Dubuque Airport-Live Blogging

First every airport should have free wi-fi. Portland and Dubuque, IA have the right idea. Why should I pay like 8 bucks just to check my e-mail?

The fact that Dubuque has only one gate makes it an unique flying experience. Those who check you in are also the security personal and do baggage and airline taxing.

On the other hand, there is no food other than that from a vending machine. They do have an eatery, but that closed long ago like 1 p.m. There is nothing for us on the late 5:40 flight.

Small and clean that should be the new motto for Iowa. Everyone is friendly and the restrooms are usable. Of course, I really would like a drink while I wait for my plain. But some things must be sacrificed for a toilet seat not covered in urine.

Waterloo, IA

No luck for the Luka. Nothing but dry skin, bad meals and a flight through Chicago. These are the times that try men's soles, at least mine. How could a trip that started out with so much promise and the feeling of a come squal of giving turn into nothing but a dry breeze?


A few more donors to see and than home to a fourth of July and hopefully a day off.

Peoria, IL Here I Come

Tomorrow I leave for Peoria, Illinois, home of Catapiller industries and not much else.

I've been in Peoria enough times now to know the good resteraunts and the haunts to stay away from.

Though I love my job and the travel, there is one thing that gets me down. I keep coming back to some towns over and over again that I begin to get the view of the high school seniors. "I can't wait until I am not stuck in this town."

I feel bad about this. I am sure Peoria has some nice spots, maybe even a good pool hall. But for the roaming Luka, it has little to offer.

In some ways, Lukas are like a high school seniors.

We have to be in bed to get up early for work/school.

Driving in the town is still new to us.

We have to answer to bosses/parents.

Finally, we may know the town, but we don't have the connections to dig deep and find the secret hot spots.

Those hot spots, whatever they may be either bar, blues club or coffeeshop are what makes these small towns fun.

Make It Stop…

Both President Bush and the Democratic Congress poll numbers are in the garbage. Those who proclaim the fact that there is no difference between the two parties gain more ammunition.


The good news today: inflation ain’t so bad. Unless of course you count gas, then well it is fucking insane. And the price keeps rising and rising


Seriously, can somebody do something about this? How much money does corporations need? How much money do lobbyist give to make congress ignore America?

Seriously wake the fuck up and do something about this. I am really pissed because I support the Democrats almost blindly, work to get them elected and then they piss and moan more about an Iraq war they can do little about (sorry those on the left; the troops will not come home until Bush leaves) instead of trying to stop the price gauging.

Help us now. Gas can not continue to rise at the current rate before food and other necessities rise as well as the cost to transport them to markets skyrockets.

Idiotic greed may be what does America in.

Geneseo, IL

Aged trees stand tall, their leaves whipping in the strong wind. “Old,” is how a gas station attendant described the town. Homes built before World War Two remain well maintained on manicured lawns. The main street is still filled with open shops selling bridal wares, cards and hardware. Flags fly in honor of those serving in the military.

Old indeed, in traditions, but the population is not aged. Families and young adults still move to this haven twenty-five miles east of the Mississippi. Two gun factories continue to provide jobs and growth. This town is a survivor.

When one doubts the general goodness of the country, a visit to Geneseo will restore the faith. Yet, there remains a conundrum.

While this town feels as pure as the driven snow, its economy is based upon weapons. Not just any weapons, but automatic firearms. Guns meant not for sport but for death.

A bill in the Illinois legislature would make it illegal to manufacture firearms in the state. Though this law would stop the production of automatic firearms in the state. The manufacturer would produce just as many weapons in another state or country. At the same time, the law would mean the death of Geneseo-one of the few remaining thriving small towns.

As the song goes: ain’t that America. We are one shining example of prosperity and high morals. We want to help others, but it may end up damaging ourselves in the process.

Bush! Bush! Bush!

This has nothing to do with his politics I promise.

Last week, Bush was in Albania, one of the few countries left where he is popular. As the adoring crowd pressed to shake is hand, pat his back and rub his head (maybe, that's an Albanian thing). Somebody decided to take his watch.

Watch it Here.

Sure, the White House said it was dropped and returned by a guard. But watch the video. Somebody decided to swipe that swatch.

I wonder if it was a plan or a drunken impulse.

A Poor Explanation

I take pauses in my writing because of the lack of the profound. I want to have something to say. My writing should not be alphabetical hot air. My stories must have a meaning, and my insights clear, crisp and original. The pressure for perfection drives me away from the pen and pad.

I do not require perfection in most aspects of my life. I am a sloppy homemaker, cook and sometimes in my verbal points. The desire remains to have my writing constantly breaking new ground.

I expect people to listen when I speak and read when I write. The permanence of writing gives me a disabling fright. All I want to do is write; poor thoughts, worn cliques and uneven logic prevent me.

No real reason Part 2

Back in February I made predictions on how the early primaries and caucus would look for the Democrats. Since then Vilsack has gotten out and Clark never got in; time for another round.

Iowa

Edwards
Obama
Clinton
Richardson
Biden
Dodd
Kucinich
Gravel

Nevada

Richardson
Clinton
Edwards
Obama
Dodd
Biden
Kucinich
Gravel

New Hampshire
Clinton
Obama
Edwards
Richardson
Biden
Dodd (who drops out)
Gravel (I just believe that Gravel will beat Kucinich at some point)
Kucinich

South Carolina
Obama
Clinton
Edwards (I still support him and hope he his the nominee, but if he does not win 2 out of the 4 early ones he is out.)
Richardson
Biden (Out)
Kucinich
Gravel

Super-duper Tuesday comes and knocks out Richardson unless he wins Texas or California. I could see it happening. Obama also must win at least one of the big four, Texas, California, New York or Florida, on that date to keep his name alive. Clinton has the name. She has the most 'house money' and can loose a few before people question the eventuality of her nomination.