Picking on Hillary

This past week the leading male contenders for the Democrat nomination for POTUS were picking on Hillary Clinton. Joining Obama, Edwards and Dodd was Tim Russert - one of the debate moderators.

Apparently asking Mrs. Clinton to actually answer a question is sexist. Hillary has made NOT answering a question an art - I've never heard anyone do it so easily. However, her constant use of this "technique" has given her away... it's like using someones name, use it once or twice in conversation and it sounds good. Use it in every sentence and it sounds planned and scripted.

It was an interesting moment when Tim Russert tried to clarify her answer on whether illegal aliens should be allowed to obtain drivers licenses. Instead of saying "yes, I believe they should" or "no, I believe they should not," she replied with "you know, Tim, this is where everyone plays gotcha."

Really? Asking if you are for, or against, a particular policy or issue is a gotcha question? I believe Hillary is attempting to have one foot in New York and the other one in every other state at the same time. I think she wants to get the support of every special interest group in the country and still pull the average Americans vote too.

Does anyone believe this woman is genuine? How does her support base (a large group too) look past all of her issues? I fail to see the draw to Hillary, but I don't believe asking her to actually answer a question is too much to expect from someone who wants to be POTUS.

President Hillary Clinton. She better get used to getting hammered in the national press - they're just getting warmed up.

TK

kMac

After years of buying iPods (Tom 3, Katie 1, Chris 2, Cam 1 and Jack 1 = 8), we finally bought an iMac for the house. It's the coolest thing ever and I haven't even upgraded to the new operating system.

It's actually not our first Mac... when we graduated from ASU we bought an original Mac and never took it out of the box. I sold it to my brother-in-law for the cash and used a PC that I got for graduation. Considering where my career took me it was best to be using a PC, but I always longed for a Mac. When the hard drive failed for the second time in a month on our home desktop - the Mac made sense.

The screen is so big, you could hide an entire terrorist camp behind it.

I was, and have been, worried about the compatibility of my software and hardware with the iMac. There were no challenges importing my music, photos and other documents after spending $150 on the Mac version of Microsoft Office.

My hardware (wireless router and printers) hooked up with almost no issues. My Xerox 6100 printer had a little hick up, but eventually we downloaded the driver that fixed the challenge. Other than that - we're good.

The one thing I love the most about our iMac is the one thing coming out of the back of it... a cord. One cord. That's it. The all-in-one iMac unit is truly a standard for the entire PC industry to emulate. The low-profile footprint compared to the screen size is amazing, but the one cord coming out of the thing blows me away.

With this type of product on the market it's no wonder Apple stock is at an all-time high, and with the holidays approaching, I predict $200 per share by the next quarterly earnings report.

Go Apple.

TK

Weis Makes Irish History

By losing to Michigan State today Charlie Weis took the program to a new level... low level that is. For the first time in school history, 119 years of playing football, the program is 0-4. Unbelievable!

Despite some good looking drives in the first half the boys just couldn't hang with the Spartans and were man-handled in the third and fourth quarters. Weis doesn't know what to do and I'm not sure what can be done. I can say this - Weis may not be the hero he was herald to be a few years ago.

Although the dial on the stove will be moving slowly... the heat is coming.

One thing that really bothers me about Weis is his mouth. If you watch a game you can't help but pick up on his nasty language. Now you may say that this is "big time" football; however I would assert that the University of Notre Dame deserves a couch that can communicate without using profanity.

Last year when the program was cruising along Weis was featured on 60 Minutes and in the first 90 seconds of the piece you get a glimpse of Charlie's vocabulary. Potty mouth. Well that may be normal in college football, but I bet I could find a number of successful coaches that don't speak to players, coaches and referees without dropping the F-Bomb.

Anyway I'm frustrated and I'm blaming the coach. Let's see what this week brings Charlie Weis.

GO IRISH!

TK

USA TODAY READS TOMKAUFFMAN.COM

I awoke early this morning and opened up USA Today only to read the headline on the front page of the sports section... the title read:

"Irish Eyes are NOT Smiling."

That's the exact title of a post I wrote over the weekend (see below) on the state of Notre Dame football of which I am a huge fan. You can imagine my shock that USA Today would steal MY headline. Although they lifted the title they failed to grab the premise of my post, which is that Charlie Weis could be in a huge hole by the time the leaves start to turn in South Bend and little ones come begging at your door for candy.

We'll see how things turn out for Chuck - but shame on you USA Today. Come up with your own headlines!

TK

Lack of Negotiation in US Politics

Have you ever been on an airplane and noticed the advertisements for the Karrass Negotiation Seminars? A few years back I had seen the piece so many times I decided to check it out and signed up for a class in Phoenix.

It was about a grand and lasted two days. I came away with two keys pieces of information that I use every day and will never forget.

1. Everything is NOT negotiable and 2. Win-Win is not a cliche, every successful negotiation, that will stand the test of time must have a win-win component.

That's what's missing in the American political debate. Both parties, and their fringe groups, want to engage in win-lose negotiation. When that's apparent in debate, the opposing side will always dig in their heels. Now we have some very well educated individuals running our congress so why haven't they applied the simple truths of a Karrass seminar?

Quite simply because they are in the spotlight, and if they don't attack, someone underneath them looking to gain ground will. Attacks attract sharks and media attention creates buzz and buzz leads to face-time. Face-time is what every unknown politician need to become known on capital hill. The noble gesture of serving in political office has been absent for more than a century...

To make the climate as hostile as possible the fringe groups who are willing to fight and demonstrate for their minority causes speak with a loud voice. Throw money behind a group like that and you have a monster that no politician can overcome. Rather than fight they embrace the monster - then become dependent on them for survival.

Win-Win negotiation requires that both parties are willing to let the other win - or at least feel as if they have won. This requires diplomacy, tact and a willingness to see the other persons point of view. None of this is happening in US politics.

The next person to enter the White House and hopefully the leadership positions in the congress need to attend a Karrass Negotiating event. Check them out at http://www.karrass.com/.

TK

Irish Eyes Are NOT Smiling

There is nothing Charlie Weis can say that will explain away the dismal 0-3 start the Irish have posted so far this year. Not only are they losing games, they just look like crap.

Jimmy Clausen isn't going to solve the challenges you see on the line, in the backfield or anywhere else. The hype Clausen brought to the program ended last week when he lost for the first time in four plus years of stepping on a football field.

I'm an Irish fan because I love the tradition of the program and the passion of the fans. The same emotion that makes ND fans exciting makes them demanding. My gut tells me that Charlie is only a loss away from being questioned in the media and questioned by the alumni.

I understand rebuilding a program (that's what I've been telling the people yanking my chain), but five fumbles? Let's get it together men.

Charlie you better figure something out quick - your record this season has you in the same league as Bob Davie... 0-3.

GO IRISH!

TK

Mormon Mission Provides Wisdom

I was reading an article in the Arizona Republic Friday about a young man who recently returned from a Mormon mission and is now playing football for UCLA. Apparently this guy is a solid quarterback and is looking to make his mark with the Bruins. I was impressed by the following quote from the article:

"Some people don't really quite understand what you do on a mission. You're not out there working out, improving as an athlete. Your focus is other people. That was my life for two years." Olson goes on to say, "I do believe I was able to gain experience and gain wisdom in other areas of life that I've hopefully been able to apply to the football field." Ben Olson

I should say so, before leaving for his mission Olson was a member of the BYU football team. Upon gaining much wisdom, and maturing mentally, he returned from his mission and quickly transferred from BYU to UCLA.

Was it a good decision... UCLA 27 BYU 17.

That would be a yes...

TK

Ready to Get Serious about Terrorism?

"Dude pass the hash-pipe"

I've been direct about my position on our troops fighting in Iraq, and the unique challenges there that make it almost necessary to fight the right way or get the hell out of the country.

Then tonight I read the transcript from the latest tape from Osama Bin What's-his-name... and I'm ready to kick some butt. Here's what he said regarding the two ways to end the war on terror (aka the war in Iraq):

"The first is from our side, and it is to continue to escalate the killing and fighting against you."

And the second...

"It has now become clear to you and the entire world the impotence of the democratic system and how it plays with the interests of the peoples and their blood by sacrificing soldiers and populations to achieve the interests of the major corporations."

The assumption being that our country and the freedom we enjoy now needs to come to an end... so either Islamic insurgents will defeat us in Iraq and around the world or we can simply all become Muslims and start saying our prayers five-times a day. Right.

This joker and what he's not joking about should have every able bodied individual in this country ready and willing to grab a weapon and defend ourselves against radical Muslims.

If this tape doesn't get the liberals in congress attention I don't know what will. Bin-Wacko isn't thinking or saying anything today he wasn't thinking or saying pre 9/11. He's just been putting his money where his mouth is with the absolute conviction we won't do anything to stop him.

What will stop him and his Islamofascist followers? The United States of America and a full-court press against him. United and full-court implies our elected officials stop politicizing this threat and start working together.

TK

No Peace - No Vacation

Once again President Bush has chosen to vacation while we have men and women dying in the Middle East. It makes me so upset, I can actually imagine myself chewing him out.

When our nation is at war, the commander in chief needs to be working around the clock. Relax in private - not in public. This is another error in judgement by this president and the people that advise him. Poor leadership was never more visible... except in the Iraqi Parliament.

TK

Liberal Nightmare - Dick Cheney is POTUS

Here's a headline on USA Today's website that's sure to scare the crap out of liberal democrats...

"Dick Cheney will be acting president tomorrow" According to the Associated Press:

"President Bush is scheduled to undergo a colonoscopy tomorrow, meaning that Vice President Cheney will be standing in while the commander in chief has what the White House describes as a routine procedure.

AP says the procedure will be performed at Camp David.

Back in 2002, Bush was out for about 2 1/2 hours during a similar exam, according to press secretary Tony Snow."

The only person worse than President Bush to the dems, and especially the fringe groups with loud agendas... Dick Cheney. (That's pronounced Cheeney according to Chris Matthews.)

Good luck Mr. President and get Mr. Cheney into a bomb shelter because if anything happens to President Bush or President Cheney (give him his two hours), Nancy Pelosi is next in line for the presidency and that is the real nightmare.

TK

Time for McCain to Take a Powder

It's time John McCain take a powder and drop his pursuit of the presidency.

If he were to back out and put his energy and connections behind the top republican who will be in the race by the end of the summer (Romney and Thompson), he have a lot less stress and enjoy a lot more popularity.

His position on immigration may have been right, or my have been wrong, but associating himself with extreme liberal democrats and such an unpopular president were political suicide. You may say "well he's a man of conviction." Fine - he'll remain a senator with his convictions and will never be able to display such convictions as POTUS. Someone in his campaign screwed up and should have been giving him better counsel.

The fact is the immigration bill was so full of holes that to stake a presidential candidacy on it was a telling lack of judgement. Iraq - same situation - it's such a hot topic that a more moderate position is called for if your running to take the job of the current commander and chief.

This is a pretty easy decision for McCain... just not pleasant. The campaign is in debt and and cash flow is tight. It would make sense for him to pay the bills he's got and walk away with a cool million for later political use.

He'll get all the attention he's getting now and more from the media. Best of all, every republican and some democrats will come courting and he'll be back on top of the world.

Let it go Mr. McCain and get behind Romney and Thompson early... don't play games with the dems or think independent.

TK

Listen to Me Now... Believe Me Later

Have you ever heard this phrase? I love it and cannot remember where I first picked it up (if someone reads this and I got it from you - call me!)

"Listen to me now and believe me later!"

I'm passing this along for you to use in your daily conversations at work, home and anywhere else where you'd like to make a pithy point. It works great with your kids... check this out:

"Listen to me now and believe me later, you get the weeds out of that garden or you'll be grounded for the rest of the summer!" I recently used this one to try and get my boys to clean up before the July 4th party we recently had. It didn't work... right away, but the believe me later finally kicked in this week after a few "play dates" were vetoed. The garden is now weed free - oh yeah. Listen to me now and believe me later - this phrase works!

I love whipping this out when people haven't heard it before. By the time they "get it" you've already delivered the second part of the statement (the point) and your target audience will already be agreeing with you.

Recently I made a comment about John McCain's presidential campaign and the fact that he doesn't stand a chance to win the republican nomination considering his stance on Iraq and his support of the failed immigration bill.

It went something like this... "Listen to me now and believe me later, Mr. McCain doesn't stand a chance and may not even make it to the first primary." The news this week for the senior senator from Arizona - fund raising is down, money is low and top advisers are out! (Later didn't take very long to materialize in this case.)

Well try this with your friends, business associates and especially at home with the children. I guarantee the first time you lay this on the kiddies their jaws will drop, they will look very puzzled and the first words out of their mouth will be "what did you just say?"

TK

Sharpton Does Hardball

What’s the connection between Chris Matthews and Al Sharpton? Aside from both being extremely religious… Sharpton hosted Matthew’s program "Hardball" this week and if anything solidifies the fact that Matthews is an extremely liberal democrat, picking Sharpton to host his show is it.

Here’s a review of the program: The “reverend” interviewed two liberal hacks, Howard Dean and Terry McAuliffe. Dean was flashing his famous “Joker” grin and telling “his holiness” how wonderful it is to be alive and be a democrat. McAuliffe brushed off Al’s concern over the fact that Mr. Obama raised 10 million more dollars in the second quarter than Ms. Clinton. Terry said no big deal, Hillary has enough money to win the primaries and the general election – it’s good to have money.

Next up, republican powerhouse candidate… Duncan Hunter. Mr. Hunter actually had good things to say, but what did Al want to talk about? Ann Coulter. Ann likes Duncan Hunter and instead of hearing Mr. Hunter's views Sharpton wanted to get the gossip.

Following Duncan Hunter was Chris Dodd, another presidential candidate and a democrat. Mr. Dodd makes sense and speaks very logically and forcefully about his position on Iraq. His position? Leave very quickly. Something I’ve called for the last 16 months. If the rest of Mr. Dodd’s colleagues could articulate their points without engaging in the “politics of hate,” they might be leading instead of destroying this country.

If Matthews was on vacation he couldn’t stand to be left out of limelight. At the end of this evening’s program the news broke regarding President Bush commuting the prison sentence of Scooter Libby… and Matthews was on the beach somewhere – he must have crapped his pants. He was back the next night and Reverend Al was given the hook. Good thing too, Sharpton was staring so intently at the teleprompter up close like that was freaky.

TK

Hillary Clinton and YouTube

No this is not Hillary Clinton... but make no mistake, Hillary will be singing at the top of her lungs when she becomes the nominee of the Democrat Party. As sharp as Senator Obama may seem, he just doesn't have the political capital that comes with having your husband be a former two-term president, even if he was a scuz bag.

More than that, Hillary is campaigning HARD and coming up with some pretty good viral marketing too. How good? She got ME to watch her YouTube video spoofing the Soprano's and I even went to her website to see what song she picked for her campaign anthem. (Celine's You and I, very moving.)

She is the candidate to beat from the red side of the aisle. My prediction for the upcoming presidential election... bloody.

TK

JFK on Taxation

Want to blow your fiscal mind? Listen to John F. Kennedy speak to the Economic Club of New York in 1963 on the topic of taxation and the American economy.

44 years ago JFK proposed that cutting taxes would grow tax revenues. Brilliant. Listen to him speak and you would think that you were listening to a conservative Republican president. Check it out at American Rhetoric.com.

If you've never been to this site I highly recommend it. Some of the most powerful words ever spoken can be read, heard and in some cases watched.

TK

Thompson's Speaks - People Listen

Fred Thompson spoke in Virginia this weekend and in contrast to President Bush, Mr. Thompson is a pleasure to listen to... and he makes sense too.

I'm not taking shots at the president, I'm expressing how much I enjoy hearing Thompson and his ideas... they resonate with me at a time when other candidates are simply "positioning."

Here's my suggestion to Governor Romney, my favorite pick, polish up your stump speech and start talking to people like it's your last shot to convince them to vote for you. Why? Because Thompson does it naturally.

Here's a fact - I've never seen Law and Order - not once. So I don't like Thompson because of a television character he's portrayed. I like him because he has the ability to communicate, and I would, as others have, compare him to Ronald Reagan.

I don't know about his personal life, but I'm sure we'll hear about it very soon. Until then, every Republican presidential candidate should be tweaking their strategy.

TK

Fred Thompson... Interesting

I like Fred Thompson.

He played an Admiral in the 1990 movie "The Hunt for Red October." Here's a great line he delivered from that film:

"This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we'll be lucky to live through it."

What a perfect description of the events taking place in the movie... and today's presidential politics.

The senator is going to run for POTUS and everyone knows it. Welcome to the race Mr. Thompson. With this heavy weight entering the ring I believe it will be much easier to distinguish the serious contenders from the rest of the pack.

Romney, Thompson, McCain and Giuliani are the top tier candidates and everyone else is just clutter. Evaluate Thompson and he instantly becomes one of the top two picks of conservatives. How? It's a simple process of elimination:

McCain - The Border
Rudy - Abortion

Enough said.

Here's another quote from Thompson's character in Red October... "Russians don't take a dump, son, without a plan. " You can bet your Confederate Dollar that this southern senator has a plan. He's been waiting in the wings and weighing his options. He'll come out swinging this summer. He's on the Republican ticket.

TK

Memorial Day 2007

As I've done the past few years I find myself thinking about our troops around the world this Memorial Day. The controversy in Iraq looms large and is on the minds of those of us who have served, those who have lost loved ones and in fact most Americans.

This is Section 60 in Arlington National Cemetery (one of the most powerful pieces of ground in this country), this is where we are burying our men and women who are dying in the middle east. I've walked for hours and hours in Arlington and I've covered this ground. I estimate a few thousand bodies have been laid to rest since I last visited the grounds with my 10 year old son Jack. Amazing.

As we head into the day I can't help but think that we need a "new plan." It's not our fighting men and women that's the problem - it's our politics. Democrats need to be exposed for the weak SOB's that they are - voting for funding the war, while opposing the war, is proof they have no principles. Look at the pork they stuffed into the bill...

I've said this before, I'll say it again, I don't want to see George W. Bush laughing in public. If we're at war, let's put on our war face and keep a serious tone in front of the national press and the world press. Stop taking vacations and "working at the ranch."

God bless our men and women fighting and keeping peace across the world. Give them the strength they need to stay sharp, stay honorable and be safe.

TK

Don't Mess with My God

It took Al Sharpton to get me past my "posting vacation." So much has been happening I could have written every day on any number of issues, but there I was... dormant. Then Al Sharpton questioned my belief in God and obviously my belief in Christ as well when he made a comment about Mitt Romeny.

Sharpton's comment regarding Governor Romney (a fellow member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), were reprehensible and proved, once again, that Sharpton is the real bigot and a racist, not the people he typically shakes down or calls for their head.

Here's his quote verbatim:

"As for the one Mormon running for office, those that really believe in God will defeat him anyway, so don't worry about that."

What an idiot. Who listens to this butt-head? Obviously not the mainstream press or they would have vilified him for his comments (just as he did Don Imus last month.)

As a Christian first, and a Mormon second, I've been personally offended. I do believe in God - the same God as all Christian men and women and I'm having a difficult time turning the other cheek. Don't mess with my God or my core beliefs.

If you want to debate the doctrine or question the historical past of my faith - go for it. It doesn't make a difference in what I believe. However question my relationship with God and my Savior Jesus Christ... now we have an issue.

Political expediency calls for Romney to let this one go. The fact is that Sharpton's gaffe may signal other idiots to just keep their mouth shut rather than risk the bad press that Sharpton clearly has dodged.

What is this clown the reverend of anyway - the church of the bad hair?

TK

Good Friday 2007

Being raised Lutheran, and learning more about Jesus Christ later in life, has always brought me special feelings about Holy Week… the last week of the earthly life of Christ.

The traditions of my past, enhanced by knowledge I’ve gained since gives me an understanding of the divinity of Christ and His ministry here on earth.

It is not like me to say or write things like this very often… I am more of a sinner than a saint, but that's exactly why the Gospel Christ resonates with me. It gives me hope, not only for this life, but for the life to come.

This very evening, over two thousand years ago, Christ sat down to His last supper, gave his disciples final instruction and then went into the Garden of Gethsemane and took upon Him the sins of all mankind. After experiencing incredible physical pain, and mental anguish, he arose from the garden only to be betrayed by his friend and then tortured throughout the night.

Friday he would be crucified, a hideous form of punishment, having his hands and feet nailed to a cross.

Sunday he would rise from the dead and change the world forever, even unto the very moment you read these words.

My knowledge helps me to understand these events, but the Holy Ghost (the same Being that provides the goose-bumps whenever I hear the truth), testifies to me that these events actually happened.

Good Friday to You!

TK

Pelosi in a Hijab - Unbelievable!

This is a sight to behold... the leader of the House of Representatives traveling to the middle east wearing a scarf submitting to the submissive requirements of middle eastern women - Unbelievable!

The truth is she looks like she fits in perfectly and I suggest she keep her weak-butt in Syria.

Personally, as an America Citizen, I'm appalled that she in any way represents me or my country. Her divisive politics, rhetoric and now her poor wardrobe selection makes me believe even democrats cannot stand this woman.

According to a New York Post article dated March 31st 2007, "Pelosi ignored requests from both the White House and State Department officials to scrap the trip as she set off on a junket to the Middle East, including Syria - designated by the United States as a state sponsor of ism."

Of course she ignored the requests... she's the Speaker of the House and she doesn't need to listen to the White House or the State Department. Especially if her defiance emboldens her politically to party fundraisers. Her verbal assaults on the President, his policies and his character are in line with other world leaders - those who happen to also be ISTS.

It won't be long before Speaker Pelosi literally tells the President to "shove it." She already thinks that way, expresses that to others in her "posse" so it will slip sooner or later and some journalist or news anchor will lead with it the next day!

How did the Syrians feel about having the person third in line to be President of the United States (and wearing a scarf) spend tens of thousands of dollars to come shoot the breeze? According to Stan Goodenough's April 04, 2007 article on the website Jerusalem Newswire "One veteran Middle East journalist reported afterwards that Syria was 'feeling very satisfied that this visit has gone ahead over the heads of the US administration and even of the president himself.'”

Wonderful. Embolden ist leaders by legitimizing them and defying the leadership of your own country. Who is this woman?

I am convinced that until this country unites behind one another, and we break the divisive lock that has us by the throats, our enemies with gain the high ground.

TK

Al Gore is Carbon Neutral? I Don't Think So

Al Gore is a dork - everyone knows this - including Democrats, so why take a verbal shot at him? Because he's a big hypocrite and he's about as carbon neutral as Chevron Oil.

What does Carbon Neutral mean anyway? Sound stupid to you - it is.

The same Al Gore that's being celebrated as some great conservationist uses an estimated 1000% more energy than the average American. He has one home in Nashville that uses 20 times more energy than the national average. His other homes... I bet they use a little more than the average too.

When Gore flies around the country speaking on the dangers of using too much oil do you think he flies commercial airlines or private jets? When he drives (or is being driven) do you think he rides in an economical hybrid vehicle or a beefed up Suburban that gets 11 miles to the gallon?

Gore claims to be Carbon Neutral by buying Carbon offsets. A carbon offset is a service that tries to reduce the net carbon emissions of individuals or organizations indirectly, through proxies who reduce their emissions and/or increase their absorption of greenhouse gases.

So basically in order to BE conservation minded... you simply need to have money. Al Gore isn't conserving energy more than anyone else in this country. Does he turn out the lights when he leaves a room - I bet he does... but he uses more energy than 99.99% of all Americans, in fact more than anyone else on the planet.

What makes this really awful? He talks about everyone else conserving and tells us the earth is dying because of our actions... and he doesn't walk the talk.

Gore's position is that the average American and American Business needs to do more to conserve, yet he'll keep living high on the energy hog. What's his contribution? Money. He'll give money to plant trees and build wind energy, but he won't ever change his habits.

Dork.

TK

FOX + CNN + MSNBC = CRAP

I made it home this evening and found the house empty...


My wife is running people around and it's just me and the dogs. So I started picking up my clothes from the week and I turned on Fox News since I knew the shows would be LIVE.

The term "show" is perfect for what I have watched in the last 45 minutes. Thank heavens it's coming to an end and I can watch a recorded episode of Frontline, Lost or 30 Rock - anything that comes close to being actual news and not the crap on Fox and the two others networks.

Sean Hannity is an idiot.

Tonight I watched him analyze the "Anna-Nicole-Who-Cares" story as if the intelligent people that should be watching Fox would really give a damn about that issue. During the report it was brought up that a full third of the American public are following this story. No joke - Hannity and Colmes, Nancy Grace, Keith Bloberhard, Anderson Cooper and all the rest of these shows LEAD with that story. What else do you expect.

That hard news on HC was at the end of the program... what do you put at the end of a news program? Answer - the information the viewer really wants to see! Fox knows that the majority of the people who watch their evening news programs want hard news and not gossip. Fair and Balanced? What is fair and balanced in the Anna Nicole Smith story - and who cares!

So why put it on? I'm not sure I know the answer... I wish that Fox News would quit reporting this crap. With so much happening in the world it is irresponsible to spend 35% of your air time on irrelevant gossip.

I'm turning off Fox. I've got to find another source of news and information.

TK

Romantic Film vs. Chick Flick

Recently I was debating someone over the topic of romantic film vs. "chick flicks." The argument... is a romantic movie the same as a chick flick?

My answer - absolutely not.

Romantic films have a broad appeal (meaning men will watch them and actually enjoy them.) Whereas a chick flick appeals only to women. Want an example? Thelma and Louise. I've never seen this movie, but I've heard about it. Here's a quote from a review I found on IMDB.com:

"It's a film about happiness, and how we can be kept away from it. And how women are supposed to just shut up and take whatever they are put through. It teaches you to never give up your dreams, live by your own example and take your life in your hands. We can't just sit around watching life pass by. And when you get the chance - take it. And never apologize for being you."

Disturbing...

Skip the analysis ladies. Romantic films are one of my favorite genre because drama, comedy and romance cannot exist without each other.. For your future viewing pleasure, here are 21 of my favorite romantic movies - that's right - 21.

1. Sabrina (New Version)
2. An Ideal Husband (Watch this multiple times to get the dialogue)
3. You've Got Mail (All-Time Favorite)
4. Bed of Roses (Roses with no thorns? Yep)
5. The Notebook (This movie will make you cry men)
6. Possessions (Very cool)
7. Someone Like You (Awesome)
8. Kate and Leopold (Very, very awesome)
9. They Way We Were (I really like this... seriously)
10. Somewhere in Time (Great music)
11. Chocolat (Great Music)
12. Forget Paris (I forget why I like this one)
13. An Affair to Remember (A classic)
14. Sleepless in Seattle (I like Seattle)
15. My Best Friends Wedding (Funny)
16. What Women Want (Hilarious)
17. Barefoot in the Park (?)
18. Down with Love (Edgy - not for kids)
19. While You Were Sleeping (Holiday classic)
20. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Hilarious)
21. Serendipity (I like that Kate what's her name)

These really aren't ranked in any particular order. I like each of these films and I could watch each of them at any time and be entertained. Now that I've exposed myself as a romantic, I think I'll tell my wife and then watch The Bourne Identity or something a little more masculine.

TK

My Muslim Experience

When I was 19 I lived in a small village outside of Adana, Turkey. The village was positioned next to Incirlik Air Base and I did a remote tour of military duty there for one long year of my life.

Shortly after arriving in Turkey I was moved off the base into a small village that boarded the installation. I lived in concrete house with no central heating or air conditioning. Many nights I needed candles for light when the electricity would cut in and out and it was either extremely cold or extremely hot.

I arrived in May and thought I had flown straight into Hell. My plane landed and I was stuck on the tarmac waiting for a bus for only 15 minutes before I came to the conclusion that I had arrived in the hottest place I had ever been - and I was from Arizona. In the summer months the only way to fall asleep was to take the coldest shower you could and then lay in bed with a fan blowing on you. Hopefully you didn't wake up in the night... if you did it was tough to go back to sleep.

Turkey was my first encounter with Muslim culture and I really didn't get what it was all about even though it was "happening" all around me. In this village there was a tall tower with speakers that would blare out calls to prayer at different hours of the day. Turkish soldiers roamed the streets with machine guns and almost everyone was named Mustafa. (The father of modern Turkey was Mustafa Kemal and his reward for leading Turkey into the modern era was to have the majority of male babies born after his death named in his honor.)

The people in this village lived in extreme poverty, and although I lived among them, I was only minutes from entering an American air base where instantly I had all the conveniences of modern society at my disposal. Clean water, good food, medical treatment, entertainment and the military equivalent of Wal-Mart! With these things at my disposal, I was free to think of other things... exercise, education, goals and dreaming of what I would do once my time in the military ended.

At work I did what everyone else on the base did - practice for war. Incirlik Air Base is a strategic location in the Middle East and fighter groups from all over Europe fly in, and fly out, practicing for possible missions. In recent years the various fighter groups that stage out of Incirlik have been running sorties in Iraq.

In the 369 days I lived in Turkey I never met a Muslim extremest, and never felt threatened to be an American living in a Muslim village. How times must have changed in that part of the world. I can hardly believe it's been over 20 years since I arrived and left that place.

One thing that does stick in my mind to this day... the poverty. I wonder how much fuel the extremest mentality garners from the absolute poverty some of these people experience during their formative years. A Pew Research Center Article documents a link between extremism and poverty (and so does a little bit of common sense.)

The answer... in another post.

TK

Who Voted for the Dixie Chicks?

I've been listening to country music since I was about 15 years old. Who was my favorite band? Merle Haggard and the Strangers. The first country album I ever bought was Alabama's debut, simply titled "Alabama." I was listening to Hank Williams Jr. before Monday Night Football ever discovered his rowdy approach to music and I have at least a dozen Chris LaDuex songs in my iTunes library.

So I know a little bit about country music and country music fans are a special culture. So I have a question - who voted for the Dixie Chicks the other night at the Grammys? I doubt they were country music fans or part of the country music culture. The fact is the voters for Grammy Awards are people in the music business. Not fans.

Is it possible that the "chicks" were the benefactors of a political statement by the Grammy voting base? Don't get me wrong, I like their music and can you help but get excited about their look and energy? They are special... but 5 Grammys? Their album wasn't a hit on the country charts so how could it have been THE BEST ALBUM of all the music that the Grammys encompass?

I believe it was a political statement by the Grammy voting base - and that means someone else got the shaft. That's a shame.

The incident that drove the DC's to country music outer darkness (and the top of the music world this week), was an issue of free speech. They can say anything they want about any topic they want from stage... however they can't demand their fans like what they say, not tell them to shove it up their skirts or not "boycott" their music.

Responding negatively and boycotting are a form a free speech just as slamming the president is a form of free speech. We are all subject to negative responses from the people around us when we say things they don't want to hear. Can we say such things - absolutely. Can we demand everyone be "okay" with what we utter - nope.

Sorry chicks, congratulations on the awards for what they are worth coming from other musicians that are politically like-minded, but too many of your previous fans are still not ready to make nice - with you.

TK

Is Hillary Clinton Attractive?

As the Democrats line up the best and brightest of their party I have to ask the question - is Hillary Clinton attractive?

There are a number of articulate, bright, clean and "nice-looking" candidates, but are they as attractive as Hillary? An attractive candidate to me is one that "gets me excited" and really "sparks my plug" when I hear them speak or see them on camera. I'm not sure Hillary does that for me, but what about other voters?

I took a poll in my office and asked my friend Jeff Nelson if he thought Hillary Clinton was attractive... he said NO really quick. As I turned to leave his office he said "are you okay man?" So that's proof there is some doubt as to the attractiveness of this candidate.

Who's more attractive? How about Helen Thomas... this woman could give Hillary a run for her money when it comes to attractiveness. Have you ever heard this woman speak? Her voice is like a soothing harp calling you to attention. Magnificent. If she wasn't an unbiased journalist, she'd make a great democrat candidate.

It's been said that to attract attractive people, you must become attractive. These two women must be surrounded by beautiful people. However, is that enough to be elected President of the United States of America?

What about Obama and that guy named Dennis with the strange last name? Are they attractive enough? The bar is being set pretty high and the bar is being set by the most attractive candidate of all - John Edwards. That's right, articulate, clean, bright, great looking and attractive. How attractive? Attractive enough to be John Kerry's VP selection in 2004. He couldn't stand next to Kerry without being the entire package.

I'm going to keep an eye on this race, in fact, with so many attractive candidates, I'm going to keep two eyes on it!

TK

Super Bowl XLI Prediction - "Colts Win!"

I'm predicting the Colts will be victorious Sunday and that the Bears will fall short this year of the Lombardi Trophy. Well the Bears are the underdog so you may think I've made an easy call, but too many people I've talked to say the Colts are going to get killed... That doesn't sound like an underdog position to me.

Here's my three reasons why the Colts will lift the trophy Sunday night:

1. Peyton Manning
2. Rex Grossman
3. Defensive strategy never has produced ultimate victory - Douglas MacArthur

1. Peyton Manning - This guy is a class act. I'm not a Colts fan, in fact, I'm not a fan of NFL Football. I'm a college football fan, but when you see positive things in the NFL you take notice. Peyton Manning is one of those positive "things" happening in a professional sport where money and negative attitudes get most of the headlines.

Peyton is due, Peyton is a great football player and Peyton is a good man. Finally, Peyton is going to shred the Bear's defense... he'll find the holes he needs to win.

2. Rex Grossman - Hot and Cold - end of story. I'm sure he'll do his best for the Bears, but his "best" has been very unpredictable. He's going down and his numbers won't be pretty Sunday.

3. The MacArthur Quote - Douglas MacArthur knew a thing or two about strategy and winning in the end. The Colts offense will out-perform the Bears defense.

The Colts and the Bears battling for the Lombardi Trophy. It doesn't get much better than that in the NFL.

I promise I will not take this post down even if my prediction is off - but it won't be - the Colts win this one by 14 or more points.

TK

PS - I wish the NFL would get rid of those Roman numerals! What is XLI anyway?

My Megan Turns Nine

My Megan turns nine today... and she is a beautiful, smart and spunky little girl who is loved by many many people!

Megan was born as an answer to many prayers by Katie and I for a little girl. We had mastered the whole little boy thing and we both wanted a little girl that would look just like her mommy and have her mommy's incredible personality. Megan was born and we got one out of two... (she has her mothers cherry disposition.)

Although a bundle of joy Meg has been known to rip her brothers to shreds. She packs a mean little (something) and has been known to make older brothers cry - sometimes just in absolute frustration over the fact that they can't touch her without their father throwing them out the second floor window. Megan has my protection and my love.

She is named after her two grandmothers... my mother's middle name is Pearl and "Megan" means pearl. Her middle name is Elaine which is the middle name of Katie's mother.

Happy Birthday Megan - we love you!

TK (AKA DAD)

24 is Back - Muslim Extremists Beware

I know someone is going to see this post and wonder what I must be thinking with this photo... it's a little on the edge, maybe over the edge, but it does sum up the Jack Bauer character and what I believe every red-blooded American loves about this show. Frankly, we've had it with extremist groups and we're ready to kick some butt.

We're sick of our fighting men and women being blown up, kidnapped and beheaded. Were done being handcuffed by international bodies that want their butt's covered by the United States military, but won't take a stand against Muslim extremist groups raising hell all over the place.

I was listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio last week discussing this season of 24 (he's apparently previewed a number of episodes), and he is pumped about this program. According to Rush, the first four episodes each have scenes that will blow your mind and make you think "did they really just do that?" Let's hope they send Jack to Baghdad in the first hour to kick some... well you know what!

Welcome back Jack - and bad men everywhere - better watch your six - and overhead too.

TK

The Iraq Speech

President Bush came before the nation this week and gave his assessment of the situation in Iraq. The talking heads are eating it up... I actually heard Chris Matthews tell the few million people watching MSNBC that he (Matthews), is more intelligent than President Bush. If that's so, Mr. Softball should have given the speech himself.

I wrote on the topic of Iraq last year. On February 27, 2006 I made the following comment:

"Nothing of true value ever comes from demand. The Bush White House cannot demand democracy for Iraq. The American Military cannot demand it for Iraq. It has to be earned by the people... OF IRAQ. They have to want it, fight for it and die for it. It's time to make these things clear to the people of Iraq, and then, it's time to go."

I stand behind this statement and finally the president is making the same demands of the Iraqi Government:

"I have made it clear to the Prime Minister and Iraq's other leaders that America's commitment is not open-ended. If the Iraqi government does not follow through on its promises, it will lose the support of the American people — and it will lose the support of the Iraqi people. Now is the time to act. The Prime Minister understands this."

George W. Bush

If these people want peace, prosperity and democracy - let them lay their lives, and the lives of their loved ones on the alter... America is doing so, and will continue to do so, but as the president has now said, "America's commitment is not open-ended."

TK

Hope...

In all of cinema, the final conclusion of only a few films have really moved me. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is one, and "Saving Private Ryan" is another. My favorite though - "The Shawshank Redemption."

Most great films are filled with great dialogue and screen writers never get the credit they deserve. This movie, though dark in places, really is about hope... enduring hope. As the film comes to an end here are my two favorite lines...

"Hope, is a good thing, maybe the best of things... and no good thing ever dies."
Andy Dufresne - The Shawshank Redemption

"I hope I can make it across the border, I hope to see my friend and shake his hand, I hope the pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams... I hope."
"Red" Redding - The Shawshank Redemption

You've got to see this movie to appreciate the lines and to see the ending to "get" the impact. A really great film should "move" you. Laugh, cry, be inspired - you name it - great movies make you think. This is a great movie.

As 2007 takes shape I hope... I hope for more peaceful times in the world and in our country. I hope for health and prosperity for my family and friends. I hope for inner peace and strength for the people I love who are growing old. I hope for a miracle with my autistic daughter. I hope I can be forgiven for my trespasses, and hope I can forgive others sooner rather than later. Finally, I hope I can be the man my God, my wife and my family needs me to be.

Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things...

TK

Mitt Romney - POTUS 44

Get a good look at this guy... Mitt Romney is the man that can lead this country to great things and I believe unite us in the process.

Mr. Romney has been governing the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the last four years and has done incredible things in that state. Check out a video on his website and you can get a good look at this gentleman. When you learn what he's done in Massachusetts and hear him speak - I know you'll sense something special.

Are you looking for someone who can lead without alienating half the voices in this country? Someone who can get you excited about participating in the political process? If so, than Mitt Romney is your Republican candidate for President of the United States. Make no mistake, Mitt Romney is different.

If you've looked at other candidates and settled for whoever turns you off the least. If you've waited to get involved only after the primaries have selected the final choices because you don't think you can make a difference. Don't do that any more.

Every few decades this country gets someone special to run for president - this is one of those times. Get behind Governor Romney with your money, with your time and with your vote.

2008 starts today...

TK