CNN's new Odd Couple

Kathleen Parker and Eliot Spitzer
Photo Credit: Art Streiber/CNN

Have you checked out CNN's new prime time offering, "Parker-Spitzer?"  The program wraps up its first week tomorrow night and already, some question how long the show will last.

For those of you who don't know, "Parker" is Kathleen Parker, the conservative Washington Post columnist; "Spitzer" is Eliot Spitzer, the liberal disgraced former governor of New York.

I watched half of the show on Monday, its first night, and was less than impressed.  Not so much because I think they don't have personalities-- they do.  But, they didn't appear to have mastery the TelePrompter, their crosstalk was often awkward and I didn't like the small table they sit at, almost on top of each other.  I also wasn't very interested in what they were discussing. Here are the "Opening Arguments" from Monday's show.

Coming Full Circle: Randy Moss returns to Vikings and NFC North

WR Randy Moss
Photo: Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images
From: BleacherReport.com

Last night, I went to bed with the knowledge that the Minnesota Vikings were in serious talks to acquire WR Randy Moss from the New England Patriots.  This morning, I woke up to the news that the deal is done.  Just what a loyal Detroit Lions fan wants to hear.  NOT!!!

Oh, Good Evening!

What's up with lack of local election results from Columbia media?

Former U.S. House Speaker Thomas "Tip" O'Neill once said, "all politics is local." If that's true, it would appear that Columbia's local TV stations don't feel the obligation to provide their viewers and website readers any local (county council, solicitor, auditor, etc.) results.


I just watched two midday newscasts and saw no results for any such races; not even a mention of where to find them.  I also just searched four Columbia television station websites and could not find results for any truly races.  And, while Columbia's main newspaper has most of the results available online, even it is missing the Democratic primary race for Richland County Auditor. 


It seems the local media think we should only be interested in local election results if said results are for statewide races. Disappointing, to say the least.


Oh, Good Evening!

New tarmac rule protects airline passengers

A new rule now protects airline passengers from spending more than 3 hours parked on a tarmac waiting for takeoff. (Read CNN report on the rule.) The fine for violations is $27,500 per passenger. The airline industry fought the rule calling it a costly, undue burden. Some airlines sought waivers at certain airports, like NYC's JFK International. The USDOT turned them down.



Why would an airline need a waiver for this rule? What is the undue burden here? Are the airlines trying to say that sitting on the tarmac for 3+ hours after leaving the gate should be considered a normal and acceptable possibility? I wonder when was the last time an airline executive flew coach and got stuck on a tarmac for more than 3 hours? Clearly they don't know what it's like to be stuffed into the cabin like a sardine with limited room for movement, limited airflow, limited access to lavatories, and no refreshments. The new rule doesn't even require the airlines to provide water and snacks until after the plane has been sitting for 2 hours!

If an airline thinks a 2+ hour- let alone 3+ hour- delay is that possible, CHANGE THE FLIGHT SCHEDULE!!! Don't hold me hostage!!!

Oh, Good Evening!

Ashford and Simpson to perform in Columbia