Sunday Morning Coffee is a look at the past week and a peek ahead. It's gossip, political opinion, business news, religion...all the stuff that makes you crazy...or a member of the Tea Party. Ouch...go ahead, grab a cup and let's visit. Warning, it's hot!
The Loss...
The news from yesterday that we lost 31 troops in Afghanistan is shocking and sad. It's also a reminder that you and I have not been asked for one sacrifice during these wars. We let the troops and the families of the troops take the brunt while we go about our merry way. I don't have the answer to this mess and I fear our future in that forsaken country will be much like that of the Soviet Union. It's a tough pill to swallow for a nation that is is war-weary. The reason the Russians lost is because these people have all the time in the world. They've been at this for decades...what's a few more hundred years of fighting the infidel... Uhm...that would be...us.
The Tea Party Is Losing Favor?
The word on the street is that the Republicans are right now trying to figure out a way to divorce themselves from the rabble. (Not in Iowa...but in other states. Here they are revered.) Americans have seen what happens when radicals move into power and they are quickly seeing the cost. This weekend Standard & Poor downgraded the US Credit Rating to AA+. In their report they fingered the acrimonious attitude in Washington and the inability make policy as a key reason for the downgrade. Here's some background from our friends at Bleeding Heartland. Note the comments directly from Standard & Poor. (Image: R. Gino Santa Maria / Shutterstock.com)
Speaking of the Tea Party...
"My Gal Michele" is a...oh my, don't get me started. And know what? She is leading in all the polls. The top of the pack includes Ms. Bachmann, Herman Cain and Mitt Romney. The Iowa Straw Poll, the big fund raiser for the Iowa Republican Party and early test for candidates, takes place this Saturday. Bets are that Michele Bachmann and Ron Paul will come away with the big wins. For those of you who think this is an odd year because the Iowa GOP is controlled by religious conservatives...we've been here before. Back in 1988 Jesus saw to it that preacher Pat Robertson soundly defeated Bob Dole and former president George H. W. Bush. For a nice overview of the Iowa Straw Poll here's a story from our friend Jennifer Jacobs of the Des Moines Register. I'd go...but they hold these things on the Sabbath...
Speaking of Jesus...
Governor Rick Perry prayed yesterday for President Obama at his event in Houston called The Response. (He didn't dare utter the president's name...but I'm sure He knows who.) Over 30,000 people showed up, prayed, cried and spoke in...tongues. The Response was funded by The American Family Association who believes the First Amendment regarding freedom of religion applies only to Christians. Let the Inquisition begin... Here's the story from our friends at The Kansas City Star.
I'm tired too...let's have some fun...
It's My Bride's "Birthday Month"
A friend of mine asked the other day why we call it "Birthday Month" vs. just "Birth Month". The reason is that every day of "Birthday Month" is special, just like a birthday. One must lavish gifts and special recognition to the Birthday Month Person. (Not sure, but I think it's sorta like Ramadan...but only after dark.) Last night was the Birthday Month Day (the real birthday) and we went to a place in The Village of Windsor Heights called Baru Sixty-Six. Oh...My...GOSH! It is a "must go" if and when you are in the Metro. Small, with about 20 tables, it's just the cozy place to celebrate something special or...to celebrate great contemporary French food. Many of the fresh items come directly from the family farm of Chef David Baruthio's bride and are served up by a well trained wait staff who don't "hover" but are ever mindful of being at your table at just the right time. (Photo: Sara Hill and David Baruthio of Baru Sixty-Six.) The one common element about French Cuisine is...there isn't loads of food. Just the right amount. As Georgie said, "Must be why there aren't any overweight French women." I dunno...but a big FIVE STARS for Baru Sixty-Six. Just remember in "The Village" we have a 25 MPH speed law we take very seriously. After all...it is the village.
In Honor of Jon Thompson
I know some pretty smart people and Jon Thompson is one of them. Jon lives in the heart of Des Moines and makes his living being very good with Apple products. It was on his recommendation that I dumped a long list of phones and went with the iPhone and I've been very pleased. It works...all the time. Jon and I spent about an hour together this past Friday at what is quickly becoming a diminished group known as the Central Iowa Bloggers (CIB). No matter...the time was well spent as Jon shared some Internet Magic with me, Sandy Renshaw and Kate Phanmaha. Should you wish to partake of his help and guidance here's a way to connect: His site is called Evolve and on Twitter it's @DMEvolve. Here's a bit more about Jon from a recent story in the Des Moines Register. One other thing...his support of all things Apple is...global. So you don't have to be in Des Moines to get...smarter.
Speaking of Smart...
According to PBS News Hour there are over 160 million Americans accessing video...online. ONLINE! Not a box in the family room...but on a phone, a laptop, tablet.....from nearly anywhere. Which begs the question: Why are YOU failing to use video for your business? Seriously...I'd love to know your reason. Feel free to write me. Yikes!
This May Come As No Surprise...
I wrote a check this week to the campaign to elect Desmund Adams to the Iowa Senate in the new 22nd district that takes up Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights. As I said to him over a bowl of fruit..."Your campaign has legs...and I'd like to help." If you are so minded...you can help as well. Find Desmund on Twitter @AdamsForSenate and here is his website. His story and his ideas are not only timely but very different from what you might expect. Go ahead...check him out.
Speaking of Political Friends...
I failed to write about this last month...mostly because it was so...shocking! My friend Greg Hauenstein got married. Greg works in communications for the Iowa Democratic Party. He married the lovely Emily Holley in a church...with a pastor and they even...prayed. I know...SHOCKING! Not the kind of stuff you would expect from a solid Democrat huh? Congratulations Greg and Emily! Wonderful...
From Agriculture to Youth Culture
If you didn't see this piece from the Des Moines Register about Des Moines you might want to take a peek. This town...rocks. In more ways than one.
Thanks, Let's Connect
Thanks for reading and being part of my weekly review of...stuff. If you would like to leave a comment, feel free. If you would like to connect on Twitter it's @MichaelLibbie or here is my personal Facebook Page. Thanks to the Des Moines Register for carrying this...appreciated. Have a fantastic Sunday!
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