ABC NEWS / This Week with George Stephanopoulos: On to discuss the major foreign policy news of the week, two members of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee: Joe Lieberman (I - CT) and Jack Reed (D - RI). Also, Libertarian Party candidate Bob Barr will talk about his race for the White House. This week's roundtable will feature Jonathan Capehart of the Washington Post, Michelle Cottle from the New Republic, Time Magazine's Mark Halperin and Ted Koppel of the Discovery Channel.
BAY NEWS 9 / Political Connections: Bay News 9 does not provide advance notice of the guests or topics for Political Connections.
CBS NEWS / Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer: CBS has not released the details of this Sunday's edition as of Friday evening. Please check back for more information.
CABLE NEWS NETWORK / Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer: CNN has not released the details of this Sunday's edition as of Friday evening. Please check back for more information.
FOX NEWS / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace: This weekend, with Fox News Washington Managing Editor Brit Hume in the moderator's seat, the hour will feature an "All-Star" panel discussing various issues of the day: Fred Barnes and Bill Kristol, two co-founders of The Weekly Standard, along with Juan Williams and Mara Liasson of National Public Radio
NBC NEWS / Meet the Press: PROGRAMMING NOTE: Meet the Press will not air this weekend due to NBC Sports' coverage of the Wimbledon tennis championships.
SYNDICATED / The Chris Matthews Show: No details of the programme have been released as of Friday evening. Please check back later for more information.
WEDU-TV 3 / Florida This Week with Rob Lorei: WEDU does not provide advance notice of the panelists and topics to be presented.
WFTS-TV 28 / Flashpoint with Brendan McLaughlin: WFTS has not released the details of this weekend's edition as of Friday evening. Please check back for more information
Friday, July 4, 2008
Randon Notes For A Friday Of Independence!
1) Congratulations to Governor Charlie Crist on his engagement to businesswoman Carole Rome this week. What a great way to pop the question, on a nice morning in your condo with a view of Tampa Bay!
From the story by Joe Fellick in this morning's Lakeland Ledger:
Crist, as well as friends and family, said his previous marriage's downturn (a six month marriage to a fellow Florida State University student nearly three decades ago) had left him very cautious. "It made me be very selective, candidly. Those things tend to make you gun-shy a little bit, but I'm so blessed to have found such a wonderful woman," Crist said. "It sure is great to find the right one."
I know the feeling...been there, done that. I was married for seven years to a wonderful woman, now deceased, who is the mother of my two children. Unfortunately, I was a very young, unmature fellow at the time and was nowhere near the type husband and father I should have been. Thankfully, she remained a close friend until her tragic passing over 10 years ago. Like the guv, I remain a bit gunshy about enterting into any type of a serious relationship. Maybe one day...
But for now, my sincere wishes for love, life, and happiness to Governor and the soon-to-be Mrs. Crist.
2) Speaking of the governor, the Florida Supreme Court Thursday issued a big setback for the chief executive by claiming that he exceeded his authority by entering into a compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida allowing them to expand Vegas-style gambling at their seven casinos statewide. The decision will likely force the state to return over $50 million it has already received under terms of the agreement, and cost Florida hundreds of millions over a period of years. Legislative leaders didn't like the idea of such a compact, since they weren't involved and likely wouldn't approve anyway. Well, back to slicing and dicing the education budget, boys and girls.
3) The Atlantic season's second tropical storm has formed in the far eastern Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands. The forecast models from the National Hurricane Center do not show Bertha becoming a hurricane, and not being a threat to any land masses within the next week. It would be 8-10 days before becoming any threat to the US, but the long term models show an eventual curve to the northwest. It's worth keeping a close watch.
4) How 'bout those Rays!? They completed the sweep of Boston Wednesday night, and after a day off will return to action this afternoon (5:10) as the Kansas City Royals come to Tropicana Field. Three and one-half games leading the AL East with the best record in the major leagues, the guys can't afford to let up now with a HUGE target on their backs.
5) How many of you have had trouble after purchasing Microsoft software? Specifically, no product code, which is in many cases required to fully use the product? Back in January, I bought a Works 9 package at a Wal-Mart store, but didn't use it for awhile until I needed to begin a couple of projects I was about to begin. When I opened the package (a bit of a task in itself), there was no product code, so...I called Microsoft and reported it in hopes they would issue me a replacement. After getting bounced around from one number to another and being told they could not give me a product key, they referred me to the point of purchase to exchange the software package. So...that's what I did early yesterday before heading to work. Although it was beyone the 90 day limitation which is the store's policy, the customer service person was helpful and allowed me an even exchange. After arriving home and opening the package, guess what??? NO PRODUCT KEY in this one, either! Again, I'm on the phone to Microsoft, and once again I'm bounced around, referred here and there until finally I found someone who actually attempted to help me and issued me a new product key. But...IT DIDN'T WORK, EITHER!
So...buyer beware!
From the story by Joe Fellick in this morning's Lakeland Ledger:
Crist, as well as friends and family, said his previous marriage's downturn (a six month marriage to a fellow Florida State University student nearly three decades ago) had left him very cautious. "It made me be very selective, candidly. Those things tend to make you gun-shy a little bit, but I'm so blessed to have found such a wonderful woman," Crist said. "It sure is great to find the right one."
I know the feeling...been there, done that. I was married for seven years to a wonderful woman, now deceased, who is the mother of my two children. Unfortunately, I was a very young, unmature fellow at the time and was nowhere near the type husband and father I should have been. Thankfully, she remained a close friend until her tragic passing over 10 years ago. Like the guv, I remain a bit gunshy about enterting into any type of a serious relationship. Maybe one day...
But for now, my sincere wishes for love, life, and happiness to Governor and the soon-to-be Mrs. Crist.
2) Speaking of the governor, the Florida Supreme Court Thursday issued a big setback for the chief executive by claiming that he exceeded his authority by entering into a compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida allowing them to expand Vegas-style gambling at their seven casinos statewide. The decision will likely force the state to return over $50 million it has already received under terms of the agreement, and cost Florida hundreds of millions over a period of years. Legislative leaders didn't like the idea of such a compact, since they weren't involved and likely wouldn't approve anyway. Well, back to slicing and dicing the education budget, boys and girls.
3) The Atlantic season's second tropical storm has formed in the far eastern Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands. The forecast models from the National Hurricane Center do not show Bertha becoming a hurricane, and not being a threat to any land masses within the next week. It would be 8-10 days before becoming any threat to the US, but the long term models show an eventual curve to the northwest. It's worth keeping a close watch.
4) How 'bout those Rays!? They completed the sweep of Boston Wednesday night, and after a day off will return to action this afternoon (5:10) as the Kansas City Royals come to Tropicana Field. Three and one-half games leading the AL East with the best record in the major leagues, the guys can't afford to let up now with a HUGE target on their backs.
5) How many of you have had trouble after purchasing Microsoft software? Specifically, no product code, which is in many cases required to fully use the product? Back in January, I bought a Works 9 package at a Wal-Mart store, but didn't use it for awhile until I needed to begin a couple of projects I was about to begin. When I opened the package (a bit of a task in itself), there was no product code, so...I called Microsoft and reported it in hopes they would issue me a replacement. After getting bounced around from one number to another and being told they could not give me a product key, they referred me to the point of purchase to exchange the software package. So...that's what I did early yesterday before heading to work. Although it was beyone the 90 day limitation which is the store's policy, the customer service person was helpful and allowed me an even exchange. After arriving home and opening the package, guess what??? NO PRODUCT KEY in this one, either! Again, I'm on the phone to Microsoft, and once again I'm bounced around, referred here and there until finally I found someone who actually attempted to help me and issued me a new product key. But...IT DIDN'T WORK, EITHER!
So...buyer beware!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Random Notes For A Soaking Wet Wednesday
1) It's no surprise that fellow University of Southern Mississippi alum and Green Bay Packers superstar quarterback Brett Farve has reportedly expressed an interest in coming back to play, only three months after he made a tearful announcement that he would hang up his cleats after 17 years in the NFL. My message to Number 4: PLEASE DON'T DO IT! It's not the same team, and to return would risk the tremendous leagcy he has built over so many years. He shouldn't have to worry about insuring that he and his family are well taken care of, if agent "Bud" Cook does his job right. Work on your farm in rural Lamar County, Mississippi just outside Hattiesburg, or if he really wanted to stay close to the game he loves, work out a deal where he can spend time with the USM quarterbacks during the season, helping them to sharpen their skills. Here's hoping Brett will reconsider any thoughts of returning.
2) As municipalities across Polk County are forced to find ways to slice and dice their budgets, among the difficult decisions some are making include eliminating their own police departments and contracting with the Polk County Sheriff's Office to provide law enforcement services. Three --- Eagle Lake, Frostproof, and Fort Meade --- have already taken that step, and even the county seat of Bartow is considering the idea. Another, Polk City, recent expanded their existing contract for a nighttime deputy to include full time services and a substation. One small town, Dundee, rejected such an agreement (although their officers were fully supportive of the idea).
In addition to these moves, the city of Lake Wales has a contract with PCSO to provide dispatch services for it's police force, and now we learn that the county's second largest city, Winter Haven, may follow suit.
The advantage presented include savings in maintainence and labour costs, especially when it comes to vacation relief and eliminating duplication of services. As Sheriff Grady Judd put it during an interview with the Lakeland Ledger, "We already have the infrastructure in place...What we're reducing is duplication of services. If we have to pay a maintenance contract, it's cheaper to pay on a thousand radios than 100 radios. Whether you're dispatching for 10 cars or 20 cars, it costs the same amount of money."
As long as it maintains a high quality of service and response time as well as saving the taxpayers significantly, it sounds good to me. What do you think? Could it even work for a city as large as Lakeland? And would the support be there if the idea were brought up? My guess is, Nyet!
3) Tomorrow night will mark Central Florida Eurocars and the City of Lakeland's Independence celebration "Red, White, and Kaboom" along the Lake Mirror Promenade downtown (a great place to just walk around and enjoy the scenery anytime). Plans for the event from 6 - 9 PM include smooth jazz performer Les Sabler and the band CitiHeat along with a variety of food and drink vendors, with the traditional fireworks display being the highlight of the evening.
It sounds like a lot of fun; just be sure you bring the umbrella to on the safe side. The National Weather Service forecast for Thursday night reads:
Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Light east southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%
It sounds good, but you certainly wouldn't want to get caught in that 20%.
2) As municipalities across Polk County are forced to find ways to slice and dice their budgets, among the difficult decisions some are making include eliminating their own police departments and contracting with the Polk County Sheriff's Office to provide law enforcement services. Three --- Eagle Lake, Frostproof, and Fort Meade --- have already taken that step, and even the county seat of Bartow is considering the idea. Another, Polk City, recent expanded their existing contract for a nighttime deputy to include full time services and a substation. One small town, Dundee, rejected such an agreement (although their officers were fully supportive of the idea).
In addition to these moves, the city of Lake Wales has a contract with PCSO to provide dispatch services for it's police force, and now we learn that the county's second largest city, Winter Haven, may follow suit.
The advantage presented include savings in maintainence and labour costs, especially when it comes to vacation relief and eliminating duplication of services. As Sheriff Grady Judd put it during an interview with the Lakeland Ledger, "We already have the infrastructure in place...What we're reducing is duplication of services. If we have to pay a maintenance contract, it's cheaper to pay on a thousand radios than 100 radios. Whether you're dispatching for 10 cars or 20 cars, it costs the same amount of money."
As long as it maintains a high quality of service and response time as well as saving the taxpayers significantly, it sounds good to me. What do you think? Could it even work for a city as large as Lakeland? And would the support be there if the idea were brought up? My guess is, Nyet!
3) Tomorrow night will mark Central Florida Eurocars and the City of Lakeland's Independence celebration "Red, White, and Kaboom" along the Lake Mirror Promenade downtown (a great place to just walk around and enjoy the scenery anytime). Plans for the event from 6 - 9 PM include smooth jazz performer Les Sabler and the band CitiHeat along with a variety of food and drink vendors, with the traditional fireworks display being the highlight of the evening.
It sounds like a lot of fun; just be sure you bring the umbrella to on the safe side. The National Weather Service forecast for Thursday night reads:
Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Light east southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%
It sounds good, but you certainly wouldn't want to get caught in that 20%.
Another Night, Another Rays' Home Win! Bring The Brooms!
The Tampa Bay Rays continued their dominance of the Boston Red Sox last night with a 3-1 victory. Starting pitcher Matt Garza had seven strong innings, and was backed up by some strong work from the bullpen. The win extend the local baseball masters' lead in the American League East to 2 1/2 games over the Beantown Boyz, with Rays pitching ace Scott Kazmir (7-3) trying to complete the sweep tonight. He'll be going against the dangerous Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-1).
I understand there are still tickets left, but not many. Last night's game attracted 31,112 fans to The Trop...better get 'em early.
I read this morning where the TV audience for Rays baseball is growing. Monday night's win over the Red Sox attracted the highest local ratings in franchise history, with an estimated 271,000 combined homes in the Bay Area and Orlando areas. I'm actually surprised that many people could actually find the ION TV stations (Channels 56 in Orlando, 66 in Tampa/St. Pete...or is it the other way around? They're Bud Paxson's former stations...BTW: What happened to ol' Bud?).
I understand there are still tickets left, but not many. Last night's game attracted 31,112 fans to The Trop...better get 'em early.
I read this morning where the TV audience for Rays baseball is growing. Monday night's win over the Red Sox attracted the highest local ratings in franchise history, with an estimated 271,000 combined homes in the Bay Area and Orlando areas. I'm actually surprised that many people could actually find the ION TV stations (Channels 56 in Orlando, 66 in Tampa/St. Pete...or is it the other way around? They're Bud Paxson's former stations...BTW: What happened to ol' Bud?).
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
My Choices For Obama's VP Consideration
1) Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico: He has executive experience as head of a state; the fact that New Mexico is a western state as well as being on the Mexican border are definate pluses. He will likely help bring aboard the Hispanic vote, and his fluency in Spanish would allow the Obama campaign to better communicate to that segment of the population. Richardson also has significant government experience as a diplomat, as well as on energy issues as Secretary of Energy under President Clinton.
2) Former U.S. Senator John Edwards: He and Obama looked like a great team when he appeared to endorse the now Democratic nominee-apparant. He's still young, very intelligent on a number of issues, and knows his way around the U.S. Senate (for which he would serve as presiding officer if elected).
3) Retired General Wesley Clark: Command experience as a four-star general as well as his knowledge of military issues would make Clark a big plus if selected. He also is generally considered as being more moderate, and could provide well needed guidance when and if needed.
One thing I'll say here about General Clark's comments recently about GOP nominee-apparant John McCain: I truly believe that the retired general's remarks could and should have been stated diffrently, but noone can question that they were factual. Noone can or should question either McCain's or Obama's patriotism and love for our nation, and in regard to Senator McCain we can and should respect and appreciate his service to the USA through his military service, his sacrifice of five years of torture in Vietnam as a prisoner of war, and his continued service as a public servant representing the citizens of Arizona in the Senate.
But when everything is said and done, McCain will simply continue the failed policies of the current administration. It IS time for change.
2) Former U.S. Senator John Edwards: He and Obama looked like a great team when he appeared to endorse the now Democratic nominee-apparant. He's still young, very intelligent on a number of issues, and knows his way around the U.S. Senate (for which he would serve as presiding officer if elected).
3) Retired General Wesley Clark: Command experience as a four-star general as well as his knowledge of military issues would make Clark a big plus if selected. He also is generally considered as being more moderate, and could provide well needed guidance when and if needed.
One thing I'll say here about General Clark's comments recently about GOP nominee-apparant John McCain: I truly believe that the retired general's remarks could and should have been stated diffrently, but noone can question that they were factual. Noone can or should question either McCain's or Obama's patriotism and love for our nation, and in regard to Senator McCain we can and should respect and appreciate his service to the USA through his military service, his sacrifice of five years of torture in Vietnam as a prisoner of war, and his continued service as a public servant representing the citizens of Arizona in the Senate.
But when everything is said and done, McCain will simply continue the failed policies of the current administration. It IS time for change.
How 'Bout An Extension?
No, we're not talking about extending a financing deal. The Rays beat the Red Sox last night 5-4, and the extension being referred to is their lead in the AL East, now 1 1/2 games. The two games match up again tonight at The Trop.
Best record in baseball!
Best record in baseball!
Monday, June 30, 2008
If You're Not Registered To Vote...PLEASE DO IT!
The right to vote is one of the most precious privileges that we have. The decisions we make this fall will help shape the direction of our county, state, and nation for the next four years. While people can bring change, it is important that we do so peacefully by making intellegent decisions. That means 1) learning all you can about those men and women who seek public office, 2) registering to vote, and 3) actually getting out and doing so.
Members of Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards' staff will be in towns throughout the county during July as part of a voter registration drive.
Tuesday, they will be at the Auburndale Public Library at 100 Bridgers Avenue from 9-11 AM, and at the Polk City Public Library, 213 South Bougainvilla Avenue from 2-4 PM. Thursday, you can find them at the Bartow Public Library, 2150 South Broadway Avenue, from 9-11 AM, and at the Eagle Lake Public Library, 75 North Seventh Street from 2-4 PM
Those who are already registered to vote may come during these times to make changes to your name, address, and/or party affiliation.
Let's keep 'em busy!
Members of Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards' staff will be in towns throughout the county during July as part of a voter registration drive.
Tuesday, they will be at the Auburndale Public Library at 100 Bridgers Avenue from 9-11 AM, and at the Polk City Public Library, 213 South Bougainvilla Avenue from 2-4 PM. Thursday, you can find them at the Bartow Public Library, 2150 South Broadway Avenue, from 9-11 AM, and at the Eagle Lake Public Library, 75 North Seventh Street from 2-4 PM
Those who are already registered to vote may come during these times to make changes to your name, address, and/or party affiliation.
Let's keep 'em busy!
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