Low Expectations

Usually all professional sports teams are enthusiastic about their own chances to win whatever title the sports offer. How many team players or coaches have you heard say, "We really don't have a real shot at winning this year". Instead, you hear them say they feel optimistic of their chances. Baseball spring training is an example of hope springing eternal. Nearly every team will claim their goal is to win the World Series and that they have a shot at it. That is except for one team.


It has been 20 years since I have heard a player, coach, manager or general manager mention the KC Royals having a chance at winning the World Series. Nor have I heard one of them mention making the World Series, winning the AL pennant, or winning their own division. No, the KC Royals have become master at setting low expectations. In Kansas City, the fans would consider a fantastic baseball season to be playing .500 ball, something that hasn't happened in nearly 20 years.

In 2009, the goal was to draw 2 million fans to the stadium. The last time the Royals had drawn that well was 1991 (the last year they finished above .500). The city had just spent a quarter billion dollars of taxpayer money to modernize the aging facility. The Royals missed theri attendence goal by only drawing 1.7 million. Still that was nearly 200k more than in 2008.

So 2010 rolls in, and the publicty machine starts setting expectations for the fans. If we can play .500 ball during the first half, we might be in contention for the division in the second half. Wrong. The Royals were out of contention by the All Star break. So now the goals for the 2010 season boil down to two. Don't lose 100 games, and don't finish in last place.

The 2010 KC Royals will be remembered as one of the few recent teams that did not lose 100 games. They stand at 64-92 with 6 games remaining. Quite an accomplishment. I am flushed with giddiness. They still run a real risk of finishing last in the weak AL Central division as they are 1.5 games behind the lowly Cleveland Indians. I guess that makes them a .500 team, hitting 1 out of 2 goals for the year.

Next year's goal will be to sell 2 million hotdogs on buck night. They have a chance.

Stupid Letter of the Week

Okay, I have been very lax at publishing the most stupid letter I come across in the KC Star.  Adell Thompson has nudged me from my complacency with one of the most stupid letters I have ever read.  Here is Adell's masterpiece in stupidity.

Obama wrongly faulted


Can someone explain to me why everything that has happened to this country is President Barack Obama’s fault?

According to the newspapers and TV, he is responsible for our failures during the recent recession. But he saved thousands of jobs, extended benefits and helped small business owners. He brought home our soldiers from Iraq. If they had stayed, there would certainly be increases in those killed or injured.

I haven’t heard a “thank you” from one person whose father, son, daughter or uncle in the armed services is home today because of Obama.

The Rev. Martin L. King Jr. suggested that a man should not be judged by his color but by his character. Obviously those words mean nothing to many people today.

Adell Thompson
Overland Park

Ooh! ooh! ooh!, I can answer Adell's first question on why evertything bad happening to this country is Obama's fault.  Adell, follow me here, it is because President Obama has gotten everything he has asked for legislatively, he promised that his ideas would make everything better for Americans, and stay with me now Adell, IT HASN'T WORKED.  Remember when like a Messiah he stood in front of his minion lemmings and proclaimed "This is the time when the oceans began to recede...".  Adell, he said he would lead us to a better place, he got everything he wanted, and now we are worse off than before.  If it isn't his fault, then whose is it?

Just as most liberal race-baiters are, Adell then tries to explain tht Obama's detractors are simply racists.  Maybe we are not judging him by his color or character, but by his results. Adell, by what standard are you judging him?

I'll Call Them The Chiefs, For Now

Sunday's win over the 49'ers was a beautiful game.  From the team who's head coach one week before warned us that we should get used to winning ugly, we won pretty.  I really expected a tough game from the 49'ers who looked very good the preceding Monday against the reigning world champs.  Thought was that at 0-2, they would be hungry for a win and needed it to salvage their season.

But surprisingly, the 49'ers came to town flat and the Chiefs took advantage.  Not only did they dominate on both sides of the ball, the head coach showed us his pair by onside kicking in the first half with a 7-0 lead which would have worked had the Chiefs not been off side.  They also confused the 49'ers by quickly running the field goal team off just before a 4th and short, forcing the 49'ers to call a time out, and then did it again after the time out and made the 1st down.  Add to that, a little razzle dazzle play that led to a touchdown when 5 of the 6 eligible players touched the ball that ended in a long touchdown pass to Dwayne Bowe.  Also add the spectacular catch of Tony Moeaki for another touchdown. 

Regardless of whether the 49'ers are or will be a good team this year, the KC Chiefs did everything a good team should do when playing at home.  It was a beautiful win.

Surprise Birthday Weekend

It was last Wednesday that my oldest, Lyndy, celebrated her 30th birthday. She had instructed us to not make a big deal about it, so other than a couple of signs in the neighborhood, we did not. That is until Saturday. Several weeks ago Dan had contacted us to see if we were willing to open our house for a surprise 30th birthday party. He also asked if we could see if her cousin Heather could make the party. That set in motion the planning for a surprise party.

Terri first contacted Lyndy to see if she wanted to go shopping the Saturday following her birthday. Nothing suspicious with that suggestion since this is how Terri and I birthday gift our daughters. Lyndy lined up her mother in law to watch the grand kids while she shopped with her mother. We immediately let Lyndy's mother in law in on the plans so she would know not to expect the kids.

Next, contact was made with cousin Heather. Lyndy and Heather are near the same age and have always been very close, so the surprise plan started to come together when Heather agreed to fly in on Saturday and back out on Sunday. Next was the food. I spent the day a week ago Saturday barbecuing a brisket, 3 slabs of ribs, a pork roast, chicken and hamburgers. Only the brisket and 2 slabs of ribs survived the week without being eaten, but that was enough for the party.

The day arrives with no breach of secrecy. Dan is supposedly working all day into the evening, so if Lyndy were to suspect a surprise party, Saturday would not be the day. Terri and I leave around 9:30 AM to pick Heather up at the airport. The flight was right on time, so we head directly for Lyndy's house, where Lyndy is expecting her mother to pick her up to go shopping. We arrive and head to the front door while Heather lags behind us, out of sight from the front door. I knock and Lyndy answers. "Sorry Lyndy, but your mother is not able to take you shopping today. Luckily we found a substitute". Assuming her mother was sick or some other similar reason, Lyndy looks disappointed. Then she notices movement off to her right as Heather walked up the sidewalk to the front porch. He disappointed look turns to confusion, and then a huge smile. Here is the shot I caught at that moment.

A gifted photographer I am not. Lyndy and Heather spent the afternoon shopping and hanging out like in times past. I am sure they both enjoyed the time together and away from their normally hectic lives. I enjoyed the moment she realized that the afternoon with Heather was her 30th birthday gift. I can't think of a gift that would have been more memorable.

Later that evening, friends and family gathered at our house to celebrate the birthday. By that time, the surprise element of the party was gone due to a couple of whispering children, but that was no longer a big deal. Earlier in the day we had orchestrated a surprise that was completely successful.

Colbert's Testimony

Stephen Colbert is one of my favorite comedians.  Today, for some unknown reason, he was asked to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.  Colbert did what he does best.  I found myself laughing out load in my cubicle as I watched this replay of his testimony.  Enjoy!

 

My Name is Frank and I am a Spanker

In yesterday's blog about my thirty year old daughter, I mentioned that Terri and I were able to beat her until her spirit was broken. That was an exaggeration, however we were spanking parents. Both of our kids had their fair share of butt poundings that began when they were toddlers and ended when they were around 8 or 9 years old. That makes us spankers.

We did employed spanking during a period when society became less tolerant of corporal punishment. Swatting a behind was completely eliminated from the public school systems. It was seen as a cruel and archaic form of discipline. The thought was that a spanking could permanently bruise the ego and self esteem of a tender child, and was never a justified action.

I disagree. I might have been a juvenile delinquent during my grade school days if there were not a threat of discomfort for misdeeds. I remember a certain 3rd grade teacher, a Mennonite that never would expose her elbows or ankles, always kept her hair rolled up in a tight bun, looked like one of the goons in the Popeye cartoons, and displayed her paddle with pride as if it were an expensive shotgun. Her name was Mrs. Stillabower.

When you crossed her in the classroom, she would simply ask you to step out in the hall and wait for her. The waiting was the real punishment. This fact was well known by my parents, and something I used with my kids. Yes, the wait before the spanking can be used to enhance the actual punishment, which comes and goes very quickly. After a wait of several minutes, Mrs. Stillabower would step from her classroom carrying her prized paddle. She would simply say, "grab your ankles" which was followed by one single stinging swat. She would then return to her classroom and pick up the teaching from where she left off. I would return to my desk wondering if anyone really noticed that I just got spanked. The embarrassment hurt far more than the spanking.

My parents were accomplished spankers. My mother would perform the action when the situation demanded, but would usually use the waiting period most often. She would save the spanking for when Dad got home. I remember one Cub Scout meeting at our house (my mom was the Den mother), during my childhood vocabulary experimentation phase. I accidently let a 4 letter word slip while she was in earshot. Much in the fashion of Mrs. Stillabower, my mother simply sent me to my room until my father got home around an hour later. My father administered the swats. Funny thing is that I don't remember the spanking, but still do remember the torturous hour waiting to receive it.

We had a few non-spankers in my family. The preeminent non-spanker was my Aunt Grace. Aunt Grace was a tender soul who showered love on her neices and nephews. She always lectured the parents who gave their child a swat. She was a hardcore believer that children would never be spanked. Why was Aunt Grace a non-spanker? I believe it was becasue she had no children of her own. If she did, she would have known that giving a swat or two to a misbehaving child is sometimes the only correct action. And any child who hears the parent when they say "this is going to hurt me more than you" should know that it is a lie. Spanking can be as therapeutic for the parent as it is corrective for the child.

Now as a grandparent, I have a new opportunity to apply my spanking skills.  The problem is that my grandchildren are complete angels and never deserve a spanking.  I might need to correct their parents if I ever catch them swatting one of the darlings.

30 Years Ago Today

Today is a milestone.  My first child has reached the ripe old age of 30.  Wow.  It makes me feel old, but I must remember that I was only a child of 24 when Lyndy was born.  A lot was different then.  We lived in a small 2 bedroom house in Shawnee.  I weighed 160 lbs and had brown hair.  I liked dogs.  Terri was a rookie hairdresser working 5 days a week, because her income was sorely needed to meet the mortgage and car payments.  I painted houses for a living. 

I remember the moment we knew that parenthood was only a few hours away.  I was working when the boss' wife drove up to tell me that Terri was in labor.  Since the work sites never had working telephones and cell phones were still years away, Terri called her to get in touch with me.  I remember that I was pretty scared.  A child would definitely disrupt our lives.  Could we afford a child now, much less in 10 years when she would need braces, or in 18 years with college tuition?  Would I need to suddenly become responsible?

I immediately left the job site to take Terri to the hospital.  I know I was in a hurry getting home.  Visions of birthing a baby while on the way to the hospital forced me to break the speed limit and screech around corners.  Hurry wasn't needed.  As with many first deliveries, there are a lot of false starts.  For a couple of days we made trips back and forth to the hospital.  Th doctors would send us home saying that nothing was close yet, come back when it hurts more.  Terri spent the evening walking up and down our street trying to hurry what only comes natural.

Finally Terri progressed to a point that she was admitted to the hospital.  Twenty-four hours later, Lyndy decided to show up.  The joy of seeing our first child was quickly dampened by the announcement that we just had a girl.  I'm kidding.  It was dampened by the medical staff who quickly ushered Lyndy away to the infant ICU.  It seems that due to the length of labor, she had soiled her environment and then swallowed or inhaled the amniotic fluid.  The quick move to ICU was only precautionary, but still had Terri and I worried.  We didn't see much of Lyndy the first day or so until the doctors believed she was okay.

Not only was Lyndy our first child, she was our parent's first grandchild and my grandfather's and Terri's grandmother's first great grand child.  A few days after her birth, we brought Lyndy home to the new nursery built in our old TV room.  This was the first of many such inconveniences a child can bring. 

During her early years, Lyndy was a difficult child.  In response to not getting her way, she would fling herself on the ground and throw a tantrum that would make Lindsey Lohan or Paris Hilton smile.  When given a time out, she would tear the wall paper off her bedroom walls.  Many beatings later, Terri and I were successful in breaking her spirit and increasing her compliancy. 

Lyndy became the son I never had.  She loves sports as much as I do.  With her, it was soccer.  She also played softball, but could never overcome her "throws like a girl" disability.  Soccer was her sport.  Lyndy was also my fishing buddy. One fall day, we stood on the banks of the Antioch Park lake casting our lines with no real luck.  A passer by saw us and commented just loud enough for Lyndy and I to hear, "look at the cute boy fishing with his father".  At the time, Lyndy had a bowl haircut, wore baseball caps and liked to wear  overalls.  She was often mistaken for a boy.  On this day she simply shot a killer look back at the person and grumbled, but said nothing.

Her teenage years were unremarkable.  Lyndy never really had a rebellious period.  She was always home by 10:00, did her homework and kept her room fairly clean - the exact opposite of her younger sister. I guess Terri and I were at fault by not administering the same level of beat down on Allison.  The most dramatic change from these years was the transition from a girl that was often confused for a boy, to a beautiful young woman who could never be.  One thing is for certain, Terri and I make good looking babies.  Lyndy married Dan Farr in August of 2001 and continued the good looking baby legacy by delivering 3 beautiful grand kids. 

Last month, Terri and I watched te 3 grand kids for a few days while Dan and Lyndy enjoyed a cruise.  Out respect for Lyndy only grew stronger during that time.  Her children (director princess, delicate flower, and energizer bunny) are so active and energetic, we are in awe on how she makes it through the day and accomplish anything.  We also see what great children she is raising and how she is passing on her strong character and beliefs.

So on your 30th birthday, we wish you nothing but the best. You continue to make your mother and I proud.  We love you and your family. 

An remember that 30 is not old.  It is the doorway into the happiest, most fulfilling part of your life. Enjoy!

Basic Employment 101

I recently read an article by Caroline Baum that very clearly describes the forces that result in job creation.  The article does a great job at describing why the current White House is completely "out to lunch" on job creation as indicated by our current unemployment rate that will not budge during this summer of recovery.  Caroline's article reviews the basic physics of job creation, that has been completely disregarded by the professors that make up the Obama administration.

Her first point is that job creation isn’t the president’s job.  It is the president's job to create an environment that encourages the private sector to provide work opportunities.  Contrary to popular opinion, the federal government is not some sort of employment agency.  When they try to be, new government jobs are the result.  Increasing government payroll is not sustainable.  Only private sector jobs create the tax revenue needed to fund the federal government.

So what does it really take to create jobs?  Fundamentally, a job is created when the skills of a worker match the needs of an employer.  Skills and needs -- supply and demand -- will find equilibrium.

Today, many businesses satisfy increased demand with little or no increased supply (new jobs).  They do so by leveraging improved productivity that allows companies to produce more (goods) with less (labor).  The current business environment is focusing on improving productivity in order to reduce the need to hire (increase supply).

Starting a business or stimulating demand entails coming up with an idea for a product or service, making sure costs are less than revenue, and figuring out how to address competition.  Businesses that accomplish this must increase supply to meet the new demand. The decision to hire depends on how a business evaluates the potential gain from adding new capabilities against the risks of carrying additional cost.

Obama killed the idea idea for a temporary payroll tax holiday to spur hiring.  Instead, he supported a temporary tax cut for businesses that hire new employees.  Since the man has never run a business as large as a Popsicle stand, he did not understand that a company would not assume a long-term obligation -- a permanent employee, who needs training and qualifies for health- care benefits -- in exchange for a temporary tax cut.   Businesses don't respond to short-term measures.  Result?  Obama's jobs program has been an utter failure simply due to his administration's complete ignorance of basic business behavior.

What is known is that lower taxes on income and capital provide more of an incentive to take risks and start a new businesses that create jobs.  The president and the Congress should do everything in their power to ensure taxes stay low.  Currently they are sitting on their hands as the so called Bush tax cuts expire.


The Obama administration continues to support the federal government as the central planner.  They want to specify what jobs and where.  This may put people to work in the short run, but it’s a proven loser when it comes to providing the goods and services people want at the price they are willing to pay. The Soviet Union’s 75-year experiment is perhaps the most glaring example. Earlier this month, former Cuban President Fidel Castro told the Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg that “the Cuban model doesn’t even work for us anymore.”   This group in the White House believe they know how to do it right in spite of evidence to the contrary.

On the Road to the Super Bowl

Not since 2005 have the KC Chefs won the first two games of their season.  That is significant considering the 2005 Chefs went 10-6, finished second in the AFC West division, and did not make the playoffs.  A 10-6 record in 2010 would probably have the same result.

Yet, the KC Chefs are now being mentioned as a potential playoff team.  I heard Shannon Sharp during yesterday's pre-game show pick the Chefs to make the playoffs this year.  I think this proves that Shannon took at least one too many shots to the head during his playing days, and that dementia is now setting in.  While a 2-0 start increases the odds a team will make the playoffs to 65%, that is just an average and not a rule that can apply to any team.  Let's look at the performance of this team, the 2010 KC Chefs.

The game one win over the San Diego Chargers was a surprise to all.  A rain storm that hit during the second quarter and persisted through most of the game.  The wet field was the primary reason San Diego couldn't exploit the Chefs defense and run up the score.  A dry field would have led to a very different result.  But the Chefs did play better than anyone expected, and won the game.  That cannot be taken away from them.  But anyone who draws the conclusion from this game the Chefs are better than the Chargers is not in touch with reality.

Game two was a game the Chefs should win.  They played the hapless Cleveland Browns, a team they dueled last year for the worst record, and first draft choice.  I expected the Chefs to win this game and they did - barely.  The offense was horrible only managing 9 points.  If not for a defensive touchdown, this game could have been a dominating Browns win.

Todd Haley, the Chefs head coach, tells Chefs fans should get used to "winning ugly" for a while.  The definition of winning ugly is almost losing. As the Chefs proved Sunday, it is much easier to win ugly when playing a bad team.  They will probably win ugly next week when playing the 49er's at home. 

Wow, they have a great shot at starting the year 3-0!.  Crank up the Super Bowl bandwagon!  But look out.  After a bye week, the next 3 games are against Indianapolis, Houston and Jacksonville.  Our 3-0 Chefs could rapidly become 3-3 before getting back over .500 against the Buffalo Bills.

This team is not going to the playoffs.  To do so means they would need to have an 11-5 record.  I have them going 8-8 and they have already won 1 game I did not expect them to win.  So to go 11-5, they need to beat everyone they are expected to beat, plus find 2 more wins from these remaining games: Indianapolis, Houston, Denver (in Denver), Arizona,  San Diego, Seattle and Tennessee.  It is possible, but not likely.

On a positive note, this year's Chefs are more fun to watch.  The defense is playing much better than last year.  The offensive line is also better, but their play is not yet translating into points.  The only certainty about this team is they are no longer the doormats of pro football. 

Just to ensure the world does not get our of control and spin off its axis, the KC Royals have returned to form by turning last year's Cy Young Award inner into a 9W-12L pitcher, and falling into a tie for last place in the American League Central Division with, you guessed it, the Cleveland Indians.  It must be just as hard for Cleveland fans as it is for KC fans.

Not Nearly as Lame as Last Year

Last year I blogged on the disappointing experience we had when taking our grand kids to what was labeled as the Greatest Show on Earth.  I had dubbed it the Lamest Show on Earth, but was mostly angry at the prices and in your face salesmanship of the vendors.  I was ready for more of the same this year, but was in for a surprise.

This year we took the grand kids down to the circus floor an hour before start time.  During the hour they saw trapeze artists, a dog show, a clown show and an elephant painting a picture.  They were able to get within a couple feet of the performers and the elephant.  Both kids were very excited and seemed to enjoy the floor show immensely. 

We were back in our seats 10 minutes before the show started. Noticeably different from last year was the absence of vendors walking the rows and handing their shiny trinkets to young children, knowing the chance of a sale is much improved with the goods in their little hands.  Also noticeable was an overall reduction in prices for refreshments and trinkets.  They were not cheap, but more like ball park prices instead of Disneyland prices.

Not only was the prices more parent-friendly, so was the show.  Last year was heavy on clown gigs, and light on acrobats.  This year's show was completely opposite.  This year's show also had a lot of illusions.  Not simple illusions, but very complicated ones.  My favorite was when they suspended a clown inside a glass cage, dropped a curtain over the cage, and when they revealed the cage a few seconds later, the clown was gone and a tiger in his place.  Several of the illusions had a Chris Angel flavor to them.

My assessment of this year's Greatest Show on Earth is that it was a very good circus show.  I also know that after the show we had 2 happy and spoiled grandchildren.

We're Going to the Super Bowl!

Today is the pinnacle of the KC Chef's 2010 season.  After a 1-3 preseason, KC fans have convinced themselves that our beloved Chefs have hidden something back they can use to whoop up on on the San Diego Chargers tonight on Monday Night Football.  What could their secret weapon be? 

Is the upgraded stadium worth a couple of touchdowns?  Maybe the offensive linemen were only half trying last year and during the preseason.  Tonight they will come out and push the Chargers defensive line all over the field.  Or maybe Matt Cassell (the $65 million man) will throw for 400 yards and carry the team to victory.  Maybe Dwayne Bowe will begin to fulfill his promise of the next Randy Moss?

More likely, today KC Chefs fans have fool themselves into believing the Chefs have a chance.  After all, we are in the AFC West, possibly the weakest division in pro football.  We do have 2-3 more impact players than last year.  Could we make the playoffs where anything can happen?

Nah.  And at about 1:00 AM tomorrow morning, any fan who stays up hoping for a miracle will know the same.  Tonight the Chefs will be ravaged by the San Diego Chargers, who will repeat as the weakest team to win their division in 2010.  Even as a weak division winner, they have too many offensive weapons for the Chefs. In their wildest dreams, the Chef's offense will not be able to keep up with the Chargers scoring.  I expect the mood to be very somber tomorrow in KC.  Chargers 44, Chefs 10.

Favorite Day

I am coming to the conclusion that certain days are better than others.  That might make me guilty of day discrimination, but in this case it is not a bad thing. 

I think that we all agree that Mondays are bad.  Monday is the worst day of the week.  I hate Mondays.  After two days of relaxation and doing what I want, Monday comes along and kills the buzz.

Tuesdays are a little better.  At least one can console them self with the fact the work week is 20% complete.  I also hate Tuesday less than Monday because Tuesday evening is taco night at Danny's.  Meeting FILN, SILL and BILS for dinner is something to look forward to.

My attitude improves on Wednesday.  Noon means the work week is half over and the weekend is getting close.  It also means that most of my boring repetitive manager duties for the week are complete, so I can begin to accomplish things of value at work.  I find that Wednesday marks the point in the week when the real work gets done and any possible gratification follows.

Thursdays are pretty good in my book.  The day goes by fast, and is followed by a dinner at home and a relaxing evening.  The week is 80% over.

Friday is by far the best work day.  The 5:00 hour serves as the goal line for bringing another work week to a close.  I find that Friday evening is my favorite evening.  The work week is behind me, with the weekend looms ahead.  I am most content on Friday evening.

Saturday was named poorly.  It should be called Freedomday.  We do mainly what we want to do on Saturday.  If you have a bad Saturday, it is usually your own fault.

Sunday is also a good day.  Sunday evening starts the decline into Monday.  Unfortunately, Sunday evening begins the thoughts of what must be done on Monday, so tension tends to increase during the course of the day. 

A few of my friends that have retired tell me that after retirement there are only two days in the week - Sunday and not-Sunday.  That will be nice.

The Impending Bloodbath

I have bit my tongue, staying silent about what I see as an impending beat down of epic proportion coming to the democrat party in November.  I do realize that America has not suddenly fallen in love with republicans.  But by a 10% margin, voters now favor republicans over democrats.  Never has the gap been this wide in favor of republicans.  Favor might be too strong of a word.  Hated less, but willing to give them another chance is more accurate.

I have worried that republicans would do something to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, but recently have become convinced even they cannot reverse the current trend.  Neither can the democrats.  I base this on how candidates from each party are now campaigning.  Candidates from each party tend to run on the same platforms, so what you see locally is pretty much how each party's candidates are running nationally.

Republicans are running against Obama.  Just as they earned the "party of no" reputation, they are continuing to say no and it is working.  It is not surprising since a majority of American's did not support the Obama agenda in the first place.  Running against government take over of insurance, banks, car companies and national health care can only help them retain current support levels and even win over the wavering few.

Democrats cannot turn the tide either.  Two local races, one for the House of Representatives 3rd district Kansas, the other for Missouri Senate tell the story.  The Kansas House race is between Kevin Yoder, a republican newcomer to national politics running against Stephanie Moore, wife of current representative Dennis Moore.  As the national democratic party pumps millions of dollars into TV time for the Moore campaign, Stephanie is nowhere to be found.  She will not debate Yoder, nor will she appear anywhere but friendly fund raisers.  Moore made the mistake early of saying she would support the votes and positions her husband did, such as Cap and Trade, National Health Care, Stimulus spending, etc.  These are very unpopular to most Kansans, so she has effectively painted herself into a corner.  I think her strategy is to not go anywhere her views can be challenged, lay low and hope for a miracle.  She cannot win.

In Missouri, republican Roy Blunt is running against Robin Canahan.  Blunt is currently a member of the House of Representatives from Missouri while Carnahan is Missouri's Secretary of State.  Carnahan knew she faced a tough uphill battle and started with negative campaign ads right out of the chute.  Her campaign mantra is that Blunt is the most corrupt politician in Washington.  It's not working as she is down 7% in the polls and negative.

I found the most surprising campaign strategy used locally was Carnahan's attempt to paint herself as a fiscal conservative, and Blunt as a liberal spender based on his support for the Stimulus bill.  Carnahan had already stated that she would vote with Obama on most issues, and Barrack himself during a fundraiser for Carnahan said that he would already have certain elements of his agenda if Carnahan was already in Washington.  It's kind of hard to be seen as a fiscal conservative when you buddy up with the largest deficit spender in the history of the nation.  Canahans' strategy?  The best I can figure is to describe yourself as someone you are not, even in the face of is ample evidence.  Good luck with that.

Dem's are facing the same challenge across the country.  They cannot run from Obama, and neither can they stand with him.  So the republicans don't really need to do anything different, while the democrats can't do anything other than take the beating.  These two races really show just how hard it would be to engineer a November outcome other than a democratic bloodbath. 

That made me smile.  Happy Labor Day.

Turning Point?

It was week 9 of the 2007 season.  The KC Chefs faced the Green Bay Packers in Arrowhead.  The Chefs entered the game with a 4-3 record looking to go 2 games over .500 on the season.  The Chefs held the lead going into the second half, but Packers QB Brett Farve engineering a comeback to win the game.  The Chefs were 4-4 and finished the season 4-12.  That was a turning point game in the franchise.  The team went on to lose 36 of their next 42 games.

On Thursday evening, Green Bay again visited Arrowhead stadium.  This time the stakes were much lower.  It was the final preseason game for each team.  Could it have been another turning point for the KC Chefs?  I think so.  I will continue to say the KC Chefs will do the unthinkable, and win 8 games this year.  My reasons are: 1) they have a very fortunate schedule, playing most of the leagues doormats, and... Get this.  2) They are a better team this year.

The Chefs are a better defensive team.  They are hitting, tackling and pressuring the quarterback much better that in the past few years.  The one negative from the preseason is turnovers.  They managed only one.  With the offensive coughing up the ball liberally, this will hurt them and probably cost them 2 wins in 2010.  But the main point is that this defense is the best we have seen in many years.

While the defense is better, this offense will not be confused with the Indy Colts.  They will struggle to score points all season.  I expect they will only average 20 or so per game.  But when the defense plays well, 20 may be enough.  Matt Cassel, the 65 million man, will get better as the season progresses.  His poor play during the preseason cannot continue.  He has more talent than shown so far.

Regardless of the season record, I am certain of a few things. Dexter McCluster, Javier Arenas, and Eric Berry will be fun to watch.  Personally, I can watch any mediocre team as long as they are exciting at times.  This year's Chefs will be fun to watch.

On the Road to Branson.

Good old midwest values on display.