tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76752802011-04-21T15:01:05.918-04:00Somewhere, over the rainbow, a blog is born. A blog for Kansas. A blog for America. A blog by a reporter with a difficult-to-pronounce last name. But most importantly, a blog that is AMERICA'S ONLY PLACE dedicated to the vital intersection of politics and Sunflowers. The Heartland gods nod in wise approval. Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comBlogger1961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1129843240854968212005-10-20T17:18:00.000-04:002005-10-20T17:20:40.860-04:00

Hi. Just wanted visitors to this site to know that I'm now blogging from China at this site -- http://ozblog.blogs.com. Enjoy!

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1106573065895639452005-01-24T08:23:00.000-05:002005-01-24T08:26:14.826-05:00

A new "beta" Ozblog is now up here. Enjoy if yer curious.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1105913320993147922005-01-16T17:05:00.000-05:002005-01-16T17:08:40.993-05:00

I'm currently testing a beta version of a revamped Ozblog at a different site, to be revealed in the next couple weeks (fingers crossed). This one has fuller comment and linkage potential, but I have some folks looking at the design, as I am emphatically not a design genius. If you're interested in knowing the new site's address when it's ready for rollout, e-mail me at albjerga@hotmail.com. If

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1104886358962626012005-01-04T19:45:00.000-05:002005-01-04T19:52:38.963-05:00

OK, this is getting old. I've been dragging this out for almost two months, and it's time to come up with a definite plan-ahead for Ozblog. So here goes. 1. Revamped layout has been a partial success, but continuing on Blogger just doesn't do it. The site has to migrate so comments are posted efficiently. Some friends have shown some good templates, so now I have some examples to follow. Next

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1104720365963255562005-01-02T21:36:00.000-05:002005-01-02T21:46:05.963-05:00

Interesting -- after checking the nuts-and-bolts of the Blogger software, all comments are posted as "anonymous" unless one has a Blogger account. Kinda tough to figure out who's who if everyone's Anon. Which means that people either have to create their own Blogger account -- which is free, but still the sort of insidious marketing technique this blog would prefer to eschew -- or include ID in

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1104371776934184392004-12-29T20:41:00.000-05:002004-12-29T20:59:20.090-05:00

It's amazing how the simple passage of time creates restlessness. Take, for example, my condominium. In mid-January I will have lived here one year, and dare I say I've made great strides. I've bought several pieces of furniture, repainted the bathroom, and learned various lessons about the dos and don'ts of wiring. But it is far, far from enough, I decide as I contemplate my household in the

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1103404691595589652004-12-18T16:18:00.000-05:002004-12-18T16:18:11.596-05:00

This photo is from the Republican Convention last September. It has no current significance, except it's the first-ever photo posted to Ozblog as I continue to tinker w/format.  

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1103241176984384692004-12-16T18:52:00.000-05:002004-12-16T18:52:56.983-05:00

Just e-mailed a couple friends for advice on how to go about a more interactive redesign. Could be a good holiday learning experience.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1102647792518327822004-12-09T21:37:00.000-05:002004-12-09T22:03:12.516-05:00

I swore, I swore, I swore that I would not become one of those bloggers whose blog sits in cyberlimbo, seldom updated and existing with no point. And here I am, letting Ozblog linger, devoid of effort but not officially closed. So I think I'm going to have to at least close it out in current form. I have hopes of composing some sort of valedictory essay this weekend, but have little faith in my

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1102083785643725092004-12-03T09:18:00.000-05:002004-12-03T09:23:05.643-05:00

If there are two "All Apologies" posts underneath, I, uh, apologize. Blogger's telling me I deleted one, but still has both posted. Curses on contemporary technology -- and yet, without Blogger, where would these precious thoughts find the bright sunshine of exposure? Spent last night at the Philharmonic, got up this morning, started reading about BTK. Todd Tiahrt got a million dollars

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1101858170805351732004-11-30T18:39:00.000-05:002004-11-30T18:42:50.806-05:00

Sorry for not posting for a few days, and apologies to the people who have written to ask what's up. I'm on "vacation," but that's hard to pull off in DC, so I'm heading to NY for a few days to contemplate my destiny -- over which I, like everyone else, exercise complete control. Plus, I wanna see the new MoMA, so there. Back atcha on Tuesday.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1101233401133387682004-11-23T13:59:00.000-05:002004-11-23T13:10:01.133-05:00

Took time off from a story about obesity I'm working on to catch a panel at the Center for American Progress featuring Donna Brazile, E.J. Dionne, Thomas Frank and Will Marshall. It's looking like the Democrats have gotten over their post-election shell shock and can talk about political solutions in measured and reasoned ways. But not everyone's enamored with Frank's thesis. He and Marshall,

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1101131723829059282004-11-22T08:48:00.000-05:002004-11-22T09:05:38.646-05:00

For a much better synopsis than the one I wrote of the Ramones at the Hungarian Embassy, click here. Almost, almost -- not quite. No intelligence bill last week, as House conservatives derailed a painstakingly hammered out proposal. Sen. Pat Roberts said yesterday that some concerns and pressures were unfounded -- for a transcript of his "Fox News Sunday" appearance, click here. Abortion was

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100876821873286882004-11-19T09:55:00.000-05:002004-11-19T10:07:01.873-05:00

Only in Washington moment #349: Last night I'm at the Hungarian Embassy, listening to the Hungarian ambassador participate in a two-person panel discussion with Tommy Ramone, the only surviving member of the Ramones, as they talked about how their rock'n'roll careers were shaped by growing up on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain. After the conclusion of discussion, the moderator -- a writer from

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100802790445052242004-11-18T13:30:00.000-05:002004-11-18T13:33:10.446-05:00

So all the C-SPAN TVs are on the Clinton library dedication, and Bono and the Edge sing "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" for about 20 years' worth of political celebs. When is the big '90s nostalgia wave going to hit? Doesn't it already seem like "a simpler time," when all the Clinton scandals diverted America while, barely attended to, Middle East terrorists plotted a new era that we all thought would be

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100791901760307402004-11-18T10:25:00.000-05:002004-11-18T10:31:41.760-05:00

Congressional Republicans rallied to Tom DeLay's defense yesterday, changing a rule forcing indicted leaders to step down in a preemptive move against the continuing ethics probes against "The Hammer." Todd Tiahrt is probably DeLay's best friend in the Kansas delegation, but his public profile's been low on this one so far. If you haven't seen it yet, Kathleen Sebelius gets a mention as a

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100703126510957772004-11-17T09:43:00.000-05:002004-11-17T09:52:06.510-05:00

Amazing how stories gain more prominence when they're needed to fill the news vacuum. Arlen Specter and the Judiciary Committee continue to draw attention, as Kansas pro-life activists don't want him running the committee. We don't trust him," said Mary Kay Culp, director of Kansans for Life, the state's largest anti-abortion group. Judicial nominations have been a sore spot for conservatives

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100644440997249312004-11-16T17:29:00.000-05:002004-11-16T17:34:00.996-05:00

Here's your chance to cheer or boo (or better, yet, just ask intelligent questions to) Thomas Frank. He's on a panel at the Center for American Progress, John Podesta's leftish think tank, on Nov. 23. Details from CAP: The 2004 Election and the Future of Progressivism Featuring: * Donna Brazile, Chair, Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute * E.J. Dionne, Washington Post

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100610410610267192004-11-16T07:48:00.000-05:002004-11-16T08:06:50.610-05:00

Being the Wheat Wonder of the World, Kansans had reaction to Ann Veneman's Ag secretary resignation, which can be found here. My contributions got trimmed by the copy editors, but in an Ozblog exclusive, here it is: Sen. Pat Roberts thanked Veneman for her service. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Hays, said the new secretary should be someone who connects with Midwest farmers. "I think someone who knows

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100528681733183922004-11-15T09:22:00.000-05:002004-11-15T09:24:41.733-05:00

I'm printing this one verbatim. It's Bill Raspberry's column today, talking to a legendary former Eagle editor about journalism and politics. Accepting Our Shades of Purple By William RaspberryMonday, November 15, 2004; Page A25 Davis "Buzz" Merritt, retired editor of the Wichita Eagle and a leader in the civic journalism movement, tells this true story: There was a big fight over a proposal

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1101131963757315892004-11-15T08:55:00.000-05:002004-11-22T08:59:23.756-05:00

MR. WALLACE: I'm Chris Wallace. The plan to overhaul U.S. intelligence is blocked in Congress -- next on "Fox News Sunday." The CIA in turmoil -- is the shake-up there to fix a broken agency or conduct a political -- (inaudible). We'll talk with Pat Roberts, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee; and Representative Jane Harman, ranking Democrat on the House panel. Bill Clinton opens his

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100524552641000182004-11-15T07:59:00.000-05:002004-11-15T08:15:52.640-05:00

Congress returns for its lame-duck session this week, and the time is right to chip at abortion, writes the KC Star's Matt Stearns. Sen. Sam Brownback said abortion-rights supporter Arlen Specter's spot on Senate Judiciary is a hot topic among his constituents. He's also expressed hope his Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act, which would require any woman considering an abortion to be told her fetus

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100354315290751632004-11-13T08:36:00.000-05:002004-11-13T08:58:35.290-05:00

So I was reading through the Post's "Faces of the Fallen" section this morning, looking for the photo of my friend's boyfriend and thinking about history. You look at the two-page layout of the last two months' dead in Iraq and you wonder what it contributes to in the end. We just don't know until we get there. Once we get there, we'll have to figure out where we were and why we took the path we

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100270994991123432004-11-12T09:27:00.000-05:002004-11-12T10:07:28.330-05:00

Now, when I was just a little boy Standing to my Daddy's knee My poppa said, "Son, don't let the man get you Do what he done to me." 'Cause he'll get you. Tickets to see John Fogerty tonight. Some of my friends have mocked me for this, but they're clueless. Besides, my horoscope today says they're troubled, and I'm not. I quote from the Gemini forecast in today's Washington Post: "You know what

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100183172679867902004-11-11T09:06:00.000-05:002004-11-11T09:26:12.680-05:00

Got several e-mails yesterday from people taking me to task for linking to a laudatory farewell for John Ashcroft. I must admit, there was a certain shock-value appeal for doing that. I'm guessing from my e-mails that I have a Democratic majority reading this, and I thought it would be interesting to feature something that wasn't the standard Patriot Act-prayer

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100098573621538452004-11-10T09:40:00.000-05:002004-11-10T09:57:33.316-05:00

With the post-election hand-wringing, Thomas Frank's "What's the Matter With Kansas?" is back in the news, cited in all sorts of attempts to understand red states. Links talking about it in the battle for Heartland Hearts (and minds) are here and here and here and here. Way to catch the zeitgeist, Tom. Knight Ridder reporter Mary Sanchez has a good piece on flyover stereotyping, talking about

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100036257194217982004-11-09T16:35:00.000-05:002004-11-09T16:42:05.920-05:00

Hey -- this has nothing to do with anything normally discussed in this blog, but it's possibly the most fascinating DC event I've seen. If you're in the area, I can likely get you an invite. Tommy Ramone and Hungarian Ambassador Andras Simonyi to Speak at the Embassy of Hungary, Washington, D.C. Dialogue to focus on rock music and its role in political change Washington, DC -- In an event

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1100015022421786992004-11-09T10:25:00.000-05:002004-11-09T10:43:42.423-05:00

Some interesting exit poll numbers from Charlie Cook's column today: Perhaps the most interesting, and maybe puzzling, exit poll finding is that Kerry lost 11 points among the 13 percent of Americans who live in cities with populations over 500,000, while President Bush jumped up 13 points. Among the 19 percent who live in cities and towns with populations of between 50,000 and 500,000, Kerry

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099870086623012082004-11-08T12:17:00.000-05:002004-11-08T12:47:22.606-05:00

And now, a jaunt into a recurring motif of this blog -- gratuitous references to Canada. This actually relates -- the Great White North (or is it the Great "Blue" North, noting the yearnings of those who have been citing it?) has popped up in several notes I've received this week. One D.C. friend forwarded me a world map with an electoral vote showing a Kerry landslide. In it, most of the world

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099763209535932272004-11-07T13:40:00.000-05:002004-11-07T18:09:02.456-05:00

I asked for Bush supporters, and you answered. Here are some thoughts from people thankful the election turned out as it did. From Jana, a D.C. Kansas expat: I’m astounded by the results and the decisiveness of the outcome. As someone who works for the Administration, I am thrilled that the President has the opportunity to continue his vision another four years. All throughout the Departments

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099762219479112652004-11-06T11:46:00.000-05:002004-11-06T12:30:19.480-05:00

The newsroom's empty, and the lights are turned off until the Saturday crew shows up early afternoon. The police scanner runs 24-7, and if something strange happens I'll call the day cops reporter, currently out on assignment. It's my last day in Wichita, and though I'm mainly absorbed in myself at this moment, at all times I remain aware that, with or without my presence, the Eagle Shall Always

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099675509391542742004-11-05T13:10:00.000-05:002004-11-05T12:25:09.393-05:00

Sorry I didn't post earlier today. The Blogger progam has been uncooperative. More feedback on the Meaning of The Election and The Challenge of Democrats. From Dana of Minneapolis: I definitely agree with you that the Dems had better(a) just deal with what they've earned and (b) start asking themselves how they can be more relevant tomiddle America without losing sight of their sense of civil

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099627930710217212004-11-04T23:08:00.000-05:002004-11-04T23:12:10.710-05:00

If I were Robert Altman, I'd make a heckuva film about Wichita. I'd take the Block Party folks from last night, meld them with the jazz I saw on Douglas this evening, and just let the camera roll. I ain't, but there's a great story in this here cowtown, and it's great just to experience a fraction of it. I think this blog's about to undergo an identity crisis. Spawned for the Democratic National

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099585316662623072004-11-04T11:09:00.000-05:002004-11-04T11:21:56.663-05:00

Someone at the Knight Ridder bureau out in D.C. stole an employee's Reagan bust and toy elephants, according to an e-mail I just received. Clearly the nation remains divided. Or maybe not so much, under the surface. Spent last light at Block Party U.S.A., Wichita's only seven-day-a-week karaoke bar. No political discussion whatsoever, and I myself was much more focused on my rendition of the Gun

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099507486620655332004-11-03T13:38:00.000-05:002004-11-03T16:48:28.953-05:00

Interesting how many phone calls from across America I've received today -- people wondering what happened, folks feeling the comedown from the adrenaline rush, some folks just wanting to talk. Many interesting political questions on the Meaning of '04. For Bill Polley's take on what's going on, click here. Brian of Springfield, Mo. is saying ditto to Andrew Sullivan's piece this morning,

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099492160091322912004-11-03T08:53:00.000-05:002004-11-03T09:29:20.090-05:00

A few thoughts as the Democrats forestall the inevitable: 1. The "50-50 Nation" we've heard about the past few years is dead. It's more like a 51-49 or 52-48 Nation -- but it's clear now who the 51 is and who the 49 is, and in Winner-Take-All America, that's all that matters. The GOP is the majority party, and Democrats gotta deal. 2. Despite some loud cries of denial you'll be hearing from

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099460690785314362004-11-03T01:44:00.000-05:002004-11-03T00:44:50.786-05:00

Amazing, amazing, amazing how close this country really is. Looks like it may be resolved tonight, though.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099462883027049612004-11-03T01:20:00.000-05:002004-11-03T01:21:23.026-05:00

Folks, the republic will survive, regardless of the outcome. Post-mortem (non-mortmem?) tomorrow.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099439254316408102004-11-02T18:40:00.000-05:002004-11-02T18:47:34.316-05:00

If Kansas is proving one thing today, it's that just because people don't live in a swing state that doesn't mean they're not really interested in this election. Wichita's seeing record lines and record turnout, and both Kerry and Bush supporters say they don't care if the state's destined to be red, they want their voices heard in the electoral college. Politics seems to have made the leap from

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099417684625164162004-11-02T13:45:00.000-05:002004-11-02T12:48:04.626-05:00

Faithful reader William Polley writes on the 103-year-old voter scandal: You're right about the math, of course. But there is a possible explanation. 1920 was the first election where women had the right to vote. It is possible that in the excitement of all those new women voters that a few 19 year olds (especially women) got registered. I'm sure that the registration process had more holes

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099411366572460472004-11-02T10:56:00.000-05:002004-11-02T11:02:46.573-05:00

Quick note: If any of you have read off AP or heard on NPR this morning a sweet story about a 103-year-old Ohio woman who has voted in every election since 1920, IT'S A LIE. Somebody needs to do the math -- if she's 103, that means she was born around 1901, making her 19 years old in 1920. The 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18, wasn't passed until the Vietnam War, meaning that

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099408137728642962004-11-02T10:01:00.000-05:002004-11-02T15:28:52.493-05:00

Today's the day ... the day some folks've been gunning for since Bush v. Gore in Dec. 2000. In Wichita, everyone's seeing red. Heard a local radio station broadcasting from a precinct this morning. "I don't know how everyone thinks this will be so close," the broadcaster said. "There's a few Kerry supporters, but most people like Bush." Wanted to throw the analyst out my car window. THIS IS

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099320780871779842004-11-01T09:39:00.000-05:002004-11-01T09:53:00.870-05:00

One day to go, and I have nothing to add. 'Twould be intellectually dishonest to pretend otherwise. I'm not going to pretend to have any special insight, not going to offer a crystal ball, not going to go into any premature hysterics about weeks-long challenges and constitutional crises -- that makes for a tense parlor game, but I really don't think that's going to happen, simply under the

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099244217499844722004-10-31T13:18:00.000-05:002004-10-31T12:38:28.573-05:00

Hangin' out in the Eagle newsroom on a Sunday, hoping an anti-tax activist calls back so I can go to the Museum of Ancient Treasures, one of Wichita's oddest places of wonderment. Basically, the museum is this eccentric old guy's collection of weird stuff, like Egyptian scrolls and medieval suits of armor. I've never been there. But today is all about new experiences. I guess I should be writing

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099174139994981862004-10-30T18:03:00.000-04:002004-10-30T18:08:59.993-04:00

Greetings from the Wichita Eagle newsroom, where I'm finishing up a get-out-the-vote story after a day watching last-minute efforts from the Republicans and Democrats. The GOP in Sedgwick County is well-oiled, to say the least. The Todd Tiahrt organization's been a wellspring of volunteers and grass-roots muscle ever since he first won in '94, and their sign-waves are some of the most prominent

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099081882243953332004-10-29T16:27:00.000-04:002004-10-29T16:31:22.243-04:00

Nate from Lawrence writes: Come up to Lawrence and you'll see a whole different world regarding bumper stickers. Indeed, Nate, the view is different from Kinko's on Mass in sunny Lawrence, Kansas, where the sun is even more enveloping than yesterday and two competitive House races, not to mention local contests galore, are coloring car bumpers citywide. Indeed, KU wins the bumper-sticker battle

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1099000549881052122004-10-28T17:42:00.000-04:002004-10-28T17:55:49.880-04:00

Morning fog turned into an achingly beautiful Indian Summer day in Topeka, perfect for waving signs and shaking hands. Attended events for both Rep. Jim Ryun and challenger Nancy Boyda. Boyda was outside Topeka's Goodyear plant, catching workers on shift change. Gov. Sebelius stopped by and lent her support. Boyda's kept neck-and-neck with Ryun, in part with her own money -- all the better to

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098976765846571382004-10-28T11:12:00.000-04:002004-10-28T11:19:25.846-04:00

The most obvious difference between Kansas and Virginia or Minnesota right now is the total lack of campaign bumper stickers. Walking past row after row of the Wichita State parking lot I saw a vintage Ford Falcon with a Kerry sticker, a Honda with some generic lefty slogans, and nothing Bush/Cheney. But why use the stickers in Kansas, when Ohio is where it's at? Spoke to a poli sci class this

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098885500221963052004-10-27T09:42:00.000-04:002004-10-27T09:58:20.220-04:00

It's funny -- my heart rate still skips a beat whenever I hit that button that says I've cast my ballot. It's like the culmination of all the debates, external and internal, and the final affirmation that indeed, the process ends, and it produces results. Looks like we may be destined for mud, though. Early voting has gone well in some places, and not in others. Lawsuits are already being filed.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098804010480789662004-10-26T11:07:00.000-04:002004-10-26T11:20:10.480-04:00

So President Bush has won the Weekly Reader poll, which has accurately predicted every election since 1956. In the poll, the only state Kerry won was Maryland, with a handful of other East coast states in doubt. Bush took 60 percent of the kids' poll. Given this, my question is, has the Weekly Reader become another touchpoint in the Red-Blue American divide? I don't think anyone thinks Bush is

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098798699107425642004-10-26T09:49:00.000-04:002004-10-26T09:51:39.106-04:00

Just read the latest Charlie Cook column, which I think has some excellent cautionary advice for people who are getting a little too addicted to polls ... But as a political handicapper, it is the uncertainties that haunt me in this race. There are massive, unprecedented numbers of new people registering to vote -- we don't really know who these people are, if they will vote and if so, for whom.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098797928604081652004-10-26T09:14:00.000-04:002004-10-26T09:38:48.603-04:00

So how easy should voting get? That's the Journal-World's question this morning, looking at advance balloting. The Dennis Moore campaign is delivering ballots for voters, and Jim Ryun's camp is contemplating the same thing. And why you're at it, why not ... The L J-W also has its dual Boyda-Ryun profile. Two outside groups -- Americans for Prosperity and Club for Growth -- are active in Kansas

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098713944626950622004-10-25T09:53:00.000-04:002004-10-25T10:19:04.626-04:00

As is often the case with this blog, I stand corrected. Responding to my query about Milton's Message, Todd S. from parts unknown writes: The 'nannygate' thing WAS noted by Desert Rat Ramblings blogspot http://www.swdesertrat.blogspot.com/ and in a NewsMax article http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/10/22/112048.shtml The NewsMax article is actually a restatement of Desert Rat, and that's

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098482216275412562004-10-22T17:35:00.000-04:002004-10-22T17:57:28.230-04:00

See, here's what's fascinating about how politics works in the Internet age: A few minutes ago I get an e-mail from a guy only identified by the name "Milton." The e-mail, in part, says this: John Kerry, billionaire wife, Teresa tax return - Lines 55 and 59 on Form 1040 are Social Security and Medicare taxes paid to Household employees, ie: nannies; housekeepers; gardeners; etc. ... What

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098450356478215492004-10-22T08:54:00.000-04:002004-10-22T09:05:56.476-04:00

Three Kansas congressmen received flu shots, two didn't, and one didn't answer, according to AP. None needed to drive to Saskatchewan. Ryun-Boyda debated last night, and the accusations flew. Sam Brownback gets a mention in a Yale-area alt-paper study on religious fundamentalists. Focus on the Family, it's not. Pat Roberts, member of the conference committee on the congressional intelligence

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098359118567376522004-10-21T07:15:00.000-04:002004-10-21T09:34:09.746-04:00

Ron L. from Wichita writes: I think that I will need to drive from Wichita, Kansas to Saskatchewan to get a flu shot, since the United States cannot provide for its own people. It's better to burn out, than fade away - Def Leppard That might not be the only reason you'd want to go to Canada, Ron -- but if you do, better load up on gas. MapQuest says it's 1,288 miles from Wichita to Regina (you

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098279323750993302004-10-20T09:10:00.000-04:002004-10-20T09:36:09.420-04:00

Flu shots are in short supply, but Congress won't have a problem getting them. Meanwhile, Canada is willing to help out with the U.S. undersupply. Better be sure those shots are safe! The Post's daily tracking poll has Bush ticking upward, which other polls are mirroring. But swing-state polls show a more tightening race. This raises the possibility of 2000 in reverse, with Bush carrying the

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098198249500759022004-10-19T10:52:00.000-04:002004-10-19T11:05:17.100-04:00

Touche, Professor. Brian of Springfield asks this about The Bulge. Shouldn't the commander-in-chief of the world's only superpower be able toget a suit that fits - and a bullet proof vest that isn't noticeable? Things that make you go hmmm ... Meanwhile, in Kansas ... Sharp words in the Moore-Kobach debate. ... Both 3rd District candidates are raising impressive funds, while the 2nd District

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098193172107293652004-10-19T09:23:00.000-04:002004-10-19T09:39:32.106-04:00

Start peddling conspiracy theories, and watch the inbox fill up. In response to last week's post about tasteless flyers, bulges, et. al., Jack from Nashville pointed out that a Bush "Special Olympics" ad may have been a Republican plant. Meanwhile, in the ongoing Bush bulge controversy, Prof. William Polley of Bradley University (and host of his own blog), speculates on whether it's a

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1098044488638086642004-10-17T16:04:00.000-04:002004-10-17T16:21:47.593-04:00

Greetings from Minnesota, where my brother is now married, small pellets of ice are hitting the streets along the university, and the Internet cafe where I have checked my e-mail on Minneapolis trips since the dawn of the millennium has sometime in the past year become a Vietnamese restaurant. Parking's a pain, too -- I almost went into The Minnesota Daily parking lot to see if I could get a spot

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097808023558907222004-10-14T22:40:00.000-04:002004-10-14T22:44:04.683-04:00

Typing as I pack. Tomorrow leaving for a weekend in Minnesota, where my brother is getting married. My job is to wear a tuxedo and not embarrass him. I will do my best. And I will undoubtedly reflect on my sudden injection from the beltway into a swing state -- not how I remember the place where I lived the first quarter-century of my life, but how it is now. Times they are a-changin'.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097760813296750152004-10-14T09:08:00.000-04:002004-10-14T09:33:33.296-04:00

Sen. Dayton continues to make the rounds on his staff-closing decision. For a transcript of his interview with "The Today Show," click here. And here is a transcript of what Sen. Kerry had to say about Boeing in last night's debate. Check out this tasteless political advertising. This is being used in a Tennessee statehouse race, and basically takes a shot at Special Olympics contestants via the

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097723200335839692004-10-13T23:02:00.000-04:002004-10-13T23:06:40.336-04:00

I suppose it's only natural. By the end of the third presidential debate (with a veep chat thrown in) it's hard to come up with a Pivotal Moment that Will Redefine the Race. We know most of the lines by now, big swings in opinion are less likely, and barring a major gaffe (which I didn't see), both sides settle in to a race that looks unpredictable until Nov. 2, if not later. Enjoyed Kerry's

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097611959741727752004-10-13T15:06:00.000-04:002004-10-13T15:55:20.360-04:00

OK -- I think America's getting a little too caught up in these elections. Every week I get a promo e-mail from Travelocity.com with some creatively themed specials. This week we have ... Swing State Salute: Last Minute Deals from $255 (Here's the letter:) Dear Alan, You have two choices this election year: Sit on the couch and yell at the television, or get out and participate in the

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097677133400478662004-10-13T09:58:00.000-04:002004-10-13T11:46:00.283-04:00

The whole Dayton evacuation thing is shadowy and spin-prone, but so is the Global War on Terror, when you get right down to it. If you want to share your opinion of the debate with the people of Kansas, click here. 'Twould be nice to direct my predictable avalanche of mail elsewhere, and besides, the Sunflower State would undoubtedly benefit from your thoughts. Comprehensive debate coverage can

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097612277427852592004-10-12T16:17:00.000-04:002004-10-12T16:17:57.493-04:00

From Pioneer Press correspondent Tom Webb.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097604894408862972004-10-12T14:13:00.000-04:002004-10-13T11:45:06.710-04:00

No one else on the Hill is talking about this, but it's interesting: STATEMENT FROM U.S. SENATOR MARK DAYTON RE: TEMPORARILY CLOSING DC OFFICE OCTOBER 12, 2004 Recently, the Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist, presented us with a top-secret Intelligence Report on our national security. Obviously, that document's top-secret classification prevents me from discussing its contents. However, based

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097593892604012432004-10-12T11:04:00.000-04:002004-10-12T11:11:32.603-04:00

Harry Stonecipher was defending Boeing on Tuesday, while Congress kept passing bill after bill, including a drought aid package to defend Kansas farmers. The Patriot Act is topic du jour in KS-3. Challenger Kris Kobach is touting his anti-terror credentials, while Rep. Dennis Moore expresses concern for civil liberties while defending his own votes ... An online chat with KS-2 Democrat Nancy

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097501914972575662004-10-11T09:22:00.000-04:002004-10-11T09:38:34.973-04:00

One argument heard from Boeing immediately after Congress killed tanker leasing last weekend was that the language of the defense authorization bill didn't require competition for a tanker contract. The bill is indeed vague on this, but tanker opponents John McCain and John Warner held a colloquy on the Senate floor to make it clear that competition is the bill's intent. Text of the exchange is

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097331850956299852004-10-09T10:20:00.000-04:002004-10-09T10:33:54.656-04:00

Just found out that my date for the show apparently didn't see my e-mail from last night, and I didn't get her voice mail this morning, so we both bought tickets. Now we have an extra pair. But they're really good seats! Lower level ... if you are an Alan Jackson-Martina McBride fan and want to see them in D.C. Nov. 19th, bet I can fix you up ...

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097330872378705362004-10-09T10:07:00.000-04:002004-10-09T10:07:52.376-04:00

Section 111, main concourse. That wraps up today's accomplishments ...

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097329781177776412004-10-09T09:31:00.000-04:002004-10-10T13:44:51.546-04:00

Given that several e-mailers on the debate gave critical, yet evenhanded evaluations of last night's debate that took into account strengths and weaknesses of both candidates, I'm concluding that at least some of the debate e-mails are being written by actual human beings. Thank you. They still favor Kerry by a big margin, though, despite the polling consensus that the debate was close. The

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097500948905743082004-10-09T09:20:00.000-04:002004-10-11T09:22:28.906-04:00

From Oct. 9: Mr. McCain: Mr. President, I would like to review with my colleague Section 133 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. Under the leadership of Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Warner and Ranking Member Levin, Congress has agreed to amend Section 135 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004, by expressly

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097263283182487492004-10-08T15:17:00.000-04:002004-10-08T15:21:23.183-04:00

Here's a posting from American Prospect detailing possible retaliation against Dan Glickman by The K Street Project, which wasn't too happy when the former Democratic congressman got the MPAA job. Thanks to Dana B. of Minneapolis (Ozblog's fourth-highest readership city, according to the September stats!) for alerting me to this link -- nice to know bloggers got folks at their back.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097246190872915232004-10-08T10:25:00.000-04:002004-10-08T10:40:13.866-04:00

One thing that can frustrate about being the Kansas Army of One in the D.C. press corps is that I sometimes get scooper on stories because beat reporters who focus more on one topic get stuff while I'm working on one of my many topics. It's the generalist/specialist quandary. For example, today's Washington Post story on the 767 tanker is one I would have liked to have, but I was writing about a

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097161463378545122004-10-07T11:03:00.000-04:002004-10-07T11:04:23.376-04:00

Here's an article on how the president's major foreign policy address yesterday, the one that prompted all the lefty e-mails, played out.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097159639973477502004-10-07T10:02:00.000-04:002004-10-07T10:38:28.666-04:00

I could choose to be depressed about last night's Twins loss in exta innings to the Yankees, but I choose not to be. We control our attitudes, and our attitudes contribute to our destiny. Therefore, today's post is dedicated to the bright side of things. Today, it is highly unlikely that I will write any stories about the 767 tanker scandal -- a story I usually can't get enough of, but maybe not

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097069456396426302004-10-06T09:26:00.000-04:002004-10-06T09:30:56.396-04:00

Have to head to the National Press Club for the latest salvo in the Boeing-Airbus wars. Also, intel votes today. Pro-Edwards e-mails still outnumber, but indeed, pro-Cheney is making a respectable showing.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097034922431289732004-10-05T23:54:00.000-04:002004-10-05T23:55:22.430-04:00

Huh. Only have nine e-mails so far about the debate, with a score of 8-1 Edwards. Is everyone tired already?

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096994475321316712004-10-05T13:28:00.000-04:002004-10-05T15:30:11.413-04:00

The pro-Kerry e-mail machine swings into action again, blasting the major address on terror that President Bush is planning for Wednesday. Essentially, I've been receiving an e-mail-a-minute all day accusing the president of trying to do a "do-over," making up for his lackluster debate performance last week with a scripted, controlled speech carried in prime time. The letter-writers want either A

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096985496084348902004-10-05T09:45:00.000-04:002004-10-05T10:11:36.083-04:00

The copy editors cut this from my column last weekend -- which I just found out about now -- so Ozblog readers get this item first: First President Bush has to win reelection. Then U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman would have to step down. But if those things, happened, a Washington-based agricultural firm thinks the next secretary could be ... Rep. Jerry Moran. World Perspectives Inc.,

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096945268063960412004-10-04T22:41:00.000-04:002004-10-05T09:45:23.086-04:00

Sometimes, connections pay off. And for sheer glitz, no connection was more coveted tonight than the connection to Kansas. Sure, the movie was "Mr. 3000," starring Bernie Mac. Yeah, the presenter was a lobbyist. But it was a film lobbyist, and the lobbyist was Dan Glickman, and the setting was the Motion Picture Association of America during its first-ever private screening since Glickman

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096903320228034772004-10-04T11:16:00.000-04:002004-10-04T13:09:42.286-04:00

So my upstairs neighbor is now playing the radio all day to keep her dog calmed down, which is fine -- but does it have to be 104.1, the chick-rock station? Maybe she thinks the Dave Matthews Band will make Marley, her growing male black Lab, a quieter, more sensitive dog -- and it is true that Marley's been neutered, so perhaps DMB is appropo. But really, I think black Labs should listen to

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096848334443398122004-10-03T19:48:00.000-04:002004-10-03T20:05:34.443-04:00

Catching up, catching up ... It looks like Horace Edwards has hit the end-of-the-line in his quest to get on the ballot opposing Sen. Sam Brownback. He's staying in as a write-in ... the 767 tanker scandal has brought its first jail term, but maybe not the last ... Pat Roberts says drought aid might hurt the South Dakota U.S. Senate race of Republican John Thune against incumbent Tom Daschle ...

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096843202648146622004-10-03T18:37:00.000-04:002004-10-03T19:44:58.093-04:00

If you live in the DC area and read this blog, please consider yourself invited to this Thursday's karaoke night at the National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW (14th and F). Singing's on the top floor, it starts at 7 p.m., and I'm emceeing. See bloggers in song! Anyway, if you show up and tell me you came because of this blog, I _will_ give you a prize. And it would be great to see you. Thursday. 7

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097760433698658032004-10-01T09:25:00.000-04:002004-10-14T09:27:13.700-04:00

SCHIEFFER: New question to you, Senator Kerry, two minutes. And it's still on jobs. You know, many experts say that a president really doesn't have much control over jobs. For example, if someone invents a machine that does the work of five people, that's progress. That's not the president's fault. So I ask you, is it fair to blame the administration entirely for this loss of jobs? KERRY: I

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1097759304834986612004-10-01T09:07:00.000-04:002004-10-14T09:08:24.833-04:00

NBC "TODAY" INTERVIEW WITH: SENATOR MARK DAYTON (D-MN) TIME: 7:16 A.M. EDT DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2004 .STX (C) COPYRIGHT 2004, FEDERAL NEWS SERVICE, INC., 1000 VERMONT AVE. NW; 5TH FLOOR; WASHINGTON, DC - 20005, USA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ANY REPRODUCTION, REDISTRIBUTION OR RETRANSMISSION IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED. UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION, REDISTRIBUTION OR RETRANSMISSION CONSTITUTES A

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096602578596645482004-09-30T23:47:00.000-04:002004-09-30T23:49:38.596-04:00

I made it a point to check my e-mail in the first hour after the debate to see who was beating who in the inevitable avalanche of e-mail I get as a journalist. In one hour I received exactly 50 e-mails. Forty-nine were of the "Kerry won because ..." variety. None called Bush the winner. One guy was annoyed that the candidates were allowed to take notes on the podium. Draw whatever conclusion

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096543355496122642004-09-30T06:51:00.000-04:002004-09-30T07:22:35.496-04:00

Yesterday was one of those not-close-to-e-mail days, so it was embarrassingly late when I got to the bad link to Washingtonian I gave yesterday. Correct link is here. Your patience is appreciated. On the topic of Sen. Roberts, Washingtonian's "Funniest" senator isn't laughing, according to the Hill. His intelligence plan is floundering, and Roberts himself is concerned that the plan that's

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096461460996770722004-09-29T08:16:00.000-04:002004-09-29T09:12:19.690-04:00

This morning I saw a man in blue-and-black dreadlocks playing a voice-perfect version of Gordon Lightfoot's "If You Could Read My Mind" on guitar. Kind of a bummer to know my day has already peaked -- but I give thanks to the Gord my Canadian-folk God, and for all the gold he has given us. It coulda been a Senate campaign ... Dan Glickman testified on Capitol Hill in his new job as head of the

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096384221805040072004-09-28T10:59:00.000-04:002004-09-28T11:10:21.806-04:00

The 767 tanker scandal is a story that won't die, with accusations of withheld e-mails as Air Force Secretary James Roche remains under fire for alleged conflicts-of-interest. For the record, Rep. Jim Ryun was the only federal officeholder in Kansas who responded to Project Vote Smart's National Political Awareness Test, which is designed to let people know where candidates stand on issues.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096300101183834472004-09-27T11:37:00.000-04:002004-09-27T11:49:30.693-04:00

So Thursday night I'm at a concert and my date introduces me to two of her friends. "And you're all bloggers," she finished by saying. I looked at those two guys and thought, this has gone too far. Nothing against them. I'm sure they're decent, witty, insightful human beings. But how can you appreciate songs when everyone's grabbing a microphone? The New York Times Magazine has a piece on the

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096259070475409792004-09-27T01:13:00.000-04:002004-09-27T00:24:30.476-04:00

So I'm sitting on my porch at about 9, talking 'bout the Grateful Dead with my upstairs neighbor while stringing her guitar (She's no good at tuning. I have perfect pitch.), when I head into the bathroom to discover that half of my bathroom ceiling has fallen to the bottom of my bathtub. Huh, I think -- this could be a problem. Call the insurance company, call maintenence, get a guy over at 11:

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096036840911572322004-09-24T10:39:00.000-04:002004-09-24T10:40:40.913-04:00

Hey -- Wichita officially has another billionaire. Read all about Trump friend and casino tycoon Phil Ruffin here.

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1096031385133138032004-09-24T08:47:00.000-04:002004-09-24T09:09:45.133-04:00

Journalism can be fascinating because of all the things you learn that you otherwise would never learn. Journalism can be maddening because of all the things you have to learn, but have no reason to want to. For example, this morning I've spent 20 minutes on the Web vainly trying to figure out how much it would cost to buy a special box containing v-chip technology for a TV manufactured before

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1095952870570292382004-09-23T11:09:00.000-04:002004-09-23T11:21:10.570-04:00

Twists and turns in Moore-Kobach. The incumbent Democrat got the endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a nice one to get when your opponent, Kobach, is running TV ads saying you're soft on defense. The KC alt-press, meanwhile, keeps up its criticism of Kobach for his stands on immigration, an area in which he's an acknowledged expert. Meanwhile, Kobach's got Jerry Falwell and KC-area

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1095861189504364092004-09-22T09:38:00.000-04:002004-09-22T13:06:23.063-04:00

Since Luke Tiahrt's death in July, his father inevitably gains mentions whenever Congress and suicide come up. A thoughtful column from Jewish World Review on just how difficult addressing suicide can be. The National Museum of the American Indian opened Tuesday, as thousands of Native Americans descended on the Mall. Wichita Indians want to bring part of the museum back with them, and Sam

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1095772251323529612004-09-21T08:53:00.000-04:002004-09-21T09:10:51.323-04:00

Today marks the 96th birthday of a light bulb, turned on in a Texas theater in 1908 and never turned off. It still burns today, though it's not the longest-lasting bulb -- that honor belongs to a bulb still burning in California since 1901. Less discerning readers might think, huh -- that's a heckuva bulb. But this just proves what I've suspected all along -- that light bulbs can burn forever,

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1095698425196449752004-09-20T15:34:00.000-04:002004-09-20T16:32:50.336-04:00

Occasional Ozblog contributor William Polley's starting his own blog -- it's at http://www.mtco.com/~wpolley/academicscribbler/. He's a lot smarter than I am, so if you've managed to tolerate this space, you'll love his. Read recently that there are 4 million blogs in existence, which I find insanely hard to believe. Four million people really do this? Do that many people have that much to say?

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7675280.post-1095691724575753512004-09-20T10:24:00.000-04:002004-09-20T10:48:44.576-04:00

One of the joys of being from a small town is the joy I will always get when I see "my town" in a "big city" newspaper. Today's WashPost has a feature on my home congressional district, MN-7, and the crucial role its sugar beet industry could have on the 2004 elections. Shout-out for rural Minnesota. I had this unnerving feeling on Metro all morning -- it just seemed at every stop, the cars got

Alan Bjergahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619460395404878405noreply@blogger.com