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This Just In ...
Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely young daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
UPDATE: Nebraska's Safe Haven Law not at all like Wisconsin's
Nebraska became the 50th state this past July to enact a Safe Haven law. But it went far beyond what any other state had approved.
Back then, I blogged about the ridiculous law and also talked about it on WISN, predicting the measure would lead to irresponsible parents dumping their children.
It's happening. Last week, nine children aged 1 to 17 were left at a hospital by their father. At least four children between the ages of 11 and 15 have been abandoned by parents since the law took effect. I updated the story on my guest appearance on WISN on Monday and today, USA TODAY does an examination.
State officials look at laws in other states as models for their own proposed bills. The idea is to learn from other states and craft legislation that's an improvement. Nebraska took a common sense law and turned it into a nightmare. Lawmakers in the Cornhusker State need to fix this ASAP in their next legislative session.
PBS' Ifill has egg on her face
PBS correspondent Gwen Ifill is scheduled to moderate Thursday night's Vice Presidential debate. Ifill is writing a book due out Election Day called, "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama," that will include a chapter on Barack Obama.
This is very simple. She presents a huge conflict of interest. Ifill should have had the professionalism to inform debate organizers of this conflict. She did not.
She should now voluntarily step down as moderator. She probably won't have the decency to do that. Then the people in charge need to remove and replace her. Do not believe that it will be difficult to find a worthy replacement in such a short amount of time. The country is crawling with journalists. Mike Gousha could arrive two hours before the debate starts and do an excellent job.
But because Ifill is not impartial, she needs to go.
JOHN McCAIN IN HIS OWN WORDS
The more Joe Biden talks...
The mainstream media, in its quest to crucify Sarah Palin every five minutes, has given the Human Gaffe Machine, Joe Biden, a veritable free pass. That comes as no surprise to those who clearly understand the double standard and blatant bias that exists in the mainstream media. I've been in the business for 30 years, believe me, the bias exists.
On the eve of the Vice Presidential debate, of all organizations, the New York Times writes that Joe Biden often trips himself up because he just doesn't know when the hell to shut up.
Here's the NY Times piece, via MSN.
Politics in the classroom: I told you so
Teachers know they are not to engage in political activity during school time. They do it anyway.
It's disgusting that taxpayer dollars are going to educators who spend class time, not teaching, but brainwashing.
I blogged about it last week and talked about a blatant Beloit case on WISN. Not surprisingly, more evidence has just surfaced.
The teacher's union in Virginia encouraged pro-Obama antics.
Why just talk politics? Why not wear your feelings right out in the open? New York teachers are attempting to wear Obama buttons in class.
As I mentioned on WISN, this is going on in public schools in every state, now right through Election Day. These teachers should be ashamed of themselves, but they're doing it because they know they can get away with it.
Baseball's a funny game
You don't play it in the newspapers.
You don't play it on talk radio.
You don't play it on the blogs.
You don't play it in the ESPN studios.
You actually play baseball on the field.
Milwaukee fans, and the so-called "experts," thought all the Brewers had to do was show up for Game Two against Philadelphia and it was a guaranteed victory. The result shows why they play the games.
The Milwaukee faithful also forgot what Philadelphia columnist Bob Ford wrote today:
"It may be that CC Sabathia will even it up Thursday against Brett Myers. But maybe not. Sabathia won just three of his 11 games for the Brewers against teams with winning records. He was awful in the 2007 postseason for the Indians, pitching to an 8.80 earned run average. Sabathia isn't Superman and he doesn't have a super team playing behind him right now."
I would also add that I don't care who you are, you can't walk the opposing pitcher. You've got to get him out, especially if you're the "best pitcher in the game today."
Pitching on three day's rest over and over and over again eventually catches up with you.
Sabathia's opponent on the mound in Game Two, Philadelphia's Brett Myers pitched very well. Ya think he got tired of hearing all the talk about CC?
Give Philly credit. They beat our best.
It was win at all costs this year, and the season's not over yet for the Brewers. But one foot is dangerously, precariously on the edge of the cliff.
Friday night on InterCHANGE
Here are the topics the panel discusses Friday night on InterCHANGE on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10 at 6:30 with a repeat broadcast Sunday morning at 11:00:
1 – Wall Street Rescue / Bailout.
The Senate passes the $700B bailout/rescue plan and sends it back to the House for a second vote? Will enough congressmen flip-flop that this time it will pass? Is it a bailout or a rescue? Nearly every congressman that was interviewed said that constituents were overwhelmingly against the plan. If that's true, does the lawmaker have a duty to vote against it? Is the general public not smart enough to understand the ramifications of an upheaval in our financial system? When the plan was rejected last week, did the people win one? For once, did they have more influence than the lobbyists?
2 –Presidential & VP Race.
Why are the polls all turning towards Obama as the front-runner now? Why do they seem to have more faith in Obama in a time of financial crisis? If the rescue/bailout package passes the House, does that remove the economy as a front burner issue. A few months ago, the campaign was all about the war. A few weeks ago, at the time of the conventions, the big issue was hurricanes and flooding. This week, it's the economy. What's next? Let's talk about the Palen-Biden debate as well. Who wins, and does it matter? Are expectations for Palin so low that she wins by just showing up? Are her poll numbers falling because folks are seeing that she's not really all that intelligent?
3 - Brewers.
"Palin stands her ground"
That will be the headline in most American papers Friday morning
Meet Angie, who is fighting for her life
Last weekend, I blogged about my friend's daughter-in-law, who is suffering from the worst form of breast cancer.
Angie definitely falls into the category of patients diagnosed with cancer who use their sickness to try to help others.
Since learning of her cancer, Angie has been keeping a journal about her status. Please check out her blog and consider sending a supportive comment.
Coming up on This Just In...
What does this person...
have in common with....
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
Milwaukee Brewer Ryan Braun. His clutch HR last Sunday against the Cubs sent the Brewers into the playoffs for the first time in 26 years.
The Barking Lot
I recently found a video about DogTown's Dog Care Manager, Michelle Besmehn, and her work with Vivian, a dog rescued during Hurricane Katrina. The people directly touched by Katrina will never forget the tragedies they've suffered. The rest of us (dry, cozy and relatively unaffected) need occasional reminders that there are lives that will never be the same in the aftermath of that destruction. And while I would never place a canine life ahead of a human life in order of importance, every reader knows how I feel about the dogs that enrich our lives.
Finding this touching video helped me discover other updated rescue and success stories about Hurricane Katrina dogs.
Thanks to Furever Friends, the Humane Society of the U.S., and the Louisiana SPCA, the Coffee family was reunited with Tippy, their dog they had to leave behind during their relocation ordeal after the hurricane.
Three years after his owners fled the destruction of Katrina, Bourbon is the tail-wagging success story of the Washington D.C. Animal Rescue League. Ron and Jessica Simon are his new owners and he looks quite happy!
I love stories of families reunited with pets in any circumstance. Learning about rescue efforts after natural disasters is particularly heart-warming to me. For some individuals or families, their pet is all they have, and that pet truly means the world to them. So my personal thanks goes out to all the rescue efforts of those many wonderful organizations.
---Jennifer Fischer
Thanks again, Jennifer!
Don't go anywhere. It's time for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made the headlines this past week.
Just like human news, the stories aren't always good. Sad news out of Beaver Dam.
Lesson for lost dogs: Find a travel agency.
How about the guy who dove in to save a dog from a shark attack!
Jennifer wrote about Katrina rescue dogs today. In Texas, cadaver dogs to the rescue.
And in case you missed it in last Sunday's USA WEEKEND, military dogs are often heroes, too.
That's it for this week. Remember, Halloween is just around the corner. Still looking for a doggie costume? In Florida, Wiggles Dog Wigs is offering this get-up that I'm sure you'll recognize, you betcha!
Trash talk backfires for Stanford vs Notre Dame
I know Stanford is a great school that turns out some pretty sharp young individuals. Chris Marinelli isn't one of them. Marinelli is an offensive lineman on the Stanford football team who was quite offensive this week. If being stupid was against the law, he'd be in jail right now.
Marinelli decided to shoot off his mouth this week in advance of Stanford's visit to South Bend today to play Notre Dame:
"I hate it, playing up there. The field, excuse my language, the field sucks. The stadium sucks. I think the area sucks. I grew up with a bunch of Irish and Italian Catholic people back home (Boston). And all the Irish Catholic people, all they talk about is Notre Dame this, Notre Dame that. And they've never even been there, ya know. So I hate those guys, I hate that school. We are going out there to mash them up and that's all there is to it."
That should have been at least two loafers in Marinelli's mouth, but he couldn't stop himself, commenting further about Notre Dame's blitzing defense:
''We'll be ready. I've seen a lot of tape, and it is a good challenge for us. But on the same token, it's going to go bad for them at one point, and we are going to gash the [expletive] out of them, I promise you that. "
Notre Dame led 28-7 in the 4th quarter and got the victory over Stanford, 28-21. Through his coach and university, Marinelli offered an apology that seemed to lack sincerity. Maybe he should shut his yap the rest of the season.
By the way, the best college fight song in the country is 100 years old.
UW Band: Guilty until proven innocent
UW Band Director Michael Leckrone has suspended the entire band as the school investigates serious hazing allegations.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports, "Speaking at a news conference at the UW Welcome Center, Leckrone said he thought only a small percentage of the 300 band members were involved in any hazing, but that the members had a 'shared responsibility' to behave appropriately."
It's uncertain how long the suspension will last and how many appearances the band will now miss. They will not perform at tonight's big game at Camp Randall against Ohio State.
One could argue that the suspension is unfair. Leckrone admits a small percentage of the 300- member ensemble is involved. So why punish the entire band? Do your investigation, determine the guilty parties, and then hold them accountable.
Instead, all 300 band members, the vast majority of them innocent, are suspended. Also punished, the tens of thousands of fans who won't get to enjoy the band at tonight's football game, and many more who will miss out as long as the investigation takes place.
If I was a band member who did nothing wrong, I'd feel I got a raw deal.
Kathleen Parker's turnabout
Last week, conservative columnist Kathleen Parker became the media darling of the moonbat left when she wrote a scathing column calling for the dumping of Sarah Palin. The left was downright orgasmic. Suddenly, Parker was elevated to Barbara Streisand status among the beads and sandals crowd. Because a small handful of raw beef eaters had temporarily gone off the reservation (Parker, George Will), the left was ecstatic, ready to canonize Parker, a writer heretofore they lumped together with a rat's posterior.
Seems that after Thursday night's debate, Parker is singing a different tune. While she still has some question marks, Parker's tone is far less insane. Was this a veiled apology from Parker, or is Parker secretly upset that the Sarah Palin that made her the talk of the nation, albeit briefly, was a no-show at the face-to-face with Biden?
Yes, Catholics are divided about the election, so let's talk about it
The news media loves to bash the Catholic Church and draw attention to any strife within the Christian faith. This time, for once, I'm glad they're trying to be divisive.
The New York Times writes that this year's election is causing problems for Catholics, especially on the issue of abortion. You bet it is. The most liberal member of the United States, a politician with no regard for unborn children, an abortionist's best friend could become the next President. And yet, too many Catholics are poised to vote for the extremely dangerous Barack Obama.
This is insane. How can anyone call himself a Catholic, knowing full well the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic faith, and then go out and vote for the baby-killer Barack? It makes no sense.
The New York Times reports, "In Scranton, Pa., every Catholic attending Mass this weekend will hear a special homily about the election next month: Bishop Joseph Martino has ordered every priest in the diocese to read a letter warning that voting for a supporter of abortion rights amounts to endorsing 'homicide.'"
I want the clergy, especially Catholic priests to talk more openly about the abortion stances of Barack Obama in the hopes of driving some sense into the minds of the hypocrites in the pews who put on a phony façade every Sunday and are about as Catholic as Madalyn Murray O'Hair.
Any Catholic who votes for Barack Obama is no Catholic and should not only be deeply ashamed, but should never possess the courage to walk into a Catholic church ever again.
If Catholics are divided about this election, it's only because far too many are so disillusioned that they will dismiss the rights of the unborn in exchange for a litany of leftist propaganda. That's not sad, it's tragic. And if bishops and priests want to drill this message home from the pulpit between now and November, I say go for it.
My most popular blogs
As I post every Sunday, here are the top five most popular of my blog entries from the previous week:
1) Brewers vs. Phillies playoff schedule
2) Photos of the Week (9/18/08)
3) Culinary no-no #78
4) I'm on WISN Monday
5) Ed Hochuli needs a vacation
Photos of the Week (10/5/08)
Look carefully for the mention of a well-known Franklin resident in this week's round-up.
Standing in front of a painting of George Washington, U.S. President George W. Bush speaks about the economic rescue plan at the White House in Washington September 30, 2008. Bush said on Tuesday the U.S. economy was depending on decisive action from the government on a financial bailout plan or the economic damage could be "painful and lasting". (Reuters)
Let them speak
I'm on record that clergy should be afforded their First Amendment rights and be allowed to talk politics in church with no limitations.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Patrick McIlheran agrees in his column today.
UW band investigation: I'd be disappointed, too
Probably more than disappointed.
In my blog Saturday on the UW band controversy, I wrote:
"One could argue that the suspension is unfair. (Band Director Michael) Leckrone admits a small percentage of the 300- member ensemble is involved. So why punish the entire band? Do your investigation, determine the guilty parties, and then hold them accountable.
Instead, all 300 band members, the vast majority of them innocent, are suspended."
Buried in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a quote from a band member's parent:
"Stillwater, Minn., resident Danielle Dennison's daughter Hayley has played clarinet in the band since 2006. Dennison said Saturday that her daughter told her she had no idea what the allegations were and had never experienced hazing.
'They are taking them individually one at a time into the dean's office all day today, and all they keep asking is 'What do you know? What do you know?' . . . We're just so disappointed that 300-plus people should be deemed guilty and investigated,' Dennison said."
I don't blame you, Mrs. Dennison.
Just in case football fans have forgotten....
"I don't feel I need to sell myself to fans. They need to get on board now or keep their mouths shut."
UPDATE: The Miami Dolphins, one of the worst teams in football last year, have already defeated New England and San Diego this season, two teams that played in the 2007-2008 AFC divisional playoffs.
But Miami was unable to beat the NEW YORK JETS in this year's season opener.
Hey, Fischer's blogging about his cousin again!
I seem to upset the hateful lefty bloggers. Apparently, my family gets under their skin, too.
Gee, I really feel bad about that.
One of the lefty loony attack dogs wants to know how much I pay the proprietor of this website, Journal Communications, to blog about my cousin, who has the rather cool job of distilling new Wisconsin products. He (or she, I'm not really sure because this coward hides anonymously behind his or her trash), also wants to know if he or she can get the same deal.
I'll gladly spell it out for the moonbat.
I pay absolutely nothing to Journal Communications to put up stuff like this on my blog.
That's the same amount I receive for directing tons and tons of traffic to this site filled with real ads paid for by Journal Communications.
Can the hateful blogger get a deal like this?
Sorry, chump!
But this whole incident reminds me that I never did blog the details about my cousin's brand new seasonal product that I'm sure many of you would be most interested in running out and purchasing while supplies last.
So, here's that information.
And here's where you can find my cousin's wonderful products.
Thank you very much, thank you for visiting my blog, and thank you, Journal Communications!
Culinary no-no #79
When you get there, read the description for the final Sammich listed.
Last week's edition of Culinary no-no, # 78 for the record, focused on those gimmicky restaurant promotions where your gargantuan meal is free if you can down it within a certain time frame.
On the scale of egregious no-no's, this doesn't rank very high, especially the Gus' Mexican Cantina example. Stuffing food into our gas tanks while food prices soar and people go hungry……now that's a serious no-no. However, making a pig of yourself in public, while not a "10" is a no-no nonetheless.
Restaurants that offer such "challenges" should also consider if they want to turn their really nice place (Like Gus') into a gorge-fest.
Here's an example of one of these contests, if you will, gone seriously wrong.
Dateline: The Brussels of the Northeast, Greenville, Maine.
That's the home of the Black Frog, featuring food, spirits and lodging. I'm going to link to their menu and I want you to scroll down (it's rather large) to the section labeled, "Sammiches."
Go ahead. I'll wait. Here's the menu. (Read that whole menu...it's a hoot).
Did you read the sammich description?
Skinny Dip: Thinly sliced prime rib served in a baguette roll with au jus on the side for dipping. If you run down the long dock naked and jump in the lake, the sandwich is free......10.95
Here's a food and lodging establishment that I surmise is fairly well-known in Greenville, Maine that advertises, right there, right out in the open, right there on their blasted menus, a free sandwich in exchange for public nudity.
A couple of questions come to mind.
At the risk of sounding like a Sarah Palin opponent, in other words, sexist, do I really want to see a female resident of Greenville, Maine shed her clothing? I definitely vote no to witnessing any full frontal male Greenville nakedness.
Most importantly, is it worth a whole honkin' $10.95 to risk my pride and self-respect? I mean, they didn't even throw in horseradish with that prime rib sammich.
OK, let's have a look at that sandwich and the owner of the Black Frog, Leigh Turner.
Undecided voters-Part 1
Voters in Wisconsin can begin making their choices official today via the absentee ballot. Wisconsin officials predict about 15% of all ballots this year will be cast as absentee votes. In Wisconsin, it's no questions asked if you want to vote with an absentee ballot. Just ask for one, and you'll get one. You can then vote in the privacy of your own home and take as much time as you'd like.
Nationwide, about a third of the electorate will vote early this year.
It shouldn't be surprising that so many people are taking advantage of ever-increasing popular form of voting. Some states were already accepting votes two weeks ago, meaning that four to six weeks out, many Americans have made their decisions. No doubt, there minds were made up a long time ago.
So what's with the 15-18% of Americans still coveted by news interviewers, pollsters and the candidates who remain undecided?
A few weeks ago while filling in for Mark Belling on Newstalk 1130 WISN, I addressed the topic of the "undecided" voter. Quite frankly, there's no excuse for being bewitched, bothered and bewildered at this stage of the game.
The Presidential campaign has been going on for what seems like an eternity, but in reality, about two years. That's an awfully long time.
You'd have to be a hermit locked up in some cave not to have been exposed to the barrage of political information, inescapable for even the most disinterested souls.
The public has been inundated with election news in newspapers and magazines, on talk radio, TV news coverage, on cable, on the Internet, on blogs, in campaign literature and in those incessant TV ads and dinnertime phone calls.
The candidates are light years apart on every single issue. There's no middle ground, a stark contrast that should render decision-making ever so easy.
If the economy eclipsed the Iraq War as the top issue a long time ago, I submit the choice of who's best qualified to get us back on track is not the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate that will tax and tax and tax and tax some more. Give me the candidate who will exercise restraint on spending. In the war against terrorism, I'll take the war hero who's been there and will take the tough stance rather than the guy who wants to sit down and have tea with our enemies. I certainly would feel safer if John McCain were in the White House.
As a Roman Catholic, I'm baffled that so many Catholics are confounded or leaning towards Obama, forgetting he's an unborn child's worst nightmare.
Why so many perplexed voters? As I stated on WISN, I submit they're undecided for the following reasons:
1) They're uninformed. Despite the avalanche of available information, they're clueless on the candidates and the issues. 2) They don't care. Not everyone is a political junkie. Not everyone is engaged. And many don't give a damn.
3) They are, let's face it, not that bright. That's putting it as diplomatically as I can. How else do you explain that according to some reports, one out of five Americans is still firmly entrenched in the "I don't know" camp?
Not all undecideds are dumb. But a whole bunch of them are. Take 31-year old Matt Powell of Widefield, Colorado, quoted by the Associated Press:
"Neither one has really come up with anything to make me say, 'That one right there, I want that one.' I don't even know what I'm looking for. Just a little bit of hope."
"I don't even know what I am looking for."
Matt, your answering service called. Your brain will be ready next week. Here's another beauty. Karen Wamback, also 31 of Rutland, Massachusetts could open a waffle house."John McCain has a lot of issues I have issues with but Barack Obama has a lot more." Then, about 15 minutes later, after going through the pros and cons of each candidate, Wamback offered this gem:
"I guess I'm pretty much set with McCain because he's the lesser of two evils. Then again, I might just vote in (Sesame Street's) Elmo. At least he's for the children."
Yep, she's a voter. Scary.
Here's that entire AP article.
Undecided voters, if they truly are undecided, are unreliable.My advice to both camps would be to concentrate on your base. Focus on registering people whoa re apt to vote for you. Don't waste time trying to coddle or psychoanalyze these softies who can't make a choice between just two candidates.
Finally, as we get closer to Election Day, newspaper editorial writers will beg for a high turnout, clamoring that it's a citizen's right and duty to get out and vote. Ideally, I prefer a lower turnout of more educated voters that have actually given their choice some thought, have done some homework, have conducted the research. No, I'm not suggesting you must possess a PHD, but I'd rather you not going write in Big Bird.
I want those who can't make up their minds to save their lives, those who will decide based on the last :30 ad they see on television before they walk out the door to just stay home.
Tomorrow in Part 2, one of my WISN listeners responds.
JOHN McCAIN IN HIS OWN WORDS
If the GOP is going to get mean, the Dems will be a tough act to follow
Remember the Democratic primaries?
Remember how Hillary couldn't stand Barack?
Remember how Bill couldn't stand Barack?
Remember how Barack couldn't stand Hillary?
Remember how Barack couldn't stand BIll?
Remember how Democrats were at each other's throats?
Remember how the mud flew?
Then Obama finally won his party's nomination. Hillary and Bill were transformed. They became Obamaites. The phonies on the left wanted us to believe that everything was ok, everybody really and truly loved each other……..
John McCain then picked Sarah Palin as his running mate. How did those warm and fuzzies on the left respond?
The Alaska Governor's a (insert slang term for prostitute), a white trash hick. That's not really her Down syndrome baby, it's her daughter's. Palin didn't practice proper prenatal care before she had her baby with Down syndrome. The pregnant daughter? Palin's husband is the real father. What kind of mother runs for VP? McCain picked the trophy running mate. And she's dumb.
Can't forget this quote from Florida Democrat Congressman Alcee Hastings, referring to Sarah Palin:
"Anybody toting guns and stripping moose don't care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks."
This has been going on for a couple of months, and now it's laughable that the Obama campaign and their wholly-owned subsidiary, the lefties in the press, are trying to launch a preventive strike by planting the seed that John McCain and Sarah Palin are going to........GASP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.........say negative things about precious Barack Obama.Why, it's the end of the world as we know it. How dare they!
The kings of the mudslingers have a lot of nerve crying foul after they've been wallowing in the slop for months. I believe the Messiah, when his lead in the polls evaporated after the Palin selection urged his followers to do this:
"I need you to go out and talk to your friends and talk to your neighbors. I want you to talk to them whether they are independent or whether they are Republican. I want you to argue with them and get in their face."
When Republicans get aggressive, it's dirty, nasty. When the greatest, most intelligent politician in the history of the world gets aggressive, he's courageous and feisty. Repeat after me: DOUBLE STANDARD.
But the word is out, and the worshippers have taken the bait: Those nasty Republicans are going to get, well, nasty. On the Community Now websites, one blogger has written the following:
"McCain and Palin now plan a below-the-belt, bigoted, lie-filled attack on Barack Obama. There are no dignity, stature, or honesty left in the ammunition of the right-wing to be fired from now until election day......As you watch McCain and Palin desperately launch this last-stand effort to lie and cheat……."
And on and on and on.
Holy mackerel. We need a scorecard to keep track here. Let's see. The warm, loving, caring, thoughtful, compassionate left says Republicans are:
So tell me…… who are the meanies again?
To belt or not to belt
What's wrong with primary enforcement of seat belts? Plenty.
1) Approving public policy based on federal blackmail is wrong. The policy should be decided on the merits.
2) Do we want law enforcement concentrating on searching for motorists not buckled up? Don't they have more important things to handle?
3) Anyone who thinks this won't be used as a revenue generator by police is crazy.
UPDATE ON 10/8/08- Beloit Daily New Editorial: Bossy feds trying to buy off Wisconsin
Sweetheart, are you "Party A" or am I?
More mockery of traditional marriage.
Last month, a couple wanted to get married in California. Because California marriage licenses had the terms, "Party A" and "Party B" on the papers, the couple wrote next to those words, "bride" and "groom." They wanted to be recognized as husband and wife.
Their marriage license was denied and their pastor, Doug Bird of Abundant Life Fellowship in Roseville was ticked:
"What's next? Will the State of California force [ministers] to use the terms "Party A" and "Party B" in the ceremony itself?"
In a 4-3 decision, California's Supreme Court declared that legal definitions of marriage as a union between a man and a woman were unconstitutional. Since the ruling, the generic designations of "Party A" and "Party B" have been inserted into legal documents.
Proposition 8 is on the California ballot in November. The measure would ban same-sex marriages in the state.
Some sanity is back as the California Department of Public Health has just announced that by popular demand, the words "bride" and "groom" will return on marriage license forms. County clerks will be required to start using the amended forms November 17, 2008. There will be blank spaces for applicants' names and personal information next to the words "First Person Data" and "Second Person Data" and optional boxes for checking "bride" or "groom."
Party A.
Party B.
Good grief.
Which "celebrity" has stolen the show prior to tonight's debate in Nashville?
Here are a few clues.
It's a male.
He's white.
He's old.
He's seen on TV.
He's seen on TV a lot.
He's been around for a long time.
He has a very common first name.
You'd never guess...
The key issue for John McCain in tonight's debate
As usual, the key issue in the campaign pertains to pocketbooks. McCain must paint Barack Obama as the outrageous tax and spend liberal that he is. When Obama counters that under his plan, 95% of Americans will get a tax break, McCain must fire back that most of those people don't pay taxes, so Obama is, in effect, promising welfare checks.
And how to pay for it? America has already committed $700 billion to that questionable and extremely unpopular buyout. Where's Obama going to get the money for his giveaway? He won't say, making him vulnerable.
Taxes, taxes, taxes. It's McCain's best chance to score well with the American public tonight.
JOHN McCAIN IN HIS OWN WORDS
Undecided voters-Part 2
Yesterday, I blogged about undecided voters, a topic I raised on WISN a few weeks ago while filling in for Mark Belling. My blog touched on many of the same points I discussed on my program. One of my listeners that day was Tom Mott. I thank him for offering a thoughtful response. Here's Part Two:
First off, I know I am an outlier in this whole "undecided" class. Almost all people who pay as much attention as I do to social and political matters definitely cast a vote for one of the 2 parties' candidates in all significant elections. My friends pronounce me goofy when I tell them I have some kind of "minimum threshold" for casting a vote. Like: a candidate I vote for needs to be about a 4.5 on a 7 point scale in terms of how enthusiastic I am about the prospect of them getting the nod. If the two candidates don't reach that level, I just take a pass, usually by casting my ballot for some non-candidate that I admire (not Pat Paulsen, either). Everyone I know says "don't waste your vote, pick the lesser of two evils", and maybe I should; who am I to impose some arbitrary minimum standard? It's a quirk, I guess, and I doubt I'll change.
So starting with the alleged 18% undecided, I suppose something like 1/1000th of 1% would be in my little subset. That leaves 17 and 999/1000th percent to "explain". Or more!
Here is where I think we'd find others of the 18%.
Group A. Let's call them the "mix and matchers". I suppose you and many others are rather staunch in your party affiliation. I think there are some who really don't think like either of the two major parties up and down the line. That is, on the overall philosophy level they may be toward the "right" on foreign policy, and toward the "left" on some domestic issues -- or vice versa. Or they may hold views on important issues to them that cross the traditional party boundaries. They may think we should tell the UN to pound sand, but at the same time they might be very into eliminating poverty here at home. They may be staunchly "pro-choice" and yet feel that we need to cut back on entitlement legislation and the associated costs. They may think that corporate power is too great, and yearn for more effective regulation and less laissez faire capitalism, and yet they may be very "tough" on illegal immigration. (Actually, I have a dear friend who talks exactly like that, and those are among the most burning issues for him.)
Group A people vacillate back and forth between two candidates because neither of them fits that person's view of the world particularly well.
Group B. I'd call them the "In Transitioners". Some people make personal transitions in their way of thinking about the world as they go through life. They may be moderately liberal for any number of years, and then they start to gravitate toward more conservative views. This doesn't always happen in a "Eureka" kind of way. Sometimes it is a gradual transition and a tentative one, kind of like "feeling one's way through" and not necessarily even knowing exactly what (what new circumstances, what outside influences, what psychological shifts) is causing them to "waver". William Bridges, with whom I collaborated as an "alliance partner" to the consulting firm I worked at, writes brilliantly (I think) about this subject of personal transitions, and what goes emotionally on during them. Confusion is the prevailing attitude when one is going through transition, whether it is because of a change that is imposed, or whether it is more internally driven.
Group B people may be in the midst of such a transition (Bridges calls that the "neutral zone") at the time of a major election, and feel pulled back toward their past affiliations (more familiar, more secure, more comfortable, more like what their friends or family think) but at the same time also feel they SHOULD make a break and go in a different direction.
Group C. Maybe these would be the "Process Objectors". I'm not sure I can explain this one very well. And yet, I may fall into it, partially. Some people are just "put off" by not having more choices. In life it is unusual, I think, to have just two options on important things. We are used to having numerous alternatives to react to and weigh. Examples: buying a house, choosing a college, buying a car, declaring one's preferred style of dress and grooming, picking a breed of dog, and on and on. Primary elections offer this same kind of range of choices, generally. And then, for lots of us, the voters in states like Iowa and New Hampshire and wherever else basically narrow it down to a choice between two --- not a choice among several. I NEVER have a problem picking a candidate in a primary election, and sometimes I even get enthused over one or more of them. And then .... they're gone, almost all of them.
Group C people have an issue with the process, more than anything. They kind of resent the choices they are handed, over which they've had no real input, and are inclined to either say "screw it, then", or they might say, "I don't know ... I'll decide later between these two choices, neither of which are very attractive to me, so go away and don't bother me." When they get in their car on the way to the poll they just finally think seriously about it, still perturbed, and punch one name or the other without much conviction.
Group D. Which I will label the "Closed Mouth Crowd". These folks don't like being put on the spot. They may have already made up their mind, but they don't want to be asked about why they have decided as they have. Maybe they are insecure or just very "private". So the way to avoid justifying their choice to a questioner, and avoid dealing with whatever follow-up questions they assume will follow --- is to say "I've not decided".
Group D people, in other words, are not REALLY undecided. They just don't want to open up about it and/or about their rationale.
Group E. This is the "Non Thinker" Group. In this group are people who may not even get around to voting. And if they do, on the day of the election they will ask someone, "Who do you think I should vote for --- I haven't been paying much attention". And someone will tell them, "well, I'm voting for Harvey Smith", and so they do too.
Group E is the crowd that you have labeled as stupid, and they might very well be. But I think lots of them are just tuned into other things and don't give a rip about politics --- not enough to spend any time educating themselves anyway.
Group F is "The Waiters". In addition, I think there are some people who simply believe that it is unnecessary to make a "final decision" before it is required, which is actually on Election Day. They may feel that as soon as they "declare" they will essentially be closing their minds to new information that may surface before the election. On a practical level, they may already have pretty much made up their mind, but they don't want to "lock in" just yet.
---Tom Mott
What do you expect them to say??!!
This could very well be one of the worst written news stories of the year. How the writer and editor could print this with a straight face only demonstrates how liberal the media truly is.
The headline reads:
Political experts say McCain in trouble
And just who are the so-called, "experts"? A panel of media people.
When you read who was on the panel, it's no surprise they've already buried John McCain.
Barack Obama's spin on abortion a "brazen scam"
Barack Obama, though he tries, can't hide from his abominable history on abortion. His distortions seem to have worked on some individuals, including Catholics who, despite Obama's complete and utter contempt for the unborn, are supporting the Chicago scam artist.
I wrote about this issue earlier this week, finding it unconscionable that a Catholic in good faith could vote for Obama.
Today, the National Right to Life Committee in Washington D.C. issued the following release that spells out the truth about Obama's reprehensible record.
-- Obama advocates repeal of the Hyde Amendment, the law that since 1976 has blocked almost all federal funding of abortion, even though both pro-life and pro-abortion analysts agree that this law has prevented many abortions. By even the most conservative estimate, there are more than one million Americans alive today because of the Hyde Amendment. "Because the Hyde Amendment must be renewed annually, a new president hostile to the Hyde Amendment could quickly place it in jeopardy," Johnson observed. The FOCA would also nullify all state laws restricting state funding of elective abortion.
For several years, I helped my good friend Jim Kaluzny spin music at weddings. We called ourselves, "The Cudahy Connection," after Jim's hometown.
We saw quite a bit on the dance floor, but nothing as cool as this!
Dear Mr.Criminal, please rob me
I don't expect U.S. Senators to be reading the Community Now web sites, but maybe they should, especially if they ignored warnings from their mothers and fathers.
Criminals are everywhere, even in the shadows of Our Lady on top of the Golden Dome, the University of Notre Dame.
Just a few days ago, BrookfieldNOW ran an article on tips to avoid becoming a victim of crime. It's simple, but good advice.
Senator, next time you go to South Bend, and you will return, please try to be more careful.
The fact-checkers are biased, too
There will be stories coast to coast following Tuesday night's debate claiming to be written by objective fact-checkers who will inform you who told the truth and who didn't.
Not so fast. Read those accounts veerrrrrrrrrry carefully.
The Wall Street Journal says they're laced with biased opinions.
2ND UPDATE: Nebraska's Safe Haven Law not at all like Wisconsin's
Had it up to here with your kids?
If you live in Nebraska, you just throw them in the car, drive them to the nearest hospital or police station, and dump them off. End of problem. End of parental responsibility.
What's that you say? Your kid is 19?
No problem. Nebraska's new Safe Haven Law lets you get rid of (sorry to be so blunt but that's what it is) any and all your kids, even teens up to age 19.
Yes, it's silly. Yes, it's stupid. Yes, lawmakers in Nebraska who approved this nonsense are fools. And yes, Cornhuskers are taking advantage of this, how shall I put it, opportunity.
My sharp wife, Jennifer posed an intriguing question not too long ago. What if you're from another state? Can you dump and go?
The law and its legal protections apply only to Nebraska residents but Jennifer's point is well taken. In today's society, would that minor detail stop anyone?
The answer, of course, is no.
The latest weapon against sex offenders... and other offender news
It's not GPS. It's not a more restrictive ordinance.
It's a laptop.
Any tool that can be used to better keep an eye on these creeps is fine with me.
I can't believe how some offenders moan and groan and whine about how tough they've got it. Nobody likes them. People pick on them. They can't live like everybody else (Oh, well). They can't go where they want to go, live they want to live.
Four sex offenders are crying about a new Missouri law that requires offenders to stay in their homes during trick or treat hours. Seems to make great sense. However, in this litigious society we call America, sex offenders want to be able to roam the streets at night while kids are going door to door and are taking the Missouri law to court. All they need, of course, is the right, or I would say, wrong judge or judges.
And take a wild guess as to who is filing the lawsuit on behalf of these offenders? One guess? When there's a wacky lawsuit, it could only be that one wacky group.
The answer is in this article.
And finally, here's a story for all those sex offender apologists and sympathizers who flood my blog whenever I write about imposing tough restrictions on where offenders can live. They bleed all over my blog that the risk of re-offending is low, that parents and neighbors have little to fear.
Yeh, right.
UPDATE: John Neville has the latest on Steve Hanke.
Starbucks: No friend of the environment, or.......a whopper of a Culinary no-no
No wonder an Iced White Chocolate Mocha at Starbucks is $4.15.
An investigation by the United Kingdom newspaper, The Sun has discovered that every single Starbucks location in the world runs a water tap into a sink constantly all day. Because of the company policy that is religiously followed in all of the company's 10,000 stores, Starbucks is wasting 6 million gallons of water daily. The paper reports that's enough to fill an Olympic size pool every 83 minutes.
A couple patronizing a Starbucks in the UK saw the running water and got the full explanation in a letter from a company executive that led to the Sun's inquiries.
At a time when water resources are coveted and some countries are literally dying of thirst, Starbucks' actions are reprehensible. The Sun reports, "A single Starbucks tap left running for just over three minutes wastes the amount of water one African needs to survive for a day in drought conditions." And yet the company defends its policy, claiming it's enforced to surpass hygiene standards in an effort to be cleaner than clean.
Not necessary say the experts. Starbucks is overdoing it. After all, do you run your kitchen sink all day to clean your forks and knives?
Starbucks told ABC News they're examining other options. Here's one: Shut the taps off NOW.
Some environmental groups have started to complain but I believe the outrage should be much louder and more widespread. Then again, hypocritical enviros have a tendency to pick and choose what gets under their skin. Dumping millions of gallons of untreated raw sewage into Lake Michigan fails to draw a whimper. Why should wasting 6 million gallons of water a day for over-priced lattes and cappuccinos bother them?
The Sun has all the details along with video evidence.
ABC News also has a follow-up.
Mr. Obama, Sir....Columbo wants to know
From an e-mail that's floating around that is sooooo good:
Ah...sorry to bother you, Mr. Obama, sir.
Excuse me Mr. Obama, I mean Senator Obama, sir. Um . . . know you are busy and important and stuff. I mean running for president is very important and . . . ah . . . I hate to bother you. I will only take a minute ok, sir?
See, I have these missing pieces that are holding me up, and I was wondering sir, if you could take time out of your busy schedule and help me out. You know, no big deal, just some loose ends and things.
Hey, you have a nice place here! The wife sees houses like this on TV all the time and says boy she wishes she had digs like this you know? Is that painting real? Really? Wow. I saw something like that in a museum once!
Oh, sorry sir. I didn't mean to get off the track. So if you could just help me out a minute and give me some details, I will get right out of your way. I want to close this case and maybe take the wife to Coney Island or something. Ever been to Coney Island ? No, I didn't think so. .
Well, listen, anyways, I can't seem to get some information I need to wrap this up. These things seem to either be 'locked' or 'not available'. I'm sure it's just some oversight or glitch or something, so if you could you tell me where these things are . . . I . . . I . . . have them written down here somewhere . . . oh wait. Sorry about the smears. It was raining out. I'll just read it to you.
Could you help me please find these things, sir?
1. Occidental College records -- Not released
2. Columbia College records -- Not released
3. Columbia Thesis paper -- 'not available'
4. Harvard College records -- Not released
5. Selective Service Registration -- Not released
6. Medical records -- Not released
7. Illinois State Senate schedule -- 'not available'
8. Law practice client list -- Not released
9. Certified Copy of original Birth certificate - - Not released
10. Embossed, signed paper Certification of Live Birth -- Not released
11. Harvard Law Review articles published -- None
12. University of Chicago scholarly articles -- None
13. Your Record of baptism-- Not released or 'not available'
14. Your Illinois State Senate records--'not available'
Oh hey . . listen! I know you are busy! Is this too much for you now? I mean tell you what.. I will come back tomorrow. Give you some time to get these things together, you know? I mean, I know you are busy, so I will just let myself out. I will be back tomorrow. And the day after. .Who wants to know these things you ask, Senator Obama? Columbo answered:
JOHN McCAIN IN HIS OWN WORDS
Friday night on InterCHANGE
Here are this week's topics on InterCHANGE, Friday night at 6:30, with a repeat broadcast Sunday morning at 11:00 on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10:
1 – Economy / Presidential Race.
The Milwaukee Journal financial writer had a great lead line in her article this morning. "Once again Wall Street got what it wanted. Once again, it wasn't enough." No matter what the government does, no matter how much money they pledge to pump into the system, it doesn't seem to be doing any good. Are people simply afraid to trust the policy makers and politicians who stood by and watched as we got into this mess? Is that why they are pulling their money out of the stock market? Are you starting to wonder if maybe they're all wrong and there will be another depression? Has the financial crisis hit home for most Americans yet? Are you confident that in a few months, or maybe a few years, things will bounce back to "normal", whatever that is? Does the average American even understand what the factors are that are causing this financial crisis?
2 – Milwaukee Buses.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff is joining the bus drivers union in calling for protective shields to keep the bus drivers safe and away from dangerous riders. This, after a number of recent beating incidents aboard busses. Is this a reasonable request? Should there be a security agent stationed on every bus? Should the county get completely out of the bus business? Is this a good argument for contracting, rather than expanding, bus service? Should rates be increased to cover the costs of additional security? You can't have a community where people are afraid to get on the buses, can you? Or, are we already at that point.
3 – UW Band.
Last weekend, for the first time in forty years, there was a UW Badger football game without the presence of the UW band. Because of alleged hazing incidents, including drinking and apparent inappropriate sexual shenanigans (harassment?), the 300 band members were suspended from performing. The school sent a letter to parents explaining (sort of) what is going on. Is the school being forthright with the community in this matter? Was it fair to impose a penalty on all 300 kids? Was it admirable that the school sent the parents a letter urging them to talk with their children when most of these kids are legal adults? Should the parents have been notified at all? Is Madison simply trying to do what it can to address its problem image of a party school? Aren't band members about the last group of kids you'd expect to have behavior problems?
A message for varsity high school football coaches
Don't pour it on.
Last fall, I wrote about an unnecessary bludgeoning of Milwaukee Washington by Milwaukee Bradley Tech that I witnessed. Word got around MPS athletics and let's just say it didn't happen again……..last season. Last weekend, I saw another blatant case of the worst sportsmanship in high school athletics: running up the score.
This time, I won't mention the teams, but I will detail the circumstances. Leading 42-19 with under two minutes to go in the game, the team about to coast to a victory had the football at about their opponent's 25-yard line. I swear there isn't a coach in southeast Wisconsin who has heard of, "taking a knee." Have the quarterback take the snap, drop back a step or two and go down to one knee. Do this two or three times, run out the clock, game over, everybody goes home, no fights break out and no one gets seriously injured for nothing.
Are you kidding me? We can't do that. We've got a chance for more, more, more! Did I forget to mention the team in the lead still has starters out on the field?
The ball is snapped, and the quarterback...........DROPS BACK TO PASS! It's a perfect spiral into the right corner of the end zone. Pass caught. Touchdown. 48-19.
The brilliant coaches decide to go for two points because during the time it took to drive down the field, they used their public school math skills to determine that would give them an even 50 points if the conversion was successful, and it was.
Oh, there's more.
On the ensuing kickoff, instead of sending the ball deep, the team leading 50-19 does something I've never seen in that situation, ever, at any level of sports. They attempted an onside kick in the hope of getting the ball back one more time. Thankfully, the attempt failed, but what if it hadn't? Would they have thrown another bomb into the end zone? Would they have been unable to settle for 50? Were 56, 57, even 58 points in their sights?
There's a word for this kind of coaching and playing: It's garbage. I'm not suggesting teams not give their best effort, but for those who say we should just let the kids play, I counter that at that point, the time for playing has long expired. It's time to wind down the clock and go home. Nothing is gained from frustrations boiling over, fights erupting, or heaven forbid, a freak, serious injury that was completely avoidable.
Varsity high school football coaches, show some class. When the game is clearly in hand, clear your bench, and don't rub it in.
Brett Favre is Jack Benny
Happy 39th birthday, Brett!
Favre's stats so far this season with the New York Jets……impressive.
Green Bay record after 5 games this year: 2-3.
Green Bay record after 5 games last year: 4-1.
How does Favre compare to other 39-year old QB's?
And yes, Aaron Rodgers did play well last Sunday against the lowly Atlanta Falcons until....
Falcons linebacker Michael Boley is tackled by Packers running back Brandon Jackson after Boley picked off a pass during the fourth quarter. (Journal Sentinel photo)
Packer losing streak: 3 games (the total number of games lost all last season)
A genius, that Ted Thompson. An absolute geniuS.
There is no voter fraud
None in Texas.
None in Missouri.
None in Indiana.
None being perpetrated by ACORN.
BrookfieldNOW's Kyle Prast says Republicans aren't sitting idly by.
And John McCain has launched an Internet ad pointing to Barack Obama's ties to ACORN.
Coming up on This Just In....
I promise there will plenty to talk about, in addition to our regular weekend features.
Saturday morning, another interesting installment of Week-ends. Jennifer will present The Barking Lot complete with the latest DOGS IN THE NEWS and what promises to be a rather pleasant dog-walking forecast.
Sunday, no Shari Hanneman this week, but we will have our Photos of the Week, the most popular blogs of the past week, and a very sweet Culinary no-no.
Thank you for stopping by.
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
Leonel Cesar
Mike Rivera
Fairgoers in Florida
Harrell Johnson
Husband of the Year
Texas cheerleaders and their school principal
Radio talk show hosts in the Twin Cities
The Reverend Peter Mullen
Adam Mucklin
The Milwaukee County Board
"The United States government is acting; we will continue to act to resolve this crisis and restore stability to our markets. We are a prosperous nation with immense resources and a wide range of tools at our disposal. We're using these tools aggressively."
President Bush Friday, trying to reassure Americans that the economy will rebound.
"My concern is that people think because we passed this (bailout) bill we're going to avoid a recession and everything's going to be fine. That will not happen."
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan
"Going forward now might cement the feeling among certain voters that we are insensitive to their economic situations."
West Bend school board member John Duwell. The board unanimously agreed Wednesday to postpone the district's $68.85 million building referendum from the Nov. 4 ballot until early next year in the wake of the economic uncertainty created by the nation's ongoing financial crisis.
"This is a tough campaign. I'm the underdog. I've always been the underdog from the beginning."
John McCain
"I'm really mad! And what's going to surprise you, it's not the economy. It's the socialists taking over our country."
An attendee at the McCain-Palin rally in Waukesha
"I am begging you, sir. I am begging you. Take it to him."
WTMJ talk show host James T. Harris, imploring McCain.
"[Ayers] wasn't a guy in the neighborhood. [Obama] launched his political career in his living room, in Mr. Ayers' living room. And I don't care about two washed-up old terrorists that are unrepentant about trying to destroy America. But I do care, and Americans should care, about his relationship with him and whether he's being truthful and candid about it. I have every right to insist that he be candid and truthful with the American people. And he needs to be asked about it, and he needs to be forthcoming,"
McCain, on Barack OBama's ties to 60's anti-war activist William Ayers. Ayers was a co-founder of the Weather Underground, a Vietnam-era group that executed domestic bombings and plotted attacks on the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon.
"Why don't we just clear it up right now. I'll repeat again what I've said many times. This is a guy who engaged in some despicable acts 40 years ago when I was eight years old. By the time I met him, 10 or 15 years ago, he was a college professor of education at the University of Illinois . . . And the notion that somehow he has been involved in my campaign, that he is an adviser of mine, that . . . I've 'palled around with a terrorist', all these statements are made simply to try to score cheap political points."
Barack Obama
"Does he have the experience and the knowledge and judgment and has he made the right decisions and has he told -- been candid with the American people? I think that's important.They certainly know me."
John McCain
"The notion that people don't know who I am is a little hard to swallow. I've been running for president for the last two years. I've campaigned in 49 states. Millions of people have heard me speak at length on every topic under the sun. I've been involved now in 25 debates, going on my 26th. And I've written two books which any -- everybody who reads them will say are about as honest a set of reflections by, at least, a politician as are out there."
Barack Obama
"The day that Sen Obama decided to cast a vote to not fund my son when he was serving sent a cold chill through my body. I would suggest that Sen Obama change shoes with me for just one day and see what it means… to have a loved one serving in the armed forces and more importantly, serving in harm's way."
Cindy McCain
"I know that Barack has the utmost respect for Sen McCain. He said so on so many occasions. You know, I think this has been a long, tough fight. And politics sometimes leads to things said between the candidates."
Michelle Obama
"With the economy in crisis and Election Day in sight, Obama can't say enough about the Clinton epoch -- the job growth, the budget surpluses, the broad prosperity -- and often lauds the former president's economic stewardship as a model. Obama's characterization of Clinton's presidency is markedly different than the one he offered during the Democratic primaries, when he was running against Clinton's wife, Senator Hillary Clinton."
Scott Helman, writing in the Boston Globe.
"I never voted before. Without this service, I would have had no way to get here."
William Woods of Cleveland, who has a felony conviction.Volunteers supporting Barack Obama picked up hundreds of people at homeless shelters, soup kitchens and drug-rehab centers and drove them to a polling place this week on the last day that Ohioans could register and vote on the same day, almost no questions asked. The huge effort by a pro-Obama group, Vote Today Ohio, takes advantage of a quirk in the state's elections laws that allows people to register and cast ballots at the same time without having to prove residency.
"The McCain folks are more helpful and generally friendly. The schedules are printed on actual books you can hold in your hand, read, and then plan accordingly. The press aides are more knowledgeable and useful to us in the news media. The events are designed with a better eye, and for the simple needs of the press corps. When he is available, John McCain is friendly and loquacious. Obama holds news conferences, but seldom banters with the reporters who've been following him for thousands of miles around the country. Go figure.The McCain campaign plane is better than Obama's, which is cramped, uncomfortable and smells terrible most of the time. Somehow the McCain folks manage to keep their charter clean, even where the press is seated."
CBS' Dean Reynolds
"Hi Charlie,
As you might have heard, I am covering the McCain/Palin appearance today. At the media breakfast at the Pfister Hotel about an hour ago, you would simply not believe the vicious, nasty conversation I just overheard between several "elite" media types from the McClatchey news service, AP, and a couple of other sources I didn't quite catch.
Over the course of just a few minutes, I heard that 'Sean Hannity gives Dick Cheney the best head of his life,' and that he and Lou Dobbs are 'mean-spirited sycophants,' and that McCain himself is 'angry' and 'crusty.' One even recalled a recent campaign event at which Sarah Palin autographed a supporter's Bible, prompting this 'objective"'journalist to remark 'these people terrify me.'
And this was just in the span of a 10 minute conversation! I simply cannot believe that these are the people entrusted to cover the McCain/Palin campaign fairly and accurately. I have never before wanted to do a show like yours quite as badly as I do right now--so that I can expose these people for who they really are: unabashed, unashamed partisans whose callous, bitter attitude towards conservatives very clearly permeates their work."
An e-mail sent to WTMJ's Charlie Sykes from a local journalist covering a visit this week to Wisconsin by John McCain.
"She should just drop all pretense and put on her white hood and light up a cross. She is a despicable human being."
A reference to Sarah Palin from the blog, Democratic Underground. The blog asserted that because Palin was wearing white at a campaign event, she is racist. Here are other nice, warm, compassionate quotes from the same blog.
"If Wisconsin would simply allow police to pull drivers over for failing to wear their seat belts, the savings are estimated at 73 lives and $220 million every year, according to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. So what's the hold up?"
Wisconsin State Journal editorial, arguing in support of a primary seat belt enfordcement law.
"Look, it's well documented that wearing seatbelts is smart and saves lives. Much as we dislike being bossed around by Washington, the state law mandating belts makes sense. We're not against seatbelts. We are, however, against encouraging police officers to pull people over just because they might think a driver forgot to fasten the belt. There's just too much room for harassment.Most states have seatbelt-stop laws. Wisconsin certainly wouldn't be breaking any new ground by giving in to the federal demand. But somewhere, some day, we believe it's worth drawing a line that says, 'No thanks. We're satisfied the way things are, so keep the money - and keep your nose out of our business.'"
From a Beloit Daily New editorial.The federal government is offering Wisconsin millions of dollars if it adopts a primary seat belt law.
Has to be Starbucks. See Villains above.
John McCain is still in it.
John McCain is out of it.
More than one this week...
Its'a miracle.
Are you a witch?
Blogger Dad29 reads This Just In...and I read Dad29. He's got his own suggestion for this category.
Remember that woman stuck on a toilet? Here's an update you won't believe.
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
The Barking Lot
TO NEW READERS: The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...co-written by my wife and yours truly. Jennifer provides the opening blog and then I bring you DOGS IN THE NEWS.
THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.
TODAY: "A" all day and this evening.
SUNDAY: Ditto. A picture perfect dog-walking weekend is in store.
My favorite neighbor dog Mickey is a beautiful, sweet-tempered Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier. If I see her out for a walk with her dad George, I run out to pet her and get my fix of licks and tail wags. I think Mickey is one of the happiest, healthiest dogs I have ever known. I swear that dog actually SMILES.
Mickey is about four years old and has all the spark of a puppy. She has a soft, shiny coat; bright eyes; perky disposition and I've never noticed any odor about her, be it "dog coat smell or doggy breath." George and his wife treat this dog like gold… the same way we will treat our dog when we get one. (While Dad takes her for a walk in the winter, Mom is home warming towels in the dryer to wipe her chilled, damp paws. Every day.)
Kevin and I have discussed feeding practices many times. He's all for the occasional scrap of human goodies: a toss of a pizza scrap, a morsel of meat, etc. I've seen what too many table scraps and treats can do to dogs: my Sugar was terribly overweight because our family literally killed her with kindness. Unfortunately pet health wasn't as big an issue 25 years ago and we didn't really know any better. Kevin's theory is she must have lived a happy and content life… if she really enjoyed that piece of occasional pizza was that really so wrong? Did it knock of a day in her short life? Maybe. But if she was one day less on this earth, she was one day happier.
I have seen Kevin give Leia, our Yellow Lab dog-in-law, several bits of treats from the snack table on holidays. (Of course her family does it too so we are not going against their wishes.) Kevin helped let her out this past week while his brother and sister-in-law were on vacation. I bought her a new squeak toy. I can only imagine what he slipped her in everyone's absence!
Back to Mickey, our neighbor dog. Mickey is fed nothing but 100% human food. Her mom cooks for her daily. Poached chicken, ground beef, rice, and an occasional piece of steak. She loves her vegetables too, especially green beans. Her diet has been fully sanctioned by her vet, a vet George has used for many years for many dogs. She gets commercial "treats" with vitamin supplements but other than that she and her mom and dad could share the same plate.
George has made the decision to feed Mickey a human food diet because of all the frightening recalls of dog food. He is not about to see anything bad happen to their beloved dog. Kevin and I both agree with this theory and plan on feeding our future dog this way. We can't imagine the heartbreak of having a pet poisoned by the very food we thought would be appropriate.
We know that MANY dog owners and dog health professionals disagree with us. Obviously we would do our research and consult our vet before we'd make our dog bacon and eggs for breakfast.
The Whole Dog Journal offers subscription options but some articles are available in their entirety on-line. This article reviews many alternatives to feeding Fido his usual canned Alpo.
There is as much debate over feeding your dog a human food diet as there is over its owners being vegetarians vs. omnivores. For the Future Fischer dog, a human diet is as guaranteed as Mr. and Mrs. Fischer never touching tofu.
---Jennifer Fischer
Thanks, Jennifer! Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made all kinds of headlines this past week, and did they ever. We always begin with the more serious stories.
Did this woman go too far? I certainly think so.
A U.S. soldier's dog could be executed.
A warning has been issued about a rabid Iraqi dog here in the U.S.
A Texas woman uses the Internet to track down the adult child of a man killed while saving dogs from a freeway.
We love stories like this one, about another very special dog.
This church welcomes dogs.
Politics and pooches in a sibling rivalry.
There's a Rin TinTin-Hollywood controversy brewing.
The most popular names for dogs?
And it's an age old question. Do dogs look like.......their owners?
That's it for this week. Thanks for visiting. We close with music and lyrics from Eric Stoltz.
33 years ago today, a Notre Dame legend was born
Being a Notre Dame fan, I'm watching their game at North Carolina this afternoon.
Thirty-three years ago this afternoon at North Carolina, Notre Dame struggled, until one of the future greats came off the bench in the 4th quarter for the Irish.
From today's South Bend Tribune:
"In the third period, however, the Tar Heels scored twice and took a 14-0 lead into the final period. Early in the fourth period, Rick Slager engineered a drive and with plenty of running help from Jerome Heavens and Al Hunter, the Irish scored. But Slager misfired on a 2-point conversion pass and it was 14-6 with 11:27 to play. When the clock got down to 6:00, it was 'Montana time.'"
Here's what happened next….
Ed Hochuli is not having a good season
If you watched Monday Night Football earlier this week, you saw another blown call by referee Ed Hochuli.
Minnesota linebacker Chad Greenway grabbed the facemask of New Orleans' Reggie Bush. The play forced a fumble that was recovered by the Vikings.
Everyone in the stadium and watching on television saw the blatant facemask penalty……everyone except Hochuli and the other blind mice on his crew. No flag was thrown was on the play. As you might expect, the Saints weren't happy.
The National Football League has fined Greenway $7,500. No word on what, if anything will happen to Hochuli who has turned in an absolutely brutal performance so far this season.
My most popular blogs
As I post every Sunday, here are the top five most popular of my blog entries from the previous week:
1) The Barking Lot (10/04/08)
2) Culinary no-no #79
3) The latest weapon against sex offenders...and other sex offender news
4) Photos of the Week (10/05/08)
5) Sweetheart, are you "Party A" or am I?
Photos of the Week (10/12/08)
Trader Arthur Cashin wears a "Dow 10,000" hat, one that was given out when the Dow Jones Industrial Average first hit 10,000 on March 29, 1999, as he works on the NYSE trading floor Monday Oct. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Members of Code Pink protest as former AIG CEO Martin Sullivan (R) leaves after he testified at a hearing before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Capitol Hill October 7, 2008 in Washington, DC. The hearing was to examine the causes and effects of the AIG bailout. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
Nice article about Franklin
It's in today's Journal Sentinel.
As usual, the good stuff is at the end. Residents are interviewed who express a desire for lower taxes, more restaurants, and changes to the roundabout on Drexel.
Knock knock. Who's there? The Greenfield police...
Convicted sex offender Steve Hanke, booted out of Franklin recently for being in violation of Franklin's tough ordinances that restrict where sex offenders can live, had to go somewhere.
Look where he turned up: At a motel on Highway 100 in Greenfield that doesn't have an ordinance that limits where sex offenders can live.
Why doesn't Greenfield have a Franklin-like ordinance? The Greenfield Common Council is hemming and hawing about a proposed ordinance by Greenfield Alderman Linda Lubotsky, even though Franklin and next-door Greendale have such laws on the books.
Lubotsky told her fellow Council members Greenfield could become a dumping ground. Hanke went right for Greenfield, and is now living just 1531 feet from a day care center.
The next meeting of the Greenfield Common Council Legislative Committee to consider and possibly vote on Lubotsky's ordinance is Monday, October 20, 2008 at 6:30. So far, the only certain vote in support of the ordinance is Lubotsky's.
Meanwhile, kudos to Greenfield police who are informing sex offenders what they can and cannot do during Halloween.
Thank goodness Greenfield and so many other communities around the country recognize why measures like these are necessary.
Culinary no-no #80
This weekend, I picked up my brother and his wife at the airport on their return home from a Naples, Florida vacation. My sister-in-law made me think of this week's Culinary no-no when she mentioned eating at all sorts of wonderful waterside restaurants in Florida.
Our conversation made me recall a former girlfriend. I was19, she was 23. I suggested we go to dinner one Friday night at Pieces of Eight. Located at 550 N. Harbor Drive, Pieces of Eight was Milwaukee's only restaurant on the shores of Lake Michigan. My girlfriend at the time had been to Pieces of Eight (I had not) and reluctantly agreed. We had a good time, even though the less than glowing review she warned me about turned out to be correct.
Atmosphere: *********************************
Food: *
And that reputation hounded the restaurant for decades. Pieces of Eight was a great date place, until the entrée arrived. A new owner recently re-decorated the inside and the quality of the food did improve immensely. Then a Pieces of Eight became Harbor 550. Now, who knows what's next in store for that site.
Milwaukee's lakefront is considered sacred. When someone foolishly suggested putting up a McDonald's near the site of that putrid snack bar at Bradford Beach, it was like tugging on Superman's cape, spitting in the wind, pulling the mask off the ol' Lone Ranger. There seems to be, on the part of many, a mindset, that absolutely nothing should ever be done to or on Milwaukee's lakefront beyond what we already have in the Henry Maier Festival grounds (Summerfest). I point out that there was a certain entity that ridiculed and chastised the late Milwaukee Mayor Henry Maier and his vision of Summerfest. It would never work, this oh-so-wise group argued because the idea was utterly ridiculous. Yep, that was yet another brainstorm from those geniuses who wrote editorials for, at that time, the Milwaukee Journal.
The restaurant that occupies the old Pieces of Eight is set to close this week. Milwaukee's fabulous lakefront would be the perfect site for a high quality restaurant that matches that incredible view. The problem is, no one has that vision. No one wants to plop a 4-star dining establishment on that pristine piece of real estate, especially picky, finicky environmentalists.
So Milwaukee wastes a wonderful chance. Visit other cities, towns, villages adjacent to scenic waterways and you'll find terrific restaurants taking full advantage. Not here. But we can have cigarette butts, broken glass, and a dilapidated snack bar, and that's ok. Suggest, as I am here, a restaurant on Lake Michigan and the tar and feather brigade calls an emergency meeting.
Again, here is what might be in store to replace the old Pieces of Eight.
There's nothing wrong with that, but how incredibly unexciting, and what a lost opportunity, truly a Culinary no-no.
Your tax dollar at work this election
There's a flier floating around promoting a rally (sure to be pro-Barack Obama) followed by an immediate registration and vote at Milwaukee City Hall.
Here's what the flier reads:
Vote Early Rally
With Special Guest State Senator Lena Taylor
Learn how the political system works and take part in your civic responsibility
Meet at MATC
Downtown Campus
Rm. S120
Tuesday, Oct. 14th 1:00 pm
**Note Time Change**
Questions call (414) 803‐4511
Gee. I wonder who Lena Taylor will be touting at this rally. And look where the rally is taking place: MATC
MATC is a publicly-funded, taxpayer supported institution. And how!
MATC is one of many technical colleges in the state. According to the non-partisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, the technical college tax levies have increased from $251 million in 1992-'93 to $622 million in 2005-'06. That's an increase of almost 150 percent compared to a 75 percent increase in overall levies during the same time period. Non-elected technical college boards have been free to raise tax levies, and taxpayers have been rendered powerless.
After the rally, I'm told people will march to City Hall to register and/or vote.
MATC has no business hosting a rally actively supporting one candidate over the other. The level of tax support for MATC is astounding. They shouldn't be engaging in blatant politics.
Think you could become a saint someday?
The odds aren't very good if you're from America.
Culinary no-no #81, or...
I'll be a waiter's uncle.
Culinary no-no on a Monday?
Consider it a bonus that just couldn't wait until next weekend.
There really isn't all that much to say about this except……wrong, very wrong.
Barack Obama's phony tax cuts
Prior to last week's debate between John McCain and Barack Obama, I blogged, "As usual, the key issue in the campaign pertains to pocketbooks. McCain must paint Barack Obama as the outrageous tax and spend liberal that he is. When Obama counters that under his plan, 95% of Americans will get a tax break, McCain must fire back that most of those people don't pay taxes, so Obama is, in effect, promising welfare checks."
Don't be fooled by Obama. His tax plan would, just as he wants to, increase taxes. The Wall Street Journal has the breakdown.
3rd UPDATE: Nebraska's Safe Haven Law not at all like Wisconsin's
Michigan parents flew to Nebraska in order to abandon their 13-year old child.
The Nebraska Legislature needs to repeal this outrageous law ASAP.
On sale Tuesday, and no, it's not too early
Not when snow is falling….
Sam Shangeaux uses a broom to remove snow from her car in Billings, Montana Sunday. A major storm left much of Montana white from the season's first heavy snowfall. (Photo: Billings Gazette, AP)
And not when ornaments were in the Hallmark stores in July.
Look for this to be a huge seller.
Watch how the project came together.
Bryan Maersch will be missed
I'm sorry to see Bryan Maersch leave the list of FranklinNOW bloggers and respect whatever reason he chose to stop writing. Blogging is a huge commitment and is not as easy as it might appear.
The more voices in the blogosphere, the better, so Bryan's contributions here will be missed. Bryan, I am confident, will continue to serve Frankin well via his role on the city's Technology Commission.
The best of luck to him and his family.
If you're a Franklin School Board member...
You've got to be feeling pretty good these days.
Why? Because with the exception of an occasional blog or John Neville FranklinNOW piece, no one is paying attention to the Franklin School Board. That has to be some measure of relief for the board that was under heavy criticism this time last year for bungling the entire budget process that resulted in a 12.7% school tax levy increase.
Did you check out your October City of Franklin newsletter? Tucked inside is a message from Franklin School Board President Dave Szychlinkski that says, in part, "At this time, we still don't know the exact level of revenue that we will receive from the state…"
Yeh, yeh, yeh, we hear this every single year. School districts with both hands shoved in the state's face want more and more and more and play the woe-is-me card as they jack up taxes through the roof.
Szychlinkski continues, "But we have approved a tax levy increase of 3.7%. Even if state revenue falls short of our expectations, the board is committed to sticking to a total levy increase of 3.7%."
Some observations:
1) Last year, the Franklin School Board used the same argument that state aid was uncertain, and said the tax levy would go up over 5%. This year, the level of state aid is still in doubt, but despite that fact, the board has approved and is committed to a tax levy increase of just 3.7%.
2) It's not that I don't trust this board. It's just that I don't trust this board.
3) Last October we were promised the levy would be over 5%. Later, I reported on my blog that the levy increase was actually 12.7% (To be fair, I note that current members David Works and Linda Witkowski were not on the board last fall).
I do hold out hope that this time the board will be more honest. If they can hold that levy increase to 3.7%, that's obviously a major improvement from last year's atrocity. Add that to a city budget that could see an increase of just 3%, or possibly less if the Common Council makes some adjustments, and finally Franklin taxpayers will get the breaks they deserve.
If you dare to cross the Messiah...
He'll make your life miserable.
As you read this scary stuff, recall how the left made such a big deal out of people's phones being tapped post-9/11.
HT: Texas Hold 'Em Blogger
JOHN McCAIN IN HIS OWN WORDS
For you sex offender sympathizers out there…
Yes, I'm talking to those of you who read my blog who foolishly believe convicted sex offenders are no longer a risk to society. They never go after strangers. They're rehabilitated. Ordinances that are designed to keep sex offenders away from children are unfair and are actually more dangerous.
Kindly remove your heads from the sand (or anywhere else they may be) and read this.
He claimed he was too fat to die.....wanna bet?
Ever notice how prison inmates, especially those scumbags on death row, once confronting execution, suddenly whine and moan and scream and beg for leniency? That would be a cry for mercy they never gave their innocent victims.
These cold-blooded killers aren't so tough behind bars, clamoring for legal help when forced to eat Nutraloaf.
Eventually, they will eat, and eat, and eat, thanks to you and me, the taxpayers who keep the worst of the worst sheltered and alive, in many case for decades.
One death row inmate gained weight in prison, and then tried to use his obesity to spare his life. Richard Cooey argued he was too fat to be executed, that something could go wrong during the lethal injection.
"You can't kill me. Look at me. I'm too fat."
And why not? All you need to do is get your case heard by some bonehead judge, and for the next who knows how many years, you're stuffing your face again, courtesy of Uncle Sam as you plot your next bunch of appeals.
No such luck for Cooey. A judge didn't fall for his nonsense. Prison officials had no trouble finding veins through all his blubber. Imagine that. Cooey was executed today.
Cooey expressed no remorse for his crimes in his last words.
"For what? You (expletive) haven't paid any attention to anything I've said in the last 22 1/2 years, why would anyone pay any attention to anything I've had to say now."
Richard Cooey will never be forced to eat Nutraloaf ever again. Now that's justice.
Barking Lot UPDATE: A doggone shame
In this past Saturday's edition of The Barking Lot, Jennifer and I conveyed the story of the U.S. Army's intentions to execute a U.S. soldier's dog named Ratchet.
Efforts are now underway to save the Iraqi dog as representatives from Operation Baghdad Pups head for the Middle East.
So, let me get this straight. Our country sits by and does nothing to stop the avalanche of illegal aliens pouring across our borders, many of whom commit violent crimes, but is adamant about killing one of our brave soldier's adopted dogs?????
You can sign an online petition asking that Ratchet be saved.
The guy over here, yeh, that's right, this guy
Dear Senator McCain:
Tonight when you point out all the highly questionable aspects of your opponent's record, and I certainly hope you will, please refer to him as, "That Senator." He's very sensitive.
Thank you.
UPDATE: Class, your assignment today is to trash Sarah Palin
Recently, a professor at a taxpayer-supported institution of higher education in Colorado instructed his students to write negative essays about Sarah Palin.
An investigation was ordered.The results are in.
Now, you don't realIy have to click the link to find out what happened, do you?
Less monitoring of sex offenders?
Governor Doyle today predicted the state budget deficit could reach $3 billion. That means many programs and expenditures will have to be re-examined, including the state's monitoring of sex offenders. The Journal Sentinel asks:
"How will state government afford any new programs and new employees to run them - for example, 103 more workers the state Department of Corrections says it needs to manage sex offenders, including those being tracked by GPS units? Hiring those 103 workers would cost $10.2 million over the next two years, the agency says in budget documents."
Maybe if the state wouldn't have been spending like crazy for the past several budgets we wouldn't be forced to confront such a serious question.
Ratchet coming home
It appears an Iraqi dog adopted by a U.S. soldier once scheduled for execution is now headed for America.
Friday night on InterCHANGE
Here are the topics my co-panelists and I discuss on InterCHANGE Friday night at 6:30 on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, with a repeat on Sunday morning at 11:00:
1 – Presidential Debate / Presidential Race.
Who won the final debate? The cool and calm Obama? Or the slightly more aggressive McCain? At rally after rally this past two weeks, folks urged McCain to be much more aggressive. Why didn't he do that? Is it just not in his character? Is he simply fulfilling his pledge to run a clean campaign, at least when he is face to face with Obama? Do you see anything happening in the next few weeks that would turn the polls to McCain? Does TV hurt John McCain? Does it make him look like a tired old man compared to Barack Obama? Does he look old and tired because he is, or because of the devastating effects of the torture he endured as a prisoner of war. Is the election about anything other than the economy right now?
2 – Charlene Hardin.
The Journal Sentinel will not let up on Charlene Hardin, the ethically challenged Milwaukee school board member who apparently likes the free travel she is allowed to take courtesy of MPS. Why doesn't the board condemn her? Why did school officials simply ok all her expenses? Is that simply the culture in an organization like that? As an elected official, is she pretty much free to do whatever she wants until voters boot her out? Isn't this the time when MPS needs much stronger leaders?
3 – Brewers Manager.
Should Dale Sveum get the Milwaukee Brewers manager job? Was the final 12 games of the regular season enough to prove that he has what it takes? Should they go after someone with big league experience? Would Sveum be a fan favorite, and help sell another three million tickets next season?
Boy was I wrong...and I'm glad
On April 19, 2007, the Philadelphia Phillies were off to a miserable start in the 2007 season with a record of 3-10. I blogged that Phillies' manager Charlie Manuel would be the first skipper fired before the end of the season. Manuel stuck around and Philly went to the playoffs.
That was last year. With Manuel at the helm again in 2008, the Phillies are returning to the World Series.
Prior to Game Two against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the just-completed NLCS, Manuel lost his mother. He stayed with his team, and now that the Dodgers have been dealt with, Manuel has headed home to pay his last respects. Through all the suffering, Manuel has handled it well.
As trite as it sounds, Manuel is a decent man, often made fun of by the harsh sports media because of his West Virginia accent. And the Phillies are likeable, a team that doesn't have any jerks a la Manny Ramirez.
C'mon, Charlie. Four more wins. Do it for your mom.
The polls all say Obama has the lead, so he's going to win, right?
Well, like that classic old Duke Ellington tune goes, ain't necessarily so.
Columnist Ann Coulter did a flagrant act of journalism by reviewing poll numbers in Presidential races dating back to 1976. Here are some of her findings:
"In 1976, Jimmy Carter narrowly beat Gerald Ford 50.1 percent to 48 percent. And yet, on Sept. 1, Carter led Ford by 15 points.
In 1980, Ronald Reagan beat Carter by nearly 10 points, 51 percent to 41 percent. In a Gallup Poll released days before the election on Oct. 27, it was Carter who led Reagan 45 percent to 42 percent.
In 1984, Reagan walloped Walter Mondale 58.8 percent to 40 percent, -- the largest electoral landslide in U.S. history. But on Oct. 15, The New York Daily News published a poll showing Mondale with only a 4-point deficit to Reagan, 45 percent to 41 percent.
In 1992, Bill Clinton beat the first President Bush 43 percent to 37.7 percent. (Ross Perot got 18.9 percent of Bush's voters that year.) On Oct. 18, a Newsweek Poll had Clinton winning 46 percent to 31 percent, and a CBS News Poll showed Clinton winning 47 percent to 35 percent.
In 1996, Bill Clinton beat Bob Dole 49 percent to 40 percent. And yet on Oct. 22, 1996, The New York Times/CBS News Poll showed Clinton leading by a massive 22 points, 55 percent to 33 percent.
In 2000, which I seem to recall as being fairly close, the October polls accurately described the election as a virtual tie, with either Bush or Al Gore 1 or 2 points ahead in various polls. But in one of the latest polls to give either candidate a clear advantage, The New York Times/CBS News Poll on Oct. 3, 2000, showed Gore winning by 45 percent to 39 percent."
Democrats and their wholly-owned subsidiary, the mainstream media, are ready to pop the champagne corks. Oh, the Messiah could very well be victorious. But I haven't heard any fat lady sing yet.
JOHN McCAIN IN HIS OWN WORDS
To many, a hero, even if they don't know his name
Take a good look at the following picture.
Do you know who this is?
We'll come back to this gentleman in a bit.
First, let's turn back the clock to the evening of January 12, 1966.
It was a night millions of Americans waited for with great anticipation. Mom and Dad opened up the Fischer living room to what seemed to be the entire neighborhood. My brother Greg's friends were all there: Freddie, Rafael, Goody (Another guy named Greg's nickname), Ronnie, and a whole bunch more I'm forgetting. (Hey, that was 42 years ago).
A big part of our young lives was about to virtually come to life before our very eyes. Man, this was going to be cool. So cool. Right there, for the very first time, on prime time television.
What would it be like?
What would he be like?
My parents, but mostly a great big group of kids were mesmerized for every moment, right up to the very end when we knew trouble, big trouble was lurking.
UPDATE: Men (and women) are dreaming about Sarah Palin
Slate asked people to write about their Sarah Palin dreams.
And write they did. Some stories are, as you might expect, bizarre.
Is Milwaukee's police chief a closet liberal?
Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said the following at a hearing on his department's 2009 budget:
"We've gone from 'no taxation without representation' to 'no taxation.' ... I don't even listen to AM radio any more. It makes my hair hurt."
Chief, people pay high taxes around here and expect something in return, including safe streets. You were hired to arrest bad guys and reduce crime. You do that, and maybe your hair won't feel so bad.
Another rescued Iraqi dog
This one's headed for Wisconsin.
Aloha universal health care
Socialized medicine, the kind state Senate Democrats want to bring to Wisconsin, has failed in our 50th state.
Hawaii, the only state in the country to offer universal child health care, is dumping the program. Why? Because parents that could afford health insurance were, guess what........dropping their private plans in order to get the free government coverage.
A high-ranking bureaucrat, obviously scratching his head, made a statement that, golly gee, this sure wasn't the intent of universal care. It may not have been the intent, but this is exactly the effect that takes place when do-gooder bleeding heart liberals try to use government to solve everything.
Here's the story.
Police at the polls-let's do it
Last month, I called for police officers to be stationed at polling places because there is going to be a great deal of cheating this Election Day.
Blogger Glenn Frankovis, a former MPD captain, makes the same call today.
The Barking Lot
In our family, we always took our pets to the vet for their regular vaccinations and check-ups, in addition to the many times we took them for an illness or injury. It was just part of being a responsible pet owner. We also felt that spaying our two dogs and neutering our cat was part of responsible ownership. Quite honestly if either of our dogs had puppies there is no way we could have parted with those chubby, warm balls of fuzz. As for our male cat, well… we all know one significant reason for neutering. Who wants to replace drapes and furniture on a regular basis?
THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.
TODAY: Sunny and dry all day, but cool. "B"
SUNDAY: Warmer, sunny, dry. High temps in the mid-60's. "B+"
Every pet owner I know has had their dog "fixed." It seems to just come with the territory when you get a new puppy or kitten: first shots, possible de-clawing for the cat, and "the big snip." However, it is obviously a CHOICE to have this done.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers the following stance. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is in agreement, and offers reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet.
For pet owners who are wondering what they should do, the HSUS gives facts and myths about this process.
California has been known to draft some pretty nutty legislation. So it came as no surprise when a bill was proposed to mandate the spaying and neutering of pets, with a few exceptions. The bill was NOT passed, but instead the current law was changed to impose stiffer penalties on existing fines.
Personally, I have a real problem with any legislation that takes away such a simple freedom as the choice to spay or neuter your family pet. I completely support spaying and neutering for the very reasons HSUS and ASPCA do. However, if a pet owner is truly opposed to the procedure (and is not just saying "I can't afford it" because there are always programs to help people overcome this obstacle) I feel the owner should be able to make that choice. I wonder what California will try to legislate next… how many times a day a dog can bark?
---Jennifer Fischer
Nice touch, Jennifer, tying in Culinary no-no…….I always knew you were awfully sharp. And you're becoming a tough act to follow. Onward we go, with DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.
The Barking Lot is on Ratchet Watch. The Iraqi dog adopted by a U.S. soldier could ship out for America Sunday.
An international team of scientists has discovered what they believe is the world's first known dog.
There's an update in the settlement involving pet food manufacturers.
Should you have to pay to take your pet to a dog park?
Could your arthritis medicine work on dogs?
And it turns out that young male puppies are real gentlemen.
That's it for this week's edition of the ever popular Barking Lot. We close with final words from Josh Hutcherson...
A look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
Lauren Molitor
Wisconsin Congressmen Ryan, Sensenbrenner, and Petri
Efrain Arango
Ratchet's rescuers
WTMJ's James T. Harris....
Down to the wire again for Franklin football
Here we go again, Saber fans. Remember last year's rollercoaster football season? Franklin got off to a miserable start, but finished strong, barely making it into the state playoffs.
The same scenario is playing out this season. After last night's 35-7 win over South Milwaukee, Franklin is 4-4. They need a win over Muskego Wednesday night to finish with a winning record and qualify for a playoff berth. Get into the playoffs and anything can happen, especially with Franklin's high-powered offense that few, if any teams have seen all year.
Wednesday's game at Franklin vs. Muskego (2-6) will kickoff at 6:00, and not the originally scheduled 7:00 game time.
You won't find this on the Franklin Public Schools' website
From the Public Policy Forum's October newletter:
"Milwaukee had the highest 2006-07 dropout rate at 7.76%, followed by Franklin at 7.52% and Racine at 5.33%."
Some people simply have no business voting
Earlier this year I blogged that twenty-something's find voting to be difficult. I'll make it real simple for them: stay home on Election Day.
ABC's John Stossel provides ample, and painful evidence that there are a lot of uninformed (a.k.a. stupid) eligible voters...
No bowl game for the Badgers?
It's starting to look that way as the Badgers are now 0-4 in the Big Ten and 3-4 overall after another embarrassing loss Saturday, this time to Iowa, 38-16. Can you imagine, Wisconsin not good enough for the Motor City or Congressional Bowl games?
What's the problem?
Bret Bielema is no Barry Alvarez. His comment after Saturday's loss:
"I'm responsible for everything that goes on out there - offense, defense and special teams."
How's that Aaron Rodgers jersey selling?
From jsonline.com:
"Brett Favre's New York Jets jersey was the top-selling NFL player jersey from April 1 to Oct. 15 at the NFLShop.com site.
No Packers players ranked in the top 25."
Ted Thompson, still a villain
I didn't list Green Bay Packer GM Ted Thompson as one of my VILLAINS OF THE WEEK in my Week-ends round-up Saturday, but I could have. Thompson made another bonehead decision last week, passing on a trade for statistically the best tight end in NFL history, Tony Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Letter writers to the Journal Sentinel today (the letters are not online, you'll have to go to the actual newspaper to see them) are rightfully questioning Thompson's inertia.
One writer called the non-trade, "mind-boggling." Another, Thomas Dollhopf of Milwaukee summed it up nicely:
"Thompson could've had a Pro Bowl receiver (Randy Moss) a Pro Bowl quarterback (Brett Favre) and a Pro Bowl tight end (Gonzalez) for a second and third round draft choice. I swear this guy was sent here to sabotage the Packers. We need someone who wants to win, not someone who is so egotistical that he thinks he's smarter than everyone else in football."
My most popular blogs
As I post every Sunday, here are the top five most popular of my blog entries from the previous week:
1) The Barking Lot (10/11/08)
2) Photos of the Week (10/12/08)
3) Barking Lot UPDATE: A doggone shame
4) Culinary no-no #80
5) Nice article about Franklin
Photos of the Week (10/19/08)
US Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) (L) speaks to Joe Wurzelbacher as he canvasses a neighbourhood in Holland, Ohio in this October 12, 2008 file photo. Obama and John McCain may have turned him into the most famous small-business owner in America, but Joe the Plumber isn't about to return the favor with an endorsement. Wurzelbacher came to prominence last week when he asked Obama about his tax plan during a campaign stop, which led to an appearance on a Fox News talk show and an invitation to a McCain rally. Photo: Reuters
The final debate.
Customers watch both the Philadelphia Phillies game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the National League baseball championship series and debate between Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., at a television store in San Mateo, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Joe Wurzelbacher walks to a his truck in a neighbor's driveway followed by reporters in Holland, Ohio on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 16, 2008. Wurzelbacher is better known as "Joe the Plumber," the nickname Republican John McCain bestowed on him during Wednesday's presidential debate with Democrat Barack Obama. AP Photo
1-2-3-4 ...Can I have a little more?
5-6-7-8-9-10 I love you……..the opening lines from the Beatles' "All Together Now," the title of a new documentary about the behind the scenes production of "Love," the Cirque du Soleil production. Fellow Beatle fans, the documentary is being shown at select Marcus Theaters Monday night and might be worth checking out.
Where you can see "All Together Now"
"Love" clips…
Another "true" whippersnapper
Despite their troubles, I still love the University of Wisconsin Band. Why? Most of these young, talented kids are worthy of our support and respect. I blogged the following in February 2007 before I made my annual visit to see the band perform at Oak Creek High School:
"The band is special. For decades, the highly-talented students have been proud ambassadors for the marvelous UW. The visit to Oak Creek is usually a rehearsal for the band's sold out spring concerts at the Kohl Center.
These young Badgers can really play. But one of the reasons I like to attend this concert every year, and this will sound as corny as one of Band Director Michael) Leckrone's jokes, is that seeing these terrific students restores my faith and confidence in our youth. The vast majority of our young people today are good, decent, hard-working individuals we can be proud of. The Wisconsin Badger Marching Band proves it."
The fact is, we rarely hear about the accomplishments of our youth. A story in the newspaper, on radio or TV about a young person today will almost certainly be negative.
That's why I love stories about real honest to goodness whippersnappers, like the Greenfield student/blogger I introduced to you recently.
Here's another about an entrepreneur in New Hampshire who owns his own business, at the ripe old age of 15.
Culinary no-no #82
"Breakfast may really be the most important meal of the day."
Dr Mark Pereira, formerly of the Harvard medical School, now an associate professor of epidemiology and community health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
Registered dietician and blogger Julie Whittington from Lake Norman, North Carolina writes:
"If you are concerned about not feeling hungry in the morning or not having enough time to eat breakfast, perhaps you should re-evaluate your daily routine. Ask yourself the following questions if you regularly skip breakfast or eat an unbalanced breakfast in the morning: (1) Am I dragging by mid-morning? (2) Am I grouchy and lacking concentration in the morning? (3) Do I tend to get very hungry mid-afternoon or late in the evening? (4) Are my other responsibilities (i.e. work, camp, etc.) more important than staying healthy?"
Hold that thought.
EPCOT at Walt Disney World in Florida is in the midst of their annual International Food and Wine Festival.
The Food and Wine Festival is about as gastronomic and gourmet as a theme park can get. At the yearly EPCOT culinary extravaganza, guests can sample food and wine from around the world at international marketplaces and specialty dinners, attend seminars and wine schools and meet guest chefs.
The Halloween Scarlet Letter
This is a very good thing.
Homes where sex offenders live in Maryland are required to post these signs on Halloween.
When trick or treaters and their parents see this.....
They know not to ring the doorbell.
The risk is too great.
This is a common sense measure that I have absolutely no problem with.
Maryland is not alone in preventing sex offenders from participating in Halloween activities. Sex offender sympathizers won't have a Happy Halloween in Delaware, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, Texas, and Wisconsin where registered sex offenders are banned from handing out candy, going to kids' parties, or being on the streets.
I love this. Can't you just feel this sex offender apologist turning purple, kicking and stomping his/her feet as he/she wrote into Governing.com a few years ago (also, note the award-winning spelling):
"This is rediculas!!!! Sex offenders have already done jail time, and in essance, they are being held to a curfew, this is jailing them again. They have served their time and the ones that are out need to be left alone!!!!! On halloween night, its the parents responsibility to keep their kids safe, meaning they should be with them and not letting them run wild in the streets. Maybe if parents took more responsibility for the actions of their children then sex offenders wouldn't get the chance to 'snatch up' their children. What about the ones that have been wrongfully convicted by a bitter, vengeful exwife.. "
Is it just me or does anyone else think that was written by a sex offender whose wife dumped him?
Yeh, my heart bleeds. Some creep can't hand out Three Musketeers and kids will be a lot safer as a result.
Those signs are great.
Neon flashing lights would be even better.
Franklin works to make Halloween safe
The Franklin Police Department does an outstanding job enforcing the city's sex offender ordinances. It also works hard around Halloween ensuring child safety. Franklin Police Chief Richard Oliva sent, in part, the following note to Franklin aldermen:
"Questions come up every year at this time about what the police department is going to do about the city's Sex Offender Registrants during Trick or Treating. For the last 3 years I have had an initiative in place to ensure our children are safe from these individuals. As in the past, this year we are working with Probation and Parole to ensure that the registrants who are under Active Supervision are reminded that they are not allowed to have any contact with children, including giving out candy during Trick or Treat. It should be noted though, that of the current 17offenders, only 4 are on Active Supervision subject to Probation and Parole conditions of release. The other registrants are off supervision and have no conditions of release. Their only requirement is to keep their work, school, and residence information current with the State.
The police department will be closely monitoring ALL registrants living in the city during Trick or Treat hours. We will be watching for Conditions of Release compliance from those on Active Supervision, and watching ALL registrants for compliance with Ordinance 167, as it relates to Child Safety Zones.
You may share this information with your constituents if you'd like. If you do receive any inquiries from your constituents regarding this issue, please advise them to call the police department for any observed violation or suspicious activities from the city's registered sex offenders."
Thank you very much, Chief Oliva, your officers, and Franklin aldermen for all you do to make Halloween safe in our fine city.
Important meeting in Greenfield Monday night on sex offenders
The Greenfield Common Council's Legislative Committee meets Monday night at 6:30 at Greenfield City Hall to consider and possibly vote on a proposed ordinance by Alderman Linda Lubotsky to impose Franklin-like restrictions on where sex offenders can live or pass through.
The only sure "yes" vote is from the ordinance's author, Lubotsky. One alderman on the committee has made it very clear he's more worried about the released sex offenders and the other alderman hasn't said one word in support of the ordinance but told me in no uncertain terms that just because she hasn't said how she's going to vote doesn't mean she's against the proposal……...... okay.
As a proud resident of Franklin with great respect for all that worked so hard to approve iron-clad ordinances that have withstood a court challenge, I say that if Greenfield doesn't approve this ordinance, I won't be as upset as if I was a Greenfield citizen. However, knowing that Franklin and Greendale have these laws on the books, I'd put my sympathy for the sex offenders on hold and listen to the citizens that have spoken in favor of this proposal.
No one ..........I'd like to repeat that....no one has testified against Lubotsky's proposed ordinance.
It really is easy, and this is the truth. On one side you have the sex offenders who may strike again; on the other, you have innocent parents and their children. What side do you come down in favor of?
Greenfield residents, if you care about the health and welfare of your most precious citizens, your children, show up at Monday night's meeting at Greenfield City Hall at 6:30 because there is one alderman and possibly two poised and ready to vote against you.
Sheldon Wasserman opposes clean, honest voting in Wisconsin
State Senator Alberta Darling is up running TV ads asserting (accurately) that her opponent, state Representative Sheldon Wasserman, a tax and spend liberal would be disastrous for Wisconsin's economy in the Senate.
That's a great move in what is the most important state Senate race this year and the most expensive state Senate race ever in Wisconsin.
Free advice to my very good friend and a great state Senator, Alberta Darling: Go after Wasserman on photo ID. He's totally vulnerable on that issue where the overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites support a photo ID requirement to vote. Wasserman does not.
Let's review. Three times the legislature, backed by a sizeable majority of the people of Wisconsin, has approved photo ID legislation. Three times, Governor Doyle has vetoed the legislation.
How did Sheldon Wasserman vote on these bills?
He voted NO on Photo ID bill # 1, State Assembly vote 3/13/03.
He voted NO on Photo ID bill # 2, State Assembly vote 2/24/05.
He voted NO on Photo ID bill # 3, State Assembly vote 6/23/05.
On the first consideration of a constitutional amendment on photo ID, he voted NO on 11/1/05.
On the second consideration of a constitutional amendment on photo ID, he voted NO on 4/17/07.
Sheldon Wasserman voted....
The state Senate then refused to take a vote on second consideration of a constitutional photo ID requirement, killing the measure.
One of the reasons this election will be the most fraudulent we've ever seen is that liberal Democrats, including Sheldon Wasserman, refused to allow photo ID to become law in Wisconsin.
Go get 'em, Alberta!
Free candy for all if Obama wins
One of my favorite columnists, Doug Giles strikes again. If Obama is elected, it's free candy for all:
"I guarantee the hard-working 'Joes' out there who have worked their plumber butts off 10-12 hours a day for the last decade aren't too jazzed at the prospects of Obama Robin Hooding their hard-earned cash on behalf of a crack whore, a criminal alien or a costume jewelry wearing welfare brat who's also sporting a teeth grill and donning $100 Nikes. Spread the wealth . . . please."
How about a sub sandwich on Wednesday?
Quizno's is always a good choice.
And Quizno's would be an especially good choice this Wednesday.
Ratchet Watch: Ratchet is on his way home
Ratchet is headed for Minnesota.
Ratchet, a puppy from Iraq who was rescued by a soldier from Minnesota, rests on arrival at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. on Monday, Oct. 20, 2008. The dog from Iraq has arrived after a lengthy effort to reunite the pooch with the U.S. soldier who adopted him. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
SPCA International volunteers Bev Westerman, left, and Barb Hartman greet Ratchet, a puppy from Iraq who was rescued by a soldier from Minnesota, after the dog's arrival at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. on Monday, Oct. 20, 2008. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Terri Crisp, with SPCA International, introduces Ratchet, a puppy from Iraq who was rescued by a soldier from Minnesota, to his first patch of grass in America, after the dog's arrives at Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Va. on Monday, Oct. 20, 2008. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
4th UPDATE: Nebraska's Safe Haven Law not at all like Wisconsin's
Finally, Nebraska lawmakers have come to their senses, agreeing to undo the chaos they created when they adopted a safe-haven law that extended to offspring as old as 19.
The law will be re-written to apply only to infants up to 3 days old making it similar to Wisconsin's safe-haven statute.
Some friend, that Colin Powell
It's all the buzz in the media today: Colin Powell's backstabbing of his friend John McCain. The liberal press, anxious to bury the Republican Presidential nominee, can't hide their contention that Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama is yet another nail in the GOP coffin. Not surprisingly, print and electronic media pundits seem united in their assessment that the endorsement is the death knell for the McCain campaign in these final two weeks.
Powell denies his choice is based on race. Rush Limbaugh isn't buying it and took this beauty of a shot in an e-mail to Politico:
"Secretary Powell says his endorsement is not about race. OK, fine. I am now researching his past endorsements to see if I can find all the inexperienced, very liberal, white candidates he has endorsed. I'll let you know what I come up with.
I was also unaware of his dislike for John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Anthony Kennedy and Antonin Scalia. I guess he also regrets Reagan and Bush making him a four-star and secretary of state and appointing his son to head the FCC. Yes, let's hear it for transformational figures."
Powell might also deny that he's a sellout and deny that he gave the big wet kiss to Obama in hopes of landing a White House position. Yeh, right.
This beauty queen has a brand new cause
C'mon, guys, be honest.
Suppose you saw this woman, stranded on the side of the road.
Catholics for Obama are morally confused
Catholics voting for Barack Obama. I admit I honestly can't understand that scenario. In a recent blog, I wrote:
"The New York Times writes that this year's election is causing problems for Catholics, especially on the issue of abortion. You bet it is. The most liberal member of the United States, a politician with no regard for unborn children, an abortionist's best friend could become the next President. And yet, too many Catholics are poised to vote for the extremely dangerous Barack Obama.
This is insane. How can anyone call himself a Catholic, knowing full well the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic faith, and then go out and vote for the baby-killer Barack? It makes no sense."
The Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics prepared by Catholic Answers Action spells it out clearly:
"Some things are always wrong, and no one may deliberately vote in favor of them. Legislators, who have a direct vote, may not support these evils in legislation or programs. Citizens support these evils indirectly if they vote in favor of candidates who propose to advance them. Thus, to the greatest extent possible, Catholics must avoid voting for any candidate who intends to support programs or laws that are intrinsically evil.
The Church teaches that, regarding a law permitting abortions, it is 'never licit to obey it, or to take part in a propaganda campaign in favor of such a law, or to vote for it' (EV 73)."
Over on the other site that I blog at, The Right View Wisconsin, contributor Scott J. is also taken aback:
"How are my fellow Catholics confused by this? How can you choose your political party over your Faith?
Scott adds:
"According to Archbishop (Charles) Chaput, there is irony to be found in all of the arguments being made by Catholics in favor of Sen. Barack Obama—none of them are new. 'They've been around, in one form or another, for more than 25 years.
All of them seek to get beyond abortion, or economically reduce the number of abortions, or create a better society where abortion won't be necessary. All of them involve a misuse of the seamless garment imagery in Catholic social teaching. And all of them, in practice, seek to contextualize, demote and then counterbalance the evil of abortion with other important but less foundational social issues.'
The archbishop also offered his analysis of Catholics who argue that 'Senator Obama is this year's real prolife candidate.' For Catholics to believe this 'requires a peculiar kind of self-hypnosis, or moral confusion, or worse,' he stated."
Here's Scott's entire blog.
I repeat: Any Catholic who votes for Barack Obama is no Catholic and should not only be deeply ashamed, but should never possess the courage to walk into a Catholic church ever again.
America's entitlement mentality
Americans are flat out greedy. They always want more, even when there is no more to be had. The government's broke? Doesn't matter. I still want more because, damn it, I am ENTITLED to it,
Columnist George Will brought that message to the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Monday.
"The American people constantly complain about Washington, but constantly want more from it. This entitlement mentality is madness," Will told the crowd. When 38% of Americans pay no taxes, Will said, "There is no motivation to restrain government they are not paying for."
Read more here.
Brian Riedl, the Grover M. Hermann fellow in federal budgetary affairs in the Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies at the Heritage Foundation wrote about what federal taxes in 2007 went for:
"Washington will spend $24,106 per household in 2007, the highest total since World War II, and an inflation-adjusted $4,000 more than in 2001. The federal government will collect $21,992 per household in taxes. The remaining $2,114 represents this year's budget deficit per household, which, along with all prior government debt, will be dumped in the laps of our children.
Washington will spend this $24,106 per household as follows:
Social Security/Medicare: $8,301.
Defense: $4,951.
Anti-poverty programs: $3,550. Despite recent rhetoric about "cuts for poor," federal anti-poverty spending now tops 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) for the first time ever, and state and local governments add another 2 percent of GDP.
Interest on the federal debt: $2,071.
Federal employee retirement benefits: $907.
Health research/regulation: $664.
Veterans' benefits: $627.
Education: $584.
Highways/mass transit: $418.
Justice administration: $392.
Natural resources/environment: $305.
International affairs: $304
Unemployment benefits: $299.
Community and regional development: $282.
The programs listed above cover $23,655 per household. The remaining $451 is allocated to all other federal programs."
There are specific details on what your tax dollar pays for in Riedl's piece.
Americans and the levels of government they support are like teenagers with a fistful of credit cards. The urge to spend is uncontrollable.
Entitlements are the largest strain on our budget. Sadly, it doesn't appear we realize that, and if we do, we just don't care.
I'm afraid I'll need to see a photo ID...
Right from the right offers another item to add to the list that doesn't include voting in Wisconsin:
Little red wagons.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
It doesn't matter if you're young or old, male or female, white or black, married or single, rich or poor. You can be a victim of domestic violence, one of the ugliest, meanest, most cruel behaviors. The abuse can take on many forms: physical, sexual, threats, intimidation, name-calling.
A rather unusual awareness campaign that draws attention to female victims comes to Janesville this Friday. The aim is to make men think about the violence in very unconventional manner. Last weekend, an event was held in Wyoming.
John Binford rests his feet after participating in the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event along the University of Wyoming Fraternity Row, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 in Laramie, Wyo. The event is held yearly to raise awareness of domestic abuse. (AP Photo//Boomerang, Ben Woloszyn)
It's just what it says it is. Men put on big high-heel shoes, and then walk, and walk, and walk, a full mile.
She made Obama "cringe"
It is very sad that Barack Obama's grandmother is gravely ill and admirable that Obama is going to Hawaii to visit her. Everyone wishes 85-year old Madelyn Dunham and her family well.
It's also quite sad, however, that this elderly woman who Obama cares so much about found herself tossed under the bus by her grandson for political purposes during a major speech earlier this year.
Anything goes San Francisco
This is a horrible idea for so many reasons.
No surprise, it's circulating in California. It's also not surprising that the Democratic Party endorses this nonsense.
I'll have more on this later.
"Tax me to the limit"
This was the scene in November 2007 at an MPS budget hearing.
Journal Sentinel Photo/Karen Sherlock
An overflow crowd waits outside the School Board meeting room while some sign up to speak at a school budget hearing, which attracted hundreds of residents. Most who spoke opposed a proposal to raise the tax levy for Milwaukee Public Schools by 16.4%.
On July 3 of this year, I asked this question: Can city of Milwaukee taxpayers get outraged and protest for the 2nd year in a row?
Last night, we got the answer. NO!
Jsonline.com reports, "Hundreds of people packed the Milwaukee Public Schools central office auditorium tonight (Tuesday) to urge the School Board to raise the property tax levy by as much as the state-imposed revenue limit allows - 14.6 percent - and to battle legislators in Madison to change the way public and private schools in Milwaukee are funded.
'I'm requesting that you tax me to the limit,' said Jennifer Mandel, a school social worker and German Immersion School parent. 'For a small increase, my kids get to keep their teachers.'"
This is why Wisconsin is a tax hell. The people screaming for huge tax increases actually show up at meetings and beg to have more money taken from them. Taxpayers opposed to this highway robbery sit home and then complain later.
Thank you, Shari Hanneman
A good friend and a tremendous asset to the Franklin community, Shari Hanneman has decided to step down from the Franklin Plan Commission. Her hard work and dedication will be missed. It's a decision I respect and fully understand. Today's hectic lifestyles and family commitments make volunteering for local commissions and boards rather difficult.
Thank you, Shari for all you have done and continue to do. Good luck to Mayor Taylor in his search for a replacement. I am confident the mayor will make a fine choice.
Here is Shari Hanneman's letter to Mayor Taylor:
October 14th, 2008
Ratchet Watch: Minnesota-bound
I received the following news release today from the SPCA, updating the story about Ratchet that we've been following on The Barking Lot and other blogs:
Washington, DC October 22 – Ratchet, Spc. Gwen Beberg's dog who gained worldwide attention after being forcibly held in Iraq by the military, will board his final plane home to Minneapolis, MN today. Ratchet was rescued from Iraq on October 19 by SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups program manager, Terri Crisp.
After arriving at Dulles International Airport on October 20, Ratchet was given a full examination by veterinarian, Dr. Chris Carskaddan. Carskaddan gave Ratchet a clean bill of health, explaining that all the Operation Baghdad Pups dogs he has seen have been in exceptional health and appear very well cared for by U.S troops serving in Iraq. After the veterinarian visit, Ratchet spent a day and a half resting in Sterling, VA.
The Operation Baghdad Pups waiting list still includes 16 animals (14 dogs and 2 cats) that must be rescued from Iraq before their soldiers redeploy home for the holidays. Without more financial support for Operation Baghdad Pups, U.S. soldiers' dogs and cats may parish on the cruel streets of Iraq. SPCA International is requesting public donations in support of U.S. troops and their animals be made at www.SPCA.com
Hundreds of U.S. soldiers in the Middle East befriend animals in the war zone to help themselves cope with the hardship and terror they face every day. These dogs and cats become their lifeline - saving them from deep depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The military refuses to help or formally recognize the lifeline these animals give to our mentally wounded. Veterans returned from Iraq are committing suicide at twice the rate of average Americans. It is time that Americans ask the Veterans Administration and the military to embrace all measures to ensure the mental health of every one of our soldiers returning from war. Operation Baghdad Pups' dogs and cats can help fight this silent killer.
Here's more.
UPDATE: Ratchet lands in Minneapolis
UPDATE: Video
UPDATE: More video
A great week in Franklin
Today, Northwestern Mutual Life held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its major expansion in Franklin. In spite of today's economic perils, Northwestern Mutual Life continues to be a phenomenal success story.
There's more good news. Carma Laboratories is also expanding, as reported by John Neville. Carma's prosperity is part of a continuing pattern of growth.
Looks like there's a lot to be proud of going on in our fine city, unlike a certain breathless, doomsday assessment issued by another Franklin blogger this past spring.
Cub fans, stop your whining; you've got nothin' on the Phillies
There are a lot of Wisconsin baseball fans who like, and root for, the Chicago Cubs. Quite honestly, I find that to be silly and stupid and I just don't understand it. I realize it's true, but I don't understand it. I happen to hate the Cubs.
Why so many soft hearts for the Cubs here and across the country? I believe the main attraction is this older than dirt reputation the Cubs have as being lovable losers. You hear that phrase all the time. "Oh, those Cubs, I just feel so sorry for them because they're such lovable losers."
Sorry. I'm not buying that whole lovable tag. Losers? Depends who you talk to. When it comes to the futility index, Allen Barra of the Wall Street Journal says Cub fans should stop their whining because they've got nothing on the Philadelphia Phillies, who open the World Series tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Barra has a point:
"From 1906 to 1945, the Cubs won 10 pennants; and in two of those years -- 1907 and 1908 -- they took the World Series. Before 1980, the Phillies won just two pennants, and their combined record in the World Series was 1-8. Cubs fans, at least, didn't have to suffer the humiliation of waiting 80 years into the 20th century, as Phillies fans did, for their team to win a world championship; the Phillies, in fact, were the last of the original National League franchises to win it all.
And the Phillies date back to the 19th century -- 1883, to be exact. If you're counting, that's one World Series victory in 125 seasons, one ring to show for baseball spanning at least part of three centuries."
Wow! That smarts!
Tampa Bay's been a loser for only a few seasons. The Phillies have been losers in three centuries!
The Rays might be the sentimental favorite because they're such a young expansion team. But if you're going to use the argument that one team is just so hapless (like the Cubs), then you've got to be pulling for the Phillies.
One last note. Some so-called experts say this won't be a compelling World Series for the fans because the Yankees aren't there, the Red Sox aren't there, the Cubs or Dodgers aren't there. That's nonsense. Who cares! If you like baseball, how can you not get jazzed about the World Series? Plus, these two teams are jerk-free and exciting to watch.
Bring on the Fall Classic!
John McCain in his own words, and now, a video
For the past several weeks, I've been closing out many of my blogs with a link to a first-hand account written by John McCain for US News & World Report about his captivity in Vietnam.
Now, a French television archive, INA has posted online a video that contains four and a half minutes of McCain being interviewed after being shot down in Hanoi in 1967. You'll see McCain in bed smoking a cigarette.
French reporter Francois Chalais conducted the interview. The footage is considered to be the longest portion of the interview ever shown, and will be available for one week.
Brett Favre denies calling the Lions to sabotage Packers
The denial.
Will ungrateful Packer fans finally get off Favre's back? Probably not.
Franklin boy's soccer team in the playoffs, too
It's not just the football team.
The Sabers play Milwaukee Rufus King tonight at 6:30 at historic South Stadium on S.10th and Windlake Avenue in a first round playoff game.The print edition of NOW lists the game at Pulaski High School. That is incorrect. Field conditions are much better at South Stadium, so the game is being played there.
I am the official timer at tonight's playoff game. Of course, I'll be fair.
Franklin is seeded 9th in the sectional. King is seeded 8th.
Because I am an official and must remain neutral, I cannot print "Go Sabers" on my blog. You understand, I'm sure.
Watch for the update on this blog tonight.
UPDATE: Final Score
Lifelong Democrat: "The hatred of the (Democrat) party is just pretty upsetting"
During a segment on her WISN talk show today about Sarah Palin, Vicki McKenna received a very interesting call from a gentleman who identified himself as a lifelong Democrat. Mike from Shorewood expressed his disgust with how the Democrats have treated Hillary Clinton and Palin.
Mike said Democrats have pounded on Palin because she's not a "bra-burning lunatic" (I love that).
McKenna got some passionate calls. You can hear the segment by going here. Then click on "Listen" at McKenna Show Thursday Hour 1 Part 1 for October 23. Mike from Shorewood can heard 4:03 into the podcast.
*MUST READ*-Open letter to the American news media
I'm certainly not the first to blog or talk about this, but this is so good, and so important that I want as many people to see it as possible.
Self-described Democrat Orson Scott Card has written a column specifically about who's really to blame for the housing crisis and the general theme of media bias. Remember, he's a Democrat. The title says it all:
Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?
It is addressed as "An open letter to the local daily paper -- almost every local daily paper in America." Here's an excerpt:
"If you had any personal honor, each reporter and editor would be insisting on telling the truth -- even if it hurts the election chances of your favorite candidate.
Because that's what honorable people do. Honest people tell the truth even when they don't like the probable consequences. That's what honesty means. That's how trust is earned.
Barack Obama is just another politician, and not a very wise one. He has revealed his ignorance and naivete time after time -- and you have swept it under the rug, treated it as nothing.
Meanwhile, you have participated in the borking of Sarah Palin, reporting savage attacks on her for the pregnancy of her unmarried daughter -- while you ignored the story of John Edwards's own adultery for many months.
So I ask you now: Do you have any standards at all? Do you even know what honesty means?
Is getting people to vote for Barack Obama so important that you will throw away everything that journalism is supposed to stand for?"
Here's the entire column.
This would be a perfect piece to run in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, don't you think? I know the brass at the newspaper reads these blogs (even mine). I suggest they get whatever permission they need to re-print and run it ASAP.
After all, what's to be afraid of?
There is no such thing as…….
Franklin wins!
The Franklin boy's soccer team advanced in the WIAA playoffs by knocking off Milwaukee Rufus King tonight at Milwaukee South Stadium, 2-0.
There was no score at halftime before Franklin's Antonio D'Amato broke the tie with an unassisted goal at 53:27. Casey Stoll scored unassisted at 64:18.
Franklin's Scott Knowski, who serves as the placekicker for Franklin's playoff football team, limped off the field at 16:17 after running into the King goalie, but returned at 21:55 with no visible problems.
Franklin will now face the #1 seed in the sectional, Marquette, at Marquette University on Saturday at 5:00. OUCH!
I'm voting Democrat
It's working its way around the Internet, and it's very good....
Let's play Final Jeopardy!
Yes, it has been awhile, so it's time once again for another This Just In edition of:
Are you ready?
Well then, let's play!
Today's Final Jeopardy category is:
Now, you know how this works.
In a moment, I'll give you the Final Jeopardy clue.
You will have 30 seconds (if you play fair, that will be when the music runs out) to come up with an answer and remember, players……… your answer must be in the form of a question.
Here's your clue.
This person said, "You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.You cannot help men permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."
Good luck! (please click)
OK, time's up. Today's Final Jeopardy category is FAMOUS QUOTES.
The Final Jeopardy clue was, This person said, "You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.You cannot help men permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."
The correct Final Jeopardy answer is:
Who is Abraham Lincoln?
Franklin alderman speaks, other cities listen
His phone rings often with calls from outside the 53132 zip code. On the other end of the line are other municipal officials. Sometimes there are questions, other times an invitation to come speak at a public meeting.
Franklin Alderman Steve Olson, as I have mentioned on WISN and blogged about here was one of the key architects of Franklin's restrictive sex offender ordinances. Dozens of other communities have followed suit, using Franklin as the model. Others considering similar laws look to Olson for advice and he's happy to oblige.
I've seen Olson appear before other elected counterparts. The alderman systematically provides information about what Franklin did, why and how. Though supportive of the concept of restrictive ordinances, Olson stops short of instructing what he believes each municipality should specifically do, urging other local officials to consider, instead, what is best for their communities.
The latest is next-door Muskego. MuskegoNOW reports, "Olson said it is important for Muskego to set its goal in crafting an ordinance." Olson told city officials, "Our goal is to protect the safety of our children. We tailored the ordinances to our community."
Prior to appearing before Muskego officials, Olson spoke at meetings of the Greenfield Common Council's Legislative Committee. The Committee chair moved a proposed ordinance to the full Greenfield Common Council without a committee vote.
Franklin's groundbreaking ordinances have withstood a court challenge, making Olson a hot commodity on the municipal lecture circuit. Read about his Muskego appearance here.
Friday night on InterCHANGE
Here are the topics the panel, along with guest, state Senator Lena Taylor discusses on InterCHANGE Friday night at 6:30 on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10 with a repeat Sunday morning at 11:00:
1 – Presidential Race.
Let's be realistic, and not optimistic or pessimistic. Is the race over? Are the polls all right, or all wrong? What could happen that would turn the polls around? Will this election signal a fundamental shift in American politics? Will McCain pull a come from behind win like Truman did? Are there really still undecided voters out there? How can these polls change from day to day? What is the biggest thing that Obama has done right? What is the biggest thing that McCain has done wrong?
2 – MPS Taxes.
The Milwaukee School Board is expected to vote to set the MPS tax levy at the highest rate allowed by state law, 14.6 % higher than last year, and even higher than was requested when the superintendent submitted his proposed budget. According to the Journal Sentinel, hundreds of people packed the board room earlier this week, and urged a committee to increase the tax levy to the maximum allowed by law. Now this would be a different scenario than last year, when the public urged the board not to increase taxes by such a huge amount. Why the change? Does this board just not get it? Did conservative talk radio not make it a big issue this year and not push for a big turnout of anti-tax increase folks? Everyone knows that MPS has money problems. Is this the way to address problems in the state funding formula? In the midst of the greatest economic turmoil the country has seen since the Great Depression, is it responsible to request such an enormous tax levy increase? Are the actions by board members the past few weeks just one big public relations effort to attract attention to the problems with MPS funding? When talking about "quality of life" in Milwaukee, is MPS even a relevant factor any more?
3 – Brett Favre talks to the Detroit Lions.
DNR = blind squirrel
As in, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) got it right recently when it came to an agreement that will streamline the permitting process for cranberry bog exansion in Wisconsin, proving a big boost to one of the state's biggest industries. It took a few months, but by golly, for once the DNR saw the light, and the agency is to be commended.
Now, I know what you're thinking. Is he going resist the temptation to be critical and stop right there? Nahh, I couldn't do that.....
Because a recent defeat has still got to be just frosting the DNR. They probably can't stand the fact that a new business is thriving, packing them in, and drawing rave reviews, even as the state continues to protest (see paragraph 5).
Coming up on This Just In…
All of our regular weekend features, some of the most anticipated blogs of the week. Saturday morning, I'll pass along a list of outstanding columns from the past week that I highly recommend.
You don't want to miss The Barking Lot with some intriguing dog stories that made news this week. Also, Week-ends. Who was a hero? Who was a villain? Who said something so noteworthy (or outrageous) that they made QUOTES OF THE WEEK?
I'll have a special Halloween edition of Culinary no-no in addition to our regular Sunday no-no.
And back this year because it was phenomenally popular last October…..live blogging of the Franklin Halloween Trick or Treat hours from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday. You just never know who's going to show up at my door or what they'll be dressed in or what they may have to say.
Photos of the Week, too.
If you miss my blog this weekend, you miss a lot.
Recommended reading
Here are, in my view, outstanding columns from the past week that I highly recommend:
43% isn't nothing (It's not over): Peggy Noonan
The tax argument still works: Karl Rove
Are the polls accurate?
Obama talks nonsense on tax cuts
Obama socks it to small business
The Obama enigma
Why voter fraud matters
Record vs. rhetoric: Thomas Sowell
Sarah, pro and con: Palin never acts like a victim
Would the last honest reporter please turn on the lights?
Will a funny thing happen on the way to Washington?
And finally,
Liberals sure are a sad miserable bunch: Doomacrats and Republigrins
The Barking Lot
THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.
TODAY: Cold, windy, damp. "D"
SUNDAY: Another windy, cold day with falling temperatures. "D"
My wife, Jennifer, who normally writes the opening section of The Barking Lot, has the week off and will return next Saturday. She has entrusted me with doing the job (I'm not sure that's the best way to put it when talking about a dog blog) so let's get into it.
Suppose you suspect one of your teenagers is doing drugs. What would you do? What should you do? Let's check what the experts suggest.
There are all kinds of tips and brochures available stressing steps that can be taken. Find out as much as you can. Tell your teen you're wise to what's happening. Remain calm and express in clear terms how you feel about it and why you're concerned.
Of course, you want to determine if, indeed, your teen is up to something. You could come right out and ask, but that would probably result in a quick denial. You could make the teen take a drug test. You could search the teen's room and belongings. You could interrogate friends. Or you could bring in a trained, drug-sniffing dog for $200/hour.
In New Jersey, concerned parents call the company, "Sniff Dogs," that advertises discreet drug detection that is proactive and prudent:
"Sniff Dogs is a confidential drug detection service for residential and commercial premises. Sniff Dogs are trained to locate the odor of drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Xanax and ecstasy), so those with concerns about the presence of drugs can deal appropriately with the situation—whatever the findings."
Why stop there? Why not hire a private investigator to tail your kid? Have the local police pay a visit to your house.
This is a bit much. Whatever happened to parents exhibiting parenting? If a child starts to experiment, sitting down and talking face to face and then taking appropriate measures seems to be what a parent's job is all about, along with proper supervision and monitoring activities and the kind of friends a son or daughter chooses.
Proper parenting should never be replaced, or lead to a family situation turned into a "Law and Order" episode. I'm sure those dogs do a terrific job of pinpointing any problems. But that's Mom and Dad's job, not some company's.
Here's more on this issue from CNN and ABC.
Time once again for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines this week.
They're calling it a "Walter Reed" hospital for dogs.
What do dogs do when they get out of the military?
Voters will decide in Massachusetts whether to get rid of dog racing.
In case you missed last Sunday's USA WEEKEND, answers to those burning questions: Does my dog need a sex change? Why, oh why won't my dog sleep with me?
A meeting is scheduled next week on plans for dog exercise areas in the Milwaukee County Parks.
A warning from the DNR for waterfowl-retrieving dogs.
What a jerk!
Here's a great story: a blind dog gets his own seeing eye-dog.
And all week long, we've been reporting on the status of Ratchet.The dog made international headlines when Spc. Gwen Beberg of Minnesota tried to get the Iraqi stray out of the country before her return to the United States. The Army barred the trip, but commanders relented after support came in from relatives, Minnesota's congressional delegation and about 65,000 online petition signers. Ratchet is now in Minneapolis with Beberg's parents. As one person put it so well writing to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "With all the bad things going on, it is heart warming to see something SOOOO right. I signed the petition, and cried when I heard Ratchet was coming home !!"
We close this week's Barking Lot with a message from SPCA International:
Week-endsA look back at the people and events that made news the past week.
Week-ends is a regular weekly feature of This Just In...
Derek Mamoyac
Ken Mink
Modell's Sporting Goods in Philadelphia
Michele Anderson
Now here's a real scumbag.....Joshua Weaver.
Matthew DePalma
Ashley Todd
MPS School Board
Though I sympathize, sorry, Edna. You make the list this week.
"Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect a brilliant 47-year-old senator president of the United States of America. Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said. Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy."
Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden, at a Seattle fundraiser. Not good when your own running mate says your Presidency will result in international chaos.
"These are the exciting last two week moments of the presidential campaign. So it's a very special time. I can't wait for it to be over. I am so tired of the press' silly questions that they ask along the way. And cable television which reduces everything to stupidity — the lowest common denominator of conflict. I don't know if any of you know what it's like. I do, obviously. I've been asked all of those brilliant questions that were repeated this year. Barack got asked the famous boxers or briefs question. I was tempted to say commando. Then they asked McCain and McCain said, 'Depends.'"
2004 Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Senator John Kerry. Real statesmanlike, Senator.
"I think at this point, there needs to be an immediate increase in spending, and I think this is a time when deficit fear has to take a second, uh, a second seat. I do think this is the time for a very important kind of dose of [unintelligible]. Yes, I think later on, there should be tax increases. Speaking personally, I think there are a lot of rich people out there who we can tax at a point down the road to recover some of this money."
Democratic Congressman Barney Frank
"Thirteen days to go, and he changed his tax plan because people had learned the truth about it and they didn't like it. It's another example that he'll say anything to get elected."
John McCain
"John McCain is a much better candidate ... and campaigner than his campaign has allowed him to be."
Former Governor Tommy Thompson blaming McCain's campaign for fumbling on economic issues and playing defense through the waning stages of the race. Thompson said vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin was too scripted, but that the ticket could still win the state.
"I would have done things differently the last few weeks."
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Janesville), on McCain's campaign.
"I guess I would have to hear what we're talking about, but I can't imagine a job that's better than being governor of Wisconsin."
Governor Jim Doyle downplaying his prospects as a member of a potential Obama administration.
"The American people constantly complain about Washington, but constantly want more from it. This entitlement mentality is madness."
Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist George Will speaking at the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting. Noting that close to 40% of Americans don't pay taxes, Will said, "There is no motivation to restrain government they are not paying for."
"Hundreds of pages of paper have been filed, and they all boil down to this one reality: nothing in state or federal law requires that there be a data match as a condition on the right to vote. HAVA does not supplant Wisconsin's constitutionally protected right to establish its own voter eligibility standards."
Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi in her ruling dismissing Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's lawsuit against the Government Accountability Board to force strict voter registration checks.
"We can not lose sight of the goal of this lawsuit. Wisconsin needs an accurate statewide voter list. Wisconsin needs to comply with state and federal laws designed to protect the right to vote. Looking the other way is not an option."
Van Hollen's response to Sumi's ruling. He promised to appeal.
"The same County Board that voted to increase their own pensions - now want your permission to raise taxes by $130 million."
Scott Walker ad
The media's blatant negative coverage of John McCain as opposed to Barack Obama.
Take your pick: Brett Favre's cellphone or Sarah Palin's wardrobe.
One man's affection for hanging chads.
Blimey! A sacrilgious culinary no-no in Britain.
How much is abstinence worth to you?
Police officer gives mayor a ticket....twice.
REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.
The WIAA unkind to Franklin
Oskee huh???????
I'll admit. I'm a bit intrigued by that Illinois fight song. It's got some beat, some style. I hear it's the 163rd best college fight song in America.
Let's be honest. As I mentioned, I like Shari. But I have trouble envisioning this bright, articulate, charming, wholesome, dedicated suburban mom standing in the middle of her living room shouting, "OSKEE WOW WOW!"
To be blunt, I wanted to know what the hell OSKEE WOW WOW meant. So I asked my friend, Shari. I said, "Shari, what the hell does OSKEE WOW WOW mean?" She responded by referring me to this website that has, as Ed McMahon might have said to Johnny Carson, "Everything you ever wanted to know about OSKEE WOW WOW is right there!" The UI band playing the fight song is there, too.
I'm still not sure I quite understand. All I know is Shari along with her young impressionable children will be singing OSKEE WOW WOW, ILLINOIS in the Hanneman household today. I find it interesting that the Illinois fight song mentions Wisconsin.
Culinary no-no #83
When trick or treaters ring Sarah Wesson's doorbell in Moline, Illinois, they will reach into a bowl, and could pull out, not a Three Musketeers, but a toy ball with a pumpkin on it or possibly some purple hair spider or other small toy. I guess it could be worse. Some poor kid might get a toothbrush.
My most popular blogs
Photos of the Week (10/26/08)
Parachutists Scott Smith, dressed as Democratic presidential candidate Bracak Obama, left, and Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld, dressed as Republican presidential candidate John McCain jump from a plane over Perris Valley, Calif., to promote the U.S. Parachute Association. (CRAIG O'BRIEN, U.S. PARACHUTE ASSOCIATION/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Franklin out of the playoffs
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: I'm not buying it
Jim Stingl's farce of a column
Remember, he could have been a Packer
Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez caught a pass early in the 1st quarter today against the New York Jets. The 9-time Pro Bowler has now caught a pass in 122 consecutive games. Going into this season, Gonzalez had caught more passes (820) and TD catches (66) than any other tight end in NFL history.
But he wasn't good enough for Green Bay's genius general manager Ted Thompson to make a trade of some draft choices.
Coming up: Live blogging of Franklin's trick or treat
LIVE Trick or Treat blogging begins...
But the little guy had to tell me something.
FRANKLIN MAYOR TOM TAYLORIt's good to see Hizzoner out and about in the community.
A true supporter of the mayor, I gladly dropped candy into his trick or treat bucket. But I was a bit puzzled when he reached into the bucket, took some of the pieces out and handed them back to me.
"What's that for?" I asked.
"You gave me about 5% more than last year. I'm only taking 3% this time."
And have a nice day."
"How do you like my costume?" Olson asked.
In all my years I haven't seen anything like this. No one has ever come to my door trick or treating, dressed as famous TV celebrity Dick Clark.
"No, no, no, Steve!
You are a GRAND-stander!"
Shoe back in.
Dressed as..
JOHN McCAIN
Will you marry me?
What the hell does Cook's Illustrated know?
Culinary no-no #84
Take a look at this picture:
Steve Olson tells it like it is
Dirty tricks in the Democrat playbook
Do it, Brewers...
Seen in my neighborhood...
Right next to the family's McCain-Palin yard sign, a homemade black sign with orange lettering that reads:
If you support Barack Obama's distribution of wealth, then please put $20 in my mailbox.
Love it.
Franklin a Halloween dumping ground
Hey, if you'd ever like to trade places...
The Lions continue to be one of the worst teams in pro football and Raiola is fed up.
"I'm tired of saying we are making progress, I'm tired of saying we were close, and I'm tired of saying we just need to execute. It is the same thing week after week," Raiola said today.And then, Raiola had this to say.
"It's hard to even go anywhere without feeling embarrassed."
True, Raiola should be frustrated and disappointed with mediocrity. But it's hard to feel sorry for the guy.
He was born in Honolulu. That means he grew up never having to deal with Panhandle Clippers, blizzards and wind chill factors.
He plays professional football, an 8-year veteran. How cool is that.
And for playing on a truly horrible team, he earns a salary of $2,650,000.
I should be so embarrassed.
What happens when a journalist asks a Democrat tough questions?
Everybody, keep your eye on the LEVY
The Franklin Common Council will now embark on the most important issue they'll tackle all year, far more important than Boomgaard, fees for non-profit organizations, or travel and expenses for aldermen: the city budget.
I would remind every taxpayer, FranklinNOW's John Neville, every alderman, and especially Franklin's #1 expert on budgets (just ask him), Alderman Lyle Sohns ("I will not vote for a budget that results in a tax rate greater than $5.75 per thousand, last year's rate") that the tax RATE is not as significant. It's the tax LEVY that's most important.
UPDATE: Your tax dollars at work
Michael Rosen, the head of the teacher's union at immensely taxpayer-subsidized MATC sent out the following e-mail today to MATC employees about a rally to held Wednesday at the school for Barack Obama. Rosen openly invites taxpayer-funded faculty to interrupt taxpayer-funded classes to engage in political activity. Here's Rosen's e-mail:
Divas and Divine Desserts III
The Franklin Cultural Arts Center and the Friends of the Franklin Public Library
have joined together to bring you elegant evening of music and delectable goodies.
Divas and Divine Desserts III.
Friday November 15th at 6:30
This year promises to be bigger and better than ever before with more great local performers singing your favorite tunes from Broadway musicals, past and present under the coordination of
Monica Simons
Throughout the evening the audience will also be treated to wonderful desserts prepared by
Culinary Artist Sharon Holden
The evening will also feature a sneak preview of our next event, Jingle Bell Jazz featuring
The Jeno Somlai Latin Jazz Quintet
Don't miss this great event which helps support the Franklin Public Library and the Franklin Cultural Arts Center. For more information or to purchase visit the Divas page of our Website
or call 414-525-0009.
Don't forget Books for Soldiers
These communities do Trick or Treat right
They do it on Halloween:
Cedarburg (city): 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Cedarburg (town): 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Caledonia: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Dover: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Elmwood Park: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Mount Pleasant: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
North Bay: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Norway: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Racine: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Sturtevant: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Union Grove: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Waterford (town): 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Waterford (village): 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Wind Point: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Yorkville: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Germantown (village): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Big Bend: Friday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
Brookfield (city): Friday, Oct. 31, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Brookfield (town): Friday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
Chenequa: Friday, Oct. 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
Delafield (city): Friday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
Delafield (town): Friday, Oct. 31, 5 to 8 p.m.
Dousman: Friday, Oct. 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
Elm Grove: Friday, Oct. 31, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Hartland: Friday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
Menomonee Falls: Friday, Oct. 31, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Mukwonago (town): Friday, Oct. 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
Muskego: Friday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
Nashotah: Friday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.
North Prairie: Friday, Oct. 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
Ottawa: Friday, Oct. 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
Pewaukee (village): Friday, Oct. 31, 5 to 8 p.m.
Waukesha (city): Friday, Oct. 31, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Too much of The One?
"No one will delay the World Series with an infomercial when I'm president."
Hey, Obamessiah, how's that spreading the wealth jazz working out?
First it was Barack Obama's half-brother.
Now it's his aunt.
Barack Obama made $4 million last year. Is he spreading his wealth?
Obama's wish list to Santa
5th UPDATE: Nebraska's Safe Haven Law not at all like Wisconsin's
Could the Phillies be contenders again next year?
The Philadelphia Phillies are not an aging club that needed to win now or face the prospect of rebuilding. Many players are still in their prime. Look at their ages:
Cole Hamels-24
Ryan Howard-28
Jimmy Rollins-29
Chase Utley-29
Shane Victorinio-27
Jayson Werth-29
Carlos Ruiz-29
Eric Bruntlett-30
Greg Dobbs-30
Joe Blanton-27
Chad Durbin-30
Brad Lidge-31
Ryan Madson-28
Brett Myers-28
J.C. Romero-32
Obama and Bill Clinton: Phonies of a feather...
Barack Obama and Bill Clinton appearing together for the first time during the campaign Wednesday night in Florida (Reuters photo).
December 2007
In an interview with Charlie Rose, Bill Clinton said that "it's not close" in terms of how much better prepared Hillary is to be president, that picking Obama would be a "risk," compared nominating Obama to picking "a gifted television commentator," criticized Obama for beginning his presidential campaign after only one year in the Senate, and called Obama a mere "symbol for change," adding that "symbol is not as important as substance."
January 2008
Bill Clinton defended his criticism of Obama, saying, "When I was running, I didn't give a rip what anybody said about me. It's weird, you know, but if you love somebody and you think that they'd be good, it's harder."
January 2008
Bill Clinton criticized Obama's opposition to the war in Iraq. "Give me a break. This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen."
"You know the former president, who I think all of us have a lot of regard for, has taken his advocacy on behalf of his wife to a level that I think is pretty troubling. He continues to make statements that are not supported by the facts -- whether it's about my record of opposition to the war in Iraq or our approach to organizing in Las Vegas. This has become a habit, and one of the things that we're gonna have to do is to directly confront Bill Clinton when he's making statements that are not factually accurate," said Obama.
February 2008
Bill Clinton called Obama's candidacy, "smoke and mirrors."
"You have to decide what this election is about," Clinton told a room of 600 students at the University of Mary Washington. "You have to decide what makes the best president. You want someone with the right vision, the right plans and ability to get the job done. If that's the test, I don't think the question is close."
May 2008
Michelle Obama, asked about how she felt about Bill Clinton's use of the phrase "fairytale" to describe her husband's characterization of his position on the Iraq war, first responded: "No." But, after a few seconds, she told the reporter: "I want to rip his eyes out!" Noticing an aide giving her a nervous look, she then said, "Kidding! See, this is what gets me into trouble."
No Christmas trees in churches???
Stop the smears
Democratic Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha, who suffers from a worse case of Joe Biden-itis than Joe Biden does, is a huge liability for the democrats and needs to and could go down to defeat Tuesday.
This despicable man has gone so far as to smear our valiant troops time and time again. Vets For Freedom has released this ad.
Murtha is embarrassing, disgusting, corrupt, and beatable.
UPDATE @ 8:52 PM Thursday night: Murtha getting desperate.
Is John McCain Joe Montana?
The famous lions
Friday night on InterCHANGE
Here are the topics we'll discuss Friday night at 6:30, 11:00 Sunday morning on InterCHANGE on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10:
Obama or McCain? Who will win and why? By how much? Did Obama run a brilliant campaign? Did he energize America? How was he able to raise so much money? If by chance Obama loses, will it be proof that the mainstream media is out of touch with the general public? Was the selection of Palin as a running mate McCain's biggest mistake, or a stroke of brilliance? Also let's talk briefly about the proposal to require Milwaukee employers to give employees sick days, the Darling-Wasserman race, and the advisory referendum to raise the sales tax in Milwaukee County.
2 – McGEE.
The former alderman got 6 ½, years in prison, and with time served and good behavior credit could get out in 4 ½ years. The sentencing guidelines called for between 12 ½ and 15 ½. Did he get a fair sentence? Was it too tough? Too lenient? Now, his attorney on the state charges says he will probably just cop a plea deal? Will he get a few more years? Will this serve as a deterrent to other politicians who might be thinking of shaking down constituents?
Is Ken Macha the guy this team needs at this point in time? What will he and management need to accomplish in the off season? Why is Macha better than Ned Yost and Dale Sveum? Will the players like him? Will the fans like him?
Halloween at the movies
It's a common topic of conversation around this time of year: what's the best horror movie?
Many of my blogs have featured a nostalgic theme. So indulge me as I walk down memory lane once more to answer above question. When my older brother was in his swinging teens and I could only dream about being as cool as he was, my brother played guitar in a rock and roll band. Yes, rock and roll band. That's what they were called in those days.
My quiet, reserved, shy brother played rhythm guitar on his bright apple red Fender Stratocaster in clubs where go-go girls danced in cages right next to him.
On Saturday nights when my brother's band had a gig, it meant he wouldn't get home until late. Mom and Dad would often go see my brother play, but on nights they didn't, Dad would go to bed after the 10:00 news. Mom, who to this day loves horror movies, the spookier and creepier the better, would let me stay up with her and turn on Channel 18 to watch Shock Theater.
Shock Theater is where I saw, one after another, the Universal Studio horror classics: Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman. I loved each and every one of them.
Decades later, the "monsters" are revered at Universal. They single-handedly saved a studio in deep economic trouble by drawing huge crowds to theaters to see the latest in the saga of each "monster."
I never tire of seeing those old classics.
Happy 1st Anniversary...
The Christmas stamp
And once and for all, it's a CHRISTMAS tree!
If the liberal Milwaukee Journal Sentinel...
You want reasons to vote for McCain/Palin?
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