News Conf, Expansion and Wal to Wall

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

We'll work through it together.

News Conf

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

Super Tuesday

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

Mailbag

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

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

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

Wall to Wall

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

The Key is...

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

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

Monday Thoughts

Afternoon blogging and I'm glad I waited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COUNTDOWN WIDGETHope

Hope you have a great Monday!
PWD

Speed Blogging

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

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

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

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

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

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

PWD

Guns Booze and Relief

Good Morning...

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

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

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

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

Booze

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

Really?

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

PWD

Just a few Quick Shots

Good Morning...

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

The News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Budgets, Oscars and Visitors

Good Monday Morning!

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

Budgets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Mommy Debate, Radical Scouts and Bad Night

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

The News

Mommy Debate

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

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

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

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

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

Radical Scouts

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

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

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

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

Here's the actual Girl Scout Motto:

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

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

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

Crossover

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

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

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

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

Bad Night

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

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

I hope you have a good day.

PWD

Internet Gambling, Up all Night and Birthday 2.0

Good Morning!

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

The News:

Internet Gambling

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

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

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

Sin Tax

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

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

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

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

Faith

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

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

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

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

Bracketology

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

Up all Night

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

Birthday 2.0

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

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

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

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

Have a great Day

PWD

Allegations, Celebrations and Reflections

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

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

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

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

I hope you have a great weekend!
PWD

It Costs $$, Too Much, and Bad News

Bad News came Early this morning.

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

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

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

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

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

It Costs $$

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

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

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

Too Much?

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

Too Much (for sure)

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

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

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

Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day.

PWD

Signs, Snow and Spending

Good Morning!

We begin the work week..it's also celebration week in our house. Will and JT turn 3 on Saturday. It really begins two weeks of parties. It so happens we have some friends who also had kids around the same time so we've got Birthday parties to go to, and two parties to host. We're self medicating.

Signs

So the Pastor at a Church on Army Post Road put up a sign that said, "Gay is not OK".

He's got the right to do that. The Congregation has the right to teach that. if that's their interpretation of the Bible, so be it.

People who disagree with that interpretation of the Bible have the right to protest. They did that Sunday. No one was hurt. It appears no one got out of hand verbally. The Protesters protested, and the Congregation went to church. That's the way it's supposed to work.

I have a few other suggestions for Signs and sermons the Pastor can give:

-Football is not OK

-Farming is not OK

-Haircuts are not OK

-Slavery IS OK

-Why Men with Acne and Glasses are not welcome next Sunday.

-If you have to go to work after Church, Don't bother coming to services.

-Why Shellfish is Fowl

The point? Why is one rule the Bible lays out so important that we seem to spend 90% of our time talking about it but the other rules laid out in books like Leviticus and Exodus can be blown off as antiquated? I haven't heard a good explanation. It's the picking and choosing that makes it look like people who support the Pastor just don't like Gay people.

Snow

Doesn't look like this one is going to be a big problem for the snow blower or shovel. That said, there was a big accident East of the East Mixer this morning and that tied up traffic for a while...

Jeriann nailed the totals...here at the station they measured two inches of snow...totals at the airport were just a little less...

Grammy

Jennifer Hudson can flat out sing. So could Whitney Houston. I care not about the artist named after having a threesome. Rhinestone Cowboy is one of those guilty pleasure songs...you know you love it...don't act like you don't.

I didn't connect Adele with her music but she seems genuinely happy for her success. Anyone who references her Mom in a "do you believe this?" kind of way is OK by me. For the record Jeriannn didn't know who LL Cool J is. Brooke just roller her eyes. She is apparently the most culturally well rounded of the three of us.

Greece

Years of not working very hard and borrowing a lot of money are catching up to a lot of countries around the world...and would include the US on that list. The difference is, we have the ability to put the economic pedal to the metal when we want to. Hard to see how Greece does that.

Budget

The president's Budget spends more than it takes in...and it REDUCES the Federal Budget??? that's going to seem like smoke and mirrors to a lot of Americans.

Valentine's

I am told on our noon news that I am supposed to spend two and a half times more than my significant other on Valentine's Day because I am a man. I don't buy it. Spend what seems right. Thoughtful trumps expensive every time. If it doesn't, consider a new significant other.

Weekend

There's nothing like having a good meal with good friends. We managed to navigate two nights out WITH the boys this weekend. Our friends with kids of similar age had us over for a casual evening and it was great. The best part? Not having to do the dishes.

Certificate, City Streets and Dating Game

Good Morning!

It's Friday and have to tell you I am happy to see it here.

Certificate

I was disturbed at the story of a Same Sex Couple suing the State. If their accusations are true, that a State employee used white out to erase one of the women's names off of a death certificate for their son, it's inexcusable.

It's a DEATH CERTIFICATE!

It is legal for the couple to be married in Iowa, so why is this form not already gender neutral? Two spaces with "parent" would work.

I am finding these stories more and more objectionable the more I actually think about the law. You can't deny one group of citizens the same rights you provide for everyone else without a compelling interest for the state.

There is none here. People object on moral grounds and they have every right to do that. But if you believe a law should be created denying these people the same rights you have...ask yourself where it stops. The "behavior" you object to is in the bedroom. What's next? Do you object to the "action" your neighbors are engaging in in their bedroom? Are they contributing to the moral decay of society?

There is no societal benefit to discriminating against same sex couples. If you need evidence of that, ask yourself what's changed about your life since Iowa Law changed to allow same sex couples to marry? Really? Anything?

City Streets

What do we do with Walnut Street once the Buses go to the new Transportation Hub? The Guy who helped the City come up with the concepts for its long term vision project, The Downtown Sculpture Garden and the East Village is also helping with the concept here. So what do you think of a renovated Walnut Street? Are there enough Restaurants? Are there enough people to make it profitable?

Dating Game

New research from Rutgers shows Online dating is the second most popular way for people to meet. The bar scene is dead. I don't think a lot of people will mourn.

The Study also said people are looking for mates with the same political beliefs. Especially conservatives look for someone who takes on the same world view. We had a short discussion about that on set. Brooke said it made some sense. When important issues of core values come up...it could cause a lot of conflict in a marriage if you and your partner didn't believe the same thing. I think that is probably true, but I also think it's not bad to have someone who disagrees with you on some of those issues.

My parents are a pretty good example. I would describe my dad as Conservative and my Mom as extremely Liberal. They've canceled each other out at the ballot box for a long time. But over the years they've also offered each other a broader view of issues by challenging one another.

If you are only hearing your view of the world...will you ever be aware of how the world might be changing around you? I sometimes see this as the problem with some of my more conservative friends. They only want to hear from and associate with people who believe EXACTLY what they believe. If you allow for the fact that other people have a legitimate opinion...you're seen as someone who lacks conviction. I think it's just the opposite. If you can't listen to someone else's divergent beliefs and retain your own core values...I think that's weak.

Women in Military

the pentagon is updating its rules to catch up with reality on the battlefield. Women can now serve some roles closer tot he front lines as Intel officers and Supply officers. Combat roles are still out. If a woman wants to serve in a front line unit and has proven her skills to her Unit, I say let em serve.

Coming Home

One more thing, Welcome back to our friends Mary Sellers and her Husband Sean. Mary is the former President of the Science Center of Iowa. She's coming back to Iowa to run United Way here in Des Moines.

Hope you all have a good weekend!

PWD

I'm still here...

My Mother says she misses hearing from me...so I need to blog today.

The News:

Just Move

The First Lady is in town this morning. She will be the main attraction to the Wells Fargo Arena today along with 10,000 kids, 200 buses and her Secret Service Detail. Yeah, that's probably not going to be busy. Whatever you think of this initiative I think it's had an effect. A lot of younger parents I know are already talking about making sure their toddlers are moving enough every day. I know we pay attention to the amount of activity our kids have had every day. If that attitude takes hold...the movement could show results as our kids grow up.

132nd

Everyone wants to see the Federal Budget cut but no one wants that budget cut in their state. If the Military cuts the amount they're talking about...none of the cuts are going to be easy. All of them will probably have an argument about why they should be funded.

I don't want to see the Air Guard Unit go, but if it does, I will understand.

Who's Complaining Now?

The Obama Administration is getting heat for rules that "force" Religious organizations to offer birth control if they offer a prescription drugs program. Here's the thing. The rule has been in place since the Bush Administration took office. He did nothing to stop it...

Now, I'm not saying I agree with the rule...I'm saying Politicians who try to score cheap political points or raise money off an issue only because it hits the headlines show just how stupid they think we all are. These are the people more interested in how an issue is going to help increase their fundraising than they are with actually protecting the people they serve.

Bugging Andy

As he always does, Andy said it well. Is it so hard to find things to agree on in politics? His story trying to get Statehouse Politicians to say something nice about each other put a funny exclamation point on a sad truth. Most of these guys don't actually hate each other...they just can't be caught on tape saying anything nice about anybody the oppose. It will end up in a campaign commercial for someone more liberal or more conservative than they are. Compromise doesn't show weakness or a lack of conviction. It shows reason, maturity and sanity.

Where there's Smoke

I am getting more emails and phone calls from Firefighters arguing we shouldn't cut positions in Des Moines to balance the budget. They say they have new information for me.

What new information could make me think MORE than I already do of Firefighters? I think they should be paid a lot more than they are, and that there should be as many of them as are needed to make the job as safe as it possible can be, but I don't live in Fantasyland.

This isn't about whether Firefighters jobs are worth saving...they are. It's about a budget hole too big to plug with unimportant things. I love Firefighters...

Other things:

-UNC-Duke was one of the best college basketball games I've watched in a while...and I only saw the 1st half. I still hate it when the Dukies win.

-I was informed I can keep my man card after totally butchering Christian Louboutin's name (He designs shoes apparently).

-Tiger Woods is playing in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am this weekend. I know where I will be.

I hope you all have a really good day!

As always, I hope that if you have something to say, you either comment here or email me directly. Good or bad, it's nice to hear what you have to say.

PWD

Bricks, Super Sunday and Big Win

Good Morning

I hope all of you had a great Super Bowl Weekend.

The News:

Bricks

I feel like the City really screwed the pooch on this one. See earlier posts for more on that. The good news is that it sounds like The plan is going to move forward. I really don't get the opposition to this. It's not like the City Fathers are planning on putting a Strip club or a Brothel in Downtown. It's a Hotel. We've lost out on events coming to Des Moines and I know that one of the criticisms of Des Moines is a lack of Hotel Rooms Downtown.

Super Sunday

-I thought the Game was one of the best since the last time the Giants and Patriots got together.

-Thumbs up on the National Anthem. That's the way its supposed to be done. The Drum Corps was a great add.

-I don't know why it bothered me so much but the kids in the Choir that sang with Clarkson distracted...at least some of them did. Most of these kids were smiling and singing. They did a great job. The kids who's parents encouraged such over the top facial expression should be hog tied. You are part of an ensemble...a team. It's not about you.

-I thought the commercials in the 1st half were LAME.

-I thought the Halftime show was pretty good. Entertaining. I am not a Madonna fan but I thought she put on a good show for a woman in her 50s. I didn't see whoever that was flip me the bird. Whatever...you are a b-list add on to the Headliner at the Superbowl. Get over yourself.

-I thought the Halftime in America ad was one of the most memorable...well written...stirring. I also thought it was the first re-election ad for President Obama. Was this part of the bailout deal or something?

-Other favorite ads: The VW ad with the dog that went into the Darth Vader retread., I thought the promo for The Voice was the best ad at the time. I liked the "Here, Wego" ad.

Big Win

Congrats to ISU fan. If Iowa State can get the wins it expects to over the next few weeks, they'll could go as high as the 3 seed in the Big 12 tournament. I love it. If ISU is #3, the Cyclones will likely get Kansas if they can get to the Semi-finals. I like The ISU-KU match up on a neutral floor. As A Missouri fan I like ISU being on the other side of the bracket.

If you missed it, Missouri beat KU this weekend. Should be a great finish tot he Big 12 season.

Winter Weather, Benefits and Advocating

Good Morning.
We start right where we did yesterday because the weather will be an important part of the weekend.
Jeriann was looking at a lot of conflicting information today as she has been all week. For the non-meteorologists...they have computer models that predict the weather...there are like 12 of them...but we use four or five. The models all disagree on the amount and timing of snowfall. She showed me this morning that the models have Des Moines getting anywhere from an inch...to eight inches of snow. I have a bad feeling about this one. JR has been pretty consistent this week in the 2-4 inch range. I don't know why...I feel like we're going to get walloped...but my track record is about as good as that rodent they pulled out of a stump yesterday. In any case...time to go get gas for the snow blower.

Benefits
Republicans in the Iowa House are putting forward a proposal for State workers to pay more of their Health Insurance costs. About $2,000 /year. I looked and for the record...I paid more than $6000 last year for a package of benefits that, I am grateful for, but doesn't come CLOSE to the package State workers enjoy.
Before all of the Union folks fore off an email about how "we paid for these benefits through negotiations". I have to say, no one believes that except members of the Union.
There may have been a time when State salaries lagged well behind the private sector...that's just not the case today. I think those state workers should have great benefits...many of them are serving their state instead of taking a more lucrative job in the private sector. That said, asking them to pay for their benefits is not asking too much.
I'll say one more thing. Republicans aren't without fault here. they're putting this proposal forward to score political points. There is no chance it's going to happen because the contract isn't up for negotiations. Don't act as if this is something that could or should happen this year. We made an agreement with State workers and we should stick with it. Next time around however...it's time to amend the benefits section of the AFSCME contract.

Advocacy
Today is Go Red for Women Day. the American Heart Association would like everyone to wear red to work to raise awareness of Heart related health issues. i support their advocacy of an important health issue. If you choose to, you should wear red. It's inappropriate, however, for us to wear red on the air. It would signal advocacy for an issue tat we are not prepared to offer to every issue. Why is Heart health MORE important than Autism or Child Abuse, or Swimming Safety?
I don't want to leave our viewers guessing about our coverage of issues. If wear Yellow for the Save the Spotted Canary society and the Executive Director of that organization is arrested for embezzling or abusing a child, will our audience wonder if we are going easy on them because we wore yellow? Will they wonder if we got paid for advocating?
I don't mean to take a hard line. There are, certainly times we advocate for local events...each of us will, at times, emcee an event for a local charity. It's a difficult balance and we try our best to find a middle ground between being a billboard and showing support for these organizations in our own way.
If you didn't see Red on our set this morning, that's some of the thinking behind why.

Guard, Bricks, and Botched

Good Morning!

It's going to be 60 today but lets have a little weather lesson for tomorrow. When they show you that map in the winter...and the big "L" goes right across the middle of Missouri...that's usually bad. It usually means we get a lot of snow. It sure would be nice if we knew exactly how much snow you were going to get in your front yard...It would also be nice to have a $1000 extra in your pocket each week...neither one is going to happen. Predicting snow is hard. Predicting snow when we're sitting on the rain/snow freeze line is even harder. This storm is setting up so that Perry could get close to a foot of snow while Indianola gets an inch or two along with a lot of rain. That's how close it is.

Guard

I would hate to see the Iowa Air National Guard Unit in Des Moines get cut. Col. Greg Hapgood hit the nail on the head....They are one of the best Units in the National Guard and they are an important part of this community. Plus, I like to see those cool F-16's take off and land. Still want to get a ride in one of those things.

Bricks

Speaking of hitting the nail on the head. Christine Hensley had it right last night. this debate over full bricks vs half bricks is a attempt by the people who don't want this hotel to give the City an out. If the council votes to make the Hotel use the full bricks...one word comes to mind...Weasel.
I have a hard time seeing how a hotel will degrade the neighborhood more than an abandoned decaying building.

Botched
Any of you who saw Nightly News last night saw a story about Susan G Komen changing it's grants process. The change means organizations that are "under investigation by local state or federal authorities" aren't eligible for grants. That means Planned Parenthood NATIONALLY will lose funding from Komen.
Call it poor timing or contrived circumstance, but it just so happens that a Florida Congressman and opponent of abortion launched a Congressional investigation on Panned Parenthood. His accusations, at best, are unproven, and at worst are simply politically motivated.
So with that I have a few thoughts for both sides of this debate.
-First Full Disclosure, My Wife is Executive Director of the Local Komen Affiliate.
-To those of you who are disappointed by the decision and say "pull all funding from Komen"...think of this: The people who organize and run local affiliates are not the people making this decision.
Here in Iowa the local Planned Parenthood isn't effected because it does not get grants from Komen locally.
Our hospitals do get grants and so does Polk County Heath...and they serve thousands of women who would not otherwise get breast screenings. This s about preventing women from going through breast cancer...period. If you give money here in Iowa, the vast majority of that money stays in Iowa and helps Iowans. Think about who you are punishing with your dollars.
-Komen Botched this one soup to nuts. The PR is horrific...it's worse than a train wreck and it seems they have no response, except to say this isn't political. What are they going to say...it is? The change in the grant process is flawed. We are not guilty until proven innocent in this country. We are innocent until proven guilty. Komen has that backwards. If hey want to protect donor dollars...no problem...change one word in the new grant process rules...make it CRIMINAL investigation. Local prosecutors generally can't afford to launch politically motivated investigations, and the publioc can vote them out when they do... Politically motivated investigations are all Members of Congress launch.
Think of it another way. If this standard is right...any organization you support can be de-funded at any time if anyone makes a crazy accusation.
-To the opponents of abortion calling this a victory, how do you justify one death for another?
If your view is that you are preventing the death of an unborn child by de-funding an unrelated care of women...what about those women who may die from breast cancer? What would you say to their husbands? To their Children? How are you saving those children's lives?

-One more point for the anti-PP folks: You've just succeeded in giving Planned Parenthood it's biggest fundraiser of the year. Women all over the Internet are advocating their friends pull money out of Komen and giving to PP. Congratulations!

That money will now go to the general fund of PP instead of going through a third party where PP has to sign a document agreeing not to use the money for anything except breast health screenings. So in one fell swoop, you've managed to fund more abortions, make sure a few more women miss an early detection of breast cancer and you've done it all while not preventing a single abortion from happening. How's that strategy working for ya?

I don't need to hear how much this is going to hurt PP either. they're on TV across the country talking about how much this will hurt. They know this is an opportunity for a free media appeal.
-None of the debate over funding of mamograms should be political. If groups want Planned Parenthood out of this process, find an alternative and help them apply for a Komen Grant. Get the women the exams!
-I've read some very nasty things about Komen and the people who work there on the Internet over the last 24 hours. People need to get a hold of themselves. I've only worked on a limited basis with the women and men who help raise money here. They are volunteers who have jobs and families and other priorities in their lives. Still, they spent countless hours helping raise money for this cause. Most of them know the feeling of getting a breast cancer diagnosis personally. Some of them have lost a loved one. NONE OF THEM deserve the kind of thoughtless criticism vomited out online...
These people didn't make this decision...they work for Komen for one reason..to make sure other women don't have to go through this fight..and to make sure they've got the treatment and support they need if that day does come.
Just my thoughts...feel free to disagree.
PWD

Thin Ice, Raising Cain and Words

Good morning...

Today's installment is another collection of random thoughts with a little actual news thrown in for good measure.

Thin Ice

The danger in getting on any kind of ice, not matter how think it looks this kind of year would trump any desire I have to fish.

Resigning?

Our Dave Price blogged last night about Matt Strawn's resignation. Two Republican sources told Dave it's going to happen. It's too bad...under intense pressure Strawn made, what he thought would be the best call for the Caucuses...The behind the scenes of that night would make a good chapter in a book.

Cain

Herman Cain told The Today Show's Anne Curry that he won't run for President again because, "his biological clock is ticking". Is Herman Cain pregnant?
Is anyone sorry he left the race?

Occupy

So one of the Occupy Des Moines participants, (we don't know if it's a leader of the group or just one more incongruous voice) says they won't go out and get arrested on purpose anymore. Great. Now she says they will work to educate people on their issues. I'd set aside a long session. The number of issues this group says it is working toward makes the head spin and the eyes roll. i am glad they won't be using tax dollars to make their point anymore. the Troopers and Police can go back to...you know...public safety.
I will be interested how much of the 99% will show up to support or even learn about the issued of Occupy. If they're not on TV...if they simply have to make the case, not just for change, but for a serious alternate solution, I wonder if the movement will catch fire. My guess is no.
As I've written here before, my guess is that "the99%" is more like 10%. I may not make a million dollars a year (or even close) but it is not my birthright to share in the wealth of someone else. The Country has serious problems...but it's going to take serious solutions.

Words

One of the funny part of doing this shift is the lack of verbal skills you find yourself with by the end of the day. Jeriann went to the meat counter at Hy-Vee and got some dinner for the family. When the guy wrapped up her order, she said, "thanks for your house." Obviously she meant help. It's a good example of the brain freeze we find ourselves in A LOT.

Random

-Driving down Ingersoll on the way to work, I saw a guy out for a run. It was 3:30! I know people are getting up early but that's a little extreme.

-I drooled on the set this morning. No joke. I'm not sure why.

What's the problem on 235?
It seems to be getting worse.
Here are some simple rules:
-If you are getting on the highway...accelerate...the brake should not enter into the equation except in the case of an extreme emergency.
-If someone is getting on the Highway and you are in the right lane, make a hole.
-I don't care if you are in the right lane, 40mph is NOT a safe speed. The speed limit is 60 or 55. They'll let you go up to 72 before they ticket you...so 60 is a reasonable speed in normal conditions.
-Finally, get off the phone. I admit to looking down at my phone to switch songs, but if you are having a conversation with someone...use the hands free.
Have a great day and as always...feel free to agree/disagree.
PWD

Busy Overnight, Occupy, and End of an Era

Good Morning

Well, big news here at Channel 13 over the weekend. John Bachman says he's hanging it up after 25 years here. What a career!

I've been fortunate to have a front row seat to watch. I always tell people, John is a quiet, consistent influence in our newsroom.

To me, he embodied the definition of professionalism. He showed it's not how you handle high profile events that mark a career. Coming in and doing a rock solid job every day is what builds a legacy. John certainly has one here.

I hope this means John and I will be able to play more golf over the summer.

It's also really nice to see Dan Winters move into a new role. We are very fortunate to have a long list of talented people here at WHO and Dan is at the head of that list. I'm sure Erin Kiernan is happy to see her good friend move into the role of her new partner. It will be fun to watch.

To the Other News:

Busy Overnight

It's not often you have as much overnight news as we did Sunday night into this Monday morning. Megan Reuther gave us an update on a home invasion, carjacking, stabbing and robbery. Police didn't have a lot for us as we went on the air this morning...just an unusual set of circumstances to start the day.

Occupy

I guess you could classify this as overnight news but we knew Occupy Protesters were planning on getting arrested late last night. 11PM is when the State Capitol grounds close...Protesters knew that...they knew they could have tried to work out a permit of some sort with State patrol. They didn't want that...they were planning on getting arrested. They wanted a made for TV event.

You have to ask again...what's the point? In more than six months this movement hasn't gained any wide traction here in Iowa. It certainly isn't changing anything...largely because no one seems to know what the goal of the group is. They have the right to stand together and speak jibberish if they want to....but no one's rights are being trampled here...Police aren't being heavy handed, the protesters are trying to get on TV. I wonder what would happen if the cameras didn't show up?

Randoms

-The Des Moines School Board appears to have picked the most reliable Democrat to fill an open seat.

Was anyone else totally impressed with the woman who...you know...has a PhD in Education? That probably wouldn't be valuable on a Board that makes decisions on Schools. It couldn't be the fact that she said, in certain cases, holding students back actually works? The Board is supposed to be non-partisan. They picked the guy who was an aide to Former Gov Vilsack and Sen Harkin. I wonder why?

This one should have been the best qualified, not the most political.

-Great to see Lolo Jones get off to a good start to the Olympic year!

-Did anyone else see the Just for Men Ad where the baby is out on a date with an older woman? Can anyone say creepy? As if the ads with Clyde Frasier and Hernandez weren't creepy enough.

Weekend

A Big Thank You to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles for putting on another great Poker Tournament this weekend. I was mistaken when I wrote that the tournament raises money for scholarships. It raises money for JDRF.
I may have played the worst game of cards in my life. I actually misread my cards TWICE.
The second time it cost me all my chips.
Oh well.

I hope you all have a great week!

PWD

Walk Away, Threats and ID me.

Good Morning!

Fired up for Friday! Here we go

Walk Away

So the Attorney for the "trust" that held the winning Hot Lotto ticket walked away from the jackpot late yesterday. You don't give up on 14 million bucks unless you know they're going to find something fishy.

The Attorney who tried to claim the jackpot says his client is from Belize. Yeah right...Belize is home to all those illegal Internet gambling sites too.

As Lottery CEO Terry Rick said, "What the Hell?". Ahhh Terry, always colorful.

Debate XXLVI

That's how it feels anyway. This debate reflects how nasty it is getting. A couple observations:

It doesn't matter if he's right...Mitt Romney just doesn't look like anything except a really Rich and mostly out of touch Guy when he tries to explain his positions.

Newt Gingrich may be the smartest guy in the race but he's got more baggage than an Aristocrat on the Titanic.

The Latest NBC News Poll shows Gingrich leading Romney among Republicans, then Gingrich getting spanked by President Obama in the General. It's hard to see a scenario where Republicans win back the White House Right now..emphasis on those last two words.

Threats

News out of Arizona that a Sheriffs Deputy posted a picture on his Facebook page of a bullet riddled picture of the President is disappointing to say the least. What was he thinking? That's not free speech. Free speech is expressing your disagreement with the policies and priorities this Administration pursues. They can't do they...because this has nothing to do with political opinion.

I saw this right after I saw a Facebook "friend" posted a picture of the President not holding his hand over his heart...It was from the Harkin Steak Fry in 2007, before he was President. It appeared the Anthem might be playing, or was just finished or was about to start. More on that in a minute...

In the replies to his post, his friends offered that they thought the President should "be shot". This person agreed. I posted a quick reminder that the expression of a threat to the President Published online is against Federal law.

Whoever knowingly and willfully deposits for conveyance in the mail or for a delivery from any post office or by any letter carrier any letter, paper, writing, print, missive, or document containing any threat to take the life of, to kidnap, or to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States, the President-elect, the Vice President or other officer next in the order of succession to the office of President of the United States, or the Vice President-elect, or knowingly and willfully otherwise makes any such threat against the President, President-elect, Vice President or other officer next in the order of succession to the office of President, or Vice President-elect, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

I "de-friended" the guy so I don't have to read that nonsense anymore.

On the point of putting your hand over your heart during the Anthem...I don't normally do it. I stand facing the Flag and I sing.

If you look around next time you are at a sporting event...the number of people who don't take their cap off, or talk all the way through the Anthem is amazing to me. Any way you slice it, this may not have been the smartest thing for then candidate Obama to do...but it hardly merits the comment that he should be "shot".

I-D me

So let me get this straight...The Republican Secretary of State...the guy who says Government shouldn't be passing unnecessary laws...says he wants to pass a picture I.D. requirement to vote in Iowa. Matt Schultz admits he has no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Iowa and there are strict laws about fraud on the books. Still, he says...why not pass the law just in case...before any fraud happens.

This smacks of the same kind of racism the last post does. Reading between the lines: Lets make sure those darn illegals can't vote.

The Government shouldn't be in the business of putting impediments in place for voters. If a candidate wants to challenge a ballot or lodge a complaint...the candidate can do so. This isn't a law, it's pandering.

Where Eagles play Poker

I will be playing in the annual Fraternal Order of the Eagles Poker Tournament again this year. Wish me luck. This is usually a great group of people who run the tournament and a great group who comes out to play. The event benefits scholarships for High School kids so it's for a good cause. Come on out tomorrow morning at 10 if you feel like losing your money to me...ha ha!

Hope you have a great Friday

State of the Union, That Again? and Pinterest

Good Morning!
We didn't have that great of a morning on Today in Iowa. Both of our Sat. interviews didn't work out because of technical difficulties. We were supposed to talk to Sen Chuck Grassley and Sec Kathleen Sebelius. Neither worked out. For the record we asked Sen Harkin is he wanted to join us live as well and he was not able to make it work.

So the News:
State of the Union
I thought the speech was good. It usually is. Anything you work on for a couple months should be.
That said I think the President needs to put his money where his mouth is on things like bipartisanship. There's plenty of blame to go around.
I thought the speech sounded a lo like re-election mode. No surprise there either.
I was disappointed that the only jobs the President seems interested in are Union Jobs. There are other people working out there too. Again, re-election mode.
At the same time the Prez is talking about making government more simple...he seemed to be announcing new agencies that would expand the size and scope of government. the Spilled milk like was a little to cute for me...but the point was made. I still don't think he gets points for cutting regulation like that. If it's stupid, or outdated it doesn't belong on the books.
The President is in Iowa today.
I was glad to see a couple things about the visit. the Republican Governor will be at the event and at the airport to welcome the President. He is showing respect to the office even if they disagree politically. Also the host business sounds like it's a family of Republicans. they also said...this isn't about politics...it's about respect for the office of the president. That's Iowans doing the right thing and making us proud.

That again?
Not so proud of 2 of the 4 Republican Presidential candidates. They failed to correct people at campaign events who called the President either a Muslim or those who suggested the President wasn't from this country.
This shows a appalling lack of character in my opinion. It is pandering and it is beneath a man who aspired to the highest office in the country. Republicans should not allow these ideas to be forwarded in public or private and we should get on to debating actual issues.

Pinterest
I am signed up but I don't get it. Can someone explain Pinterest to me?

I await your replies
PWD

Lots of Random Nonsense

Good Morning.
I have some catching up to do again this morning and as usual, that lead to some random thoughts poured out over this blog. Excuse the mess.

Taxes
So Mitt Romney is a rich guy. that seems to be the headline from the release of his tax returns. Not sure why he didn't get on this one sooner. It seems more of a PR bungle than anything else. I have to say I am surprised at the response on our Facebook question. The rate you "pay" in taxes and the effective tax rate are two completely different things. If you think you pay 28 percent...think again...you probably pay closer to zero after tax breaks, charitable giving etc. I also take exception to the idea that this guy "didn't pay enough". He paid three million dollars!
The tax code is too complicated and certainly people game the system in order to pay less. That said this does not seem the case in Romney's return. He made money off investment. That rate is 15%.

Noise
The noise ordinance was put in place FOR Val-Air Ballroom and now they want an exemption? I don't think so. Having lived in that neighborhood (and that's a stretch) I spent a lot of summer nights wide awake while the music that was a mile away pounded through my window. I'd like to see the venue get great acts. Why can't the owner soundproof the place? If it makes you so much more money to have these louder acts play at your venue...why not?

Hotel
For the last two year the City of Des Moines has been working with a developer to build south of the Court District for two years. Now there are people complaining about the Developer getting tax breaks and that the project didn't "fit in" in the area.
Well, people who live downtown choose to live in a more dense space. That's your choice. A hotel isn't going to disrupt your life. I would think this is going to be a lot of traveling business people.
As for supporting "local" developers...where have they been for the last couple years...for the last ten for that matter?
If it had made good business sense they would have done it. Maybe a smaller developer couldn't take on the risk and this larger corporation can?
I just have a hard time believing that the City of Des Moines and the Des Moines City Council would reject local developers if they'd presented themselves. If there were no proposals, then the city should make the best deal it can.

Bad Pitch
No joke, a friend of mine got a brochure from Carnival in the mail yesterday. It was pitching a Cruise on the Costa Concordia.

Slippers
I was disproportionately excited to find an email in my inbox from LL Bean the other day. it said my new slippers had shipped from Maine. If loving a new pair of slippers makes me an old man...then I don't wanna be young.

We have no Bananas
This is my best recollection of a conversation I had with JT at 2AM the other day:
Me: Buddy why are you awake?
JT: I'm upset because I need a banana.
Me: Just take a drink of your water buddy...
JT: (takes a drink)...Is Will asleep?
Me: He is buddy
JT: Is Mommy asleep?
Me: Yeah She is too
JT: Are the bananas asleep?
Me: Yeah buddy...the bananas are asleep too.
JT: but I can have one when I wake up...
Me: You bet...
JT: OK goodnight.

We're #2
I won't lie, I am having fun watching Missouri win this season. It's fun to have the #2 team in the nation...but like many Missouri fans I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. We play Kansas in early Feb. I am hopeful but not confident.
Either way this makes an early March trip to Vegas for the first round of the NCAA Tournament an even better idea this year.

Hope you have a great day!

Numbers, No way Forward and Email

Good afternoon...

Sorry for the delay. I got caught in a conversation I didn't want to delay. Thanks for your patience.

The News

Numbers

So it looks like Rick Santorum won the Iowa Caucuses. it was still close and I am not sure if the way forward would have been any different if we'd known this result the night of the Caucus.

There's also no way to spin this well for the Iowa Republican party.

I don't know the inside baseball...and I don't want to presume a simple solution...but in an era of unmatched technology...why can't we make this caucus voting electronic? Don't tell me Apple wouldn't love to let everyone know the Caucus counting happened on a bunch of iPads.

No way Forward

Rick Perry is out of the Race for President. Some part of me admires him for not giving up after a disappointing Iowa finish. Perry's got a great job as Governor of Texas...he's leaves with a few scrapes but he'll be fine.

Emails

Apparently some Firefighters and families of Firefighters took exception to my blog the other day. My issue was injecting the idea that Firefighters would have to stand around waiting for backup because of low staffing levels, and as a result...your house might burn longer or a medical patient might have to wait to get attention.

Some of the families called me or emailed me to let me know I was either missing the point or that I was being insensitive to the safety of brave Firefighter from my comfortable perch behind a news desk.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I can see why Firefighters and the people who love them want these men and women in the safest conditions possible in an already dangerous job. I can see why Union officials are aggressive about saving jobs. That's their job.

I still say the debate can happen, and the public can understand the risk without painting the scary picture of my house burning down.

If we are seeing signs Firefighters lives are put at risk...let see examples. I can get behind that.

If we are seeing increased response time...let see em. I can get behind that.

My point is the debate should be about the facts. The City has millions of dollars to cut and the Firefighters are only a fraction of the total. Almost every other Department is seeing significant cuts too. And by the way, I get to look forward to a significant Property Tax increase.

I support the Firefighters...they are everyday Heroes and if it were up to me....they'd make six figures.

All of that said I appreciate the passionate and articulate arguments the union members and family members made emailing or calling me. Just because I write it...doesn't make it right.

I'm always happy to hear what you have to say.

The Post Where You Start Calling Me Names

Good Morning.

This will be the one...this will be the post where some of you find a way to call me a Loony Liberal or a Raving Republican. There will be a little something for everyone. Most of my rant will come from several stories i heard while working out yesterday. Here goes:

Guard

The Condition of the Guard is today at the Iowa Statehouse. One of the most interesting parts of today's address will be an assessment of how Iowa soldiers are coping with being home and back in their "normal" lives.

Award

Capt. John Hintz is headed to New York today to be part of the crew that will accept the Alfred I. Dupont award for excellence in Journalism. He was the soldier featured in a story about "Dragon" company of the 101st Airborne. They were on the Afghan/Pakistan border last year when the 60 minutes crew came to do the story. Capt Hintz ended up being one of the focal points of the piece. Congratulations...and good job by the CBS crew to include the soldier who made the story possible.

Afghanistan

So here's the first story that made me mad yesterday: A new study shows life expectancy in Afghanistan has improved dramatically. The study was done by The US Agency for International Development.

The stunning part of the story I heard was that three of the six researchers don;'t want to accept the numbers.

"If the results had come out closer to expectations, they would have been hugely valuable, I think," Hill says. "But because there are still huge question marks hanging over the estimates, I'm not sure there is an enormous value in the data."

So in other words, if this had been what I expected I would believe it...but because we saw improvement...it can't be right.

It makes me crazy. There are a couple theories here...the old numbers may not be as accurate. The New numbers have a huge margin of error. The thing the critics don't even acknowledge is that there are improvements to the infrastructure brought about by US involvement in Afghanistan. I wonder how many critics of this information are also critics of the War? Why is it so hard to believe that along with he horrible things happening in some parts of Afghanistan, that US Soldiers also bring with them hope and the possibility of a better future for Afghanistan?

Occupy

So the Occupy group was in Washington DC to welcome lawmakers back from their Winter Break. Hundreds of Protesters held signs and shouted some of the slogans we're all becoming familiar with outside the Capitol Building.
This was the second story I heard that got me a little fired up last night.
So there was this guy at the Capitol Building yesterday who's compiled information on all members of Congress; their voting records, donors. The idea was to give protesters some actual information before they went in to blast these guys.
In the story, a woman came up to the table and asked what he was giving out. Here's the exchange with the reporter who was nearby:

MARROQUIN: Are they're listening to us? I don't think they're listening to us.

SEABROOK: Marroquin came down from Occupy Jersey City. She said the old political model is broken.

MARROQUIN: We could talk and talk but they're just going to brush us away.

SEABROOK: So what do you do? If not go to talk to your congressman, how do you change anything?

MARROQUIN: I don't know what the answer to that is but we need to come up with it quick, 'cause something is broken.

So I don't want to engage my Member of Congress cause they wouldn't listen anyway. I have no solution..,.and by the way I can't identify the problem!
I ask again, what's the point? this young woman represents a lot of people who don't recognize they have skin in this game too. We all do. It's not sexy, it's not going to get you on Network news, but the work of governing and decision making starts at the local level. How do you think a lot of these members of Congress got to Washington? If you answer is...they have money and powerful friends...you may be right. But A LOT of them got there through a career in local politics FIRST. It will take time to change a system...but a lot of the people who identify with Occupy, don't seem willing to engage in the hard work it will take to be successful over the long haul.

Delivery
SO we are the laziest people on the planet. Burger King will deliver in Virginia and Maryland. It actually starts to make sense when you consider that they're competing against Jimmy Johns.

SO there it is. Fire away.
I always like to hear what you guys think about stories.
PWD

Snow Way!, Stretching and Random Thoughts

Good Morning!

We are waking up to snow covered streets and sidewalks this morning. I can finally break out the snow blower. Murphy's Law applied to Jeriann this morning. Her computers had the hiccups while she was trying to digest all of the weather information...get us a forecast and let people know how much snow actually fell.

It was a little frantic for about an hour on set this morning before she got things under control.

Stretching

Saw the story from the Des Moines Firefighters Union this morning claiming they will be left watching buildings burn down if budget cuts go through. Of course, they're exaggerating for effect.
If six of their firefighters and one of their Paramedic Crews are eliminated that's fewer union members. It's the Union's job to protect those jobs.
Unfortunately, the jobs are where the majority of expenses are spent in the City's Budget. I could be totally off base here, but I don't think the entire City Council and the Professional managers of the City of Des Moines would look at a budget scenario where Firefighters couldn't do their job and think it was the right thing to do. Will it be more difficult down six firefighters...you bet. Could it mean a response time might increase? It could...
I doubt, however we are going to see video on the news of firefighters standing around watching a building burn down because only two firefighters are on the scene of a fire.

I get why they're doing it, but you hate to see the Union playing on fear to save the jobs.

Grasping at Straws

Isn't it funny how a guy who decides to run for President can't then let go of the idea even in the face of overwhelming odds. I wonder what the people around you say. I wonder what goes through their heads? What are they seeing that we're not. I'm referring to Governor Perry in particular. He's got the money to stay in the race, but NONE of his messages are resonating with voters. You could argue he is hurting is party's chance at winning back the White House. Is that what conservatives want? They don't like Mitt Romney so much they'd like to see four more years of the opposition party in the White House?
I supposed you hang in there because you never know what is going to happen. Things have been so fluid that undecided voters really could propel a candidate to the top of the polls.
Still, if your name isn't Mitt...the numbers aren't looking good.

Random Thoughts

-So Sally and I were out at the Mall this weekend...as we walked to our car we found a credit card on the ground. I picked it up and tried to get on my phone to see if we could locate a phone number for the owner. We couldn't, so we called the credit card company to tell them what happened and that they should cancel the card. They couldn't believe someone was calling to do the right thing. It took a little explaining...but we finally got them to contact the owner and cancel the card. Still, through the process of doing this, both Sally and I wondered if we should just leave the card on the ground or not get involved...the thought crossed both our minds that if the card had been misused...anyone would naturally suspect we were the ones who'd misused it. That's too bad. In cases like this trying to do the right thing should be easy.

-I finally pulled the trigger and got one of those health monitors you wear on your arm all day. Mine is the BodyMedia Fit. It's supposed to give you a more accurate count of the Calories you burn on a daily basis...this one is also supposed to monitor how well you sleep. We'll see. The scary part of starting this is that you have to accountable to yourself...something I am not that good at. The most difficult part is the food. Trying to come up with serving sizes, and calorie counts for food not already in the system is no fun. I am finding I am conscious of the choices I am making with the armband on. When you know you have to count your food....it makes it harder to binge.

I hope you have a great day!