Something I noticed on the AP this morning was too much to pass up.
I was reading the stories about the state legislatures and how they are winding up their respective sessions.
Kansas is dealing with huge deficits and facing lots of cuts. Oklahoma is debating its state rock song.
I just thought the comparison was too much to pass up. Not sure what it means, but it does seem that oklahoma is not in as dire straits as Kansas.
On Kansas:
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Familiar budget problems and policy issues will face the Kansas Legislature when it reconvenes Wednesday, but its members likely will be dealing with a new governor as they wrap up business for the year.
They've been wrestling with the state's financial problems since they opened their annual session in January, and they must eliminate a projected $328 million deficit in the next state budget. They're pursuing some spending cuts and proposals to boost revenues, although not a general tax increase.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Conservative Republicans, frustrated by the governor's veto of a contentious embryonic stem cell research bill, capped off a zany week in the Oklahoma Legislature by kissing off "The Flaming Lips."
The rejection by the state House of "Do You Realize??" as the official state song is just one example of social conservatives showing their strength in a session dominated by debate over such things as a Ten Commandments monument, state sovereignty and "official English."
Meanwhile, after passage of a major legislative deadline, the fate of key programs of GOP leaders remains a question mark, most notably a bill making sweeping changes in the civil justice system.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sunday
Ive been sick since the interview with Kasha, so have not posted.
That was not what made me sick though.
Doing better, but still not at 100 percent.
Here is a good thought for today.
John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-
John 1:13 children born not of natural descent, [fn] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
That was not what made me sick though.
Doing better, but still not at 100 percent.
Here is a good thought for today.
John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-
John 1:13 children born not of natural descent, [fn] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
note on live blogs
Ive heard a few people say they could not read the live blog. The company that does the blogs made some changes.
Anyways, you now have to click on the little white arrow in the middle of the thing to make it work.
If that doesnt work let me know.
Also, will be live blogging with Kasha Kelley at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Anyways, you now have to click on the little white arrow in the middle of the thing to make it work.
If that doesnt work let me know.
Also, will be live blogging with Kasha Kelley at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
live blog
Just a reminder that we will have a live blog of the city commission meeting at 7 p.m. today.
Freedom of speech redux
My point in posting that story about miss America was not to get into the gay debate.
The point was, - to me anyways - was her voicing her opinion costing her the title.
SHould someone's opinion keep them from winning something like miss america?
I just think that sort of thing has a chilling effect on freedom of speech.
Just look at how fear makes people post anonymously on here, and there's no title on the line even.
I do think it is a freedom of speech issue.
The gay issue is a side issue to me in this case.
The point was, - to me anyways - was her voicing her opinion costing her the title.
SHould someone's opinion keep them from winning something like miss america?
I just think that sort of thing has a chilling effect on freedom of speech.
Just look at how fear makes people post anonymously on here, and there's no title on the line even.
I do think it is a freedom of speech issue.
The gay issue is a side issue to me in this case.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Freedom of speech takes a fall
Try to look past the issues itself, and consider what this says about freedom of speech.
Perez Hilton: 'The Way Miss California Answered Her Question Lost Her The Crown'
LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton may have been crowned Miss USA 2009 on Sunday, but on Monday, it was Miss California Carrie Prejean's answer to a question about same-sex marriage from celebrity blogger and pageant judge Perez Hilton that was the night's biggest story.
During the show, Perez asked Carrie, "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?"
"Well I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. Um, we live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and in, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman," Carrie said to a mix of boos and applause. "No offense to anybody out there. But that's how I was raised and that's how I think that it should be between a man and a woman."
Carrie's answer to the hot button question cost her the crown - at least according to Perez.
"The way miss California answered her question lost her the crown, without a doubt!" Perez told Access Hollywood after the pageant. "Never before that I'm aware of has a contestant been booed at Miss USA."
Keith Lewis, Co-Executive Director of the Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA said in statement to Access Hollywood that he respects Carrie's opinion, even if it differs with his.
Perez Hilton: 'The Way Miss California Answered Her Question Lost Her The Crown'
LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton may have been crowned Miss USA 2009 on Sunday, but on Monday, it was Miss California Carrie Prejean's answer to a question about same-sex marriage from celebrity blogger and pageant judge Perez Hilton that was the night's biggest story.
During the show, Perez asked Carrie, "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?"
"Well I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. Um, we live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and in, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman," Carrie said to a mix of boos and applause. "No offense to anybody out there. But that's how I was raised and that's how I think that it should be between a man and a woman."
Carrie's answer to the hot button question cost her the crown - at least according to Perez.
"The way miss California answered her question lost her the crown, without a doubt!" Perez told Access Hollywood after the pageant. "Never before that I'm aware of has a contestant been booed at Miss USA."
Keith Lewis, Co-Executive Director of the Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA said in statement to Access Hollywood that he respects Carrie's opinion, even if it differs with his.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Music
We had a good time at the music show last night. We ended up with six performers. We had around 50 people show up, not counting the musicians.
It was at Calvary Chapel.
I thought the musicians we really good. Some of them I had not heard before.
Next show is May 15 at Wilson Park.
Our schedules change from time to time, so keep that in mind.
The music festival had a booth at the cowley county marketplace thing saturday morning. It displayed things made, and things to do, in cowley county.There are lots of interesting things here.
The legislators were also there. They talked about the budget and how there is this huge shortfall in finances. There will have to be some big cuts in 2010 budget.
It was at Calvary Chapel.
I thought the musicians we really good. Some of them I had not heard before.
Next show is May 15 at Wilson Park.
Our schedules change from time to time, so keep that in mind.
The music festival had a booth at the cowley county marketplace thing saturday morning. It displayed things made, and things to do, in cowley county.There are lots of interesting things here.
The legislators were also there. They talked about the budget and how there is this huge shortfall in finances. There will have to be some big cuts in 2010 budget.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
City commission meetings changes
There is a move afoot to change the city commission meeting date for the worksession. Currently it is at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, and the regular meeting is the next evening at 7.
Before the three amigos came on board, the work session was at noon on friday. There is a move to move it back to the friday at noon time slot.
One thing you have to admit about the three amigos, is that that have tried to make the meetings open and available to the public. Not saying they were not before, but, they have tried to remove any obstacle that they could.
The argument for the change is that it will give them time to gather information if they need to between the meetings.
The argument against it is that it does not make it convenient for people to attend.
One commissioner pointed out that not many people go anyway.
Let's show em Monday night.
See how many people we can get to come out.
Also tuesday they will have the changing of the guard. elect a new mayor and all that.
mell will officially hand over the gavel, that is assuming he is not mayor anymore.
traditionally the highest vote getter is the mayor, and the second highest vote getter is the mayor the following year.
but that is just tradition.
The commission may elect any of its members.
I can see the argument that it is hard for a newcomer to step into the role of mayor. it would be better perhaps for a person to serve on the commission for a year at least before taking that role. But at the same time, it has worked for years.
So im just not sure it matters.
The vote on the meeting change is set for after the new commissioners take office.
It isnt that big of a deal, but it might be symbolic ?
Before the three amigos came on board, the work session was at noon on friday. There is a move to move it back to the friday at noon time slot.
One thing you have to admit about the three amigos, is that that have tried to make the meetings open and available to the public. Not saying they were not before, but, they have tried to remove any obstacle that they could.
The argument for the change is that it will give them time to gather information if they need to between the meetings.
The argument against it is that it does not make it convenient for people to attend.
One commissioner pointed out that not many people go anyway.
Let's show em Monday night.
See how many people we can get to come out.
Also tuesday they will have the changing of the guard. elect a new mayor and all that.
mell will officially hand over the gavel, that is assuming he is not mayor anymore.
traditionally the highest vote getter is the mayor, and the second highest vote getter is the mayor the following year.
but that is just tradition.
The commission may elect any of its members.
I can see the argument that it is hard for a newcomer to step into the role of mayor. it would be better perhaps for a person to serve on the commission for a year at least before taking that role. But at the same time, it has worked for years.
So im just not sure it matters.
The vote on the meeting change is set for after the new commissioners take office.
It isnt that big of a deal, but it might be symbolic ?
Saturday, music , good thoughts
Morning all.
Ive not posted much this week, but you all seem to have done just fine without me.
I noticed not many people took my challenge to say something good about someone.
Today I will be at the Cowley Marketplace thing at the Brown Center. From 8:30 a.m., until 12:30 p.m., businesses and organizations that make things or do things in Cowley County, will be there showing their stuff.
I will be there with River of Life Music Festival information.
Also today is the Monthly River of Life music show. It starts at 6 p.m. today. At Calvary Chapel, which is at 1000 S. Third Street. It is an old elementary school.
Here are some good thoughts about people.
* My neighbor, ben winegar, climbed up on a tall ladder to nail back up a shingle that blew off our house during the recent ice storm. I was entirely too chicken to do it myself.
* Our neighbors in general, a couple of summers ago, came to the rescue when our garage caught on fire while we were away on vacation. The fire dept. came and had to break out a couple windows to get in to put out the fire. Someone did a nice job of boarding up those windows. It actually looked nice. (The boards have since been replaced with glass, as per city code.)
* Kanyon Gingher has raised a lot of money to pay off those water bills for the city. She did complain and fought the fees that the city instigated., but she has also worked hard for a solution.
Ive not posted much this week, but you all seem to have done just fine without me.
I noticed not many people took my challenge to say something good about someone.
Today I will be at the Cowley Marketplace thing at the Brown Center. From 8:30 a.m., until 12:30 p.m., businesses and organizations that make things or do things in Cowley County, will be there showing their stuff.
I will be there with River of Life Music Festival information.
Also today is the Monthly River of Life music show. It starts at 6 p.m. today. At Calvary Chapel, which is at 1000 S. Third Street. It is an old elementary school.
Here are some good thoughts about people.
* My neighbor, ben winegar, climbed up on a tall ladder to nail back up a shingle that blew off our house during the recent ice storm. I was entirely too chicken to do it myself.
* Our neighbors in general, a couple of summers ago, came to the rescue when our garage caught on fire while we were away on vacation. The fire dept. came and had to break out a couple windows to get in to put out the fire. Someone did a nice job of boarding up those windows. It actually looked nice. (The boards have since been replaced with glass, as per city code.)
* Kanyon Gingher has raised a lot of money to pay off those water bills for the city. She did complain and fought the fees that the city instigated., but she has also worked hard for a solution.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
positively
The negativity and attacks on here have been amazing over the last week.
Some people really have a lot of anger.
A person did make a suggestion that I thought was good.
So
Here is a challenge.
For the rest of the week, until Sunday.
Lets talk about good things people have done.
Talk about people all you want, but talk about the good stuff.
Im sure there are good people out there that you can think of.
Lets see what happens
Some people really have a lot of anger.
A person did make a suggestion that I thought was good.
So
Here is a challenge.
For the rest of the week, until Sunday.
Lets talk about good things people have done.
Talk about people all you want, but talk about the good stuff.
Im sure there are good people out there that you can think of.
Lets see what happens
The Music
The River of Life music returns this weekend.
We got snowed out - iced out - last month. This weekend will be our first monthly show.
This is for local bands that maybe do not get as much attention as others, or who are starting out.
This includes performers - not just bands. It also includes all styles of religious music. - whether that be classic gospel or rock and roll.
This will lead up to the big festival in the fall. First weekend of October.
The show this weekend will be at Calvary Chapel on South Third street. Its an old school building.
Starts at 6. Musicians are:
6:00-6:20: Bob Onelio and Praying for Miracles
6:35-6:55: Open Heaven, Diane Maxwell
7:10-7:30: Sylvia Riggs
7:45-8:05: Calvary Praise Band
8:20-8:40: Tim Durham and 3 in 1 Group
We got snowed out - iced out - last month. This weekend will be our first monthly show.
This is for local bands that maybe do not get as much attention as others, or who are starting out.
This includes performers - not just bands. It also includes all styles of religious music. - whether that be classic gospel or rock and roll.
This will lead up to the big festival in the fall. First weekend of October.
The show this weekend will be at Calvary Chapel on South Third street. Its an old school building.
Starts at 6. Musicians are:
6:00-6:20: Bob Onelio and Praying for Miracles
6:35-6:55: Open Heaven, Diane Maxwell
7:10-7:30: Sylvia Riggs
7:45-8:05: Calvary Praise Band
8:20-8:40: Tim Durham and 3 in 1 Group
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
letters
Some people on here are acting like they think Dustin should not have written his letter.
I just want to remind everyone that this is America. That means you can write what you want and say what you want. Of course, people can then rip it to shreds and say what they like just as well.
One difference is that Dustin signed his letter.
It is true that you don't have to on here. But it is real easy to rip him anonymously.
Im not defending his letter, but I do think it took a bit of courage to put the name on it.
I cant help but notice that all the critics are anonymous.
I am not defending him or his letter. Whether I agree is not the point. I could debate things brought up. But this is what freedom of speech is about, allowing everyone to say what they want.
There are some actual topics in the letter that could be debated.
Can we rise above petty nitpicking and backbiting long enough to actually discuss issues?
Anyone brave enough to say what you want about dustin, mell and others, AND put your name on it?
You may post anonymously. Im just raising the question, thats all.
I just want to remind everyone that this is America. That means you can write what you want and say what you want. Of course, people can then rip it to shreds and say what they like just as well.
One difference is that Dustin signed his letter.
It is true that you don't have to on here. But it is real easy to rip him anonymously.
Im not defending his letter, but I do think it took a bit of courage to put the name on it.
I cant help but notice that all the critics are anonymous.
I am not defending him or his letter. Whether I agree is not the point. I could debate things brought up. But this is what freedom of speech is about, allowing everyone to say what they want.
There are some actual topics in the letter that could be debated.
Can we rise above petty nitpicking and backbiting long enough to actually discuss issues?
Anyone brave enough to say what you want about dustin, mell and others, AND put your name on it?
You may post anonymously. Im just raising the question, thats all.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Big Brother
I got a little sidetracked over Easter.
Had something i wanted to write but never got it done. Too late now.
One weird thing happened today.
I got a letter from federal court in Topeka. They wanted me to fill out a form with questions and eventually i could be called for jury duty.
It would be for federal court in Topeka or Wichita.
That isn't the weird thing.
The weird thing was this. There was a note that i could fill all this out online and not have to mail the form. I did that. Went to the web site. I entered my name and date of birth. The form automatically filled in my address, phone number, place of employment from that.
Big Brother watching.
What else do they know.
That was a bit spooky.
Had something i wanted to write but never got it done. Too late now.
One weird thing happened today.
I got a letter from federal court in Topeka. They wanted me to fill out a form with questions and eventually i could be called for jury duty.
It would be for federal court in Topeka or Wichita.
That isn't the weird thing.
The weird thing was this. There was a note that i could fill all this out online and not have to mail the form. I did that. Went to the web site. I entered my name and date of birth. The form automatically filled in my address, phone number, place of employment from that.
Big Brother watching.
What else do they know.
That was a bit spooky.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The night before Easter
Easter is tomorrow.
Kinda interesting that for many Christians it is the most important holiday of the year, yet it is also he one with the most pagan influences.
Doesn't bother me at all though.
We get a day off for Christmas, but not for Easter. To me Easter is much more significant than Christmas. It was so for centuries. Christmas really didn't catch on until the early 1800's. But Easter has always been celebrated in one for or another.
Of course there is the resurrection that we celebrate. When the early Christians made their way to Europe they found pagans celebrating the new birth of spring with various holidays and rituals.
Pagans liked Christianity, and switched over. Some say they were persecuted, but really, it was just a "battle" of ideas.
The pagan holidays were already in place celebrating new birth.
So combining it with a holiday about the resurrection was kind of a natural match.
I may post again about Easter in the a.m.
Easter morning is a special time, so maybe not:)
Kinda interesting that for many Christians it is the most important holiday of the year, yet it is also he one with the most pagan influences.
Doesn't bother me at all though.
We get a day off for Christmas, but not for Easter. To me Easter is much more significant than Christmas. It was so for centuries. Christmas really didn't catch on until the early 1800's. But Easter has always been celebrated in one for or another.
Of course there is the resurrection that we celebrate. When the early Christians made their way to Europe they found pagans celebrating the new birth of spring with various holidays and rituals.
Pagans liked Christianity, and switched over. Some say they were persecuted, but really, it was just a "battle" of ideas.
The pagan holidays were already in place celebrating new birth.
So combining it with a holiday about the resurrection was kind of a natural match.
I may post again about Easter in the a.m.
Easter morning is a special time, so maybe not:)
Friday, April 10, 2009
Deleted string
I decided to delete that other string.
It was just getting - or had gotten very - ridiculous.
I should have put a stop to it earlier.
I dont have to allow anonymous character assassinations and i wont.
especially when they do not relate to the discussion at all.
ive not had time to post much last couple of days.
we are missing two out of five people in the newsroom.
so its kinda crazy right now.
here is my original post that got hijacked.
Another election. The sun came up again this morning. Life goes on.
I do want to say something about Scott Margolius. I thought he displayed a lot of class last night at the meeting, and was very gracious in his loss.
He was checking the results on his cell phone as the meeting was ending, and knew the results before any of the other commissioners knew. He could have just kept quiet and faded into the shadows. But instead, he congratulated the winners.
He gave them credit for winning.
After the meeting he acknowledged that the election was a sort of a referendum on the big box. He did not say he was wrong, but did say that he recognized the statement that was made by the voters.
It is important to win well. It is also important to lose well.
I think he deserves some credit for that.
It was just getting - or had gotten very - ridiculous.
I should have put a stop to it earlier.
I dont have to allow anonymous character assassinations and i wont.
especially when they do not relate to the discussion at all.
ive not had time to post much last couple of days.
we are missing two out of five people in the newsroom.
so its kinda crazy right now.
here is my original post that got hijacked.
Another election. The sun came up again this morning. Life goes on.
I do want to say something about Scott Margolius. I thought he displayed a lot of class last night at the meeting, and was very gracious in his loss.
He was checking the results on his cell phone as the meeting was ending, and knew the results before any of the other commissioners knew. He could have just kept quiet and faded into the shadows. But instead, he congratulated the winners.
He gave them credit for winning.
After the meeting he acknowledged that the election was a sort of a referendum on the big box. He did not say he was wrong, but did say that he recognized the statement that was made by the voters.
It is important to win well. It is also important to lose well.
I think he deserves some credit for that.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
new commission
Here are the city results
JAY W. WARREN . . . . . . . . 1,012
PATRICK MCDONALD . . .. . . . . 794
JEAN R. SNELL . . . . . . . . . 702
BOB MATHEWS. . . . . . . . . . 619
GORDON FRY . . . . . . . . . . 579
SCOTT MARGOLIUS . . . . . . . . 481
PENNYANN WARESAK . . . . . . . 107
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 10
We are going to have a new commission.
Looks like a power shift. The big box may have had an effect here.
Now that its over, what do you think?
JAY W. WARREN . . . . . . . . 1,012
PATRICK MCDONALD . . .. . . . . 794
JEAN R. SNELL . . . . . . . . . 702
BOB MATHEWS. . . . . . . . . . 619
GORDON FRY . . . . . . . . . . 579
SCOTT MARGOLIUS . . . . . . . . 481
PENNYANN WARESAK . . . . . . . 107
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 10
We are going to have a new commission.
Looks like a power shift. The big box may have had an effect here.
Now that its over, what do you think?
Monday, April 6, 2009
About the live blogs
I just wanted to explain to everyone how did some things in an effort to be fair to everyone.
The way the schedule was working, Scott Margolius is today on the radio.
That would mean his story - which all the other candidates have received - would not have shown up in the paper until tuesday evening, which would be after most people had voted.
So, I went ahead and interviewed him Saturday, took the photo, and put it in today's - Mondays' - paper. He will still be on the radio tonight, answering the questions again.
This way he will get a story the day before the election. The story will appear in the paper before the live blog does.
So just in case there is any confusion, that is what is happening.
The way the schedule was working, Scott Margolius is today on the radio.
That would mean his story - which all the other candidates have received - would not have shown up in the paper until tuesday evening, which would be after most people had voted.
So, I went ahead and interviewed him Saturday, took the photo, and put it in today's - Mondays' - paper. He will still be on the radio tonight, answering the questions again.
This way he will get a story the day before the election. The story will appear in the paper before the live blog does.
So just in case there is any confusion, that is what is happening.
More live candidate interviews
Just a reminder
I will have the Scott Margolius live blog interview, with Kanyon and KACY, at 5 p.m. today.
Vote tomorrow.
I will have the Scott Margolius live blog interview, with Kanyon and KACY, at 5 p.m. today.
Vote tomorrow.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
escapee maybe
According to the scanner.
A work-release inmate got into a care and left the facility at Winfield this morning.
He got into a white 1948 mercury coupe with Texas antique license plates.
He was last seen headed south on Main Street in Winfield. Perhaps headed south on 77.
The inmate is said to look like Kenny Rogers.
Escaping in style anyway.
A work-release inmate got into a care and left the facility at Winfield this morning.
He got into a white 1948 mercury coupe with Texas antique license plates.
He was last seen headed south on Main Street in Winfield. Perhaps headed south on 77.
The inmate is said to look like Kenny Rogers.
Escaping in style anyway.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
who you like
There's plenty of attacking going on.
I am wondering if there is any positive reason to vote for a candidate?
I want to suggest posting about why you like a particular candidate.
who do you like and why?
I am wondering if there is any positive reason to vote for a candidate?
I want to suggest posting about why you like a particular candidate.
who do you like and why?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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