
-College basketball used to be one of my favorite sports. I just can't get into it. Without a story like Drake to root for, I find I'm a man without a country. I have no loyalty to MIZZOU basketball. In fact, I grew up rooting for Kansas when my sister was there. Someone find me a team to get behind.
-I hope my kids are as smart as their Mother.
-My chances of winning Powerball went down. I still am going to believe I'm a winner when I buy my ticket. I'm still going to spend the hours between buying and losing, dreaming of what I'd do with the winnings.
-A glass of Champagne really is a great way to celebrate the New Year.
I hope you have a good start to the year.
PWD
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