Well, wasn't that easy?

In an update from a previous post, it seems that Hawaii is smart enough to figure out how to get a tree and a menorah in the same place at the same time. Congrats.

What the?

I don't know what is going on in the TV world. Last night, on "What About Brian?", the main character finds out that his love interest had an affair. During a confrontation, Brain said, "You had an affair with my father." Tonight, on a rerun (I think) of one of the Law & Order shows, a character found out some information that would've been helpful a little earlier. That information caused him to unhappily discover, "I had sex with my sister!"
It's good to know that TV programmers are relieving children from having to watch primetime TV.

Ho, ho...aw, screw it

I think that it is highly ridiculous that Christmas trees are being taken down because someone else isn't a Christian. In the Seattle airport, a rabbi's request to add a menorah brought down the rest of the trees. I get so annoyed by having to take down Christian decorations because other people don't like them. I don't blame the rabbi in this case, I blame the airport. What's wrong with putting up the menorah? Or any other religious affiliation? Why not show that you embrace other cultures instead of being the party pooper and saying that, if you can't have what you want, no one should? You run a public place with millions of people from millions of backgrounds coming through every day. Not only are you showing that you recognize their religions, you may invoke positive curiosities about those religions. That's OK. Be a humbug. I wish we heard more about those who do spread curiosity by putting up multiple religious decorations instead of these pansies who take their ball and go home because someone new wants to play.

Election Day passes

How the hell does Lee Terry get elected 5 times? Everyone I hear from, including Omaha TV News, says he's annoying, but he still wins. Its too bad Esch wasn't supported more.
The Feedlot has their own take on the elections.
Overall, there wasn't too many things I was surprised about. I was glad that Ricketts got the smack-down of a lifetime from Ben. He needs to go away quickly. While a bit immature, I chuckled at Ben's slams of Petey during the celebration. He quipped that he "could now go hunting," etc.
I was surprised that Hahn got as many votes as he got. It was still a landslide, but the fact that he seemed to be in hiding the last month or so and still had a relatively decent showing is fairly impressive. Maybe not.
I understand the uproar with having a Democratic majority in Washington, but if someone would come up with a good idea (i.e., a quick, safe exit plan [for both US & Iraq]), then it wouldn't matter the make up of Congress.

Another Brawl for the U

Florida International University wanted a little down-the-road-rivalry with Miami of Florida. Well, they didn't really get a game, as they lost by 35, but they got a brawl.
At first look, I didn't really have an opinion on the resulting suspensions. I didn't really care that Larry Coker, Miami coach, didn't get fired. I agreed that the only reason "the U" was getting ragged on was because they actually have a team (FIU is 0-7). But ESPN columnist Gene Wojciechowski brought up a good point: The reason why Coker should be fired and all eyes are on "the U" instead of FIU is because of the past. Not the cocky days of Michael Irvin and Jimmy Johnson. Since last year's Peach Bowl, Miami has been in 3 on field fights. Three.
So, I do apologize for not caring. As a college football fan who doesn't mind seeing a little pushing and shoving and trash talking, there is no place for what went on Saturday night. Who is FIU? Who even knew they had a team before Saturday night? And Miami: You're not better than that? I guess we shouldn't be surprised after the last few months. Grow up. Coker: See ya. Whatever the FIU coaches name is: Watch yourself, because hopefully your league (Sun Belt) and the NCAA should be.The NCAA has to step in if nothing further is going to be done. You can't let this continue if you want to keep your sport as pure as it still can be.

Why Politics Annoy Me

Yes I'm a Democrat. But I'm not a blind one. However, these are the types of statments that I just can't understand....Do these people really think we are this dumb?
From CNN:

House Majority Leader John Boehner, of Ohio, attributed the (Foley) scandal to partisan dirty tricks and said the uncovering of the messages just weeks before midterm elections "is concerning, at a minimum."

(Rep. Dennis)Hastert also suggested that the release of Foley's correspondences may be a ploy by Democrats to get the upper hand during next month's midterm elections.

He said the GOP was proud of its strides regarding the economy, border security and the war on terror, "So, you know, we have a good story to tell.

"Our friends on the other side of the aisle really don't have a story to tell, and maybe they're resolving to another way, to another political tactic," he said.

Seriously? The only reason this is coming out now is because its almost November? Tough crap, if true. Maybe, oh, I don't know, FOLEY SHOULDN'T HAVE FLIRTED WITH THE PAGE?!?!?!?
On the record, I could care less whether Hastert quits or not. I don't think he'll make it through the elections. If he does, shame on the people of Illinois, or shame to his opponent for being that lame.

On the Next VH1 Livin' in the Ought's: 2006

I think that, 10 years from now, when VH1 does it's Livin' In the 2000's, John Mark Karr is going to be the start of the show. He is going to be lauded for his free first-class trip back to the states from Thailand on the false pretenses that he's a psycho child lover. Now it turns out, between his lies and California cop screw-ups, Karr is walking free. I still think he's not all there and it wouldn't surprise me if he really did sexually abuse children, but the fact that he made it back from Thailand without paying a dime is borderline genius. No, I wouldn't recommend the battering ram that is the media, but its still free!
Still, what a freak. The picture tells the whole story.

The Feedlot has a nice little article on the same topic.

Watch the Republicans Scatter

In recent days, information has arose about the misconduct of one Mark Foley, a Republican Congressman from the great state of Florida. While some Republicans have known about these despicable exchanges between the representative and a page, including the 53 year old asking the teen page if he "made him horny", GOP leaders are now scattering faster than salad eaters at a spinach buffet. I understand, with the election only one month and change away, why the Republican party would do everything possible to distance themselves from this moron, but what made them wait until now to disclose the alleged emails/text messages? They knew last year, last spring, etc., that these could surface, so why wouldn't they take the hit in March and watch it calm over before November? Did they think something like this could stay hidden? This is big news, especially because of the age difference and male-male relationship (whether we like it or not). If they did think that this could stay under the table, does that mean there are similar acts that have been covered up by either party? I don't mean to play conspiracy theorist (because they annoy me), but I would've thought a Republican-led government would do anything it could to keep bad pub out of the media at this time of the year. They've got enough of it floating around...no need to add "improper relations" to the category.

NU Game

Three words sum up the Nebraska game: Against Troy State.

The Irony of Hugo

Hugo Chavez made comments about Bush this week that even ticked off Democrats. But the whole irony of the week is that, if someone went to Venezuela and mouthed off about the "devil" that Chavez is and the tirant that he is, they wouldn't make it out alive. But he can come here, on our soil, and mouth off about our "sick" president and make it out without a scratch. I've never been one to talk about how great Bush is, but this isn't what free speech is about. If you want to stand here and take the abuse that will undoubtedly be returned to you, great. But Hugey is sure to head home to make sure all of the papers get muted and rewritten to talk about how great his speech was and how Americans rejoiced with him and echoed his sentiments. I find it so incredibly ironic that one of the things that he stands against in his own country lets him speak to the world his short-sighted opinions in our country. Words can't describe this moron.
State 29 via the Feedlot has a great article on how not all of the Democrats were opposed to Chavey and his words (lacking in) wisdom. Thanks, Tom, for making me oh-so-proud to be a Democrat.

Or not...

Well, at least they kept it under 3 touchdowns!
Why did Nebraska lose? Cornerbacks and running backs. Both groups were seen way to often. The cornerbacks were usually in the background of pictures of the SC wide receivers and the running backs usually weren't very far from where the ball was hiked from.
On another note, Oklahoma got the shaft of the week. They should have been given the ball after an Oregon onside kick, but apparently the Pac 10 officiating crew missed the Oregon player illegally touching it. How they missed it, I have no idea. Apparently their only camera angle was from the end zone.

Deja-vu?

Remember how ESPN and all of the "experts" proclaimed USC was the greatest of all time, only to have the Trojans lose to Texas last year. Well, could the same thing be happening with the USC/NU game tonight? The only reason the "experts" are saying the Huskers have a chance is so people tune in. They are pathetically trying not to giggle as they suggest ways Nebraska can win. But don't forget what happened last time USC was proclaimed so great before they played the game....
Having said that, I'm predicting the Trojans win, but by less than the spread.

OWH vs. UNO

The Omaha World-Herald continued its personal vendetta against the administration at UNO in today's paper. Recently, the Herald started by discussing how they athletics department has been losing money since the hockey team moved to the Qwest Center a few years ago. Then they found that money had been "secretly" moved from account to account to make up for the loses. The University Regents said that, while they don't always need to know money is being transferred, it should've been mentioned to them instead of them having to hear about it in the paper. Oh, but the mud slinging didn't stop there. The next article was a he said, she said discussion about who should've known about all of this and who oversaw the account. After a golf membership being taken away and a few resignations, now the Herald has its sights set on Chancellor Nancy Belk and an apparent misrepresentation of how many people went to dinner with some UNO faculty while in Nashville. The original receipt showed the average meal to be $158, but when Belk turned in a copy of the receipts to the OWH, she stated that there was more people there than had originally been reported. When the OWH questioned the other faculty, they don't remember anyone else being there. This is good for UNO, in a way, because now maybe some will be cleaned up.

Opening Weekend of the 5th Season

Yes, I was born in Nebraska, but I am not a Husker apologist. Far from it, especially if you read back in the archives, you're sure to find evidence of that. Having said that, I love college football. There isn't anything like it. I would even say I enjoy being in Lincoln on football Saturdays, but I just don't appreciate homers.
Here's a few things that I'm taking away from this first weekend:
*Congrats to the Huskers on a fairly impressive first game. The defense was unbeatable at times and the offense showed flashes of brilliance. But the loss in the secondary could be costly for Nebraska if they run into a team that has a solid offensive line. It will be interesting.
*Go Georgia Tech! We here at the House are far more anti-Irish than anti-Husker. Right now the Irish are down by 3 in the 3rd. Georgia Tech is starting to shoot itself in the foot.
*Still a little leery about Texas. Yes, their new QB, Colt McCoy, was lights out, but it was North Texas. He'll see how well his pants fit him next week vs. Ohio St., who laid a shalacking on Northern Illinois.
*Not a good start for Dan Hawkins in Colorado. Oops.
Damnit. Notre Dame just scored. Somehow I figured their poise might be too much for Tech. I hate Brady Quinn like I hate Derek Jeter. They're both great athletes and play for winning teams. Just ticks me off.

Poor OPS

The OWH reported today that OPS Supt. Mackiel is nervous that the new Learning Community will be harmful to the OPS district. Who started this ball rolling? If it wasn't for OPS blindsiding the neighboring districts with their "One City, One School" fiasco, he wouldn't have to worry the Bennington now has the same rights as OPS, but Bennington won't be on their side. Why should we feel sorry for you? You played right into Ernie Chambers' devious hand. Don't be an evil dr. deegan and go against the progess that could be made by this very unwanted, very unnecessary board. You made your bed, lay in it and think next time before you open your big mouth. You've put yourself in this position and have been knocked down a few slots on the totem pole. Stop blaming everyone else for what you created.

Messed Up S.O.B.

I don't know if this John Mark Karr really did kill JonBenet Ramsey, but, if not, he sure is getting the attention that he wanted. You don't send emails to anyone about something like this unless you want the attention. Now comes word that he got to clean out the business class passengers on his flight home, as well as getting some complimentary alcohol. Let him stare at a blank wall and think about what he did. He's a disgusting pervert (regardless of the Ramsey case, he's got some other child porn issues) who the U.S. govt. probably spent our pretty penny on getting home. Absolutely assinine. Just hang him over there and get over it. I'm glad I could contribute to making his ride home as comfortable as possible. Hopefully he'll be a little liquered up for Bubba when he gets dropped off in his cell.

He still thinks he's important

The House's ole buddy dr deegan is back! Now, with the new Learning Community, he is trying to be the thorn in the side of the group and try to keep dissenting. Give it up. I'm not saying that the Learning Community is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but its a law, and while I support changing it/getting rid of it, I think that it is possible to still be cordial and productive while also trying to dissolve it. But, of course, deegan wants his name in the press, so he's being difficult and just being a jerk. I've talked to one of his employees, and they don't even agree with his separatist stance. Yet, I continue to give him time. JUST GO AWAY!

Abandoning Ship

The last few weeks here in husker Nation has been filled with the sudden fad of defecting out of the blue. First, the man whose name was on the list as the men's basketball coach, Barry Collier (I'm curious as to whether the job he did qualifies him as the coach) went back to his alma mater, Butler, to become AD. I don't believe anyone in Nebraska was begging him to stay, so he made a great choice. Now, Alec Maric has said he won't return. Wow. That's fine. While he wasn't the next Pat Ewing, the new coach, Doc Sadler, did go to the land Down Under to try to convince the Aussie to stay. I can't really say I blame him, since the recruiting process is pretty much over.
Not to be outdone, the football program lost quarterback Harrison Beck and running back Leon Jackson. Beck, whose momma would pick him #1 in any draft, left because he couldn't take having to work to be a starting quarterback. Leon Jackson, in a similar situation to Beck, left not really because he wasn't working, but because there is a legitimate talent log jam at the running back position. I don't blame him for wanting to transfer. It just goes to show that you can't have all of the talent in the world. And that you can always go home.

A Better Way to Execute

Abe doesn't want to stop those pushing the anti-death penalty agenda, so he offers an example comprimise that was presented to the nation a few years ago. This is one of the best posts I've read in a while. Well worth stopping over.

What Do You Mean I Didn't Win?

Channel 6's coverage of people trying to cash bogus lottery checks is rather disturbing. Not that people are trying to cash the checks, but I can't understand how these people get doped into this. The "You've Won the Lottery" junk mail has been going on forever! I would've thought this joke was over, but I guess if you can still get people to believe you, then keep it up! One check was from a guy who "won" the Spanish Lottery. I wonder if he thought maybe he had played the lottery and just forgot??? If it's too good to be true, it probably is. I would like to think if I got a one million dollar check in the mail, maybe I would ask the bank before looking stupid and trying to cash it. The best part of the story is the teller describing how people are in disbelief when their check is fake. Thankfully gullible isn't in the dictionary.

Blogger Bash

The idea has been posed to have a Nebraska bloggers get-together in the next coming weeks. While I won't be able to attend because of a meeting/wedding/tubing weekend, I did think this is a good idea for those of us who have Nebraska blogs. I will be looking forward to updates after that weekend.

Butt-Kissing on Display

Watching the new season of Rockstar:Supernova is about to make me puke. I love rock, and I used to really like this show. I don't like Dave Navarro as a host because he doesn't deserve to be there, but Brooke Burke makes up for him (which takes a lot). I highly respect the music of Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted, and Gilby Clarke. They are the three that keep me watching.
But tonight's episode, the second one of the week where someone gets eliminated, shows the reaction of the contestants to the criticism they received from the hosts. So tonight, the band called them on it at the beginning of the show, and they all ran with their tails between their legs. If you've got something to say to them, say it. If you aren't going to be ballsy enough to stand up to them, then keep your mouth shut.
Just had to get that off my chest.

The MLB All-Star Break

Tonight is the 77th Major League Baseball All-Star game, which brought up a couple thoughts about the league and the game.
Why in the world does the game have to "mean something?" It's an exhibition game. Someone is going to get a major injury and poop will hit the fan (not literally). Why can't the team who played the best during the year get home field advantage? I know. That's a crazy thought.
I hate Fox Sports. Tim McCarver is an idiot. My butt could do a better job of stating the obvious than Timmy Mc. I used to like Joe Buck, but Tim is starting to rub off on him. I HATE how they give half of the event tickets to stars from their shows. No other network does it nearly as often.
MLB gave Roberto Clemente the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award for his contribution to changing the game. There is no doubt that Roberto Clemente fits the criteria. My problem is, what the heck took so long? Rickey Henderson has won the award. Rickey will be the first to tell you how great Rickey is (was), but he did nothing for the sport the way Roberto Clemente did. First and foremost, few people can compare to Clemente's humanitarian side. It literally killed him (his planned crashed while delivering emergency supplies in Nicaragua). He was the first Hispanic elected to the Hall of Fame, and is widely regarded as the one who opened up the major leagues to other Latin players. So why in the world, when Roberto Clemente died 33 1/2 years ago, is he just now being recognized with this award? Whether this award is for on or off field achievement, there is no excuse for how long it has taken.
And, about the ceremony. In the middle of the game? As important as an event as this is, please don't interrupt the middle of a game for it. That's what the pre-game is for.
Turning the radio back up and the TV audio back down. Go American League! We want the Indians to have home field advantage in the World Series (yeah, cause I'm holding my breath for that!).

Lou on Ed

I'm not always a big fan of Lou Dobbs. To me, he's one of the new breed of editorial show hosts that began as news programs (see other idiots like Bill O'Reilly). While I rarely agree with him, he made some good points in an editorial post at CNN.com.
The whole gist of Mr. Dobbs' editorial was that schools are failing and that fact, one that is rarely mentioned by educational administrators or government officials, is going to be biting us in the butt as those people become part of the society. As a teacher, these kind of statistics and the placing of blame squarely on the teacher's shoulders always frustrates me (keep reading before you comment on my participating in TV news bashing), but I'm not so naive that I think our system is perfect.
My theory is that there are two factors that are contributing to the downslide of our academic system: the teachers and parents.
The old joke is that people go into teaching when they can't do anything else. That theory made me laugh, until I started hanging out with more teachers. I think that, unfortunately, there is some truth to that. One thing that I like from Dobbs' article is paying teachers more and holding them more accountable. I do not, in any way, shape or form, agree with merit pay, or paying for how well your students perform on tests. It's not hard to adjust test scores, whether you administer the test a little differently or you use an eraser in your grade book. Also, there is still some "good ole boy" systems in schools, and even more schools in which you get that administration job by kissing the right butt. Therefore, I guarantee that the merit pay will be criticized by all of us who give the students the grades they earned and don't sniff our boss' ass.
There are three kinds of parents: Those who have been snowballed to think that their child does no wrong, those that "get it" and realize their child is not a saint, and those that rarely realize they have a child. Each class I've had has a mixture of all three. The last group, those that don't realize they have a child, is the one I try to focus on to make sure they realize by the end of the year. But home life is the largest factor (yes, even more so than teaching) in how a child performs in school. Therefore, no matter what tricks I use to get a child to learn, it takes that much more to get it to stick if there isn't any reinforcement from home.
I will say that this is one of the few times that I've agreed with Dobbs and thought he had some good points. I used to watch him more until every time I turned on the TV it was something more about Mexico (you can only hear so much). To improve education, it doesn't take more testing, newer schools or prettier textbooks. It takes teachers being paid to be accountable and parents that realize they have kids that are not perfect, no matter how badly they want to live vicariously through them.

A lapdance and a trailer

I couldn't leave without commenting on this:
It seems that the debit cards that FEMA handed out to those displaced from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina have been used for everything from "a divorce lawyer" to "adult erotica products." Don't even tell me you are surprised. And you wonder why it takes so long to get aid to people who really need it? Its because some idiots work so hard to mess with the system. Whether its filing fake death certificates after 9/11 or giving the address of jail inmates to get a FEMA debit card, some morons will stop at nothing to rip off the government.
My two favorite quotes from the CNN story:
After ellaborating on some of the items that had been purchased FEMA "auditors concluded (many of those items) were 'not necessary to satisfy legitimate disaster needs.'" Well, a lapdance can be very relaxing..so I've heard :)
Also,

Spokesman Aaron Walker said FEMA has "revamped the registration process" and has a contract with a company that will verify immediately the identity and address of anyone for assistance.

"We are confident in the system we have in place at this point," Walker said. "We are prepared for the upcoming season."

Well, I would've hoped you had this system last year, but I guess we shouldn't ask for too much.
It does go on to say that about 1/2 of the money has been recovered, but still I would guess the strip club is the one out the money, not the person who saw the boobies. While I joke, it is ridiculous that people are this inconsiderate. This is why I am always very hesitant to donate to charities. I feel bad having those reservations, but this just reaffirms it.

Bit of a Break

The CWS is in town, and my summer job is at Rosenblatt, so I plan to be away for a while. Got to go hob-knob in the press box. Looking for something new? Go back to the archives and relive the early days.

Be Very, Very Quiet

Watching the President this morning. I know, we are all shocked. I've already watched SportsCenter, and I've still got coffee left.
Some first-time reporter just showed her stupidity/cahones. The first question she asked as a White House virgin was, "The Democrats think they can do a better job of running the country...do you expect to still have a majority in Congress after the elections?" (probably paraphrased). He, surprisingly, disagreed. I've never been a big Bush supporter...at all, actually. But she made me chuckle. I bet she thinks she's pretty cool now. Now he's on a big rant about how great the Iraq government is going to be. I keep hearing from the paper (couldn't find the link...didn't look all that hard) and from him that he wanted to "look the prime minister in the eye." That's great. I bet the prime minister feels more comfortable. I know we have troops there and I support them 100%, but I keep hearing him say all of this crap how they've killed al-Zarqawi, government installation. Now he's saying, after a reporter brought up his comments from the week before, that he "shouldn't have said that the tide was turning in Iraq, maybe that progress is being made."
Next question that I hear: "Was there concerns about the inner circle of the prime minister that caused you to only tell him 5 minutes ahead of time?" Duh. Its Iraq.
He's showing how tired he really is and his patience seems to be wearing thin.
That's enough for now. Time to go watch the grass grow.

A New Reign in KC

On Wednesday, the Kansas City Royals named Dayton Moore their new GM. While he won't take over until after the draft (June 6-7), there is renewed excitement in the kingdom. It has been said for years that former GM Allard Baird was the cause of the perpetually inept Royals. Between trading all of the young talent for next to nothing and inexplicable free agent signings, it is exciting to get a winner from a winning program. The Braves have won their division for the last 200 years (OK, I think 13, but its a lot).
While listening to the Big Sports 590 (Royals local flagship station), a reporter from the KC Star (names aren't important) also hinted that Omaha would be used for up-and-coming players instead of just rehab and aging veterans (i.e., maybe Alex Gordon will spend time with the O Royals! ). The Double A team in Wichita is supposedly loaded with young studs which is why they've had televised games on the local FSN TV channel the last two nights. Bringing those young studs to Omaha, coupled with the zany but effective "speciality" nights that the AAA club has promoted lately, could continue the rise in attendance at Rosenblatt (yes, attendance has been up...media coverage has been better, but the promotion of the O Royals has a ways to go...would be sped up with Gordon in town). With the core of the Omaha club coming back to town after stints in KC and the renewed hope because of the new GM, there could be a rejuvination of Royals support in the midwest. I don't expect season tickets to exponential increase, but right now, if revenue and interest isn't plummeting, its a good thing.

Memorial Day Rememberance

I wanted to take a moment to recognize all of the military who have given their lives or are serving our great nation around the world. What you do is too often taken for granted. Thank you.
Also on this Memorial Day, I would like to recognize my family members and friends that have been lost this year and in years past. You are all truly missed.

Jamestown is renewed

Just as the Brockmanites begin to reassemble, our leader has returned. Please check out the reasonable explaination for the sabbatical.
Welcome back Ted. Your people have missed you.

Let it Be Known: The "Brockmanites" Live

There are a few of us in the Omaha-metro-area cyberspace who watch way too much TV. We criticize the media, of all types, for stupidity and ignorance. Why? Because we can. We pull no punches. We take no prisoners.
I propose that, from this day forward, we become known as the "Brockmanites."
I am the first to say I was not a regular commentor on the Omaha TV News Blog, our own Jamestown, which was established and lifted to notoriety by our namesake Ted Brockman. However, I feel like part of the family. Maybe a redneck second cousin, but we don't deal with particulars.
By the day, there are more places for the Brockmanites to gather. I will add more as they become available. We must unite, so that together, we may shout in unison, our researched, (most of the time) intelligent, (sometimes as intelligent as a 7th grader, as noted by one crabby blogger at the mother site) banter, in hopes of a change. We respect what Sean Wiede and the Reader does, but sometimes he's a little too mature and professional for us! So, for us true Brockmanites, we will continue to do what we do, because we can do it, in honor of the great Ted Brockman. Make Ted proud!

New additions to the links

I've added a couple new links to the sidebar to help feed my insatiable need to trash the Omaha media now that Omaha TV news has bit the dust. I will say, if you do want quality information about the Omaha media, please visit our new friends at the Reader's Media Notes. They are a reputable source for what's hip in Omaha. However, if you'd rather see the brutally honest, "high school" drama and bashing side of the Omaha media, we have a new outlet: Mocking Omaha. I'm hoping this one keeps up, but I'm also hoping it grows up. As I've already commented on the site, I hope "dude" isn't used frequently. I personally think having it on the top of your website drops the IQ of the site a couple dozen points. However, its got the childish ranting and complaining that I enjoy.
Another new blog that looks to be of some local media flavor is Omaha Media UCAP (I'll let you go there and figure out what UCAP means). For the first couple posts it seems promising, but we'll wait for a few weeks to make sure it sticks around.

Post-Election Thoughts

I didn't think Nebraskans had it in them.
Like the good American that I am, I didn't vote (we've moved within the last year and I refuse to go get a new driver's license since I got one a month before we moved, so I haven't registered either...I know, lazy). While I was pulling for Heineman, I really didn't think he had a chance. I took my fellow Nebraskans for fools, thinking they would be blinded by Dr. Tom's football championship rings. I tip my fez to all of you.
Regardless, Tom Osborne lost. I was disappointed to hear sports radio today spending the majority of their time on it. He lost. I don't care why. It's because people know that Governor Dave can do the job better than Dr. Tom. Get over it. If I want politics covered, I'll turn to a different station. I don't listen to Bill O'Reilly to find out why my Indians got swept by the god-awful Royals. Know your job. And do it.
On another note, all of you OPS worshipers who switched parties to vote for Osborne, I first chuckle, but then ponder what I would like you to do. The loyal Democrat in me says just stay Republican and leave us the heck alone. However, the gung-ho Democrat in me says bring all of your Republican friends onto the Hahn Bandwagon. There's plenty of room! Either way, take responsibility for what you did. I understand why, but that doesn't mean I agree with party switching.
Congrats to Pete Ricketts for purchasing his Senate Republican primary win. Don't mess with Ben.
In the next few months, I challenge us to take a strong look at our two choices for governor. I understand the uphill battle we Democrats are faced with. But it promises to be very interesting! As for now: Vote for Hahn!

Obama vists with NNN

The New Nebraska Network, one of our new favorite sites to visit here at the House, just entered rock start status by scoring an interview with Sen. Barack Obama (D.-Ill.) while Obama was in Omaha over the weekend. Because Obama is the new, young face of the Democratic Party, I'm doing my patriotic duty by linking the post.

An Institution Falls

Once one of our favorite blogs to curl up on the couch and read, it seems the Omaha TV News Blog has succumbed to the pressures of living annonymously. There has been a long-standing fight about who "Ted Brockman" really was, hiding behind his Anchorman pic. While controversial, it was a hit across Omaha. Now after a month and week without a new post, we're guessing they've decided to call it quits while they are ahead. Luckily, we don't have that option right now! So, until they get back on the wagon, we'll play Taps and take them off of the link board.

Now I'm embarrassed to be in Omaha

I really don't know which issue to start with.
Since last year when Omaha and the M-F Empire began their journey to conquer the world one suburb at a time, I have done my little part to argue against them. Ever since I've known better, I've realized that the Omaha World-Herald (OWH) brings biased news to my doorstep every morning. I just didn't realize that today was going to be the day to showcase all of it:
What district allows you to skip the lines at the county offices to change party affiliations? OPS! You brought the papers on school grounds? You are handing out Osborne for Gov. (we'll touch on that later) paraphernalia across the street? The news last night showed an OPS teacher (OK, I know she was a few years ago, and she's not at retirement age...I could be wrong) pointing out where you change your party affiliations, apparently in the TAC Admin building. How unbiased is that? Ever since I wanted to be a teacher, I was told that I was not there to push my beliefs on others in public. So, if my district doesn't get our way, then I can do that?
Speaking of biased, the OWH: I'm sure OPS and Dr. Tom are ecstatic that on the front page of my paper read in extremely large letters "Osborne is against LB 1024." Have you heard of David Hahn? You mentioned, albeit on the 2nd page in one line, that Hahn is the only Democrat running for governor. You failed to mention that Hahn commented on the issue on April 14, 3 days before Osborne. Congrats to Tom for following in David Hahn's footsteps! Although I am a Democrat, I understand that the governor's race will probably be decided in May with the Republican primaries, but when does a self-proclaimed reputable paper (well, I guess I've never heard that claim) start to pick sides? It truly outrages me. Why don't you save some trees and just stop printing the paper? You're really wasting your time.
Of course Osborne is going to do the opposite of what Heineman does. How else is he going to get votes? Heineman had the suburbs locked up with his opposition to the original takeover scheme, so Osborne has to do something to get his name back in the headlines. You even mention it later that Osborne necessarily isn't opposed to the bill, he just wouldn't have signed it. Could've fooled me by the paper headline.
As a Nebraskan, I'm embarrassed that OPS has gotten themselves into this huge, worldwide issue (sources indicate that this story was in the Sydney, Australia online newspaper). Ernie Chambers got ticked that you went behind closed doors to try to get what you want. Since Sen. Chambers is on his way out, he found the perfect situation to go behind close doors, take his built up animosity, and blow your plan up. This is how we are teaching our children to handle adverse situations?
As a Nebraskan, I'm embarrassed that the largest paper in the state continually resembles one big opinion rag. Report the facts, not just what you think will get you liked by those with some clout. You realize that people are going to vote for Tom Osborne because he won a football national championship at Nebraska, so you figure that if you be nice to Dr. Tom, the public will like you more. Nice thinking.
As a Nebraskan, I feel its absurd how childish OPS, the city of Omaha, and the OWH have made us seem. Please, please, please. If you are from outside the area and are looking to these people to be our ambassadors of goodwill, look some more. There are plenty of good people doing outstanding things in this town. Omaha is growing and has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, its not important enough or won't generate enough money for it to be noticed. Take my word for it, not theirs.
A special thanks to the New Nebraska Network for the link to David Hahn. I picked up their blog from the Plains Feeder, two highly readable blogs. Just beware of Cindy Sheehan's stomach at the Feedlot.
David Hahn for Governor!

Have you heard of the Omaha Royals?

Few in Omaha have realized it, but the Omaha Royals finally lost their first game of the season today. Didn't know that? I'm not surprised. The OWH regularly lists the attendance as 2,000+, but they don't always specify that that number is the paid attendance, which is normally a far cry from the actual attendance. Because of the paltry attendance, rumblings are growing louder about a new, NoDo (i.e., North Downtown for you "out-of-the-O!") ballpark that would follow in the trend that is sweeping the nation: cozier ballparks that can be shared by multiple teams (in this case, the benficiary would be Creighton). It has happened in Lincoln (University of Nebraska and the Independent League Lincoln Salt Dogs), and the city would like to make it happen in Omaha near the jewel that is the Qwest Center. The major sticking point, other than the cost, is a little shindig we host every year called the College World Series. The proposed new stadium would seat >10,000. Rosenblatt set a record crowd last year of 27,000+. The NCAA will leave Omaha before they play in another ballpark in town.
But do we really need a new ballpark? There are some flaws at Rosenblatt, including rusted seating behind home plate and cramped locker rooms, but those are in the original park area. The newer areas of the stadium are very nice. The resturaunt in right field is magnificent, with a great view of the field. The brand new video board, while laced with flaws the first week, will be spectacular once the people running it figure out which button to push. Instead of adding something fancy to the new stadium area, fix up the aging parts.
I really think that what needs to change for Rosenblatt to resurrect its beauty for more than 10 days a year is the people associated with promoting the Royals. The Royals have new owners, so they need to be given time to improve the atmosphere at the stadium. Really, the product on the field is not as horrible as their parents down the road. The ORoyals were 2 games out of the playoffs last year, but few noticed because of the other people that need to assist in the resurrection: the local media. It was nice to see many of the TV outlets on opening night (print media is usually less noticeable, so forgive me, and it did rain out), but how many lead with the Royals during the week? No TV personality should push for a new ballpark because little to none of them do anything to help the Royals become significant in their viewers' lives. The more coverage the local media has, the more people will want to go to the ballpark because, sadly, this town is a "I saw you at the local hotspot" town. During the team's push for the playoffs last August, there was rarely a word about how close they were to making the playoffs. Generally, the sportscasts that I witnessed put the score up of the night's game, but didn't bother to spend much more time discussing it. The OWH does better with their write ups, but could it get to the front page a time or two? Its always with the MLB scores and stories, which I do understand, but this is our equivalent to an MLB team (bad analogy, but go with it). Find a spot for the first two paragraphs at least. There were a couple of great games this weekend, including an extra inning comeback by the Royals, but it still was found on the 3rd to last page.
I think that a new stadium would look very nice, but it would do little in the long term if those people who work to promote the Royals, including those in the media, continually fail to make the Royals important. The product on the field in Omaha is not the same as the prodcut on the field in KC, but no one knows that because they can't find that information. You have to spoon feed the fans before they can grow up and become full-fledged Royal supporters.

LaFave Walks

I was going to post about the double-standard that is the Deb LaFave case, but our friends at the Feedlot already did. Why reinvent the wheel?
I personally think the that her going free without jail time is ridiculous. If she was 14 and the guy was 25, he would be in jail and branded for life, not to mention he would have ever-increasing residency restrictions. As a male, though, I know all of the kids' buddies are saying congrats. It's society. Its funny, but really, its sad.

Vote for the least worst

KETV has a GOP gubernatorial debate on right now between Dave Nabity (local businessman), Dave Heineman (current governor who fell into the job when Mike Johanns got the hell out), and the Tom Osborne (if you don't know him, you are new to the state). Its ridiculous. First of all, somebody's been playing with Heineman's mic. They've got the echo feature on and it sounds like he is in the middle of a Quonset hut. Everybody is thanking the hosts for the questions. Just answer the damn question. They are all trying to get fired up about the issues, but none of them has the personality to get nasty. Nabity just said that he was concerned about two species...both of which were farmers. Granted, farmers and ranchers are a dying breed, and it is too bad. But they are not animals. They are not a "species." Osborne...I fall asleep every time he talks. Its not that interesting. I have a hard time listening to him talk about meth when I doubt he's ever seen it. Really, its not who you like the best, its who you hate the least.
I need to fluff my pillow.

Bushters Dictionary

I am amazed at all of the phrases that Pres. Bush creates. Where does he come up with these? The best part is that, when he finds one he likes, he uses it over, and over, and over, and over, and over and over. Weapons of Mass Destruction. (Anything followed by) evil. (Anything followed by) freedom. His latest comes in his ABC interview while talking about Katrina: Situational Awareness. Apparently this means "what the hell is going on." According to him, the government had no situational awareness following Hurricane Katrina. Thanks for the news flash. In the short 5 minute clip on the ABC website, he mentions situational awareness 4 times, and he doesn't even talk about Katrina the whole time. I realize I'm a tad bit limited in my vocabulary, but I don't go around using a new word in consecutive sentences just to prove I learned one. He's like a young boy who discovered his penis: Can't let it go for fear he'll forget about it and lose it. Don't worry Pres. Bush. VP Cheney will hold onto it for you, unless he shoots it first.

Dick's Got Nothing On Chuck

Some of you may have heard about all of the Chuck Norris maniathat is sweeping the nation. However, due to his recent shooting spree, Dick Cheney is slowly catching up. Here's 10 Ways Dick Cheney can kill you brought to you by the Grumpy Old Cripple via the Feedlot.

Just a Few of My Favorite Things

You may have noticed I added a couple TV show websites to the links column. I recently became hooked on The Office. Seinfeldish exaggerated humor. I usually shed a tear every week. Or pee my pants. Also, I've been an Amazing Race apologist since the beginning. Some series have been better than others, but it's still the only reality show I watch. It's cool to see different parts of the world that I will never be able to visit. Enjoy.

Public Enemy Wanna-Be

My love of the M-F Empire and dr. deegan are well documented on this page. There is another wanna-be player in this game. She's like the kid on the side of playground jumping up and down to be picked. Meet Sen. Abbie Cornett. Last year, she tried to be sneaky and slide in a bill to steal two Papio schools for Bellevue. Now, she's trying to write school curriculum. She wants to make sure that students get to see original historical documents and teach more Americanism. Since when is Americanism a class? It's a state of mind. You don't teach someone how to act out of book. I don't take classes on how to be polite to others. You do it by showing, not telling. If you have to have a class on how to be an American, then you need to take a look at yourself.
Secondly, where do you get off thinking you can start writing curriculum? You are a senator, not a teacher. Maybe you were before you started this illustrious career of yours, but those days are over. Nobody who spends their days outside of a school should be allowed to say what goes on inside of a school. I don't tell you how to spend your day, so don't tell me how to spend mine. If teachers are such great role models, won't they be teaching Americanism every day from K-12?
Maybe we need to give state senators coloring books so they aren't so bored. Whenever they are bored, they decide they need to stick their noses in someone else's business. Leave us alone!

My Upcoming Fiscal Budget

I've decided to release my budget for the upcoming fiscal year, just as Pres. Bush did today.
I'm going to cut my car payment spending. But I am going to borrow money from the people who I pay my cell bill to so that I can increase my alcohol budget. A portion of the money that used to go to the dentist and optometrist will now be forwarded to those people who have convinced me to renew my Rolling Stone subscription. The doctors will have to either do more fundraising or cut their spending. I figure my teeth are "jacked up" (as the kids like to say) and not able to be fixed, so screw it. I will, however, be investing more money into my iPod because I like that and it brings me enjoyment. The money from that will be taken from both my electric company and the city because that stuff, again, isn't really necessary. Spending will also increase in the area of coffee and cereal, because there is no better way to start your day. I will also not be giving as much money to unnecessary efforts such as the Salvation Army and the Red Cross because I have money and will not be affected by a hurricane, so what good are they to me? It doesn't matter all of the other people they help. They don't pay me, so why should I help them?
The largest increase will go to my wife, because, as well all know, we wouldn't be safe if not for her. This budget will be approved by my loan officer, because we know that money grows on trees, and if the tree runs out of leaves, we'll just progress to another forest.

No More Dam Plan

An update of a previous post, the committee that reviewed the plan to dam the Platte River and force the town of Ashland to move has beentrashed by a 6-0 vote. The only hope for the bill is if Sen. Brown can convince 30 senators to take it out of committee. Highly doubtful if it was unanimous "Hell no" by the committee members.

Commercial Wrap-Up

If you were like me, you didn't realize that the Super Bowl started at 5:30 (I only missed the 1st Quarter), and really, you didn't care, except for the 1st Quarter commercials. Obviously, the best come first because you never know when the game is going to suck (like, say, last night's game?). So ESPN has a link so that you can watch the majority of them. Some are pretty funny, some aren't. Enjoy!

More drinking fun with ESPN!

Although a little late, our friends at Fanblogs have come up with a new drinking game. You may remember in a previous Brent Musberger-bashing post we gave you a link to their Brent Musberger drinking game (search the archives). Now they have come up with one for ESPN College Gameday, the football version. While it's a little too late for this year, it will be good to review the rules so that you are ready to go next August.

That Dam Ashland!

I didn't actually read the front page of today's World-Herald until I arrived home tonight. I was deeply shocked when I got home after a short night on the town to find that someone has the balls to come out with a legislative bill to drown the town of Ashland and put a large recreational lake in its place. Don't get me wrong, it would be great to have that type of tourist attraction on this end of the state, but I would suggest checking with the Ashland mayor before proposing this. Who do you think you are, Mike Fahey? I thought the best quote of the night came from the Ashland's Mayor Wiig, who said that this is the exact reason why the public doesn't trust government. That's a great point. Maybe its just because I'm getting older, but I'm amazed at how big some people think their penises are, so they walk around and flaunt them, feeling that they are entitled to anything and everything their black heart desires. I think I'm begining to understand how these people think: "As long as it puts money in my pocket, others can make do." Is any Omahan surprised that Hal Daub has his name in this? He said that if we all backed down to pressure, the Qwest Center wouldn't have been built. What kind of frickin' genius are you? What town did you flood to make the Qwest? None! How dare you be so inconsiderate? Who do you think you are, Hillary Clinton? If the people of Ashland are willing to support this, I'm all for it. I have nothing to lose if the town floods, but I have the common sense to think of families and homes, not just money in my pocket.

The Struggles of Being a Democrat

I've never shied away from being a Democrat, but, if you've read the archives, I am a realist and understand that us Democrats are not all created the same. Boy, did we have a dumb week.
Never, ever, should a white person bring up plantations during the week when we honor one of the greatest African-Americans in American history. We're not exactly proud of that whole era. The people that Hillary Clinton was talking to may know what she's talking about, but does she? She has no idea what life was like on the plantation. Her ancestors never knew what life was like on a plantation, except if they owned one (I have no idea, I've get better things to do than research that). Don't get me wrong, I think the only reason we've seen the faces of many Republicans lately is because their heads are shoved so far up their behinds that their scalp is making a return trip through the esophagus. But don't tell black people what plantation life was like! Don't say that it still exists!
And Al Gore. What the hell? Did you forget your normal blood pressure medicine? I'll admit it, I voted for him. I voted for him because he seemed mild mannered. I don't want a hyper-active, over-reacting moron (see current admin) running the country. Now you're more excited than an ex-priest in a brothel. Contain yourself, young squire. Yes, spying on us was wrong. But do we have to give ourselves a heart attack to get the point across? Somebody must be looking for an office again...

New Blog to Start

A new blog has recently started up on the heels of the success of the Omaha TV news blog. The new blog is to feature the same type of information, only regarding the state of Omaha radio. If all goes well, it should be a pretty interesting piece of work. Be sure to support it. You'll see the Omaha Radio blog link to the side.
Another comment about the Omaha TV news blog. I've written before that it just makes me laugh. I have to say that it keeps getting better. Who has the time to care how much weight people have gained or to analyze ever word that a weekend anchor says? Someone does, and its all posted on the Omaha TV news blog. Its not for the accuracy of facts, but for the "Junior High locker room" (as one postee put it) banter that I keep coming back for more. Here's hoping that the Omaha radio blog is just as entertaining.

Rememberance

Our friends at the Feedlot have posted a great reminder about how lucky we are, especially in light of the horrific coal mining accident in West Virginia this past week. Here's a link to the Feedlot post. If you found this blog, you can find one of the million or so stories concerning the accident.

The Starling Attack

I haven't been able to find a link in the two minutes I searched, but KM3 News here in Omaha did a story that has haunted downtown Omaha for the last couple years: starlings. Last year a big fuss was caused because there are thousands of starlings among the downtown buildings, mainly the First National Tower, pooping on anything and everything that happens to be underneath them. So a year ago they got a large fog horn to go off every now and then. Then they put yellow streamers on the buildings to get them to move out. Now that they have involved some genius branch of the federal government, they have two guys in orange safety vests shooting streaming, noisy fireworks into the air. The good news is that the starlings are moving from the First National Building. The bad news is they are perching on the building across the street (if I could find the link, I'd be more descriptive). The worse news is, it's taking two government employees, both in bright orange safety vests complete with yellow reflective tape, to stand outside the building and shoot basically a flare into the air. I might go down tomorrow just to watch. Watch my money being shot into the air.

Hook 'Em Horns

Congrats to the University of Texas on winning the NCAA National Championship. ESPN owes you a huge apology. I'm a big lover of ESPN, but it was great to see them kissing Texas' and Vince Young's butt last night after the game. ESPN set themselves up to look stupid, and I think they do.
Having said that, I would still say that USC had the better team, just not the best player. And Texas' best player (Vince Young) played head and shoulders above USC's semmingly best player (Reggie Bush, since he did just win the Heisman). Here's something to think about, though: If Reggie Bush won the Heisman this year, why isn't he in the game when it's 4th & 2? Even if he's just a decoy? That's neither here nor there. It was a great game. I'll be watching, ESPN, for your apology for ranking USC in the Top 10 greatest of all time. Yes, they were a great time, but they are not this year's champion.

Arrogance on Display

Some people's arrogance just gets under my skin. I think I'm a born underdog, fighter for the common man. As you may have noted in a previous blog, I'm rooting heavily for the Texas Longhorns in tonight's championship BCS game, not just because they are a Big 12 team, but even more so because of ESPN's lusting over USC all last week.
So at halftime of tonight's game, the USC band plays "Beat It" by Michael Jackson. That's fine, it's the only Jacko song I will tolerate. However, during the band's little "dance routine", they proceed to jump a couple steps towards the crowd, grab their respective genitals, and scream like the gloved one does in his video. I respect the fact that this is a great band and loved the work they did with Fleetwood Mac, but come on. Some parent is less than proud. I don't want the guy fired, just hoping he realizes how tasteless that is. I'm not that much out of college and did participate in a college drum line. Never did we consider doing something so childish (nor were we ever on this large of a stage). If a player did that on the football field, he'd be chastised by the announcers. But I guess since they are just a bunch of "band geeks", it's tasteful.

Brent Musberger is just annoying, pardner

Brent Musberger, longtime (crappy) sports anchor and current ABC talking head, is just boring and annoying. And stupid. For those of you who hadn't heard, he got pulled over for having an open container in his rental car while driving in Lincoln after the NU/Pitt game. Don't blame him for drinking after the game, but it adds to the "mystic" (found a Brent Musberger drinking game you may want to check out...I hear its all the rage).
During the Ohio State/Notre Dame game tonight, Musberger and "pardner" Gary Danielson couldn't get over the fact that OSU linebacker AJ Hawk is dating ND quarterback Brady Quinn's sister. Yes, its a funny story. But not for well over 10 minutes of the game. The play-by-play became secondary as they milked this cute coincidence for all it was worth. To make matters worse, they had sideline reporter Jack Arute talk to her. Their interview ended with Jack saying that he would like to ask Miss Quinn out. She emphatically said no has the camera went back to the actual reason for their jobs: the game.
While I found the story interesting, I watch a football game to see and hear about the football action. I could watch E! or Hollywood Insider if I wanted to play the dating game. Mr. Musberger can barely call a football game, and tonight didn't help his reputation what so ever.

Happy New Year

Just wanted to take a moment (at 2:00 am) to wish everyone a Happy New Year! While the staff here at the House of Hosh has lost some relatives we were very close with this year, we look forward to a happy and healthy 2006. We wish all of you the same!

Shocking revelation

I was watching the evening news tonight and heard a follow up story concerning the death of David Moss, Jr.. For those of you out of the area, or too lazy to click the link, Mr. Moss was killed when he was restrained by a taser gun wielding OPD officer. According to the police report, Moss, Jr., who according to his father has a history of drinking and drug use, was making animal sounds and acting abnormally. The House sends its prayers to the Moss family and the family of the officer(s) involved.
I have a problem with both sides of the taser issue:
The OPD:
When taser's first came out, OPD, according to the KM3 news story I was watching (just a clarification, KETV had a better link to the story than KM3, so that's why I linked that one...I didn't actually watch KETV), they were to be rated the same as handcuffs. How are electricity and handcuffs similar? I don't hook the House up to handcuffs so that everything can run! I understand its not a large amount of electricity, but it's electricity none the less. It's not as powerful as a bullet, but it's not nearly as harmless as handcuffs. It takes no rocket scientist to figure that out. According to KM3, the status of the taser was changed after the CBS affiliate ran an investigative report (just keep telling yourself that) so that now the taser is classified just below a gun. I trust you to keep law and order, and it took you that long to figure out the power of these things? What was going to be the advantage if they weren't productive? Brilliant!
The ACLU:
Tim Butz, executive director of the Nebraska ACLU, was on talking about how bad these tasers are, how you could kill someone who has a pacemaker or some other condition. Nice work. While I understand that tasers can be deadly, there is a great way to avoid getting shocked by one: Don't be a dumbass. Instead of telling the public that you are trying to convince the police to discontinue taser use, why don't you join the police in convincing the public to obey laws? No, the police aren't always correct, but 9 times out of 10, if the police get you, you shouldn't have been in that place or doing whatever you were doing. I rarely feel sorry for someone who is arrested. While I don't know what Mr. Moss was doing at the time he was arrested, if he was behaving the way the police say he was, he was obviously doing something he shouldn't have been. The doesn't mean he should've died, but if he was conducting himself appropriately he wouldn't have been in that position. The police need every legal option available to keep up with the idiots in today's society. I think we would all agree that they don't have the time to stop and ask someone who is threatening them if they have a pacemaker. If you don't want to get shocked by a taser, don't conduct yourself in a manner that will get you shocked by one. Brilliant!

Random posting for the day

Just a couple things I wanted to get out there today:
The Omaha TV news blog, a favorite chuckle here at the House, has thankfully turned their comments back on so that we can hear stupid people behind a computer rant about stupid people on TV. I am being a bit hypocritically, as I just left a comment there. Just a side note, and the gist of my comment, Malorie Maddox from WOWT is beautiful.
Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't say congratulations to the Huskers for winning last night and on an excellent season. I've never been a Husker apologist, and never will be, but I am becoming a bigger fan. I don't know why, I guess the pressure from the Nebraska public and media and the drowning of Husker news we are presented with every day is finally wearing on me. Luckily, none of my friends know about this site so I won't get crap from them about coming over to the red side.
Speaking of football, I really hope that Texas kicks the crap out of USC in the Rose Bowl. I think its ludicrous all of the "Best team ever" stuff that ESPN has been doing on SportsCenter. USC hasn't even proved that they are the best team this year yet. Having said that, I think they probably will beat Texas. But I will be rooting for the Longhorns so that I can laugh in ESPN's face.
Off to Hooters for lunch. Oh, it's a rough day.

Eavesdropping on Antartic farting

I consider myself a fairly emotional person. I don't cry at movies...well, except Blues Brothers 2000, because that one sucked. But there are times when I get a little fired up. You can look back at previous posts, especially those dealing with the evil M-F Empire and OPS, and see times when you can imagine me sitting in the House venting like Yosemite Sam trying to pound Bugs into oblivion. Sometimes I calm down, sometimes I don't.
Being a Democrat in a Republican run United States does have some perks. No, we don't have a majority, but it also means there are more chances for Republicans to screw up and for Democrats to say "that wouldn't happen if we were in control." I would like to think wire-tapping, eavesdropping and other illegal listening devices wouldn't have happened if Democrats were in control. The president knowingly and willingly went beyond the law to get information that he thought was necessary. If it's so necessary, why don't we follow the law? If this information that the government collected is to be used in court, it will be thrown out, regardless of how important and damning it is to the alleged terroists, if the actions are ruled illegal. It will all be for not and will give America another black eye. I know you must act quickly, but, according to House of Hosh sources, there is a provision to get after-the-fact warrants to use these listening techniques. SO GET THE DAMN WARRANT!! In society today, you can't fart in Antartica without some sensor picking it up and the whole world knowing about in 30 seconds or less. Within two hours, it's on the CNN scroll and PETA is stringing up a noose, saying it will hang you from the tallest tree in Antartica. So why would the president and our government in Washington D.C., the one place in the world where more people go to get a name for themselves, whether it by local interns or foreign journalists, think they could get by with eavesdropping illegally? I understand the importance of having this information, which makes me even madder that all of this so-called valuable information was gathered illegally. I try to be nonpartisan, but some days make me thankful to be a Democrat.

Maybe a minor retraction

In my last post, I mentioned Omaha being a "wanna be" big city. I thought about this when I was driving towards downtown the other day. I think there are some aspects of Omaha that do mirror a big city (I still maintain that most media do not). Then, I saw on the CNN crawl tonight that Brooks & Dunn will be opening for the Rolling Stones here in town. That's pretty impressive to have both of those acts on the same night in Omaha. So maybe a made too general a statement. I apologize. Congrats to the Qwest Center for bringing in some great shows. You can't say enough about what they've brought to Omaha, especially the downtown area.
But what's up with these opening acts? My first concert ever (well, at least someone that had been on the radio...Otoe street dances don't count) was Kiss in 1997. They had a jazz band open for them. Oh yeah, they got booed off the stage. He had to keep doing a song countdown to keep us from revolting and charging the stage. I've been to concerts since then that I could see the relation (Kiss for Aerosmith, Godsmack for Metallica), but then Kanye West opens for U2. I understand the political view relationship, but that really doesn't register with the majority of the audience. If you are a big U2 fan, more often than not you are not going to be a Kanye West fan. I guess Brooks & Dunn has some rock flavor in their tunes, but to open for the Stones? I don't know if this is a local thing (although I don't believe it is), but I think you need to have some similarity between opening and feature act to keep the natives from being restless.
Just a program note: I'm not happy with the wire tapping, eavesdropping, etc. that pres. bush has admitted to. That will be in an upcoming post once I find some more time. School is almost out. I'm sure all of my reader will be waiting on the edge of their computer chair.
The O logo is property of the Greater Omaha Visitor's Bureau (I think). It's from visitomaha.com.

Omaha TV News

You'll find that one of our favorite blogs, Omaha TV News, has dropped its comments sections because, apparently, someone started guessing who they were and being mean to the news anchors that were supposedly contributing to the site. First of all, I liked the site because it made me laugh. We are in Omaha flippin' NE, aka the wanna be big city. Nobody gives a rats behind which nicknamed anchor stumbled over words. I enjoyed the site not so much for the posts, but for the stupid people who would get all worked up over the anchor news. I seriously feel that one of the contributors had a secret man-crush (I guess we don't know if its a man) on Travis Justice, local sports/commentary personality, and Travis scorned this dreamer. So its a lot of Trav bashing. I don't necessarily like Trav, my problem is I don't see the big deal with Trav. Secondly, and the things that made me laugh the most and the reason they won't have comments, is the people who trash the commentators. I didn't realize there were this strong of feelings for one channel/anchor or another. Get a life! I'm sorry that I won't be able to laugh at the comments anymore because someone is afraid to reveal their identity. I had my name on this site for a while, but I decided to change it to one of my nicknames because I felt it was more interesting. It's not like the nickname is that far away, and plus, this isn't published fact, it's personal opinion.
If you are ever feeling sorry for yourself or thinking that maybe you're nuts, just look around and you are bound to find someone closer to the edge than you are.
Hopefully I'll have a little extra time with the holiday break coming up to catch up on some things that are bothering me in the world. Those family members that were sick have passed, thankfully, and are watching over us. Miss you all.

The Sun'll Come Up, Tomorrow

Some days are better than others. Today wasn't all that spectacular. No need in complaining about the job. Look at your kids, think of 9 times as many, throw in a couple attitudes and what your kids really act like when they are trying to impress their friends, and you have my day. Oh, and I work with a vast majority of women.
However, coming home just topped it off. I'm an avid college basketball fan (Go Tar Heels!). I enjoy watching quality basketball (and sometimes Nebraska), no matter the teams (on another tangent, our Cleveland Indians are opening the season, presumably the same weekend of the Final Four! What could be better!).
While watching ESPN tonight, former ND coach Dick "Digger" Phelps was runnin' his mouth like it's bein' chased. Then came the flashback from last year. For whatever reason, "Digger" (cousin to "Scooter") decided last year to match his highlighters and ties. That makes a queer eye go blind. Tonight was orange night. Rediculous. Just when you think things can't get worse. (Image stolen from ESPN's website)
Lovin' the snow here in town tonight. First good snowfall at the new homestead. However, I'm sure the guy who decided to drive the motor home up the hill and get stuck just short of top isn't really to keen on the flakes. Nice work Einstein.
Rest in peace, Great-Grandma Ethel. Your son will be with you soon. We'll miss you. I'll look through the wedding album later so you can see it. I'm sorry I didn't bring it down. I'll always regret that. Love you.

The Waiting Game

I sat with the biggest, baddest, ugliest of beasts tonight. Cancer. It has been slowly tearing away at the body of a kind, gentle man I called “Grandpa.” He married my Grandma in 1977, after my dad’s dad had died from lung cancer. Grandpa was a small town kid that grew up to be a small town old-timer. He worked at the grain elevator and smoked cigars for more years than I’ve been alive. He would come home for lunch with the noon whistle echoing through the village of Otoe. When he wasn’t at work, we would find him in his chair in the southwest corner of the living room, keeping tabs on Husker and Viking football. This afternoon when I got to my grandparent’s home, there he was, in the southwest corner of the room, lying in a hospital bed, specially adorned with flannel sheets to make it seem more like the bed he’d become accustomed to while married to my grandma.
I don’t know of anything worse than sitting there, watching time drift by in the face of someone who can barely breath, let alone take care of themselves. Everything got worse, the breathing, the weight loss, after they told him the words that no person should have to hear or say: We’ve tried everything. The beast has now taken over his whole body. What used to be a potbelly full of laughter now contains demonic tentacles stretching into all areas of his body. And there is nothing that humans can physically do to stop its onslaught.
While this picture will not be the one that we most remember from my grandpa’s life, the image will always be with me. I’ll never forget the last time I saw my maternal grandma: sitting in the same chair she’d sat in for more moons than many of us have seen, waiting for leukemia to take her to heaven. As I see my paternal grandpa struggling against the unforgiving beast, the small smile I can create comes from hoping grandpa is comfortable in his familiar spot in the house.
It has been an especially tough year for my family: My aunt was buried after being hit by a drunk driver the same week, albeit 20 years later, as her dad succumbed to lung cancer. Now, with my grandparent’s 25th anniversary and Grandpa’s 73rd birthday coming, we wait again for God to call another one of our family members home.
As a wise man once said, “It’s times like these you learn to live again.” It’s also times like these that you realize what is truly important in your life. The paper I’m supposed to be writing for grad school can be put off one more day while I deal with the emotions flowing through my mind. Nothing is more important than your family. Whether you love them or hate them, most of us wouldn’t be where we are today without the love, support, and understanding. My grandparents were always around while my parents were divorced, and even after, hauling me wherever I needed to go. They did what all grandparents are supposed to do: go to games, give too many presents, spoil us rotten. But they always commanded respect. Once I cleared my Catholic conversion with my dad, they were the second people I garnered an opinion from. They said what I was raised to believe: We don’t care who you worship God with, just as long as you do. Again, your beliefs and ideals come from your family.
I’ve extremely proud and fortunate to be a part of my family. The tree of my life would not be growing as quickly and beautifully as it has without the roots that my family helped me to plant.
Whether you like your family or not, love them. Learn from them. Whether they teach you what to do or what not to do, God put them with you for a reason.
Cherish the times that you have with the ones that you hold close to your heart.

Nothin' Like a Good Drug

I'm a big music lover. No good drug (legal or otherwise) can have the calming effect on me that a beautifully written, not too deep, track can do for me. If you try to create too many metaphors or substitute all emotion with abstract images (see U2), you really just lose me. I'm not into all that.
My issue comes because I don't think that there are any really great new bands out right now. I start going through the trusty iPod and browsing a couple of my old standby band websites, and they don't even have anything good out.
Back in the early '90s there was a band from Stillwater, OK, that had a pretty big following in Lincoln called the Great Divide. They quickly became my favorite relaxant. A few years back, the lead singer, Mike McClure, decided to head out for himself. Both have put out albums since, neither of which I jump at like I did the old stuff. Remain, the last album they put out, its still a classic to listen to. My second choice is Revolutions, put out back at the end of the last century.
I don't have an appreciation for the new stuff, not like I do the classics. I'm a big outlaw country fan, from Shooter Jennings (up-and-comer and Waylon's son) to Billy Joe Shaver. It's very honest music. Maybe I'm just not a mainstream music fan. The whole reason I got the iPod is I can't listen to radio without having to channel surf. As much as I'm in my car, your arm gets tired.
The point? If you have any suggestions of new music for me to check out. let me know. I will say I was pretty impressed with Sara Benk and the Robbers at the Bon Jovi concert. They are going to have to be a stop when I have more time to go see a show. Let me know what good drugs you are shooting into your ear drums.

The Amazing CMA's

I'm an avid Amazing Race fan. While I was ecstatic to watch two hours of fun filled travel last week, I was highly disappointed to see that the CMA's were on CBS tonight instead of the Race. Thanks to Jennifer Nettles of the band Sugarland, I did get a little taste.
If you watched the Amazing Race last year, they would always edit Phil, the host, pointing off into the distance at a team that was coming in, usually the last. My wife and I found this hilarious (don't ask why, just go with it), so we would do it at random times throughout our day. Tonight, while singing with Bon Jovi (killer concert the other night at the Qwest, by the way...I was on the floor a section and a half away when he came out in the crowd), Jen Nettles does the pointing out to the upper rows of the crowd twice during their song. My wife and I got a good chuckle out of it. I'm guessing you probably had to be there.
Image of Sugarland shamelessly taken from CMT.com. Jen Nettles is on the right.

Minor Updates

As you may or may not have noticed, we've changed a few things around here. One of my varied nicknames is Hosh (the o is a long o), so I've incorporated that into the title and my signature for posting (Old Feeder, that's so you know who the new guy posting on your site is...I'm not leaving, just pulling a chameleon on you). I've also taken away a few things here and there, just to keep everyone on their toes. Not to worry, same old crap coming out of my keyboard! Enjoy, and thanks for stopping into the House of Hosh.

Blah, blah, OPS, blah, blah, deegan's big mouth, blah

OPS and Bellevue have stooped to a new low. Now dr. deegan, esteemed supt. of the Bellevue Public Schools (and egg-thrower hiding behind their older, bigger brother OPS) has pulled the race card, saying that's why outer suburbia does not want to join their cozy empire. What a freakin' joke. dr. deegan and dr. mackiel: You ought to be ashamed of yourself. All of your administrators should be. How ridiculous. I have absolutely nothing at stake in this fight, but I'm embarrassed for you. We are talking about kids here! That's the way to win over families from both sides of the issue. Do you think people that live in those low-economic areas will want to send their kids out west to deal with those "Wallaces"? If you thought people were scared to send their kids downtown before, do you think that's going to help now that you all said that they don't want to be integrated? I can't decide if I'm happy that the local news hasn't jumped on this more because it is so ridiculous or if I'm upset that they haven't crucified you. You are truly a disgrace to all of us in education. We've mentioned it before and, unfortunately, I'll mention it again: Once you take over those districts and have control of their kids, 90% (roughly, don't quote the math) of them will be going to the same school. Since you ended mandatory busing and have under-funded those schools in the low-income areas, you have forced yourself into segregation because you have not offered the carrot to lead the horse into north Omaha. dr. deegan: You should take a poll of all of the Bellevue parents and ask them how many would like to option in to schools that we are discussing. Just keep riding OPS's coattails and playing second fiddle and someday you can get 10 more seconds of fame. Why don't you stand up for yourself? Oh, that's right, you tried to be sneaky and go through the legislature to get those two Papillion schools. How'd that end up for you?

As a PS, the Omaha Schools News blog has also been tracking this whole debate:
http://omaschools.blogspot.com/

Why isn't the "right" the "left"?

Has anyone every wondered why the political "right" is considered the right? What wasn't a conservative every referred to as the "left"? And does that ever offend left-handed people? Like maybe, "Oh, he's crazy because he's lefthanded."
This is why I try to stay out of hardcore politics. I always end up with questions like this. I'm too nice to say, "All Republicans suck!!!" because I know that's not true. And I'm also willing to admit that not all Democrats are the peachiest. Don't worry, I'm not getting soft. I still think Bush and his Merry Morons need to exit DC.
Sorry for the off-the-wall post this evening. Too much Supreme Court talk. I wish I had Bush's power to literally change the landscape of the whole judicial system for year's to come by saying one person's name. I can't wait for college basketball season. Go Tar Heels!

The M-F Empire At It Again

I'm sure if you have stopped to actually read this post, you've probably read the Omaha World-Herald this past weekend and their report on the latest from the Mackiel-Fahey Takeover plan (cleverly disguised as a report on segregated schools). I don't claim to know everything about it, but I do claim to be amused by the whole issue.
I still fail to see how, if you conquer Millard, Ralston, and Elkhorn Public Schools, you would improve diversity in your lower income schools. If you would like to have high-ability students go to school at 60th and Ames or 24th and Lake, you must make that school attractive to someone who lives on 156th and Q. Unless you are going to force those students to be bused there, what other reasons do they have to attend that school? You have not provided the carrot for the horse to start moving. Having magnet schools does help to some degree. But there is nothing going on at Mount View Elementary on north 56th (I believe, don't quote me) that intrigues an Elkhorn parent. No disrespect to the school, but it is the truth.
Another aspect that, as a small town product, I disagree with is not having your child going to school with students they live among. One of the goals of a school is to not only build a community, but to partner with the surrounding community. (Lets leave magnet schools out of this equation. To me, they are a whole different ballgame from your typical elementary school.) It becomes very difficult for a student to relate to the community around the school if they do not live in the same area. Yes, diversity (more than just racial) increases, but you are really having the student living in two, sometimes very different, environments. I never had any true contact with people other than Caucasian until I was in college, where I met the smartest man I've ever known, who was black and from the Bahamas. My parents and the rural school that I went to did educate us that we were not the only race on this earth and, in order to succeed in life, we must to tolerate and coexist with all other races.
It is kind of frustrating that OPS doesn't come out and say the true reason for this takeover plot: They don't want to become landlocked and have all of the money move into the suburbs. It has nothing to do with diversity among students. If Mackiel and his posse were to force students to go to a school outside of where they live, the students could easily change districts. I refuse to buy into this being about promoting "one city". Say what the real reasons for doing this are. Work with the outside districts. You do not have to be the one and only. Be part of the solution, not the problem.

Must Be The Money

I want to first say that I pray for all of the families that have been effected by all of the latest natural disasters. It's not something I hope to ever have to deal with (obviously, which is why I live where we don't have hurricanes and earthquakes). Having said that, I'm frustrated that we American citizens (and more specifically the government) complain about the deficit and how are taxes are going to the people in the south who couldn't get out of New Orleans because the government didn't hold there hand and color code the exits like they have for the last 20 years, yet we continue to give money to countries who can't spend it properly. Why can't we give Pakistan $50 million to build structures that can better withstand earthquakes? We give them this money and aid, yet they don't have the security forces to protect it so it gets to the people that need it. I know. I'm being insensitive. But it baffles me.
Quote of the day: A little 5 year-old girl was pulled from some rubble in Pakistan and the first thing she says is, "I want a drink." I feel your pain, young sister.

New Blog to Pass Along

Our good friends at Plains Feeder pointed out to us a new blog about OPS's "One City, One School" fiasco. We've added it to our "Links" section. Even if you are in favor of the plan, we'd love to have you log in and be bashed.

Cleveland Rocks

Another disappointing year has come to a close for the Cleveland Indians. I can't be too terribly disappointed because expectations were A LOT lower than what was actually achieved. They only finished a few games out of first in the division and wild card. Last year we had our melt down in August, so pushing it all of the way to the last week of the year is a major improvement. They made up 13 games in the standings in only a couple of months, so they deserve a lot of credit for what they achieved. It was too little too late, though.
If you scroll down to one of my original posts, I mentioned that I was a little nervous about the signing of Juan Gonzales...Juan went 0 for 1 in 1 at bat. He got off the DL for one stinking at bat. Thanks. Appreciate the help.
But with a young nucleus nailed down through at least another year, things are still looking bright. There is still hope. And considering how horrible life was to begin the season and how well the White Sox played, I still have the optimism for next year.

It Can't Happen to Me

Think of how many times you've said either out loud or to yourself: "It can't happen to me." I say it all the time. You see somebody who has a fire or gets into a car accident. "Oh, that will never happen to me." Well, it did happen to me and my family.
I've been working on putting more hard-hitting, interesting stuff on the page. I was all set to do a post about my grandfather who is not in very good health and how I made a virtual tour of our new house because I'm scared he'll never see it in person. In that post was going to be how lucky I am to be able to make my grandpa smile and how great it felt. Instead, I got a call from my dad saying that my aunt (his sister) was killed by a drunk driver. You see it all the time on TV, and, if you're like me, it makes you think twice when you are at the bar and have to drive home. You think about the story you saw on TV and how you don't want to end up like that. Now, I don't need the TV, because it's a family story.
My aunt was the "rebel" child of the family. She was a homosexual that moved away and rarely looked back. We didn't think less of her, she was just different than everyone else in the family. We still loved her. She ended up in Florida with her "friend". They visited every now and then, but we still didn't get to see them often enough.
On Wednesday night, a man crossed the center line as they were driving home. He hit my aunt and her friend head on. My aunt is dead, but her friend is still alive.
Do I hate the man? No, I don't (I do not speak for the rest of my family, though). Right now we are in more of a shock because we are so far removed. I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. I know that what happened on that Florida highway Wednesday night was destined to happen. It is a life altering event for all of us. My grandmother has now lost her husband to cancer and her daughter to a drunk driver. My dad and uncle have lost a sister. In our family, it is not out of the ordinary for all of us to drink, so we now must think twice because of the destiny that has fallen over us. I am not mad at the man, I just hope and pray that what he is going through leads him to a better life. I would love to see him speaking to children about the dangers of drinking and driving. I want him to look the children in the eye, to make sure it gets to them, that it can happen to them.

The Pledge of Allegiance

Well, I started out posting my Friday morning school emails, but I've learned that they're really not that funny if you don't work at my school, and even less funny if you are not a teacher. So I'm back to blogging as needed.
Luckily, this week posed a question that ignites the flames of anger. This week a federal judge in San Fransisco ruled that the Pledge should not said in school because it contains the words "under God." I completely understand there is a separation of church and state and, as a teacher, I am very happy for that. I am also a Christian who has a strong faith in God. The thing that drives me more nuts than anything else is why does one little pinhead with nothing better to do than try and put his name out there for another 15 seconds of fame have to ruin things for the rest of us? Why do we as a country have to bow down to a minority? If you would put this up for an election, I would almost guarantee you would have 75% of the vote for allowing the phrase to remain. If you don't agree with Pledge, why do you just not say it? I could care less if I had a student whose parents didn't agree with the Pledge. He's more than welcome to use the restroom at that time or go in the hall and wait. I would never make anyone do something they don't want to do. But why, if one or two people don't like it, do we have to take it away for those of us who do like it?
Another source of ire is the Ten Commandments. Locally, there was a Ten Commandments monument in a local park, not much bigger than a head stone in a graveyard. Even in a town of 3,000, you don't have to walk by it and stare at it every day. I just cannot fathom being that arrogant that, just because you don't like something, you are going to sue or challenge the ability for that statue to be placed there or those words to be said. Groups similar to the ones that are challenging these issues just want to fit in and want to be accepted, but they ostricize themselves with inconsiderate actions. They want us to cater to them, when the only thing they are effected by is the reaction to their poor sob stories that they then get to relay through the media. It honestly infuriates me that I have to watch what I say and what I put up because some people take offense to it. And I'm not supposed to be offended when you take away my rights?
This guy in California that is leading the charge against the Pledge is an idiot. To quote my favorite morning radio peronalities here in Omaha, "If you don't like it, turn the channel." If you don't like the Pledge, don't say it. Don't be in the room when it's said. Show up late to school everyday. But don't come crying to me when you feel like nobody is treating you with respect. You've brought it all upon yourself.