Nick Sloan's Official Web Site

More Consistency, Please

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:07:00 +0000

Readers know by that I'm against any bailout being floated out there for any failing business or institution.

However, it interests me that the big Wall Street crowd who were pumped up about the financial disaster known as the $700 billion "economic rescue package" are not eager to support a much smaller bailout of the The Big 3. I know The Wall Street Journal, normally a good newspaper, has opined against a bailout for The Big 3. Earlier, they supported the $700 billion Paulson Freelance Bailout.

Willard "Mitt" Romney has expressed the same sentiments.

Issues are not normally black and white, but it's hard for me to understand why some would support a $700 billion bailout, while opposing a much cheaper version for an industry that employees a few million people nationally.

Adolf Hitler, Now With Emoticons

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:55:00 +0000

Talk about someone having too much time.

Surprise: College Is Expensive

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:39:00 +0000

Kansas, along with 48 other states, receive F's for failing to provide "affordable education" to its residents. From The Topeka Capital Journal:

The grades were part of the "Measuring UP 2008" study prepared by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, based in San Jose, Calif.
The measurement used in the study to indicate affordability is the percentage of family income needed to pay for college. In Kansas that figure is 28 percent, exactly matching the national average. Still, the share of family income going for college expenses has increased 10 percentage points — from 18 percent 10 years ago.

It's time for the excessive profits of "Big Education" and "Big Textbook" to be taxed. Interesting that the oil companies are usually the only targets of a windfall profits tax, isn't it? I'm not necessarily defending Chevron and Exxon....but they're not the only institutions making money. Colleges are set to make a lot of money, as studies have proven college enrollment or interest in attending college increases when there is an economic crisis.

Edwardsville Looks At Strip Mall

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:27:00 +0000

Clearly, Wyandotte County needs another strip mall. Not sure what's higher in this county – the crime rate or the average distance between strip malls. From The Kansas City Kansan:

Edwardsville is attempting to figure out a way to capitalize on one of its largest assets – the strip mall that includes City Hall.

During Monday’s City Council meeting there, the council narrowly passed a measure that would authorize up to $6,500 for a study by RLS Architects to perform a space analysis for the current tenants of the building, and provide cost estimates for any likely future investments.

Earlier this year, the city completed a roofing project that alleviated many of the drainage issues of the building. City Administrator Michael Webb told the council once that problem was fixed, the entire building became usable by either city staff, the Edwardsville Police Department or by future non-city related tenants.

North Carolina's Only Hurdle This Season

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:16:00 +0000

This guy:

My Game Plan To Beat OU

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:10:00 +0000

Admittedly, the Missouri Tigers do not have a great shot at winning this game on paper. OU has won approximately one million games in a row against the Tigers and have no signs of letting up after putting up 60 points the last four weeks.

Still, if I was the head coach for the Tigers, here would be my game plan. Some of it looks crazy, but bear with me.

• The Missouri Tigers must commit a cheap-shot, personal foul early in the game. The Tigers need to get under Oklahoma's skin, and what better way could it happen than with William Moore just knocking the hell out of an Oklahoma wide receiver who goes across the middle? It would set a tone and would send a message to the Sooners that the Tigers are not afraid of them. Even if it leads to points, the Tigers have to hit hard early and often. In a related area, encourage your players to "talk smack" at OU's players. The underdog has to get under the favorite's skin and these two methods would help.

• Move Chase Daniel around the pocket and use designed scramble plays. OU has been burned over the years by mobile quarters (See Brad Smith, Pat White and Dennis Dixon, among others). Daniel needs to run the ball or move around in the pocket to find some opportunities for big yards.

• Give D-Wash 20 carries Saturday night. Why they abandon the run early baffles my mind all the time. Washington not having enough carries against Oklahoma State and Kansas contributed to those two losses.

• Go for it on every fourth-down that's within two yards of a first down conversion. The Tigers have to remain aggressive. No field goals in this game. None. There is no pressure on the Tigers to win this game and they have to play with house money. This game is a win-win for the Tigers. Everyone is expecting OU to win by the score in the area of 64-31.

• Take advantage of OU's porous special teams. If Maclin is 100 percent healthy, the Tigers could have great field position all night long. OU's special team coverage hasn't been great and if Maclin's healthy, he could flip the field early and often. Special teams trickery would be great as well.

• Keep the ball in the middle of the field. The Tigers did not throw the ball in the middle of the field that much in either game against OU last season. OU's weakness on offense is passing coverage in the middle of the field.

Obama Hurting Democratic Chances In Senate

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:30:00 +0000

Because of Barack Obama's selections of those to serve in his administration, the Democratic Party is losing some key candidates for the U.S. Senate.

• In New York, the Senate seat would have been Hillary Clinton's until she was either elected president or she passed away. However, with Clinton's departure, it opens up the seat for a possible Republican gain. Rudy Giuliani could make a strong run for that seat, along with George Pataki. While it would be hard for any Republican to win a race for the Senate in New York, my guy Rudy could definitely pull it off. How about an independent run from Michael Bloomberg? If any of those three guys get into a race for that seat, that could be a loss for the Democrats.

• In Arizona, Janet Napolitano was probably the only Democrat who could knock off Republican presidential nominee John McCain. She's a popular Democrat with a big name. I really see no one else with the star status on the Democratic side to upset McCain out there. She's easily the strongest candidate against McCain in 2010. However, if she's approved at Homeland Security, McCain would certainly win if he doesn't retire.

• Obama's choice of Bill Richardson as Commerce secretary eliminates a very strong future Democratic candidate in New Mexico.

• A potential selection of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius would wipe out any chance the Democrats have of claiming U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback's seat in Kansas. She's most likely the only Democrat who could win Brownback's soon to be vacated seat.

While I am not sure of the situation in New Mexico without looking it up, Arizona, New York (special election) and Kansas all have races in 2010. Surely, Clinton, Napolitano or Sebelius would not resign from the Obama administration only two years in. Right?

When the Democrats are close to 60 seats, those four selections could matter in 2010 or 2012, especially if Obama's first two years are disappointing or if the Republican Party eventually gets its act together.

Not that I'm complaining or anything. Feel free to add Jim Webb, Bob Casey, Jr., or Claire McCaskill to the cabient.

A Plea To Homeowners

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:48:00 +0000

TAKE DOWN THE POLITICAL YARD SIGNS!! PLEASE!

The election has been over for about a month now and there is no need to pollute your yard and my eyes with these things any longer. I don't care if they're signs for Obama and Democrats (most are), for the Republican Party, a third-party sign or a sign for the Whig Party. They need to go as soon as possible.

While we're at it, car owners need to rip off the old bumper stickers, too. I spotted both a "W" bumper sticker and a John Kerry '04 sticker today while driving around The Legends this morning. After I was in awe for a minute that Kerry actually had bumper stickers – and someone actually purchased one – I realized that these folks remind me of Chiefs fans who still wear Joe Montana and Marcus Allen jerseys.

And what's the point about having a bumper sticker for Kerry, Democrats? He lost and the Democrats found someone better and someone who did not put people to sleep quicker than a Chiefs-Raiders football game.

Border War: Basketball Edition

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:49:00 +0000

With Mike Anderson coaching the closest thing to a basketball team that Missouri fans have seen in four years, and KU's young talent putting up points, the Border War could have two pretty good basketball games this season.

Missouri and Kansas are most likely the two best teams in the Big 12 North division and both games could determine mid-range seeding for the Big 12 Tournament.

"Fiscal Conservatives"

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:09:00 +0000

That's what many current officials within Kansas City, Mo., described themselves as before being elected. However, there are possibilities the budget deficit in KCMO could reach a cool $80-90 million.

Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser announced Wednesday that the city is facing an $89 million shortfall for next year's budget.

The mayor said the city is simply spending more money than it has."Everybody wants us to fund programs. Everybody wants us to enhance services, but the money to do that is a real tough issue," Funkhouser said.

Funkhouser said he is putting together a forum that will meet weekly to come up with a plan to address the difficult economic times.

Granted, the total number could be smaller.

However, it amazes me that it seems like everyone in government – whether it be federal, county or city – bangs the drum of "responsible spending" and "tight budgets." But when all is said it done, America is left with record deficits and an $11 trillion debt.

Anytime the budget creates a massive deficit, it's not the fault of one person. It's the "spend now, pay later" mentality that leads to pet projects at the city level and "earmarks" at the federal level.

MSM Column: The 1998 Kansas State Wildcats

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:35:00 +0000

In my first sports column this week, I look at the 1998 Kansas State Wildcats and how a national title that season could have changed the paths for both the Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers. I believe a K-State national title that season would have effectively killed the KU football program for a while and at the same time put Missouri on the ropes.

The Border War showdown has thrived the past two seasons. If the Wildcats win the 1998 BCS Championship, you might have to wonder if the game would have even been played at Arrowhead this season.

I would certainly understand if my Wildcat friends ignore this, but here is an excerpt:

This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Kansas State Wildcats’ defeat in the Big 12 title game against Texas A&M, knocking them out of contention for the national title that season. After the second-ranked UCLA Bruins lost a heartbreaker to Miami earlier in the day, the Wildcats were in great shape to play for the national title.
Leading Texas A&M 27-12 in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats surrendered the lead and would lose 36-33 in double overtime.

Just for fun, let’s say the Wildcats hold on to the lead and move on to play Tennessee in the national title game. The Volunteers team that won the title was one of the weakest national champions since the Bowl Championship Series was created. They won a lot of close games and Kansas State probably had more overall talent, especially on the offense.

What if Kansas State won the national title in 1998? It would have been one of the greatest stories in college football history had Bill Snyder led the program from the deep hole it was in to a national title.

A national title for the Wildcats probably does not receive a lot of coverage here in KU la-la land. But even as a rival fan, I was pulling hard for the Wildcats that season. It would have been the greatest story in college football history and Bill Snyder would have been placed on the Mt. Rushmore of College Football

64 % Of High Schoolers Cheat

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:30:00 +0000

Great news in all directions from U.S. News & World Report:

A new survey of American teenagers finds that academic dishonesty is rampant and getting worse at high schools.

A whopping 64 percent of high school students surveyed by the Center for Youth Ethics at the Josephson Institute in Los Angeles said they had cheated on a test at least once in the past year, up from 60 percent in 2004. Thirty-eight percent said they had cheated two or more times, while another 36 percent said they had used the Internet to plagiarize an assignment, up from 33 percent two years ago.

Cheating on homework is also widespread; 82 percent said they had copied another student's work at least once in the past year.

What I Almost Did To My Cable Modem

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:00:00 +0000

I haven't updated this site too much over the past few days in part because I upgraded my Internet services. As part of the upgrade, my laptop didn't get along with my cable modem for whatever reason.

Thankfully, it's fixed and it was spared an "Office Space" moment from me.

Note: If cuss words make your ears bleed and you think rap music is a sign that society is going down the toilet, do not watch the following clip with the sound on.

Obama > Democrats

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:08:00 +0000

Back in November, Saxby Chambliss only earned 2-3 percent more of the vote than Jim Martin.

Tonight, Chambliss is closing in on 60 percent.

With 90 percent of the precincts reporting, Chambliss captured 59 percent to Martin's 41 percent. Chambliss' win is a rare bright spot for Republicans in a year where they lost the White House as well as seats in the House and the Senate.
Martin's campaign said he had called Chambliss to concede and was expected to address some 200 supporters gathered at an Atlanta party shortly.

While some are spinning this race as a defeat for Barack Obama and his coattails, I think it actually shows how strong they were in November. Obama did not personally campaign for the Georgia Democrat. Who knows if it makes a difference. But without Obama's name on the ballot, Martin did not fare well at all in this runoff election.

It does make you wonder about the 2010 and 2012 elections. With Obama's name off the ballot in 2010, will Democrats be able to win more seats? Sure, they easily did in 2006. But this country will be two years away from the Bush years and the Bush stench may begin to wear off of the Republican Party.

The 2012 elections could be different. With Obama on the ballot and if he's still popular and performing well, his coattails will extend again.

Tonight's race in Georgia was really good news for the Republican Party. It shows the party can win big elections and they performed well without Obama on the ballot. 2010 might be looking less disastrous at this point.

How To Make Hockey Interesting

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:22:00 +0000

Bring love into it and turn the sport into a soap opera. Dallas Star Sean Avery possibly gives the sports quote of the year if the contest is judged by stupidity and bluntness.

"I'm really happy to be back in Calgary; I love Canada," he said. "I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about, but enjoy the game tonight."

He then walked out of the locker room.

Avery's ex-girlfriend, actress Elisha Cuthbert of the television show "24" and the movie "Old School," is dating Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf; she had also been romantically linked to Mike Komisarek of the Montreal Canadiens. Avery also dated Rachel Hunter, the former "Sports Illustrated" swimsuit cover model and actress who is now the girlfriend of Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll.

Shortest Story Ever

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:45:00 +0000

The Kansas City Star's Web site can be sloppy at times, which really doesn't offend me or anything. But hey, when a blog gets something wrong and a columnist writes 700 words about it, I feel I have to be a watchdog to said columnist's paper. Forget watchdog – make it pitbull.

Here is the link, which will most likely disappear quicker than my patience with Matt Everflustered's defensive scheme. But luckily, I got a screen cap.

Yes, That's Bob Stoops

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:37:00 +0000

I'm trying something a little different with my avatar this week as MU plays OU this weekend. Call it reverse karma, since my MU "scoreboard" avatar clearly worked against KU.

Obama And The Middle

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:28:00 +0000

Last month, I compared Barack Obama to Richard Nixon on the basis that both seem to be realists who did/will not move in one strong direction over the other when it comes to dictating the war.

With the reaction I heard of Obama retaining SecDef Robert Gates and nominating Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State, my comparison is somewhat vindicated. Those who oppose the war are upset with keeping Gates, while some on the right think Gates is "too soft" on terror. I remember Rick Santorum voted against Gates because of his openness to seek discussions with the opposition.

Some consider Clinton "too hawkish" on war and foreign policy.

The group I've heard the most positive reaction is the middle 60-70 percent of this nation. Unlike Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, I don't think Obama will overreach, which is good news for him, but could be bad news for the Democratic Party nationally.

The 5 Best Presidential Inaugural Speeches

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:20:00 +0000

With many anticipating President-Elect Barack Obama giving one of the most important inauguration speeches ever, here are my five picks for the best presidential inauguration speeches ever.

#5. Ronald Reagan, 1981

This is probably the best ideological speech as a libertarian. Reagan speaks on the need for the American people – not the American government – to take control of their daily lives and build an economy.

Reagan effectively speaks about cutting the growth of government, the first president to pledge it since the New Deal days. He was really the first anti-New Deal president America had and his ideas were clearly explained in his first inauguration.

So, as we begin, let us take inventory. We are a nation that has a government—not the other way around. And this makes us special among the nations of the Earth. Our Government has no power except that granted it by the people. It is time to check and reverse the growth of government which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed.

It is my intention to curb the size and influence of the Federal establishment and to demand recognition of the distinction between the powers granted to the Federal Government and those reserved to the States or to the people. All of us need to be reminded that the Federal Government did not create the States; the States created the Federal Government.

Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it is not my intention to do away with government.

It is, rather, to make it work—work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.

#4. Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933

Winning a landslide against Herbert Hoover, FDR puts his agenda on the table for America by calling for a “New Deal.” In the middle of the Great Depression, Americans needed a vision.

FDR gave it to them, something Hoover could not do well. The speech is obviously known for one famous line: “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself…”

But there were other parts which dictated FDR’s plans. Agree with them or not, he communicated them well and put everything on the table.

Hand in hand with this we must frankly recognize the overbalance of population in our industrial centers and, by engaging on a national scale in a redistribution, endeavor to provide a better use of the land for those best fitted for the land. The task can be helped by definite efforts to raise the values of agricultural products and with this the power to purchase the output of our cities.

It can be helped by preventing realistically the tragedy of the growing loss through foreclosure of our small homes and our farms. It can be helped by insistence that the Federal, State, and local governments act forthwith on the demand that their cost be drastically reduced. It can be helped by the unifying of relief activities which today are often scattered, uneconomical, and unequal.

It can be helped by national planning for and supervision of all forms of transportation and of communications and other utilities which have a definitely public character. There are many ways in which it can be helped, but it can never be helped merely by talking about it. We must act and act quickly.

Finally, in our progress toward a resumption of work we require two safeguards against a return of the evils of the old order; there must be a strict supervision of all banking and credits and investments; there must be an end to speculation with other people's money, and there must be provision for an adequate but sound currency.

#3. Thomas Jefferson, 1801

After the nastiest campaign at that point in American history against President John Adams, Jefferson gave a gracious and unifying speech. He spoke on the ideals of America and how the American people should have the power, not necessarily the big wigs in government. A speech like Jefferson’s was needed after Americans became divided along Federalists-Anti-Federalists lines.

His speech and the election showed that there could be a peaceful transfer of power between two political rivals without a civil war or revolution.

My favorite part:

We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.

I know, indeed, that some honest men fear that a republican government can not be strong, that this Government is not strong enough; but would the honest patriot, in the full tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so far kept us free and firm on the theoretic and visionary fear that this Government, the world's best hope, may by possibility want energy to preserve itself? I trust not.

I believe this, on the contrary, the strongest Government on earth. I believe it the only one where every man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of the law, and would meet invasions of the public order as his own personal concern. Sometimes it is said that man can not be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question.

#2. John F. Kennedy, 1961

JFK is the only president on this list who gave only one inauguration speech. But he nailed it.
In one of the two best speeches in the 20th Century (along with MLK’s “I Have A Dream”), Kennedy “passes the torch” to the next generation.

His call for service to America was inspirational and his call to defend liberty and the free world against tyranny stands out still today.

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

#1. Abraham Lincoln, 1865

Given just a few weeks before he would be assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln gives arguably his greatest speech, even though it’s short in comparison to most inaugurals.

Lincoln said slavery had to end for America to move on as a good nation. However, he also said the South should not be punished too harshly during the post Civil War Reconstruction period.
In the height of American division, Lincoln calls for unification and gave a humble speech for someone who was going to win the war.

Lincoln's speech was gracious in victory, as he acknowledged the North did not anticipate the bloodiness and the length of the war.

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan – to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.

U.S. Sen. Rudy Giuliani

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:29:00 +0000

It makes sense, doesn't it?

If Rudy ever wants to run for president again, being elected to the U.S. Senate might be a pretty good start. I suppose Michael Bloomberg could jump into the race, given if he has enough time to considering the time he spends finding things to tax.

Based on name recognition and 9-11 (he gets points for that running a state-wide race), Giuliani would probably be the favorite should he decide to run for the seat vacated by Hillary Clinton.

Light Rail Construction Hurt Businesses In Arizona

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:23:00 +0000

Is Earth getting flatter or is it just me?

PHOENIX -- After years of work we're just days away from the opening of the Valley light rail.
That's a good thing for travelers not to mention business owners along the route.

Inside Lux on Central Avenue they whip up all sorts of culinary and coffee creations to satisfy the taste buds. However, outside the light rail track has left a bad taste in the mouths of owners and customers.

The lengthy construction took its toll on the stores along the track. Many of them closed their doors, unable to weather the storm in this turbulent economy.

Lux owners concentrated on customer service, hoping the core of their clientele would fight the traffic for the ambiance and a hot cup of joe.

More Horrible Talent Coming To KC

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:15:00 +0000

Move over City Hall, David Cook, Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers defense – Britney Spears is coming to town, via TKC.

A Note For Future Reporters

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:21:00 +0000

Get into sports. The athletes and coaches give you a lot of good stuff for stories and covering sports is a lot more fun than covering news. They are very gracious for the coverage, even if they end up on the losing side of the scoreboard.

I've had more fun in my three weeks at the sports department than I did in my previous three years as a news reporter. I've also heard more "thank yous" from those I cover in sports than my three years at my previous position.

KU OWNS MU

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:58:00 +0000

In NCAA Violations:

Say Missouri Wins

njsloan212@gmail.com (Nick Sloan) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:20:00 +0000

Certainly unlikely, I understand.

But for you Longhorn fans out there (I know your reading, judging by the IP addresses), would the head to head argument still apply if it's between Texas Tech and Texas for the Big 12's BCS at large bid?

While I think Texas is the better team and would win a rematch on a neutral field, Mack Brown and Texas fans have painted themselves in a corner using this argument.