SundayMorningCoffee

Politics, Sex & Santa - SMC 12/18/11

Sunday Morning Coffee is something you can relax with and, at the same time, increase your blood pressure. It's the start of a new week so I get to look back, and forward, at the stuff that revolves around my life...and yours.  Sometimes serious, often not, Sunday Morning Coffee is the stuff that helps make you crazy(er).  If you want to leave a comment here, feel free or let's connect on Twitter @MIchaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page.  My name is Michael P. Libbie and I approve of this message.  Grab a cup...but careful, the coffee is..HOT! (Many images expand if you click on 'em.)

Out Of Step...Always

From our "Blow It Out Your Pie Hole" Department:  We here in Iowa chuckle a bit when the Republican presidential contenders come to our state to rail against President Obama and the our lackluster economy.  'Cause...it ain't but, nobody checks or seems to care.  You see, here in Iowa, our unemployment rate is about 5.8%.  That's not good for the unemployed folks but hardly a back-drop for the GOP to scare folks into voting for them.  But, nobody checks...it's the sound bites we're after.  I'm working with CNN on an event scheduled in Des Moines later this month.  The producer wanted to know how Iowans were, "...coping with the severe economic downturn".  Huh?  But, don't take my word for it...here's a quick piece from our friends at the New York Times.  What you don't know is that the president of Vermeer (the backdrop company for many GOP economic rantings and mentioned in the MSNBC story), Mary Andringa, was appointed, by President Obama, to the Export Council last July. 

Macy's Forgot the Miracle

My Bride noticed it on Thanksgiving morning during the Macy's Parade:  "Hey that Santa has a fake beard and wig!  You can see his dark hair under his hat."  True...  Seems the folks at Macy's want a more "uniform look" so they booted the folks who have real whiskers and bellies for "store bought Santas" that are...really...fake.  Don't think so?  Here's the story from our friends at MSNBC and the case of the Portland Santas.  What is so very ironic is that Macy's part of the story line for Miracle on 34th Street.  Macy's must have a younger bunch running their marketing department.

Iowa & Poor Stephen Bloom

Some folks are just born into a life of misery.  That seems to be the story on University of Iowa professor Stephen Bloom who recently wrote a very long and very sad tale about his "adopted state" Iowa for The Atlantic.  Trouble is...like many things Bloom writes...it's made up.  I'm thinking we now have an answer for why fabricated journalism (Bloom is a journalism professor) is so much in vogue...it's taught.  Anyway, here is the best article I've seen about Bloom's "over reaching" article.  It's from the Bleeding Heartland and well worth the read.

Terry Branstad - An Elitist?

Two weeks ago Governor "For Life"Terry Branstad floated the goofy idea that if a high school student does not graduate with a "B Average" they should not be allowed to apply to a teaching college.  (I know, you "less government" Tea Party folks will fall into line on that one.)  So, I spent some time with successful people...and teachers...asking them their opinion.  Nobody has agreed.  In fact of the many people I've asked most said if their high school grades meant the "end of the line" for them...it really would have been the end of the line for their successful careers.  Looks like Governor Branstad is an...elitist?

Sexy Newscasters...

Erin Kiernan of WHO-TV 13 is...cute.  But, is she also distracting?  I just stumbled on a Indiana University study that says male viewers find sexy news anchors...distracting.   The study says men will watch the news but we forget what the attractive female news anchor just...said.  Me think that's not a true observation.  Many men, just by our nature...forget...stuff.  Wait...that's it!!!  Maybe it's just because my Bride is just so darn...cute.  Finally I've found an answer for why I'm so distracted!  It's her fault!!!  Bet my friend Michael Kiernan has the same problem. Here is the story from AOL News.

I Like Hockey...But Seriously?

Last night my three year old grand-daughter and I went to the Des Moines Buccaneers Hockey Game.  Jovie...loves the action.  I went up to the window to get the tickets and the lovely person behind the glass said she would have to charge me full price for Jovie so I laid out the 17 bucks...for a Bucs Ticket.  I dunno, it just seemed odd.  Three weeks ago it was a different story, no charge for her.  Maybe it's the economy.  But, as you can see, I made Jovie work off the price of admission. 

Max Wellman Concert

My Bride and I went this past Thursday to the Max Wellman "Home for the Holidays" concert at the Temple for Performing Arts.  Today is the final performance and...if you value good stuff you will drop your Big Box Shopping Trip and get a ticket to see this great show.  Max, who is just twenty years old, is fantastic and when you hear Tina Haase Findlay doing an acapella of "Oh Holy Night" you will...melt.  The performance today is at 3:00PM.  You will thank me for this tip...promise.  Look, I'll make it even easier for you...here is the link to get tickets!

Better Than Buying Local?

I'm on a "buy local" kick ever since I learned that 73% of every dollar you spend on Main Street stays in town vs. 23% when you Buy Big Box.  I'm in.  Anyway, and just in time for the the Holidays, my friend Wendy Bernstein has this neat shop in her home where she makes all sorts of neat stuff, mostly jewelery, and then can pack them in this very cool home-made box.  We've made a couple of buys...and thought you might like to see some of her work from alwaysgreener over at Esty.  Neat huh?

Desmund Adams -  Iowa Senate

Tired of the hate speech?  Me too.  I am sick to death of folks pitting Christians against folks who aren't.  I am tired of the politics of "us" vs. "them".  I am weary of having members of the Iowa Legislature go to work and govern for their select few myopic constituents who care nothing for all the people and stick to their policy of exclusion.  The critical issues of Jobs, Equality, Education and Progress are what I care about and me thinks that is you too.  That's why I signed up to work with and for my friend Desmund Adams who is running for the Iowa Senate in District 22 made up of Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights.  We had a "house party" for him last week and even the folks who consider themselves Independent and/or Republicans came away from the event impressed and invigorated.  You can follow the campaign on the website and on Twitter.  Desmund is allowing me to have a hand in the areas of media and communication.  More to come!  Join us?

The Cake Lady...

It seems funny to call our daughter Hunter the "Cake Lady" but...she is.  WOW can this girl bake a mean dessert!  Not only does it taste great but looks fantastic.  She's been doing this as a hobby for the past few months and is now doing some work for St. Joseph folks she knows.  This week she brought her talents to Iowa...  One word: YUMMY!  If you want a connection...she is a friend on Facebook.

It's Mitt - Des Moines Register Endorsement

One step closer...  That's our thought regarding the Des Moines Register endorsement of former Governor Mitt Romney.  The Register Editorial Board sat down with each of the Republican Candidates and picked Governor Romney from the field of the GOP hopefuls.  It was and is a smart choice and one we made months ago.  They used three words to describe why: Sobriety, Wisdom and Judgement.  Should Governor Romney win the Iowa Caucus and go on to the presidential race I think it will be a tough fight for President Obama.  Should any other person win the nomination...the president sails to an easy victory.  Let the party begin.

Chris Hagenow...Week 44

It's now week forty-four without my Chris Hagenow Newsletter.  Chris is my Representative in the Iowa House.  Except he actually doesn't represent me...I don't think.  I do know that he ignores me...and many others that don't cotton to his narrow views.  I think.  Because I really don't know.  I haven't gotten the newsletter.

That's It & Thanks!

As always, hope you have a fantastic week.  Go..see...Wellman.  It will make the holidays worth the effort.  ;-)  - Michael

Sunday Morning Coffee - July 10, 2011

Sunday Morning...that perfect time of the week to sit down and reflect a bit on  what's gone on...and what may be coming up.  It's news, opinion, gossip and fun...the stuff we'd no doubt talk about over coffee.  (This is so late today...we may have to call it, "Sunday Brunch"!)  Grab a cup...let's go:

Was That The Longest Short Week?

Most of us had last Monday off for the 4th of July observance which left us a four day work week.  I don't know about you but it was tough to get through.  Maybe it was two "parties" on "school nights".  There was the Village of Windsor Heights 4th of July Party & Fireworks with our friends from Faculty Lounge (Here is a video...if you want to experience.) and then on Wednesday our son, Aaron, and I went to see Matisyahu at the Simon Estes Amphitheater downtown. (Here's a video of that experience...son Aaron makes a quick appearance right at the start...and it's a little long at 3:41, sorry.)

  

I often wonder if folks know where the words for his music comes from...  It truly was a "Jew-Riffic" evening.  Matisyahu didn't hold back and the concert ended about 11PM...on a night when we had to get up early for work ("School Night").  Getting old...

Speaking of Getting Old...

The Governor is wasting no time in targeting...teachers?  Governor "For Life"Terry Branstad last week told the press that the IPERS needs to be overhauled.  The Des Moines Register picked up the story and used the words "teachers retirement"...several times.  But, the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) covers not only teachers but all state employees.  Including the governor who, even though actively engaged in the job of being governor at a salary of $130,000, gets IPERS payments of another $53,000.  Livin' the life...

Too Whom Do The Doves Belong?

I need to get my BFF State Representive Chris "Still Ain't Got No Newsletter" Hagenow involved in this discussion.  We've got several doves in our yard.  In Iowa a hunter can shoot doves for sport.  But, to do so you've got to get a state dove hunting license.  Think of it as permission from the State of Iowa.  That must mean that Iowa owns these doves that frequent my property.  I also feed birds at several bird feeding stations.  Does that mean I am baiting the doves?  If I shoot the doves, that the state owns, using a BB Gun....is that hunting?  And, if we really wanted to have some sport...why not open up a Sparrow Season?  The Sparrows here outnumber the doves by 20 : 1.  That truly would boost economic development...right?  I'm confused.

Speaking of Economic Development

Last week the State of Iowa laid off 51 workers and more will soon follow.  I know, many of you think that's a really great idea.  Reduce the size of government...cut services...  OK, I'll join you in that...but the next question is, "How do we replace the lost purchasing power of these folks?" Let's say each makes $40,000 that's $2,080,000 that won't be taxed and nearly $9 million of lost economic development dollars.  Maybe they can get a job in Webster City at the Electrolux Plant...  Oh, wait...that was another 700 jobs that evaporated and headed to Mexico.  Hold on!  There's an idea!  We'll just export unemployed people out of the state and country.  Lower our unemployment exposure, have full employment for those of us who are left...it's brilliant.   I once had the number to the governor's office...wonder if it's changed?

I Met A New Friend Last Week

Sandwiched in between the wild parties I called Desmund Adams (Here with Congressman Boswell) who I saw during the Village of Windsor Heights 4th of July Parade.  (I had to ask my friend Cristhiam Ucles, "Hey, who is that guy?")  Desmund is running for the Iowa Senate in the new 22nd District.  So far there is nobody else in the game but it's rumored that Pat Ward may have to sell her big West Des Moines (6,100+ sq. ft) home and move into the district.  Desmund Adams...a face to watch...and we'll help you...watch.

Speaking of Friends

Sunday Morning Coffee is a bit late today because of these great folks:

 

Michael & Jody Leo just (two weeks ago) moved into their new home in Downtown Des Moines.  They are amazing hosts...and we got home....really, really...late.  Thanks guys!!  Nice Evening.

And One More...Partly Personal

My friend Bill Kurtz sent me a message on Facebook telling me he was coming to town...to make another visit to his doctor.  Bill and I go back...years, and years to the old Jaycee Days in the 1980's.  It was good to see him and we're praying for a full recovery.  Oh...and you need to know:  Bill is no longer a Gusto Pizza Co. virgin!  I think...he liked!

That's it. I am soooo sorry this is soooo late.  Blame the Leo's...and the conversation, wine, music, food...and the "Austrian Fruit Salad" (peach, pear and pine homemade schnapps direct from Oma's Kitchen in Austria.)which is sort of a cross between gasoline and nuclear energy.  Only...sips my friends...only sips.  If you want to connect with a comment here...or we can visit on my personal Facebook Page or...here's Twitter:  @MichaelLibbie - Have a wonderful Sunday!! - Michael

 

  

Sunday Morning Coffee - July 3, 2011

It's like several friends getting together over coffee talking about politics, gossip,  the day and events that are important...and not so much.  It's Sunday Morning Coffee...grab a cup and let's visit:

That Faith Stuff...

This past Saturday was, for Jews, the reading of the law of the red heifer.  A perplexing commandment.  To make something pure...you become impure.  It's said that King Solomon knew the reason for every commandment in the Torah...except this one.  Here, if you want, is some insight.

My Gal Michele In Town!

Future president Michele Bachman was in town yesterday...we heard from a number of friends last night she was at the Iowa Cubs game.  (Which, by the way...they won!  It is a sign....)  Also at Principal Park, we hear, was our friend Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. The odd thing, both were sitting along the left field line.  Wonder if they knew?

It's Safe To Come Out & Play

The Iowa Legislature, finally, adjourned last week.  A couple of interesting thoughts about what was a very long session:

• Mike Gronstal Kept His Troops - Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal kept his slim majority (26) in line.  Even though there are a number of "Conservative Democrats" in the senate they stuck together on a number of interesting items.   Last year Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley told us that he just knew he could persuade several democrats to switch their vote on key legislation.  It didn't happen and McKinley might just get the boot.
• Farm Animal Filming- We really thought this silly proposal would pass.  After all it had "Big Ag" (Corn & Soybean Association) support and the agricultural arm of the Iowa Republican Party (Iowa Farm Bureau) was pushing for the adoption to make it a felony to take secret photos or film of farms.  Wisely, it didn't get through the senate.  Bad law, bad idea and we said so in March.  Good job senate.
• Bleeding Heartland - Our friends over at Bleeding Heartland have FIVE Biggest Surprises of the past session. If you want to read...I'd urge you to do so.  Two words:  Property Taxes  It will be back...and schools, counties, cities and...you...need to be aware of the significant cost shift. 


Chris Hagenow - MIA

I dunno...week ten and no newsletter from my BFF State Representative Chris Hagenow.  I've been thinking of putting up posters or asking AE to give a run at putting his photo on milk cartons.  Maybe I just need to go to more Chamber Meetings?    I'll try to visit with him over the holiday weekend and see what's up.  I suspect that he'll get something going prior to the election season...I think.

US Military Targeted In Iraq with Iranian Weapons

That's the headline this morning from CNN.  I find it amazing that nobody seems to "get it".  It is a matter of trust and faith.  For some reason Americans have this deluded concept that our way is the very best way and we will bring peace and democracy and stability to these countries.  People, they do not think like you and I.  Talk about a cultural war...that they are willing to wage forever.  They have been fighting for centuries.  We are in this for decades or not.  Word:  Out

Party Time - Village of Windsor Heights

Tomorrow is the 4th of July and it is truly a wonderful holiday.  If anything I'm spotting more and more "red white & blue" on homes around town.  In times of crisis you would think we'd band together but, both parties have us fighting each other about wacky stuff.  Anyway, enough politics.  Tomorrow is a day of festivals, parades and fireworks.  Including the event in the Village featuring The Faculty Lounge an 8 piece group of teachers who rock. Here's an older video about them.  See you there?

Every Once In Awhile....

You run into some really nice folks.  There is Jeff who owns Midwest Heating & Cooling.  Our son's AC went out on Friday...the hottest day of the year...so far.  Jeff showed up at 4:30PM to do the fix.  I was the "stand-in" because Aaron and Mandi were working.  We talked about business, owning your own shop and serving customers.  Good guy and here is some contact information for you.

Then there is Dan at Lowe's in West Des Moines (I am allowed to cross the border because I have...papers.)  I was there trying to fix...this:  It was this way when we purchased the house...and it was time for a fix.  Dan took the time to walk me through the fix, recommended parts and gear.  I asked him... "How long have you been doing this?"  Dan:  "Since Monday."  Dan is a licensed electrician and has been for five years....but no work.  So he took a steady job at Lowe's.  Nice...and thank you!

Conflicting Data

Last week my friend Tim Albrecht, spokesperson for Governor Branstad, said that Iowa needed to fix it's tax system because, for business, it's one of the worst in the nation and makes (Iowa) "wildly uncompetitive".  Meanwhile CNBC reports that Iowa is tied as being the best state in the nation when it comes to the cost of doing...business. (Looks like we've got lots to improve on...when it comes to roads.) And, Iowa ranks #9 overall. All begs the question:  HUH?  Gosh...and I promised no more politics...sorry.

Thrilla at the Grilla

It's a wacky idea that started to gain some traction last week.  It's a fund raising feud between a couple of managers at the Urbandale (Iowa) Hy-Vee.  They are, on July 15th going to stage the Thrilla at the Grilla to raise money for the JDRF-Iowa.  We got involved, shot this quick video and did the poster for them.  What a hoot.  If you're in the area....see you at the Grilla.

 

Work...Waits

OK...gotta go.  My bride has a rather long list of projects and...we're putting some final touches on a client campaign too.  Have a great Sunday and a fantastic 4th of July.  If you want to leave a comment here...cool.  Or let's connect on my personal Facebook Page or my personal Twitter account @MichaelLibbie. May we all be blessed this day...and every day. - Michael

Sunday Morning Coffee - June 26, 2011

Sunday Morning Coffee is news, opinion, politics, religion, gossip and a little  business.  It's a chance for you and I to hang out and visit about the things that are impacting our lives...the big stuff and, perhaps, the trivial.  It's all part of the discussion and if you're moved to respond...you can leave a comment here, connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbbie or visit my Personal Facebook Page..have at it.  Grab a cup...and let's go:

It's Not A Crime...

Last week the Des Moines Register laid off 13 people, most coming from their newsroom.  In Indianapolis the cuts at The Star were deeper with 62 job losses...again many in the newsroom.  It's all part of the reduction of 700 jobs Gannett CEO Craig Debow initiated last year.  The year his salary nearly doubled to $4.7 million and the year he was "rewarded" with a $1.7 million bonus for "cost cutting".  It's not a crime to layoff good people who come to work and do their job, buy houses, groceries, send their kids to school.  It's not a crime to sacrifice hundreds of people to "save" a dying industry for the stockholders.  But...maybe it should be a crime to be rewarded for destroying lives and collecting the "blood money".  If you are interested, here is a spreadsheet listing the cities and estimated number of job cuts by Gannett.  It is from our new friends at Gannett Blog.

Iowa - Schizophrenic GOP

Iowa is an interesting political state.  We have one of the most progressive US  Senators in Tom Harkin and one of the most conservative in Charles Grassley.  And  we deal with it pretty well.  However, the Des Moines Register Iowa Poll, released last night at 10:00PM to breathless journalists and campaign workers shows just how completely fractured the Iowa Republican Party is.  The "normal" (shall we call them "Bob Ray Republicans?) who urged Governor "For Life"Terry Branstad to come out of retirement to challenge Bob "Cause It's In The Bible"Vander Plaats in 2010...because they were scared of him and knew that if he ran, Governor Chet "The Big Lug" Culver would trounce him...(how long can this sentence be?) have put their hopes in Mitt " Think Healthcare" Romney.  He leads the poll with 23%.  While Minnesota Congresswoman Michele "Cause It's In The Bible II" Bachmann (who I think is a flat out nut-job...but hot) comes in a very close second with 22% of likely Republicans favoring her.   Which, when you think of it, isn't much of a surprise given that 48% of likely GOP Caucus Attendees think President Obama is really from Kenya.   It's a good time...in Iowa.  Here is the story from our friends, who are left, at The Des Moines Register.

The Iowa Poll - Ann Selzer

A quick side note:  The Des Moines Register Iowa Poll isn't actually done by the Des Moines Register.  The newspaper, "That Just Canned 13 Good People" commissions J. Ann Selzer's group to conduct it for them and the Register reports the findings.  By the way...Selzer & Company has had a remarkable string of spot on calls over the years.  How they do...what they do...works.

My Friend Roxi Copland

Shall we move on to something more fun?  Over the past several years I've developed a close friendship with the very talented Roxi Copland.  Roxi is one of those singer/songwriters that grabs you with her ability to surprise.  When I first saw her perform I was stunned.  "What, all that voice comes out of that little girl?"   And, the passion, when she sings or plays back-up is...inspiring.  Anyway...we met for coffee on Friday because I wanted to hear more about what she's been doing and why the hell she is leaving us to move to Canada.  Canada...Vancouver no less. They have hockey...and EVERYTHING!  The story is:  Her equally surprising and very bright husband got a gig as a visiting professor so...they are packing up.  Roxi will be only 4 hours from her father who lives in Seattle... A win-win.  BUT...and this is very cool...Roxi will be headlining a special show with Max Wellman (Think of a 20 year old Michael Buble) who is simply out of this world...at Des Moines' Temple for Performing Arts.  The five night show (with an 8 piece band) opens on July 22 and it will be a do not miss.  For tickets and a sample of some amazingly talented people it's Roxi Copland or head over to Max Wellman.  WHOOT!!

Speaking of Music...

My friend Chubby Checker was spotted last week at a hospital in Ohio.  I was told he was visiting...but just to check I sent him a text message.  He's fine but said a long-time friend wasn't doing well.  He really is one of the nicest guys on the planet...all the best Chubb!  Coming back to Iowa soon???  (photo - Chubby & Bride Rina)

The Iowa House...

Comes back to work tomorrow to finish, what has become, a very long session.  I was with my friend Sharon Steckman (far right in Mason City with friends) this weekend talking about budgets, crazy people and politics.  Not all in that order...  She has taken to this world of public service as a natural.  A former school teacher, Sharon has the ability to stay in touch with her constituents through personal contact and Facebook.  By the way...she doesn't sling all sorts of political arrows, in other words...she unlike many in the GOP...doesn't "make stuff up" (Think Kenya) she just works hard and stays focused.  Mason City...you are fortunate to have her.

Meanwhile my BFF State Representative Chris Hagenow goes back to work tomorrow...too.  He represents me and all 4,400 of us in The Village of Windsor Heights.  Anyway, I think he goes back to work tomorrow.  Week 9 and still I've not received his newsletter.  I bet I did something wrong...I just know he's been busy sharing his accomplishments with the voters.  Gotta do more digging.

Windsor Heights - The Fourth of July & Music

This will be...fun.  On the Fourth of July one of my favorite cover bands will be playing at the festivities here in The Village of Windsor Heights.  Faculty Lounge is am 8 piece band made up of teachers who...rock.  Great vocals, neat stage presence and lots of fun.  It's a Monday Night...Party in The Village.  Here's the details. Of the day and evening... (photo Aaron Smith - Des Moines Register)

Meanwhile the Des Moines Symphony with Maestro Joseph Giunta will again perform Yankie Doodle Pops this FRIDAY night at the Capital.  We've not missed a performance in years...it's just the best music and fireworks in the state.  And...it's free.  Thousands will be there...you?

My Bride Is Back...

Georgie and Jamie Lee Curtis (aka Susan Jacobson) are back today from a week in Anna Marie Island in Florida.  The trip sounds like it was amazing...looking forward to some additional photos and the stories.  And...receiving another "project list".  I know one must be in the works...she's had a week to think stuff up.  Thanks to friends they stayed in a little bunglow a block from the beach.  While we, here in Des Moines had clouds and rain.  Color me "green with envy".

Garage Door Opener...

I've got to put a lid on this and go install a garage door opener.  Something I've NEVER done.  (Life is such an adventure!) The original openers gave up the ghost last fall..they've got to have been 25 years old?  I called to see if they could be repaired and the folks...laughed.  Then they said a new install would be $350...each.  So...must gather tools.  Ya know, when you come to think about it...a garage door opener...  How pampered we are.  It's now standard equipment...like power windows on a car.  We are so...fortunate.

Have a great Sunday...and thanks for reading. - Michael