Jim Watkins
8:32PM | August 28, 2009 | comments: 16

Pre-Vacation Rumination

I’ll be off next week, so before leaving I wanted to do something of a brain dump; you know, clear out all those random thoughts and undeveloped concepts from the old noggin, so I can return after Labor Day renewed, refreshed, and recharged. So allow me, gentle reader, a few moments of rumination, a word I actually just looked up. I found these definitions:

• 1) Rumination – a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
• 2) Rumination – chewing cud
• 3) Rumination – regurgitation of small amounts of food


--- The campaign ads being run in the New Jersey governor’s race are certainly nothing new thematically. It’s pretty much all negative all the time; incumbent Jon Corzine knocking republican challenger Chris Christie as untrustworthy, borderline corrupt, untruthful, and not looking out for the best interests of the people of New Jersey, while Christie is attacking Corzine as…. well, as all those same things. But every time I see this Corzine ad, I watch every frame. It’s just SO weird!

What in the hell IS that? It’s got Christie in semi-profile—probably not his best look—standing by himself in the obviously tricked-up video, looking off somewhere, a portrait of George W. Bush looming over his beefy shoulder, with the ominous voiceover saying something to the effect that Christie and the unpopular former president are essentially the same person. But it’s that eerie clapping by Christie that gives me cold chills. The producers of the spot either isolated the sound of his lonesome clapping, or dubbed it in, to make it seem like… I don’t know WHAT they wanted to make it seem like. But from my point of view, it’s not accomplishing Corzine’s goal. Rather than linking Christie and Bush, all I think about when I watch it is who came up with this seriously creepy idea.

--- When I get back I’m going to launch a new segment, on the blog and on our newscasts, called “I’ll Betcha…. “ It’s a way to throw some predictions out there about how certain stories now in the news will turn out down the line, while inviting your opinions. Here’s one I might try:


“I’ll Betcha… Rudy Giuliani will not run for governor.”

I just don’t think he will. I’m quite sure of it, in fact. I’ll give more reasons why I believe this, and then invite you to either agree with me and add your own reasons, or disagree with me and call me names. This is not meant to be partisan, though. I’ll simply be predicting how I think things will turn out. I think it’s going to be big, big, big!

--- PIX is launching a new newscast next month! (That’s not an “I’ll Betcha…” We really are.) Kaity and I will be anchoring New York City’s only local news program at 6:30 PM. We’re all very excited about it, and hope you’ll check it out. You’ll be hearing more about it in the weeks ahead.

--- I’m starting to get the Twitter thing down a little bit more. A little bit. I’d love to have you follow me, as soon as I can figure out how to do that.

Tonight’s newscast beckons, so I’d better go. Have a good end of summer, I’ll be tweeting in the meantime.

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Comments: 16

Posted by Jesus H. Christie at August 30, 2009 3:56 AM

Jim: Some random thoughts of my own, if you don't mind --

You're right about that Chris Christie ad being creepy, but not for the reason(s) you give. I don't think it's "obviously tricked-up." He's a Republican idiot, so he probably does have a protrait of Bush in his office. I assume that he was in his office looking at some kind of (kiddie?) presentation, or listening to some kind of speech, and clapping to show his approval... It looks creepy because Christie looks like the fat, greedy Capitalist pig that he so obviously is -- that's what's so creepy about the ad. The guy is a gluttonous Republican pig who looks like a cross between Oliver Hardy and Adolf Hitler. He HAS no good angles; he's ugly no matter how you look at him. Sure, Corzine is no beauty either; they looks like the two finalists in the New Jersey Fugly Contest. But I find the ads against Corzine to be more disturbing than the ads against Fatty, for their obvious lies: The ads against Corzine say something like, "Corzine promised to lower taxes and create new jobs, but he raised taxes and yet New Jersey will still have a $10 billion deficit..." But they fail to mention that, after eight years of Bush & Republican incompetence, EVERY STATE IN THE NATION, INCLUDING CALIFORNIA, IS FACING HUGE DEFICITS, MASSIVE LAYOFFS, HIGHER TAXES, and so on.

So Centaur Kennedy went out of his way to save his own daughter -- so what? When it came to someone else's daughter, he didn't bother to do a single damned thing. Instead, he went home and got himself a good night's sleep.

I must admit that I derive a sort of perverse, unholy pleasure in reading the idiotic rantings of semiliterate jackass fools like KC, who are constantly blaming "liberals" for this country's many problems, conveniently forgetting all the damage to this nation's environment and economy caused by greedy Republican retards like Reagan and Bush. (And what does KC stand for, anyway? Krazy Clansman? He can't even spell his own initials correctly.)

I also must admit that I enjoy all the huge boobs during WPIX's Morning Newscast. I mean, all those glorious Double-D's in HD -- you just can't beat it! You should get yourself transfered to the morning newscast, so you can enjoy all those amazing hooters in person. WPIX's news director (Bill Clinton, by any chance?) is a genius!

Posted by Tim at August 31, 2009 12:49 AM

Why was the news at ten in the morning set tonight? Are you guys getting a new set?

Posted by Tim at August 31, 2009 12:49 AM

Why was the news at ten in the morning set tonight? Are you guys getting a new set?

Posted by Rich at August 31, 2009 12:27 PM

Why do people who throw insults out like mindless fools.(See first post) so afraid to post there real names?
AND...Why was the news at ten in the morning set tonight? Are you guys getting a new set?

Posted by KC at August 31, 2009 1:28 PM

Wow, talk about tolerance here from the liberals. Like I often said, you got your tolerance - as long as you agree with them, otherwise they will bash you like crazy. What a nice altitude.
yes, it is a common (it is actually getting old) and easy strategy. Whatever is bad, blame Bush. Whatever is good, Obama (or the liberals) did it... I can't believe how blind liberals area.
"greedy Republicans"... Yeah, as if Dems and the liberals are the new saints. I wonder how much money those liberal groups got from the earmarks and pork barrels from Obama, paid for by taxpayers.
And hands off my initials, you crazy person. When Christians and conservatives continue to have their first amendments rights taken away, I believe I still have the right to use whatever name I wanted. I can't believe someone actually criticize what others use their name here, got too much time on your hand?

Miss Lynne White.

Marvin Scott's been around as long as Gabe Pressman. If they ever redo "Dark Shadows" old Gabe can play the vampire Barnabas Collins.

What's with the attire on the Today Show? Ann Curry has these burial shrouds she throws on. Matt Lauer is the only one who dresses normal.

Sam Champion could have a part-time job in Sears as a mannequin.

Posted by ICA at September 4, 2009 12:56 AM

Hi Jim,
Yes; I also think that campaign ad is creepy. Like all campaign ads, it's also negative.

I look forward to reading your I’ll Betcha… Rudy Giuliani... blog.

Have a GREAT Labor Day weekend, and vacation!

p.s. Jim, upload a picture of you on Twitter. Tell Kaity, and Peter Thorne as well. It's better that way so people could follow, and I also don't like to see that plain brown box (hehe). An avatar picture is best :)

Posted by Jesus H. Christie at September 8, 2009 4:12 AM

Ha! KC, you're such a pathetic joke! It's no wonder why you're such a loyal & rabid supporter of idiots like Bush, McCain, Palin, and the rest of the Republican Party: They appeal to you because you're just as brainless as they are! Just consider these two priceless gems:

What a nice altitude.
I can't believe how blind liberals area.

Then you say,
"Wow, talk about tolerance here from the liberals. Like I often said, you got your tolerance - as long as you agree with them, otherwise they will bash you like crazy."

Let's talk about INtolerance: You Republicans are the ones who deny gays their basic human rights, who murder doctors who perform legal abortions, and who consistently veto all attempts to raise the minimum wage. You greedy, bloodthirsty, lying criminals are destroying this country and this planet.

And, Einstein, if I'm such a liberal, then why am I bashing Kennedy here, and why have I bashed Mr. Peanut, Jimmy Carter, in other postings to this blog? No, KC, I'm no liberal, but I'm no brainless, lying conservative, either. I judge all these criminal politicians by their actions. My advice to you is to quit writing about politics because you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, and get back to making gay dance music with your Sunshine Band -- you're much better at that.

And to that other genius, Tim/Rich:
Why do people post messages under different names like mindless fools, as if people are too stupid to notice? (Both messages by "Tim" and "Rich" contain the exact same poorly-written line, "Why was the news at ten in the morning set tonight? Are you guys getting a new set?")

Who cares about the set, anyway? You'll find out soon enough, won't you? The great Jim Watkins writes a blog about political ads, and all you can ask is, "Why was the news at ten in the morning set tonight? Are you guys getting a new set?" Wow, Tim-Rich, you really added something special to the discussion, didn't you? There goes crazy ol' Jim Watkins again, casting his pearls before swine.

So, tell me, Tim/Rich: Who's really the one that's afraid to post "there" real name? And why do people write "there" instead of "their," like mindless fools?

But to answer your poorly-written question, "Why do people who throw insults out like mindless fools." -- I "threw those insults out" because KC is constantly "throwing out" his Republican propaganda crap each and every chance he gets, constantly attacking "liberals" and blaming "liberals" for all this country's problems even AFTER EIGHT DISASTROUS YEARS of criminal Republican rule which have destroyed our economy and brought our nation to the brink of disaster. Give it up already, moron. You're fooling no one but yourself.


Z-Man: YES! RIGHT ON! I FEEL YOUR PAIN! I, too, miss Lynne White -- that sexy, funny, hot, Chocolate Love Goddess! I can't believe that they dumped her for Sukanya! What a bad move! I still have a few precious old VHS tapes of the Morning News when Lynne was anchoring -- they're among my most prized possessions! In fact, I plan to be buried with them when I die -- it's in my will. I will take them with me into the afterlife.

Posted by Jesus H. Christie at September 8, 2009 4:19 AM

P.S. I also plan to take Krazy Cat & Rich/Tim with me when I die, too. We'll all burn together in Hell. Can't wait.

What's up with this Ernie Anastos guy? Worked for Eyewitness News, then jumped to Channel 2 now works for 5 so when's he gonna work with Sue Simmons? I'm showing my age but I remember when Pat Harper was trying to say "world-cup soccer" once, screwed up those vowels in the last two words and everyone had a good laugh. If memory serves I remember reading in my Post that the news producer, a woman had White bumped for Sukanya but maybe they can give Paula Abdul a job.

Posted by KC at September 8, 2009 3:18 PM

I am not even going to dignify BS comments with a response, but I do want to make a few points.
I am not a Reps, I am a independent conservative.
Unlike liberals and gay activists keep promoting, unless you can prove some people are "born gay", that a "gay gene" exists, then a discrimination against homosexuals for their "right" to same sex marriage is a no case.
I watched an interview, a gay couple said that denying their rights is like going back when slavery was legal. There is a slight problem with this argument - people were forced to be slave, but people are not forced to be gay or les. And no, same sex marriage is not a "civil right" either - people are born with the color of their skin, but they are not born gay. Got to tell the different between ideology and real science.
I don't condone the murder of abortion doctors, or anyone else, but what abortion doctors do is not much different than when someone bring in a machine gun to a kindergarten and open fire to the kids inside. Both are murder, the only different is one group is born, and the other group is not.

Posted by Jesus H. Christ at September 9, 2009 10:14 PM

So, KraZee, I mean, KC, gay people are not born that way? Oh, right, you're the same moron who also said that global warming is a lie. I have to remember who I'm talking to here.

So, I guess that all the world's scientists and researchers are wrong; you and Bush are right.

Here's what one encyclopedia says about homosexuality:

"Homosexual behavior in animals refers to the documented evidence of homosexual, bisexual and transgender behavior in non-human animals. Such behaviors include sex, courtship, affection, pair bonding, and parenting. Homosexual and bisexual behavior are widespread in the animal kingdom: a 1999 review by researcher Bruce Bagemihl shows that homosexual behavior has been observed in close to 1500 species, ranging from primates to gut worms, and is well documented for 500 of them.

"Animal sexual behavior takes many different forms, even within the same species. The motivations for and implications of these behaviors have yet to be fully understood, since most species have yet to be fully studied.

"According to Bagemihl, 'the animal kingdom [does] it with much greater sexual diversity -- including homosexual, bisexual and nonreproductive sex -- than the scientific community and society at large have previously been willing to accept.'"

But what do scientists know? You and the Republican Party know all; that science mumbo-jumbo is nothing but lies.

Do you know what a hermaphrodite is? I guess they're not born that way, either; they all choose their condition.

Genius, try using your brain for once; try thinking logically. Our bodies are controlled by genes. Our genes determine everything about us, from the way we look to the way our brains function. Genes aren't perfect; defective genes are the cause of most diseases and defects.

Our sexuality -- like everything else about us --is determined, for the most part, by genes -- that's why homosexuality tends to run in families. Studies on gay men show that most gay males tend to have a much higher number of gay siblings, uncles, and cousins than straight men. Is that a coincidence?

But it's not that simple: hormones, including prenatal hormones (hormones we're exposed to before birth) also play a role. Again, from an encyclopedia:

"Fetal hormones may be seen as the primary determiner of adult sexual orientation, or a co-factor with genes and/or environmental and social conditions."

There's even evidence of differences in the brain structures between staight and gay people. But all that is nonsense, isn't it?

You're a typical Republican, just like Bush and Limbaugh and all those other brainless idiots -- you don't read. You get all your information from the bible, from ancient myths and fairy tales. Global warming? A dirty lie! Evolution? Hogwash! Dinosaurs? Pure fantasy! God created this flat earth of ours -- this Paradise -- but that mean ol' Devil ruined everything by tempting Adam and Eve to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge and of Good and Evil.

P.S. Glad to hear you're "a independent conservative." Coulda fooled me.

Posted by Jesus H. Christ at September 9, 2009 10:51 PM

And about abortion: I'm not in love with the idea, but what about cases of rape or incest (child abuse) which result in pregnancy, or cases where the mother's life is at risk due to pregnancy? Abortion is legal in most civilized nations for a reason (that is, for many reasons); it's only illegal in backward Moslem countries where the men have all the political, social, and economic power and women are little more than slaves.

Sure, the rich Republican criminals who pretend to be against it can afford to send their precious little sluts to Mexico, Canada and Europe, where they can get their abortions legally and safely.

I say they "pretend" to be against it because they're really not against it; they just publically take that position -- just as they take their anti-gay position -- in order to appeal to their hillbilly constituents.

If any of Bush's precious little angels ever becomes impregnated by a black man, see how fast he gets her an abortion.

Which reminds me: that chubby little Meghan McCain is pretty damned hot! Too bad her daddy is a brainless Republican who graduated dead last in his class at the U.S. Naval Academy. If I were a black man, especially a smelly, homeless black man, I'd love to get her pregnant. That would be sooooo sweet!

But to get back to our idiocy: Republicans are so anti-gay, yet they're the ones who are always getting arrested for lewd behavior in public restrooms... Aw, frick! I cannot concentate now! I'm too busy fantasing about being a smelly homeless black man making love to Meghan McCain!

Posted by Jesus H. Christ at September 9, 2009 11:13 PM

Final thoughts on the gay subject, because I'm so sick of arguing with fools: the scientific fact is that homosexuality clearly has genetic and other biological causes. But, just for argument's sake, even if it were pure choice, denying them the right to marry is still a denial of basic human & civil rights. It's still discrimination.

Who gave straight people the exclusive right to marry?

If being gay were a choice, well, so is being a vegetarian, or being a Republican, or being a Democrat... Should any of those people be discriminated against in any way simply because of their choice?

Besides, according your "logic" which claims that gay people choose to be gay, then the opposite must also be true: straight people choose to be straight. Which means, assuming you're a straight male, that you, KC, merely choose to be straight, but you can also choose to like guys if you wanted to. Is that correct, then? If you're truly straight, then you'd see exactly how foolish your position clearly is.

Hopefully we're now done with this nonsense. Use your brain & think things through before you talk/write.

Posted by Nightcrawler at September 10, 2009 3:34 AM

Thoughts which keep me up at night...

Why doesn't Ch. 2 have a sub-channel? All the other stations have extra digital broadcast channels, even that ridiculous Ch. 25; why not Ch. 2?

Will there ever be peace in the Middle East? Why can't Arabs and Jews get along? Isn't the God who created Tamsen's magnificent Moslem mammaries the very same God who created Emily's heavenly Hebrew hooters? I think it's about time that Arabs and Jews finally kissed and made out -- beginning with Emily and Tamsen, live on the WPIX Morning News.

Well, I think that's about it -- TV and boobs. I guess I'm pretty shallow.

Posted by Jesus H. Christ at September 11, 2009 1:51 AM

This should end the discussion and your nonsense once and for all, KC -- although I know it won't, because you think you know more than all the scientists and researchers and doctors in the world, like the typical arrogant, deluded Republican Conservative fool that you are:

Remember that female South African runner who was suspected of being a male? Well, have you heard the news? Here's the story:

Report: Semenya has male, female sex organs

SYDNEY (AP) - The IAAF declined to confirm a Sydney Morning Herald report that world 800-meter champion Caster Semenya has male and female sex organs.

IAAF spokesman Nick Davies says the group has received the results of Semenya's gender tests, but he would not discuss the findings.

"I simply haven't seen the results," Davies wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We have received the results from Germany, but they now need to be examined by a group of experts and we will not be in a position to speak to the athlete about them for at least a few weeks.

"After that, depending on the results, we will meet privately with the athlete to discuss further action."

The Australian newspaper reported in its Friday edition that medical reports on the 18-year-old Semenya indicate she has no ovaries, but rather has internal male testes, which are producing large amounts of testosterone.

Davies said the report should be treated with caution.

After dominating her race at the world championships in Berlin last month, Semenya was given blood and chromosome tests, as well as a gynecological examination.

The IAAF has said Semenya probably would keep her medal because the case was not related to a doping matter.

Our legal advice is that, if she proves to have an advantage because of the male hormones, then it will be extremely difficult to strip the medal off her, since she has not cheated," Davies wrote to the AP. "She was naturally made that way, and she was entered in Berlin by her team and accepted by the IAAF. But let's wait and see once we have the final decision."

The South African Press Association reported Athletics South Africa president Leonard Chuene had not been informed of any reports by the IAAF.

"These are insulting words that the media are using, but we are in the dark," SAPA quoted Chuene as telling The Star newspaper. "We just don't know what effect this information will have on her deep down. This process is not correct."


So take your superior, self-righteous, judgmental attitude and stick it up Karl Rover's you-know-what.

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