Good Morning and a welcome to the people who commented for the first time on yesterday's Noblog. Keep em coming!
I'll try to be more consistent this week. No Noon news the rest of the week so I think most of you can guess where I'm in a hurry to go.
In fact that's my plan today. I've been thinking of my Father's Day weekend round of golf. I blew a chance to shoot my first round in the seventies and I want another go at it. This week would seem like a good time to try, but I have a feeling flooding my get in the way be the end of the week so if I want to golf I better get a round in early.
To the news:
Flooding
one of our viewers pointed out that we weren't being very clear about the measurement we've been quoting at Saylorville Lake. The Corps of Engineers measures the lake with feet above sea level. That's where the number in the high 800's comes from. We don't have a lake in Iowa that's 800 feet deep.
As the man said yesterday, here we go again.
Financing
So we sold our home which means we need to find a new one and that begins the ridiculous process of finding financing. It's not ridiculous because it's hard...we still can't believe anyone would led us that much money...
The point of the story is that a quick conversation with a couple major banks yesterday and I'm more aware than ever of how low interest rates are and how much more buying power that gives you .
Flavored Cards
No seriously...they're putting little flavored strips into greeting cards. Do we really need more senses involved in a birthday or Christmas or Mother's Day? There are the obvious flavors that come to mind right away but I'd like a few of our readers come up with some greeting cards and the flavors. For instance, maybe a fiftieth birthday card can come with an Ensure flavored strip. You make up some others...keep it as clean as possible.
Harry's at it again
The New Harry Potter trailer is out. If you haven't seen it here it is.
Hope you have a good day!
PWD
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Cut off, Big Weekend, and I DO Own a Bike
Good Morning...
So I intended to blog this morning and instead found out my Aunt Marion and Uncle Pete were on their way through town from Denver this morning. Man, this has already been a busy Summer! It was good to see the family and they, of course, wanted to see the boys. They obliged with a few smiles and Marion and Pete were off the Chicago for a two week vacation.
To the News:
Cut Off
So some US Senators think 99 weeks of unemployment is enough. They voted as a block last night to block an extension of Unemployment benefits. The Senators say it's money the U Government doesn't have. A friend emailed this article from Politico this morning about why the vote to block the extension is the right decision. It's an interesting argument.
NCAA
The Wells Fargo arena finally landed an NCAA Championship. It's the one you'd expect first...wrestling. You have to think if Des Moines is a good host, the NCAA would think about awarding a first round Men's Basketball hosting gig in the future.
Michael Jackson Anniversary
So I know he was the King of Pop and he revolutionized the music industry but are we going to do this every year? I hope not.
Bar Code History
36 years ago this weekend the bar code became a part of our lives. It helps retailers track inventory, prices and trends but remember it also tells those people what you are doing. Remember, Big Brother is watching.
Tennis Match Follow Up
SO the Tennis match that would never end, did. The American guy won. Here's the funny art of the story. The French guy had to play a doubles match three hours after his singles match ended. The doubles match ended...when officials called it for a lack of light. He'll be back on the court tomorrow...To be continued.
Brawl at Kindergarten Graduation
Some idiots in California had a brawl at their kid's kindergarten graduation. This is just one more reason kids should not graduate from every grade...
Big Weekend
Arts Festival is this weekend and that means we're hosting Sally's Dad. Will be great to see Grandpa Chief again but I don't think we're going to subject the little guys to the heat downtown. I'll be out at our tent Sunday afternoon. Stop by if you are out there.
USA Track and Field Championships are this weekend at Drake. How cool would it be to host an Olympic Trials. We should get it.
I do own a bike
Speaking of fitness, Megan talked about the bike Valet at the Arts Festival and I made the comment that I could ride my bike downtown. Both Megan and Brooke expressed some surprise that I owned a bike. Is that such a surprise? Do I look that out of shape? I not only can ride downtown, I can ride downtown on a bike trail all the way from my house on the west side of town. You can too if you like...and park it at the bike valet.
have a good weekend no matter how you roll.
PWD
So I intended to blog this morning and instead found out my Aunt Marion and Uncle Pete were on their way through town from Denver this morning. Man, this has already been a busy Summer! It was good to see the family and they, of course, wanted to see the boys. They obliged with a few smiles and Marion and Pete were off the Chicago for a two week vacation.
To the News:
Cut Off
So some US Senators think 99 weeks of unemployment is enough. They voted as a block last night to block an extension of Unemployment benefits. The Senators say it's money the U Government doesn't have. A friend emailed this article from Politico this morning about why the vote to block the extension is the right decision. It's an interesting argument.
NCAA
The Wells Fargo arena finally landed an NCAA Championship. It's the one you'd expect first...wrestling. You have to think if Des Moines is a good host, the NCAA would think about awarding a first round Men's Basketball hosting gig in the future.
Michael Jackson Anniversary
So I know he was the King of Pop and he revolutionized the music industry but are we going to do this every year? I hope not.
Bar Code History
36 years ago this weekend the bar code became a part of our lives. It helps retailers track inventory, prices and trends but remember it also tells those people what you are doing. Remember, Big Brother is watching.
Tennis Match Follow Up
SO the Tennis match that would never end, did. The American guy won. Here's the funny art of the story. The French guy had to play a doubles match three hours after his singles match ended. The doubles match ended...when officials called it for a lack of light. He'll be back on the court tomorrow...To be continued.
Brawl at Kindergarten Graduation
Some idiots in California had a brawl at their kid's kindergarten graduation. This is just one more reason kids should not graduate from every grade...
Big Weekend
Arts Festival is this weekend and that means we're hosting Sally's Dad. Will be great to see Grandpa Chief again but I don't think we're going to subject the little guys to the heat downtown. I'll be out at our tent Sunday afternoon. Stop by if you are out there.
USA Track and Field Championships are this weekend at Drake. How cool would it be to host an Olympic Trials. We should get it.
I do own a bike
Speaking of fitness, Megan talked about the bike Valet at the Arts Festival and I made the comment that I could ride my bike downtown. Both Megan and Brooke expressed some surprise that I owned a bike. Is that such a surprise? Do I look that out of shape? I not only can ride downtown, I can ride downtown on a bike trail all the way from my house on the west side of town. You can too if you like...and park it at the bike valet.
have a good weekend no matter how you roll.
PWD
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Running Mates, Suspects and Searching
Good Morning,
Blogging again at Noon after a busy morning away from the station. Life is a balance of course and I am lucky my place of work and my colleagues are happy to pick up the slack when I need to emphasize the personal rather than the professional. As I said the other day, Sally and I have sold our house...a huge relief, but then there's the realization we need somewhere to live in a month and a half. A side note in the news shows mortgage ates hit their lowest level ever this week. Good timing. We're going on our first round of home visits today. We'll see how it goes. The logistics of setting that up and taking care of chores otherwise reserved for the afternoon took up some of my morning. So again, it's great to work with such competent people who were largely responsible for putting together a great Noon Newscast.
Running Mates
So Terry Branstad chose Kim Reynolds...Who?
She's a State Senator. Insiders seem to agree she will bring a sense of youth and energy to the campaign. She said from the start she is Pro-life and Anti-gay marriage. Will that get her past the social Conservatives and stop Bob Vander Platts from running as an Independent? We'll see BVP will be on what has become his personal campaign radio show tomorrow.
The choice would seem to lean the ticket more towards the economic issues facing the state and less in the direction of social issues. We'll see.
Suspects
So someone tipped of Police and they arrested a guy they believe responsible for shooting a dog and leaving it for dead. I don't know how you do something like that to an animal. I guess if your animal was sick and suffering and you didn't have the money to treat it...but even then I would think ARL might help end the animal's suffering in a more humane way.
The End
The American John Isner won the marathon match at Wimbledon that stretched over eleven hours and three days. It reminds me we don not have a Noon show next week because of Wimbledon. Good timing. I can think of a few ways to spend some time away from work.
Mailbag
Thanks to Lorrie for her comment yesterday about coverage in Northern Iowa. We did, in fact cover the flooding in Northern Iowa yesterday...there's a lot of flooding and we chose to go up to Wright county. I understand the perspective Lorrie gave us in her comment. When you're living through something like flooding it is the biggest story going...and it will be for a while. I hope we appropriately recognized how bad the situation is. Lorrie, hang in there.
Thank You
Finally a thank you to our viewers on Today in Iowa. The May ratings came in and showed we're number one again in the morning! We love what we do and it's gratifying to know that you enjoy waking up with us.
Have a good one
PWD
Blogging again at Noon after a busy morning away from the station. Life is a balance of course and I am lucky my place of work and my colleagues are happy to pick up the slack when I need to emphasize the personal rather than the professional. As I said the other day, Sally and I have sold our house...a huge relief, but then there's the realization we need somewhere to live in a month and a half. A side note in the news shows mortgage ates hit their lowest level ever this week. Good timing. We're going on our first round of home visits today. We'll see how it goes. The logistics of setting that up and taking care of chores otherwise reserved for the afternoon took up some of my morning. So again, it's great to work with such competent people who were largely responsible for putting together a great Noon Newscast.
Running Mates
So Terry Branstad chose Kim Reynolds...Who?
She's a State Senator. Insiders seem to agree she will bring a sense of youth and energy to the campaign. She said from the start she is Pro-life and Anti-gay marriage. Will that get her past the social Conservatives and stop Bob Vander Platts from running as an Independent? We'll see BVP will be on what has become his personal campaign radio show tomorrow.
The choice would seem to lean the ticket more towards the economic issues facing the state and less in the direction of social issues. We'll see.
Suspects
So someone tipped of Police and they arrested a guy they believe responsible for shooting a dog and leaving it for dead. I don't know how you do something like that to an animal. I guess if your animal was sick and suffering and you didn't have the money to treat it...but even then I would think ARL might help end the animal's suffering in a more humane way.
The End
The American John Isner won the marathon match at Wimbledon that stretched over eleven hours and three days. It reminds me we don not have a Noon show next week because of Wimbledon. Good timing. I can think of a few ways to spend some time away from work.
Mailbag
Thanks to Lorrie for her comment yesterday about coverage in Northern Iowa. We did, in fact cover the flooding in Northern Iowa yesterday...there's a lot of flooding and we chose to go up to Wright county. I understand the perspective Lorrie gave us in her comment. When you're living through something like flooding it is the biggest story going...and it will be for a while. I hope we appropriately recognized how bad the situation is. Lorrie, hang in there.
Thank You
Finally a thank you to our viewers on Today in Iowa. The May ratings came in and showed we're number one again in the morning! We love what we do and it's gratifying to know that you enjoy waking up with us.
Have a good one
PWD
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Lights Out, What were they thinking? and Where are they Now
Good Morning...What a Morning!
Weather, outages, flooding, we had a little bit of everything...so lets get to it.
Lights Out
No jokes please...I got dressed in the dark this morning.
Thankfully the lights went out right at 2am, when I usually get up. I'll tell ya, we poker fun at my Mother-in-law at Christmas every year. She's usually got some safety gadget in our stockings. Seriously, I've got like five of those seat belt cutters in my car just in case my car goes underwater. Turns out we were glad we got our gadgets this year. They were backup lighting systems for when the power goes out. The lights went out, and these things lit up the room just like they were supposed to. So I had the emergency light in the bathroom getting ready...not ideal but it worked. I hope none of you lost power but if you did, I hope it helped remind you what you need to have around the house just in case.
General...Could you grab all your stuff and come into my office please?
I imagine that's how the conversation is going to start this morning at the White House. General Stanley McChrystal, the top general in Afghanistan agreed to let a Rolling Stone Reporter interview him, and his staff for an article. Apparently the General and his staff got bombed one night with the reporter. He ended up with quotes that were less than flattering of the Obama Administration.
It's almost hard to believe. With the restrictions on reporters are under in Afghanistan, that this guy got close enough, long enough to get this kind of information...that's amazing. And before anyone talks about the reporter taking advantage, these guys get EXTENSIVE media relations training. Anyone who drinks with a reporter, better know that it could end up in print.
Beyond any of that, what would posses a top commander in the military to talk about this stuff with ANYONE?
Where are they Now?
Saw an article this morning about Jack Abramoff. Remember Jack? Lobbyist...convicted of felonies connected to his lobbying? The article in the Jewish Times of Baltimore says he just got out of federal Prison and he's working in a Pizzeria. It's supposed to be the best Kosher Pizza in Baltimore...so at least he's got that going for him.
Us Moves On
So at least the US soccer team didn't make us wait for a result...
Is anyone else's heart going pretty good?
Bring on The Aussies!
Oops
As I write this BP announced one of it's remote subs hit the cab siphoning oil off that leaking well. They had to take the cap off. Oil is now flowing at a MUCH higher rate into the gulf. Can anything else go wrong down there?
Today Lends a Hand
Al Roker was in town. You can see the story on our evening newscasts tonight. He was here to give a big donation to Youth Emergency Shelters. Nice to see so many of the organizations in town stepping up to help.
Hope you have a good day
PWD
Weather, outages, flooding, we had a little bit of everything...so lets get to it.
Lights Out
No jokes please...I got dressed in the dark this morning.
Thankfully the lights went out right at 2am, when I usually get up. I'll tell ya, we poker fun at my Mother-in-law at Christmas every year. She's usually got some safety gadget in our stockings. Seriously, I've got like five of those seat belt cutters in my car just in case my car goes underwater. Turns out we were glad we got our gadgets this year. They were backup lighting systems for when the power goes out. The lights went out, and these things lit up the room just like they were supposed to. So I had the emergency light in the bathroom getting ready...not ideal but it worked. I hope none of you lost power but if you did, I hope it helped remind you what you need to have around the house just in case.
General...Could you grab all your stuff and come into my office please?
I imagine that's how the conversation is going to start this morning at the White House. General Stanley McChrystal, the top general in Afghanistan agreed to let a Rolling Stone Reporter interview him, and his staff for an article. Apparently the General and his staff got bombed one night with the reporter. He ended up with quotes that were less than flattering of the Obama Administration.
It's almost hard to believe. With the restrictions on reporters are under in Afghanistan, that this guy got close enough, long enough to get this kind of information...that's amazing. And before anyone talks about the reporter taking advantage, these guys get EXTENSIVE media relations training. Anyone who drinks with a reporter, better know that it could end up in print.
Beyond any of that, what would posses a top commander in the military to talk about this stuff with ANYONE?
Where are they Now?
Saw an article this morning about Jack Abramoff. Remember Jack? Lobbyist...convicted of felonies connected to his lobbying? The article in the Jewish Times of Baltimore says he just got out of federal Prison and he's working in a Pizzeria. It's supposed to be the best Kosher Pizza in Baltimore...so at least he's got that going for him.
Us Moves On
So at least the US soccer team didn't make us wait for a result...
Is anyone else's heart going pretty good?
Bring on The Aussies!
Oops
As I write this BP announced one of it's remote subs hit the cab siphoning oil off that leaking well. They had to take the cap off. Oil is now flowing at a MUCH higher rate into the gulf. Can anything else go wrong down there?
Today Lends a Hand
Al Roker was in town. You can see the story on our evening newscasts tonight. He was here to give a big donation to Youth Emergency Shelters. Nice to see so many of the organizations in town stepping up to help.
Hope you have a good day
PWD
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Another Busy Week, Helmets and Father's Day
Good Morning...It's been quite a weekend so I'll get right to the day's events and a recap of the weekend.
Rain
Can it rain anymore around here? We drove across the state this weekend and Sally's comment was, You know it's bad when you have more water fowl on your farm field than actual stalks of corn."
Helmets
Look I don't mind it if you don't want to wear a helmet when you ride your motorcycle. No problem. I just think it's a good idea. A bad motorcycle accident this weekend sparked the question in our newsroom again. Why doesn't Iowa have a helmet law? I would tend to agree with the ABATE people here...this story comes up every year when we have a bad motorcycle accident. I disagree with the guy's assessment that motorcycle drivers would be safer if car and truck drivers were more aware of sharing the road. They'd be safer with helmets on. Don't wear one if you don't want to...but don't tell me it's my fault that a motorcycle rider didn't choose to wear all of the protection they could.
-On a side note we were driving into the Chicagoland area this weekend and got behind three guys on those crotch rocket bikes...they all had helmets on, but the idiot up front starts riding on his back wheel. We're doing like 70 mph now mind you and it's the heart of rush hour...but he's decided this is the time to test out his trick riding skills.
-An aside to that aside is that I think Illinois drivers look at an Iowa license plate and think it's a sign indicating you MUST pass. I was doing 85 mph in a 55 mph zone and I was getting passed like I wasn't moving. People would pass me then look over like, "Why t5he heck are you going so slow?". I was driving 30 miles over the speed limit! I mean I'm from Iowa...I must be driving slower than you big city drivers...
Events
What a weekend we have coming up!
I'd love to see some of the US Track and Field Championships but I will be entertaining guests. Sally's Dad is headed our way and My Aunt Marion and Uncle Pete will be driving through on their way to Chicago. I hope you all get a chance to come down to the Arts Festival to See some of us at the tent. Say hello and tell us you read the blog...it's helps me to remember that someone is actually looking at this thing.
Random
-Brooke, Jeriann and my Wife have all been telling me for weeks I should do it...I finally broke down and started eating Greek Yogurt. I feel healthier already.
-We sold our house! Finally! Now we just have to find a place to live. A bust summer just got a lot busier.
Father's Day
I wanted to post a few pics of the weekend. We went to Chicago this weekend to meet our friends Shaun and Erin (they live in Cincinnati) and their some Evan. He's the one I'm Godfather to. Anyway, we decided to meet in the middle. Shaun and I played a great round of golf with my Dad Saturday (I was even par through nine holes...then the wheels fell off). We got all of the boys over to church so my folks could show off a little...Will loved the gym they use for Mass. Sunday we all got together for a Father's Day BBQ. Here are a few shots from the afternoon.
Rain
Can it rain anymore around here? We drove across the state this weekend and Sally's comment was, You know it's bad when you have more water fowl on your farm field than actual stalks of corn."
Helmets
Look I don't mind it if you don't want to wear a helmet when you ride your motorcycle. No problem. I just think it's a good idea. A bad motorcycle accident this weekend sparked the question in our newsroom again. Why doesn't Iowa have a helmet law? I would tend to agree with the ABATE people here...this story comes up every year when we have a bad motorcycle accident. I disagree with the guy's assessment that motorcycle drivers would be safer if car and truck drivers were more aware of sharing the road. They'd be safer with helmets on. Don't wear one if you don't want to...but don't tell me it's my fault that a motorcycle rider didn't choose to wear all of the protection they could.
-On a side note we were driving into the Chicagoland area this weekend and got behind three guys on those crotch rocket bikes...they all had helmets on, but the idiot up front starts riding on his back wheel. We're doing like 70 mph now mind you and it's the heart of rush hour...but he's decided this is the time to test out his trick riding skills.
-An aside to that aside is that I think Illinois drivers look at an Iowa license plate and think it's a sign indicating you MUST pass. I was doing 85 mph in a 55 mph zone and I was getting passed like I wasn't moving. People would pass me then look over like, "Why t5he heck are you going so slow?". I was driving 30 miles over the speed limit! I mean I'm from Iowa...I must be driving slower than you big city drivers...
Events
What a weekend we have coming up!
I'd love to see some of the US Track and Field Championships but I will be entertaining guests. Sally's Dad is headed our way and My Aunt Marion and Uncle Pete will be driving through on their way to Chicago. I hope you all get a chance to come down to the Arts Festival to See some of us at the tent. Say hello and tell us you read the blog...it's helps me to remember that someone is actually looking at this thing.
Random
-Brooke, Jeriann and my Wife have all been telling me for weeks I should do it...I finally broke down and started eating Greek Yogurt. I feel healthier already.
-We sold our house! Finally! Now we just have to find a place to live. A bust summer just got a lot busier.
Father's Day
I wanted to post a few pics of the weekend. We went to Chicago this weekend to meet our friends Shaun and Erin (they live in Cincinnati) and their some Evan. He's the one I'm Godfather to. Anyway, we decided to meet in the middle. Shaun and I played a great round of golf with my Dad Saturday (I was even par through nine holes...then the wheels fell off). We got all of the boys over to church so my folks could show off a little...Will loved the gym they use for Mass. Sunday we all got together for a Father's Day BBQ. Here are a few shots from the afternoon.
That's Will, Evan in the middle and JT on the right.
These are my brother and sister's shots...Aunti Katie was a big help feeding the boys...she gets a high five.
My brother Joe snapped this one of Will and I.
I will upload a few of mine later today.
Hope all of you Dads out there had a great Father's Day!
PWD
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Testify, Golf Holiday and Online Kick in the Pants
Good afternoon.
Blogging from the Noon show desk after seeing the comment from our friend Lizzy. Thank you for the online kick in the pants. I haven't blogged a lot this week. it's busy when I'm by myself on the desk...add to that, it's been a busy week personally and somethin's gotta give.
So anyway Here are a few thought
Testify
Is there anything the BP execs can say that will satisfy Congress? I don't think the company has handled the spill all that well and I think they may be criminally negligent in their practices...an investigation no doubt will tell us...
All that said, this Congressional hearing is a dog and idiot show. The Congressmen are reading statements from their papers like it's a sixth grade essay contest. Don't you have to be a good public speaker to get into Congress? Can you not look down at a list of questions and just ask them? One of these jokers actually tried to use the broken English of the company's Chairman against him. BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg called the people effected by the spill, "the small people". He said the it was a poor choice of words lost in translation. Look, this guy's first language clearly isn't English. He should know better, but it's just a cheap way for Members of Congress who have nothing better to say to pile on an easy target.
On the other side of the spectrum, a Texas Congressman worried the big bad White House was being too hard on BP. Really? They jumped at the $20 billion price tag. There's a reason for that.
King
Rep Steve King knew what he was doing and what he was saying when he made some comments about the President favoring blacks over whites.
I've seen the full interview, I understand the point King was trying to make(that does not mean I agree with it)...there are other ways to make it.
The point for King is that it will endear him to his constituents, not alienate them. King is a smart guy. He knew that.
Golf Holiday
It is the week I stop most of what I'm doing and watch a lot of golf. The US Open is already on online. This year I and about a million and a half other golfers are a lot more interested in the Open because it's at Pebble Beach. Pebble, for those of you who don't know, is Golf Nirvana, Mecca, Eden, whatever...you get the point.
I talked to NBC analyst Peter Jacobsen this morning about Zach Johnson's chances of getting a second major. After a year where he was off his winning form, Zach is back to his winning ways. His putter is a lot better than it has been and Peter agreed, that and Zach's accuracy gives him a chance at a win.
My own golf holiday week started Monday of this week. Thanks to all of my colleagues who filled in on the Noon news so I could be out in the rain...
I got a chance to see Wakonda Country Club's golf course renovations up close and personal. The club is rightly proud of the work it's done to improve conditions and they wanted to show off.
On Tuesday The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau had its Celebrity Golf Classic. Unfortunately for the people who paid to be there...I'm considered a Celebrity Golfer. We had fun with the team from Flynn Wright. We had a good time at a renovated Otter Creek Golf Course. If you haven't played the course I recommend it.
I'll be gone and so will Brooke tomorrow. Dan Winters is the man for the job tomorrow. Maybe he'll blog for you too.
PWD
Blogging from the Noon show desk after seeing the comment from our friend Lizzy. Thank you for the online kick in the pants. I haven't blogged a lot this week. it's busy when I'm by myself on the desk...add to that, it's been a busy week personally and somethin's gotta give.
So anyway Here are a few thought
Testify
Is there anything the BP execs can say that will satisfy Congress? I don't think the company has handled the spill all that well and I think they may be criminally negligent in their practices...an investigation no doubt will tell us...
All that said, this Congressional hearing is a dog and idiot show. The Congressmen are reading statements from their papers like it's a sixth grade essay contest. Don't you have to be a good public speaker to get into Congress? Can you not look down at a list of questions and just ask them? One of these jokers actually tried to use the broken English of the company's Chairman against him. BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg called the people effected by the spill, "the small people". He said the it was a poor choice of words lost in translation. Look, this guy's first language clearly isn't English. He should know better, but it's just a cheap way for Members of Congress who have nothing better to say to pile on an easy target.
On the other side of the spectrum, a Texas Congressman worried the big bad White House was being too hard on BP. Really? They jumped at the $20 billion price tag. There's a reason for that.
King
Rep Steve King knew what he was doing and what he was saying when he made some comments about the President favoring blacks over whites.
I've seen the full interview, I understand the point King was trying to make(that does not mean I agree with it)...there are other ways to make it.
The point for King is that it will endear him to his constituents, not alienate them. King is a smart guy. He knew that.
Golf Holiday
It is the week I stop most of what I'm doing and watch a lot of golf. The US Open is already on online. This year I and about a million and a half other golfers are a lot more interested in the Open because it's at Pebble Beach. Pebble, for those of you who don't know, is Golf Nirvana, Mecca, Eden, whatever...you get the point.
I talked to NBC analyst Peter Jacobsen this morning about Zach Johnson's chances of getting a second major. After a year where he was off his winning form, Zach is back to his winning ways. His putter is a lot better than it has been and Peter agreed, that and Zach's accuracy gives him a chance at a win.
My own golf holiday week started Monday of this week. Thanks to all of my colleagues who filled in on the Noon news so I could be out in the rain...
I got a chance to see Wakonda Country Club's golf course renovations up close and personal. The club is rightly proud of the work it's done to improve conditions and they wanted to show off.
On Tuesday The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau had its Celebrity Golf Classic. Unfortunately for the people who paid to be there...I'm considered a Celebrity Golfer. We had fun with the team from Flynn Wright. We had a good time at a renovated Otter Creek Golf Course. If you haven't played the course I recommend it.
I'll be gone and so will Brooke tomorrow. Dan Winters is the man for the job tomorrow. Maybe he'll blog for you too.
PWD
Monday, June 14, 2010
Gulf, Gold and On My Own
Good Morning
Is anyone else sick of the rain? The good news is that I don't have to mow when it rains...the bad news...the grass keeps growing. Of larger concern to a lot of people is the potential for flooding. We'll keep watching Fleur Drive to see if the City closes it down.
To the News
Gulf
So the President is headed back down to the Gulf of Mexico today. there's some sense in that...I guess. What do people expect him to do? Is the Government going to take over this operation? If The President himself going to get in a sub...go down there and cap this mess? I doubt it. The questions and circumstances surrounding the causes and the reposes to this leak are more complicated than any of US can comprehend. I'm an educated guy, but because I don't have a masters in Engineering, Oceanography, or geology, I think I'll hope the experts are going to handle this one. I can hardly watch the video from the Gulf anymore.
Gold
It's just one of the valuable minerals and precious metals found in Afghanistan. I guess the Soviets found this stuff in the 80's when they invaded but never did anything about it. So the U-S moved in about four years ago and started surveying the ground. They found Gold Silver, Iron and most importantly, lithium. The discovery could fundamentally change the economy in Afghanistan. If it's done properly; you're talking about the development of a middle class and distribution of wealth that could help build a modern infrastructure in a nation that badly needs it.
World Cup
So I'm no great fan of soccer, but put a US flag on the jersey and, generally speaking, I'm in.
That's the case with the World Cup. I will watch with some interest as the US completes it's round robin play, hoping they can move on. The elimination rounds will bring even bigger hype than this US/England Match.
Big 12/10...whatever
So the Big ...whatever it's called is making one last ditch effort to get everyone to stick around. They're trying to convince Texas it's in the best interest of everyone, including the Longhorns, to stick around and share more money. Good luck. Have you ever met any Texas fans? You'll be able to identify them because the world is spinning all around them.
This is going to get ugly.
On my Own
Jeriann and Brooke are taking some much deserved time off this week. I wish them both restful vacation time. Jeriann is back by the end of the week but Brooke is out until next Monday, so please watch anyway.
Have a good week!
PWD
Is anyone else sick of the rain? The good news is that I don't have to mow when it rains...the bad news...the grass keeps growing. Of larger concern to a lot of people is the potential for flooding. We'll keep watching Fleur Drive to see if the City closes it down.
To the News
Gulf
So the President is headed back down to the Gulf of Mexico today. there's some sense in that...I guess. What do people expect him to do? Is the Government going to take over this operation? If The President himself going to get in a sub...go down there and cap this mess? I doubt it. The questions and circumstances surrounding the causes and the reposes to this leak are more complicated than any of US can comprehend. I'm an educated guy, but because I don't have a masters in Engineering, Oceanography, or geology, I think I'll hope the experts are going to handle this one. I can hardly watch the video from the Gulf anymore.
Gold
It's just one of the valuable minerals and precious metals found in Afghanistan. I guess the Soviets found this stuff in the 80's when they invaded but never did anything about it. So the U-S moved in about four years ago and started surveying the ground. They found Gold Silver, Iron and most importantly, lithium. The discovery could fundamentally change the economy in Afghanistan. If it's done properly; you're talking about the development of a middle class and distribution of wealth that could help build a modern infrastructure in a nation that badly needs it.
World Cup
So I'm no great fan of soccer, but put a US flag on the jersey and, generally speaking, I'm in.
That's the case with the World Cup. I will watch with some interest as the US completes it's round robin play, hoping they can move on. The elimination rounds will bring even bigger hype than this US/England Match.
Big 12/10...whatever
So the Big ...whatever it's called is making one last ditch effort to get everyone to stick around. They're trying to convince Texas it's in the best interest of everyone, including the Longhorns, to stick around and share more money. Good luck. Have you ever met any Texas fans? You'll be able to identify them because the world is spinning all around them.
This is going to get ugly.
On my Own
Jeriann and Brooke are taking some much deserved time off this week. I wish them both restful vacation time. Jeriann is back by the end of the week but Brooke is out until next Monday, so please watch anyway.
Have a good week!
PWD
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wasted Money, Campaigning and Blackhawks
Good Morning
Had a great day off yesterday after a long Primary night at the Zaun Campaign. I got to thinking my blogging was rather boring, so if you have any questions about our primary night coverage...let em fly!
To the News
Wasted Money
I could hear a lot of you laughing at the screen when we were reading our script on the new report dealing with the Wall St bailout. We said something like, "we may never see billions of dollars of that money". So tell me something I don't know.
The President is also asking all Federal Departments to cut spending by five percent...how bout we make it ten?
Campainging
The campaign for Gov is going to be a good one and it's already started. That will make for interesting news to people like me. I think it might get old by November for the general public.
There are still questions about Bob VP's intentions after the primary. He got a lot of support, but I wonder how many of those votes were Dems crossing over Hoping BVP would be the nominee? A lot I think. One has to ask themselves how BVP or any of the people pushing his campaign can really think that Gay marriage and immigration are actually the issues that most Republican voters want to hear at the top of the Priority list? More than half of the people who came out to vote rejected that premise.
On a Side Note
Chairman of the Democratic Party here in Iowa Michael Kiernan offered his resignation for health reasons yesterday. His doctors found a tumor at the base of his ear.
I don't care your political leanings, Michael is a good guy and cares deeply about his politics. It should say something that the head f the opposition party quickly sent out his well wishes for Michael.
We know him more as the spouse of a co-worker than a political operative. Everyone on the Today in Iowa crew is thinking of the Kiernans and wishing him successful treatment and recovery.
Blackhawks
What a great night for Chicago sports. The Hawks pulled off a huge win in Philly to win the Stanley Cup. I got through two periods before I had to go to bed.
So I missed the clinching goal. Was that the WORST celebration you've ever seen? How about the worst play by play call of a goal to clinch a championship?
I really liked watching this team play hockey and the Finals sure were entertaining. I hope the Hawks can keep their core players in The Windy City and the team can make another run next year.
Expansion
SO all of this talk of expanding the Big Ten is getting a little crazy. I can't go anywhere wearing my Missouri cap without someone asking me what I think. What do I think? I'd love it of MIZZOU went to the Big 10. I'd like to see this idea unfold.
The Big ten offers invitations to Nebraska and Missouri, and quickly follows with invitations for Iowa State, Kansas, K-State and Notre Dame. How bout that for a conference? Your good football programs still have some patsies to play (Kansas) and just think of the Basketball!!
What a conference schedule that would be. Natural Rivalries will form with Missouri and Iowa, Iowa v Iowa State could become a conference game!
I know I know...it will never happen because Iowa State Kansas and K-State don't have anything to offer. I disagree. It gives the Big 10 cover. If they could Land Notre Dame, that's the big fish. If you offer invitations to some of these other schools to preserve the tradition and some rivalries...you may quiet the critics who are calling you dirty names for sullying the history of college football/sports. I know it's pie in the sky but that's what I'd like to see.
Havea good one
PWD
Had a great day off yesterday after a long Primary night at the Zaun Campaign. I got to thinking my blogging was rather boring, so if you have any questions about our primary night coverage...let em fly!
To the News
Wasted Money
I could hear a lot of you laughing at the screen when we were reading our script on the new report dealing with the Wall St bailout. We said something like, "we may never see billions of dollars of that money". So tell me something I don't know.
The President is also asking all Federal Departments to cut spending by five percent...how bout we make it ten?
Campainging
The campaign for Gov is going to be a good one and it's already started. That will make for interesting news to people like me. I think it might get old by November for the general public.
There are still questions about Bob VP's intentions after the primary. He got a lot of support, but I wonder how many of those votes were Dems crossing over Hoping BVP would be the nominee? A lot I think. One has to ask themselves how BVP or any of the people pushing his campaign can really think that Gay marriage and immigration are actually the issues that most Republican voters want to hear at the top of the Priority list? More than half of the people who came out to vote rejected that premise.
On a Side Note
Chairman of the Democratic Party here in Iowa Michael Kiernan offered his resignation for health reasons yesterday. His doctors found a tumor at the base of his ear.
I don't care your political leanings, Michael is a good guy and cares deeply about his politics. It should say something that the head f the opposition party quickly sent out his well wishes for Michael.
We know him more as the spouse of a co-worker than a political operative. Everyone on the Today in Iowa crew is thinking of the Kiernans and wishing him successful treatment and recovery.
Blackhawks
What a great night for Chicago sports. The Hawks pulled off a huge win in Philly to win the Stanley Cup. I got through two periods before I had to go to bed.
So I missed the clinching goal. Was that the WORST celebration you've ever seen? How about the worst play by play call of a goal to clinch a championship?
I really liked watching this team play hockey and the Finals sure were entertaining. I hope the Hawks can keep their core players in The Windy City and the team can make another run next year.
Expansion
SO all of this talk of expanding the Big Ten is getting a little crazy. I can't go anywhere wearing my Missouri cap without someone asking me what I think. What do I think? I'd love it of MIZZOU went to the Big 10. I'd like to see this idea unfold.
The Big ten offers invitations to Nebraska and Missouri, and quickly follows with invitations for Iowa State, Kansas, K-State and Notre Dame. How bout that for a conference? Your good football programs still have some patsies to play (Kansas) and just think of the Basketball!!
What a conference schedule that would be. Natural Rivalries will form with Missouri and Iowa, Iowa v Iowa State could become a conference game!
I know I know...it will never happen because Iowa State Kansas and K-State don't have anything to offer. I disagree. It gives the Big 10 cover. If they could Land Notre Dame, that's the big fish. If you offer invitations to some of these other schools to preserve the tradition and some rivalries...you may quiet the critics who are calling you dirty names for sullying the history of college football/sports. I know it's pie in the sky but that's what I'd like to see.
Havea good one
PWD
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Live Blogging from Election Night
I'll update all night from Christopher's in Beaverdale...tough assignment, I know.
Brad Zaun will have his election night gathering here.
4:52pm: We're not in the 5pm newscast but we will have a live report @6pm. So far it's been a smooth day. Photojournalist Randy Schumaker and one of our Summer interns (Andrew) are all sitting around after doing a quick interview with BZ.
The candidate seems confident in the amount of work he and his team have put toward winning this primary, and he does not feel like the election will have to go to a convention to be decided by the state delegates. Strategy seems to be counting heavily on the western suburbs for support. Candidate seems happy with reports of higher than normal turnout.
8:51pm
No results yet, but the candidate is here and the room is filling up quickly. Lost of optimism.
10:21:
End of a chaotic night. BZ just spoke to supporters. This race called a lot earlier than we thought, but timing is everything and we got lucky. Great emotional reaction from our candidate when we told him he'd won. Another fun election night! I'm really happy the boss asked me to work tonight...
Monday, June 07, 2010
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Tornado, Free Speech and Missed Call
Where are you all?
No comments for two days this week. Everyone may still be asleep from the long weekend.
To the News
Tornado
We got our first last night down by Mt Ayr. Terrible to see so much damage but glad to hear no one was hurt.
It's a good reminder for the rest of us that didn't see the severe weather last night...what's your plan. As we were coming home from the gym last night I was mentally walking through how we would get Sally, the boys and I into the basement in an emergency. Just something to think about.
Separation
Al and Tipper Gore are separating. One wonders what makes a couple who's been together for forty years decide to call it quits. At least it seems this is a mutual break-up. We don't have to suffer through the gossip and innuendo of some indiscretion or fault on either person's part.
Free Speech
We talked a little about free speech here yesterday and this morning there's more on the subject in The Des Moines Register.
A 527 group is putting out attack ads slamming former Gov Terry Branstad, but it won't make a list of it's donors public.
The group has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars throwing mud at the campaign and making pretty specific claims about his record...but we don't know who's doing the talking. That's not free speech that's cowardice.
It doesn't matter whether the group doing the ads has good intentions, or even whether they're telling the truth...how can it be taken seriously when the people speaking won't stand behind what they say?
I say this regardless of the group's message, anyone who wants to get into a political debate this way needs to show their face. The group is deliberately skirting the law to smear a candidate. This is not high minded political discourse.
And before anyone says...Republicans do it too...Then they're cowards as well. You would think anyone who spends $400,000 to attack a candidate would think it's an important enough cause to stand behind publicly.
Missed Call
I talked yesterday about wanting to play the Principal Charity Classic Pro-am event...Tuesday I missed my chance. The tournament called Tuesday morning and graciously asked if I wanted to play a spot that had opened up unexpectedly. Why didn't I...I never got the call. I left my phone in the car yesterday so I didn't see I'd missed a message till I went back out to my car later that morning. My bad. Looks like it might be a little gray for the morning rounds this morning but this afternoon and tomorrow look good. Good luck to everyone playing in the event. Get out and enjoy if you can.
Have a good one
PWD
No comments for two days this week. Everyone may still be asleep from the long weekend.
To the News
Tornado
We got our first last night down by Mt Ayr. Terrible to see so much damage but glad to hear no one was hurt.
It's a good reminder for the rest of us that didn't see the severe weather last night...what's your plan. As we were coming home from the gym last night I was mentally walking through how we would get Sally, the boys and I into the basement in an emergency. Just something to think about.
Separation
Al and Tipper Gore are separating. One wonders what makes a couple who's been together for forty years decide to call it quits. At least it seems this is a mutual break-up. We don't have to suffer through the gossip and innuendo of some indiscretion or fault on either person's part.
Free Speech
We talked a little about free speech here yesterday and this morning there's more on the subject in The Des Moines Register.
A 527 group is putting out attack ads slamming former Gov Terry Branstad, but it won't make a list of it's donors public.
The group has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars throwing mud at the campaign and making pretty specific claims about his record...but we don't know who's doing the talking. That's not free speech that's cowardice.
It doesn't matter whether the group doing the ads has good intentions, or even whether they're telling the truth...how can it be taken seriously when the people speaking won't stand behind what they say?
I say this regardless of the group's message, anyone who wants to get into a political debate this way needs to show their face. The group is deliberately skirting the law to smear a candidate. This is not high minded political discourse.
And before anyone says...Republicans do it too...Then they're cowards as well. You would think anyone who spends $400,000 to attack a candidate would think it's an important enough cause to stand behind publicly.
Missed Call
I talked yesterday about wanting to play the Principal Charity Classic Pro-am event...Tuesday I missed my chance. The tournament called Tuesday morning and graciously asked if I wanted to play a spot that had opened up unexpectedly. Why didn't I...I never got the call. I left my phone in the car yesterday so I didn't see I'd missed a message till I went back out to my car later that morning. My bad. Looks like it might be a little gray for the morning rounds this morning but this afternoon and tomorrow look good. Good luck to everyone playing in the event. Get out and enjoy if you can.
Have a good one
PWD
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Deadly Weekend, Licensed Journaists?and Begging for Golf
Good Morning!
I hope you had as productive a Memorial Day as I did.
More there in a minute, but first a few items from the news...
Drownings
If you needed any reminder of how dangerous some of those "fun" summer activities can be...look no further than Iowa this weekend. We had four confirmed and likely a fifth drowning on Lakes and rivers, and a Jet ski blew up with two 15 year-olds on it. Please remember that when you are out of the water...a lot can go wrong very quickly.
Gulf Spill
How will this rank for environmental disasters of the century? Who knows but this one is going to be bad for a while. I feel terrible for the people who count on tourism in the Gulf Coast States. We are hearing that 99 percent of the Gulf Coast Beaches were clean and safe this weekend but would you take your family down to the Gulf now this summer? Would you risk that oil popping up on your beach?
Stories of Note
A journalist friend of mine chided me a bit for not having the story of the attack on a Syrian boat by Israeli forces this weekend. The incident has tensions high in the Middle East. I put this story in the same category as the tensions on the Korean Peninsula right now. Those two countries could be headed to war, and we'd be obligated to defend South Korea.
Part of me says these should be important stories our viewers should "want" to know about. The other half of my brain tries to sit in our viewers shoes. When they hear conflict in the Middle East...tension in Korea...that's nothing new.
What do you all think the balance should be? Do you want to know about that stuff first thing when you start your work day?
Licensing Journalists
Credit the same journalist friend with alerting me to this story
In Michigan a lawmaker wants to license journalists. Sounds pretty good to anyone who's ever been the target of or can't stand the media frenzy surrounding any number of stories around the world 24 hours a day. This guy's argument is that he needs to know who, among those covering the statehouse are the credible journalists and who's not.
Sounds fair right? Wrong.
As much as I hate...and I mean HATE the TMZ's and the National Enquirers and the blogs that spew rumor and innuendo to make headlines, it is the price we pay for having a free press. It can't be regulated. As soon as it is, political concerns start to outweigh the desire for an open flow of information. You can argue that Corporate entities already influence journalists, and I agree, but that fight is in the open marketplace. If we get Government involved, we risk public officials shutting down journalists because they feel stung by criticism.
If a public official thinks a Journalist is being unfair or sensational, they have the right not to talk to the reporter. Make your case in one of the many other forms of journalism out there right now.
Licensing Journalists is a bad idea.
Begging for Golf
I have no shame when it comes to golf. I love the Principal Charity Classic and would do just about anything to play in the pro-am. It's a great experience actually being inside the ropes. It's as close as I'll ever get to being a professional golfer. If anyone out there needs a fourth for their Pro-am team...let me know. I'm there!
More likely I will go out Friday to see some of the first round play. I have the day off cause I'm working Saturday again. If you see me out there, stop and say hello!
Memorial Day
I got out on to the golf course by 5:30am thanks to my wonderful wife. it was a little early because I worked the 10pm the night before. The lack of sleep was worth it. it was beautiful. I got done in three hours and was hitting the ball better each hole. I even got my first birdie of the year.
I came home to help Sally plant our impatiens in the front yard. The flowers always make us both feel so good about the look of our house. Now if someone else would feel the same way and buy it!
We went out looking for a couch thanks to our parenting ace in the hole. Our friend Linda came over to babysit the boys. She loves being with them and is our Grandma-in-residence, since both the boys grandma's are in Chicago. We love having her around and feel so lucky to have someone we trust taking care of them.
That gave Sally and I a chance to go couch shopping. We almost gave up after finding out Homemakers Memorial Day Sale...wasn't so much a sale ON Memorial Day, as it was a sale AROUND Memorial Day. We ended up finding a great couch out at Pottery Barn. For you Friends fans, it's not an Apothecary table and it was not made in the days of "yore'.
We've haven't grilled yet this year (I know, I know), so I made some bone in chicken breasts. Good stuff.
All of this was capped by two goals in the second period of game 2 in the Stanley Cup Finals. I got a good night sleep knowing my Blackhawks would prevail.
Have a great start to a short week.
PWD
I hope you had as productive a Memorial Day as I did.
More there in a minute, but first a few items from the news...
Drownings
If you needed any reminder of how dangerous some of those "fun" summer activities can be...look no further than Iowa this weekend. We had four confirmed and likely a fifth drowning on Lakes and rivers, and a Jet ski blew up with two 15 year-olds on it. Please remember that when you are out of the water...a lot can go wrong very quickly.
Gulf Spill
How will this rank for environmental disasters of the century? Who knows but this one is going to be bad for a while. I feel terrible for the people who count on tourism in the Gulf Coast States. We are hearing that 99 percent of the Gulf Coast Beaches were clean and safe this weekend but would you take your family down to the Gulf now this summer? Would you risk that oil popping up on your beach?
Stories of Note
A journalist friend of mine chided me a bit for not having the story of the attack on a Syrian boat by Israeli forces this weekend. The incident has tensions high in the Middle East. I put this story in the same category as the tensions on the Korean Peninsula right now. Those two countries could be headed to war, and we'd be obligated to defend South Korea.
Part of me says these should be important stories our viewers should "want" to know about. The other half of my brain tries to sit in our viewers shoes. When they hear conflict in the Middle East...tension in Korea...that's nothing new.
What do you all think the balance should be? Do you want to know about that stuff first thing when you start your work day?
Licensing Journalists
Credit the same journalist friend with alerting me to this story
In Michigan a lawmaker wants to license journalists. Sounds pretty good to anyone who's ever been the target of or can't stand the media frenzy surrounding any number of stories around the world 24 hours a day. This guy's argument is that he needs to know who, among those covering the statehouse are the credible journalists and who's not.
Sounds fair right? Wrong.
As much as I hate...and I mean HATE the TMZ's and the National Enquirers and the blogs that spew rumor and innuendo to make headlines, it is the price we pay for having a free press. It can't be regulated. As soon as it is, political concerns start to outweigh the desire for an open flow of information. You can argue that Corporate entities already influence journalists, and I agree, but that fight is in the open marketplace. If we get Government involved, we risk public officials shutting down journalists because they feel stung by criticism.
If a public official thinks a Journalist is being unfair or sensational, they have the right not to talk to the reporter. Make your case in one of the many other forms of journalism out there right now.
Licensing Journalists is a bad idea.
Begging for Golf
I have no shame when it comes to golf. I love the Principal Charity Classic and would do just about anything to play in the pro-am. It's a great experience actually being inside the ropes. It's as close as I'll ever get to being a professional golfer. If anyone out there needs a fourth for their Pro-am team...let me know. I'm there!
More likely I will go out Friday to see some of the first round play. I have the day off cause I'm working Saturday again. If you see me out there, stop and say hello!
Memorial Day
I got out on to the golf course by 5:30am thanks to my wonderful wife. it was a little early because I worked the 10pm the night before. The lack of sleep was worth it. it was beautiful. I got done in three hours and was hitting the ball better each hole. I even got my first birdie of the year.
I came home to help Sally plant our impatiens in the front yard. The flowers always make us both feel so good about the look of our house. Now if someone else would feel the same way and buy it!
We went out looking for a couch thanks to our parenting ace in the hole. Our friend Linda came over to babysit the boys. She loves being with them and is our Grandma-in-residence, since both the boys grandma's are in Chicago. We love having her around and feel so lucky to have someone we trust taking care of them.
That gave Sally and I a chance to go couch shopping. We almost gave up after finding out Homemakers Memorial Day Sale...wasn't so much a sale ON Memorial Day, as it was a sale AROUND Memorial Day. We ended up finding a great couch out at Pottery Barn. For you Friends fans, it's not an Apothecary table and it was not made in the days of "yore'.
We've haven't grilled yet this year (I know, I know), so I made some bone in chicken breasts. Good stuff.
All of this was capped by two goals in the second period of game 2 in the Stanley Cup Finals. I got a good night sleep knowing my Blackhawks would prevail.
Have a great start to a short week.
PWD
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