If the happy lunacy of George Barris exemplified the 60's and 70', it was Coddington's meticulous attention to detail that led the way through the past 2 decades.
Cadzilla
CheZoom
The Coddington Golfcar
Friday, February 29, 2008
What Can You Say About A 63 Year-Old Hot-Rodder Who Died?
Boyd Coddington's death was unexpected. If you are only casually familiar with hot rods you probably still know his work. Coddington was a pioneer who took the art of building a hot rod to new levels.
If the happy lunacy of George Barris exemplified the 60's and 70', it was Coddington's meticulous attention to detail that led the way through the past 2 decades.
Cadzilla
CheZoom
The Coddington Golfcar
If the happy lunacy of George Barris exemplified the 60's and 70', it was Coddington's meticulous attention to detail that led the way through the past 2 decades.
CadzillaCheZoomThe Coddington Golfcar
What Works For You?
BY KATE JOHANSEN AND KATIE BUKOWSKI from the Halls of McSweeney's come Political Slogans For Moderates.
Live free or give me a reasonable alternative!
Peace through pragmatism.
Let's all keep our opinions to ourselves for a while!
It's noontime in America.
Some taxation, some representation.
What do we want? Rational discussion? When do we want it? ... What works for you?
Hooray for prudence!
We request change in a reasonable amount of time after comprehensive discussion of the options!
Who wants peanuts?
Live free or give me a reasonable alternative!
Peace through pragmatism.
Let's all keep our opinions to ourselves for a while!
It's noontime in America.
Some taxation, some representation.
What do we want? Rational discussion? When do we want it? ... What works for you?
Hooray for prudence!
We request change in a reasonable amount of time after comprehensive discussion of the options!
Who wants peanuts?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Chill A Little, Eh?
If a 6 year-old's haircut is "disrupting the educational program" at your school. It's very possible that your educational program needs a little disruption.
Buckley R.I.P.
I remember seeing William F Buckley when I was a teen, probably with Cavett or Frost and thinking how charismatic he was and how wrong. He was a child of privilege trying to build a nation that rewarded privilege. It was only later that I saw that he had another side, one that matched my ideals a little more closely. He worked against extremism in the defense of his ideals, helping to purge the conservative movement of Birchers and anti-Semites.
I would never have been an admirer of WFB but I cannot deny the influence he had on America. May he rest in peace.
Let's not forget, however, that the right-wingers who today are lining up to lionize Buckley are the same ones who sought to marginalize him just a few short years ago. From Salon:
Buckley was a leader in denouncing the party which GWB had made of the GOP and he was rewarded with scorn. Greenwald continues.
Buckley's mind was an epee in a world that was coming to be dominated by those wielding clubs. He will be missed. There can be no doubt of that. But after today or this week, after the funeral cortege has passed and the trumpets have stopped sounding, Buckley will be shunted aside again and his memory will slowly lose its sheen. Coulter and Limbaugh and Goldberg and yes, even Milwaukee's own pipsqueaks, will forget what Buckley stood for and ignore his methods and tools in a mad scramble to find the muddy bottom of political discourse.
Maybe Shel Silverstein should have the last word. "Nashville is rough on the living. But she really speaks well of the dead."
I would never have been an admirer of WFB but I cannot deny the influence he had on America. May he rest in peace.
Let's not forget, however, that the right-wingers who today are lining up to lionize Buckley are the same ones who sought to marginalize him just a few short years ago. From Salon:
But Buckley, a mere eight weeks later, echoed Dean's comments almost
verbatim while writing about the war in National Review: "One can't doubt that
the American objective in Iraq has failed," Buckley declared. "Our mission has
failed because Iraqi animosities have proved uncontainable by an invading army
of 130,000 Americans." He urged the Bush administration to consider
"acknowledgment of defeat." In an earlier November 2005 interview with the Wall Street Journal -- on almost the same exact day Dean made his comments -- Buckley went even further, declaring that the invasion of Iraq was "anything but
conservative."
Buckley was a leader in denouncing the party which GWB had made of the GOP and he was rewarded with scorn. Greenwald continues.
What Buckley gave to the Conservative movement was a veneer of style, a class that it may never regain. Even in his most virulent feuds Buckley was able to hold the eye and ear of those who disagreed. While Buckley could be a frequent, popular guest on Johnny Carson's show, those who would fill his well-made shoes today manage to attract only scorn after brief appearances outside their carefully constructed echo chambers.New Republic writer Johann Hari went undercover on a National Review cruise
in 2006 and detailed a bitter argument that broke out between Buckley and
neoconservative icon Norman Podhoretz. After listening to the two right-wing
elders bicker on virtually every foreign policy issue, Hari concluded:
"Podhoretz and Buckley now inhabit opposite poles of post-September 11 American conservatism."Nonetheless, there is no question that the bulk of adherents
to the conservative movement that Buckley founded now side with Podhoretz, not
with Buckley. As Hari reported, the crowd cheered loudly for Podhoretz, and not
for Buckley. One of the National Review cruise member seated at Hari's table
scoffed that Buckley's refusal to fight Muslim terrorists made him a "coward,"
while his wife dismissed Buckley as nothing more than an "old man," and then
"tapped her head with her finger to suggest dementia."
...and even the magazine he founded, came to bear so little resemblance either
to Buckley's style or substance. The erudite and civil debates that Buckley
famously engaged in with the likes of Gore Vidal and Noam Chomsky are about as
far removed as possible from the shallow, anti-intellectual screeching found in
today's National Review from the likes of Kathryn Jean Lopez, Jonah Goldberg and editor Rich Lowry. And as Buckley's heresies became more numerous and
pronounced, right-wing pundits such as popular blogger Ed Morrissey began
actually dismissing Buckley's conservatism as an obsolete relic of the pre-9/11
past, claiming that the profound lessons of 9/11 are what account for "the
difference between traditional conservatives and the Bush Administration's
efforts in foreign policy, along with a host of other arenas."
Buckley's mind was an epee in a world that was coming to be dominated by those wielding clubs. He will be missed. There can be no doubt of that. But after today or this week, after the funeral cortege has passed and the trumpets have stopped sounding, Buckley will be shunted aside again and his memory will slowly lose its sheen. Coulter and Limbaugh and Goldberg and yes, even Milwaukee's own pipsqueaks, will forget what Buckley stood for and ignore his methods and tools in a mad scramble to find the muddy bottom of political discourse.
But in both style and substance, the Limbaugh-Coulter-Kristol-National
Review-led conservative movement of today bears little resemblance to what
Buckley spent most of his adult life developing and creating. Modern
conservative polemicists continue to use Buckley as a symbolic prop behind which
they march -- and that exploitation will intensify by many magnitudes now that
he has passed away -- yet, as Buckley himself increasingly recognized, today's
conservatives repudiate and violate much of what Buckley stood for and
believed.
Maybe Shel Silverstein should have the last word. "Nashville is rough on the living. But she really speaks well of the dead."
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Don't Talk Back To Darth Vader
This is that much funnier because the grandestdaughter is nearly three.
Unintended Consequences
There's a lot of kerfuffle over the old news from the Milwaukee PD about alleged voter fraud in Milwaukee in 2004. It's pretty clear that the report doesn't say what some people are trying to make it say.
It does have this little nugget within its pages:
Now, I'm not surprised that a Police Department report would call for a quick fix that makes their lives easier. Doing away with same-day registration would cut down on the clerical errors which this report found responsible for most of the instances which some are calling fraud. But the people of Wisconsin, through the actions of the Legislature, have decided that making voting as easy as possible is our goal. Democracy works best when the most people have access to it.
Mitra Jalali says in The Daily Cardinal:
But let's just play along with those who want to end same-day registration altogether. What happens then? Jalali, again:
Is it the goal of the right-wing sqauwkers to build the base for ACORN? Wouldn't it make more sense to have a better trained, less likely to err cadre of poll workers as the last line of defense than giving the task of voter registration completly over to private groups?
Even the MPD ackowledges that the Voter ID proposals currently being floated in Madison would do little to end the errors it identified. That's why they didn't call for a "papers, please" election protocol. It's time to end the sham of HAVA and get on with fixing the problems in the system.
It does have this little nugget within its pages:
"The one thing that could eliminate a large percentage of fraudulent voting
in any given election is the elimination of on-site or same-day voter
registration systems."... "As an alternative, if On-Site registration is to
continue in its present form, then the presentation of a government issued
identification card that includes that includes the voters name, address
(including city) and date of birth should be presented before that person is
allowed to register and vote."
Now, I'm not surprised that a Police Department report would call for a quick fix that makes their lives easier. Doing away with same-day registration would cut down on the clerical errors which this report found responsible for most of the instances which some are calling fraud. But the people of Wisconsin, through the actions of the Legislature, have decided that making voting as easy as possible is our goal. Democracy works best when the most people have access to it.
Mitra Jalali says in The Daily Cardinal:
When Wisconsin instituted same-day voter registration in 1976, voter turnout
jumped significantly. In the 2006 election, states with same-day registration
averaged a 48.7 percent turnout, compared with 38.2 percent in states without
same-day registration.
But let's just play along with those who want to end same-day registration altogether. What happens then? Jalali, again:
The National Voting Rights Act (popularly known as the Motor Voter Act) lets
people register to vote when they apply for/renew their driver’s license or
visit any public assistance office, something Wisconsin currently doesn’t allow.
But 16 year olds can’t vote, half of Wisconsin’s blacks don’t have driver’s
licenses, and discontinuing the practice of same-day registration leaves
everyone else to flock to increasingly popular and privately conducted voter
registration drives. Traditionally, these drives have even higher rates of
clerical error than government-administered registration on Election Day.
Is it the goal of the right-wing sqauwkers to build the base for ACORN? Wouldn't it make more sense to have a better trained, less likely to err cadre of poll workers as the last line of defense than giving the task of voter registration completly over to private groups?
Even the MPD ackowledges that the Voter ID proposals currently being floated in Madison would do little to end the errors it identified. That's why they didn't call for a "papers, please" election protocol. It's time to end the sham of HAVA and get on with fixing the problems in the system.
HL Mencken On All Of Us
This explains AFP and MoveOn, the NRA and WEAC, the GOP and the Dems.
Friendship is a common belief in the same fallacies, mountebanks and
hobgoblins.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
If You Were Serious...
If you were serious about controlling spending wouldn't you put some sort of a rule in place to allow you to track and punish fraud in government contracts instead of specifically exempting them from oversight?
Probably just a minor glitch, right? Probably just a twenty here and a sawbuck there?
It's not SCHIP that's busting our budgets, people. It's the waste and fraud being condoned and abetted in our name. I've heard it said that governments and diapers should be changed often and for the same reason. It's time for a change in Washington.
The loophole would allow companies performing government work overseas to
avoid having to report contract abuse. A review of documents shows it was added
by Bush administration policy-writers after they received a draft of the
proposed rule from the Justice Department.
Officials at the White House and the president's Office of Management and Budget, which oversees federal procurement policy, have declined repeated requests for information about the exemption for overseas contracts.
Probably just a minor glitch, right? Probably just a twenty here and a sawbuck there?
The proposed rule is part of a crackdown on contract fraud that the Justice
Department estimates has cost taxpayers $14 million in bribes alone over the
past five years.
It's not SCHIP that's busting our budgets, people. It's the waste and fraud being condoned and abetted in our name. I've heard it said that governments and diapers should be changed often and for the same reason. It's time for a change in Washington.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Nader's Delusion
From Meet the Press
I'm struggling to wrap myself around Fredheads for Ralph. I just can't see it.
MR. NADER: Let me put it in context, to make it a little more
palatable to people who have closed minds. Twenty-four percent of the
American people are satisfied with the state of the country, according to
Gallup. That's about the lowest ranking ever. Sixty-one percent
think both major parties are failing. And, according to Frank Luntz's
poll, a Republican, 80 percent would consider voting for a independent this year.
I'm struggling to wrap myself around Fredheads for Ralph. I just can't see it.
Oscar Follow-Up
Katherine Heigl personified "Glamor" last night. It was a return to a Hollywood that may only exist in imagination.
John Stewart's joke that, "This is a town that needs a hug," rang true. When La Vie en Rose qualifies as a feel-good movie then Hollywood is embracing the dark side.
Daniel Day Lewis, born in London
Tilda Swinton, London
Marion Cotilliard, Paris
Javier Bardem, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
What a great winners' list. What a bad night to be a xenophobe.
The Golden Compass managed to attract two nominations and one Oscar. Some people will wish it was a less beautiful movie. I think the script did more to sabotage it than all of the negative nattering.
Note To NASCAR
Twenty years ago I wrote a story for MVP Magazine that started out, "There is no place more lonesome than a racetrack in the rain." Having said that, only bad things can happen when you try to force a race onto a wet racetrack.
For all the California weather has done for the schedule, they might just as well have gone to Rockingham and been done with it.
For all the California weather has done for the schedule, they might just as well have gone to Rockingham and been done with it.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Get Your Tickets At The High School Box Office Tonight
Hot Night In February Is Closing In Fast!
The time is drawing near. Do you have your tickets yet? E-Arts is bringing Westside Andy Linderman and the Mel Ford Band to town on Saturday February 23 at 7:30 PM for one hot performance and Andy has promised a show like none ever seen around here. Tickets are priced so the whole family can attend this Blues show. Don’t let the weather keep you indoors!
Since he was first invited to sit in for a set with the legendary Siegal/Schwall Blues Band at age 15 Andy has been recognized as one of America’s premier blues harmonica players. Andy has shared the stage with James Cotton, Luther Allison, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Charlie Musselwhite, The Doobie Brothers, Richie Havens, Muddy Waters, Gary Primich, Jimmy Johnson, Tab Benoit, and Hubert Sumlin. He performs regularly in the Madison area and has recorded more than 15 albums
For the Evansville show he will be joined Mel Ford, a blues guitarist/vocalist/songwriter of wide acclaim to “bring the heat” of the blues to town. Mel, along with his own band The Fairlanes, has opened for or performed with Blues greats Bo Diddley, Sunnyland Slim, Zora Young, Junior Pettis, Ben Sidran and Paul Black and the Flip Kings. Jimmy Voegeli, Tony Menzer,and Steve Dougherty make up the rest of the Westside Andy/ Mel Ford Band.
But that’s not all. Before the show or during intermission, you can view the 7th Annual Rock Valley Conference Traveling Art Show which will be on display in the gallery area of the commons. This show is comprised of select pieces of artwork from all of the eight conference schools. Teachers choose three of their finest student works to travel throughout the year, stopping for three weeks at each school. Media range from ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, charcoal and pencil drawing, to digital graphics and sculpture. These students truly represent the “cream of the crop” in our area’s artistic talent. Evansville is represented in this traveling show by the works of Heather Filer working in Multimedia Sculpture, Stephanie Felts has contributed an Acrylic Painting, and Izabel LeMay who works in Oil Pastels.
Tickets for the show are $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the show. Tickets are available at The Night Owl, Kopecky’s Piggly Wiggly and by calling Peter Diedrich at (608) 882.3570. E-Arts Gift Certificates are available in any denomination and can be purchased by calling the same number
Crowds have laughed along with Second City, stomped their feet to Gaelic Storm and Rising Gael and rocked with American English at previous E-Arts shows. If you braved the weather to see The Mad Hatters and Tangled Up In Blue at the PAC you know that nothing warms a winter night better than sharing it with a few hundred of your closest friends. Now, E-Arts is promising a Hot Night In February. You won’t want to miss this.
The time is drawing near. Do you have your tickets yet? E-Arts is bringing Westside Andy Linderman and the Mel Ford Band to town on Saturday February 23 at 7:30 PM for one hot performance and Andy has promised a show like none ever seen around here. Tickets are priced so the whole family can attend this Blues show. Don’t let the weather keep you indoors!
Since he was first invited to sit in for a set with the legendary Siegal/Schwall Blues Band at age 15 Andy has been recognized as one of America’s premier blues harmonica players. Andy has shared the stage with James Cotton, Luther Allison, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Charlie Musselwhite, The Doobie Brothers, Richie Havens, Muddy Waters, Gary Primich, Jimmy Johnson, Tab Benoit, and Hubert Sumlin. He performs regularly in the Madison area and has recorded more than 15 albums
For the Evansville show he will be joined Mel Ford, a blues guitarist/vocalist/songwriter of wide acclaim to “bring the heat” of the blues to town. Mel, along with his own band The Fairlanes, has opened for or performed with Blues greats Bo Diddley, Sunnyland Slim, Zora Young, Junior Pettis, Ben Sidran and Paul Black and the Flip Kings. Jimmy Voegeli, Tony Menzer,and Steve Dougherty make up the rest of the Westside Andy/ Mel Ford Band.
But that’s not all. Before the show or during intermission, you can view the 7th Annual Rock Valley Conference Traveling Art Show which will be on display in the gallery area of the commons. This show is comprised of select pieces of artwork from all of the eight conference schools. Teachers choose three of their finest student works to travel throughout the year, stopping for three weeks at each school. Media range from ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, charcoal and pencil drawing, to digital graphics and sculpture. These students truly represent the “cream of the crop” in our area’s artistic talent. Evansville is represented in this traveling show by the works of Heather Filer working in Multimedia Sculpture, Stephanie Felts has contributed an Acrylic Painting, and Izabel LeMay who works in Oil Pastels.
Tickets for the show are $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the show. Tickets are available at The Night Owl, Kopecky’s Piggly Wiggly and by calling Peter Diedrich at (608) 882.3570. E-Arts Gift Certificates are available in any denomination and can be purchased by calling the same number
Crowds have laughed along with Second City, stomped their feet to Gaelic Storm and Rising Gael and rocked with American English at previous E-Arts shows. If you braved the weather to see The Mad Hatters and Tangled Up In Blue at the PAC you know that nothing warms a winter night better than sharing it with a few hundred of your closest friends. Now, E-Arts is promising a Hot Night In February. You won’t want to miss this.
Free Tax Info
From Brett Davis' newsletter
Free-File Your Taxes
It’s that time of year when important end of the year tax statements start showing up in your mailbox. For many people, preparing their state and federal income taxes is a chore, but there is one good reason not to put it off until the last minute; the majority of taxpayers actually receive income tax refunds! The sooner you do your taxes, the sooner you will get YOUR money back. Using Wisconsin’s Free-File system will help you get your money back even faster.
99% of e-filers get their refund in 5 business days when they use direct deposit. Paper filers typically have to wait 8-12 weeks for their paper refund check.
You don’t have to worry about accuracy because the e-filing software will take care of the math and even pick the correct tax tables for you.
It's free!
Take a moment to check out the Wisconsin Free-File Site and see if it is right for you. The IRS also provides a Federal Free-File service.
Free-File Your Taxes
It’s that time of year when important end of the year tax statements start showing up in your mailbox. For many people, preparing their state and federal income taxes is a chore, but there is one good reason not to put it off until the last minute; the majority of taxpayers actually receive income tax refunds! The sooner you do your taxes, the sooner you will get YOUR money back. Using Wisconsin’s Free-File system will help you get your money back even faster.
99% of e-filers get their refund in 5 business days when they use direct deposit. Paper filers typically have to wait 8-12 weeks for their paper refund check.
You don’t have to worry about accuracy because the e-filing software will take care of the math and even pick the correct tax tables for you.
It's free!
Take a moment to check out the Wisconsin Free-File Site and see if it is right for you. The IRS also provides a Federal Free-File service.
Other Things There Will Be In Addition To Blood
BY MEREDITH RODKEY AND SCOTT RODKEY via Mc Sweeney's.
Why aren't you reading McSweeney's more often?
There Will Be
Refreshments
A representative on hand to answer your questions
No horseplay
Minor delays
After-holiday sales
An end to this
A brief pause while we transfer your call
Light
No dessert unless you finish your carrots, mister
Consequences
Why aren't you reading McSweeney's more often?
There Will Be
Refreshments
A representative on hand to answer your questions
No horseplay
Minor delays
After-holiday sales
An end to this
A brief pause while we transfer your call
Light
No dessert unless you finish your carrots, mister
Consequences
Friday, February 22, 2008
Triplet Sons Of Different Mothers
I ain't sayin'. I'm just sayin'. Ya know?
Not that there's anything wrong with that.Welcome Back, My Friends, To The Show That Never Ends
Scooter's gonna put on a show in Madison that may take place in the three week run-up to September primaries.
There's certain to be singing and tap-dancing. Maybe Scooter will do his famous finger-pointing, blame-throwing act.
That's gonna make for some fun headlines, however it ends up. I have got to believe that more than a few GOPers wish he'd man-up and put it behind all of them.
There's certain to be singing and tap-dancing. Maybe Scooter will do his famous finger-pointing, blame-throwing act.
That's gonna make for some fun headlines, however it ends up. I have got to believe that more than a few GOPers wish he'd man-up and put it behind all of them.
Just Thinking Out Loud
Rudy Giulliani was supposed to be the "Daddy" candidate, the One Who Could Protect Us From 9/11 but he kinda did a skip.
Today is George Washington's 276th Birthday.
George Washington is called "The Father of Our Country." Does that makes Rudy! "The Deadbeat Dad of Our Country?"
Today is George Washington's 276th Birthday.
George Washington is called "The Father of Our Country." Does that makes Rudy! "The Deadbeat Dad of Our Country?"
The Next Great War
Mencken, again...
The war on privilege will never end. Its next great campaign will be against
the privileges of the underprivileged.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Releasing Criminals Into Our Cities
Mark Green's ex-colleague and faux-vote-fraud maven is back on the mean streets. Bob Ney is headed for a half-way house in an undisclosed neighborhood.
Ney was sentenced to 30 months in prison but is back out in just under 11 months and could be released to home confinement byAugust. I'll be waiting to hear from Kevin Fischer and his ilk about the dangers of releasing predators early.
Ex-Congress"critter" Green continues serving in Africa.
Ney was sentenced to 30 months in prison but is back out in just under 11 months and could be released to home confinement byAugust. I'll be waiting to hear from Kevin Fischer and his ilk about the dangers of releasing predators early.
Ex-Congress"critter" Green continues serving in Africa.
Clemens Cancels
From the NY Daily News
The 45-year-old Clemens told ESPN: "I had been looking forward to
'ESPN The Weekend.' Given some strong feelings in some circles today, I believe
my current participation could be a distraction. This event should be an
occasion for fun by all, and I want that to be the case for everyone involved.
So I won't be coming at this point in time. ..."
I'm thinking it's because he found out that Bashful had convinced Doc to go to the Mitchell Commission.
Thursday, February 21st 2008, 4:00 AM, an ESPN spokesman, said Wednesday.
Roger Clemens won't be going to Disney World.
The seven-time Cy Young winner decided not to attend "ESPN The
Weekend," the cable network's all-sports fan fest in Disney's Hollywood
Studios complex in Orlando, Fla.
"Roger told us he thought he would be a distraction," Chris
LaPlaca
The 45-year-old Clemens told ESPN: "I had been looking forward to
'ESPN The Weekend.' Given some strong feelings in some circles today, I believe
my current participation could be a distraction. This event should be an
occasion for fun by all, and I want that to be the case for everyone involved.
So I won't be coming at this point in time. ..."
I'm thinking it's because he found out that Bashful had convinced Doc to go to the Mitchell Commission.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
...capacity to soothe and tickle the midriff
Mencken said it.
Has the art of politics no apparent utility? Does it appear to be
unqualifiedly ratty, raffish, sordid, obscene, and low down, and its salient
virtuosi a gang of unmitigated scoundrels? Then let us not forget its high
capacity to soothe and tickle the midriff, its incomparable services as a maker
of entertainment.
Not Quite A Juggernaut
Once again the Red-Meat, True-Believer Conservatives have overestimated the value they bring to the table.
Their Scorched Earth Policy on Tuesday amounted to little more than the fizzle of a match lit to cover the smell of a fart.
Their Scorched Earth Policy on Tuesday amounted to little more than the fizzle of a match lit to cover the smell of a fart.
Dean's Right
Thanks to all of you who were at the polls to have them ready to go by 7AM. Thanks to all of you who worked through the day and night to keep things running smoothly.
And a big "Thank You" to everyone who put on their big-kid coat and voted yesterday.
And a big "Thank You" to everyone who put on their big-kid coat and voted yesterday.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
I Apologize, Lord
I'm truly sorry, but when I saw this headline;
Former Firstmy first thought was, "Boy! The Kansas City Royals are trimming their roster early this year."
Lady Nancy Reagan Likely to Be Released
I'm just glad she's okay.
Information For Today
This post is a Sticky. Scroll down for new posts please
Voter Information
If you have any questions regarding voting in Rock County, call the County Clerk’s Office at 757-5660 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
WHO CAN VOTE?
Requirements are:
You must be a U.S. Citizen
You must be 18 years old on Election Day
You have been a resident of your election district for 10 days prior to the election
You have not lost your right to votei.e. - a convicted felon
You may register prior to the election with your municipal clerk.
Wisconsin also allows registration at the polls on Election Day. If you have not pre-registered, you would present identification with your current address on it such as a Wisconsin Driver’s License, phone bill, power & light bill or rent receipt. Students may use their Student I.D. Card if it has a Rock County address listed.
If you move from your present address to a new voting district/ward prior to the election, you would register in the new election district providing you have lived there at least 10 days. If the time period is less than 10 days, you vote at your old polling place.
WHERE DO I VOTE?
Check with your municipal clerk for the location of your polling place.
DO I NEED TO BRING AN I.D.?
It is not necessary to bring an I.D. in order to vote if you have registered and have voted in the election district previously. It is necessary to fill out a Voter Registration Form if you are voting in an election district for the first time. The form requires that you provide your current address, driver’s license number and your birth date. If you have moved to new district, you will need to register in that district prior to voting.
WHEN DO I VOTE?
Election Day is always on a Tuesday unless a Special Election or a Referendum Is held.
Spring Elections
Primary: 3rd Tuesday in February
General: 1st Tuesday in April
Fall Elections are in even numbered years
Primary: 2nd Tuesday in September
General: 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November.
2008 Election Dates
Spring Primary/Presidential Preference 2/19/08
Spring Election 4/01/08
Fall Primary 9/09/08
Presidential Election 11/04/08
HOW DO I CAST A VOTE?
If you have pre-registered or voted in this district before you will:
Check in at the polling place by giving the election official your name and address. You will be assigned a voting number, be given a ballot and be directed to the voting booth.
Enter the voting booth and mark your ballot.
Insert your ballot into the optical reader.
WHAT IF I MAKE A MISTAKE?
VOTING OPTICAL SCAN BALLOTS AND USING THE AUTOMARK VOTING MACHINE
If you make a mistake, return your ballot to the election official. Tell the inspector that you made a mistake and request a new ballot. An election official is allowed to give you up to three replacement ballots if errors are made or the ballot is defective. If you need assistance of any kind, have a visual or physical disability, do not speak English or have trouble understanding the English language, ask the election officials for help. You may select someone to assist you in voting. That individual may not be your employer or an agent of your employer or an officer or agent of a union representing you.
VOTING METHODS IN ROCK COUNTY
Optical scan ballots/Optical scan reader
Automark Voting Machine (To be used by physically impaired individuals.)
OPTICAL SCAN BALLOTS
To vote for the candidate of your choice, connect the arrow to the right of the candidate’s name.
___________________JUDICIAL_________________
Court of Appeals Judge Vote for one__District IV _________________________________
John Doe ← →_______________________________
Write-In
……………………………………….. ← →
To write in a person’s name that is not listed on the ballot, write the name on the line provided and connect the arrow.
The voter should review the ballot to make sure they have voted properly. When the voter is done voting, the voter will insert the ballot into the optical reader where the vote is automatically counted.
AUTOMARK
The same ballot marked by voters utilizing the optical scanner is used in the Automark voting machine. The ballot will be visible on the screen or the voter will be directed by voice to navigate and vote for a candidate or issue on the ballot. If the voter needs to use a puffer device, that voter would be required to provide their own due to health issues. Once the person has voted, the voter will review the candidates/issues he/she has voted for, and the Automark will mark the ballot as directed by the voter. The voter will then insert the ballot into the optical reader to be counted.
Voter Information
If you have any questions regarding voting in Rock County, call the County Clerk’s Office at 757-5660 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
WHO CAN VOTE?
Requirements are:
You must be a U.S. Citizen
You must be 18 years old on Election Day
You have been a resident of your election district for 10 days prior to the election
You have not lost your right to votei.e. - a convicted felon
You may register prior to the election with your municipal clerk.
Wisconsin also allows registration at the polls on Election Day. If you have not pre-registered, you would present identification with your current address on it such as a Wisconsin Driver’s License, phone bill, power & light bill or rent receipt. Students may use their Student I.D. Card if it has a Rock County address listed.
If you move from your present address to a new voting district/ward prior to the election, you would register in the new election district providing you have lived there at least 10 days. If the time period is less than 10 days, you vote at your old polling place.
WHERE DO I VOTE?
Check with your municipal clerk for the location of your polling place.
DO I NEED TO BRING AN I.D.?
It is not necessary to bring an I.D. in order to vote if you have registered and have voted in the election district previously. It is necessary to fill out a Voter Registration Form if you are voting in an election district for the first time. The form requires that you provide your current address, driver’s license number and your birth date. If you have moved to new district, you will need to register in that district prior to voting.
WHEN DO I VOTE?
Election Day is always on a Tuesday unless a Special Election or a Referendum Is held.
Spring Elections
Primary: 3rd Tuesday in February
General: 1st Tuesday in April
Fall Elections are in even numbered years
Primary: 2nd Tuesday in September
General: 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November.
2008 Election Dates
Spring Primary/Presidential Preference 2/19/08
Spring Election 4/01/08
Fall Primary 9/09/08
Presidential Election 11/04/08
HOW DO I CAST A VOTE?
If you have pre-registered or voted in this district before you will:
Check in at the polling place by giving the election official your name and address. You will be assigned a voting number, be given a ballot and be directed to the voting booth.
Enter the voting booth and mark your ballot.
Insert your ballot into the optical reader.
WHAT IF I MAKE A MISTAKE?
VOTING OPTICAL SCAN BALLOTS AND USING THE AUTOMARK VOTING MACHINE
If you make a mistake, return your ballot to the election official. Tell the inspector that you made a mistake and request a new ballot. An election official is allowed to give you up to three replacement ballots if errors are made or the ballot is defective. If you need assistance of any kind, have a visual or physical disability, do not speak English or have trouble understanding the English language, ask the election officials for help. You may select someone to assist you in voting. That individual may not be your employer or an agent of your employer or an officer or agent of a union representing you.
VOTING METHODS IN ROCK COUNTY
Optical scan ballots/Optical scan reader
Automark Voting Machine (To be used by physically impaired individuals.)
OPTICAL SCAN BALLOTS
To vote for the candidate of your choice, connect the arrow to the right of the candidate’s name.
___________________JUDICIAL_________________
Court of Appeals Judge Vote for one__District IV _________________________________
John Doe ← →_______________________________
Write-In
……………………………………….. ← →
To write in a person’s name that is not listed on the ballot, write the name on the line provided and connect the arrow.
The voter should review the ballot to make sure they have voted properly. When the voter is done voting, the voter will insert the ballot into the optical reader where the vote is automatically counted.
AUTOMARK
The same ballot marked by voters utilizing the optical scanner is used in the Automark voting machine. The ballot will be visible on the screen or the voter will be directed by voice to navigate and vote for a candidate or issue on the ballot. If the voter needs to use a puffer device, that voter would be required to provide their own due to health issues. Once the person has voted, the voter will review the candidates/issues he/she has voted for, and the Automark will mark the ballot as directed by the voter. The voter will then insert the ballot into the optical reader to be counted.
Monday, February 18, 2008
McCain In Neverland
Eleven months ago, the Senator found a pony. We're still shovelling out after it.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
If You're Gonna Have A Hotel You Gotta have A Room Tax
NOTICE
A regular meeting of the Economic Development Committee for the City of Evansville will be held on the 19th day of February 2008, at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall, 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance.
City of Evansville
Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, February 19, 2008, 5:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St. Evansville, WI
AGENDA
Roll call.
2. Approval of agenda.
Motion to waive reading of the minutes of January 22nd, 2008 regular meeting and approve as printed.
Citizens appearances, other than on items listed below.
Economic Development Summit
· Task Forces
Chamber of Commerce report.
· Visit to Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau
City Administrators report.
Discussion; Downtown Street Light Banners
City Website update and discussion.
Discussion; Promotion of Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund.
Discussion; Room tax, (Tabled from previous meeting)
12. Motion to Adjourn
Tony Wyse, Chair
A regular meeting of the Economic Development Committee for the City of Evansville will be held on the 19th day of February 2008, at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall, 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance.
City of Evansville
Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, February 19, 2008, 5:30 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St. Evansville, WI
AGENDA
Roll call.
2. Approval of agenda.
Motion to waive reading of the minutes of January 22nd, 2008 regular meeting and approve as printed.
Citizens appearances, other than on items listed below.
Economic Development Summit
· Task Forces
Chamber of Commerce report.
· Visit to Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau
City Administrators report.
Discussion; Downtown Street Light Banners
City Website update and discussion.
Discussion; Promotion of Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund.
Discussion; Room tax, (Tabled from previous meeting)
12. Motion to Adjourn
Tony Wyse, Chair
Charlie Sykes- Rock Solid Man Of Consistency
The Horror, The Horror! Charlie spends a pretty good portion of his airtime decrying the tendency of media types to show (ladies avert your eyes)... bias. People who cash checks from newspaper companies aren't supposed to show any favoritism to any one candidate.
Charlie has used that fierce independence of his to spend most of his time since New Hampshire criticizing the Liberal elements of the GOP for abandoning the idealistic Conservatives to whom it owes so much. Not for Charlie is the coexistish, mealy-mouthed, bipartisan, campaign finance-reforming John McCain. Charlie has shown us time and time again that McCain not only doesn't deserve the support of Conservatives but that he is unelectable, a used husk of a candidate unworthy of a 420nd glance.
Look at these posts of Charlie's if you have any doubt in your mind that no sane man could support John "Lefty" McCain. Stick with me. There is a truly funny payoff at the end. I promise.
CAN MCCAIN WIN?
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 11, 2008
Not really a good example because Charlie only managed to write 4 words under his byline there and the author disagrees with Charlie. But don't you think the headline sort of says it all?
THURSDAY HOT READ: THE STAGES OF CONSERVATIVE GRIEF
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 7, 2008
Well, not really created so much as copied but Charlie did add six words of his own this time to show just how upset Conservatives need to be that party elites are telling good working-class Conservatives who they can vote for.
WEDNESDAY HOT READ: WHY THEY HATE JOHN McCAIN
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 6, 2008
You know that Charlie was worked up here. He took the time to personally have an intern add 15 of his very own words to this story about all of the reasons to distrust McCain.
CONSERVATIVE (sic) ARE DIVIDED THREE WAYS
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 5, 2008
All original. All depressed. All despair, all the time. Nineteen of the most trenchant words of wisdom ever strung together as analysis of Presidential politics.
IS ARIZONA GOING TO SPOIL McCAIN'S PARTY?
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 5, 2008
Charlie asks the question (In all caps again. What's up with that?) that Arizona declined to answer.
EXITS: CONSERVATIVES SPLIT BETWEEN ROMNEY, HUCK
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 5, 2008
Here Charlie makes the case that True-Believer-Red Meat-Not Country Club Conservatives have a choice between Willard and Huck. They don't have to put up with having McCain forced down their throats by those elitist media types. No radio squawker is gonna tell them what to do or how to vote. They have choices by gum! Even if one of those choices eats squirrel meat off a popcorn popper lid.
STRAIGHT TALK? McCAIN'S CHEAP SHOT
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Jan 28, 2008
"John McCain is a dirty liar". Additional commentary by Charlie Sykes
THE McCAIN PUZZLE
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Jan 28, 2008
McCain will have to work very, very, very hard before he can convince Real Conservatives. This won't be a cakewalk where we are all seen laughing and fawning around the candidate. He's going to have to work really hard to convince True Conservatives and then they'll only go along grudgingly and sternly to keep that Clinton woman from moving back into the White House. But they won't like it. No, Sir!
JOHN McCAIN PLAYS VICTIM CARD
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Jan 18, 2008
Story Updated: Jan 18, 2008
And the MSM plays along...
That damnable media! If only there was a radio personality that True Conservatives could trust to tell them the truth.
And, of course the coup de grace.
WHAT WILL YOU DO ON FEBRUARY 19?
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 8, 2008
Ninty-five comments worth of whining about what a miserable scut John McCain is and how Real Conservatives will be writing in Zombie Ronnie come February 19.
Which brings us to this morning. If you look closely you can see Charlie, leaning to his left, laughing at John McCain's lawyer joke (Didja hear the one about the DA who took a job as a defense attorney after he lost his big shot at higher office?)
Charlie went out on a limb for his principles and decided that the light was bad out there. Showing all the backbone of Raggedy Andy and the rock-solid commitment of Field Marshal Abdel Hakim Amer Charlie has thrown his shambling support to the putative front-runner.
Just goes to show ya. You can't trust the Liberal Media.
Charlie has used that fierce independence of his to spend most of his time since New Hampshire criticizing the Liberal elements of the GOP for abandoning the idealistic Conservatives to whom it owes so much. Not for Charlie is the coexistish, mealy-mouthed, bipartisan, campaign finance-reforming John McCain. Charlie has shown us time and time again that McCain not only doesn't deserve the support of Conservatives but that he is unelectable, a used husk of a candidate unworthy of a 420nd glance.
Look at these posts of Charlie's if you have any doubt in your mind that no sane man could support John "Lefty" McCain. Stick with me. There is a truly funny payoff at the end. I promise.
CAN MCCAIN WIN?
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 11, 2008
Not really a good example because Charlie only managed to write 4 words under his byline there and the author disagrees with Charlie. But don't you think the headline sort of says it all?
THURSDAY HOT READ: THE STAGES OF CONSERVATIVE GRIEF
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 7, 2008
Well, not really created so much as copied but Charlie did add six words of his own this time to show just how upset Conservatives need to be that party elites are telling good working-class Conservatives who they can vote for.
WEDNESDAY HOT READ: WHY THEY HATE JOHN McCAIN
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 6, 2008
You know that Charlie was worked up here. He took the time to personally have an intern add 15 of his very own words to this story about all of the reasons to distrust McCain.
CONSERVATIVE (sic) ARE DIVIDED THREE WAYS
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 5, 2008
All original. All depressed. All despair, all the time. Nineteen of the most trenchant words of wisdom ever strung together as analysis of Presidential politics.
IS ARIZONA GOING TO SPOIL McCAIN'S PARTY?
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 5, 2008
Charlie asks the question (In all caps again. What's up with that?) that Arizona declined to answer.
EXITS: CONSERVATIVES SPLIT BETWEEN ROMNEY, HUCK
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 5, 2008
Here Charlie makes the case that True-Believer-Red Meat-Not Country Club Conservatives have a choice between Willard and Huck. They don't have to put up with having McCain forced down their throats by those elitist media types. No radio squawker is gonna tell them what to do or how to vote. They have choices by gum! Even if one of those choices eats squirrel meat off a popcorn popper lid.
STRAIGHT TALK? McCAIN'S CHEAP SHOT
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Jan 28, 2008
"John McCain is a dirty liar". Additional commentary by Charlie Sykes
THE McCAIN PUZZLE
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Jan 28, 2008
McCain will have to work very, very, very hard before he can convince Real Conservatives. This won't be a cakewalk where we are all seen laughing and fawning around the candidate. He's going to have to work really hard to convince True Conservatives and then they'll only go along grudgingly and sternly to keep that Clinton woman from moving back into the White House. But they won't like it. No, Sir!
JOHN McCAIN PLAYS VICTIM CARD
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Jan 18, 2008
Story Updated: Jan 18, 2008
And the MSM plays along...
That damnable media! If only there was a radio personality that True Conservatives could trust to tell them the truth.
And, of course the coup de grace.
WHAT WILL YOU DO ON FEBRUARY 19?
By Charlie Sykes
Story Created: Feb 8, 2008
Ninty-five comments worth of whining about what a miserable scut John McCain is and how Real Conservatives will be writing in Zombie Ronnie come February 19.
Which brings us to this morning. If you look closely you can see Charlie, leaning to his left, laughing at John McCain's lawyer joke (Didja hear the one about the DA who took a job as a defense attorney after he lost his big shot at higher office?)
Charlie went out on a limb for his principles and decided that the light was bad out there. Showing all the backbone of Raggedy Andy and the rock-solid commitment of Field Marshal Abdel Hakim Amer Charlie has thrown his shambling support to the putative front-runner.
Just goes to show ya. You can't trust the Liberal Media.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Salt?
I got a chance to use my expertise over at the BBA on a question about roadsalt. Go. Take a look.
Paul Harvey Used To Say, "Partly Personal"
My brother's advice has always been that if there are a lot of people telling you that you look sick you should probably go lie down.
Mirrors and blogs should be for reflection, not rejection.
Mirrors and blogs should be for reflection, not rejection.
Ryan's Efforts
Thre Points I'd Like To Make
#1 I support this spending.
#2 I thought you said Paul Ryan was against earmarks. Perhaps you misunderstood.
#3 Ryan is still wrong a lot of the time.
#1 I support this spending.
#2 I thought you said Paul Ryan was against earmarks. Perhaps you misunderstood.
#3 Ryan is still wrong a lot of the time.
Bringing the Party Together
Willard released his delegates to back McCain at the GOP convention a week after suspending his campaign. This is a largely ceremonial step but one that goes well beyond a mere endorsement.
I wonder when Ored Dalton Thompson will be publicly releasing his horde of delegates to vote for McCain in Minneapolis.
I wonder when Ored Dalton Thompson will be publicly releasing his horde of delegates to vote for McCain in Minneapolis.
Hydrazine Daze
Plans to shoot down an American satellite with its hydrazine tank intact brought back memories.
There are memories of American criticism of China for doing the same thing. That maneuver left 1400 trackable pieces of junk in low-space orbit.
There are memories of hydrazine and its high toxicity and high fun quotient.
But where did I first hear about mono-hydrazine and why will I never forget it? Step back to January 20, 1979 and the adventures of Harry Broderick as he built "The Vulture," an amalgam of a Texaco tanker with a cement mixer, powered by mono-hydrazine. Harry and his crew were headed to the moon to salvage the goodies left behind by the Apollo missions. Ladies and gentlemen, Salvage 1 lives in 2008.
Narrator: [opening narration] Once upon a time, a junkman had a dream.
Harry
Broderick: I want to build a spaceship, go to the moon, salvage all
the junk that's up there, bring it back, sell it.
Narrator: So he put together a team. An ex-astronaut. A fuel expert.
They built a rocketship, and they went to the moon. Who knows what
they'll do next.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
GWB, Thwarting The Will Of The People
6. Would you like to see the United States withdraw all troops from Iraq within six months?
Yes 61%
No 29%
Undecided 10%
Yes 61%
No 29%
Undecided 10%
For Those Who Wonder What Tim Michels Is Doing Lately
Dean saw him at the Huckarally at The Springs.
A Note From Janis
via The Gazette
[...] As part of our fundraising process we are meeting with the Boards of other non-profits in Evansville to determine how we can work together to get the most out of grants and fundraising. We are meeting at the Community/Primetimers Center at 320 Fair St., on Thursday, February 21, at 11:30 for lunch. If you are interested in finding out more about our local non-profits or want to become involved in fundraising or volunteer for any of these groups, please join us. Call Evelyn at the Primetimers, 882-0407, by 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 15, to confirm that you will attend and join us for lunch. A turkey hot dish and dessert will be provided by the Primetimers.
We have been showcasing the proposed plans for the Center at various events and find that people are very pleased with the floor plans that offer multiple uses for many rooms. If you haven’t seen these plans yet, they are on display at the Community/Primetimers Center at 320 Fair St. Come and see what we have to offer you – whether it is hobby/craft area, billiards, quiet sitting areas, four season porch, exercise room, swimming pools & locker rooms, meeting room to accommodate 20-200 and full kitchen. If we missed something you think should be included, please let us know and we will try to incorporate as much as we can. This is YOUR Community/ Senior Center and we want to include what you want and will use. If you would like us to come to a meeting with your civic group, please call me at 882-5879 and I will set a time to meet.
[...] As part of our fundraising process we are meeting with the Boards of other non-profits in Evansville to determine how we can work together to get the most out of grants and fundraising. We are meeting at the Community/Primetimers Center at 320 Fair St., on Thursday, February 21, at 11:30 for lunch. If you are interested in finding out more about our local non-profits or want to become involved in fundraising or volunteer for any of these groups, please join us. Call Evelyn at the Primetimers, 882-0407, by 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 15, to confirm that you will attend and join us for lunch. A turkey hot dish and dessert will be provided by the Primetimers.
We have been showcasing the proposed plans for the Center at various events and find that people are very pleased with the floor plans that offer multiple uses for many rooms. If you haven’t seen these plans yet, they are on display at the Community/Primetimers Center at 320 Fair St. Come and see what we have to offer you – whether it is hobby/craft area, billiards, quiet sitting areas, four season porch, exercise room, swimming pools & locker rooms, meeting room to accommodate 20-200 and full kitchen. If we missed something you think should be included, please let us know and we will try to incorporate as much as we can. This is YOUR Community/ Senior Center and we want to include what you want and will use. If you would like us to come to a meeting with your civic group, please call me at 882-5879 and I will set a time to meet.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Still Writing Fred In 14%
9. Who is your choice for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2008? (Republicans only) John McCain 45%
Mike Huckabee 27%
Ron Paul 7%
Undecided 21%
10. How important is it for the Republican presidential candidate to be a conservative Republican in the mode of Ronald Reagan, very important, somewhat important, not very important, not important, or undecided? (Republicans only)
Very Important 48%
Somewhat Important 18%
Not Very Important 8%
Not Important 11%
Undecided 15%
Mike Huckabee 27%
Ron Paul 7%
Undecided 21%
10. How important is it for the Republican presidential candidate to be a conservative Republican in the mode of Ronald Reagan, very important, somewhat important, not very important, not important, or undecided? (Republicans only)
Very Important 48%
Somewhat Important 18%
Not Very Important 8%
Not Important 11%
Undecided 15%
Making It Personal In Janesville
From the Gazette
If only someone could have seen that coming 5 years ago. But there was no way to predict that Iraq would become a quagmire and a resource sink.
"For our economy, our safety and our workers, we have to rebuild America.
I’m proposing a national infrastructure reinvestment bank that will invest $60
billion over 10 years. This investment will multiply into almost half a trillion
dollars of additional infrastructure spending and generate nearly two million
new jobs—many of them in the construction industry that’s been hard hit by this
housing crisis. …
“And we’ll fund this bank by ending this war in Iraq. It’s
time to stop spending billions of dollars a week trying to put Iraq back
together and start spending the money on putting America back together instead,”
Obama said.
If only someone could have seen that coming 5 years ago. But there was no way to predict that Iraq would become a quagmire and a resource sink.
A Million Dollars Worth of Co-Operation
If the landowners nearby Lake Leota will allow the dredgings to be spread locally it could save the city $900,000.
Hey, it's dirt and goose poop. Should make your corn grow straight and tall.
Hey, it's dirt and goose poop. Should make your corn grow straight and tall.
Monday, February 11, 2008
If You Die Now You Can Enter The Contest, Too
Those wacky scamps at AFP/Ohio are having a tough time finding stories of families who've actually been affected by that state's Estate Tax so they're doing their level best to collect some stories on their own.
"How?," You ask.
By having a contest and offering cash prizes.
Now, you'd think that if these affected families were as prevalent as some would have you believe that there would be a veritable litany of stories. But it just isn't the case. It seems that some of the AFP crowd knows some guys whose wife's cousin's family lived next to a woman whose father had to divide the milk cow four ways to leave any inheritance at all. It's just that they can't actually document a whole lot of those stories.
So now, if you die before the end of March and fall under the Estate Tax in your state make sure to get your entry in to AFP. You know those prizes will be good. I heard that third prize is a "Best of Vicki McKenna" CD. They're due to put it out as soon as she can come up with enough material.
"How?," You ask.
By having a contest and offering cash prizes.
Now, you'd think that if these affected families were as prevalent as some would have you believe that there would be a veritable litany of stories. But it just isn't the case. It seems that some of the AFP crowd knows some guys whose wife's cousin's family lived next to a woman whose father had to divide the milk cow four ways to leave any inheritance at all. It's just that they can't actually document a whole lot of those stories.
So now, if you die before the end of March and fall under the Estate Tax in your state make sure to get your entry in to AFP. You know those prizes will be good. I heard that third prize is a "Best of Vicki McKenna" CD. They're due to put it out as soon as she can come up with enough material.
Somebody Is Off-Message, Somewhere
Overheard at the gas station tonight.
Yeah, I'm kinda bummed that Romney dropped out. Now I guess I
don't have much choice besides Obama. Are you going to Madison tomorrow
night to see him?
Quote Of The Year
Comedian Paul Provenza on NPR's, Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me
Here it is, the Year of the Rat already, and I'm still writing Monkey on all my checks.
Here it is, the Year of the Rat already, and I'm still writing Monkey on all my checks.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A Chance To Hear The Proposal For The Lake
Common Council
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 12, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
Agenda
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of January 15, 2008, regular meeting and to approve them as printed.
5. Citizen appearances
A. Evansville Community Partnership.
6. Reports of Committees
A. Plan Commission Report
(1). Approved site plan for fire department building pending city engineer’s approval for stormwater.
B. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report
(1). Motion to approve W&L bills and authorize their payment.
(2). Motion to approve the City bills and authorize their payment.
(3). Motion to approve sale of Part of Lot Two of a Certified Survey Map as recorded in Volume 12, pages 402 and 403, located in the SE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 27, Township 4 North, Range 10 East, of the 4th Prime Meridian, City of Evansville, Rock County, Wisconsin and placement of a deed restriction on the remainder to prevent its sale separate from City-owned property to the south.
C. Public Safety Committee Report
(1). Motion to approve 2008 Joint Powers Agreement with Rock County for Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
D. Public Works Committee Report
(1). Vierbicher & Associates Report on Lake Leota Dredging and possible motions relative to the report.
(2). Motion to direct City Engineer at a cost not to exceed $5,000 to estimate stormwater utility budget, determine impervious area by property, and calculate potential ERU charges.
(3). Motion to direct City Engineer at a cost not to exceed $600 to prepare application for Stormwater Management Planning Grant application.
E. Water & Light Committee Report
(1). Motion to approve Resolution 2008-03, Approving Amendments to 2008 Capital Budget.
F. Economic Development Committee Report
(1). Task forces formed to explore five topics over next two months and make recommendations for Economic Development Strategy.
G. Redevelopment Authority Report
H. Parks and Recreation Board Report
I. Historic Preservation Commission Report
J. Fire District Report
K. Police Commission Report
L. Evansville-Union Implementation Committee Report
7. Unfinished Business
A. Second reading and motion to approve Ordinance 2008-01, Relative to Compensation for Mayor and Alderpersons. [Sponsors: Cothard and Roberts].
B. Second reading and motion to approve Ordinance 2008-02, Amending Chapter 122 of Municipal Code Allowing the Operation of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. [Sponsors: Juergens and Sornson].
8. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor
A. Discussion on Committee of the Whole meeting in spring.
9. Communications from the City Administrator
A. Motion to meet in closed session per Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) to discuss agenda items 9-B and 9-C and to subsequently reconvene in open session.
B. Discussion on Finance Director position – hiring update. Council will meet in closed session per Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c).
C. Discussion on non-represented employee performance evaluations, contracts, and wages. Council will meet in closed session per Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c).
10. New Business
A. Motion(s) regarding non-represented employee contracts and wages.
11. Introduction of New Ordinances
A. First reading of Ordinance 2008-03, Regarding Collection of Fees In Lieu Of Parkland Dedication. [Sponsors: Juergens and Braunschweig].
B. First reading of Ordinance 2008-04, Regarding Licensing of Taxicabs. [Sponsors: Wessels and Wyse].
12. Motion to adjourn
Sandra J. Decker, Mayor
Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible.
Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you.
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 12, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
Agenda
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of January 15, 2008, regular meeting and to approve them as printed.
5. Citizen appearances
A. Evansville Community Partnership.
6. Reports of Committees
A. Plan Commission Report
(1). Approved site plan for fire department building pending city engineer’s approval for stormwater.
B. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report
(1). Motion to approve W&L bills and authorize their payment.
(2). Motion to approve the City bills and authorize their payment.
(3). Motion to approve sale of Part of Lot Two of a Certified Survey Map as recorded in Volume 12, pages 402 and 403, located in the SE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 27, Township 4 North, Range 10 East, of the 4th Prime Meridian, City of Evansville, Rock County, Wisconsin and placement of a deed restriction on the remainder to prevent its sale separate from City-owned property to the south.
C. Public Safety Committee Report
(1). Motion to approve 2008 Joint Powers Agreement with Rock County for Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
D. Public Works Committee Report
(1). Vierbicher & Associates Report on Lake Leota Dredging and possible motions relative to the report.
(2). Motion to direct City Engineer at a cost not to exceed $5,000 to estimate stormwater utility budget, determine impervious area by property, and calculate potential ERU charges.
(3). Motion to direct City Engineer at a cost not to exceed $600 to prepare application for Stormwater Management Planning Grant application.
E. Water & Light Committee Report
(1). Motion to approve Resolution 2008-03, Approving Amendments to 2008 Capital Budget.
F. Economic Development Committee Report
(1). Task forces formed to explore five topics over next two months and make recommendations for Economic Development Strategy.
G. Redevelopment Authority Report
H. Parks and Recreation Board Report
I. Historic Preservation Commission Report
J. Fire District Report
K. Police Commission Report
L. Evansville-Union Implementation Committee Report
7. Unfinished Business
A. Second reading and motion to approve Ordinance 2008-01, Relative to Compensation for Mayor and Alderpersons. [Sponsors: Cothard and Roberts].
B. Second reading and motion to approve Ordinance 2008-02, Amending Chapter 122 of Municipal Code Allowing the Operation of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. [Sponsors: Juergens and Sornson].
8. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor
A. Discussion on Committee of the Whole meeting in spring.
9. Communications from the City Administrator
A. Motion to meet in closed session per Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) to discuss agenda items 9-B and 9-C and to subsequently reconvene in open session.
B. Discussion on Finance Director position – hiring update. Council will meet in closed session per Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c).
C. Discussion on non-represented employee performance evaluations, contracts, and wages. Council will meet in closed session per Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c).
10. New Business
A. Motion(s) regarding non-represented employee contracts and wages.
11. Introduction of New Ordinances
A. First reading of Ordinance 2008-03, Regarding Collection of Fees In Lieu Of Parkland Dedication. [Sponsors: Juergens and Braunschweig].
B. First reading of Ordinance 2008-04, Regarding Licensing of Taxicabs. [Sponsors: Wessels and Wyse].
12. Motion to adjourn
Sandra J. Decker, Mayor
Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible.
Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you.
Do You Suppose They Knew?
Let's see now...Since Willard decided that his staying in the race would only help the terrorists, then while he was in the race the terrorists had a better chance of winning so a vote for Willard was a vote for Osama.
That seems awfully linear to me.
That seems awfully linear to me.
Did He Say, "Stubby Gunn?"
Wow! Green-e-stickem caps! I hadn't thought about them in years.
Elliott found a new blog. I found an old commercial. I'm thinking I win this one.
Elliott found a new blog. I found an old commercial. I'm thinking I win this one.
Them Sidewalks Didn't Just Grow There
Cold? You kids call this cold?
When I was in school we walked through this cold pushing a wheelbarrow full of cement for the workmen.
Cold? I'll tell you about cold.
The hound dogs used to keep a set of jumper cables out in the doghouse to start the stray rabbit on mornings like this.
I'll tell you about cold, dammit.
Sven and Ole were out pushing Lena's double-wide down the street trying to get her furnace started.
Cold? You kids don't know about cold.
We used to holler at one another on the playground and the words would dreeze straight out of our mouths. We'd have to pick 'em up and take them inside to put on the radiator (next to those little cartons of milk) to thaw out. By 11:15 all of those shouts would be thawing out and it was all you could do to hear the teacher.
Cold? You call this cold? I don't think so. Go outside and play. It's good for you. Hmphh, cold?
When I was in school we walked through this cold pushing a wheelbarrow full of cement for the workmen.
Cold? I'll tell you about cold.
The hound dogs used to keep a set of jumper cables out in the doghouse to start the stray rabbit on mornings like this.
I'll tell you about cold, dammit.
Sven and Ole were out pushing Lena's double-wide down the street trying to get her furnace started.
Cold? You kids don't know about cold.
We used to holler at one another on the playground and the words would dreeze straight out of our mouths. We'd have to pick 'em up and take them inside to put on the radiator (next to those little cartons of milk) to thaw out. By 11:15 all of those shouts would be thawing out and it was all you could do to hear the teacher.
Cold? You call this cold? I don't think so. Go outside and play. It's good for you. Hmphh, cold?
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Just Think Of The Cuts As Reverse Earmarks
From Congresswoman Baldwin's Newsletter come these details of what President Bush feels is important for Wisconsin:
On Monday of this week, President Bush proposed his FY 2009 budget. While again calling for $3 trillion in tax cuts for the privileged and well-connected over the next ten years, the President wants to finance those tax cuts by drastically cutting funds for Medicare, Medicaid, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, Community Oriented Policing Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others.
For communities in Wisconsin, alone, the President proposes the following cuts* (adjusted for inflation):
Law Enforcement Assistance (Byrne Grants) – Cuts $2.5 million
Assistance to Firefighters – Cuts $13.2 million
Municipal clean water facility maintenance and upgrades – Cuts $4.1 million
Economic Development, Job Creation, Affordable Housing - Cuts $12.2 million
Improving Teacher Quality – Cuts $2 million
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) – Cuts $11.2 million
I believe this budget demonstrates how detached President Bush is from the economic realities that families and communities are dealing with because of the failed policies of his administration. I will join my colleagues in Congress in offering a budget that attempts to reduce the deficit, restore fiscal responsibility, and prioritize much needed services.
On Monday of this week, President Bush proposed his FY 2009 budget. While again calling for $3 trillion in tax cuts for the privileged and well-connected over the next ten years, the President wants to finance those tax cuts by drastically cutting funds for Medicare, Medicaid, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, Community Oriented Policing Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others.
For communities in Wisconsin, alone, the President proposes the following cuts* (adjusted for inflation):
Law Enforcement Assistance (Byrne Grants) – Cuts $2.5 million
Assistance to Firefighters – Cuts $13.2 million
Municipal clean water facility maintenance and upgrades – Cuts $4.1 million
Economic Development, Job Creation, Affordable Housing - Cuts $12.2 million
Improving Teacher Quality – Cuts $2 million
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) – Cuts $11.2 million
I believe this budget demonstrates how detached President Bush is from the economic realities that families and communities are dealing with because of the failed policies of his administration. I will join my colleagues in Congress in offering a budget that attempts to reduce the deficit, restore fiscal responsibility, and prioritize much needed services.
Madison Appeal From The Red Cross
I'm certain this affects your area as well. Please contact your local agency.
Forwarded by Richard Russell
This just in from the American Red Cross:
Hello,
Please forward this message to your employees/members and encourage eligible people to donate soon. The Red Cross has lost [not literally: she means "failed to take in"] more than 800 units of blood since last week due to inclement weather. Hazardous winter weather has caused local blood drives to be cancelled this week, severely affecting the flow of blood donations at the local American Red Cross.
The lost donations must be made up in order to maintain a stable blood supply, but replenishing the blood supply takes time and requires the help of all eligible volunteer blood donors. Type O negative blood is especially needed. Only 7 percent of the population has type O negative blood. Type O negative blood is often used to treat trauma patients in serious need of blood because it can be transfused to almost anyone without first knowing the recipients blood type. This saves the doctors time and allows them to treat the patient immediately.
Yesterday morning we received notice that a liver transplant patient at a hospital in our division was using up to 50 O positive red cell units, 30 fresh frozen plasmas and 8 single donor platelets. That’s just one patient! Thanks to all of your hard work the blood products this patient needed were there.
To accommodate donors and make up for lost collections, The West and East Donor Centers will be open additional hours on Saturday, February 9th. We will be serving fresh fruit at both centers on Saturday.
Hours are:
West Center - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
East Center - 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
We will be serving Rocky Rococo heart shaped pizzas on Valentines Day, Thursday, February 14th at the West & East Centers.
Thank you for your dedication!!
Debbie Bormann
Forwarded by Richard Russell
This just in from the American Red Cross:
Hello,
Please forward this message to your employees/members and encourage eligible people to donate soon. The Red Cross has lost [not literally: she means "failed to take in"] more than 800 units of blood since last week due to inclement weather. Hazardous winter weather has caused local blood drives to be cancelled this week, severely affecting the flow of blood donations at the local American Red Cross.
The lost donations must be made up in order to maintain a stable blood supply, but replenishing the blood supply takes time and requires the help of all eligible volunteer blood donors. Type O negative blood is especially needed. Only 7 percent of the population has type O negative blood. Type O negative blood is often used to treat trauma patients in serious need of blood because it can be transfused to almost anyone without first knowing the recipients blood type. This saves the doctors time and allows them to treat the patient immediately.
Yesterday morning we received notice that a liver transplant patient at a hospital in our division was using up to 50 O positive red cell units, 30 fresh frozen plasmas and 8 single donor platelets. That’s just one patient! Thanks to all of your hard work the blood products this patient needed were there.
To accommodate donors and make up for lost collections, The West and East Donor Centers will be open additional hours on Saturday, February 9th. We will be serving fresh fruit at both centers on Saturday.
Hours are:
West Center - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
East Center - 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
We will be serving Rocky Rococo heart shaped pizzas on Valentines Day, Thursday, February 14th at the West & East Centers.
Thank you for your dedication!!
Debbie Bormann
Friday, February 08, 2008
What's In Your Armor?
Charlie can't figure out that software to stop inappropriate language isn't the same as censorship and that the software could be over-ridden if someone bothered to proof-read the paper before it went to the presses.
Times change, Charlie. Even Ferris Bueller knew that, "Life comes at you pretty fast." Maybe you should think about doing a little growing of your own. I know the good people of Kraft wish they could put this behind them.
Times change, Charlie. Even Ferris Bueller knew that, "Life comes at you pretty fast." Maybe you should think about doing a little growing of your own. I know the good people of Kraft wish they could put this behind them.
I'm Sorry. No.
Motorists are enraged. Enraged, I say. From the Journal:
So What?
Why were you on the highway? You had plenty of warning and you drove into a blizzard. You drove past safe places to stay, even after you saw what conditions were. All that the National Guard could do was to tell you that youwere stuck in a snowstorm at that point.
You are to blame for your own troubles.
Why did you have no supplies in your truck? You are supposed to be a professional. For decades you have been told that preparation is the key to survival. A good long-haul driver would have a winter bag packed with high boots, Spam, juice boxes, gloves, crackers and Vienna Sausage. If he didn't need it by April he could have a feast while he put away the thermals.
You are to blame for your own troubles.
Every time you say that government needs to make cuts, every time you stand up and shout that your tax dollars are wasted you have to take part of the responsibility for the choices made in your name. Your nattering about waste, when looking at real hard choices, leads to cuts in services.
You are responsible for the lack of plows an the roads.
Listen. Learn. Figure it out. Some days the Cavalry isn't coming. Prepare. Grow the Hell up.
Stop the incessant whining.
So What?
"Why weren't troops out there (earlier)?" Wittwer said in an interview from
her home in Hayward. "They knew it was coming. They had plenty of warning, but there was nothing to warn us, John Q. Public, driving up from Illinois."
Why were you on the highway? You had plenty of warning and you drove into a blizzard. You drove past safe places to stay, even after you saw what conditions were. All that the National Guard could do was to tell you that youwere stuck in a snowstorm at that point.
You are to blame for your own troubles.
In his 20 years as a truck driver, Doering had never had to spend the night
sleeping on the highway, so Wednesday's standstill caught him by surprise as he
only had a few crackers to eat and a half-bottle of water. He was stuck from
4:30 p.m. until 2 a.m
Why did you have no supplies in your truck? You are supposed to be a professional. For decades you have been told that preparation is the key to survival. A good long-haul driver would have a winter bag packed with high boots, Spam, juice boxes, gloves, crackers and Vienna Sausage. If he didn't need it by April he could have a feast while he put away the thermals.
You are to blame for your own troubles.
Still, Rock County has four plows operating in two 12-hour shifts, down from
eight plows about five years ago, Coopman said. Those same four plows patrol the
same stretch in both light snowfall and blizzards.Coopman compared the snow plows to fire trucks. "You pray you never need them," Coopman said. "But in our business, elected officials have said we'll take our chances and start cutting back on having those 'fire trucks' available. Then when you have the fire like (Wednesday), you don't have them."
Every time you say that government needs to make cuts, every time you stand up and shout that your tax dollars are wasted you have to take part of the responsibility for the choices made in your name. Your nattering about waste, when looking at real hard choices, leads to cuts in services.
You are responsible for the lack of plows an the roads.
Listen. Learn. Figure it out. Some days the Cavalry isn't coming. Prepare. Grow the Hell up.
Stop the incessant whining.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
What Next?
Some of these won't be much of a contest anymore but they should prove entertaining.
From Salon:
Both parties:
Feb. 9 -- Louisiana primary, Washington caucuses
Feb. 12 -- The "Chesapeake" or "Potomac" primaries in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Feb. 19 -- Washington and Wisconsin primaries
March 4 -- Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont primaries
Democrats only:
Feb. 9 -- Nebraska caucuses
Feb. 10 -- Maine caucuses
Feb. 19 -- Hawaii caucuses
Republicans only:
Feb. 9 -- Kansas caucuses
From Salon:
Both parties:
Feb. 9 -- Louisiana primary, Washington caucuses
Feb. 12 -- The "Chesapeake" or "Potomac" primaries in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Feb. 19 -- Washington and Wisconsin primaries
March 4 -- Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont primaries
Democrats only:
Feb. 9 -- Nebraska caucuses
Feb. 10 -- Maine caucuses
Feb. 19 -- Hawaii caucuses
Republicans only:
Feb. 9 -- Kansas caucuses
Sometimes, The Long Hard Road Ends Really, Really Early
Willard quits. Fraley offers some really good advice.
White Women Are A Problem
Ha-ha-ha. That William Kristol cracks me up. I loved him in City Slickers II: The Legend Of Curly's Gold
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
My Garage Today
I went out to get some lunch from the freezer.
I am certain that I heard my golf clubs sobbing in the corner.
The bicycles had left a note saying, "Go tell Soglin to pound sand." I'm not listening to them.
17 inches here and still snowing. The Interstate over by my work has had people trapped on it for the last 5 hours. Jeff Wagner is an idiot.
I am certain that I heard my golf clubs sobbing in the corner.
The bicycles had left a note saying, "Go tell Soglin to pound sand." I'm not listening to them.
17 inches here and still snowing. The Interstate over by my work has had people trapped on it for the last 5 hours. Jeff Wagner is an idiot.
To Recap
Had a good day on Tuesday:
Democrats
John McCain
Hillary Clinton and/or Barack Obama
Mike Huckabee
ABC News
Had a bad day on Tuesday:
Rush Limbaugh and the Movement Conservatives
Mitt Romney and the Presumptives
Plow drivers
Charlie
Democrats
John McCain
Hillary Clinton and/or Barack Obama
Mike Huckabee
ABC News
Had a bad day on Tuesday:
Rush Limbaugh and the Movement Conservatives
Mitt Romney and the Presumptives
Plow drivers
Charlie
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Expectations and Disappointments
When you read this: Grandma allegedly hides cocaine in bra
You're secretly hoping for something like this. But you almost always wind up with this.
Guys are pigs. It's true.
You're secretly hoping for something like this. But you almost always wind up with this.
Guys are pigs. It's true.
"He's Tired"
After telling his sons, his bosses and his team of hisGood luck in retirement, Coach. You always made it an interesting season.
resignation, [Bobby] Knight spoke only to one local newspaper about
his shocking departure in the middle of his seventh season in West
Texas.
"He's ready," successor and son Pat Knight said during his weekly
radio program. "He's tired."
He Knew He'd Get The Bartender's Vote
This is the wrong way to do it, in case you were confused.
So Asman wrote checks for $1285 at the bar. Surely, that's just a small percentage of the campaigns total.A state assembly candidate’s treasurer is accused of spending the campaign’s
war chest at a Manawa tavern. [...]Asman served as the campaign treasurer for Hyde Murray of Waupaca in the summer of 2006. Murray sought the Republican nomination for the 40th District Assembly seat [...]
Murray discovered in July 2006 that Asman had been writing checks from the Hyde Murray for Assembly account to the Thunder’n Bar in Manawa, usually in amounts of $50. In all, about 26 checks were written totaling $1,285, according to the criminal complaint.
Even after the account was closed and Asman fired as treasurer, he continued to write checks from the account, prosecutors say. After the account was closed, he
cashed five additional checks totaling $300 at the bar. The five checks all
bounced.
It's hard to get elected up by Chain O'Lakes if you're not a Korbel drinker. I'm teeling you.Murray raised and spent $2,181 during his unsuccessful campaign, according
to campaign finance reports.The bar’s owner told the Manawa police chief the checks were “cashed so that he (Asman) could drink.”When confronted by police and asked if the expenditures were for campaign purposes, Asman replied “yes, to use the term liberally.”
Bartenders at the Thunder’n said Asman used the money to purchase J. Bavet brandy and Cokes, and food.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Memories Are Made For This
From List of the Day: Remember all of those pricey Olan Mills portraits and Glamorshots that you had taken so you could immortalize the moment? Remember how much you knew you'd cherish those times forever?
You were wrong. Go check out the rest. The captions are priceless.
SuperBowl Wool Gathering
Hoping for the Giants to win feels a little like rooting for the Dodgers but there is a small satisfaction in seeing the Cheater, Bellichek, beaten at his own game. New York flat beat New England. No excuses.
The Life Water commercial was my favorite. There were several which fell flat. If you're going to spend $90,000 per second for an ad it should be your best of the year. Did the E-Trade people think that having the baby spit up would, somehow, make it more likely that I'd try their service? They were wrong. The clown's creepiness? Maybe.
WTF was Paula Abdul thinking? Has she lost all sense of taste? Appearing in that mish-mosh of a video proves that she should no longer be trusted to judge what is current in American music. From the marching band open to the school-girl/cheerleader choreography to Paula's aging corpus sashaying back and forth like some specter of one of her past lives it transitioned from awful to sad to creepy.
Dance Like There's No Tomorrow? More like Dancing After Too Many Yesterdays.
The Life Water commercial was my favorite. There were several which fell flat. If you're going to spend $90,000 per second for an ad it should be your best of the year. Did the E-Trade people think that having the baby spit up would, somehow, make it more likely that I'd try their service? They were wrong. The clown's creepiness? Maybe.
WTF was Paula Abdul thinking? Has she lost all sense of taste? Appearing in that mish-mosh of a video proves that she should no longer be trusted to judge what is current in American music. From the marching band open to the school-girl/cheerleader choreography to Paula's aging corpus sashaying back and forth like some specter of one of her past lives it transitioned from awful to sad to creepy.
Dance Like There's No Tomorrow? More like Dancing After Too Many Yesterdays.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Anticipation and Gratification
It's been 19 years since the Greatest Game Ever Played.
The Bud Bowl did as much as any single concept to change SuperBowl commercials. Stack it up alongside Mean Joe Greene, Apple's Revolution and Cindy Crawford and you can see how we got to where the anticpation is higher for the commercials than the game.
Sports Shorts
Charlie Villanueva saw his shadow yesterday morning. That means 6 more weeks of bad Bucks basketball.
Rudy Giulliani was named as an honorary coach of the New York Giants for today's SuperBowl. He told them at a pre-practice meeting yesterday that it makes sense to conserve resources. Since it only counts to be leading after the fourth quarter, he told them that there's no sense in putting in much effort before halftime.
Evansville/Albany wins the Rock Valley Conference Wrestling title for the third year in a row by having every wrestler finish fourth or better despite losing eight Seniors to graduation after last year. Congrats to coach Rob Kostroun and to all of the wrestlers.
Rudy Giulliani was named as an honorary coach of the New York Giants for today's SuperBowl. He told them at a pre-practice meeting yesterday that it makes sense to conserve resources. Since it only counts to be leading after the fourth quarter, he told them that there's no sense in putting in much effort before halftime.
Evansville/Albany wins the Rock Valley Conference Wrestling title for the third year in a row by having every wrestler finish fourth or better despite losing eight Seniors to graduation after last year. Congrats to coach Rob Kostroun and to all of the wrestlers.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Oh, Frabjous Day
Separation of Church and Groundhog? Check.
Separation of Reality and Groundhog? Double Check.
Two pieces of Groundhog Day trivia. 1) Groundhog Day was filmed right down the road in Woodstock, Illinois. 2) My personal vision of Hell is waking up to 6 more weeeks of Andie McDowell's acting. She makes Darryl Hannah look like Meryl Streep.
(Warning: For those demanding a strict adherence to the
separation of church and groundhog, the following could be
disturbing.)
Separation of Reality and Groundhog? Double Check.
Two pieces of Groundhog Day trivia. 1) Groundhog Day was filmed right down the road in Woodstock, Illinois. 2) My personal vision of Hell is waking up to 6 more weeeks of Andie McDowell's acting. She makes Darryl Hannah look like Meryl Streep.
There is no way this winter is *ever* going to end as
long as that groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don't see any way out of it.
He's got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.
What Do You Mean, I'm Funny
Super Tuesday is rushing up to meet us. Romney's team is sweating blood and Governor Huckabee is wondering if grabbing the tiger's tail was a wise decision. Paulites everywhere just know that Maine is the key.
But there's an interesting story brewing up right next door. The Funny Man is making a real run at respectability.
There's another little reality biscuit in these numbers. The approval numbers for Amy Klobuchar are 16 points higher than for Coleman. They love their first term Dem Senator in Minnesota.
But there's an interesting story brewing up right next door. The Funny Man is making a real run at respectability.
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a littleIn the latest MPR poll Al Franken looks as if he's finally pulled ahead of Mike Ciresi in the DFL Primary which would have him run against Former Democratic Mayor of St Paul, Norm Coleman. And, as the poll numbers go, it looks as if the former AirAmerica personality is polling higher than Coleman when looking ahead to November.
f#$%ed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you?
I make you laugh, I'm here to f#$%in' amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
There's another little reality biscuit in these numbers. The approval numbers for Amy Klobuchar are 16 points higher than for Coleman. They love their first term Dem Senator in Minnesota.
Better Shark
Nice try, though. Thanks for making me think of this.
Fleetwood Mac had a lot of twists and turns. Different fans love different bands, all under the same name. Life is good.
Fleetwood Mac had a lot of twists and turns. Different fans love different bands, all under the same name. Life is good.
Friday, February 01, 2008
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