I have refused to be dragged into this whole debate, and will only make this comment in response to a couple of emails I have received.
Anti-Semitism is no trivial matter, it is a serious issue and making jokes about it serves no useful purpose, and at worst is a disgrace to the entire debate.
I will not give the blog the satisfaction of mentioning their name, but their attempt to trivialize the issue is reason enough for any Jew or a supporter of Israel to boycott their site until such time as an apology is issued.
I can only suspect that since they have never been on the receiving end of this type of behaviour they have no clue how damaging it is.
"Consider the source" is appropriate in this case.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Boots a Farmer does not Make
Governor Rod Blagojevich did not attend last nights Governor's Sales of Champions; supposedly he was working on budget matters. Instead, he sent his wife in her brand, spanking new cowboy boots.
Now, if Patti Blagojevich wants to purchase cowboy boots, that is her business; but to make a point so say she did it to support state agriculture was the most laughable statement I have heard out of the Blagojevich's this year.
I have news for you Patti, a pair of cowboy boots does not a farmer make, nor does it show any support for the State of Illinois agriculture. It shows how contemptable you find this part of the state fair. I would venture to say those boots will be relegated to the back of the closet for a few months before they find their way into the used boot bin at the Salvation Army Thrift store.
If you really wanted to show your support, you would have donned a pair of WORK boots, a pair of ratty jeans, and a t-shirt and gone down to the cattle barn and actually helped some of those kids clean out stalls and fit their animals for the show. Now, that would be showing support.
How about spending a couple of days on a farm actually doing the work Patti? Oh, I am sorry such work is beneath someone of your elegance and grace.
Making an issue out the boots only made Patti Blagojevich look more like the idiot who is Governor, instead of Illinois' First Lady showing support for the kids and our great agriculture heritage.
Now, if Patti Blagojevich wants to purchase cowboy boots, that is her business; but to make a point so say she did it to support state agriculture was the most laughable statement I have heard out of the Blagojevich's this year.
I have news for you Patti, a pair of cowboy boots does not a farmer make, nor does it show any support for the State of Illinois agriculture. It shows how contemptable you find this part of the state fair. I would venture to say those boots will be relegated to the back of the closet for a few months before they find their way into the used boot bin at the Salvation Army Thrift store.
If you really wanted to show your support, you would have donned a pair of WORK boots, a pair of ratty jeans, and a t-shirt and gone down to the cattle barn and actually helped some of those kids clean out stalls and fit their animals for the show. Now, that would be showing support.
How about spending a couple of days on a farm actually doing the work Patti? Oh, I am sorry such work is beneath someone of your elegance and grace.
Making an issue out the boots only made Patti Blagojevich look more like the idiot who is Governor, instead of Illinois' First Lady showing support for the kids and our great agriculture heritage.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Father of Anne with an "E" Perfects Softball Interview Style
Ever since I was a little boy, I have been fascinated with interviews, especially those that ask a question, wait for a response and then ask follow up questions based upon the answers given.
It appears that is a dying art. Of the last four interviews I have heard Anne with an "E"'s father have, he has not asked a single follow up question to an answer given; regardless of how evasive or ridiculous the answer is. He simply allows those he is interviewing to spin their answer like a cotton gin would spin a ball of thread and then hit it out of the ball park like a Hank Aaron home run.
Slow pitch underhanded softball is for grade school kids, not a radio stations' interviews.
Anne with an "E", you seem to be the smart one in your family, maybe your dad would be willing to retire and allow you to conduct all future interviews.
I am no fan of Chris Matthews, and he is anything but hardball, but his interview style is far more informative than Anne with an "E"'s father ever thought of being.
It appears that is a dying art. Of the last four interviews I have heard Anne with an "E"'s father have, he has not asked a single follow up question to an answer given; regardless of how evasive or ridiculous the answer is. He simply allows those he is interviewing to spin their answer like a cotton gin would spin a ball of thread and then hit it out of the ball park like a Hank Aaron home run.
Slow pitch underhanded softball is for grade school kids, not a radio stations' interviews.
Anne with an "E", you seem to be the smart one in your family, maybe your dad would be willing to retire and allow you to conduct all future interviews.
I am no fan of Chris Matthews, and he is anything but hardball, but his interview style is far more informative than Anne with an "E"'s father ever thought of being.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Rove Departure Nothing New
The mainstream media is making political hay out of the resignation of Karl Rove, effective August 31, 2007, as though it is some major political event. The truth is, with only 526 days in office remaining Rove's departure was to be expected.
There will be more in the coming days. Since 1960, the only administration that did not lose a substantial number of the staff was Johnson's when he took over for Kennedy. High level staff members know the end is near and will be making career changes, aligning themselves with potential presidential candiates, and taking time off from the constant grind of governmental work.
Yes, Rove is a very close friend and advisor of the President, and yes not having him there on a daily basis will leave a void, but nobody is beyond replacement; especially in politics and we can be assured that despite Rove's departure, he will only be a phone call away. Nobody refuses a call from the President, regardless of party or positions.
There will be more in the coming days. Since 1960, the only administration that did not lose a substantial number of the staff was Johnson's when he took over for Kennedy. High level staff members know the end is near and will be making career changes, aligning themselves with potential presidential candiates, and taking time off from the constant grind of governmental work.
Yes, Rove is a very close friend and advisor of the President, and yes not having him there on a daily basis will leave a void, but nobody is beyond replacement; especially in politics and we can be assured that despite Rove's departure, he will only be a phone call away. Nobody refuses a call from the President, regardless of party or positions.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Iraqi Tet - Would the outcome be the same as '68
On January 30, 1968, the Viet Cong launched a series of offensives that were designed to shake American support for the Vietnam war. Speaking from a military standpoint, the tet offensive was a horrendeous loss for the Viet Cong, but from a political and press standpoint it turned the war on its head and ultimately led to the United States withdrawing from Vietnam.
There is a concern within the administration that Al Qaeda may be planning a series of offensives as were executed in 1968. The administration is worried, because such an offensive could have a tremendous influence on support for the war, regardless of the outcome militarily.
History sometimes repeats itself, and the likelihood of a "tet" in Iraq is probably better than 50%; the aftermath is where history could change course. The President for all of his faults, has refused to give up on this war and truly believes it is winnable, and is more than willing to stake his entire legacy on that belief. Such a move would be directly opposite of President Johnson, who after the Tet Offensive, began the slow withdrawal of American forces from Vietnam.
Al Qaeda may plan and execute such an offensive, but absent a huge loss militarily, I do not see this President changing course. Good, bad or otherwise - he will ride the Iraq war to its ultimate end.
There is a concern within the administration that Al Qaeda may be planning a series of offensives as were executed in 1968. The administration is worried, because such an offensive could have a tremendous influence on support for the war, regardless of the outcome militarily.
History sometimes repeats itself, and the likelihood of a "tet" in Iraq is probably better than 50%; the aftermath is where history could change course. The President for all of his faults, has refused to give up on this war and truly believes it is winnable, and is more than willing to stake his entire legacy on that belief. Such a move would be directly opposite of President Johnson, who after the Tet Offensive, began the slow withdrawal of American forces from Vietnam.
Al Qaeda may plan and execute such an offensive, but absent a huge loss militarily, I do not see this President changing course. Good, bad or otherwise - he will ride the Iraq war to its ultimate end.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Cindy vs. Nancy (War of the Century)
In the left corner is Cindy "I hate Bush" Sheehan, and in the right corner comes Nancy "I hate Bush" Pelosi.......this could shape up to be one of the most exciting House races we have seen in a century. You have two extremely liberal, far outside the mainstream, candidates who have built their political careers on the backs of others.
I cannot wait to see which of the two draws blood first!
As an amatuer oddsmakers, I am laying 4 to 3 for Pelosi.
I cannot wait to see which of the two draws blood first!
As an amatuer oddsmakers, I am laying 4 to 3 for Pelosi.
Comparing two of the same
Mark Erickson blasted Barry Bonds in his article today, comparing him to of all players Cal Ripken. Bonds is a jerk, he is an egotistical, pompous ass; whereas, Cal Ripken does come across as a very likable fella and there has not been as much as a sliver of a hint that he used steroids in any fashion.
However, this infatuation with Ripken over his 2,632 consecutive starts is dubious at best. Was he a durable player? Absolutely and he showed up for work, every single day. Let us be honest though, there were more than one occasion where the Orioles put him in the lineup long enough to get credit for a game and then pulled him; for no other reason than to push his consecutive streak along. At best, it was padded; at worst one could say the Orioles helped him cheat his to a record he did not deserve.
I still like Ripken and would call him one of if not the most durable baseball player in history; Bonds? He's still a jerk and should be stripped of the home run title. Comparing these two players is like the pot calling the kettle blac, neither of them deserve their respective titles.
However, this infatuation with Ripken over his 2,632 consecutive starts is dubious at best. Was he a durable player? Absolutely and he showed up for work, every single day. Let us be honest though, there were more than one occasion where the Orioles put him in the lineup long enough to get credit for a game and then pulled him; for no other reason than to push his consecutive streak along. At best, it was padded; at worst one could say the Orioles helped him cheat his to a record he did not deserve.
I still like Ripken and would call him one of if not the most durable baseball player in history; Bonds? He's still a jerk and should be stripped of the home run title. Comparing these two players is like the pot calling the kettle blac, neither of them deserve their respective titles.
Blame Game
In in the wake of the Minnesota bridge collapse, we have several pundits, and many bloggers blaming the Bush Adminsitration for this catastrophe; it seems that no matter what horrendous event occurs, its always something the Bush Administration and more precisely, the President Himself could have prevented.
The divide between the right and left is at its widest point in my recollection, there is no longer civility between the sides and it seems many want to make everything politics personal.
If you stand on principle and those principles are rooted in fact, I have no issue; if not, then your message is not worth listening to regardless of which side of the isle you stand.
The Minnesota tragedy is not the fault of the President or the Bush Administration; actually, at this point we have NO IDEA who or what is at fault and until we get the facts playing the blame game serves no valuable purpose.
The divide between the right and left is at its widest point in my recollection, there is no longer civility between the sides and it seems many want to make everything politics personal.
If you stand on principle and those principles are rooted in fact, I have no issue; if not, then your message is not worth listening to regardless of which side of the isle you stand.
The Minnesota tragedy is not the fault of the President or the Bush Administration; actually, at this point we have NO IDEA who or what is at fault and until we get the facts playing the blame game serves no valuable purpose.
Anne with an "E"
Anne Madonia appeared on her fathers radio show this morning and wanted to make sure that if any bloggers mentioned her name, they would spell it correctly.
There ya go Anne with an "E" Madonia, we got it right!
Anne with an "E" seems like a very likeable and charming lady and I wish her and her child the very best in the future.
There ya go Anne with an "E" Madonia, we got it right!
Anne with an "E" seems like a very likeable and charming lady and I wish her and her child the very best in the future.
Mayor Davlin Challenged
Tuesday evening the Springfield City Council approved an ordinance that would give alderman access to personnel records as it pertains to their jobs funding the various departments. This ordinance past over the objections of the Mayor and the two legal hacks from the CWLP and police unions.
With the new makup of the council, the Mayor no longer will be allowed to operate unchallenged and it appears that there is not a single alderman that is going to take their marching orders from the Mayor blindly; which is a far cry from the likes of Chuck Redpath.
Speaking of Redpath, he was on 1450 WFMB this morning blabbering away that the council needs to know their place. Well I have news for Chuck Redpath, the council apparently knows their place a lot better than you did; they so far refuse to stick their head in the sand and just take whatever the Mayor says as gospel.
Now we will see if the Mayor has the wherewithal to actuall veto the ordinance, I would give 3 to 1 odds he just signs the ordinance.
With the new makup of the council, the Mayor no longer will be allowed to operate unchallenged and it appears that there is not a single alderman that is going to take their marching orders from the Mayor blindly; which is a far cry from the likes of Chuck Redpath.
Speaking of Redpath, he was on 1450 WFMB this morning blabbering away that the council needs to know their place. Well I have news for Chuck Redpath, the council apparently knows their place a lot better than you did; they so far refuse to stick their head in the sand and just take whatever the Mayor says as gospel.
Now we will see if the Mayor has the wherewithal to actuall veto the ordinance, I would give 3 to 1 odds he just signs the ordinance.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
It is time
I have been waiting for months now with anticipation for Senator Fred Dalton Thompson to announce his decision on whether to seek the Republican nomination for President. So far, the Senator has only formed an exploratory committee and gave a few speeches.
Considering the field of Republicans who have already announced, Thompson would be the hands down choice for conservatives, and yet, we still wait.
Time is running out on the Senator, staffers will only wait so long for a candidate to make his/her decision and the available funds is also dwindling; a fact that I am sure the Democrats have not missed. Recently, the LA Times made an attempt to paint Thompson as an abortion flip flopper - the question is why? Are they scared that Thompson represents the best chance the Republicans have next fall? Are they afraid that Thompson has face recognition with his portrayal of District Attorney Arthur Branch on the NBC series Law and Order? Or are they just afraid that a fresh face will shake this race up and turn it on its head?
Only the LA Times knows, but this much I do know - it is time for the Senator to either get in or get out.
Considering the field of Republicans who have already announced, Thompson would be the hands down choice for conservatives, and yet, we still wait.
Time is running out on the Senator, staffers will only wait so long for a candidate to make his/her decision and the available funds is also dwindling; a fact that I am sure the Democrats have not missed. Recently, the LA Times made an attempt to paint Thompson as an abortion flip flopper - the question is why? Are they scared that Thompson represents the best chance the Republicans have next fall? Are they afraid that Thompson has face recognition with his portrayal of District Attorney Arthur Branch on the NBC series Law and Order? Or are they just afraid that a fresh face will shake this race up and turn it on its head?
Only the LA Times knows, but this much I do know - it is time for the Senator to either get in or get out.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Smelling like a rose in a barn.
It is now Monday night, and with the deadline of Wednesday (as per Dan Hynes) for a new budget looming large, its time for Mr. Madigan to call the Governors bluff.
The illustrious Governor of Illinois has threatened to shutdown the state government if he does not get his way with the budget, despite the fact that he has come up with nada ways of paying for his spending packages; unless of course you count the ill-fated GRT (Gross Receipts Tax) which has already been shot down by the legislature.
I could be proven wrong, but I just do not think this Governor has the cojones to actually receive a budget passed by the two chambers and just sit on it for 60 days and then veto it. Even if he did, I believe its time for Madigan to call him on it and force him to actually shut everything down.......the ball is in Madigans court at this point.
Hanging in the balance of course is the Illinois State Fair, which is scheduled to begin Wednesday with the 4H cattle and showmanship shows that evening. It would be a real shame if this hairdo Governor put his political showmanship above that of these kids who have worked their tails off all year to get this point.
Come on Madigan, if you handle this right you really could come out of the barn smelling like a rose.
The illustrious Governor of Illinois has threatened to shutdown the state government if he does not get his way with the budget, despite the fact that he has come up with nada ways of paying for his spending packages; unless of course you count the ill-fated GRT (Gross Receipts Tax) which has already been shot down by the legislature.
I could be proven wrong, but I just do not think this Governor has the cojones to actually receive a budget passed by the two chambers and just sit on it for 60 days and then veto it. Even if he did, I believe its time for Madigan to call him on it and force him to actually shut everything down.......the ball is in Madigans court at this point.
Hanging in the balance of course is the Illinois State Fair, which is scheduled to begin Wednesday with the 4H cattle and showmanship shows that evening. It would be a real shame if this hairdo Governor put his political showmanship above that of these kids who have worked their tails off all year to get this point.
Come on Madigan, if you handle this right you really could come out of the barn smelling like a rose.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Most Compelling video
From time to time I receive an email from a friend, business associate or family member with a link to a video or clip; most of the time they are humorous in nature. Seldom do I come across a video that pulls at my heart strings.......well here is one that did just that.
No politics involved, just a video that expresses a 15 year olds view......
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1
I hope that you will find it as moving as I did.
No politics involved, just a video that expresses a 15 year olds view......
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1
I hope that you will find it as moving as I did.
Monday, July 30, 2007
18th Congressional seat could be a barn burner
From the rumor mill:
With Congressman Raymond Lahood deciding not to seek relection next year, the 18th Congressional Seat race could turn into the barn burner of the decade. Two popular politicians are being touted as the answers to each parties success in holding on or gaining the seat.
From the Republican side there is talk that Sangamon County Sheriff Neil Williamson coming off of his landslide reelection would be the perfect choice; he has voter appeal, an outstanding track record as sheriff, no major baggage to contend with, charismatic, and is popular with both Republicans and Democratic voters. I would agree that Williamson would be a great choice and with the recent personnel moves within the sheriffs department, it is a better than 50% bet that Neil will toss his hat into the ring.
The only issue is, he does not currently live in the 18th and would have to move out of Chatham; but that is not the first time a politician has moved for political reasons.
On the Democratic side there is the current Springfield Mayor, Tim Davlin. Davlin also is coming off of a landslide victory, is charismatic, can talk it up with the best of them and has a huge warchest available. He is tight with Dick Durbin and as much as it pains me to say, he would prove to be a formidable candiate if for no other reason than he is quite good at making lemonade from lemons when it comes to bad press.
The mayor does have some issues which he will have to contend with, his volatile relationship with the Springfield City Council, his handling of the budget issues, his secret deal with the Sierra Club, and his relationship with the Governor. On the other hand, Peoria is a Democratic stronghold and would have excellent curb appeal with the voters there.
If I were a betting man, I would call this a horse race at this point between these two; Williamson if he is able to articulate his positions clearly would have the inside edge, but with his good ole boy personality, it will take more than just a half hearted effort.
With Congressman Raymond Lahood deciding not to seek relection next year, the 18th Congressional Seat race could turn into the barn burner of the decade. Two popular politicians are being touted as the answers to each parties success in holding on or gaining the seat.
From the Republican side there is talk that Sangamon County Sheriff Neil Williamson coming off of his landslide reelection would be the perfect choice; he has voter appeal, an outstanding track record as sheriff, no major baggage to contend with, charismatic, and is popular with both Republicans and Democratic voters. I would agree that Williamson would be a great choice and with the recent personnel moves within the sheriffs department, it is a better than 50% bet that Neil will toss his hat into the ring.
The only issue is, he does not currently live in the 18th and would have to move out of Chatham; but that is not the first time a politician has moved for political reasons.
On the Democratic side there is the current Springfield Mayor, Tim Davlin. Davlin also is coming off of a landslide victory, is charismatic, can talk it up with the best of them and has a huge warchest available. He is tight with Dick Durbin and as much as it pains me to say, he would prove to be a formidable candiate if for no other reason than he is quite good at making lemonade from lemons when it comes to bad press.
The mayor does have some issues which he will have to contend with, his volatile relationship with the Springfield City Council, his handling of the budget issues, his secret deal with the Sierra Club, and his relationship with the Governor. On the other hand, Peoria is a Democratic stronghold and would have excellent curb appeal with the voters there.
If I were a betting man, I would call this a horse race at this point between these two; Williamson if he is able to articulate his positions clearly would have the inside edge, but with his good ole boy personality, it will take more than just a half hearted effort.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Rumors are flying about
I ran into a State Rep tonight at a convenience store on the South East side of Springfield and they hinted that there was a good possibility that the Illinois Legislature would be voting on a budget Thursday.
Is there actually a light at the end of the tunnel or is this another one of those high hopefuls that never materializes beyond the figment of my imagination stage?
Is there actually a light at the end of the tunnel or is this another one of those high hopefuls that never materializes beyond the figment of my imagination stage?
Customer Service - Something AMFAM need work on.
I came across a situation today that I thought I would share with you. Let me preface by saying that I am sure we can all agree that when it comes to service related industries (such as insurance companies), taking care of the needs of the customer are vitally important and honesty is ALWAYS the ONLY policy.
A friend of mine described the following ordeal he has experienced with American Family Insurance Company and it brought up the issue of customer service front and center. Back in May AMFAM apparently informed him that they were going to be increasing his rate; as it turns out the rate increase was over 60% from last year to this year. His homeowners policy was set to expire / renew on June 1, and they did not inform him of what the rate amount was going to be until approximately two weeks before its due date. You can be sure they had already invoiced the mortgage company for the money.
Like the rest of us, he was livid. With only one claim in his life on a home (amounting to less than a thousand dollars) there was little justification for that type of rate increase. As I am sure you would expect he started shopping the business. Within two days he had executed a new policy with a new carrier at a rate amount significantly less than what AMFAM wanted. He called his old agent and (listen carefully this is important) said the following "You are to cancel the homeowners policy effective immediately".
What part of that does anyone not understand? He is emphatic as to exactly what he said, and I have no reason to doubt him. If you made that statement to me I think even half drunk I would understand that you wanted the HOMEOWNERS POLICY cancelled immediately and without delay.
As it turns out, his agent was either not listening, did not care, or just wanted to get rid of him as a customer, because she cancelled his auto policies as well. He spent the next week and a half operating a motor vehicle without insurance. You can also bet that had their been a loss, AMFAM would have denied the claim and hung him out to dry.
It apparently took over ten phone calls to the corporate offices of AMFAM in order to get the issue resolved; or so it seemed at the time. Prior to this cancellation his auto policies were paid by AFT (automatic funds transfer) from his checking account. It seems that both the corporate offices of AMFAM and the agent were not very diligent in getting things set back up correctly because NOBODY mentioned to him that the AFT was not restored. A little over a month later the carrier cancelled the policy again because of what they claim was non payment.
Where was the agent in all this? MIA. Even after speaking to her two weeks before the cancellation and telling her specifically to restore the AFT, she did not get it done; now, the carrier has basically told him, go find another insurance carrier - we really do not want your business.
To top it all off, he was talking to another agent about the problem, hoping to get it resolved and found out that his agent was spreading several lies about the matter, which could only be to cover her own ineptness.
Now to some of you, this is no big deal - I certainly am not what one might call an insurance company hater and I have defended them on numerous occasions but when you are mandated by state law to carry auto coverage, as an insurance company you do not cancel a policy without making damn sure that is what the customer wanted.
I have been with my carrier for over 20 years, I would have considered AMFAM but this episode certainly makes me pause, because if there is one thing that I demand as a consumer - its customer service and if you make a mistake (such as the agent did originally) you admit it and go on.
A friend of mine described the following ordeal he has experienced with American Family Insurance Company and it brought up the issue of customer service front and center. Back in May AMFAM apparently informed him that they were going to be increasing his rate; as it turns out the rate increase was over 60% from last year to this year. His homeowners policy was set to expire / renew on June 1, and they did not inform him of what the rate amount was going to be until approximately two weeks before its due date. You can be sure they had already invoiced the mortgage company for the money.
Like the rest of us, he was livid. With only one claim in his life on a home (amounting to less than a thousand dollars) there was little justification for that type of rate increase. As I am sure you would expect he started shopping the business. Within two days he had executed a new policy with a new carrier at a rate amount significantly less than what AMFAM wanted. He called his old agent and (listen carefully this is important) said the following "You are to cancel the homeowners policy effective immediately".
What part of that does anyone not understand? He is emphatic as to exactly what he said, and I have no reason to doubt him. If you made that statement to me I think even half drunk I would understand that you wanted the HOMEOWNERS POLICY cancelled immediately and without delay.
As it turns out, his agent was either not listening, did not care, or just wanted to get rid of him as a customer, because she cancelled his auto policies as well. He spent the next week and a half operating a motor vehicle without insurance. You can also bet that had their been a loss, AMFAM would have denied the claim and hung him out to dry.
It apparently took over ten phone calls to the corporate offices of AMFAM in order to get the issue resolved; or so it seemed at the time. Prior to this cancellation his auto policies were paid by AFT (automatic funds transfer) from his checking account. It seems that both the corporate offices of AMFAM and the agent were not very diligent in getting things set back up correctly because NOBODY mentioned to him that the AFT was not restored. A little over a month later the carrier cancelled the policy again because of what they claim was non payment.
Where was the agent in all this? MIA. Even after speaking to her two weeks before the cancellation and telling her specifically to restore the AFT, she did not get it done; now, the carrier has basically told him, go find another insurance carrier - we really do not want your business.
To top it all off, he was talking to another agent about the problem, hoping to get it resolved and found out that his agent was spreading several lies about the matter, which could only be to cover her own ineptness.
Now to some of you, this is no big deal - I certainly am not what one might call an insurance company hater and I have defended them on numerous occasions but when you are mandated by state law to carry auto coverage, as an insurance company you do not cancel a policy without making damn sure that is what the customer wanted.
I have been with my carrier for over 20 years, I would have considered AMFAM but this episode certainly makes me pause, because if there is one thing that I demand as a consumer - its customer service and if you make a mistake (such as the agent did originally) you admit it and go on.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Baseballs, they should be BANNED!
Since the Governor of Illinois wants to use the overtime session to implement some of his more dracoanian gun laws, I suggest the legislature also ban baseballs; because it is apparent after a minor league coach is killed by a line drive shot baseballs are too dangerous and we need governmental help in protecting ourselves.
Come on Gov, let's ban those nasty things........a kid has a better chance of getting clipped by a baseball in this state than he does of getting shot.
BAN 'EM I say and BAN 'EM NOW!
Come on Gov, let's ban those nasty things........a kid has a better chance of getting clipped by a baseball in this state than he does of getting shot.
BAN 'EM I say and BAN 'EM NOW!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Health Call
Men have historically avoided doctors, hospitals, clinics and other medical services. As a result, we have paid a huge price.
The number one killer of men is prostate cancer; and the statistics are even more sobering.
This year alone, more men will die of prostate cancer than women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
If you are 40 or older and have not had a prostate exam, I strongly suggest you take action. If diagnosed in its early stages, prostate cancer can be treated effectively, left unchecked you can be certain that your days on earth will be far fewer than planned.
The number one killer of men is prostate cancer; and the statistics are even more sobering.
This year alone, more men will die of prostate cancer than women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
If you are 40 or older and have not had a prostate exam, I strongly suggest you take action. If diagnosed in its early stages, prostate cancer can be treated effectively, left unchecked you can be certain that your days on earth will be far fewer than planned.
Horseing drunk
Police in Virginia arrested a man and woman for attempting to ride horses while intoxicated.
The couple, Eric Scott Kyff, and Laura J. Allen were reportedly arguing near the police depot Thursday, when police officers Lonnie Myers and Tim Chilton charged them with public intoxication, the Media General News Service said.
Kyff and Allen reportedly wanted to "travel home several miles by horseback to avoid drinking and driving," police told the Media General News Service reported.
Kyff even "took off along the railroad tracks" but didn't get far before Chilton stopped him, said a police spokesman.
The two where taken to the Culpeper County Jail where they were held until the morning. Their horses were also held and returned upon their release.
The couple, Eric Scott Kyff, and Laura J. Allen were reportedly arguing near the police depot Thursday, when police officers Lonnie Myers and Tim Chilton charged them with public intoxication, the Media General News Service said.
Kyff and Allen reportedly wanted to "travel home several miles by horseback to avoid drinking and driving," police told the Media General News Service reported.
Kyff even "took off along the railroad tracks" but didn't get far before Chilton stopped him, said a police spokesman.
The two where taken to the Culpeper County Jail where they were held until the morning. Their horses were also held and returned upon their release.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Tanished
When I think of baseball, many names come to mind - Reggie Jackson and he 3 home runs in game six of the '77 World Series; Rollie Fingers and his performance in the 1982 split season as a relief pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers; John Smoltz and his ability to move from his role as a starter to one of the best relief pitchers in baseball history and back again as a successful starter; and lest we forget the unfortgettable Harry Doyle (Major League).
I am sure you did not miss the fact that I did not name Barry Bonds. It is without a doubt that Barry Bonds has been a formidable player throughout his career. and up until the past few years his accomplishments have been without question. Fans, players and coaches alike may question his attitude, but his true abilities and accomplishments were without blemsih.
That is until the Steroid debacle arrived on the scene.
Bonds has had accusations levied against him of steroid use and I will admit that so far there is no evidence to suggest otherwise; that is, if you ignore the fact that a Federal Grand Jury hearing evidence that he (Bonds) had previously lied under oath about steroids.
No matter what the truth is, Bonds' reputation is now tarnished and when he breaks Hanks record, there will always be an asterick next to his name.
It could have all been avoided if he had just discussed the matter in detail several years ago. Admitting after the fact is never as good as coming clean (if he did use steroids) in the beginning.
I am sure you did not miss the fact that I did not name Barry Bonds. It is without a doubt that Barry Bonds has been a formidable player throughout his career. and up until the past few years his accomplishments have been without question. Fans, players and coaches alike may question his attitude, but his true abilities and accomplishments were without blemsih.
That is until the Steroid debacle arrived on the scene.
Bonds has had accusations levied against him of steroid use and I will admit that so far there is no evidence to suggest otherwise; that is, if you ignore the fact that a Federal Grand Jury hearing evidence that he (Bonds) had previously lied under oath about steroids.
No matter what the truth is, Bonds' reputation is now tarnished and when he breaks Hanks record, there will always be an asterick next to his name.
It could have all been avoided if he had just discussed the matter in detail several years ago. Admitting after the fact is never as good as coming clean (if he did use steroids) in the beginning.
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