Here we go… Another Weekend Update for all of you QCI-ders on an over casted, seemingly warm afternoon. Isn’t supposed to rain today? Who knows I guess. This weekend’s version is a little less of the ebb and flow of political scoop and ranting. Even all things Jared Allen (I know, it’s a big stretch for me). Today we venture out in a few fun artsy things… and the randomness you can expect from the world’s crappyist blogger.

JOE HAS AN EYE FOR STUFF – Let me introduce you to a cool photog named Joe Crimmings. Many of you may Joe from the world of politics. He and his wife Libby were a part of the ONE campaign in Iowa. Joe has a real passion for the arts and sharing images from the lens of his camera. If you dig the artsy side of photography, you’ll absolutely dig his new photoblog. It’s pretty friggin sweet. I’m calling this “Must Read QCI Material”… it’s that good.

SPEAKING OF GOOD PICS AND POLITICS – I know I have plugged this site before. But if you want to check out what’s going on with Team Straight Talk… and some pretty good photo blogging, check out McCain Blogette. Meghan usually has a new post daily or at least every other day. Great inside view with the candidate and her friend Heather takes some pretty cool photos. A recent post has some pics with McCain and Romney on the trail.

A GOOD AND EDUCATIONAL WAY TO KILL TIME – Last weekend I spent the better half of Easter afternoon with my family roaming the halls and exhibits of the Iowa Historical Building. And it was a hella good time. Now, many of you have been to a reception or two in the State Historical Building, but have you totally check it out? Many of you Iowa natives probably got a field trip during grade school to go and explore our state’s great history. If the last time you visited was when you had to contemplate “Should I trade a Mike Greenwell rookie card for the entire Royals pitching staff (1985 world champs at the time, mind you).” Then you should hit it up soon. You history and political junkies can thank me later.

NEW QCI FEATURE COMING SOON – “Placemats and Crayons.” Many of you know I like to draw, create and build things… and in most cases… for completely no reason. Some may say I have too much time on my hands (see also Stanhope State University). I’d like to think, there needs to be more hours in the day for being creative and having fun. But what do I know…

“Placemats and Crayons” will be updates on whatever I’m working or other cool stuff I find along the way. Why “Placemats and Crayons” you ask? Ever since I can remember… my ma figured out that to keep me entertained, simply turn over the placemat and hand the kid a box of crayons. And I’ve been drawing and creating stuff ever since. Thanks Mom! Of course there will be a fancy, awesome, cool looking header as well. What would you expect? Real tomato ketchup Eddie? … nothing but the best.

SURPRISINGLY GOOD TUNES – I know, I know… I can hear at least one of my loyal readers yelling, “Dude, you are starting a new feature without even doing a Mix Tape feature yet!” Have a fun one almost done. Cool thing is, the new Hoopty’s tape player still works! WOOT!

Anyway, speaking of tunes, scoped out CD Warehouse yesterday and found 3 kick ass movie sound tracks. Love myself some movie soundtracks. Picked up Backdraft, Days of Thunder (f’n aye John Deere right I picked up Days of Thunder) and finally… The Cable Guy, for $2!!!! If you graduated from high school during the midsection of the ‘90s, you’d be down with The Cable Guy soundtrack. Anyways… here's a great clip to end this Weekend Update… That’s the news and I’m out of here….

First off, I apologize for the lack of blogging here. Kind of took a Holy holiday here. Will return to some sort of regular schedule… but is there really a regular schedule with me? Lo siento. Anyways, let’s get the party started with the randomness that is the Caucus Countdown.

McCAIN-ALLEN 2008 – You know what’s pretty freaking cool? Judging by the emails, comments and hit stats… you QCI-ders think that this is a dream ticket! Woot! Got a slogan for you, “Hog tie the terrorists! McCain-Allen ’08!” What better to reach out to the youth vote and like-minded democrats than a Vice Presidential candidate who rocks the mullet. And rocks the mullet pretty freaking good.

Can you imagine when they try to go on the attack at the Dem National Convention? Imagine, a presentation with a grainy picture of Jared Allen and gloomy music that to provide some red meat in Denver. I predict no booing at all. You will hear delegates on the floor whispering… “Man, that guy has some sweet hair.” We can’t lose people!

BIG DADDY’S @ 25 – The legendary BBQ joint, Big Daddy’s BBQ, over by East High turns 25 years old this weekend. I got the pleasure to get to know Ike (Big Daddy’s son) during my days with Jeff’s campaign. Don’t forget they’re open from 11 to 3 Fridays and Saturdays, but always ready to take your catering orders. Congrats to the Seymour family. Here’s to 25 more! The DMR had a good story yesterday about Big Daddy, the BBQ and all of the great charitable work of the late great Isaac “Big Daddy” Seymour. Check it out here.

SPEAKING OF BBQ, JUSTICE & THE AMERICAN WAY – Had the great honor of taking a late lunch yesterday up to the Capitol for the Vets for Freedom Heroes Tour event. Guests were treated to THE REAL story on the struggle with Islamic Extremists. Inspiring stories. On top of that, got a get quick munch on some great BBQ courtesy of Lee Booten and his band of BBQ merry men. Nice work Lee and crew!

NOW WAIT JUST A 2nd – A couple of new scoops for you kids out East (although, more like stale Doritos... due to my holy blog break). Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, an ophthalmologist, a retired Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserve and Past President of the Iowa Medical Society officially announced she’s running for Congress. Second, Todd Versteegh has been tapped as campaign manager. Congrats to Todd on the new gig. It’s kind of fun to watch 2 great activists like Wes (with Teahen) and Todd go at it in the 2nd. Both great guys and best of luck to you gents.

I WANT MY MTV – Got an email from a MTV Choose or Lose Blogger Nathan Stienstra. He’ll be blogging about political and social issues in Iowa. I know MTV’s stuff leans left a lot… but dude… its MTV… (Sigh…) Remember when the just played videos? Anyhow, check it out.

WHAT’S EATING GORDON FISCHER? Apparently someone is per the Iowa Ear. I tell ya what. I read that post. I actually think everything he said was dead on. I agree with Uncle Ted on the issue, he shouldn’t have to apologize. Go with yer gut Gordon! Still think your original post was dead on. Nathan over at Battleground Iowa has some thoughts on it as well. Also, just added that blog on my “Stuff I Read.” Finally, Gordon’s stuff is always good as well.

MASS HYSTERIA – There’s all sorts craziness going around here. Not only do we have some pretty, actually really shady laws that may or may not vetoed by Big Lug, but what are we greeted with this morning?

Damn it… OK, as I’m getting ready for work… I hear thunder. I’m thinking, “Sweet, Spring weather. We’re finally turning that corner warm weather they keep promising.” Then, as I step outside to roll with the Hoopty to work… I get my first glance at this “snow-slush” crap that is on the ground. Naturally I murmured to myself… “Son of a b....” Seriously dudes, someone take Mother Nature and get her arse on Dr. Phil. She’s gots some issues.

Oh, as if things in the DSM are getting more goofy… the streets are getting more dangerous. No, there aren’t any gang wars on the rise. And nah, while the pot holes do suck… you’re still safe from them (or at least minimal danger). The buses. The freaking buses. That’s what you have to look out for. 3 people hit in 9 months?

Next thing you’re gonna tell me is that dogs and cats are living together.

Ladies and gentlemen, you heard it here first. I have found the dream ticket. Just in case the Chiefs totally mess this thing up and not resign Jared Allen before training camp… I found the perfect gig for Jared Allen… Vice President. Yes, let me introduce to you the McCain-Allen ticket.

You want to pick up the southern vote? Allen’s got a mullet and bull horns on the hood of his car. John McCain will still be slinging the straight talk when it comes to Social Security. While Jared will hog tie the tax cuts to make them permanent. McCain and Allen are both very strong on defense issues. There’s no question that when it comes to foreign policy… no one can touch McCain, just like no one can stop Jared Allen on the field.

Now, you naysayers out there may say… these guys are too top heavy on defense… oh, what? Did I tell you about Jared Allen’s offensive strengths?



I rest my case. The dream ticket. McCain-Allen 2008! Do you think when they announce this team they will put bullhorns on the front of the Straight Talk Express? If so, get ready for a landslide. Or should I say, slam dunk!



Also, a quick reminder. For all you kids out in DC. Don’t forget tonight is the big night. As I posted earlier, the 2nd Annual Chad Barth Fundraiser for Epilepsy is tonight! Check out http://www.walkwithchad.com/. Get out there, give money, party it up and make it a great one!

Good luck tonight Barthy!

Alright dudes… since one of my favorite players (Jared Friggin Allen, #69 on his jersey, #1 in your hearts…) is posting on my blog (although, not sure if it’s real, one can dream), I gotta send a message. This post is special message to my beloved Kansas City Chiefs.

Dear Kansas City Chiefs,

Dudes, you gotta resign Jared Allen before training camp. Seriously. He’s freakin’ awesome and you know it. If you guys are going to insist on breaking my heart every year, the least you can do is to sign the guy who makes the games fun to watch.

Need more reasons? Um, have you seen his sack celebration? Its way better than Neil Smith’s old home run swing… and for me to say that, is a lot. Serious dudes, I went to Neil’s football camp for years.

The rope tie is sweeping the nation. I saw an employee at a grocery store finishing his set up for an end cap display… he was so proud of his work… he did the rope tie.

Also one word, mullet… It’s never looked better. See video below.

That’s all I got. Thank you for the opportunity for sharing my opinion. Good luck with the draft. GO CHIEFS!

Loyally Yours,
G$

Top ‘o the morning to ya. Happy St. Patrick’s Day QCI-ders! Just getting back from the first of many QCI Breakfast Club meetings… although I think we may switch it to a happy hour instead (7 is early… even for today). Anyhow... thanks for all who showed up, the 2 of you… (its quality not quantity dudes). We rocked with Maxwell from KIOA and chowed on green eggs. I gotta say, props to everyone for being “masters of your domain” by restraining from the green suds. See you guys down there after work!

SHAMEFUL ROYALS FAN – I have failed you Kansas City Royals. By a watchful eye of a staffer, I was reminded that I spelled Congressional Candidate Peter Teahen’s name wrong. It’s EN not AN… I thought it was the same as right fielder Mark Teahan… except, he spells his just like Peter’s… What is more bonehead about this stupid story? I have the damn Mark Teahen jersey t-shirt… I’m just one big dumb animal folks.

MARCH MADNESS... ER UM, MANIA – Great, I’m gonna get sued now. The Madness from the bracketology of campaigns, petition filing day feeds some more scoop per Donny at Cyclone Conservative. Kim Schmett is running in the 3rd and Larry Disney is challenging McCarthy. Admittingly... both of these scoops have been well known. So it's not so much scoop... just a lesson not to skip county conventions.

GRIESE IS THA SHIZZLE MY NIZZLE – This video is way too funny not to pass along. Which brings an interesting question… Who would win in a fight between the T-Birds and Snoop’s LBC? That’s all I got… until the next episode…