Traffic to the Turner Report has continued to be brisk over the past week. Those who came to the site via search engines seemed to be more interested in two very diverse people.
The top search engine entry was perennial candidate and current jailhouse resident Martin Lindstedt, but only by a small margin over former KODE weathercaster Marny Stanier, who is suing The Weather Channel, claiming she was wrongfully discharged due to her age and her gender.
The sale of Liberty Group Publishing brought a number of people to The Turner Report who wanted to find out about the sale and about the new owners, Fortress Investment.
KODE anchor Jimmy Siedlecki, who is about to rejoin Malorie Maddox as a morning show co-host in Omaha, Neb., has been a popular search topic as has Ms. Maddox.
Other popular topics have included Newell Rubbermaid, O'Sullivan Industries, and Bubs Hohulin.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
The growing political power of Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt is explored in a profile in today's Washington Post.
The article begins, "House majority whip Roy Blunt, the man one step behind Tom DeLay in the Republican leadership, has built a political machine of his own that extends from Missouri deep into Washington's K Street lobbying community."
The article explores Blunts influence in Washington and in Missouri and describes the methods used by Blunt and the man whose ethical problems may soon promote Blunt to the Majority Leader position, Tom DeLay of Texas.
"Blunt and DeLay are fund-raising powerhouses," the article says. "Their political organizations use multiple fund-raising committees, have rewarded family members, and have provided an avenue to riches for former aides now in the private sector."
Just how Blunt's machine works in Missouri is explored in the article. "In Missouri, the Blunt organization is a family affair. His son Matt, 34, is governor, and his son Andrew, 29, is a top state government lobbyist whose client list is studded with major donors to his father."
The article says Blunt has become a legislative powerhouse through mobilizing an army of lobbyists on key issues and having them work on his fellow House members.
The article begins, "House majority whip Roy Blunt, the man one step behind Tom DeLay in the Republican leadership, has built a political machine of his own that extends from Missouri deep into Washington's K Street lobbying community."
The article explores Blunts influence in Washington and in Missouri and describes the methods used by Blunt and the man whose ethical problems may soon promote Blunt to the Majority Leader position, Tom DeLay of Texas.
"Blunt and DeLay are fund-raising powerhouses," the article says. "Their political organizations use multiple fund-raising committees, have rewarded family members, and have provided an avenue to riches for former aides now in the private sector."
Just how Blunt's machine works in Missouri is explored in the article. "In Missouri, the Blunt organization is a family affair. His son Matt, 34, is governor, and his son Andrew, 29, is a top state government lobbyist whose client list is studded with major donors to his father."
The article says Blunt has become a legislative powerhouse through mobilizing an army of lobbyists on key issues and having them work on his fellow House members.
The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage is featured in a new book.
According to the Chicago Tribune, "Roadside Religion," written by Timothy Beal, a professor of religion at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, has been published by Beacon and is retailing for $24.95.
Beal and his family visited a number of inspirational tourist attractions in the U.S., including Precious Moments, the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Fla., and God's Ark of Safety in Frostburg, Md.
The Tribune says the book offers commentary on "America's religious and social landscape." as well as serving as a travel guide.
According to the Chicago Tribune, "Roadside Religion," written by Timothy Beal, a professor of religion at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, has been published by Beacon and is retailing for $24.95.
Beal and his family visited a number of inspirational tourist attractions in the U.S., including Precious Moments, the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Fla., and God's Ark of Safety in Frostburg, Md.
The Tribune says the book offers commentary on "America's religious and social landscape." as well as serving as a travel guide.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
The celebration of Precious Moments, Inc.,'s purchase of rights to the marketing and distribution of Precious Moments collectibles continues to be celebrated. As reported earlier this week, Gene Freedman, former Enesco CEO, who is credited as the man who "discovered" artist Sam Butcher and his unique creations, will be working with Precious Moments, Inc. The Precious Moments website features the following letter from Butcher on the "news release" page.
"Dear Friends,
"It's hard to believe that it's been three decades since I met Gene Freedman and Fujioka-san. Back then, I couldn't have imagined the profound impact that our relationship would have on my life and on millions of other people as well. Our partnership brought the first Precious Moments figurines to life - and from the very beginning, Enesco did a marvelous job of spreading the message of Loving, Caring and Sharing. I will always cherish the memories we created together.
"Now Precious Moments is “coming home” to our company, Precious Moments Incorporated, and I am feeling more inspiration and creativity than ever before. From a personal perspective, one of the things I am most thrilled about is the opportunity to work closely with Gene and Fujioka-san again. The three of us are “together again” and we are all inspired and excited to welcome this wonderful brand home."
Sam Butcher, Founder Precious Moments, Inc.
"Dear Friends,
"It's hard to believe that it's been three decades since I met Gene Freedman and Fujioka-san. Back then, I couldn't have imagined the profound impact that our relationship would have on my life and on millions of other people as well. Our partnership brought the first Precious Moments figurines to life - and from the very beginning, Enesco did a marvelous job of spreading the message of Loving, Caring and Sharing. I will always cherish the memories we created together.
"Now Precious Moments is “coming home” to our company, Precious Moments Incorporated, and I am feeling more inspiration and creativity than ever before. From a personal perspective, one of the things I am most thrilled about is the opportunity to work closely with Gene and Fujioka-san again. The three of us are “together again” and we are all inspired and excited to welcome this wonderful brand home."
Sam Butcher, Founder Precious Moments, Inc.
Fundraising activity for area legislators slowed down considerably during the first quarter of 2005, according to committee reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission, but the local candidates have been spending some money.
Only one state representative, Ron Richard, R-Joplin, reported any contributions and he just received one, $300 from the Missouri Independent Bankers, Liberty.
Meanwhile our area legislators have seen fit to pay out money for parade candy, tuxedo rental, the inaugural festivities for Governor Matt Blunt, numerous conservative organizations, and oddly enough, for a campaign contribution for a candidate for class president at Missouri State University, Springfield.
Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City, gave $2,500 to the Conservative Legacy Foundation, another $2,500 to the House Republican Campaign Committee, $300 to the Jasper County Republican Central Committee, $600 to LifeChoices of Joplin, and $200 to Lincoln P. Hough for Class President. Stevenson's money apparently did little good for Hough's campaign. Hough not only lost, but he only received about half as many votes as his opponent.
Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho, gave $415.50 to the Governor's Inaugural Committee, $1,000 to the House Republican Campaign Committee, $72.31 for parade candy, and $300 for Citizens for Ryan Silvey. Silvey was the successful candidate for a House vacancy in the 38th District.
Ed Emery, R-Lamar, gave $1,000 to the House Republican Campaign Committee, $400.74 to Dot's Fashions for Tuxedo Rental, then a month later $319.74 to Dot's Fashion for tuxedo purchase; and $245 to the Governor's Inaugural Committee.
Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin, gave $185 to the Governor's Inaugural Committee, and $135.75 to the MBNA in Wilmington, Del. MBNA is a banking and credit card company.
Ron Richard, R-Joplin, gave $285 to the 127th District Committee, $210 to the Missouri Association of Republicans, Springfield; $315 to the Governor's Inaugural Committee, $100 to the Newton County Republican Central Committee, and $1,000 to the House Republican Campaign Committee.
Steve Hunter, R-Joplin, spent $74.95 of campaign money to Nubuko's Tux Rental so he would have something to wear to the inauguration, according to the report, $70 for tickets to the Carthage Chamber of Commerce Banquet, $175 to the Republican Organization for Legislative Assistants, and $549 to Ducks Unlimited of Carthage.
Only one state representative, Ron Richard, R-Joplin, reported any contributions and he just received one, $300 from the Missouri Independent Bankers, Liberty.
Meanwhile our area legislators have seen fit to pay out money for parade candy, tuxedo rental, the inaugural festivities for Governor Matt Blunt, numerous conservative organizations, and oddly enough, for a campaign contribution for a candidate for class president at Missouri State University, Springfield.
Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City, gave $2,500 to the Conservative Legacy Foundation, another $2,500 to the House Republican Campaign Committee, $300 to the Jasper County Republican Central Committee, $600 to LifeChoices of Joplin, and $200 to Lincoln P. Hough for Class President. Stevenson's money apparently did little good for Hough's campaign. Hough not only lost, but he only received about half as many votes as his opponent.
Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho, gave $415.50 to the Governor's Inaugural Committee, $1,000 to the House Republican Campaign Committee, $72.31 for parade candy, and $300 for Citizens for Ryan Silvey. Silvey was the successful candidate for a House vacancy in the 38th District.
Ed Emery, R-Lamar, gave $1,000 to the House Republican Campaign Committee, $400.74 to Dot's Fashions for Tuxedo Rental, then a month later $319.74 to Dot's Fashion for tuxedo purchase; and $245 to the Governor's Inaugural Committee.
Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin, gave $185 to the Governor's Inaugural Committee, and $135.75 to the MBNA in Wilmington, Del. MBNA is a banking and credit card company.
Ron Richard, R-Joplin, gave $285 to the 127th District Committee, $210 to the Missouri Association of Republicans, Springfield; $315 to the Governor's Inaugural Committee, $100 to the Newton County Republican Central Committee, and $1,000 to the House Republican Campaign Committee.
Steve Hunter, R-Joplin, spent $74.95 of campaign money to Nubuko's Tux Rental so he would have something to wear to the inauguration, according to the report, $70 for tickets to the Carthage Chamber of Commerce Banquet, $175 to the Republican Organization for Legislative Assistants, and $549 to Ducks Unlimited of Carthage.
State Senator Gary Nodler's campaign machinery is in full swing, according to reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
The Joplin Republican received $6,000 in contributions during the first quarter of 2005, according to the report. That figure included $5,700 in cash and $300 described as an "in-kind" contribution from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Much of Nodler's money is being funneled into southwest Missouri from out of state, the report indicates. Among his out-of-state contributors were: 7-Eleven, Dallas, Texas, $500; General Mills, Minneapolis, Minn., $600; United Parcel Service, Atlanta, Ga., $600; Edison Schools, New York, N. Y,., $150; Eli Lilly and Company, Springfield, Ill., $500; Boeing Company, Seattle, Wash., $600; and Mainstream America PAC, $350. The Mainstream America PAC's address is listed as Jefferson City on the report, but its national headquarters is in Baton Rouge, La.
Nodler also received $300 from Jasper County Collector Stephen Holt, $400 from the Missouri Dental Hygienist PAC, $200 from the University of Missouri PAC, $100 from the Missouri Osteopathic PAC, $300 from Community Support Services, Joplin; and $600 from the St. John's Family PAC.
Nodler also spent some money during the first quarter, according to the report. His expenditures included $250 for tickets to the Lifechoices Banquet, $118 for Joplin Rotary Club dues, $250 for MSSU Lionbacker dues, and $500 to the Missouri Southern Foundation.
The Joplin Republican received $6,000 in contributions during the first quarter of 2005, according to the report. That figure included $5,700 in cash and $300 described as an "in-kind" contribution from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Much of Nodler's money is being funneled into southwest Missouri from out of state, the report indicates. Among his out-of-state contributors were: 7-Eleven, Dallas, Texas, $500; General Mills, Minneapolis, Minn., $600; United Parcel Service, Atlanta, Ga., $600; Edison Schools, New York, N. Y,., $150; Eli Lilly and Company, Springfield, Ill., $500; Boeing Company, Seattle, Wash., $600; and Mainstream America PAC, $350. The Mainstream America PAC's address is listed as Jefferson City on the report, but its national headquarters is in Baton Rouge, La.
Nodler also received $300 from Jasper County Collector Stephen Holt, $400 from the Missouri Dental Hygienist PAC, $200 from the University of Missouri PAC, $100 from the Missouri Osteopathic PAC, $300 from Community Support Services, Joplin; and $600 from the St. John's Family PAC.
Nodler also spent some money during the first quarter, according to the report. His expenditures included $250 for tickets to the Lifechoices Banquet, $118 for Joplin Rotary Club dues, $250 for MSSU Lionbacker dues, and $500 to the Missouri Southern Foundation.
Joplin city officials should follow the wise example set by officials in another community where the people were interested in knowing how police officers who crossed the line were disciplined.
If you have been following the controversy, you know that two off-duty Joplin police officers removed a student from an elementary school in handcuffs after an off-campus incident involving the student and the child of one of the officers.
City officials will only say that the officers have been disciplined and will not reveal what, if any, type of punishment they received, citing city policies.
An out-of-state community had a different approach.
In that town, two police officers tried to cover up an incident in which one of them kicked a handcuffed man. One officer received a six-day suspension for kicking the man and not reporting what he had done. The other officer received a one-day suspension for dishonesty and for not reporting a minor injury he had received during the struggle. The man who was kicked did not need medical attention, according to the newspaper that carried the story, the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison.
The date on that article is March 22, 2001. The police chief who was totally open with the public and the media about the punishment his officers received for the incident was Kevin Lindsey...who now serves as Joplin's police chief.
In Madison, Lindsey was able to let the community know what steps were taken with officers who broke the rules. In Joplin, he is apparently being prevented from doing so by city officials who have a long history of hiding what they do and insisting that they know what is good for the public.
The only way the public can be confident that rogue officers are being kept under control is for the city to adopt a policy of complete openness and honesty. It's a foreign concept for Joplin officials, but the sooner they do that, the sooner they will bring an end to the controversy. City officials have tried to make it appear to be a battle between them and The Joplin Globe, which has pushed hard to penetrate the veil of secrecy surrounding city decisions. This battle is not limited to the city and the Globe. As the letters to the editor to the Globe and the responses to the articles printed on its website indicate, the public is concerned about this issue and only a small handful take the position that city officials will do the right thing so it is none of our business.
City officials should restore confidence in the police department by being open and honest about the decisions that were made in this case.
If you have been following the controversy, you know that two off-duty Joplin police officers removed a student from an elementary school in handcuffs after an off-campus incident involving the student and the child of one of the officers.
City officials will only say that the officers have been disciplined and will not reveal what, if any, type of punishment they received, citing city policies.
An out-of-state community had a different approach.
In that town, two police officers tried to cover up an incident in which one of them kicked a handcuffed man. One officer received a six-day suspension for kicking the man and not reporting what he had done. The other officer received a one-day suspension for dishonesty and for not reporting a minor injury he had received during the struggle. The man who was kicked did not need medical attention, according to the newspaper that carried the story, the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison.
The date on that article is March 22, 2001. The police chief who was totally open with the public and the media about the punishment his officers received for the incident was Kevin Lindsey...who now serves as Joplin's police chief.
In Madison, Lindsey was able to let the community know what steps were taken with officers who broke the rules. In Joplin, he is apparently being prevented from doing so by city officials who have a long history of hiding what they do and insisting that they know what is good for the public.
The only way the public can be confident that rogue officers are being kept under control is for the city to adopt a policy of complete openness and honesty. It's a foreign concept for Joplin officials, but the sooner they do that, the sooner they will bring an end to the controversy. City officials have tried to make it appear to be a battle between them and The Joplin Globe, which has pushed hard to penetrate the veil of secrecy surrounding city decisions. This battle is not limited to the city and the Globe. As the letters to the editor to the Globe and the responses to the articles printed on its website indicate, the public is concerned about this issue and only a small handful take the position that city officials will do the right thing so it is none of our business.
City officials should restore confidence in the police department by being open and honest about the decisions that were made in this case.
A frequent topic in this blog has been the drug testing of students who participate in extracurricular activities. I am against it, and have made no secret about that. What has particularly amazed me is that students have just accepted it, not made any efforts to stop this from being done at several area schools, and in most cases, appear to believe it is a good idea.
One who doesn't is my former Diamond Middle School student Alicia Bradley, who will be a junior at Diamond High School this fall. She is not happy with the new drug testing policy that will begin this fall at her school.
In her blog, http://writingkills.blogspot.com/ she writes:
"The drug testing policy PDF they put on the website ( www.diamondwildcats.org ) has me irritated. Not the PDF so much as the policy. It may be because lately restrictions in general have made me very irritated, but this all sounds very intrusive. I am not worried about the test turning up positive, but to me at least it seems to be very.... undignified.The technician will not observe the participant while the specimen is being collected, but the technician will be present outside the stall to listen for the normal sounds of urination to guard against tampered specimens and to ensure an accurate chain of custody of the specimens. The technician will verify the normal temperature and appearance of the specimen. As for me, I couldn't stand to have even family standing outside during that. Ehh, gross.I may be over-reacting, but it really pisses me off (no pun intended...) that in order to avoid being randomly subjected to that every 1 to 14 days, I would have to give up band, math league, cross country, science fair, history day, (Most Importantly) Academic Quiz Team, and any other activity I had/planned/hoped to participate in.Live and let live. Not listen in on what should be a very private 'procedure.' "
One who doesn't is my former Diamond Middle School student Alicia Bradley, who will be a junior at Diamond High School this fall. She is not happy with the new drug testing policy that will begin this fall at her school.
In her blog, http://writingkills.blogspot.com/ she writes:
"The drug testing policy PDF they put on the website ( www.diamondwildcats.org ) has me irritated. Not the PDF so much as the policy. It may be because lately restrictions in general have made me very irritated, but this all sounds very intrusive. I am not worried about the test turning up positive, but to me at least it seems to be very.... undignified.The technician will not observe the participant while the specimen is being collected, but the technician will be present outside the stall to listen for the normal sounds of urination to guard against tampered specimens and to ensure an accurate chain of custody of the specimens. The technician will verify the normal temperature and appearance of the specimen. As for me, I couldn't stand to have even family standing outside during that. Ehh, gross.I may be over-reacting, but it really pisses me off (no pun intended...) that in order to avoid being randomly subjected to that every 1 to 14 days, I would have to give up band, math league, cross country, science fair, history day, (Most Importantly) Academic Quiz Team, and any other activity I had/planned/hoped to participate in.Live and let live. Not listen in on what should be a very private 'procedure.' "
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