Two Bits Media of Kansas City

Sugar Creek Mayor Says Who Cares About Our Residents? They Are Just People...

2007-07-08T23:08:00.000-06:00

...[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........07.09.07............
Sugar Creek is following the Independence and local area tradition of stealing residents homes through an act called "eminent domain." The city wants to purchase 57 houses and 15 commercial buildings in order to develop a 40 acre retail and housing project. All they have to do is declare the area blight, and the eminant domain possibility is there. One resident said their house was declared "blighted" because the city didn't repair a pothole in the street next to their driveway. Mayor Stan Salva says the decision is clear: Taking the land from these people would create tax revenue for the city. Who cares about the residents?

Republican Candidates Do Not Understand Health Care Problems

2007-07-08T20:21:00.000-06:00

.........07.08.07............Republican candidates are still touting a "tax incentive" to help consumers buy insurance. They are calling this "health care overhaul." This will NOT help the poor who do not have the money in the first place. When will the Republicans get it? Just this lack of understanding on the part of the Republicans may be enough to make me start looking for a good Democratic candidate.

Kansas City Renters Beware

2007-06-29T21:17:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........06.29.07............
Kansas City offcials have recommended that the city manager move forward with a proposed rental housing program. The full council will debate the measure. It will require the city to license and monitor rental properties. Stephen Summers, a real estate investor said "I feel betrayed by the city of Kansas City. We're not buying any more properties in Kansas City. We're getting squeezed to death, regulated to death. Councilwoman Cathy Jolly said that residents are "tired of living next to blight, of living next to trash...." The end result of this will be, like Stephens, investors will stop buying homes and buildings to rent. And rents will have to go up to cover the expense the city is going to place on current landlords. Council people like Jolly don't care. They don't have to rent.

Kansas Senator Sam Brownback Speaks at National Right to Life Convention

2007-06-16T23:45:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek.........06.17.07............Kansas Senator Sam Brownback spoke at the National Right to Life Convention in Kansaa City on June 15. "Abortion in America is the greatest moral crisis of our day," he said. He said that as many as 90 percent of fetuses diagnosed with Downs Syndrome are aborted. "America is poorer for this. We are at our best when we help the weakest. To kill them makes us all the poorer." He added, "We will not stop until we're done winning the contentious decades long fight over the issue."

Mitt Romney Speaks at National Right to Life Convention in Kansas City

2007-06-16T20:35:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek
.........06.16.07............Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney told a crowd of anti-abortion activists in Kansas City that his previous abortion rights position was wrong. "I was wrong," said the former Massachusetts Governor. "I proudly follow a long line of converts: George Herbert Walker Bush, Ronald Reagan, and (former Senator) Henry Hyde," he said of other politicians who had switched from favoring abortion rights to opposing them. "I'm evidecne that your work, your relentless campaign to promote the sanctitiy of human life bears fruit."

In Memoriam: Kelsey Smith

2007-06-06T21:57:00.000-06:00

Richard l Zorek [c]2007 I heard the news over the weekend of an abuction of an 18 year old young lady who had just graduated from Shawnee Mission West a couple weeks ago. I saw repeatedly the video of her at the Target store in Overland Park and the abduction that was caught on tape. She was young, pretty, energetic, and out buying a gift for her boyfriend with the wrapping paper to boot. Over the next few days, I watched the media coverage showing the great interest in finding her from volunters in the community. From people who knew her to complete strangers. Having driven a school bus out of Shawnee Mission West as a sub driver a few times, I felt empathy and certainly prayed that they would find her alive. I mean, for what reason would God have to take someone like her so young? I went to the Target parking lot today where a command center had been set up and they were still wanting volunteers for an effort to find her. I got there, though, just as the news was breaking that a body had been found. I recognized some students from Shawnee Mission West High School, though not by name, but I especially noticed the comraderie and then the tears as the news started to spread. What a great testimony to prayer would it have been had she been found alive!!! But we won't know now. It may be one of the "why" questions I may have when I see God some day. But I can truly testify of the love there was for Kelsey. And I can truly testify that a whole city mourns today because of the efforts of many of them.

Random Bytes: Independence, Flooding, Wizards, Alexas law, Punishing Looters.

2007-05-09T21:36:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........05.09..07............Bars in Independence were busy Monday as residents were told to "don't drink the water." They could after they boiled it, but who wants a drink of hot water?.............An old man with a cane was seen wandering through the neighborhoods of Kansas City rounding up animals for what he referred to as an "ark." That may explain the flooding in the area in spite of what Katie Horner or Karli Ritter say..............It was revealed this week that the yellow brick road leads to Sprinfield, Mo. That is where the grandson of L Frank Baum lives, the great grandson of the writer of "The Wizard of Oz."...........Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed into law "Alexas Law," which would make it legal for prosecuters to charge someone if the death of a fetus occurs during an assualt of a pregnant female. Pro-abortion supporters were upset because "it just messes with our whole argument."............Seven people were charged with looting in Greensburg, Kansas after the recent devastating tornado. For punishment, they should have to drink hot boiled water, not be allowed on the ark, be forced to watch the Diana Ross version of the Wizard of Oz for two days consecutively, and then be aborted. At least that's the way I heard it..........

Random Bytes: Don Imus, President Pelosi, Larry Birkhead & Sanjaya

2007-04-11T23:24:00.000-06:00

......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........04.12.07............
Contrary to popular belief, Don Imus is still alive, at least for now. That was revealed after it was reported he made some crude racial comments on his show last week. MSNBC pulled the plug on the simulcast after someone told them that his show was being broadcast on their network..............The Senate has passed another bill for stem cell research which is destined to be vetoed by President Bush. The Senate waited until Nancy Pelosi got back from her self-appointed job as President in the Middle East to see if they couldn't get it by her without a veto..................The Pentagon is offering financial bonuses for miltary men to stay in the service. Defending our countries freedom is now a lucrative position.............Larry Birkhead is the dad of Dannie Lynn, according to the DNA results. The results also showed he is also the dad of Angelina Jolie's adopted baby, Katie Holmes new baby, and Sanjaya Malakar.................The house once lived in by Johnny Cash went up in a ring if fire this week.............And Sanjaya did not go up in a cloud of smoke on American Idol, but survived another week. At least that's the way I heard it........

From the "This Was Inevitable" File.....Where is Society's Newly Created Leper Going to Go?

2007-04-06T20:25:00.000-06:00

MIAMI (By JOHN PAIN, Associated Press Writer)
- Five convicted sex offenders are living under a noisy highway bridge with the state's grudging approval because an ordinance intended to keep predators away from children made it nearly impossible for them to find housing.

Some of them sleep on cardboard raised slightly off the ground to avoid the rats. One of the men beds down on a pallet with a blanket and pillow. Some have been there for several weeks.

The conditions are a consequence of laws passed here and elsewhere around the country to bar sex offenders from living near schools, parks and other places children gather. Miami-Dade County's 2005 ordinance — adopted partly in reaction to the case of a convicted sex offender who raped a 9-year-old Florida girl and buried her alive — says sex offenders must live at least 2,500 feet from schools.

"They've often said that some of the laws will force people to live under a bridge," said Charles Onley, a research associate at the federally funded Center for Sex Offender Management. "This is probably the first story that I've seen that confirms that."

The five men under the Julia Tuttle Causeway are the only known sex offenders authorized to live outdoors in Florida, said state Corrections Department spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger.

"This is not an ideal situation for anybody, but at this point we don't have any other options," she said. "We're still looking. The offenders are still actively searching for residences."

But she conceded a point that many experts have made: This "is a problem that is going to have to be addressed. If we drive these offenders so far underground or we can't supervise them because they become so transient, it's not making us safer."

County Commissioner Jose Diaz said he had no qualms about the ordinance he created.
"My main concern is the victims, the children that are the innocent ones that these predators attack and ruin their lives," Diaz said. "No one really told them to do this crime."

The men must stay at the bridge between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. because a parole officer checks on them nearly every night, Plessinger said.

They have fishing poles to catch food, cook with small stoves, use battery-powered TVs and radios and keep their belongings in plastic bags. Javier Diaz has trouble charging the GPS tracking device he is required to wear; there are no power outlets nearby.

The whoosh of cars passing overhead echoes loudly under the causeway, which runs over Biscayne Bay, connecting Miami and Miami Beach.

About 100 feet away are the bay's blue-green waters, where a family with young children played in the water this week. In the near distance, luxury condominiums rise from the coastline.

Javier Diaz said he and the other men fear for their lives, especially because of "crazy people who might try to come harm sex offenders."

The five committed such crimes as sexual battery, molestation, abuse and grand theft. Many of the offenses were against children. The state moved the men under the bridge from their previous home — a lot next to a center for sexually abused children and close to a day care center — after they were unable to find affordable housing that did not violate the sex-offender ordinance.

Twenty-two states and hundreds of municipalities have sex offender residency restrictions, according to a California Research Bureau report from last August.

Random Bytes: Rolling Stones, Metallica, Love, Knight Rider, and Jesus Obama

2007-04-03T20:34:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........04.03.07............The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards confessed that he snorted cocaine with his father. His father was dead already, though, and what Richards snorted was cocaine with his dads cremated ashes. Street value of cremated ashes has now increased...................The parents of a baby in Sweden are fighting to have her named Metallica, after the heavy metal band. Swedish officials declined the name because of it. Had they been in America, we name kids all kind of questionable names like Dweezil, Moon Unit, and Rosie O'Donnell..............It's spring! Time for Love American Style: Domestic shootings in Washington and Atlanta this week. Doesn't love mean never having to say "reload?"...................Kitt, the talking car from the 80s TV show, Knight Rider, is for sale for about $149,000 in California. Not a surprise considering that gas is almost $4 a gallon there. Even Kitt can't talk himself out of that price..............A Chicago Art School student has created a statue of Jesus that looks a lot like Barack Obama. in fact, it is supposed to. Didn't the Democrats promise they would walk on water if they got control of the Senate?. At least that's the way I heard it...............

Random Bytes: Funkhouser, Green Water, Rockhurst, Star Wars & Pot

2007-03-26T22:23:00.000-06:00

.[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........03.26.07............
Tommorrow people will vote for a new mayor in Kansas City: Funkhouser vs Brooks. Brooks is upset because Funkhouser visited what Funkhouser referred to as "average residents in the black side of town" because Brooks is relying on the vote from the "average residents in the black side of town." ......................North Kansas City homes have been told that the green water isn't harmful. "It's OK for average residents from the green side of town to drink it," water department officials said.............................Students from Rockhurst spent the night sleeping in cardboard boxes and then will spend the week eating rice and beans in order to draw attention to the plight of the homeless in Kansas City. If it doesnt draw attention to them, then the smell may drive them out of the area....................Star Wars "R2D2" mailboxes will be showing up around the Kansas City area just in time for "The Force" to take all your tax money....................An Independence man shot at an animal control officer last week. It turns out that he was growing marijuana in his basement. The animal control officer arrested the two pit bulls for possession. At least that's the way I heard it.......

Freedom of Religion vs Freedom From Religion: Never These Paths Should Cross

2007-03-23T23:04:00.000-06:00

.......03.24.07....[C]2007 by Richard L Zorek........It was Pearl S Buck who is quoted as having said, "When men destroy their old Gods, they will fimd new ones to take their place."

I am reminded of that as I have read some of the dialogue on various internet blogs in light of the Kansas City Star's publication of the articles about First Family Church written by Judy L Thomas. The articles did not deal with any theological issues of the church, but largely suggested a lot of financial irresponsibility on the part of its leader, Dr Jerry Johnston. As I have said before many times, I cannot defend or not defend the allegations. The articles left a lot of questions unanswered and left a lot of possibilites which will have the blanks filled in by the imagination of whoever is reading it and however they want it to be understood. And there is wide variety of "imaginations" who are offering their opinions.

I, of course, believe in free speech and free press. But, I also believe in the freedom to question that motivation. Why would the KC Star include the information that Judy L Thomas is a member of the Methodist Church of Resurrection? A moot point considering the focus of the article. Not if the Star wished to fuel a "war" between the two congregations which are far apart from each other on the political and doctrinal extremes. Thomas, as I wrote in an earlier article, is the co-author of a book (Wrath of Angels) which basically suggests that anti-abortion activists are violent because of frustration (She lived in Wichita during the time when "Operation Rescue" was very active in the area). Johnston, of course, is an outspoken leader against abortion in the Kansas City area. Though none of these things were mentioned in the article, it just wreaks of a suspicious motive. However, imagine the Star articles working to the real extreme and First Family Church is dissolved (not likely, of course, but what if?). Will that stop the "anti-abortion" movement? No, of course not.

Extinguish ones church leader and they will find another. At least as long as freedom of religion remains free in America. To me, that is what is at issue with the article. Those who are not part of First Family Church, nor believe as they do, jump on the bandwagon to see it "exposed." What, then, will stop another writer with another agenda from exposing your church or religion for whatever they wish to "expose?" Let him who is without sin cast the first stone? Or, he who lives in a glass house....... This is where the ground becomes dangerous and the need to proceed needs to be with utmost caution.

Random Bytes: Soda, Wolfgang Puck, John Edwards, Bill Clinton, and Sanjaya

2007-03-22T21:45:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........03.22.07............
A report in the Academy of General Dentistry Journal reports that if you put your teeth in soda for 48 hours, it will damage the enamel. So, do not swim in your Mountain Dew..............................Wolfgang Puck has made a change in his restaurant menus and will only serve animals that have been treated humanely while they were alive. This allows them to be fried with dignity.................Democratic candidate John Edwards is pressing on with his campiagn in spite of his wife's recurring cancer. He is a congressman, so, of course, he and his wife have health care........................Simon and Schuster plans to publish a book about Bill Clintons favorite subject, entitled "Wrestling History: The Bill Clinton Tapes." It includes intimate interviews with Clinton while he was in the White House. The steamy illicit sex scenes were deleted, so the book is very short........................ and hell froze over while Sanjaya survived another week on American Idol. At least that's the way I heard it.................................

Random Bytes: TIF Audits, President Bush, and the "evil" Mennonites...

2007-03-21T21:05:00.000-06:00

....[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........03.21.07............Mayor Kay Barnes is upset about the TIF report from the auditors office indicating a $233 million shorfall in revenue. Candidate Funkhouser, who was the auditor, started the audit and it was finished by acting city auditor Gary White. Mayor Barnes now wants the auditors office audited to weed out numbers that are not loyal to her agenda...................President Bush came to Kansas City and toured the Ford Plant in Claycomo and the General Motors plant in Fairfax. He applauded efforts to use ethanol, which is made from corn seed. He suggested that it would be great if fuel could be developed from wood chips or switchgrass. I think it would be a boost for everyones economy if fuel could be developed from dandelions.................Missouri is chasing the Mennonites out of the state by enacting laws which force everyone to have a picture ID on a license. Mennonites do not believe they should photograph themselves as it is a "graven image." The law is designed to make people more secure although it is not clear how the Mennonites threaten Missouri or how the increase in Kansas City gang warfare would be decreased if all the gang members had photo IDs. At least that's the way I heard it..........

Random Bytes: KCI Airport, Lenexa, Extreme Makeover, Funkhouser vs Brooks

2007-03-12T23:41:00.000-06:00

.....[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........03.13.07............Kansas City International Airport has a new piece of art called "Strange Attractor of Kansas City," designed to suggest future travel through "wormholes or time machines" as concieved through the illustrations of Stephen Hawking. It was not announced what the cost of wormhole travel will be or if there will be first class and coach time travel..................Lenexa also has a work of art located near 87th street and I-35. It is called "Lenexas Wormhole". That name sounded more creative than "Bridge With No Purpose." Designers say it originally had a purpose and was to connect with 75th street, but the budget didnt have enough money to complete it and may not be completed until 2011. Until then, it is a wonderful display of concrete engineering which will probably need to be rebuilt by 2011 in order to meet safety standards...................ABC's Extreme Makeover is building a house in North Kansas City. They originally were brought here by a tearful request from Mayor Kay Barnes to build a new stadium for the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, the Penguins renegotiated with Pittsburgh and will stay there. So, the Jacobos family from North Kansas City were next on the list and got a visit from Ty Pennington and the crew on Sunday morning. "Wake up, Mayor Barnes and Penguins," Ty yelled, but quickly realized he had the wrong script and corrected himself. Ty said he thought it seemed like kind of a small neighborhood for a hockey stadium. The Jacobos have twelve people living in the house, though, so Extreme Makeover may need to build a stadium anyway. If they can't build a big enough house, the Sprint Center is available and Mayor Barnes is offering free rent........................Mark Funkhouser and Al Brooks held a small debate/forum for the Latino community at the Guadaloupe Center. Neither speak Spanish and never understood any of the questions. At least that's the way I heard it..... ........

Kansas City Inquirer...for Inquiring Minds??

2007-03-11T21:25:00.000-06:00

[c]2007 by Richard L Zorek

........03.11.07....Judy L. Thomas has been a reporter for The Kansas City Star since 1995. She previously worked for the Wichita Eagle. Among various subjects, her specialty has been covering issues to do with abortion and and what she refers to as "right-wing extremist groups." Thomas won a national Society of Professional Journalists award for her series, "AIDS in the Priesthood.'' She is the co-author (with James Risen) of "Wrath of Angels: The American Abortion War," which was published by BasicBooks in 1998. Basically, it is one of many tiring books from the left about the right and tries to add another uneducated theory on what makes "the religious right" work, but fails to explain who or what this "religious right" is. The books conclusions suggest that such people (or at least the active anti-abortion activists) are all prone to violence because of frustration. L Brent Bozell (Media Research Center) wrote of her "AIDS in the Priesthood" article "Accuracy wasn't the point of Thomas' Kansas City Star article, overthrowing traditional catholicism is." He based his opinion on her bias on her books and past writings which clearly indicate her anti-right, anti catholic bias. It appears to be a passion of hers to actively undermine anything she believes is pro-abortion, pro-catholic, and just clearly doesnt share her leftist views. One of her latest attacks is on Pastor Jerry Johnston of First Family Church in Overland Park and an "expose" on current and past fiscal responsibliity with debts and the IRS. Though I cannot defend or not defend any allegation, I have to wonder why the Kansas City Star passes off such articles as non-bias "investigative journalism" when clearly Thomas has no "unbias" objective. Pastor Johnston is very outspoken against the issue of abortion, among other issues. Is the Kansas City Star going to become the "Kansas City Inquirer?"

Random Bytes: Penguins, Lesbians, Kansan

2007-03-07T22:56:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........03.07.07............Officials in Kansas City have offered the Pittsburgh Penguins free rent if they relocate to KC. Officials? OK, it is Mayor Kay Barnes who has never minded trying to improve the city while passing the expense to its residents. The Penguins are also looking at Las Vegas. As long as Barnes is in office, though, the Penguins gamble in KC are probably more favorable with unlimited stakes..................A couple engaging in overtly sexual activity were asked to leave a IHOP (International House of Pancakes) in Grandview by the manager because the restuarant is a "family establishment" and the activity was innapropriate after several complaints. The couple claims "discrimination" because they were lesbian. Apparently being overtly sexual in public is wrong unless you are lesbian...................Kansas is moving a bill through the Senate to make "English" the offical state language. The orginal bill has designated "Kansan" as the state language. At least that's the way I heard it...

John Edwards vs Ann Coulter

2007-03-04T21:19:00.000-06:00

[c]2007 by Richard L Zorek........03.04.07.........A blog on John Edwards website included these comments by Edwards:

John Edwards on Ann Coulter's Comments

3/03/2007 at 5:22 PM EST

John Edwards released the following statement today:

Ann Coulter's use of an anti-gay slur yesterday was un-American and indefensible. In America, we strive for equality and embrace diversity. The kind of hateful language she used has no place in political debate or our society at large. I believe it is our moral responsibility to speak out against that kind of bigotry and prejudice every time we encounter it..

As reprehensible as he is suggesting it was, it seems to me that instead of really distancing himself from it, he instead is trying to make money off of it....and raise what he is calling "Coulter Cash." He also refers to Coulter as a "Republican mouthpiece", which I find offensive. Coulter is a conservative....very few Republicans are conservative. A lot of the follow-up comments on the blog, of course, were anti-Coulter (nothing new, of course), but, as usual, they applaud free speech...except the free speech that they disagree with. I think, in line with Coulters joke.......it appears the liberals really do think she needs to go into rehab now. Her actual response to critcism was even better: Ms Coulter's response to the Republican criticism in an e-mail message: "C'mon, it was a joke. I would never insult gays by suggesting that they are like John Edwards. That would be mean."

Barack Obama's Uncertain Faith

2007-03-01T18:27:00.000-06:00

[c]2007 by Richard L Zorek

Barack Obama's "faith" is based on uncertainty. He believes it is important, mostly as a means to make one feel good about themselves and wanting to help other people. John Smith, a pastor from Loveland, Colorado, is quoted on Obama's webpage as saying "the number one thing about being a Christian" is "caring for people." So why can't Obama get the endorsement of American evangelicals? Because "caring for people" is a part of what Christianity is all about, but it is equaled to "Love the Lord they God with all thy heart, mind and soul." What they do not understand is that without both working together, the end result bears little lasting fruit. This is the part that bothers the liberal left politicians and the liberal church. Bringing a dialogue about "faith" and "caring" is really convictionless. It can mean so many things and it can mean everything. It is the subject of Jesus that separates the sheep from the goats and the real Christians from the psuedo-Christians. Obama is a pseudo-Christian who offers a "faith" message that is not much different than a good motivational speaker or Amway dealer. It may offer a lot of good feelings but it won't produce what real Christianity should produce: real love.

Kansas City Mayoral Election 2007

2007-02-26T22:34:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by Richard L Zorek.........02.26.07...........Mayoral candidate Alvin Brooks says as mayor of Kansas City he will create "quality, high paying jobs for everyone" in order to combat crime. Creating the high paying job and getting someone to pay for it are two seperate issues..............John DiCapo promises to "change the face of city hall." In other words, the name-plate will change from "Barnes" to "DiCapo"................Chuck Eddy promises to "consolidate the behind the scenes jobs at the Police Department." So, instead of two janitors, there will only be one. ....................Janice Ellis says that "every child deserves to live in a neighborhood that is safe and has sidewalks to ride a bicycle on." Apparently, criminals tend to shy away from neighborhoods with sidewalks for fear of stepping on a crack...........John Fairfield's website says he should be mayor as we enter into what is "arguably" the most important time in our cities history. Arguably? Is there some kind of argument going on in some time warp? .................Mark Funkhouser says Kansas Citians want "smooth road and sidewalks...clean city parks....and transportation choices...." among other things. That doesn't mean you'll get it if he is elected, but he knows you want it. I'd like the high paying quality job myself...............Stan Glazer wants to bring "acountability back to city government." So has every other mayoral candidate in the last few decades...............Jim Glover was opposed to city salary raises and worked to stop them when not necessary. Obviuously "quality high paying jobs" isn't his priority. He also says that "vacant and dangerous properties should be sold to individuals and community development corporations." Can you spell "eminent domain?"...................Henry Klien says he will "confront the criminals who threaten our well being." Unless he is really good with a gun, is term is expected to be short................Becky Nace wants to improve "maintenance" in neighborhoods. A snow plow in every garage?................Albert Riederer believes that "all children should have access to a computer and internet in their home." Bill Gates is funding his campaign...............Kathryn Shields wants to develop a Preventative Mantenance program to fill potholes before they happen. Basically, stay off the road when it's rainy, or snowy, or sunny and hot.

Random Bytes: Panhandling, Chiefs, Mayoral Elections...

2007-02-15T19:55:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........02.15.07............If passed, a new ordinance would prohibit panhandling in Kansas City, Missouri. Would the timing of such an ordinance affect fundraising for the upcoming Mayoral election????????.......A naked sledder was seen at Shawnee Park during this last snowstorm. A parent got a license number as he fled in a jeep. It is not clear how the parent will identify him in a police line-up..........Kansas City Chief Jared Allen will serve a couple days in jail for DUI. The conviction makes him a certified memnber of the NFL..................Cleveland Chiropractic College plans on moving it campus to Overland Park. Clearly, a move that will bring a lot of backbone to the area...... ..........Mayoral candidate Mark Funkhouser was the subject of some negative post cards sent out to Brookside area voters. The cards claimed he would cut health care for the poor. They were sent anonymously, but Funkhouser wasted no time accusing some of the other candidates, and condemned "negative" campaigning, while in the same breath claiming one of them is a "gutless liar."

Anna Nicole Smith: Tragedy Begets Tragedy

2007-02-14T21:04:00.000-06:00

......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........02.14.07........

The death of Anna Nicole Smith was tragic regardless of the circumstances. One of the tragedies in her death was that her child, Dannielynn, has lost her mother. Howard K Stern and Larry Birkhead both claim to be the father. The comes Prince Frederic von Anhalt, who in my opinion is just a publicity seeker and will absolutely not be found to be the father. It is no coincidence that he cowardly waited until Anna Nicole is dead before he came forward. And every day a few more rumors of other "fathers' come up. And then there's an estranged mother who had a bad relationship with Anna Nicole. The interest? Seems to be the possible inheritance Dannilynn may get if Anna Nicole's estate is awarded the miliions of dollars from her ex-husbands estate, which I believe she should have gotten while she was alive...and, of course, believe her estate should get it. How will it end? Unfortunatley it is up to the court and pending DNA results. Who should get Dannielynn? The one who comes forward and says they just want the best for Dannilynn even if it doesnt mean it's themselves. There seems to be too much money at stake for, however, for real concern for the child. That is another tragedy.

Chronic Loneliness (A Confession)

2007-02-11T21:49:00.000-06:00

The death of Anna Nicole Smith is tragic. A woman in the public eye scrutinized at every turn. Granted, some of her scrutiny was asked for, as she was one of the few celebrities out there who are more notable for just being famous than anything else. She sought fame and found it. In looking at her life, the contrast between her earlier days of fame to the very end are like night and day. She seemed very tired and maybe fatigued. And tired, if not just of the celebrity limelight, but maybe of life itself.

I do not believe she suffered from anything that many Americans suffer from: Chronic loneliness. Many Americans, including myself, have suffered issues with "chronic loneliness." Though there can be many people around (sometimes family, sometimes friends, work associates, etc).....the "loneliness" is still there. It is kind of a detached feeling of not being able to really or be intimate with someone though you desire to be. Or a sense of just not ever feeling like you belong no matter what kind of social situation you are in. Or a sense of believing that no one truly understands what I am feeling. There can even be sexual relationships and a person can still remain very lonely.

It's hard to say what can set off such an illness. It could be a traumatic loss or it could be some other emotional trauma. Maybe genetic or maybe it is learned. The end result can be quite deadly. Chronic loneliness can lead to a sense of hopelessness. Hopelessness often carries with it depression. Depresssion can lead to suicide. But suicide is not the only way that leads to death. Depression, stress, etc can lead to all forms of physical break downs. And the "pain" then goes far beyond the emotional and into the physical. Drugs, alcohol, sex and other addictions are often born out of the illness as they are used to nullify the pain of the "loneliness." This world is full of plenty of things to get addicted to and "fill voids." The "voids" are only filled for what seems a "blink of an eye," however, in the whole scheme of things.

These kind of people are all over. I have experienced this illness most of my life. Though successful in many ways and even social I could never shake the illness. Married more than once and dated often. Sexual encounters too many to count. Although, for a large part of my life, I did not even know I was afflicted.

The emptiness in my soul remained a hole...a vacuum. Something I tried often to fill....but never quite did. And in the moments that I thought it might finally be filled......I discovered I was living an illusion that would always end..........and snap me back in the reality of the illness. Each betrayal and pain entrenched the illness even deeper. I could never love, though I thought it might be love. How many women have I thought I loved when actually I just didn't want to be alone? It was just a feeling that passed me from what I thought was light but back into darkness again. I have had moments of joy and laughter, but they are uaually quickly forgotten in the moments of the "lonely now". The "lonely now" can be a moment..........but a "moment" in which the clock doesn't seem to move. Imagine the emptiness of time standing still if you can.

Very few people, if any, actually ever knew I had it. I was either friendly and pleasant or quiet and shy. But there was rarely peace because there were too many moments of the "lonely now."

It is most often seen in celebrities from Marilyn Monroe, or the last days of Judy Garland, to the latest victim of Anna Nicole Smith. Life doesn't turn out the way we hoped. Or our dreams of what life should be turned out be just that: a dream. They may have found out "celebrity" didnt fill the void, as others find out their lives are not like we thought it should be or would be. Or that "God" is not what I thought He was. It's a terrible way to live a life because when it is realized you find out you never lived at all. You spend time trying to live a life that never came to be....and never will.. ......And it is a sad realization to look back at.

Realizing that if I would die, it is not likely no one would notice is a startling realization. By not being able to let anyone in, I also shut everyone out. And that is in the truest definition of the phrase "the sound of silence."

Do I want sympathy? Probably. Because it might mean someone understands. Will it help? I do not know. I have never had anyone care enough to understand or even want to understand. Normal people don't want abnormal friends. When one person pulls back while another tries to get close...it becomes abnormal.

The answer is........I don't know. I shouldn't end a negative observation without a positive answer. But until there's a part two to this artice....if there is a part two to this article.........the answer is....I don't know.

Random Bytes: Grain Valley, Fred Phelps, and the IRS

2007-02-08T21:22:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek.........02.08.07............Grain Valley Schools are going to allow their students to pay for lunches with their fingertips. Students fingers will be scanned for prints to pay for meals. If the student is ever arrested, however, they may end up being billed for an extra lunch during the booking process. Superintendent Chris Small is reportedly a fan of George Orwell's "1984." ...............The Topeka legislature is still trying to make it illegal for Fred Phelps and his "church" from picketing at funerals. The group from Phelps church often pickets funerals protesting "homosexuality." Since funerals are the result of death, and God appoints when a person dies, according to the Bible, Phelps is essentially picketing the one he claims is his own boss. A memo from God's office said He was not aware of any such employee.................Kansas City IRS office has lost 26 computer tapes. The tapes apparently came in a shipment in August and it was just now discovered they couldn't find him because they weren't returned to the Treasury Department in a timely manner. If there is any justice, the Treasury Department will ignore any excuses, bill them, add ridiculous interest, than garnish the wages of every Kansas City IRS employee that works in the building.

The Media's Circle of Destructiveness

2007-02-07T09:39:00.000-06:00

.....[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........02.07.07........

Lisa Marie Nowak may or may not be the perpetrator of a crime. Everything is alleged. CNN's Tony Harris is guilty of being obnoxious. As are several other reporters from various stations. I use him as an example because I happened to catch the events as they unfolded on TV. As Nowak landed in Houston after being returned, Harris was prodding the reporter to speak with people who rode on the plane with her. The way people like Harris is treating this gives me nothing but sympathy for Nowak. If Nowak had an emotional breakdown, then she does not deserve to be treated like a criminal and especially not before a trial has occurred. And that information will not unfold until a trial happens. Reporters, of course, always seem to to think they know more than the average citizen and report accordingly. They are not, however, neither judge or jury. They just think they are.

In the Missouri case of Michael Devlin and the teens he kidnapped, there was no regard from the media in reporting that the teens in question has been molested. In fact the local and national press reported that it was probably many times. Did they take into consideration at all how the two teens might have felt about having this information reported all over the news? Does that not give them more to have to deal with? I am not defending Devlin, because in his case, he was caught with the victims.

The press proves over and over again how obnoxiously insensitive they are with almost every event that happens. They are driven by ratings which creates popularity which creates money which creates power which creates popularity which creates.....and on and on. Somewhere in this circle of newsmedia life creates the destruction of someone somewhere. And the press marches on.....

Random Bytes: ExpressJet, Clinton, Slavery, Blunt

2007-02-05T22:26:00.000-06:00

.....[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek.........02.05.07...........ExpressJet has begun selling tickets for nonstop flights from KCI to Los Angeles, New orleans, Austin, Jacksonville, Tuscon and Raliegh. Since the planes do not stop, customers are parachuted in the proximity of each city...............Former President Bill Clinton will speak at Kansas State University next month as part of the "Landon Lecture Series." It is not known whether Clinton will speak on Landon's career as a Cartwright or living in the house on the prairie...........Missouri lawmakers have proposed a resolution to apologize for 140 years of slavery. The people that were alive at that time are long since dead, so it is not know exactly who the lawmekers will apologize to. Rep Talibdon El_Amin (D-St Louis) said he thought Missouri should be one of the first states to apologize and hopes others will soon follow. It is not clear why other states should apologize for Missouri's slavery. .................Gov Matt Blunt wants metal detectors and x-ray machines installed at the Capitol building in Jefferson City as part of an "enhanced security plan." The will also give him even more freedom to suggest any kind of laws he wants without fear of retribution............................

Kansas City, Missouri Police, Lies, and Videotape.

2007-02-03T21:15:00.000-06:00

....[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek.........02.03.07........

Two police officers were suspended indefinitely with pay Thursday as an investigation continued into their arrest of a pregnant woman who had a miscarriage a day after she was thrown in jail. Kansas City, Missouri Police Chief James Corwin said, “I ask for patience from the community as we investigate this incident” However, the incident happened a year ago and apparently was not much of a concern "to investigate" until the videotape showed up in the national news. How many times do they have to watch the tape to figure out what was going on? Until the two suspended officers get a few more paychecks under their belt? And suspension with pay?? The suspensions never happened until the videotape showed up. The question then becomes...how many other things are being hid just because the video tape hasn't shownup yet???

Random Bytes: Inergy, Sebelius, Penguins and Health.

2007-02-01T23:49:00.000-06:00

Inergy has announced it has paid $35 million for a 24 mile pipeline from Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company. It won't save anybody any money, but its a really cool "24 mile" pipeline.....................Kathleen Sebelius has proposed a hike in the toll on turnpikes to pay for maintainence on state university campuses. Give a politician an inch and they will take 236 miles...........NHL Pittsburh Penguin's have threatened Pittsburgh that if they do not get a new stadium they will move to Kansas City. Does Kansas City want to be know as the "Revenge of the Penguins?".................The University of Kansas Medical Center and St Lukes are planning to create a collaboration. Translation for the financially impaired: No news to report. If you get sick, you're still not going to get good care. At least that's the way I heard it...

Peter Berdovsky and Sean Stevens: New Icons?(Or More Proof America is Motivated By Fear and Paranoia)

2007-02-01T23:09:00.000-06:00

......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........02.01.07........
Sorry, but I think they gave one of the most impressive press conferences I have seen a long, long time. First, they ran the press conference. They didn't let the press run it. That in itself was enough to anger the press...who later touted them as "mockers." It was interesting to see CNN, Fox, and MSNBC start to listen to what they had to say. As they began talking about 70s haircuts..........I think it just threw them into a headspin as they couldn't figure out what was going on. I myself was impressed that Stevens and Berdovsky stayed their course and did not give into the reporters questions. The anchor from CNN said, as she went to commmercial break "I am not sure what that was."

They had been hired by a marketing firm, Interference Inc., which had been hired by Turner Broadcasting. They placed 38 of the devices on buildings, under bridges and in other spots around Boston, and each earned $300. The devices, featured flashing lights in the shape of a character from the cartoon show “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” The devices had been placed in ten other cities around the country. None reacted like Boston.

So, just how efficent is Boston's "terrorist" team? I have doubts about one that could shut down a great portion of the city because of a toy with batteries. I predict the city of Boston will pursue a lawsuit against Turner Broadcasting because they know they can. And, if they don't, it would be admission that they messed up. Police Commissioner Edward F Davis is not likely to let that happen.

Time for the Democrats to Trash America Again

2007-01-31T17:53:00.000-06:00

....[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........01.31.07........Senator Christopher Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Rep Dennis Kucinich, Tom Vilsack, Sen Joe Biden, Sen Barack Obama, Gov Bill Richardson, Sen Hillary Clinton, Wesley Clark, Al Gore, Al Sharpton, are among the official and unofficial Democratic candidates for the president in 2008. The election is still about one and three quarters of a year away. What happens now is that we have to hear all these candidates talk about how awful things are in this country and how they all want to "take it back" (to where????). And, though they have the right to speak, while they do so, they divert attention from the real issues that need to be faced. Go ahead and hate Bush's plans.........but do something contructive and suggest and alternative. Go ahead and hate the Iraq war plans..........but do something constructive and offer an alternative. Go ahead and hate all the Republican ideas.....but do something constructive and suggest an alternative.

It is not likely that will happpen. Instead....in order for the Democrats to get the White House, we will have to endure months of them selling the world (not just the US anymore) the idea that the US is in the worst possible condition it can be in and only they can make it better. And, they will be doing this while some incumbents will be missing time in their perpective elected office because they are to busy campaigning for another one. If I kept taking time off from my job to pursue another one, I dont think my employer would be too happy about that.

This has happened before though. Following the attacks on 9-11, Republicans and Democrats embraced in solidarity against the perpetrators of this tragedy. But, as election time came closer and candidates started declaring their intentions, they made efforts to draw lines. Suddenly, everything that was done was wrong and the Democracts declared that the USA was a mess again. Even though a lot of Democrats voted for the Iraq war initially, they suddenly decided that they did it because they were lied to by the opposing party. Not true, of course, but you would be surprised how many people actually believe that they were "lied" to because of the repeated "talking points" issued by the Democrats. Granted, there was a lot of bad information, but there was no orchestrated lie. The problem with this political warfare is that it is the citizens who are caught in the crossfire. While they try and politically out-manuever each other.......they often don't care what gets hurt in the scuffle.

The warfare from both parties that will go on between now and November 2008 has a price. Neither party is willing to pay it. That would require an interest in real issues, not just who is "more powerful" than the other.

President Bush Comes to Kansas City to Tell the Poor: Go Ahead and Die!

2007-01-28T07:49:00.000-06:00

[c]2007 by Richard L Zorek............
President Bush came to Kansas City on Jan 25 in order to to tell a select group of people at St Luke's Hospital in Lee's Summit, that he doesn't acknowledge the plight of the poor when it comes to health care. Missouri Senator Kit Bond accompanied him. He came to promote what he is calling a "health care proposal," which in reality is nothing more than a tax break for the rich and upper middle class. Bush told the group, "There is no question in my mind that a proper role for the federal government is to help the poor and the elderly and the diseased get health care." But, he never offered any ideas onhow they are helping. His proposal isn't helping them. Bush proposed taxing employer-provided health care benefits, after allowing a $7,500 deduction for individuals and $15,000 for families. He said the plan would help individuals buy insurance, while keeping health care costs low. His plan does not help the poor and uninsured who truly need medical care. About half of the uninsured earn so little that they do not file income taxes, so the standard deduction would not help them. One of the "selected" audience member was an uninsured waitress. She was selected to give the impression that his plan really will help the poor. The truth is, though that she may be a waitress, but she has a husband who works also and they do not have a family riddled with health problems.

He told staff as he toured the hospital, “Medicine is finally catching up with the rest of America in the use of information technology, particularly this facility here." It is too bad that Bush and his administration hasn't caught up with the rest of America. People who don't get health care die. The last thing they say as they are dying is not "I wish I had a tax break."

Healthcare Mathematics: No Health Care = People Die

2007-01-23T14:46:00.000-06:00

[c]2007 by Richard L Zorek

Health is a valuable commodity in America. The healthier one is, the more they can accomplish it seems (though there are exceptions to that rule). Businessmen know this and know that people will often pay a lot for their health. So they have made "healthcare" a profitable business for them by exploiting that fact. The problem with that business-ideology is that the health industry then truly caters to the rich and well-to-do. If you are rich and can afford a good doctor or good insurance, you have a better chance of lving longer and feeling better quicker when you are ill. If you are not...you could have a long hard road ahead of you.

American politics is just that "American politics." I recollect a Black Hills State University professor who used to describe politics as simply "the sruggle for power." It seemed like a shallow definition, but I have come to realize that that is really all it is. There is no right or wrong in American politics: just who has more power. There seems to be a growing number of politicians who spend all their time just trying to see "who can stay in power the longest." Sometimes that involves actually being in touch with the needs of the people, but more often than not, it just means having the most money and the slickest campaign. A bunch of "yes" men doesn't hurt. A lot of important issues get lost in the crossfire as polticians battle each other for power. Health care is one of those. The politicans, who get their health care from their government jobs are mostly clueless. The victims of their ignorance are the poor people and the uninsured.

Then there's Social Security and Disability. The stories I have heard and still hear are just pathetic. People who end up with disabilities have to fight in order to get approved to receive any aid. And the process itself can be emotionally draining. There are attorneys who specialize in this. Although, when you are applying, the office personnel will often say "you worked for this" or "you are entitled to it." This really isn't so when it comes to actually getting it. Sometimes after a few years of appeals you might get it. By then, as if the disability wasn't devasting enough, everything else in your life has been pretty much devastated also.

Social Workers for the most part are first and foremost employees of the state. A lot of them do get into the business because they have a heart for people and want to help. Government rules and regulations do not cater to that. The focus of the government's rules when it comes to these kinds of programs is to not spend anything they shouldnt have to spend. Although they don't seem to have any problem dumping money on irrelevant pork barrel projects in order to help their own state or PR standing. Being careful with how money is spent is good business. The problem is that people that need the help then become a business tool. Having been involved in the system I get a little tired of the catch-all phrase "I understand," but if they truly understood I might have receieved the medical help I needed when I needed it most.

For many years I was outside the system. I had insurance and if a health problem arose, it was covered. I remember reading something by Thomas Sowell: "Neither the affluent nor the poor are being denied access to health care, whether or not they have health insurance. The uninisured may not be given cosmetic surgeyr, and they may have to wait in line in clincis and emergency rooms, but they are not denied medical care." I embraced that back in 1995 and even put it in my newsletter. It made me feel better knowing that that was so. But, as I had to enter the world of the uninsiured I find that Thomas Sowell was very wrong and I was wrong to believe him and those who embraced his ideology. The fact of the matter is that there are two health care systems in America: one for the rich and one for the poor. The one for the poor and uninsured is, for the most part a mess and very hard to get into. And if you do get into it, many are charged as though they were a part of the "rich" side of healthcare. And if their illness had not destroyed their life be free, then the medical administrators send out collection agencies to devour anything you might have left. The hospitals and medical agencies don't care....but they might say "I understand," while at the same time destroy your credit or have a collection agency garnish your wages.

The new Democratic congress has a "health care" buzz around it, but so did many candidates from both parties. The new Bush proposal for health care helps the middle class and rich and does nothing for anyone else. So the Bush administration is continuing its policy of ignorance on the subject of health care. The fact of the matter is that tax cuts and breaks don't help those who have lower incomes or no incomes.

There is no way to end this article, because the battle is still going on. Life has no guarantees and when health becomes an issue we often find we have little or no warranty. So, this article will be continued.......

The Entertainment Value of News (Or, How CNN Helped Destroy the World)

2007-01-22T12:12:00.000-06:00

[c]2007 by Richard L Zorek

Once upon a time, in days of old, people got their TV news every evening. It was usually to the point and delivered in a few words. If one needed more information, there was the newspaper or in some cases some extra news show like "60 Minutes," "Face The nation," or "Meet the Press."

When Cable TV started to expand during the 80s, along with specialized channels for movies and shopping, came specialized news channels. CNN (Cable News Network) was launched on June 1, 2005 by Turner Broadcasting CEO, Ted Turner. Soon came all the other news channels like MSNBC and Fox. But, CNN, goes on record has having started the path to news media chaos.

Now, you have the ability to deliver news every hour on the hour and even on the half hour. What do you do to fill in the time in between? I believe it is that dilemma that has contributed to TV-News and its credibility issue. In order to fill minutes, news teams have had to interview the friend of a friend of friends in order to draw out a story. And if there is interest, all the other news channels do the same. They are often not credible and the "experts" aren't that expert. But they are loaded with opinion.

And how do they decide if there is interest? Not necessarily by importance as much as how many watch and how much advertising investors are interested in financing. It didn't take long before news became entertainment, image and and a financial investment.

The problems with all this is that it still come to us under the title called "news." Granted, there is some news, but in most cases that seems secondary to everything else.

Predominantly, anchors are exceptionally good looking men or women. Not that good looking women or men can't be good news people, but how much did their looks play into their ability to get their job? Alex Witt? I think she is beautiful and I will admit I have watched her because of that. She came to MSNBC in 1999 and had previous reporting experience. And I am not suggesting she used her looks to get her job because, of course, I do not know and no one would admit it if it were so. But her looks certainly do not hurt her popularity. We are, after all, largely an "image driven" society.

And what news is interesting and will drive people to watch? Scott Peterson? OJ Simpson? Rosie vs Trump? I can't tell you how many reporters and anchors seemed to add an "disclaimer" suggesting the Rosie vs. Trump feud was ridiculous, but then went on to report it over and over again. Was the Laci Peterson murder an isolated incident in the USA? No. There were others similar. This one just happened to catch the attention of someone in the media and it. This story became fodder for the news media and elevated Scott Peterson to notoriety he did not deserve.

Then comes the case of the two boys who had been kidnapped by Michael Devlin in Missouri. Immediately upon their discovery, this became a media circus. Reporters interviewed people who lived in the apartment complex and "just heard noises" and though they knew they shouldn't ask the kids anything, they certainly tried. Even Oprah Winfrey got in on it. (Although I will also fault the Hornbeck parents for getting involved in that one). Then there is the New York Times reporter who somehow got an interview with Devlin in jail. Followed by new stations reporting that this probably shouldn't have been done but, at the same time, reporting what they say shouldn't have been done. And how much further will it go? I do not believe any of these reporters were motivated by their "right to know" creed they taut so often, but rather they did it for ratings. They did it to get an edge. It is what American journalism and news reporting has evolved into.

As with any issues, the media has so much time to create and re-create stories. Many stories would probably pass without incident, except, the news media has to fill some time. They have to edge out their competing station. They have to make it sensational to sell. The answer? Unfortunately there isn't one. The media is like politicians who spend more time campaigning then actually doing something productive. In that case we as citizens have to fend for ourselves often against them. With the media, we have to fend for ourselves to find out what is really going on.

American Idol: Calculated PR

2007-01-21T23:59:00.000-06:00

"American Idol"

REVIEW: American Idol: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson. Just entering its sixth season, it appears to be a show that isn't going to stop. But, it is a show that has entertainment for all. It is usally as enjoyable to watch the people in the auditions as it is to watch those who actually make the competition. Though it is kind of sad that some of the people in the auditions probably think they can sing. It's like that awful karaoke singer who gets up and sings everytime because she or he has convinced themselves they truly have talent. Clearly, some show up just to get on TV and be part of the "in" thing even though they know they have no talent. All the controversies that follow the show are just soundbytes that make it stronger. And every competition....if it is really looking for a true winner....needs critic like Simon. As the new season premiered, two issues kept American Idol before the press: an interview with Paula Abdul where she appeared drunk or falling asleep, and some really cruel comments by the judges toward some contestants. Excecutive Producer Ken Warwick, however, made no apologies. And why would he? The cruel comments could have been edited out, but they were purposely left in. That was no mistake. And, I dont think there is anything going on with Paula as far as drugs, but maybe she is a better actress than we give her credit for. The incidents bought them soundbytes and new interest in the show. American Idol does not have "controversies," just calculated PR stunts. And they work every year.

Thumbs Up!!! Michellle Arrow to Trump: I quit!!

2007-01-21T21:15:00.000-06:00

Michelle Arrow was a 34 year old contestant on Donald Trumps's "The Apprentice: LA." Tonight (01.21.07), she quit, instead of being fired. The reasons: the interview process. She cited specifically the "living in a tent"
as part of the process. Amen to her!!! No one should have to do such degrading stuff to get a job, no matter how important the CEO thinks he is. Donald Trump, in the board room, tried to turn the tables and make it look like she was a quitter--but, though she did technically quit--it was not one of defeat. Sometimes you have to draw the line.

The Phenomenon of QVC and HSN

2007-01-20T20:58:00.000-06:00

[c]2007 by Richard L Zorek

Shopping networks have become a cultural phenomenon. They sprung up in the late 80s with all the other specialized cable channels as kind of a pre-ebay experience. There were even some before this which you could tune in if you could turn your antennae the right way or get the piece of tin foil to fit over the VHF connection just right.

I remember first seeing shopping TV back in the late 80s, but paid little attention to it. I had no use for being sold something through the TV. Then in the early 90s I paid attention a little more. As a channel surfer, I started to surf across them more as they became more common. The idea, however of buying something without actually being able to touch was just far-removed from my way of thinking. But I did notice an interesting and charming saleslady named Mary Beth Roe. She was beautiful and had such a soothingly seductive voice. I remember observing a few others, like Kathy Levine and Jane Traecy, among others.

Not being an avid TV watcher at the time, it was about about ten years later when shopping TV caught my attention again. Now it seemed to have matured a bit. It was no longer just stiff sales. There was personality coming from the hosts, a little humor, phone calls, and a lot of consumer tips. I watched one night when this lady named Shivan Sarna showed up and I was instantly enamored. I can still see the image of her selling coats that night. And, largely, that is what was becoming dominant: image. They were no longer just trying to sell stuff--though that is the bottom line--they were trying to create a community: hosts that knew how to communicate with guests and customers and for the most part looked very good and were professional at doing it. Also each with their own personalities which is reflected by their following. Yes, each host has a following. Rick Domeier, among other males hosts, has a following of women. And its hard to pinpoint which female hostess has the greatest fan club of men. Some don't even buy--they just watch. But these hosts and hostesses are on TV several days a week and probably log in more TV time in a year than some TV actors log in a life time. I don't mind hearing Mary Beth's voice in my living room, or admire the quirky energy of Suzanne Runyan (as she struggles not to drop something), or get laid back with the very wise Antonella Nester, enjoy Rick Domeier's off the wall sense of humor, or try figuring out how Colleen Lopez can be just so perfect.

The internet has changed some of that focus. "Fetish" websites that focus on legs, heels and other things, along with "wanderlist" that has running lists where one can vote on the sexiest TV shopping host (Diana Perkovic won once) to which one has the best legs. Even as I looked at the lists, I had to join the board and cast my votes in various section for Kathy Wolf, who has gone through personal changes which has given her a little different look and, I think, more energy (her beauty goes without saying). I have seen some forums with rude and crude comments about various hosts, but truly superficial, which most anonymous posts are, and I think say more about the person posting than it does about their "perspective."

Also, in researching "shopping networks: demographics," I was able to send an email to several hosts and just want to note that Bobbi Ray Carter was the first host to repond. But, if you watch her, you would expect her to just be down-to-earth and not afraid to relate to average-joe citizen. And I wrote nothing personal, just told her I thought she did a great show after watching her sell sheets one night.

The other day I watched Chris Scanlon sell toys. Not without demonstration, though, and it was very entertaining. Of course, it is not everyday you see and attractive blonde in a short black skirt running around a stage shooting toy darts at other little kids. She beat out the "Ellen Degeneres" show for my attention, so I can't think HSN wouldn't be proud. I had never watched Chris before, but that "personal" approach would inspire me to watch her again.

Many of the hosts do have a "media" edge in experience as many of the hosts come largely from a media background. Some in news casting, documentaries (Lisa Mason has an impressive resume), some former beauty queens (Mary Beth Roe, Lisa Robertson), some info-mercials and the stage, like ShopNBC's Connie Kunkel.

It's hard to say what the future holds and what changes may come about. But, as of now, I don't "surf" over them as quickly anymore. I look to see who's on, what is being said, what is being sold. I am a guy, so I cannot say I don't notice what they are wearing but, except for Jewelry TV, they all sell fashions and for the most part have great fashion sense for women to learn from, also. They are more than just "sales people," they are in many respects "celebrities": E!'s "The Soup" often uses clips. Susan Lucci, Suzanne Somers, Joan Rivers, Marie Osmond, Frankie Avalon, Paula Abdul and even Madonna have been guests on various shows. Youtube has clips from both QVC and HSN. David Letterman mention Lynn Murphy in a top ten list one night. And on and on and on.

Hopefully the hosts will all stay grounded, though, and I don't foresee a "Golden Globe" category for it. But they are a relevant and impactful part of American culture. Now, grab your credit card and go watch TV.

The Way I Heard It 01.16.07

2007-01-16T22:12:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........01.16.07............
The National Cancer Institute has reported that gum disease may increase a persons chance of getting pancreatic cancer. So, if you eat Wrigleys or Double Bubble, get it vaccinated first..........Barack Obama has filed paperwork to form an exploratory committee to see if he should run for president. With all that has been done so far, it will be hard to tell when the campaign really begins.......Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have moved to New Orleans with their son to form a jazz trio...... .............The Democratic lead Senate voted to shine more light on pet projects. The vote was 98-0, though it was not known if all 98 senators actually had pets and whether all those pets care if they have lights shined on them because some animals like to sleep in the dark............North Dakota farmer David Monson filed an application with the State Department of Agriculture to become the countries first licensed industrial hemp farmer. His ranch hands, Cheech and Chong, are said to be looking forward to the opportunity to cultivate the new agricultural commodity. At least that's the way I heard it..............

The Way I Heard It 01.13.07

2007-01-13T19:40:00.001-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........01.13.07............The Doomsday clock is going to be moved forward next week. Atomic scientists have kept the clock since about 1947. The Nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea, along with the feud between Rosie O Donnell and Donald Trump have brought about the need for the move forward...........................President Bush offered his new proposal for Iraq this week which involves sending more troops into Iraq to support the new Iraq army. "This will leave Rosie and Donald without support, but we have to set priorities," said Bush. ........................Actions by the Internal Revenue Service have successfully stopped the Golden Globes from handing out "Goody Bags" to "A" listers. The IRS then joyfully moved their doomday clock forward.....................Mike Tyson was arrested in Phoenix for drug possession. He then blamed the Pheonix Police Department for all the wars in history and bit some of their ears off. At least that's the way I heard it..

That's The Way I Heard It 01.11.07

2007-01-11T00:38:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........01.11.07............The US Postal Service has a new stamp issued yesterday. It's "Memorex," of course. And all this time you thought it was Ella Fitzgerald........President Bush in admitted that mistakes were made in Iraq. Democrats had been pressing him to admit there were mistakes. Now the Democrats want him to admit that his admission of mistakes is a mistake..............The House passed a federal minimum wage increase, raising it to $7.25 an hour. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer objected at first saying "We already make more than that." After it was explained that the laws they pass dont affect them, he, along with 314 members, voted for it........................Yvonne Decarlo died yesterday at age 84. She was better known to most of us as Lily Munster. See, I knew she wasn't really already dead in that show. At least that's the way I heard it...........

The Way I Heard It 01.07.07

2007-01-06T23:38:00.000-06:00

......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........01.07.07............Momofuku Ando, the creator of instant noodles has died in Tokyo. His body was prepared with water and boiled for one minute before burial...... ...........A tape was found in England which is appearing to be a recording of Jimi Hendrix performing the "Welsh National Anthem," recorded after his famous "Star Spangled Banner" performance at Woodstock. The French found one where he is doing "Le Marseillaise," the French National Anthem, and the Russians found one where he is doing "National Anthem of the Russian Federation." Nancy Pelosi found one in her own attic of him doing "I Am Woman.".................Sylvester Stallone has agreed to pay insurance premiums and wages for all illegal Mexicans in America. He said this after condemning actions to put a fence up between the US and Mexico saying "I support Mexicans who work in my country." He suggested he would donate all the profit off of Rocky Part 7, 8, 9 and 10. At least that's the way I heard it...........

The Way I Heard It 01.03.07

2007-01-03T10:24:00.001-06:00

.......[c]2007 by
Richard L Zorek

.........01.03.07............The video that was shot of the Saddam Hussein hanging is considered so reprehensible and offensive that Fox, CNN, and MSNBC are playing it over and over again just to show how reprehensible and offensive it is. The convicted co-defendants in the case are to be hanged also as soon as a better filming device can be found so that Fox, MSNBC and CNN can show how reprehensible and offensive this hanging will be also..............The big stores are pushing excercise equipment now that the holiday season is over. Apparently everyone gained wieght over the holiday season whether you know it or not. Kathy Wolf has been excercising and selling equipment for two days on HSN and today she really looks good. But she looked good two days ago, also. People like her who don't need to lose weight are the ones who show the exercise equipment. Apparently HSN couldnt get Rosie O Donnell to make a guest appearance as she was busy considering who or what she could insult on the next episode of "The View".............Pat Robertson has announced that God told him there will be a mass killing in the United States in 2007 but God did not tell him which denomination they would be from so he wasn't sure if it was going to be a tragic loss or not. He said God told him it might be in a major city. Real estate agents report that people are trying to buy homes in Pat Robertsons neighborhood. Robertson's track record on predictions isn't 100% as he admits he has made some "error," though each time reporting that "God told me." That would make it Gods error and in Levitical law if a prophet prophesies falsely he or she is to be stoned. Robertson admits that he cannot find a big enough stone to throw at God.... .............TV Evangelist Darlene Bishop is being sued for reporting in a book that God had cured her brother of cancer. Her brother, who died from cancer, could not be reached for comment..................Reuters headline reads: "British teenager Sails into Atlantic Record Books." The teen was apparently trying to sail across the Atlantic Ocean but ran into this great big book......which ended his effort. "Luckily the book didn't close on me," he said, "or I would have been just a bookmark in history." At least that's the way I heard it........

The Way I Heard It 12.27.06

2006-12-27T17:13:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek

.........12.27.06............
John Edwards has officially joined the presidential candidacy race. All the other stuff he did was not official. His campaign slogan is "Tomorrow Never Comes." He said it was "Tomorrow Begins Today" which means that there will never be a tomorrow because it is today and tomorrow will always be today, so tomorrow will never come. He helped work at a home that was being rebuilt because of Hurricane Katrina, then, as a true trial lawyer, looked for people to sue for building violations..................A piece of bent wood sold for $1.9 million at an auction and will remain in Canada. It was called "the worlds oldest hockey stick." I am announcing the sale of several worlds oldest baseball bats as soon as I can find a good old tree limb................Chevy Chase has also died at the age of 93. The famed comedian from Saturday Night Live was known for playing a very humorous portrayal of then President Gerald Ford. After his very short lived TV talk show, Chase would wander aimlessly calling his wife, Betty, and looking for people to pardon.................A Miami airport invites British Prime Minister Tony Blair to land, then turned out some ruwnay lights. An airway spokesman, and Monty Python fan, said he thought they would have a better sense of humor about it. At least that's the way I heard it.........

The Way I Heard It 12.23.06

2006-12-23T21:06:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek

.........12.23.06............
Dennis Linde, the writer of the 1972 hit for Elvis Presley, "Burning Love" has died. Or has he? Word has it that Elvis has been in hiding since 1977 and is ready to make his comeback appearance. He needs some songs written..................Bono will receive Knighthood from the British ambassador to Ireland. Apparently they liked U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" album also. It is not known if Cher will attend the ceremony.................Zuzu Bailey is 66 and lives in Seattle. She has apparently been in hiding all these years because of informing mortals about "the angels" and the "bell ringing" thing in 1946........................................A Bakersfield man set himself on fire to protest a San Joaquin Valley school district from celebrating Christmas instead of winter break. His last words before the incident were "this ought to prove how sane my argument is!!!" The school district has considered celebrating Festivus but they couldn't get a Festivus Pole. At least that's the way I heard it...............

Offend No One? Yeah Right...it's Christmas

2006-12-21T22:32:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek

.........12.21.06............Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas isn't puttting up a Christmas Tree this year. Instead it is called a "winter tree." (Even if it does look suspiciously like a Christmas tree). The kids want to sing gospel Christmas music, but Principal Walter Thompson said "they have too much religion. We wouldnt use that music even if it was allowed, because we dont want to offend anyone." "Too much religion?"....sounds like Thompson just offended a whole lot of people. "We don't want to offend anyone.." except the Christian and religious community which lives in the school district and has kids that go to the school. Get a clue, Thompson.

The Way I Heard It 12.1706

2006-12-17T23:30:00.001-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek

.........12.17.06............

John Edwards plans to announce his candidacy for president in a part of New Orleans hit by Hurricane Katrina. Apparently the area has been refortified and can stand some more hot air blowing through the area...........The US Mint will be putting images of first ladies on the new one dollar coins starting next year. The idea is to boost the image of the coin because of the flop of the Susan B Anthony Coin and the Sacajewea dollar. The problem with those, however, was that no one could remember who President Anthony or President Sacajewea was...... Defense lawyers want the judge to throw out a confession that Harrel Johnson made to Oklahoma police about the killing of "Precious doe" because it the confession makes Johnson looks guilty. At least that's the way I heard it.

The Way I Heard It 12.11.06

2006-12-11T07:10:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........12.11.06............ The anniversary of the death of John Lennon came and went. He a was killed in New York City on December 8, 1980. Apparently, John is still dead. John was reported as once saying that the Beatles were bigger than Jesus and he was expected to make his return on December 11, 1980. Then, it was thought it might be three years later on December 8, 1983. Now it is kind of looking like John is not coming back and there were no efforts to revive him for this anniversary. When Yoko was asked for comment, she let out a two minute banshee type ear piercing yelp and no one bothered to offer a follow up question. On a related note, George Harrison is still dead. And for the record, Ringo Starr is not dead...it just seems that way. And Paul McCartney was rumored to be dead but sources suggest that was started by Heather Mills.

The Way I Hear It 12.03.06

2006-12-03T22:19:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........12.03.06............
Kansas City Cheifs lose to a team with a quarterback (Cleveland Browns Charlie Frye) who had a broken wrist. News at 11, or on second thought, let's try and forget it........Hilary Clinton is moving closer to a run for the White House in 2008. When she ran for Senate the first time, she switched her residency from Arkansas to New York. She is now shopping for another home state for this run. Rumor has it that Iowa is up for sale but Florida has a great ocean view................Biden, Dowd, Bayh, Clinton, Kerry and Obama vs Brownback, Hagel, McCain, Giuliani, Tacredo and Hunter: truly, the war has barely begun..........President Bush is considering lifting a ban on drilling in Alaska's Bristol Bay. Black and Decker is putting the squeeze on him.................Former President Carter says he hopes to be buried in Georgia instead of Arlington. His wife Rosalynn, says she hopes that doesnt happen until after he is dead. .........The Justice Department and Department of Education agree that statistics are indicating school violence is on the upswing. They did not say whether their statistics are Fox News or CNN......At least that's the way I heard it.....

The Way I Heard It 12.02.06

2006-12-02T01:05:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........12.02.06............The Ford Motor Company slipped to the number four automaker in sales this month. That explains why my Ford Tempo has been acting a bit sluggish and insecure.............Barbra Walters and the other members of "The View," are making light of Danny DeVito's appearance on their show while drunk. If anyone else showed up at work drunk they would be fired. In Hollywood it is humorous I guess..............The Michael Richards Show (starting at the night club...and then starring Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson) now has another guest, Gloria Allred. Now it is truly becoming a show about nothing............. The Supreme Court will look at a case involving Global Warming. Looks like the issue will be fixed once and for all now that it is in their hand. We always knew thay had a lot of authority, we just didn't know how far reaching it was....................A Scientific Study Group out of DC says that E-voting machines need to have a paper back up for reliability. But, we already knew that. Washington never figures that out until it is too late and costs a lot of money to reasearch. Common sense is too cheap of a commocdity and is rarely comnsidered. At least that's the way I heard it.

The Way I Heard It 11.29.06

2006-11-29T21:42:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........11.29.06............Greg Page, one of the Wiggles, has announced that he will be leaving the group due to illness. Greg was the one with the yellow t-shirt. Tom Cruise, who was recently dropped by his movie company, has been seen purchasing a lot of yellow t-shirts and humming happy silly tunes............Anne Sweeney, an official with Walt Disney Co, says she doesn't know how long they will be able to tolerate all the copyright infringement going on at Youtube. This comes after the video of Mickey Mouse at a night club act where he started yelling racist names at all the white ducks. Since the incident, Mickey has been out of site, but Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck from Warner Brothers have demanded he apologize to them and slip them a few bucks to make it seem sincere.............Senator-elect majority leader Harry Reid says he plans to get right to work and get the Senate started on things like ethics and ethics and ethics and ethics. Actually, there were other things after "ethics," but just that one thing will take the whole session. But of the list he proposed I did note that health care was not on it...

The Way I Heard It 11.28.06

2006-11-28T22:01:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........11.28.06............Nancy Pelosi bypassed Alcee Hastings for chairman of the Intelligence Committee. No big deal for Hastings. If there is "intelligence" in the House and a committee to oversee it, it's got to be a very small committee anyway.......Comic actor Tracy Morgan ("30 Rock" and "SNL") was charged with drunk driving in New York City. So What's the big deal? He didnt slam the Jews or use the "N" word...............Matt Lauer has a new son and he doesn't look anything like Meridith Viera............Mamma Mia! Remember Abba? That super trouper grouper??? An Abba museum is being opened in Sweden and will be sure to make lots of money money money. But, thats the name of the game. I would like to go see it, yes I do, I do, I do, I do! Dancing queens from around the world will probably attend. Fernando may not make it as he may be visiting Waterloo. Oh well, thank you for the music and so long!..........The attorney in an Ohio case is claiming that the parents put their kids in cages because they just "love them too much." The state of Caifornia clearly has much affection for Charles Manson............Wesley Clark has announced that he doesnt want to wait until the last minute to get into the presidential campaign like he did last time. That statement conjours up a lot of questions beginning with "who is Wesley Clark?" and "when did he say he ran?"....At least that's the way i heard it.

A Light Rail with an Even Lighter Plan

2006-11-27T23:36:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek

.........11.27.06............Does everybody know that Clay Chastain's plan for building a light rail in Kansas City (yes, the one that voters approved an extension of a sales tax to help build) isn't even going to be possible without raising more money for it? The tax deal might pay for half of it. Chastain, who, by the way, now resides in Virginia, came back temporarily to help make the light rail a "resounding succces." He didnt bring the rest of the money with him, though. This whole idea is looking as bad as the idea of putting Rosie O'Donnel on "The View."......

Did i Hear That Right? 11.25.06

2006-11-26T00:52:00.001-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.25.06......John Edwards, Steven Sukup, George Pataki, Joe Biden, Sam Brownback, to name just a few, are out hitchiking acrosss the midwest carrying signs that say "Will work for Votes." Do not under any circumstances give them any handouts.................. Rudy Guiliani has been working out a lot lately. He is considering a run to the white house. It is about 230 miles from New York to DC, so for anyone that is quite a run.............Michael Richards has apologized to Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for his outburst in the nightclub. I didn't even know they were in the nightclub...........

Did I hear That Right?

2006-11-24T22:49:00.000-06:00

.....[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.24.06......Today a cartoon man with a toy gun went into the Miami World Herald and tried to hijack the company to Cuba..............Michael Richards was heard on stage yelling racist commenst at Mel Gibson............Barack Obama and John Edwards are dating and considering a world tour for an upcoming album of patriotic songs..................... President Bush pardoned a turkey at the white house this year, which is an annual event. It is not known what Cheney will do with his freedom...........Congress is making a push toward importing drugs. They are particularly enjoying the stuff they get from Tijuana.............Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie spent the holidays in Vietnam. Pitt was overheard saying "What war? There was a war here?" .......OJ Simpson's book deal got cancelled. So did his TV interview. There were a lot of people involved in making that decisison. Simpson was last seen buying lots of gloves that didn't fit............

Union Station Saved! (again)

2006-11-22T23:42:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.22.06.......The Kansas City Chamber of Commerce named Drue Jennings as its Kansas Citian of the year. Jennings led the capital campaign to save Union Station. What that means is that when Union Station flounders again, he could win it again. Then when it flounders again, he could win it again, and again and again and again.............

Smile: You May be on Camera:-)

2006-11-21T22:34:00.001-06:00

......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.20.06.......If you plan on comitting a crime in a high crime area of Kansas City, you might be advised to at least take a shower and clean up a bit, because you might be on camera. If the startup money can be raised, police in Kansas City and Kansas City, Kan., plan to test the use of surveillance cameras in high-crime areas. The one-year pilot program is designed to test if the cameras help reduce crime and can function in the area's changing weather conditions. If it proves successful......crime in those areas may go down. Then, it will go up in other areas? Where do criminals go when they can't get away with committing a crime?

A Modest Health Care Propsal

2006-11-20T00:26:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.19.06....... As with any new legislation, the cost of it is always the first....or at least should be....the first to be considered. Granted, health care for everyone could get expensive. But, it is a necessary thing. There are too many people who have "fallen through the cracks" and are sick and or even dying because of lack of health care. So, America needs to set it priorities straight. A new budget needs to be made. With a few cuts and changes we can easily come up with the health care budget.

First, cut the number of Senators from 100 to 25 or 30. Every state can share one. North and South Dakota, and North and South Carolina, for example. And those little states in the Northeast may even be able to do with one for three states. That will get a lot of needless weight off the government payroll. Drop the number of representatives down to 50: one for each state. It's not like very many of them actually listen to their districts, anyway. This will give them a whole state not to listen to. That will cut out a whole lot of payroll. Get rid of the Vice President position. It's an honorary position and we really dont need a paid "yes-man" for the president. Cut the Supreme Court down to two: One very liberal and the other very conservative. The president can make a coin toss on the split decision. Congress will have to hire out of themselves to have a budget created. It has to be made by some company who doesnt have a vested interest. This, in itself, could save billions and billions of dollars and needless pork barrel projects. The savings on just these few suggestions will be astronomical. The extra money can be put into the new health care system. This to be done after an investigation is done to discover by what authority the medical community and pharmaceutical companies have decided to overcharge people for their "costs." Price gougers in that field will be punished severely.....and yes, I mean they will not be allowed to have access to any health care.

Blame Playstation 3? Or the Gamers?

2006-11-19T22:39:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.19.06.......
Is it the video game that is violent? Or just the crowds it atracts? In Connecticut, two armed thugs tried to rob of line of people waiting to buy the new Playstation 3 gaming console early Friday and shot one who refused to give up the money, authorities said. No word on the victim's condition. In Palmdale, Calif., authorities shut down a Super Wal-Mart after some shoppers got rowdy late Wednesday. In West Bend, Wis., a 19-year-old man was injured when he ran into a pole racing with 50 others for one of 10 spots outside a Wal-Mart. In Lexington, Ky., police were investigating a drive-by shooting that hit four people with BB pellets outside a Best Buy store, causing minor injuries, according to WKYT, whose own reporter was hit as she interviewed buyers in line.This was not for food or shelter, this was for Playstation.

Dixie Chick Martyr Syndrome

2006-11-17T23:31:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.17.06.......
Remember the good old days? I mean back in the day when the Dixie Chicks were just talented performers. I think "Wide Open Spaces" and "Fly" were a couple of my favorite country CDs. Then Natalie Maines spoke her mind about the President Bush in England. Lots of controversy...yadda yadda yadda. Now they aided in the release of a movie about themselves called "Shut Up and Sing." It draws heavily on their personal martyr syndrome, which clearly doesnt need to be fed any more than it has been. If you like music, like I do, they aren't fun anymore. Just a group who will carry their martyrdom for as long as they can and they will drive it through their music. Had Natalie wanted to become a political speaker, she should have done that first. Then, after that failed, become a country singer. Then maybe there would be some enjoyable music. Now it is clear what they will be propagating and they are going to have to go after the wider demographic, so don't be surprised if some of the "country" gives way to "pop." Now I dont care if they shut up or not or sing.......there are better artists out there who arent trying to make a buck by selling a CD and a self absorbed philosophy.

Committee Of The Apes

2006-11-17T07:17:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.17.06.......
A report from a Missouri House committee suggests that illegal immigration is partly the results of abortion and a "welfare culture." This was written by a Republican led committee. The Democrats on the committee find that ridiculous and won't sign it. They want another report to show that it it is not a result of abortion and "welfare culture." The committee could have done a real investigation on it, but they did not do that for fear it might come up with some answer that one party might not like. The truth of the issue is irrelevant on this, or any point in committee for that matter, it is just how the answer can be swung to support your party. Now, let me think. What was the name of that ape that had the caves destroyed at the end of "The Planet of the Apes" movie because the truth did not support his theories?

Beware The Blight!

2006-11-16T04:35:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.16.06.......Independence City leaders have announced a new plan to combat blight in the northwest part of Independence where they say property values continue to decline. It's called the Great Northwest Independence Neighborhood Initiative. Better watch out if you live in that area. The last time the city council called something "blight," they built a hospital on it.

Independence City Motto: "It will be ours soon!"

2006-11-15T17:13:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.15.06.......
Independence Missouri City Council is at it again. They need more land. They already did the "hospital/MCI thing," and then that big empty spot out on Noland Road near 23rd street, so they need something new. So, aside from the easement, they are taking an extra 6 and a half feet from yards out on RD Mize Road so they can widen the road. This will decrease the value of some of the homes that have been there long before some of the current city council members ever learned what the phrase "eminent domain" and "power hungry authoritarian" even meant. Independence resident, Patricia Sullivan, an Independence resident and homeowner near RD Mize, wrote in an editorial to the Kansas City Star "I think it is criminal." She may be right, but that statement is like a pat on the back to that city council.

Democrats to Walk on water!!

2006-11-15T16:55:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.15.06......."The Democrats intend to lead the most open and most ethical Congress in history" said Rep. Nancy Pelosi. The House then elected God as the House Speaker. "We had to," said an un-named source, "or else Pelosi will be proven a liar." "The most ethical Congress" will rank up there with Jesus walking on water if it can be pulled off. The devil had no comment as he had not returned from congressional recess yet.

Shrek: You're Fired!

2006-11-14T22:08:00.000-06:00

Shrek: You're Fired!.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.14.06.......McDonald's, The Coca-Cola Co., Campbell Soup Co., Cadbury Schweppes USA, General Mills Inc.; The Hershey Co.; Kellogg Co.; Kraft Foods Inc., PepsiCo Inc. and Unilever have all seen the light: No more Shrek! He will no longer promote their foods. Why? Because their foods are not nutritional enough for kids. All I can say is "Bad, bad, Shrek!" After all, Shrek is a lovable charcter....even if his name in Yiddish means "terror" or "fear." Not to mention the fact that he was an Ogre. However, that kind of image is much to lovable for kids and hence he can no longer promote all that "sugary" "sweet" food.

We Will Audit When You Are Ready!

2006-11-14T18:34:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by Richard L Zorek....11.14.06.......Incoming Missouri State Auditor Susan Montee said that one of her first acts next year will be an audit of the state's student loan authority. Now that the new auditor has blown the whistle and let the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority know in advance they are going to be audited, they have a few months to get some records together that will look good to an auditor. "If we surprise them," said an un-named source, "it might look bad for them."

Election 2006: How Did That Happen?

2006-11-09T22:39:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.10.06.......
From the "How did that happen" file, comes this: With overwhelming voter approval of an amendment that makes it easier to raise Missouri elected officials' salaries, the commission that recommends pay levels plans to offer its ideas by the Dec. 1 deadline, a state official said. My question is what amendment was that hidden in? Voters passed an amendment with 84 percent approval that made it easier to increase pay for elected officials and judges. Now, based on the high number of Democrat voters....is this a Democrat thing?

Election 2006: Voting for "Whatever."

2006-11-09T04:08:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.08.06.......

In the end, I dont know what we have. The Democrats did well in the election. As President Bush put it "we (the Republicans) got a thumpin." Candidates who had held office for a long time were not re-elected. And though this was not all Democrat voters casting these ballots, it really isnt anything new with the Democratic Party and an idea that have been putting in the forefront of their philosophy for a long time now: "we dont stand for anything...just against." Exit polling indicates that most people voted the way they did as a vote against the situation in Iraq and President Bush. So, who did they vote for? I dont think most of them really know. And they won't know til they find out what these newly elected officials will or will not do in the upcoming year. I think many will be surprised. And, if "corruption" was an issue, like the media suggests, then I think they may be surprised to find that corruption does not favor any one party. Supposedly the younger voters turned out stronger in this election. Is that sign of our future? "Let's not stand for anything...just against." I shudder to think where that will lead.

Over 1.4 Million served Saved

2006-11-06T06:49:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.06.06.......

I saw part of a Richard Roberts telethon today from Oral Roberts University. They are believing God for 1.4 million within the next year. Not 1.4 million dollars, but 1.4 millions souls. Hmmm, I guess if you want a soul saved you should mail it to them to Oral Roberts University. I think the sentiment is fine (I mean, 1.4 millions souls saved is great), but I have to wonder how the numbers are calculated. When the year is up...will there be a great big board showing "1.4 million saved!". ???????

The Guardian

2006-11-03T01:08:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....11.03.06.......

If you saw "Officer and a Gentleman" this storyline will seem kind of familiar. Maybe it's the age difference, but the "chemistry" between Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Costner is lacking. Costner has a history of long epic type movies and though the dedication to the Coast Guard is heartwarming, this is not one of his better efforts. Just what was the purpose in going to the Navy bar? I thought there might be some kind of purpose for it, but it seemed just added time and the lesson didn't happen til after it was over and could have been taught without it. Might make for an interesting rental, anyway.

Another Election....Another Accusation.

2006-10-29T03:48:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.29.06.......
Chrissy Mazzeo, 32, a Las Vegas Strip hotel-casino cocktail waitress, said she was assaulted and propositioned by a Republican congressman running for Nevada governor, Rep. Jim Gibbons. I am not a judge or jury and I dont know all the facts, so I cannot say whether it happened or not. But, I do find it intereesting that this stuff never comes out til the person ir runnning for office. It's kind of like "Oh, I just remembered...I was assaulted by this guy." It takes away from the credibility, if there is any in the first place.

Missouri's Amendment Two

2006-10-27T19:56:00.000-06:00

Kudos to Wal-Mart!

2006-10-27T02:31:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.27.06.......
Wal-Mart has announced that consumers in Kansas and Missouri will be able to take part in its discount-drug program. "We believe this program is one to make medication more affordable and accessible to the people who need it most," Wal-Mart's Kelly Barnes said. And if I have ever criticized a Wal-Mart store for anything, I may just take it all back for this move. Starting Thursday (10/27/06), 30-day supplies of 143 drugs will be sold for $4 at all Wal-Marts and Sam's Clubs stores in the metro. "We estimate that this list of $4 prescription medications represents nearly 25 percent of all prescriptions we currently dispense in our pharmacies across the nation," Barnes said. When I first heard about this plan, I had hoped it would spark some competition between pharmacists and help to bring the cost of medications down. Apparently it has. Target has said it will also offer cheaper generic drugs soon, and a group of independent pharmacies has developed a plan to offer their customers cheaper generics as well.

Please Remove the $140 Million Building..

2006-10-24T19:16:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.24.06........Circuit Judge Joseph P. Dandurand, on Tuesday said state regulators overstepped their authority in May when they approved an Aquila Inc. power plant near Peculiar and reinstated his order to tear it down. Aquila will appeal. If Aquila is allowed to keep the $140 million facility it will set a very bad precedent. Companies could come in without proper authority and build, knowing they will eventually win the right in court. It's kind of like eminent domain with a twist.

How Many More Will Die?

2006-10-23T01:52:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.22.06.........44 more people killed in Iraq, or so the report is today. The numbers are staggering. Without arguing the merits or non-merits of the war, I do have to wonder how other civilized countries of the world can sit around and listen to the reports of the bloodshed and yet offer to do nothing about it.

Paypal: Protector of Sellers and Thieves...

2006-10-21T21:26:00.000-06:00

Paypal: Protector of Sellers and Thieves...
.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.21.06.........

Paypal is an online banking system which is largely used by Ebay members, but it is a "payment" method that can be used in a host of other places on the internet. They seem convenient to get instant payment from sales and to be able to make an instant purchase. However...as with many things that "look" too good....there are problems. There's a growing number of ebay sellers who are losing money and merchandise to paypal because they are policing actions with ebay sales. Paypal calls it "seller protection," but it really isnt that at all. It is a way that people, especially those from other countries can get merchandise for free. All they have to do is claim they didnt get it (even if they did, (even if its the postal services fault) and they will be refunded from your account (with very little warning, if any at all). And they claim they investigate each issue, which they do not. They just wait until their "time" runs out and then they issues the refund. I will be writing more about this as their are many people who are having issues with this right now. Paypal claims to not be an agent of ebay....but yet they are policing them? That, in itself, is something to be curious about. When I responded to them about an issue, an agent of their "Protection services department" wrote back and said "When you signed up"...for Paypal, that I agreed to their "disputes resolution process." I responded that "no one allowed liars from other countries to get merchandise for free." Even a small claim procedure has to provide proper evidence, and then the court itself does not just take the money. It still has to go through a protocol. Paypal, apparently has none. Their seller protection program is not a seller protection program as much as it is a license for fraud. Paypal was purchased by Ebay in 2002 and has since acted as Ebays judge, jury, and executioner on many financial issues.

Election Year Blues

2006-10-19T20:09:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.19.06.........If "turning the other cheek" is applicable to elections, then the Republicans are doing the right thing. If it isn't, then they had better wake up. The Democrats (or, at least, those who support the Democrats) are doing a whirlwind effort to win the midterm elections by digging deep into the past of Republican candidates and throwing out accusations....even if they are unfounded....in a last ditch effort to win. Not untypical for a party that can't stand on anything, but has usually just stands against things .......but, come on...everyone should see the game that is being played.

SIGN WARS! The Saga Continues....

2006-10-19T09:27:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.19.06.........

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction which would allow Kansas City residents to put up any size politcal sign they want. Kansas City fined a resident, Anthony Ishamael, for putting up a 32 square foot sign for Jim Talent. (He did that after several smallers had been stolen from his front yard). We are now waiting for the front yard billboards to arrive......

Need Money? Do a Study in Shawnee

2006-10-11T20:37:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.11.06.........

The Shawnee City Council is going to spend $35 to $50,000 to study how quiet train horns might be in the city. That's how much their "study" of the issue is going to cost. And they call it a "high priority" for the 2008 budget. Let me get this straight.....there's a train track, you build house around it knowing that trains use it.....they make noise (honking their horns as a warning they are coming)...something they have always done...and now the city is going to "study" it an budget $50,000? Can I be on that study committee??? Councilman Neal Sawyer had the audacity to ask "..where are we going to get the money?" Who cares? Shawnee City Council isn't spending their money, anyway, it is the people of Shawnee's money. As Council member Dawn Kuhn said," unless we educate ourselves on what we can and can't do, I dont think we're giving ourselves a fair shake." Nor, a fair share of that $35 to $50, 000.

The $50 Million Dollar Exit

2006-10-09T21:21:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.09.06.........

I just read that the 87th street exit is open now off I-35. This has been "under contruction" for almost two years. In fact, it has been so long since it has been open, I find it hard to believe and will have to drive up and look at it myself before I can believe it. All those months of construction cones and backed up traffic.......$50 million dollars for that intersection? Everyone in Kansas City better go and enjoy a few drives through the exit that for that price.

Health: To Be Under the Senates Thumb or Not to be

2006-10-01T23:16:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....10.02.06.........
Missouri Senator Jim Talent and challenger Claire McCaskill have similar views on importing prescription drugs, but Talent seems to favor government scrutiny also (which is, in other words, more government intervention on it..which is clearly the problem we have already). He says, "I’ve always supported permitting reimportation through a process that guaranteed safety. Many of these drugs are manufactured in third world countries, and I want to make sure our consumers are protected. I support a provision in the Homeland Security funding bill that would allow U.S. citizens to bring a 90-day supply of prescription drugs for personal use back from Canada." So, every 90 days people have to run back to Canada? McCaskill, on the other hand, gets right to the point: "If Congress is going to remain under the thumb of the pharmaceutical industry, Americans ought to have the choice to import prescription drugs from other countries that haven’t been put under its spell." Apparently, the number of sick people in America without insurance and affordable prescriptions wouldn't be a big deal to Talent as long as Congress, or Homeland security can scrutinize it (which is a nice way of saying "dissecting" or even "destroying" the ideas.

Watching Where Not to Go

2006-09-27T19:58:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.27.06.........The Weather Channel is now showing a traffic report. It will show the location and status of traffic accidents around the Kansas City area. I am waiting for it to show one saying there was an accident involving two vehicles at 69 Highway and 435 because someone was watching the weather channel on TV.

Lenexa's Fear of Storage

2006-09-26T10:06:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.26.06.........

Lenexa City Council proves, once again, that fear makes for new policy. The council approved a resolution that would require managers of rental storage units to keep lists of all information (drivers licenses, social security, etc) of all renters and the police can have access to upon request. The associated press reported that David Daniel Lewis(a Lenexa police officer) said "We're looking at the people who have been arrested several times in the recent past and obviously have ongoing criminal enterprises....If you're talking about a 40-year-old who made a mistake when he was 18 and has been a good guy ever since -- we're not interested, and the last thing we intend to do is bother law-abiding citizens." Instead, it appears, they plan on running backgrounds on people and deciding who might be a potential criminal enterprise. Why don't they just get out a phone book, or go door to door, and just run a background check on everyone in the city? That is, after all, where this appears to be heading.

Popeye? Where Are You?

2006-09-22T02:05:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.21.06.........

I guess it's no secret now why we havent heard from Popeye lately. I am not making light of the dangers of E. Coli, which apparently can be deadly, as one death has come from the latest out break. It has now been traced back to California and narrowed down to a few counties. (According to the Food and Drug Administration). Ironically, though, the FDA warning came five days after the Lenexa Spinach Festival. I, personally, have never cared for spinach, so it has never affected me.
Some restauraunts are substituting variuous kinds of lettuce or cabbage. I'd rather have one of Wimpie's hamburgers.

Something to Not Think About

2006-09-20T11:39:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.20.06.........
The Kansas City Star has overhauled itself because of its new printing presses. It looks different, and a bit smaller than before (maybe ontin content, but in actual size). One thing I noted was on the editorial page they have placed a "Thought for the Day" and a "Religious verse." I guess it can be interpreted different ways, but it it suggesting that the scripture verse is not something one thinks about? Some of the deepest thinkers I know would be labeled "religious".....or even that other word......oh yeah, "Christian."

The Pope Gives Himself Some Rope

2006-09-19T21:25:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.19.06.........

If they aren't stirred by a cartoon, then they are motivated by words from the Pope. "We aren't violent," scream some Muslims as they violently react to the comments and then suggest the Pope should die. (Pope Benedict didn't actually say "violent," just "evil and inhuman.") That is not an indictment on all Muslims, but isn't it interesting that the only way they know how to say they are offended by being considered violent terrorists is to act as violent terrorists?

Heeeey, Cab Driver!!!

2006-09-19T20:03:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.19.06.........
Kudos to the city of Olathe for it's "Taxi voucher program." The program, which was started in 2004, offers vouchers to low-income Olathe residents for free taxi rides to and from work on weekdays. And if you have ever ridden in a cab recently, you know that if someone is low income, that one taxi ride costs about a weeks wages.

Beware of the American Terrorists!

2006-09-19T19:23:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.19.06.........

"Terrorism" is a much used word today. Moreso after 911 then ever. Terrorism takes many forms, however. The poor, the hard pressed, those in financial binds, etc, need to stand up to the terrorists which run American financial institutions, control credit bureaus, hospitals, insurance companies and a host of others things. They threaten and destroy peoples lives on a daily basis through acts which detroy credit....which, as of late, can affect people ability to even work. This is America!!! We no longer ask for the downtrodden to come to our shores.....we have institutions that will destroy those who are already here........unless you have a lot of money and a good lawyer....and you dont get a good lawyer without a lot of money. There's little justice for the poor anymore. We...and I mean everyone who is in this category: being run down by the system....needs to just quit worrying about the threats and actions that might or maye will be taken..................it's not giving up: it's just saying "NO!!!". Let's not take it anymore.

NCO Financial Systems

2006-09-19T19:00:00.000-06:00

[C]2006 by Richard L Zorek...(09.18.06)........There is a collection agency based out of Wilmington, Delaware called "NCO Financial Systems." (PO Box 15609, Wilington, Delaware 19850. It is a collection agency that sends letters (without announcing who or what they are, of course, on the envelope. And then they send bills without identifying who gave them the bill. Seems to be their typical agenda. What they want you to do is call them or write them, so they know they aren't making a mistake. And they only give you thirty days to protest, although a protest won't do any good at that point anyway. If they have already turned you into a credit bureau, then take your time responding. The damage is already done. This is just one of the many companies that basically exploit the poor on behalf of medical facilities and hospitals.

Let's Just be Blunt About It

2006-09-14T20:53:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.14.06.........

Governor Matt Blunt's attempt to require voters to have a picture ID (like a license) was struck down by a Missouri State judge (Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan). Callahan ruled that the requirement is a particular burden to women and the poor. That's because a separate Missouri law requires those getting or renewing a driver's license to show they are lawfully in the country, generally with a birth certificate or passport. Blunt wrote after the ruling, "This is a constitutionally sound law that will help improve Missourians' confidence in the elections process and help combat those who attempt to manipulate the system." Blunt might get more faith in the system, but he clearly doesnt speak for the poor. Maybe if he did, he might see more voter confidence by that demographic, which he probably lacks.

One of Many Reasons I am No Longer a Republican

2006-09-13T20:56:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.13.06.........

The Republicans just playing politics? Of course they are. And the Rhode Island primary makes it clear. Lincoln Chafee's win over Steve Laffey seals the evidence. Though, it would still be evidence even if Chafee would have lost. The Republican Party gave their support to Chafee because he is more moderate and they think that will make him a more viable win in the November elections. What about the "good of the nation" or even the "good of Rhode Island?" Laffey is too conservative for them. "Too conservative" for a Republican just means that they have more heartfelt convictions.

Couric Goes to Prime Time

2006-09-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.09.06.........
Katie Couric? A lot of noise about nothing. She isn't even creative enough to think up her own way to sign off from her new job as CBS Evening News anchor.
Instead, she is seeking the help of the "viewers." Interesting move if she was running for public office. When it comes to TV ratings, though, maybe that is what she is doing. Whatever it is, it won't be her legacy, because it won't really be her idea. Deliver the news, Couric, and then say good night.

Steve Irwin: 1962-2006

2006-09-06T00:35:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.06.06.........

On labor day morning, as I watched the news, a breaking headline came in "Steve Irwin (aka Crocodile Hunter) killed." I admit I was not a devout fan of his, but was impressed with his energy on the few times I saw him on various talk shows. As the day went on I saw more clips about him and didn't even realize he was so compassionate about conservation. To be honest, I didn't even know he did much with nay other animals except crocodiles. But, I make no apologies for not watching too much TV. Of course, the press always overkills a story.....even a mans tragic death. They go at it from any angle they think will get interest. I suspect we will be hearing a whole lot about stingrays in the future. Hopefully, I will not hear anyone else say "this is the way Steve would have wwnated to go..." because he was only 44, had a wife and two daughters and I doubt he went out at anytime and said "I would sure like to be killed by a wild animal today." Many deaths make no sense. This is one of them.

Tom Cruise Probably Isn't Jerry Maguire

2006-09-04T19:31:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.04.06.........

Joal Ryan, on a Yahoo news feed wrote "More than one year after engaging in a war of words over postpartum depression, Tom Cruise and Brooke Shields have made peace. The accord was announced by Shields on Friday's Tonight Show. A piece of news that I certainly could have cared less about in the first place, but then he added this barb: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presumably was too busy with other stuff to comment. Well said. The comment by Cruise was made over a year ago and had something to do with dissing Brookes for some errant comment she made that didn't agree with his Scientology beliefs. The "barb" ended with him suggesting "where is her career now?" Hmmm, shoe is on the other foot now isn't it??? Or else he just needs all the Hollywood support he can muster now.

Sign Sign, Everywhere a Sign!

2006-09-04T18:20:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by
Richard L Zorek....9.04.06.........

According to the Prairie Village city attorney, the city will consider a new sign ordinance. A federal judge found the current one appeared to violate First Amendment rights. Prairie Village resident David Quinly, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, challenged the ordinance after the city cited him for his front-yard signs opposing the war in Iraq. If the opposition to the signs is politically motivated, then the way to fight the issue is clear: put up signs of your own. Currently an injunction is in place to keep Prairie Village from enforcing their laws until it is deemed "fair" by a judge and, of course, by the ACLU, who is always there to defend the liberals freedom of speech. I have seen Quinly's signs, and they have been there for awhile. It makes his yard look pretty trashy but that is the way he wishes to express his speech. So, as I said, fight fire with fire: put up your own trashy signs. The ACLU will inadvertently be there to protect you even if you hold a position in favor of the war. U.S. District Judge John Lungstrum issued an injunction blocking Prairie Village from enforcing its ordinance........so it is now a free for all!!!

Stacked Audiences

2006-09-01T20:47:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....9.01.06.........
Kudos to journalist Christopher Hitchens, who not only told Bill Maher's audience on his TV show that they were "frivelous" and would "clap at anything", he then flipped them off (with a few added words). It's about time someone took aim at theses stacked audiences and "yes men-mobs" for the hosts with soapboxes.

JonBenet Ramsey: Case Solved?

2006-08-16T20:20:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.16.06...........Today we hear of an arrest in the ten year old murder of JonBenet Ramsey, a little girl from Boulder, Colorado. According to sources, there is DNA evidence and the man who was arrested made some admissions. What do all the people in the media who have pronounced judgement against her parents for the past ten years say today? Patsy Ramsey, of course, died last June of cancer.

Which side of the War on Terrorism is the News Media on?

2006-08-11T22:49:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.11.06...........

Ever since it was first revealed that there was a conpiracy thwarted in the UK, the media has begun its dissection of the issue. I would like to blame Katie Couric for asking the dumb questions, but, she isn't on the air right now. So it is people like Chris Matthews and the like who are asking questions on the air and reporting what the terrorists did wrong to get them captured. Do we need to know this? Not really. And the reason I say that is because as we find out, so do the terrorist regimes. They don't have to do any spying anymore. They can just watch CNN for the information. Now, they know what they did wrong. It will make them stronger and better terrorists for future projects.

Is Ebay Biting the Dust???

2006-08-11T21:46:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.11.06...........
Ebay CEO Bill Cobb, in a move he calls "Resetting the Balance of the eBay Marketplace," isn't helping the sellers any. But surely helping himself to a bigger peice of the pie. Of course, there are veteran ebayers who will be leaving because of the increases, so if Cobb keeps going the direction he is going, he will make ebay an unprofitable place for anyone to want to sell at.
Effective Aug 22, ebay store listing ing fees will more than double per item. And he has increased the percentage he will take on the final amount due (with accounting the percentage the Paypal takes). It may be time for another company to get competitibe with ebay. Now is the time to strike.

Terrorism Strikes Terror

2006-08-10T07:51:00.000-06:00

......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.10.06...........Today we hear of a plot discovered by British police in which terrorists were to load on planes in British Airways which were headed for the US. They would be carrying chemicals and the plan would be to blow up about ten planes. Today most airports have extra security and all passengers are surrendering there bottle of liquid (perfumes, water, etc) from their carry on bags. Is that a temporary solution or permanent one? Probably permanent. Terrorists have done what terrorists do: strike fear. People don't mind the incovenience if it means safety or security. Political agendas are won often based on fear. I am not saying it is not the right response to keep passengers from boarding with liquids, but I want to make it clear how fear rearranges the world. Terrorists know that. They enjoy the power.

Sex Offender Pit Bull Registry in Overland Park

2006-08-09T21:17:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.09.06...........

A new ordinance banning Pit Bulls in Overland Park went into effect July 27. Those who failed to register their pit bull dog by that date face a fine, ranging from $200 to $1,000, and/or 30 days in jail. Registered pit bull dogs living in the city will not be affected by the ban, which was passed by the City Council Monday. However, any puppies born to registered pit bulls must be removed from the city within six weeks.

Huffington's Fear Factor

2006-08-09T15:22:00.000-06:00

.......[c]2006 by
DOMINO....8.09.06...........
Arianna Huffington, in her column the day after Joe Lieberman's defeat in Connecticut, said "This is a spoiler alert!.........
I'm talking about Joe Lieberman's selfish, self-serving, spoiled-rotten attempt to undercut Ned Lamont's historic victory -- and, ultimately, Democrats' chances of retaking control of Congress in November." I think the truth of her emotionally charged rambling is in her concern about the Democrats retaking control of Congress. I do not see Liebermans loss as any indication of a dissatisfaction about the war in Iraq. Connecticut, after all, has closed primaries. So it could be an indication that Democrats don't like the war in Iraq. But we already knew that. And Lieberman's stand has been an indication of his dissatisfaction with the Democrats. And I think we already knew that. But Huffington goes on to say that a Lieberman run as an Indepedent would kick the "will of the Democratic voters to the curb." I think that make Lieberman viable. If the Democrats are so right, then what do they have to worry about. Hufffington's alarm suggest some fear and uncertainty.