Good Morning...what a Friday!
Jeriann spent the morning out at Van and Bonnie's Chocolate Breakfast at the Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines. The highlight of the morning had to be getting Sen Chuck Grassley to do Jeriann's Friday Happy Dance. It was pretty good, and is probably worth five points in the polls.
To the News:
Asking for Help
The Gov will be asking Washington for a little financial help cleaning up after last week's ice storm. The money would mostly help cities deal with the debris, and damage from the storms.
Asking for HelpII
Did you see the President's announcement in Florida yesterday. he talked High Speed rail in Tampa. There's been a lot of talk about a line from Chicago to Omaha...through Iowa City, the Quad Cities and Des Moines.
Unfortunately, it looks like Des Moines is last on the priorities list for Federal help. We got some money, and our Congressional delegation is taking credit, but we didn't get what the state needs to start up the line from Chicago to Iowa City.
I, for one, think this would be a great travel option...
More to the point it's a was to get some cars off the road between here and Chicago. I've heard some people say it's s dumb idea because it would take six hours to get there. Under the old Amtrak system maybe, but we're talking High Speed rail here. The idea is to go 130mph and only stop in four places along the way. That would cut down considerably on travel time. If you think about it, you have to show up at the airport at least an hour early, it takes an hour to fly to Chicago (at least) and then you have to get out of O'Hare once you arrive. If a train could go directly into Downtown Chicago (and why wouldn't it) it could save people a lot of time...
I think it would be a lot easier, and maybe even safer to pile my two kids on a train than to drive them, or fly them over to Chicago in the winter.
Oprah
Well thank God Oprah thinks Iowa is improving. I was really worried.
In the latest issue of her magazine, Oprah points to Iowa as one of the 100 things that are improving. Citing legalization of same sex marriage, some website that rated out quality of life high, and Iowa Football as her reasoning, Oprah gives us her seal of approval.
When is her show ending again?
Warner
Kurt Warner will probably retire today, and why not? He's had a wonderful career in the NFL and he still has his health. Even though he's still one of the elite Quarterbacks in the league, If he were to stick around for another season, he could suffer another concussion and do permanent damage to his body. Weigh that against the prospect of a lucrative career on the speakers circuit and I'm not sure there's much of a choice here. You get the sense that Warner is someone who thrives off competition and loves to play the game, but you also get the sense there are other things in his life that could sustain fulfill him. Either way we'll look forward to seeing an Iowa native succeed. We know he will no matter what he chooses.
Weekend!
Any of you who will be down on the Southeast side of Des Moines this weekend, you might consider a fun way to spend the day Saturday. The Fraternal Order of Eagles is holding it's annual Texas Hold Em Tournament to benefit its scholarship fund. A bunch of us from the station will be down there. If you're going to join us...stop by to say hello, I'll be the one knocked out early. Hey, it's for the kids right?
Have a good day!
PWD
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
State of the Union, Why I am hungry and Apple Pie for Breakfast
Good morning everyone. Let me start by saying I am not expecting. But I am incredibly hungry all the time. Non-stop, actually. Oh... and by the way, sorry for not adding to the blog yesterday. I got a little side-tracked with another project and ran out of time. Anyway, I was telling Patrick yesterday that I feel hungry all the time and don't know why. Everyone in the news room seemed to agree with me that their appetites just don't feel satisfied and we all seem to suspect that it could be the weather. I have been craving things that I NEVER eat. Like fried chicken. And biscuits. I guess that means my body wants something drenched in fat. So, why am I so hungry? Does it have something to do with our body's natural tendency to put on fat when it's cold? Or trying to overcome the winter blues with food? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have been watching too much of the Food Network when Evan takes his nap in the afternoon.
Anyway... as if someone at Wells Fargo Arena knew my insatiable desire for comfort food, this morning when we came back into the newsroom after the show, there was an Apple Pie on the counter. One of the women in marketing brought it by as part of the promotional material for the Super Bull Series going on at the Well this weekend. Not sure what Apple Pie and bull riding have in common, but I don't care. This pie was the bomb. And I was the first to dig in. It's almost gone and as I write this it's not even 8 a.m. No, I didn't eat it all. Just one piece. But I wanted more until I saw how many grams of fat are in one slice. Must be all the lard used in the crust.
Anyway... as if someone at Wells Fargo Arena knew my insatiable desire for comfort food, this morning when we came back into the newsroom after the show, there was an Apple Pie on the counter. One of the women in marketing brought it by as part of the promotional material for the Super Bull Series going on at the Well this weekend. Not sure what Apple Pie and bull riding have in common, but I don't care. This pie was the bomb. And I was the first to dig in. It's almost gone and as I write this it's not even 8 a.m. No, I didn't eat it all. Just one piece. But I wanted more until I saw how many grams of fat are in one slice. Must be all the lard used in the crust.On to the news..
State of the Union
Did you watch last night? Unfortunately I fell asleep 10 minutes into the speech and according to Pat, missed the best part. Did you catch the part of President Obama's speech when he basically criticized the Supreme Court for its ruling removing corporate campaign spending limits. The President said, "With all due deference to the separation of powers... last week the court reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests including foreign corporations to spend without limit in our election." When the cameras focused on Justice Alito, you can hear him mouth, "That's not true" and then shake his head.
That's all for now. I have a play date with Evan today. I have to admit, it still sounds weird for me say "play date." It sounds so formal. I can almost guarantee this is not a phrase my mother and her friends used when they would get together with the kids. Maybe we came up with the word because we have to be more structured now with our get-togethers since so many moms work. Regardless, I am looking forward to seeing all the kids and moms. Megan Salois is hosting it and some other people from work including Pat's wife and kids are coming. I'll probably have something funny to share tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Have a great day!
Hope you all stay warm today.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Budget, Recall, and Why is Brooke so Hungry?
Good Morning...
We're going to try to keep a dual blog going this morning. I've encouraged Brooke to contribute cause I think it's much more interesting when she does.
The start of the morning went right back to routine for me when I got downstairs and realized the coffee maker hadn't been turned on. I forgot to hit the button to trigger the timer. So it took me that much longer to get out of the house.
To the news:
Budget
The Governor releases his budget this morning and has made it clear no one should have any opinion on it. If, as most people believe, it has another ten percent cut in it; State Department heads will face an even tougher year this year than they did last. So the Memo we obtained from the Gov's Chief of staff didn't seem to strike the right tone.
"YOU ARE EXPECTED TO FULLY SUPPORT THE BUDGET THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL SEND TO THE LEGISLATURE."
IT GOES ON TO SAY, "IF YOU ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO THOROUGHLY SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR AND LT. GOVERNOR ON THESE MATTERS, THEN SEE ME PERSONALLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE."
Really? Will there be large intimidating men in the office to help make the Governor's point?
If you don't have the team around you that's going to support your decisions...you're the Governor...bring in the team that will.
If you haven't brought your team in to make sure everyone is on board with a complicated and challenging budget plan...then that may also be a sign of bad communication and a lack of leadership.
Recall
Toyota is taking eight of it's models out of production and telling dealers not to sell any more of them. They're worried about accelerators sticking. If you have a Toyota built after 1997, you should check to see if it's on the recall list.
Apple
Don't know why but I'm fascinated by the launch of Apple's new tablet computer. I wonder if it will actually revolutionize the way we experience media of all kinds. I would be sceptical but it seems much of what Apple touches turns to gold. They seem to be very aware of what consumers want.
In a small way I am hoping the exclusivity agreement with AT&T ends so I can get an iPhone.
Freaks
Someone at the Today show has got a thing for wax figures. they've got the Obama's on this morning.
I'll be honest, the whole thing creeps me out. Someone explain the draw behind going to see lifelike wax figures.
National Make-out Day
Our producer just let us know someone designated this...National Make-out Day. Is there an appropriate gift for that? Carmex? Burt's Bees?
Organization
Megan told us all how to take the first steps toward a more organized house. This is the time of the year to do it for sure. I'm sure we could all find more than a few things to donate or throw out.
This is also the way I lost most of the stuff I came into my marriage with. We moved four times in the first three years we were married and every time Sally would help me "organize" my way through packing. This meant throwing a lot of stuff out.
Now did I really need my 8th grade basketball trophies? You never know.
Was the Burlap sofa I inherited from my Grandma the most comfortable place to sit (especially after my roommate spent six months sleeping there)? Probably not.
Was the flowered Hawaiian shirt I bought at Wal-Mart for some Halloween party ten years ago an important part of my wardrobe? Well it shouldn't be.
That said, some of us find it hard to let these things go. I, for one, enjoy looking back at how dramatic everything seemed as a teenager. I think my kids will enjoy reading what my friends had to say in a yearbook, and I will always keep the ticket stubs to an Orioles Game the weekend Sally and I got engadged (Cal Ripkin Jr. als ended his consecutive games streak that night but that's not the point).
I don't think anyone is going to find me among the piles of mementos and old newspapers cause I have a problem throwing things away, I just think there are some things that we should keep to remind us how we got here.
Hope you all have a good day
We're going to try to keep a dual blog going this morning. I've encouraged Brooke to contribute cause I think it's much more interesting when she does.
The start of the morning went right back to routine for me when I got downstairs and realized the coffee maker hadn't been turned on. I forgot to hit the button to trigger the timer. So it took me that much longer to get out of the house.
To the news:
Budget
The Governor releases his budget this morning and has made it clear no one should have any opinion on it. If, as most people believe, it has another ten percent cut in it; State Department heads will face an even tougher year this year than they did last. So the Memo we obtained from the Gov's Chief of staff didn't seem to strike the right tone.
"YOU ARE EXPECTED TO FULLY SUPPORT THE BUDGET THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL SEND TO THE LEGISLATURE."
IT GOES ON TO SAY, "IF YOU ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO THOROUGHLY SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR AND LT. GOVERNOR ON THESE MATTERS, THEN SEE ME PERSONALLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE."
Really? Will there be large intimidating men in the office to help make the Governor's point?
If you don't have the team around you that's going to support your decisions...you're the Governor...bring in the team that will.
If you haven't brought your team in to make sure everyone is on board with a complicated and challenging budget plan...then that may also be a sign of bad communication and a lack of leadership.
Recall
Toyota is taking eight of it's models out of production and telling dealers not to sell any more of them. They're worried about accelerators sticking. If you have a Toyota built after 1997, you should check to see if it's on the recall list.
Apple
Don't know why but I'm fascinated by the launch of Apple's new tablet computer. I wonder if it will actually revolutionize the way we experience media of all kinds. I would be sceptical but it seems much of what Apple touches turns to gold. They seem to be very aware of what consumers want.
In a small way I am hoping the exclusivity agreement with AT&T ends so I can get an iPhone.
Freaks
Someone at the Today show has got a thing for wax figures. they've got the Obama's on this morning.
I'll be honest, the whole thing creeps me out. Someone explain the draw behind going to see lifelike wax figures.
National Make-out Day
Our producer just let us know someone designated this...National Make-out Day. Is there an appropriate gift for that? Carmex? Burt's Bees?
Organization
Megan told us all how to take the first steps toward a more organized house. This is the time of the year to do it for sure. I'm sure we could all find more than a few things to donate or throw out.
This is also the way I lost most of the stuff I came into my marriage with. We moved four times in the first three years we were married and every time Sally would help me "organize" my way through packing. This meant throwing a lot of stuff out.
Now did I really need my 8th grade basketball trophies? You never know.
Was the Burlap sofa I inherited from my Grandma the most comfortable place to sit (especially after my roommate spent six months sleeping there)? Probably not.
Was the flowered Hawaiian shirt I bought at Wal-Mart for some Halloween party ten years ago an important part of my wardrobe? Well it shouldn't be.
That said, some of us find it hard to let these things go. I, for one, enjoy looking back at how dramatic everything seemed as a teenager. I think my kids will enjoy reading what my friends had to say in a yearbook, and I will always keep the ticket stubs to an Orioles Game the weekend Sally and I got engadged (Cal Ripkin Jr. als ended his consecutive games streak that night but that's not the point).
I don't think anyone is going to find me among the piles of mementos and old newspapers cause I have a problem throwing things away, I just think there are some things that we should keep to remind us how we got here.
Hope you all have a good day
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Another Round,Snow Days and Oldies but Goodies
Good Morning!
Back after a four day break and I feel rested...thought I woke up in a panic this morning when my alarm didn't go off. I was about an hour late to start off but made up a lot of time and got here pretty much as normal. It's amazing how much you get out of routine after even a few days off. I have a normal routine every night, get my coffee ready to go, make sure all the dishes are washed...stuff like that. I haven't had to do that for a few days so I spaced out. No big deal but I think you can relate. Even a small change to that mindless morning routine can make a big difference.
To The News
Another Round
I thought the snow was over when I went out to snowblow the driveway around three thirty yesterday. No such luck. By the time I was done, the snow was falling again and I think there's another two inches on the walk this morning. Like a lot of you, I'm just trying to keep my head down and make it through the winter. We had a story about this being the MOST depressing week of the year. Not sure about that but we sure are into the post-holiday doldrums. Hang in there!
DM Schools
The District is asking parents what they should do to make up the six snow days they've called. There's a survey on the District website. Some of the options include days at the end of the year, holding school on days scheduled off for conferences, shortening spring break, and holding classes Saturdays. You know it's a bad winter when they talk about holding school Saturdays to make up for time lost.
Federal Budget
The President gives his State of the Union tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say. A big portion of the speech leaked already talks about A freeze on Federal Government spending in most departments. Well, if we've got to do it, I don't see why the Federal Government should be any different. I don't believe the Federal Government will actually curb spending but the President will get a little bump in the polls.
Apple
Did ya see Apple's profit's increased 50%? There's a stock I wish I'd bought when it came out for an IPO.
Girls and Their Teachers
There's a study out this morning that basically says, if you're daughter's female teacher isn't comfortable with Math...that rubs off on your daughter in the classroom. It's an explanation for why a lot of girls perceive themselves to be bad at Math and Science. I'm not sure I buy this.
Octomom
Does anyone else think...Who cares!?!
She lost some weight and got some plastic surgery. WHO CARES?
I'm always struck with he feeling that this woman is constantly looking around for a camera, or wondering what "the public" thinks of her. It's really sad. Mostly I'm sad for the kids. I can't help but think this Mom is considering her own life before the kids well being. It's a contrast in my head because I actually had a thought as I was pulling out of the driveway yesterday, taking JT to a doctor's appointment...
I actually thought out a scenario where I went sliding on the road and was about to get into an accident. I thought...which way would I have to turn to make sure no one hit the side of the car JT was on. I don't know this woman but I get the feeling she'd knock her own kids over if they were between her and a camera.
As we looked at all of these pictures I started thinking...none of us look that different.
I'm sure we DO look different but in my mind's eye...no one has changed that much...and the ones who have...look BETTER than they did as teenagers.
I'm sure this is just my perception. I've put on about 50 lbs so I know I don't look the
same.
Maybe it's a condition of ageing. I've often wondered if I will always look at Sally and see the girl I met when we were 12.
I still feel like that 18 year old in the picture... I look at those friends...we have kids...we're in our thirties! But I still feel like we're all just kids ourselves. I hope I always feel that way. And I hope fashions like these make a comeback.
So have a great day...
PWD
Back after a four day break and I feel rested...thought I woke up in a panic this morning when my alarm didn't go off. I was about an hour late to start off but made up a lot of time and got here pretty much as normal. It's amazing how much you get out of routine after even a few days off. I have a normal routine every night, get my coffee ready to go, make sure all the dishes are washed...stuff like that. I haven't had to do that for a few days so I spaced out. No big deal but I think you can relate. Even a small change to that mindless morning routine can make a big difference.
To The News
Another Round
I thought the snow was over when I went out to snowblow the driveway around three thirty yesterday. No such luck. By the time I was done, the snow was falling again and I think there's another two inches on the walk this morning. Like a lot of you, I'm just trying to keep my head down and make it through the winter. We had a story about this being the MOST depressing week of the year. Not sure about that but we sure are into the post-holiday doldrums. Hang in there!
DM Schools
The District is asking parents what they should do to make up the six snow days they've called. There's a survey on the District website. Some of the options include days at the end of the year, holding school on days scheduled off for conferences, shortening spring break, and holding classes Saturdays. You know it's a bad winter when they talk about holding school Saturdays to make up for time lost.
Federal Budget
The President gives his State of the Union tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say. A big portion of the speech leaked already talks about A freeze on Federal Government spending in most departments. Well, if we've got to do it, I don't see why the Federal Government should be any different. I don't believe the Federal Government will actually curb spending but the President will get a little bump in the polls.
Apple
Did ya see Apple's profit's increased 50%? There's a stock I wish I'd bought when it came out for an IPO.
Girls and Their Teachers
There's a study out this morning that basically says, if you're daughter's female teacher isn't comfortable with Math...that rubs off on your daughter in the classroom. It's an explanation for why a lot of girls perceive themselves to be bad at Math and Science. I'm not sure I buy this.
Octomom
Does anyone else think...Who cares!?!
She lost some weight and got some plastic surgery. WHO CARES?
I'm always struck with he feeling that this woman is constantly looking around for a camera, or wondering what "the public" thinks of her. It's really sad. Mostly I'm sad for the kids. I can't help but think this Mom is considering her own life before the kids well being. It's a contrast in my head because I actually had a thought as I was pulling out of the driveway yesterday, taking JT to a doctor's appointment...
I actually thought out a scenario where I went sliding on the road and was about to get into an accident. I thought...which way would I have to turn to make sure no one hit the side of the car JT was on. I don't know this woman but I get the feeling she'd knock her own kids over if they were between her and a camera.
Hey everyone... it's Brooke. I want to apologize for not updating the blog while Pat was gone. As usual.. I forgot. I need to put a sign on my computer reminding me on the days he isn't working. Anyway, I thought I would add my thoughts today and try to be a little more regular about contributing. Usually, there's nothing left to say after Pat gets his 2 cents in... but I'll give it my best. :)
Over the weekend, I read a story in the Des Moines Register about a Johnston family that decided to get rid of some of the "clutter" in their lives. This included all the distractions that were tearing them apart and taking away their family time. So, the parents decided to stop using their phones, computers and all their other technology gadgets and start spending more qualilty time together as a family. They forced their teenage son to do the same. They also cleaned out their garage and got rid of some of the physical clutter that was also taking a toll on their lives. And guess what happened? They're spending more time together and connecting the way families should. The husband and wife are going out on date nights and having more conversations about their day instead of checking their Blackberries everytime it beeps. The Johnston family got a little help doing this from one of Oprah Winfrey's regular expert guests. And they all appeared on the show last week.
It definitely make me think about my own family and the importance of setting a good example for my 2 year old. Do I want him to think my phone is more important than him? No. And do I want him zoning out all day on the computer or in front of the tv? A big NO. Well, this article reminded me that I have to lead by example in this area if I want my son to be interested in books instead of tv... or want to spend time at the dinner table with him family instead of checking Facebook (or whatever will be around when he's a teenager). I've definitely limited the amount of tv I watch since Evan was born but I can definitely turn it it off more often. And this article definitely inspired me to do just that.
Hope you all have a great day. Enjoy the sunshine... it will be gone before you know it!
Oldies but Goodies
Sally and I spent some time going through old pictures yesterday. There were quite a few of them we could throw out, and we did.
I found a few that I posted on Facebook for fun...I hope everyone else in the picture thought it was fun too.As we looked at all of these pictures I started thinking...none of us look that different.
I'm sure we DO look different but in my mind's eye...no one has changed that much...and the ones who have...look BETTER than they did as teenagers.
I'm sure this is just my perception. I've put on about 50 lbs so I know I don't look the
same.Maybe it's a condition of ageing. I've often wondered if I will always look at Sally and see the girl I met when we were 12.
I still feel like that 18 year old in the picture... I look at those friends...we have kids...we're in our thirties! But I still feel like we're all just kids ourselves. I hope I always feel that way. And I hope fashions like these make a comeback.
So have a great day...
PWD
Thursday, January 21, 2010
More Ice, Edwards and Ft Wayne
Good afternoon.
Blogging during the Nooner today. There's a lot more to talk about now than there was at five this morning.
So let's get to it.
More Ice
This morning I was in the newsroom for about ten minutes and I'd already heard about five or six reports of downed power lines just here in the Metro. That led to the number of homes without power going up not down. It's the same story here at Noon. We just talked to the Carol Co Emergency Management Coordinator who told us more power lines have come down this morning and it could be a couple days before they really get the numbers going the right way.
I figured the commute would be much better than yesterday and for the most part it was. Urbandale was the exception where two areas gave drivers big problems. They had to close part of Meredith for an hour this morning because people were slipping on the hill.
Here's the behind the scene stuff you don't get from the video coverage. Our reporters and especially our photojournalists are getting where they need to be and working through more than challenging conditions. if you thought the coverage we provided was complete; it is, in large part, thanks to their efforts.
Conan
3o million bucks and a seven month vacation? Thanks NBC
Edwards
While the story of Edwards fathering a child after an affair with a staff, the surprise for me came in the news that John and Elizabeth Edwards have separated. The other head turner came when we heard John Edwards showed up in Haiti this morning. I'm not sure I'd put myself front and center in the disaster zone right after the announcement. Let's just say his motives are pure here...I'm not sure I believe they are. You are going to be criticized for trying to distract from the affair by being in the quake zone.
The Supremes
The Sup Court ruled today that the Federal Government can't limit corporate contributions to campaigns. That means you will all have to suffer through a lot more campaign ads if something doesn't change. I don't know how I feel about this one yet. I don't agree with any limit to the freedom of speech, but this could move a run for office even further out of reach for most Americans.
Fort Wayne
One of the events Greg Edwards featured this weekend was the Energy game against Fort Wayne. I guess the team is called the Mad Ants. We were wondering where the name came from and...you all came through again. In fact, our answer comes from a guy who should know something about strange minor league sports mascots. Michael Gartner, the owner of the ICubs wrote in to tell us:
I am a lover of random information and this fits that description. I also love it that our viewers have it. Michael's wasn't the only email we got about The Mad Ants.
Have a good day!
Blogging during the Nooner today. There's a lot more to talk about now than there was at five this morning.
So let's get to it.
More Ice
This morning I was in the newsroom for about ten minutes and I'd already heard about five or six reports of downed power lines just here in the Metro. That led to the number of homes without power going up not down. It's the same story here at Noon. We just talked to the Carol Co Emergency Management Coordinator who told us more power lines have come down this morning and it could be a couple days before they really get the numbers going the right way.
I figured the commute would be much better than yesterday and for the most part it was. Urbandale was the exception where two areas gave drivers big problems. They had to close part of Meredith for an hour this morning because people were slipping on the hill.
Here's the behind the scene stuff you don't get from the video coverage. Our reporters and especially our photojournalists are getting where they need to be and working through more than challenging conditions. if you thought the coverage we provided was complete; it is, in large part, thanks to their efforts.
Conan
3o million bucks and a seven month vacation? Thanks NBC
Edwards
While the story of Edwards fathering a child after an affair with a staff, the surprise for me came in the news that John and Elizabeth Edwards have separated. The other head turner came when we heard John Edwards showed up in Haiti this morning. I'm not sure I'd put myself front and center in the disaster zone right after the announcement. Let's just say his motives are pure here...I'm not sure I believe they are. You are going to be criticized for trying to distract from the affair by being in the quake zone.
The Supremes
The Sup Court ruled today that the Federal Government can't limit corporate contributions to campaigns. That means you will all have to suffer through a lot more campaign ads if something doesn't change. I don't know how I feel about this one yet. I don't agree with any limit to the freedom of speech, but this could move a run for office even further out of reach for most Americans.
Fort Wayne
One of the events Greg Edwards featured this weekend was the Energy game against Fort Wayne. I guess the team is called the Mad Ants. We were wondering where the name came from and...you all came through again. In fact, our answer comes from a guy who should know something about strange minor league sports mascots. Michael Gartner, the owner of the ICubs wrote in to tell us:
Patrick -- they're probably called the Mad Ants because Fort Wayne is named
after a great Revolutionary War general known as Mad Anthony Wayne.
I am a lover of random information and this fits that description. I also love it that our viewers have it. Michael's wasn't the only email we got about The Mad Ants.
Have a good day!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Ice, Surprises, and Has it Really Been a Year?
Good Morning...
The semi-chaotic state of the weather and news feels like an appropriate way to mark a significant date. It was a year ago last night that Sally and I went into the hospital for five weeks of bed rest leading up to the boy's big arrival.
I was thinking of that day...it's easy to remember the details.
We stayed up all night waiting for the Docs to admit Sally. It turned out they decided to admit her just as the President was about to take the oath of office. The nurses turned up the volume on the TV in the room they had her in, then turned up the volume on the TV across the hall in her permanent room so we could listen to his inaugural speech while they wheeled her across the hall. Ahhh the memories.
I think back on those five weeks and am really glad we had them. It forced us to slow down and think about the change about hit come into our lives.
I also think about the wonderful care we received at Mercy Medical Center. I am sure the nurses hardly remember us, but we remember the role they played in giving us two healthy happy boys. It seems like a million years ago...and yet I wonder
how a year has gone by so fast.
Here are a couple of pics of the boys their Mom snapped this morning. JT is finishing his "bucket list" while Will is weeks away from his first steps!
To the news:
Ice
Weather is going to be the big story. More than any other kind of weather, ICE is the thing that makes me the most nervous. Combine it with a little wind and you have the makings of a really bad few days. Last time this happened it was a weekend. We were supposed to have six couples over for dinner and our power went out. I'm tempted to make a hotel reservation somewhere in the metro then cancel if we end up not needing it. Lucky we have more than a few friends who would let us sack out on the couch.
Please be careful out there and be aware of what's around you if you have to be outside. Tree branches have a tendency to come down with ice and wind, and so do power lines. Don't want to be standing under either in this kind of weather.
Haiti
We had one of those, I'm glad to live in Iowa kind of stories this morning. Five Haitian children who were awaiting adoption flew back to Iowa last night thanks to the kindness of a news crew, the US Air Force and Pella Corp. It's a small victory among a heartbreaking series of stories coming out of the Caribbean.
I forgot to post something the last few days. It was a "letter" to the Minneapolis Star Tribune that was published last week I think. it's still one of the most popular articles on their site. FUNNY!
Surprises
Lucas Steiger to Germany? I'll let sports
handle that one but that just doesn't seem right.
Surprises Take 2
In Massachusetts Scott Brown is the Senator elect. I waited up to see AP call the race then went to bed.We'll read a lot about this story over the coming weeks but it's pretty simple to me. Voters don't like politicians and political parties that feel they can move forward with initiatives while disregarding public opinion.
I heard or read interviews with more than a few MA voters yesterday who said they didn't really like Brown's politics.
They said their vote for him was more a vote AGAINST Democrats in Washington.
That should strike you as stunning coming from a state who's voters continually returned the man who championed Universal healthcare to office for about seventy years.
Those voters knew what they were doing.
Now, before the Right starts talking about this being a mandate for more conservative candidates, they should take a closer look at the mood of voters. It would appear to me that voters are increasingly upset with the fringe on each end of the spectrum. Conservatives who zero in on morality issues and ignore the more important fiscal discipline voters want or Democrats who placate special interests like the Union Leadership and forget that the people who voted them in are workers who are struggling
to pay the bills.
I heard a doctor last night on CNN says he voted for The President, then voted for
Sen Elect Brown. His reason? Healthcare reform. He said he wanted to see change but said he stopped believing Dems wanted REAL reform because there's no mention of
malpractice reform in any of the bills now before Congress.
It's just an observation , but I think both parties might want to look at the idea that the
Vast majority of Americans are Centrists. We like the Healthcare we get, we just want to see access expanded, the cost go down and waste eliminated.
There are some common sense ways to do that but it will take political courage to turn your back on some of your biggest donors. We want to see people who are disadvantaged get opportunities, but not at the expense of the people who have already worked hard to achieve success. That would take some hard choices and some honest
Talk about people who are simply taking advantage of the social safety net instead of
using it as a way to get ahead.
I don't think Sen Elect Brown is going to be the voice of change in Washington. In
fact I think he may be a one term Senator. What I hope is that people who wouldn't have otherwise considered politics, now give it a second look. Maybe a few of these people will run for office. Maybe we'll see a few fresh faces in the next Congress. Turnover might bring some fresh perspective to a town that has lost touch with it's constituents.
That's change I can believe in.
I am going to go scrape off my car.
Have a good day and stay safe!
The semi-chaotic state of the weather and news feels like an appropriate way to mark a significant date. It was a year ago last night that Sally and I went into the hospital for five weeks of bed rest leading up to the boy's big arrival.
I was thinking of that day...it's easy to remember the details.We stayed up all night waiting for the Docs to admit Sally. It turned out they decided to admit her just as the President was about to take the oath of office. The nurses turned up the volume on the TV in the room they had her in, then turned up the volume on the TV across the hall in her permanent room so we could listen to his inaugural speech while they wheeled her across the hall. Ahhh the memories.
I think back on those five weeks and am really glad we had them. It forced us to slow down and think about the change about hit come into our lives.
I also think about the wonderful care we received at Mercy Medical Center. I am sure the nurses hardly remember us, but we remember the role they played in giving us two healthy happy boys. It seems like a million years ago...and yet I wonder
how a year has gone by so fast.Here are a couple of pics of the boys their Mom snapped this morning. JT is finishing his "bucket list" while Will is weeks away from his first steps!
To the news:
Ice
Weather is going to be the big story. More than any other kind of weather, ICE is the thing that makes me the most nervous. Combine it with a little wind and you have the makings of a really bad few days. Last time this happened it was a weekend. We were supposed to have six couples over for dinner and our power went out. I'm tempted to make a hotel reservation somewhere in the metro then cancel if we end up not needing it. Lucky we have more than a few friends who would let us sack out on the couch.
Please be careful out there and be aware of what's around you if you have to be outside. Tree branches have a tendency to come down with ice and wind, and so do power lines. Don't want to be standing under either in this kind of weather.
Haiti
We had one of those, I'm glad to live in Iowa kind of stories this morning. Five Haitian children who were awaiting adoption flew back to Iowa last night thanks to the kindness of a news crew, the US Air Force and Pella Corp. It's a small victory among a heartbreaking series of stories coming out of the Caribbean.
I forgot to post something the last few days. It was a "letter" to the Minneapolis Star Tribune that was published last week I think. it's still one of the most popular articles on their site. FUNNY!
Dear Pat Robertson,I know that you know that all press is good press, so I appreciate the
shout-out. And you make God look like a big mean bully who kicks people when
they are down, so I'm all over that action. But when you say that Haiti has made
a pact with me, it is totally humiliating. I may be evil incarnate, but I'm no
welcher. The way you put it, making a deal with me leaves folks desperate and
impoverished. Sure, in the afterlife, but when I strike bargains with people,
they first get something here on earth -- glamour, beauty, talent, wealth, fame,
glory, a golden fiddle. Those Haitians have nothing, and I mean nothing. And
that was before the earthquake. Haven't you seen "Crossroads"? Or "Damn
Yankees"? If I had a thing going with Haiti, there'd be lots of banks,
skyscrapers, SUVs, exclusive night clubs, Botox -- that kind of thing. An 80
percent poverty rate is so not my style. Nothing against it -- I'm just saying:
Not how I roll. You're doing great work, Pat, and I don't want to clip your
wings -- just, come on, you're making me look bad. And not the good kind of
bad.
Keep blaming God. That's working. But leave me out of it, please. Or we
may need
to renegotiate your own contract.
Best, Satan
LILY COYLE,
MINNEAPOLIS
Surprises
Lucas Steiger to Germany? I'll let sports
handle that one but that just doesn't seem right.
Surprises Take 2
In Massachusetts Scott Brown is the Senator elect. I waited up to see AP call the race then went to bed.We'll read a lot about this story over the coming weeks but it's pretty simple to me. Voters don't like politicians and political parties that feel they can move forward with initiatives while disregarding public opinion.
I heard or read interviews with more than a few MA voters yesterday who said they didn't really like Brown's politics.
They said their vote for him was more a vote AGAINST Democrats in Washington.
That should strike you as stunning coming from a state who's voters continually returned the man who championed Universal healthcare to office for about seventy years.
Those voters knew what they were doing.
Now, before the Right starts talking about this being a mandate for more conservative candidates, they should take a closer look at the mood of voters. It would appear to me that voters are increasingly upset with the fringe on each end of the spectrum. Conservatives who zero in on morality issues and ignore the more important fiscal discipline voters want or Democrats who placate special interests like the Union Leadership and forget that the people who voted them in are workers who are struggling
to pay the bills.
I heard a doctor last night on CNN says he voted for The President, then voted for
Sen Elect Brown. His reason? Healthcare reform. He said he wanted to see change but said he stopped believing Dems wanted REAL reform because there's no mention of
malpractice reform in any of the bills now before Congress.
It's just an observation , but I think both parties might want to look at the idea that the
Vast majority of Americans are Centrists. We like the Healthcare we get, we just want to see access expanded, the cost go down and waste eliminated.
There are some common sense ways to do that but it will take political courage to turn your back on some of your biggest donors. We want to see people who are disadvantaged get opportunities, but not at the expense of the people who have already worked hard to achieve success. That would take some hard choices and some honest
Talk about people who are simply taking advantage of the social safety net instead of
using it as a way to get ahead.
I don't think Sen Elect Brown is going to be the voice of change in Washington. In
fact I think he may be a one term Senator. What I hope is that people who wouldn't have otherwise considered politics, now give it a second look. Maybe a few of these people will run for office. Maybe we'll see a few fresh faces in the next Congress. Turnover might bring some fresh perspective to a town that has lost touch with it's constituents.
That's change I can believe in.
I am going to go scrape off my car.
Have a good day and stay safe!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Haiti, Hard Choices and Golden Globes
Good Morning
It was a good weekend in the Dix house. Friday night was date night. Thanks to our good friend and go-to babysitter Linda, we got out to see The Blind Side. Loved it.
We are selling our house so we had to evict ourselves for a few hours Saturday. The only advantage to showing your home, is that it stays pretty clean.
Lots of Wash on Sunday along with some good movies on TV and the weekend was over before we knew it.
So back to the news:
Haiti
Tempers are running short and desperation is mounting in Haiti as relief is slow to get to victims of the earthquake. The only good news coming out of Haiti are the stories of survival. There are already people speculating that this disaster may give an opening to rebuild the country from scratch. It would seem an insurmountable task, but maybe some good can come out of this tragedy.
DSM School Budget
You can only delay for so long. You might say Des Moines' School district has done a great job in the past few years keeping budget cuts away from the classroom. With a shortfall of tens of millions of dollars, it doesn't look like teachers will escape the cuts this coming year. That's too bad for the students and for the teachers who will lose their jobs, but at some point, there just isn't enough money to go around.
Mass Special Election
I'd like to ask my friend Tim, who's a frequent visitor to this blog, but doesn't often comment, to let us know what the heck is going in Massachusetts? Tim lives out near Boston, so he might be able to tell us what the heck happened that allowed a Republican to get within a country mile of Ted Kennedy's open Senate seat. Apparently the Democrats believed this seat was theirs by birthright and the Republican challenger for the position decided to come out and run hard.
This article on NPR blasts The Democrat Martha Coakley. This one says even if she wins, Coakley's run the worst campaign in MA state history.
Once again this proves a point I've made often here. If you are the kind of person that views Republicans as the mean conniving immoral Neanderthals; or if you view Democrats as whiny bleeding heart, intellectual snobs...you might want to rethink your view. Each party has candidates that don't exactly live up to the promise of Democracy. The job we have to take seriously as voters is looking past party affiliation and making sure the best person for the job is elected to office, even if that means we give the other side a seat we wish they wouldn't have. Kudos to the people of Massachusetts if they can muster the guts to do that this week. It appears the Democrats have shown repeatedly in this race that they are not worthy of a seat long held by a great public servant.
Golden Globes
I like the Golden Globes because I don't feel stupid after watching them. Unlike the Academy awards, which always seem to feature movies I've never heard of or seen, the GG are a mix of the TV shows and Movies that I've not only heard of, but this year...I've actually seen! They actors look like they're having a little more fun too.
I was happy to see Glee win for best TV comedy. If you haven't seen the show, all the episodes are on fox's website.
Sometimes the actors look like someone's kindergartner picked their outfits...not so this year. I thought the women, for the most part, picked stuff that was flattering. I'll raise my objection again...what can't the guys just wear a tux? There are some variations on a theme here, but the guys who looked the best last night wore classic simple tuxedos.
I hope you all had a good weekend. The weather is going to be something to pay attention to this week. The mix of rain sleet and freezing rain are a possibility through some of the seven day forecast.
See you tomorrow!
PWD
It was a good weekend in the Dix house. Friday night was date night. Thanks to our good friend and go-to babysitter Linda, we got out to see The Blind Side. Loved it.
We are selling our house so we had to evict ourselves for a few hours Saturday. The only advantage to showing your home, is that it stays pretty clean.
Lots of Wash on Sunday along with some good movies on TV and the weekend was over before we knew it.
So back to the news:
Haiti
Tempers are running short and desperation is mounting in Haiti as relief is slow to get to victims of the earthquake. The only good news coming out of Haiti are the stories of survival. There are already people speculating that this disaster may give an opening to rebuild the country from scratch. It would seem an insurmountable task, but maybe some good can come out of this tragedy.
DSM School Budget
You can only delay for so long. You might say Des Moines' School district has done a great job in the past few years keeping budget cuts away from the classroom. With a shortfall of tens of millions of dollars, it doesn't look like teachers will escape the cuts this coming year. That's too bad for the students and for the teachers who will lose their jobs, but at some point, there just isn't enough money to go around.
Mass Special Election
I'd like to ask my friend Tim, who's a frequent visitor to this blog, but doesn't often comment, to let us know what the heck is going in Massachusetts? Tim lives out near Boston, so he might be able to tell us what the heck happened that allowed a Republican to get within a country mile of Ted Kennedy's open Senate seat. Apparently the Democrats believed this seat was theirs by birthright and the Republican challenger for the position decided to come out and run hard.
This article on NPR blasts The Democrat Martha Coakley. This one says even if she wins, Coakley's run the worst campaign in MA state history.
Once again this proves a point I've made often here. If you are the kind of person that views Republicans as the mean conniving immoral Neanderthals; or if you view Democrats as whiny bleeding heart, intellectual snobs...you might want to rethink your view. Each party has candidates that don't exactly live up to the promise of Democracy. The job we have to take seriously as voters is looking past party affiliation and making sure the best person for the job is elected to office, even if that means we give the other side a seat we wish they wouldn't have. Kudos to the people of Massachusetts if they can muster the guts to do that this week. It appears the Democrats have shown repeatedly in this race that they are not worthy of a seat long held by a great public servant.
Golden Globes
I like the Golden Globes because I don't feel stupid after watching them. Unlike the Academy awards, which always seem to feature movies I've never heard of or seen, the GG are a mix of the TV shows and Movies that I've not only heard of, but this year...I've actually seen! They actors look like they're having a little more fun too.
I was happy to see Glee win for best TV comedy. If you haven't seen the show, all the episodes are on fox's website.
Sometimes the actors look like someone's kindergartner picked their outfits...not so this year. I thought the women, for the most part, picked stuff that was flattering. I'll raise my objection again...what can't the guys just wear a tux? There are some variations on a theme here, but the guys who looked the best last night wore classic simple tuxedos.
I hope you all had a good weekend. The weather is going to be something to pay attention to this week. The mix of rain sleet and freezing rain are a possibility through some of the seven day forecast.
See you tomorrow!
PWD
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti, Bonuses and Sleep
Good Morning!
Haiti
I'm not sure any of us can truly wrap our brains around the devastation left in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti. I'm watching the pictures and can't. Watch the faces of the people who are covering the story. They're in shock, they're scared and they've never seen anything like what they're watching unfold in front of them. When Brian Williams talks about fearing for his safety overnight...you know things are serious. There are aide organizations trying to get organized for the relief effort but time is ticking away for these people. They don't have water, they don't have fuel to run generators and the severely wounded don't have enough doctors or medical supplies to save them. I keep thinking what might have changed this situation? What would have saved at least some of these people? The complicated mess of history you run into trying to answer that question is the problem in Haiti.
On a side note, one has to wonder how anyone could continue to see a person as a man of God when he comes out and says these innocent people brought death and suffering on themselves.
Haiti
I'm not sure any of us can truly wrap our brains around the devastation left in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti. I'm watching the pictures and can't. Watch the faces of the people who are covering the story. They're in shock, they're scared and they've never seen anything like what they're watching unfold in front of them. When Brian Williams talks about fearing for his safety overnight...you know things are serious. There are aide organizations trying to get organized for the relief effort but time is ticking away for these people. They don't have water, they don't have fuel to run generators and the severely wounded don't have enough doctors or medical supplies to save them. I keep thinking what might have changed this situation? What would have saved at least some of these people? The complicated mess of history you run into trying to answer that question is the problem in Haiti.
On a side note, one has to wonder how anyone could continue to see a person as a man of God when he comes out and says these innocent people brought death and suffering on themselves.
"You know ... something happened a long time ago in Haiti. … They got together and swore a pact to the Devil," Robertson said on the Christian Broadcasting Network's "700 Club"
Wednesday. "They said, 'We will serve you if you get us free from the French.' True story."
That's right: Robertson suggests the Haitians brought the earthquake on themselves; in a deal with Satan."And so, the Devil said, 'OK, it's a deal.' And they kicked the French out," he went on. "You know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since, they have been cursed by one thing after another."
That's right: Robertson suggests the Haitians brought the earthquake on themselves; in a deal with Satan."And so, the Devil said, 'OK, it's a deal.' And they kicked the French out," he went on. "You know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since, they have been cursed by one thing after another."
Pat Robertson should be ashamed, and people should stop putting a microphone in his face.
There is no excuse for the comment, no explanation...The story is rumor...legend.
There is no excuse for the comment, no explanation...The story is rumor...legend.
Bonuses
Speaking of people who don't get it; does the term Wall Street describe and isolated segment of the country where people feel entitled to gather multi million dollar bonuses?
What's wrong with these people? I'm all for making money, and I love capitalism. I also believe that a company has a responsibility to the community it serves. In this case, these companies can hand out very generous bonuses without making them obscene. They can give it back to shareholders.
I don't mind the idea of a Wall Street Banker making half a million dollars a year in salary. I think that's a good living no matter where you are. The idea that a four or five million dollar bonus is justified? It doesn't compute with most of the people who live in this country. If the company has that much money to throw around wouldn't it be better saved so the next time these guys screw up our entire financial system...taxpayers won't have to bail them out?
Sleep
A study comes along every six months that basically says Brooke, Jeriann and I don't get enough sleep and as a result should be babbling idiots that can't tie our own shoes. OK so maybe we are.
The point is, I have an excuse now for the loss of motor skills at about three thirty each day. It should alarm everyone in the room with me that 3:30 happens to be the time I'm at the gym trying to lift heavy things. The point is five hours isn't enough. I know this but can't seem to find a life where I get more sleep than that. I try to make up for it on the weekends but this study says that's not good enough.
With that I'm going to get a nap.
PWD
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Catching up
Good Morning,
I'd started a blog yesterday but wanted to wait until the Governor spoke before I posted. Then the day got away from me. Remember when you were in High School and you thought your day was as packed as it could be. Then you went to college and you took on more responsibility and activity...Then you got a job and you thought...boy I wish I had as much free time as I used to in College. That's the way I feel about being a parent. What did I do with my time before I had kids? I'm left with the answer...not much.
So lets catch up on a few things.
Condition of the State.
I'm left feeling like the Governor didn't have a lot to say. When you get down to it, we're not in a time where bold new spending initiatives are realistic...at all. So I'll give some points to The Gov for sticking to Budget, Education, Safety and Job Growth as a theme.
I did however notice that Google, Microsoft and TPI were cited AGAIN as examples of the Culver administration's work to attract jobs to Iowa. The problem is, we heard about those jobs last year. I hate to sound ungrateful, but what are you doing to bring the NEXT Google into Iowa? The Gov and Lt Gov are on a tour of the state starting today. They're highlighting their vision of the future. It's just a thought, but rather than a PR tour of the state convincing voters you've done a good job, maybe you could actually be out convincing new companies to move to Iowa...That might kill two birds with one stone.
Also at the capitol A group of protesters gathered to ask lawmakers to let them vote on the issue of same sex marriage. It's not going to happen, but it fits nicely into a gubernatorial campaign. Particularly this rally turned into a rally for one of the Republican candidates....
I respect this segment of voters feelings. They have the right to ask for, and may eventually convince lawmakers to let them vote on the issue of marriage.
I have to say though, I cringe a little at video of the eleven year-olds with buttons at the rally. I'm 35 and I'm just starting to wrap my arms around the ideas of commitment, marriage and lifelong love. There is no way an eleven year-old understands the intricacies of this issue.
On a side note, the Lawyer that deafened President Bush in front of the Supreme court in Bush v Gore is arguing that same sex couple should be able to marry in California. I would challenge conservatives to find someone who has been more respected in his party for his political views over the years. Anyway, he wrote an op-ed on why he took the case asking an appeals court to throw out the Prop 8 vote abolishing Same sex marriage in California. Interesting read.
One more thing from the Capitol this week was the idea of prayer before the session starts. I am very impressed by the variety and thoughtfulness of the responses our viewers have emailed. Just to clear up some concern, a couple of viewers were concerned our reporter was arguing for the abolition of all prayer in public venues like this. I think those people may have been misunderstanding some of the people we put in the story. A legal expert told us the Supreme Court has already settled this as a constitutional question. Nowhere in the constitution does it call for a separation of Church from State. The phrase (I think I'm remembering this right) was actually coined by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to a church. The Constitution says Congress can't enact any law the hinders the practice of or expression of anyone's religions beliefs. To my knowledge there is no such law on the books.
Just a personal view on this...In my view the Framers wanted to ensure that citizens would never have to swear an oath or profess a faith as a prerequisite to citizenship or holding office. It's what they left Europe to avoid.
That said, many of these men had a deep personal faith. The two are not mutually exclusive. Citizens of the United States...even our elected leaders can ask for guidance from a higher power. They just can't make a law that forces you to believe in that power. Our plurality should be something we celebrate. It makes me feel better that there are people of different faiths in my community. It's how I know ideas will always be challenged and our government has less chance of turning into an oppressive majority.
Bras (from yesterday)
If you're on Facebook, you've seen the frequent updates from your female friends with one or two words. They're colors. No one knew what they were right away but we all quickly found out the women were describing their bra color as a way to focus awareness on Breast Cancer. I applaud the attempt to focus on a good cause but is this real activism or is this Slacktivisim? It's a term we saw coined online discussing this bra color phenomenon. Will this actually bring us closer to the goal of eliminating the threat of breast cancer to all women? I have an alternate idea. How about you post the name, or relationship of a women you know who's been effected by breast cancer? How sobering would it be to read the names of people you know, and see how many women they've known who've dealt with the disease? You might find out for the first time that someone you know dealt with the disease. So what you you think is the Bra Status Movement Activism or Slacktivisim?
Distracted Driving
The US Department of Transportation is partnering with a new group that wants to you stop texting or calling people while you drive. I admit to doing this sometimes, but I often think...I'm about two seconds away from a bad accident. Any kind of distracted driving is bad, and while you may think you'll be safe when you text and drive...it's not you I'm worried about. It's the people around you. It's the people you don't see crossing the street. Just something to think about...even with a hands free device, driving while talking on the phone is more dangerous than just driving. Thoughts?
Is 35 the New 40?
I hope not. I'm 35. I don't feel old...I feel like I'm still a kid most of the time. I feel like there are still people older than me I defer to all the time. When I go back to my parent's, I defer to them. I'm 35! Now I'm the one with kids...I'm the one who's going to have to be an example. I'm the one who's going to have to make sure everyone's got their lunch before they go to school and that they get to baseball practice in the afternoon. I'm the one who's going to have to come up with answers to questions like, Where do babies come from?
I'm still getting used to the idea...but don't think I'm feeling old at all. Maybe I'm the exception but Brooke said the same thing. Any other 35+ year olds wanna chime in?
Speaking of "Older Women"
Glad to see the Cougar Cruise has found a new home. Are you kidding me? If I were single and 25, I think the LAST place I'd want to be is on a ship full of forty or fifty something women looking to score. But SOMEBODY wants to go.
A Few Other Random Thoughts.
-Tomorrow I get to dig into the "good" coffee I got for Christmas. My sainted Mother -in-law got me 2lbs of Dunkin Doughnuts coffee. If I look like I'm smiling a little more, that may be why.
-I can't find disk two of season four of The West Wing. Now this might not be a problem in your house, but that disk contains two of my favorite episodes. If you're wondering, yes, I do own the entire series, and yes, I am a geek.
-What you didn't hear in a commercial Break yesterday:
Pat: I think the milk I put in my coffee went bad...it smells.
Brooke: Milk smells Pat...it's mucus!
Pat: Awesome...I'll take my next cup black!
And with that I bid you a good day!
We'll see you tomorrow morning!
PWD
I'd started a blog yesterday but wanted to wait until the Governor spoke before I posted. Then the day got away from me. Remember when you were in High School and you thought your day was as packed as it could be. Then you went to college and you took on more responsibility and activity...Then you got a job and you thought...boy I wish I had as much free time as I used to in College. That's the way I feel about being a parent. What did I do with my time before I had kids? I'm left with the answer...not much.
So lets catch up on a few things.
Condition of the State.
I'm left feeling like the Governor didn't have a lot to say. When you get down to it, we're not in a time where bold new spending initiatives are realistic...at all. So I'll give some points to The Gov for sticking to Budget, Education, Safety and Job Growth as a theme.
I did however notice that Google, Microsoft and TPI were cited AGAIN as examples of the Culver administration's work to attract jobs to Iowa. The problem is, we heard about those jobs last year. I hate to sound ungrateful, but what are you doing to bring the NEXT Google into Iowa? The Gov and Lt Gov are on a tour of the state starting today. They're highlighting their vision of the future. It's just a thought, but rather than a PR tour of the state convincing voters you've done a good job, maybe you could actually be out convincing new companies to move to Iowa...That might kill two birds with one stone.
Also at the capitol A group of protesters gathered to ask lawmakers to let them vote on the issue of same sex marriage. It's not going to happen, but it fits nicely into a gubernatorial campaign. Particularly this rally turned into a rally for one of the Republican candidates....
I respect this segment of voters feelings. They have the right to ask for, and may eventually convince lawmakers to let them vote on the issue of marriage.
I have to say though, I cringe a little at video of the eleven year-olds with buttons at the rally. I'm 35 and I'm just starting to wrap my arms around the ideas of commitment, marriage and lifelong love. There is no way an eleven year-old understands the intricacies of this issue.
On a side note, the Lawyer that deafened President Bush in front of the Supreme court in Bush v Gore is arguing that same sex couple should be able to marry in California. I would challenge conservatives to find someone who has been more respected in his party for his political views over the years. Anyway, he wrote an op-ed on why he took the case asking an appeals court to throw out the Prop 8 vote abolishing Same sex marriage in California. Interesting read.
One more thing from the Capitol this week was the idea of prayer before the session starts. I am very impressed by the variety and thoughtfulness of the responses our viewers have emailed. Just to clear up some concern, a couple of viewers were concerned our reporter was arguing for the abolition of all prayer in public venues like this. I think those people may have been misunderstanding some of the people we put in the story. A legal expert told us the Supreme Court has already settled this as a constitutional question. Nowhere in the constitution does it call for a separation of Church from State. The phrase (I think I'm remembering this right) was actually coined by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to a church. The Constitution says Congress can't enact any law the hinders the practice of or expression of anyone's religions beliefs. To my knowledge there is no such law on the books.
Just a personal view on this...In my view the Framers wanted to ensure that citizens would never have to swear an oath or profess a faith as a prerequisite to citizenship or holding office. It's what they left Europe to avoid.
That said, many of these men had a deep personal faith. The two are not mutually exclusive. Citizens of the United States...even our elected leaders can ask for guidance from a higher power. They just can't make a law that forces you to believe in that power. Our plurality should be something we celebrate. It makes me feel better that there are people of different faiths in my community. It's how I know ideas will always be challenged and our government has less chance of turning into an oppressive majority.
Bras (from yesterday)
If you're on Facebook, you've seen the frequent updates from your female friends with one or two words. They're colors. No one knew what they were right away but we all quickly found out the women were describing their bra color as a way to focus awareness on Breast Cancer. I applaud the attempt to focus on a good cause but is this real activism or is this Slacktivisim? It's a term we saw coined online discussing this bra color phenomenon. Will this actually bring us closer to the goal of eliminating the threat of breast cancer to all women? I have an alternate idea. How about you post the name, or relationship of a women you know who's been effected by breast cancer? How sobering would it be to read the names of people you know, and see how many women they've known who've dealt with the disease? You might find out for the first time that someone you know dealt with the disease. So what you you think is the Bra Status Movement Activism or Slacktivisim?
Distracted Driving
The US Department of Transportation is partnering with a new group that wants to you stop texting or calling people while you drive. I admit to doing this sometimes, but I often think...I'm about two seconds away from a bad accident. Any kind of distracted driving is bad, and while you may think you'll be safe when you text and drive...it's not you I'm worried about. It's the people around you. It's the people you don't see crossing the street. Just something to think about...even with a hands free device, driving while talking on the phone is more dangerous than just driving. Thoughts?
Is 35 the New 40?
I hope not. I'm 35. I don't feel old...I feel like I'm still a kid most of the time. I feel like there are still people older than me I defer to all the time. When I go back to my parent's, I defer to them. I'm 35! Now I'm the one with kids...I'm the one who's going to have to be an example. I'm the one who's going to have to make sure everyone's got their lunch before they go to school and that they get to baseball practice in the afternoon. I'm the one who's going to have to come up with answers to questions like, Where do babies come from?
I'm still getting used to the idea...but don't think I'm feeling old at all. Maybe I'm the exception but Brooke said the same thing. Any other 35+ year olds wanna chime in?
Speaking of "Older Women"
Glad to see the Cougar Cruise has found a new home. Are you kidding me? If I were single and 25, I think the LAST place I'd want to be is on a ship full of forty or fifty something women looking to score. But SOMEBODY wants to go.
A Few Other Random Thoughts.
-Tomorrow I get to dig into the "good" coffee I got for Christmas. My sainted Mother -in-law got me 2lbs of Dunkin Doughnuts coffee. If I look like I'm smiling a little more, that may be why.
-I can't find disk two of season four of The West Wing. Now this might not be a problem in your house, but that disk contains two of my favorite episodes. If you're wondering, yes, I do own the entire series, and yes, I am a geek.
-What you didn't hear in a commercial Break yesterday:
Pat: I think the milk I put in my coffee went bad...it smells.
Brooke: Milk smells Pat...it's mucus!
Pat: Awesome...I'll take my next cup black!
And with that I bid you a good day!
We'll see you tomorrow morning!
PWD
Monday, January 11, 2010
Session Starts, Game Change, and From the Mailbag
Good Morning!
It was a long weekend at the Dix household. We had our first blood and our first fever . Will is advancing quickly toward walking. Unfortunately he's not there yet as evidenced by the fall he took the other day. Those darned bottom teeth he's got slammed right into the roof of his mouth and he looked like he'd gone fifteen rounds with Apollo Creed. Meanwhile, JT got a fever on Sunday morning. Being the dense Dad that I am, I thought it was great that he seemed content to sit on my lap and hang out. Thankfully Mom came downstairs and actually felt his forehead. I'm proud we didn't panic. 101 was no reason to call the doc. I appreciate all the parents we've been able to watch and learn from.
To the News:
2010 Session
So I don't know about you all but I'd like my lawmakers to get into session, pass a budget and
adjourn. Does anything else REALLY need to be done this year? I don't think so. Deal with the other issues another time. I don't imagine it will go that way. The legislative session starts today. No real work today, just ceremony for the first few days. The Governor gives his Condition of the State address tomorrow. Then it's election season...let the campaigning...I man lawmaking...begin.
Game Change
I would tend to agree with the Republicans argument that Harry Reed's comments, if accurate, are reason for him to step aside as a leader in the Senate. The Comments came in a new book out about the 2008 election.
I see the GOP's point about a double standard with regard to these types of comments. Then again, how many times have you been with your friends and made a remark about them or at them that you wouldn't repeat in a setting with people you don't know? I have. It doesn't excuse the behavior, and I am not the Majority leader of the US Senate.
Leno
We debated whether NBC is pulling the trigger to early canceling the Leno Show. I get the sense it's doing pretty well here in Iowa but that's not the issue. We don't count as much as the largest Metro areas of the country, and those TV stations think Leno is a drag. They don't think it's a good lead in to a local Newscast at 10pm. It's doesn't sound like it was NBC's decision so much as it was the local affiliates holding a gun to NBC's head, saying they were going to preempt Leno. I'll be interested to see how this all plays out. When you make a big move like this and put all your eggs into one basket, it's hard to unravel.
Parenting 101
We also debated a lot of parenting issues this morning during the breaks. Jeriann and I are peppering Brooke with questions about her experiences with Evan to try to make sure we're not doing it "wrong". I came to the conclusion this weekend that there is no "wrong". I have two kids, and they are hitting different developmental milestones at different times.
JT has teeth, Will's haven't come in as fast.
JT doesn't crawl really well yet. Will might be able to crawl a six minute mile.
JT has the fine motor skills to pick up a puff and eat it. Will seems content to grab things, but hasn't found his mouth yet.
I can see second guessing myself if I had just one. Are we doing it right? Why isn't my kid writing cursive at six months?...Am I a bad parent?
In this case, having two is giving me some perspective. I just need to chill out a little and let it happen. Encouraging development is one thing; giving your child the opportunity to grow. Sweating out each detail of their mental and physical development could cause some premature greying.
From the Mailbag
If a self-critique of our parenting isn't enough to make us second guess, there's always our viewers. We love them.
It was a long weekend at the Dix household. We had our first blood and our first fever . Will is advancing quickly toward walking. Unfortunately he's not there yet as evidenced by the fall he took the other day. Those darned bottom teeth he's got slammed right into the roof of his mouth and he looked like he'd gone fifteen rounds with Apollo Creed. Meanwhile, JT got a fever on Sunday morning. Being the dense Dad that I am, I thought it was great that he seemed content to sit on my lap and hang out. Thankfully Mom came downstairs and actually felt his forehead. I'm proud we didn't panic. 101 was no reason to call the doc. I appreciate all the parents we've been able to watch and learn from.
To the News:
2010 Session
So I don't know about you all but I'd like my lawmakers to get into session, pass a budget and
adjourn. Does anything else REALLY need to be done this year? I don't think so. Deal with the other issues another time. I don't imagine it will go that way. The legislative session starts today. No real work today, just ceremony for the first few days. The Governor gives his Condition of the State address tomorrow. Then it's election season...let the campaigning...I man lawmaking...begin.Game Change
I would tend to agree with the Republicans argument that Harry Reed's comments, if accurate, are reason for him to step aside as a leader in the Senate. The Comments came in a new book out about the 2008 election.
I see the GOP's point about a double standard with regard to these types of comments. Then again, how many times have you been with your friends and made a remark about them or at them that you wouldn't repeat in a setting with people you don't know? I have. It doesn't excuse the behavior, and I am not the Majority leader of the US Senate.
Leno
We debated whether NBC is pulling the trigger to early canceling the Leno Show. I get the sense it's doing pretty well here in Iowa but that's not the issue. We don't count as much as the largest Metro areas of the country, and those TV stations think Leno is a drag. They don't think it's a good lead in to a local Newscast at 10pm. It's doesn't sound like it was NBC's decision so much as it was the local affiliates holding a gun to NBC's head, saying they were going to preempt Leno. I'll be interested to see how this all plays out. When you make a big move like this and put all your eggs into one basket, it's hard to unravel.
Parenting 101
We also debated a lot of parenting issues this morning during the breaks. Jeriann and I are peppering Brooke with questions about her experiences with Evan to try to make sure we're not doing it "wrong". I came to the conclusion this weekend that there is no "wrong". I have two kids, and they are hitting different developmental milestones at different times.
JT has teeth, Will's haven't come in as fast.
JT doesn't crawl really well yet. Will might be able to crawl a six minute mile.
JT has the fine motor skills to pick up a puff and eat it. Will seems content to grab things, but hasn't found his mouth yet.
I can see second guessing myself if I had just one. Are we doing it right? Why isn't my kid writing cursive at six months?...Am I a bad parent?
In this case, having two is giving me some perspective. I just need to chill out a little and let it happen. Encouraging development is one thing; giving your child the opportunity to grow. Sweating out each detail of their mental and physical development could cause some premature greying.
From the Mailbag
If a self-critique of our parenting isn't enough to make us second guess, there's always our viewers. We love them.
Jeriann got this email from a viewer last week after suggesting travel was not advised.
Jeriann -
This morning you were telling us how bad the weather was and advising no
travel.........................but then you tell us your husband called to say it took him an hour to drive from West Des Moines to downtown. So he didn't take your advise?? And hopefully he didn't have your baby in the car with him. I'm sure you don't take him to daycare when you come to work at what 3:30 or 4:00 a.m.!!
Jeriann -
This morning you were telling us how bad the weather was and advising no
travel.........................but then you tell us your husband called to say it took him an hour to drive from West Des Moines to downtown. So he didn't take your advise?? And hopefully he didn't have your baby in the car with him. I'm sure you don't take him to daycare when you come to work at what 3:30 or 4:00 a.m.!! Well lets clear up a few things first. The Department of Transportation recommends travel not advised. We don't have any say in that one...so Jeriann is passing along the advice of others. Second, thousands of people had to go to work last week, snow or no snow. I'm sure Rob used the appropriate caution when traveling with his son...as he always does. Third, Jeriann gets here a lot earlier than that!
The whole point is to give to some idea what the roads are going to look like when you get out on them.
To me the condition of travel not advised is a recommendation. If you don't have to go out, don't.
-Also from the mailbag this weekend, I got an email in which a viewer contends I bear a strong resemblance to a ladybug. Specifically, the one in A Bug's Life.
Message: I just wanted to mention that Patrick Dix looks an awful lot like the ladybug from "A Bug's Life", and when I saw and awful lot, I mean exactly!
What do you think?
What do you think?
Since the bug in question is a Dennis Leary character, I will take this as a compliment.
A friend also pointed out that the description of the character in question is, "A very manly ladybug". Good enough for me.
What do you think? Are my kids going to grow antennae? or maybe he's just picking up on the fact that I have a pumpkin for a head.
Comment away bloggers! Lets start the week of with some good responses!
PWD
Friday, January 08, 2010
Deep Freeze, SHut Up Richard and Slim Fit
Good Morning...
I'm watching the interview with Richard Heene on the Today Show...I'll get to this in a minute, but This guy is the Dru Peterson of 2009.
Lets get to actual news....
Deep Freeze
Well, we're back to the kind of cold weather that just leaves you feeling cold all the time. It's dangerous to be sure. Travel isn't advised for most of the state. Now, you know there are people that will drive anyway...people who feel like they've got to get to Omaha, or trucks that need to get their loads East or West. Good lock and go slow. I was out snowblowing the driveway last night around four. Thankfully the winds weren't that bad at my house....we're relatively protected form the wind. By the time I got back inside, my eyelashes had iced up.
The dumb criminal award goes to the guy who led police on a high speed chase overnight. Really? you think you're going to get away when the conditions are like this? According to police this guy was going 100 mph in a TRUCK! Thankfully no one was hurt.
Mediacom
Congrats to Mediacom and Sinclair for coming to an agreement before their channel went off the air. This was predictable. Someone file away all of the News releases and quotes for the paper until next year when we're in the exact same situation.
Shut Up!
Some people don't know when to close their mouth. Being among that group of people I can spot one of my brethren a mile away.
Richard Heene joins Rod Blagojavich and Dru Peterson in the club this morning when he went on the Today show and told the Nation he'd lied in front of a Judge while under oath. Congratulations Richard, you just perjured yourself.
I can only hope someone from the local County Prosecutor's office hit the record button on this interview. If they need a copy I'll send 'em one. I hope the go after this guy on perjury charges and get him off the streets even longer.
While we're at it can someone bar him from making any money off of this?
What is fascinating from a human nature standpoint is the need to have someone pay attention to him. It's pitiful. There's a book to be written on these three guys.
Slim Fit
This Christmas I took a chance and picked a "athletic fit" shirt off the pile at Jos A Banks. It actually fit marking the first time in a while anyone could use the words "athletic" or "fit" in a sentence with my name. I've got a long way to go before those words actually describe what's under the shirt, but I like having options when you go to pick something out. Apparently my shirt size is either the least manufactured or the most common among men. I can't find anything in my size. It's the arms that really trip me up. But I digress. The point is...back to the gym this afternoon.
Off to see the Lion King tonight with Sally. We'll have a review Monday.
Stay warm and safe and as always feel free to comment on these or any other stories you like.
PWD
I'm watching the interview with Richard Heene on the Today Show...I'll get to this in a minute, but This guy is the Dru Peterson of 2009.
Lets get to actual news....
Deep Freeze
Well, we're back to the kind of cold weather that just leaves you feeling cold all the time. It's dangerous to be sure. Travel isn't advised for most of the state. Now, you know there are people that will drive anyway...people who feel like they've got to get to Omaha, or trucks that need to get their loads East or West. Good lock and go slow. I was out snowblowing the driveway last night around four. Thankfully the winds weren't that bad at my house....we're relatively protected form the wind. By the time I got back inside, my eyelashes had iced up.
The dumb criminal award goes to the guy who led police on a high speed chase overnight. Really? you think you're going to get away when the conditions are like this? According to police this guy was going 100 mph in a TRUCK! Thankfully no one was hurt.
Mediacom
Congrats to Mediacom and Sinclair for coming to an agreement before their channel went off the air. This was predictable. Someone file away all of the News releases and quotes for the paper until next year when we're in the exact same situation.
Shut Up!
Some people don't know when to close their mouth. Being among that group of people I can spot one of my brethren a mile away.
Richard Heene joins Rod Blagojavich and Dru Peterson in the club this morning when he went on the Today show and told the Nation he'd lied in front of a Judge while under oath. Congratulations Richard, you just perjured yourself.
I can only hope someone from the local County Prosecutor's office hit the record button on this interview. If they need a copy I'll send 'em one. I hope the go after this guy on perjury charges and get him off the streets even longer.
While we're at it can someone bar him from making any money off of this?
What is fascinating from a human nature standpoint is the need to have someone pay attention to him. It's pitiful. There's a book to be written on these three guys.
Slim Fit
This Christmas I took a chance and picked a "athletic fit" shirt off the pile at Jos A Banks. It actually fit marking the first time in a while anyone could use the words "athletic" or "fit" in a sentence with my name. I've got a long way to go before those words actually describe what's under the shirt, but I like having options when you go to pick something out. Apparently my shirt size is either the least manufactured or the most common among men. I can't find anything in my size. It's the arms that really trip me up. But I digress. The point is...back to the gym this afternoon.
Off to see the Lion King tonight with Sally. We'll have a review Monday.
Stay warm and safe and as always feel free to comment on these or any other stories you like.
PWD
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Snow Day, Healthcare? and Maybe If I Ask Nicely
Good Morning. I am going to make this one quick.
Snow Day
There will be parents all over the Metro giving their kids the "When I was in school..." speech this morning. I have to agree. I know it's supposed to be windy and cold and visibility is supposed to be down. I know school administrators are doing their best to try to keep kids safe going to and from school. I just can't wrap my brain around it. Why was it permissible, even expected for all of us to go to school back in the day?
Maybe go see a movie...there are some good ones out there.
Healthcare
We didn't have this in the show, but President Obama and Democrats are talking about taxing so called "Cadillac" healthcare plans to help pay for Healthcare reform. Great, I thought...Union Healthcare plans will finally be giving something back to the rest of us. Then I read more. The President and Democrats will EXEMPT Unions from the tax. What a joke.
Maybe If I Ask Nicely
I'll make my annual appeal. If you are uncomfortable on the freeway, there are side streets that connect you to almost any destination in the Des Moines Metro. It will take YOU a few minutes more, but the rest of us can use the high speed routes as they are intended.
I say this to the people who seem to have trouble merging. It is really a simple concept. Get up to the speed of traffic, find an opening and slide in. if you are going slower than the traffic on the Interstate, you are going to force someone to hit the brakes. If you stop at the end of the on-ramp, you might kill us all. Please, just go for it!
Best of
The annual Best of Des Moines survey is up on Cityview's website again. The paper has added categories for just about everything, including favorite morning show. We'll see if there's anyone out there who actually watches us. They also have some of the oddest categories every year including...Best place to Do-it in public? Are there enough people who know to get a good sampling on that one?
Snow Day
There will be parents all over the Metro giving their kids the "When I was in school..." speech this morning. I have to agree. I know it's supposed to be windy and cold and visibility is supposed to be down. I know school administrators are doing their best to try to keep kids safe going to and from school. I just can't wrap my brain around it. Why was it permissible, even expected for all of us to go to school back in the day?
Maybe go see a movie...there are some good ones out there.
Healthcare
We didn't have this in the show, but President Obama and Democrats are talking about taxing so called "Cadillac" healthcare plans to help pay for Healthcare reform. Great, I thought...Union Healthcare plans will finally be giving something back to the rest of us. Then I read more. The President and Democrats will EXEMPT Unions from the tax. What a joke.
Maybe If I Ask Nicely
I'll make my annual appeal. If you are uncomfortable on the freeway, there are side streets that connect you to almost any destination in the Des Moines Metro. It will take YOU a few minutes more, but the rest of us can use the high speed routes as they are intended.
I say this to the people who seem to have trouble merging. It is really a simple concept. Get up to the speed of traffic, find an opening and slide in. if you are going slower than the traffic on the Interstate, you are going to force someone to hit the brakes. If you stop at the end of the on-ramp, you might kill us all. Please, just go for it!
Best of
The annual Best of Des Moines survey is up on Cityview's website again. The paper has added categories for just about everything, including favorite morning show. We'll see if there's anyone out there who actually watches us. They also have some of the oddest categories every year including...Best place to Do-it in public? Are there enough people who know to get a good sampling on that one?
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
It could be worst
Good morning everyone. It appears the cold weather got the best of Pat. He was sick today. That means you are stuck with me today on The Morning Buzz. I just want to start by saying it's a pleasure to be back. I don't know about you, but I am trying to work real hard at not complaining about the weather. I usually try to reserve that for the end of February when I just can't take anymore of the cold temperatures. But, it's been a real struggle to try to stay sane the past month. I have asked my brother-in-law Robert, who lives in Alaska for some advice on surviving the cold. He should know. He lives in the middle of no-where without any electricity or plumbing. Really, he does. And by choice. Can you believe it? Anyway, he says cold is a state of mind. And, he thinks putting on a few pounds actually makes it easier to bare. THAT I can handle doing. Anyway, I guess it's safe to say that it could be worst. He says sometimes he has to put Vaseline around his eyes so they don't freeze and close shut. Again, it could be worst.
Anyway... Maybe the Iowa Orange Bowl win will distract you from the cold weather. This has been a pretty sweet year for Iowa and Iowa State fans. Congrats to Coach Ferentz and the players. Speaking of Coach Ferentz. I had to chuckle last night watching some of the pre-game commentary on Fox last night. Former coach Jimmy Johnson pronounced Ferentz the wrong way with the emphasis on the middle part of his name (Fer-EN-z). It made me think of the song Keith Murphy and Round Guy helped record a few years ago, called "Ferentz Rhymes with Parents." I guess not everyone heard it.
I have to give a shout out to our station's political reporter, Dave Price. Not sure if you know this, but he has his own radio show on Tuesday nights called "Purple Matters." It covers politics from both sides. I think the name of the show is pretty clever.... and suggests Iowa is not a blue or red state... but a combination of the two. Anyway, you'll find a link to his show last night on his station blog, "Price of Politics." His show is one of dozens on Mac's World Live. It's a radio station on the Internet that features local experts talking about everything from religion to real estate. It's actually pretty fascinating. And it's one of Des Moines' hidden secrets. Check it out at Macsworldlive.com.
Speaking of websites. I have a new favorite one to pass along to those of you who love to find new recipes. As many of you know... I love to cook. And eat. So, I found a new place that satisfies my comfort food fix this time of year and makes me laugh at the same time. It's called The Pioneer Woman. The author is a city girl who married a cowboy in Oklahoma and now lives on a ranch. She makes country life look so fun. It almost makes me miss living out in the co
untry. Almost. Check it out. ThePioneerWoman.com.
untry. Almost. Check it out. ThePioneerWoman.com.Hope you all have a great day. Remember... Warm thoughts!
Monday, January 04, 2010
The Gang is Back
I have to say it was great to have everyone back in house this morning. It's not bad doing the show by yourself and I'm not complaining, but it's just a lot easier when you have the energy level we bring as a group. So welcome back ladies...I, for one, am glad to see you in this new year!
News:
Security
I know I'm going to get blasted by a few of you bloggers, so go easy, but I just can't get my brain wrapped around the complaints about increased security at the airports. I have never had a bad experience with the TSA. The people her In Des Moines are great. They helped us out when we brought the boys through security this summer. We were a CIRCUS, and they were patient and helpful. I don't feel violated, or like my rights are being violated. if I want to travel by myself and not have anyone bother me...there's a way to do it. Take your car. Air travel is not a right laid out in the Constitution...When someone has the opportunity to kill me en route to my vacation...I am glad to have all of the security measures in place that will actually make a difference. That said, some of this stuff is for show, and I think we could simply user the technology available to sniff out someone who means to harm air travelers.
Men vs Women Cost
There's a new study out that says products made for women that are essentially the same as the ones made for men. If I were a woman I'd be raising heck about this one. The most blatant cost to me is at the cleaners. Women's clothes cost more to clean? Someone explain this one to me.
Hawks
So much for going to "sunny" Miami for the game. Hope you enjoy weather in the 30's.
As for the other bowls this weekend...the Dix house went 0-2 Missouri lost and so did Northwestern. Sorry ISU fans, we tried to give the Chiz a loss.
Sherlock Holmes
Go see it, I would go again in a heartbeat. Great movie, entertaining, and fun. We went New Year's Eve day.
Nothing much more to report here. I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year
News:
Security
I know I'm going to get blasted by a few of you bloggers, so go easy, but I just can't get my brain wrapped around the complaints about increased security at the airports. I have never had a bad experience with the TSA. The people her In Des Moines are great. They helped us out when we brought the boys through security this summer. We were a CIRCUS, and they were patient and helpful. I don't feel violated, or like my rights are being violated. if I want to travel by myself and not have anyone bother me...there's a way to do it. Take your car. Air travel is not a right laid out in the Constitution...When someone has the opportunity to kill me en route to my vacation...I am glad to have all of the security measures in place that will actually make a difference. That said, some of this stuff is for show, and I think we could simply user the technology available to sniff out someone who means to harm air travelers.
Men vs Women Cost
There's a new study out that says products made for women that are essentially the same as the ones made for men. If I were a woman I'd be raising heck about this one. The most blatant cost to me is at the cleaners. Women's clothes cost more to clean? Someone explain this one to me.
Hawks
So much for going to "sunny" Miami for the game. Hope you enjoy weather in the 30's.
As for the other bowls this weekend...the Dix house went 0-2 Missouri lost and so did Northwestern. Sorry ISU fans, we tried to give the Chiz a loss.
Sherlock Holmes
Go see it, I would go again in a heartbeat. Great movie, entertaining, and fun. We went New Year's Eve day.
Nothing much more to report here. I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year
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