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 baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
My Most Popular Blogs (01/01/12)
As I post every Sunday, here are the five most read blog entries of mine from the previous week. NOTE: some entries may have been posted prior to the past week.
1) THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2011: #6
2) Photos of the Week (12/25/11)
3) THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2011: #5
4) THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2011: #4
5) THE TOP TEN FRANKLIN STORIES OF 2011: #7
Photos of the Week (01/01/12)
1) Lady Gaga and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg prepare to push the button to drop the ball at New Year's Eve 2012 in Times Square on Dec. 31, 2011 in
2) Confetti flies over
3) A member of the clean up crew clears confetti from Broadway after the New Year's Eve celebration as seen from the balcony of the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York's Times Square, Jan. 1, 2012. Photo: Mary Altaffer / AP
4) Fireworks explode over the Houses of Parliament, including St Stephen's Tower which holds the bell known as Big Ben as London celebrates the arrival of New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2012. Photo: Alastair Grant / AP
5) Revelers celebrate the New Year on the Champs Elysees avenue in
6) Fireworks explode over the ancient Acropolis Hill with the Parthenon temple during the New Year's celebrations in
7) The Sydney Opera House and
8) A couple kisses as fireworks explode in the sky over
9) A man lights an Old Man effigy, which symbolizes burning the past and getting ready to start a happy New Year without bad memories, early Sunday in Mumbai, India. Photo: Rafiq Maqbool / AP
10) U.S. President Barack Obama lays a wreath at the memorial to USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, December 29, 2011. Photo: Jason Reed – Reuters
11) North Korea's new leader Kim Jong-un cries as his father, North Korea's late leader Kim Jong-il, lies in state during the run-up to his funeral in Pyongyang in this Dec. 27, 2011, still image taken from video. Photo: Reuters
12) Armenian clergymen scuffle with police and Greek Orthodox clergymen during the annual cleaning of the Church of Nativity, the traditionally accepted birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Dec.28. Several hundred clergy of different Christian sects, as well as some faithful, pitch in to clean the entire church, one of the oldest in the world, but with special care taken not to overstep one's boundaries and delicate cleaning responsibilities. The entire church is swept, dusted, cleaned with kerosene and covered in sawdust to soak up the flammable liquid as the church is cleaned of all the dirt accumulated in the past year and made ready for the next year's onslaught of pilgrims, clergy and tourists. Photo: Oliver Weiken / EPA
13) Vehicles are seen after floodwaters receded at the Honda factory in Ayutthaya province on Nov. 26. Thailand's worst floods in 50 years have killed 610 people and devastated industry, but the situation is slowly improving, with water receding in many affected areas. Photo: Athit Perawongmetha / Reuters
14) This photo provided by the National Park Service shows an unidentified man standing by an SUV-sized boulder sitting on Yellowstone National Park's West Entrance road approximately nine miles inside the park's west gate Dec. 29, 2011. The boulder apparently broke loose from a mountainside several hundred feet above the road early Thursday. Park crews have pushed the rock from the road and are assessing the slope for the potential of further slides. Photo: National Park Service via AP
15) Rubbish is piled up in between parked cars in downtown Mexico City, Dec. 26. After city authorities shut down the Bordo Poniente landfill, one of the largest dumps in the world, garbage has started to accumulate and trucks have been slower to pick it up, according to local media. Here, rubbish is piled up next to the monument of Mexico's late President Benito Juarez in Mexico City, Dec. 26. Juarez was one of Mexico's most important statesmen. Photos: Reuters
16) Maria Ponce, 78, stands in the doorway of her home that is constructed from recycled plastic bottles, near El Transito, El Salvador, Thursday Dec. 29, 2011. Ponce, who did not have money to build a traditional house, says in 2005 a dream revealed to her to fashion a home from plastic bottles, which took 3 months. Ponce and her 102-year-old companion survive on about 10 dollars a week which they make from their corn crop and donations from tourists making the journey to see "La Casita Encantada," or "The Enchanted Cottage." Photo: Luis Romero / AP
17) People work at the construction site of a Catholic church made of snow in the Bavarian village of Mitterfirmiansreut, near the German-Czech border on . The snow church is to be unveiled during a ceremony on Wednesday and is likely to become a tourist attraction till the beginning of spring. Photo: Petr Josek / Reuters
18) The Balea Lac Hotel of Ice in the Fagaras Mountains, 184 miles northwest of Bucharest, is entirely made of ice. The hotel offers accommodation in 10 double rooms with king size beds, where the temperature hovers around freezing. A waiter serves dinner inside the hotel. Rooms go for $45.73 per person. Photos by Radu Sigheti / Reuters
19) President Barack Obama gets a mouth full of fingers from Cooper Wall Wagner, 8 months, as he poses for a photo with Coopers and his parents Captain Greg and Meredith Wagner, as he visits members of the military during Christmas dinner at Anderson Hall on Marine Corps Base Hawaii , Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, in Kaneohe, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
20) Siberian tigers approach a keeper's car as they wait to be fed at the Siberian Tiger Forest Park in Harbin, China on Dec. 27. More than 800 Siberian tigers are currently living in the park, which is also a breeding center for this endangered species, local media reported. Photo: Sheng Li / Reuters
21) Tian Tian licks her 'panda cake' in her enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, on Christmas Day, Sunday Dec. 25, 2011. The United Kingdom's only pair of giant pandas were treated to an extra helping of panda cake on Christmas morning to celebrate their first Christmas in Scotland. Yang Guang and Tian Tian - or Sunshine and Sweetie - have been getting used to their new home in Edinburgh Zoo since arriving from China on Sunday Dec. 4 2011. (AP Photo / Andrew Milligan/PA)
22) A white whale, also known as beluga, puffs a ring at Kamogawa Sea World in Kamogawa, east of Tokyo, Japan, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
23) New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates after his team defeated the Atlanta Flacons in New Orleans, La., Dec. 26. Drew Brees passed for 307 yards while breaking the single-season passing record at 5,087 yards. Dan Marino finished with 5,084 yards for the Miami Dolphins in 1984. Photo: Sean Gardner / Reuters
24) New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan exchanges words with New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs after the game last weekend that was won by the Giants. Photo: New York Post
25) In this image released by AP Images for Comic Relief, as Helen Skelton prepares to embark on the toughest adventure of her life - Helen’s Polar Challenge for Sport Relief - she first had to overcome the challenge of spending a bleak Christmas Day in Antarctica, with hours of demanding training in sub zero temperatures and dehydrated rations for dinner. Helen is hoping to begin her 500 mile trek to the South Pole on January 1 at 83 degrees south. The fearless Blue Peter presenter will power herself to the pole by ski, by kite and - in a world first - by bike. (Mike Carling/AP Images for Comic Relief)
26) A fan named Annie Wagner was not happy when she found out her boyfriend was cheating on her, so she went to the Green Bay-Chicago game last Sunday night with a sign that, at the very least, got back at her cheating ex-boyfriend. Photo: The Hollywood Gossip via NBC.
27) Sarah Crane was left stunned when she hung out her laundry to dry and discovered the face of Jesus staring back at her from a crumpled sock. She was so impressed by the clarity of the face she even built a shrine to the sock. Photo: Paul Cunningham / Zuma Press
28) Einar Sveinsson, dressed as Santa Claus, visits young patient Elizabeth Marroquin who suffers from appendicitis in the emergency room at the Benjamin Bloom Hospital in San Salvador, El Salvador, early Sunday Dec. 25, 2011. Sveinsson, who lives in El Salvador and is originally from Iceland, said he originally began volunteering in emergency rooms years ago as Santa Claus to visit children who had been burned by Christmas time firecrackers. (AP Photo/Luis Romero)
29) Santa, wearing shorts, greets children at the pool of the Halekulani Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii on Saturday, December 24, 2011. He arrived by outrigger canoe in front of the hotel at sunset on Christmas Eve and is welcomed by keiki from Hula Hui O Kapunahala under the direction of kumu hula Carolee Nishi. Photos: Honolulu Star- Advertiser
30) Shoppers rush into a department store as it opens for Boxing Day sales in central London, Monday, Dec. 26. Despite disruptions caused by London's subway drivers striking over a pay dispute, large crowds of shoppers started flooding department stores in London as soon as doors opened early Monday. Photo: Lefteris Pitarakis / AP
31) Landmark Signs workers install 288 sparkling new Waterford Crystal triangles featuring this year's "Let There Be Friendship" design on the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball, Dec. 27, 2011 in New York. The crystals, designed and crafted by Waterford artisans, feature a pattern that represents friends holding hands around the world. Photo: Mary Altaffer / AP
32) Athletes dressed as Santa Claus jump into the Mediterranean sea as they take part in the Copa Nadal in the Spanish port of Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, Dec. 25. The Copa Nadal (Christmas Cup) is a traditional swimming competition that takes place in Barcelona every December 25th, where participants swim 200 meters in the open sea in the port of Barcelona. Photo: Emilio Morenatti / AP
33) A swimmer reacts as he climbs a ladder to leave the Vltava river after a swim within the traditional Christmas winter swimming competition in Prague, Czech Republic, on Dec. 26. Enthusiast swimmers every year brave the cold waters of the Vltava river for a swim. Photo: Filip Singer / EPA
34) Members of the 'Berlin Seals' club swim in the Oranke Lake with a water temperature of three degrees Celsius, wearing Christmas costumes in Berlin, Germany, on December 25. The winter swimmers traditionally meet on Christmas Day to take a swim together. OK, one more. Photos: Maurizio Gambarini / EPA
35) People carry a man on a stretcher as they take part in a traditional sea bath during New Year's celebrations on Jan. 1, 2011 at Malo-Les-Bains beach in Dunkirk, France. Photo: Philippe Huguen / AFP - Getty Images
36) A woman holds an offering of fruits as shamans perform a ritual for good luck for the coming new year in Lima, Peru on December 29, 2010. In Peru, yellow is considered good luck, and people will often wear yellow underwear on New Year's Eve for luck in the new year. Shamans from around the country attend fairs to perform rituals that include showering subjects with yellow flowers or passing a guinea pig over subjects' bodies. Photo: Mariana Bazo / Reuters
Culinary no-no #258
THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF
FOOD BLOGS, BUT ONLY ONE CULINARY NO-
NO!
It’s New Year’s Day. Here are, in no particular order, my culinary resolutions for 2012:
In restaurant booths, could we please not put our feet up on the seats.
When you’ve finished dining and paid the bill, could you please get up and get the hell out so someone else who’s been waiting can have a seat.
People sitting at barstools, when there’s one empty spot and two people standing, how about getting up and moving one spot down so the others can sit as well.
When wait staff does something good or nice, can we at least make eye contact and say “Thank you?”
Tip properly, at least 15-20%, more for exemplary service. That includes bar service.
Don’t make a visit to a restaurant a track meet for your server. If someone else at your table orders a drink, put in your drink order at the same time.
If you have a restaurant reservation and you’re going to be late, call and inform the restaurant.
Call if you’re not going to show for a restaurant reservation.
Fast food patrons, know what you’re going to order before you get to the front of the line.
Fast food drive thru workers, would it kill you to put a few napkins in the bag.
Fast food workers, don’t ask me if I want to try a triple-whipped fruit smoothie. If I want a triple-whipped fruit smoothie, I’ll order it.
Fast food joints, stop trying to go healthy!
At a nice restaurant, I should never have to beg for a glass of water.
Don’t walk into a popular restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night without a reservation and develop an attitude when informed you’ll have to wait.
I’m not sure what happens in the women’s restrooms, but guys, c’mon, you’ve got to wash your hands.
Guys, dress up when dining out. Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look in your t-shirt and jeans when your date is all gussied up?
Guys, TAKE YOUR FRICKIN’ HATS OFF IN RESTAURANTS!
CULINARY NO-NO BONUSES
They're the most obnoxious chefs...of the year!
I'm not so sure about some of these.
10 Best and Worst Food Issues in America
IT'S ROSE BOWL TIME...GO GET 'EM BUCKY!
Thousands of Wisconsin Badger fans cheer the team at a rally at
Are you planning to watch the Rose Bowl Parade?
Keep an eye for this float.
OK guys, you're watching the Rose Bowl and admit it...
You're lovin' those Oregon cheerleaders.
PHOTOS OF THE YEAR - 2011
The "Tribute in Light" shines above lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center in New York. 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. (Mark Lennihan/Associated Press)
People react to the death of Osama bin Laden in Times Square in New York early May 2. Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in a firefight with U.S. forces in Pakistan, President Barack Obama announced, ending a nearly 10-year worldwide hunt for the mastermind of the September 11 attacks. (Eric Thayer/Reuters)
Katlyn Wilkins works on securing an American flag in a tree as she deals with the destruction caused by a massive tornado that passed through the town killing at least 139 people on May 29 in Joplin, Mo. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Capt. Don Spindler carries a young girl out of a burning apartment building in Evansville, Ind. on Sept. 7. Kristyn Frazier and her two young daughters suffered smoke inhalation before being rescued. Kristyn was declared brain dead the next morning, while her daughters were in critical but stable condition at St. Mary’s Medical Center. The girls made a full recovery. Photo: Jason Clark / AP
A motorcycle policeman burns as his colleague tries to help him after protesters threw a petrol bomb in Athens on February 23, 2011. Scores of youths hurled rocks and petrol bombs at riot police after clashes broke out during a general strike. (Dimitri Messinis/AP)
A leopard attacks a forest guard at Prakash Nagar village, on the outskirts of Siliguri, India, on July 19. The leopard strayed into the village area and mauled several people, including three guards, before being caught by forest officials. The leopard, which suffered injuries caused by knives and batons, died later in the evening at a veterinary center. The forest guard being attacked survived. AP photo
Toya Chiba, a reporter for local newspaper Iwate Tokai Shimbun, is swept away while taking pictures at the mouth of the
Campus police officer John Pike pepper-sprays students during an “Occupy” demonstration on the
Oregon wins the Rose Bowl...I'm not surprised
Hours before the Rose Bowl, ESPN analysts pinpointed how the Big Ten performances in bowl games this year showed how weak the Big Ten defenses were.
How true. And for the umpteenth year in a row, we see how over-rated Big Ten teams are.
And BTW, Bret Bielema ruins any chance for the Badgers to win by blowing his timeouts. How unfair to the Wisconsin players and
YUCK
My wife, a regular reader of Photos of the Week, let out an audible YUCK when she saw this last Sunday:
1) Lady Gaga and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg prepare to push the button to drop the ball at New Year's Eve 2012 in Times Square on Dec. 31, 2011 in
We can do YUCKIER.
School District Awards Employee Bonuses Despite Weak Housing and Economy
From CRG St. Croix County:
"In an environment where school districts have had to lay off teachers, the Baldwin- Woodville School District in Baldwin Wisconsin awarded $500.00 bonuses to all full and part time employees. The Board of Education approved the bonus unanimously in a closed door board meeting. Despite a budget surplus taxpayers will not get a Christmas bonus."
CRG Network
PO Box 371086
Milwaukee, WI 53237
crgnetwork.com
crgstcroix@gmail.com
PRESS RELEASE
January 3, 2012
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel takes a big risk
Beginning Wednesday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel begins charging a fee to non-paper subscribers for its online service:
“With its digital offering, called ‘JS Everywhere’ the Journal Sentinel will offer access to JSOnline.com, the Journal Sentinel e-edition, its mobile site for smartphones, plus coming iPad and other digital applications for a subscriber's fee. Readers who subscribe to the print edition of the newspaper will receive free access to all digital products. Web content previously available on the pay site Packer Insider will be included as part of JS Everywhere subscriptions.”
A.V. Club Milwaukee offers this sarcastic smackdown:
“Non-subscribers will be able to view only 20 articles a month, after which they’ll be publicly scolded for contributing to the downfall of print media and for keeping food off of Eugene Kane’s table. In a bit of marketing stealth that would make Facebook blush, the JS announced its delightfully named ‘Journal Sentinel Everywhere’ service under the cover of media darkness, a.k.a. during the week between Christmas and New Year’s.”
This begs the very serious question:
Will people pay to get their newspaper online?
They don't censor songs written by young students
Unless, of course, the song has the word "God" in it.
Barrett saves Milwaukee millions
|
||
|
Voting for Franklin School Board is very easy
FranklinNOW reports:
“In Franklin, the race to watch is the Franklin School Board, where incumbents Janet Evans and Judith Bialk face four contenders: David Works, John Thompson, Aimee Schlueter and Donald Petre. The seats carry three-year terms. A primary is needed to whittle the number of candidates down to four.”
Franklin, if we're going to have a referendum, no shenanigans
Here’s a portion of a blog I wrote two years ago this month that bears repeating given that Franklin school officials are hell-bent on putting a referendum to voters on school facilities:
The Sheboygan Press reported last week that fliers in support of a referendum produced by Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO’s) in the Stevens Point Area Public School District “were distributed to teachers at school, who then placed them in folders students use to take messages home.”
The same newspaper’s editorial board wrote this:
"We do not object to the PTO's drafting and sending a pro-referendum letter. But the method of delivery -- stuffed into homework folders and shuttled home by students -- led the group into an ethical gray area.. It also is unclear whether teachers put these notes into the folders. If they did, was it part of the workday or was it on their own time? District employees are free to campaign on their own time but not when they are being paid by taxpayers. The incident also begs the question of what is and isn't acceptable material to be sent in homework folders that go directly into the hands of parents.”
Yep. There are all kinds of red flags on this one.
School officials should never use school time to lobby and campaign for or against an increase in your school taxes. Period.
Franklin went through the same problem during debate surrounding the massive $78-million referendum in April of 2007.
In an issue of Wisconsin School News put out by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards around the time of the election, Tom Joynt of the Administrative Leadership Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee wrote about successful referendum strategies. The basis of his article is a 20-question survey that was mailed to the superintendents in all 70 school districts that had a successful referendum in 2005 or 2006. Forty-four completed surveys were returned, a response rate of 63 percent.
The survey was split into two sections: “Deciding to Hold a Referendum,” and “Strategies Used after a Decision Was Made to Hold a Referendum.”
In the “Deciding” section, the lowest-rated item was asking for student input on needs that were finally included in the final referendum. More weight was given to community input and opinions from staff.
After the decision was made to hold a referendum, there was a strong consensus to provide special information to parents and the media. I’m sure the
The Wisconsin School News survey also generated strong support for providing district residents with estimates of the tax impact of a referendum. Here, I believe the
Another survey idea that received a high endorsement if you wanted to have a successful referendum was to send a brochure to all community residents explaining all accurate details. Maybe
The survey respondents also highly recommended holding public forums. Now this, the
The personal comments on the survey are very, very interesting.
The superintendent in Oakfield, Joe Heinzelman warned, “Make sure you follow through on what you say will happen if a referendum fails.” The author of the article Tom Joynt writes, “Empty hyperbole and overstated claims before a referendum will haunt public officials for many years.” In
According to Joynt’s article, Sue Alexander, superintendent of Markesan “felt unity of the school board in supporting a referendum is significant.” Interesting. In Franklin, right before the election campaign, two incumbent school board members chose not to run. Three school board seats were filled on April 3 with all three candidates running unopposed, two of them opposed to the referenda.
Jamie Benson, superintendent in
Superintendent David Wessel of Spencer offered this advice: “make sure you ask for enough,” but he also added, “don’t go overboard.”
And finally, Joynt writes, and this is where
And so we have in
Not very ingenious,
Forget stuffing the kids’ backpacks with your tax and spend propaganda. That’s old hat. Try what
The Friday before Election Day, April 2007, during school time, hundreds of
Doors to the Assembly reportedly were locked so no one could leave and no one could enter to see and hear what was going on.
I wrote the following at the time:
“The impropriety of this action by
Later on April 2, 2007, just prior to the final vote, I blogged an e-mail I received from a Franklin parent:
“Now that the school district has given the senior class a civics lesson and is encouraging them to exercise their right and privilege to vote(many for the first time):
1. Will they be excused from school to vote?
2. Will the students get a lesson in how to register to vote; how to determine what district they live in; and where their polling place is located?
3. Will they provide transportation to the polls?
4. Will they earn a grade for voting---how are the students going to be assessed following this civics lesson? Will they have to wear the I Voted sticker as proof of voting?
5. Will they tack on an additional 2 hours to the make up school days since the students missed first/second hour to attend this civic lesson?
I have more questions to add but the most important one is:
When will the investigation into the legality of this action begin? Who will be held accountable?”
Back to January 2012: Just a reminder to Franklin school officials that a lot of us haven’t forgotten what happened in 2007.
Search Warrant Issued, Charges May Be Coming In Glendale Hotel Voter Case
Of course we want to help you, Franklin!
Franklin blogger Bryan Maersch has posted videos of a presentation by an architectural firm’s spokeswoman at a recent Franklin School Board meeting. Kitt Dailey, Public Information Specialist for Eppstein Uhen expressed tremendous willingness to help Franklin plan a facilities referendum, pull it off, increase our property taxes, and then come in to do all the construction.
That they’d be chomping at the bit should come as no surprise.
Still a hot ticket
"They said they didn't believe that Graceland would attract sufficient enough visitors. The belief was that Elvis' memory would fade and that it would not sustain a museum."
Statewide Recall Costs Could Top $9 Million, GAB Says
Goodnight everyone, and have a preeminent weekend
”His kind of music is deplorable, a rancid smelling aphrodisiac. It fosters almost totally negative and destructive reactions in young people.”
Frank Sinatra, in Elvis’ early days. The two would later become good friends.
It's Friday night. Time to unwind with our regular Friday night feature on This Just In.
The weekend has finally arrived.
The sun has set.
The evening sky has erupted.
Let's put controversy and provocative blogs aside for the rest of this work week and smooth our way into Saturday and Sunday.
Tonight, we pay homage to the King, Elvis Presley who would have been 77 years old this Sunday. He died at the age of 42 in 1977.
Mention Elvis and most immediately think of numbers like Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Don't be Cruel, Heartbreak Hotel, Burning Love. But the Presley library is much, much more.
Some Internet sources claim Elvis produced between 665 and 711 recordings. I’ve been an Elvis fan ever since my older brother took me to Piasecki’s record store on Mitchell Street and I bought “Devil in Disguise,” and I know I haven’t heard all 700.
Elvis.com reports, “Elvis has had no less than 149 songs to appear on Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Chart in America. Of these, 114 were in the top forty, 40 were in the top ten, and 18 went to number one. His number one singles spent a total of 80 weeks at number one. He has also had over 90 charted albums with ten of them reaching number one. These figures are only for the pop charts and only in America. He was also a leading artist in the American country, R&B, and gospel fields, and his chart success in other countries was substantial.”
The Barking Lot (01/07/12)
The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of this just in…Written by my lovely wife, Jennifer and me. It opens with the weekend dog walking forecast followed by the main blog from dog lover, Jennifer. Then it’s DOGS IN THE NEWS and our close. Enjoy!
THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.
TODAY: Sunny. High of 38. "C"
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy. High of 38. "C" Are you kidding me? Sunny and dry? This is January!
Here’s my lovely wife, Jennifer with this week’s main blog:
A new year brings a feeling of fresh starts and the possibility of change & improvement in our lives. I have my own resolutions to work on for 2012.
I don’t feel that it is my place to suggest resolutions for others. (Unless *a-hem* dear hubby of mine, you want to work on hanging up your jacket when you walk in the door!) But if you are a dog owner and want to improve the health and happiness of your four-legged friend(s) there are plenty of ideas out there.
Just like for their human counterparts, topping the list of suggestions for pooch perfection are nutrition, weight loss, and preventative medical care. Makes sense, doesn’t it? But consider some of the other ideas such as "Make it easy for your dog to succeed," "Vow not to get mad at your dog for your management failures," and my favorite: "Help a less fortunate dog at least once this year." You’ll find these and other ideas here.
Fine, fine, you say. I will work on being a better pet parent and make 2012 the best year ever for my already-spoiled canine companion. But hey, my dog isn’t perfect either! So how can HE make MY life a little easier?
Oh, we at The Barking Lot have that covered too. The next time Rover wants to help himself to "kitty truffles" just show him #4 on this list.
Happy New Year everyone and here’s to a healthy and dog-loving 2012!
---Jennifer Fischer
Thanks, Jennifer!
It’s time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.
A dog case before the US Supreme Court? MORE.
Woman sues to prove dogs are "living souls," not property.
Police officer shoots dog, gets docked vacation.
A dog's right to life.
So many strays, not enough homes.
Audrey shows noble will to live.
Dog abandoned with note on collar.
Kora takes one last ride.
Traps can pose threats to hunting dogs.
They call themselves Fences for Fido.
No more dogs for man whose puppy got drunk.
Program rescues dogs from
Former football player starts high-end doggy care.
Like babies, dogs pick up on human intent. But, can they read minds?
Woman gets mail addressed to dog for almost 30 years.
OH NO! OH, THANK GOODNESS!
Gosh, I love happy endings.
The dog ate my wedding ring.
THAT'S IT FOR DOGS IN THE NEWS.
Week-ends (01/07/12)
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...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Sarah McKinley ...MORE
Dillon Gardner
Amy Brehm
Chris Willden and others ...MORE
Garth Gaskey
James Baker-Jarvis
Shervin Lalezary
Chris Kyle
Tim Tebow
Scott Smiles
Karl Hinett
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
If the allegations are true, the three charged here.
Planned Parenthood
Alan Colmes
Nancy Pelosi
Edward Brown
Carmen Tisch
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“People have real fears that the cycle of violence might be revived in this country.”
Fariq Annad, a 52-year-old government employee, expresses his concerns for
"I’m happy to stand by the things I believe. I’m not going to change my positions by virtue of being in a presidential campaign. What we did was right for the people of
Mitt Romney on RomneyCare
"I’ve told people that I think Mitt Romney is the ‘Denny’s’ of the Republican field. And here’s what I mean by that. Denny’s is not the restaurant you jump in the car and say, ‘Honey, it’s our anniversary. Let’s go to ‘Denny’s.’ But ‘Denny’s’ is the place that when everything else is closed, or you just want to go someplace where you know what you’re going to get and it’s going to be priced in a way that you can afford it … ‘OK, we’ll go to Denny’s'."
Mike Huckabee
“I see the future as 100 percent being able to cross with your identity on a digital device it's just a matter of time.”
Martin Reisch, a Canadian man who managed to cross the U.S. border from the province of Quebec using a scanned copy of his passport displayed on his Apple iPad, after he had forgotten the original document at home in Montreal.
“Women. They are a complete mystery.”
Stephen Hawking, British theoretical physicist, in an interview with New Scientist magazine to mark his 70th birthday on Jan. 8; he was asked what he thinks the most about during the day.
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Obama's recess appointments
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
When a crook is a Democrat...
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
The Iowa caucuses
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
PETA strikes again
Recommended Reading (01/08/12)
Here are, in my view, interesting, noteworthy columns and articles from the past week that I highly recommend (You will note that on occasion, I do not endorse the opinions of the author and may point that out. Despite my disagreements, I still feel the piece is worth a read).
Walker untouched in latest charges
"Even though the suspects have ties to the governor,
Why US should cheer for Scott Walker
"In March,
Guess what? It's working."
Walker critics worry Kleefisch could fill his void
"
How a Wisconsin high school band became a political hot potato
“During the Jan. 2 parade in
Voter ID terrifies Democrats
“The most consequential election in our lifetime is still 10 months away, but it’s clear from the Obama administration’s order halting
Good girl with gun lives, bad guy with knife dies
“In my world, if a violent altercation occurs between two humans, the innocent assaulted party should live, and if anybody has to die or get critically wounded, it should be the sadistic perpetrator. Call me freaky.
To make certain this occurs, the innocent party has to be able to do one or two things when the crap hits the fan:
1. Open up a can of whup ass and immobilize the foul weed, thus sending him to the hospital.
2. Double-lung the loser with a hot dose of lead, thus sending him to hell.
Yes, the one being preyed upon has to be able to do the abovementioned because the quickest cop on the planet cannot respond fast enough to save your backside should things go violently south. You dig?”
Dave Barry's 2011 Year in Review
"What made it truly awful was the economy, which, for what felt like the 17th straight year, continued to stagger around like a zombie on crack. Nothing seemed to help. President Obama, whose instinctive reaction to pretty much everything that happens, including sunrise, is to deliver a nationally televised address, delivered numerous nationally televised addresses on the economy, but somehow these did not do the trick. Neither did the approximately 37 million words emitted by the approximately 249 Republican-presidential-contender televised debates, out of which the single most memorable statement made was, quote: 'Oops'.”
Ideas have sex...and we're better for it
"Think about it this way: one idea goes to a bar and meets another idea. They get together -- and however many days or months later (I'm not sure how it works with ideas) -- a baby results. The baby idea has the best traits of both parents.
I know this seems like a weird concept. It seemed weird to me when I first heard it.
But the more I thought about it ... the more right it seems."
Singles bow to Cupids-for-hire
"Hoping to meet some prospects at a holiday party in December, Mr. Johnson enlisted Thomas Edwards, who runs a service called 'The Professional Wingman.' For a fee of $125, Mr. Edwards accompanied Mr. Johnson to the event and posed as his good pal. As they negotiated the crowd, the wingman alerted his charge to flirtatious types and helped make seamless introductions."
My Most Popular Blogs (01/08/12)
As I post every Sunday, here are the ten most read blog entries of mine from the previous week. NOTE: some entries may have been posted prior to the past week.
1) Photos of the Week (01/01/12)
2) The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel takes a big risk
3) Franklin, if were going to have a referendum, no shenanigans
4) Barrett saves Milwaukee millions
5) School District Awards Employee Bonuses Despite Weak Housing and Economy
6) Photos of the Week (12/25/11)
7) UPDATE: Voting for Franklin School Board is very easy
8) Still a hot ticket
January 8 a national holiday?
It's been suggested. Of course, it’s not going to happen.
Imagine though if Elvis’ birthday would be given such a designation. You’d have Christmas, New Year’s, and January 8, three consecutive weeks of holidays.
Photos of the Week (01/08/12)
1) Tea party supporter William Temple, of
2) Marsh Mayes bends over to kiss her 3-year-old son Terrell Mayes goodbye during his funeral services Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012 in
3) A car rests in the Logan River in Utah Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, after it was flipped upright by rescuers who saved three children trapped inside. The car had plunged off an embankment into the river and former police officer Chris Willden shot out the car's window with a handgun and cut a seat belt to help free the children after the accident. Photo: Chris Willden / AP
4) A photo of Lucky is shown during a memorial service to commemorate his life on Jan. 5, 2012 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Lucky was deployed five times with the 92nd Security Forces Squadron to
5) National Geographic Photography Contest 2011 - This photo was taken when I was taking photos of other insects, as I normally did during macro photo hunting. I wasn’t actually aware of this dragonfly since I was occupied with other objects. When I was about to take a picture of it, it suddenly rained, but the lighting was just superb. I decided to take the shot regardless of the rain. The result caused me to be overjoyed, and I hope it pleases viewers. Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia (Photo and caption by Shikhei Goh)
6) In this Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011 photo, Marvel, a 4-year-old orangutan who is having a respiratory problem, is prepared for a surgery at a Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) facility in Batu Mbelin, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
7) Two polar wulves take a nap at their enclosure of the zoo in
8) A barred owl is wrapped in a blanket at Hope for Wildlife rehabiliation and education centre in
9) A chef holds the head of a bluefin tuna after cutting its meat at a sushi restaurant in
10) The University of Wisconsin float and spirit squad take part in the 123rd Rose Parade on Monday in Pasadena, Calif. Photo: AP
11) The Rose Parade rolls down Colorado Blvd. in
12) Costumed marchers escort the first float onto the parade route. Photo: MCT
13) Members of the UW Marching Band entertain the crowd during the parade. Photo: MCT
14) Bucky Badger hugs a red-clad
15) Entertainer Kenny G performs aboard the American Honda float. Photo: AP
16)
17) The float "Preserving Paradise," sponsored by Dole, was awarded top honors as the sweepstakes award winner. Photo: AP
18) Roxanna Green (right) holds a portrait of her 9-year-old daughter, Taylor Green, who was killed in a shooting rampage in
19) Iraq War veteran and "Dancing With the Stars" champion J.R. Martinez is grand marshal of the parade. Photo: AP
20) In an aerial photo provided by Long Photography, Wisconsin and Oregon line up near an end zone during the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2012. Photo: AP
21) Jared Abbrederis comes down with a reception for the first touchdown of the Rose Bowl. Journal Sentinel photo: Rick Wood
22) Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) bowls over Oregon Ducks safety Eddie Pleasant (11) to score a second quarter touchdown during the 98th Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 2, 2012. Photo: Danny Moloshok / Reuters
23) Badgers defensive end Louis Nzegwu runs back a fumble for a touchdown during the second quarter of the Rose Bowl. Journal Sentinel photo: Rick Wood
24) Jared Abbrederis collects a pass that led to a key fumble recovered by Oregon late in the game. Journal Sentinel photos: Rick Wood
25) Dezmen Southward is subdued as he and teammates walk off the field following a 45-38 loss to the Ducks. Journal Sentinel photo: Rick Wood
26) Justin Blackmon #81 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrates with a cheerleader after his team won 41-38 in overtime against the Stanford Cardinals during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2, 2012 at
27) Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy, left, hugs Shelley Budke, wife of former Oklahoma State women's basketball coach Kurt Budke who died in a plane crash in 2011, as Gundy presents the Fiesta Bowl Championship Trophy to her after the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. Oklahoma State defeated Stanford 41-38 in overtime.(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
28) A fan takes a photograph during the third stage of the fourth South American edition of the Dakar Rally 2012 from San Rafael to San Juan January 3, 2012. Photo: REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen
29) Contestants show off banners illustrating their calligraphy skills during the 48th annual New Year calligraphy contest in Tokyo on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2012. Nearly 3,000 people participated in the calligraphy contest to celebrate the start of the New Year. Photo: Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP - Getty Images
30) A spiral of dominoes is set up on Jan. 6 in
31) This undated photo provided by Heritage Auctions shows the front and back of one of the first pennies struck at the United States Mint in Philadelphia. This 1793 "Chain Cent" sold for a record $1,380,000 in a public auction conducted by Heritage Auctions at a coin collector's convention in
32) Reporters and photographers await Frank Gehrke, chief of snow surveys for the Department of Water Resources, left, as he carries a snow sample survey pole to began the first snow survey of the new year at the Phillips Station near Echo Summit Calif., Jan. 3, 2012. After one of the driest Decembers in recent years the survey showed the snow pack to to be only one-seventh of an inch in depth, the lowest ever recorded at this site for this time of year. Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / AP
33) An elderly lady holds onto a lamp post in the strong winds at South Shields, England, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. There was a severe weather warning for gale force winds across the region. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
34) Icicles cling to oranges in a small grove just after sunrise Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, in
35) Semi-nude shoppers stand outside in cool temperatures for free clothes during a promotion by a Spanish clothes outlet on Jan. 2, in
36) Elliana Roullier, 5, has second thoughts Sunday about following her sisters into the frigid water of Lake Coeur d'Alene at Sanders Beach during the 32nd annual Polar Bear Plunge held Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012 in
37) In a Sunday, Jan. 1, 2011 photo, Jolene Anthony, left, holds her daughter, Kylee, while her husband, John Anthony, holds their son, John, at
38) Visitors to Graceland look over the graves of Elvis Presley and his parents during a visit on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, in
Culinary no-no #259
THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF
FOOD BLOGS, BUT ONLY ONE CULINARY NO-
NO!
Republican presidential hopefuls were out in full force in
Republican presidential candidate former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) poses for a picture while hosting a Pinstripe Bowl watch party at Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar on December 30, 2011 in Ames, Iowa. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Republican presidential candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry signs a shirt during a campaign stop at Doughy Joey's Pizza in Waterloo, Iowa, Friday, Dec. 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
The latest pro-life news
Going into tonight’s games, both teams are in first place in their conference standings. Each is 5-0 in the conference. This morning, the Franklin-based GrandSons of Liberty held a news conference at the Milwaukee County Courthouse to announce the results of a study showing extensive errors in same day registration for voters in Remember, as we have been lectured by the left, there is no voter fraud.
1) Photos of the Week (01/08/12) Cowher's colleague, Boomer Esiason, interjected: Produced over the course of the historic 2010 elections and turnover of power in MY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU ... I want to thank you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery. hand and said, “Thank you for doing your job.” Newt kept his cool, left his anger at the door, and handled these loaded questions with skilled precision.
From Pro-Life Wisconsin and Wisconsin Right To Life:
Taxpayers Foot Bill for 46% of Planned Parenthood’s 2010 Income
It's not the criminal's fault
In
Last June in
On New Year’s Eve, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Special Agent John Capano who died while trying to subdue a suspect in a pharmacy robbery in Seaford, N.Y. Capano reportedly was shot by retired Nassau County police Lt. Christopher Geraghty who had been down the street at a deli and responded to the robbery along with an off-duty New York police officer. The two ran out the back of the deli and down an alleyway to the scene three doors down, where they found Capano and the robbery suspect wrestling on the sidewalk.
Geraghty didn’t know who was who. Capano and the robbery suspect were struggling over Capano’s service weapon. When it went off close to Geraghty, Geraghty thought the person who fired was the robbery suspect. His reaction was to fire back. Soon after, the off-duty NYPD officer shot and killed the robbery suspect who had a long record of pharmacy holdups.
Geraghty is personally devastated and has sent a note of condolence to Capano’s family. Capano’s brother-in-law Tony Guerriero says, “We only blame one person for the whole thing, and that was the criminal.”
It’s unfortunate U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. doesn’t take the same approach. Schumer, instead, chooses to focus on painkillers.
"It's tremendously concerning that at the same time policymakers and law enforcement professionals are waging a war on the growing prescription drug crisis, new super-drugs could well be on their way, flooding the market," said Schumer. "The FDA needs to grab the reins and slow down the stampede to introduce these powerful narcotics."
On a smaller scale, a
"Really, the main reason it's gone up that dramatically is that people are being lazy," said Shellee Lubus, a police officer in District 7. "They're taking a chance it's not going to happen to them. And lo and behold, even within a few minutes, they're going to come out and they're going to find out their car is gone."
Using the officer’s words, “the main reason” for the stolen vehicles isn’t because you have criminals residing in a certain area who can’t be trusted; it’s you “lazy” car owners.
In certain
A belated HERO OF THE WEEK
Regular readers know I post my HEROES OF THE WEEK every Saturday morning on Week-ends, The exception was 12/31/11 when I turned Week-ends into a year-end edition. Thus I didn’t post HEROES OF THE WEEK. If I did, there was a definite choice, so good in fact that I chose her as my PERSON OF THE YEAR on another website.
Please read about
God bless Jenni and her little angel.
I just don't know how those Franklin kids do it
When you consider the crummy facilities Franklin’s student athletes have to contend with, it’s simply amazing the success both the high school boy’s and girl’s basketball teams are enjoying.
*URGENT: STUDY SHOWS NUMEROUS SAME DAY REGISTRATION ERRORS IN MILWAUKEE COUNTY*
On Wednesday, the details of an extensive analysis of same day voter registrations from Milwaukee County for the April 5, 2011 election showing a large number of errors will be revealed.
I’ll have more on my blog during the lunch hour Wednesday.
*NUMEROUS ERRORS FOUND IN WISCONSIN'S SAME DAY REGISTRATION FOR VOTERS*
What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas
I have these friends, good friends who have behind the scenes access to many high-powered, high-profile entertainment events in
In their unofficial analysis of the pageant the past years that it has been held in Vegas, they have always amongst themselves agreed on a winner, and have always been correct.
They have sent word back to the
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Miss
Their assessment, by the way, came in before Kaeppler won the first round of the talent competition at the Tuesday night preliminary at the Miss America competition. Kaeppeler, of
Mark Belling on suburban voters
Mark Belling said the following on his program Wednesday afternoon on Newstalk 1130 WISN:
“It’s amazing how many people in conservative communities elect idiotic liberal school board members whose desire is always to raise taxes and increase spending.”
Belling’s comment came during a discussion about Mukwonago that is pushing a referendum, believe it or not, because enrollment is down by 700. Normally referendum questions are rammed down voters’ throats because enrollment is on the rise. Now Mukwonago is being told they must increase taxes because just the opposite is happening. Absolutely crazy.
“It’s amazing how many people in conservative communities elect idiotic liberal school board members whose desire is always to raise taxes and increase spending.”
No doubt about it, you certainly could say the same about
Does Franklin spend enough on its public schools?
I know how I feel. When the mid-December tax bill arrives every year, I feel like the Jesse James Gang just invaded my home.
But you be the judge.
The non-partisan Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX) recently issued a news release on school spending in
“Federal figures show
In ‘School update (II): Wisconsin vs. U.S.,’ WISTAX researchers analyze recent U.S. Census Bureau figures on school spending and revenues by state and look ahead to how recent state law changes might affect Wisconsin’s position among the 50 states.
This is New Hampshire! We don't need no stinkin' photo ID!
Goodnight everyone, and have a weekend that's elementary!
“You're a cop, a flatfoot, a bull, a dick, John Law. You're the fuzz, the heat; you're poison, you're trouble, you're bad news. They call you everything, but never a policeman.”
Jack Webb as Joe Friday on Dragnet
It's Friday night. Time to unwind with our regular Friday night feature on This Just In.
The weekend has finally arrived.
The sun has set.
The evening sky has erupted.
Let's smooth our way into Saturday and Sunday.
Tonight, music dedciated to fictional law enforcers.
Here's how some of tonight's music selections have been described by reviewers on Amazon.com:
"...slick, cool, mysterious, and sounds like there's danger lurking around every corner."
"My four year old son loves to listen to this with me in the car & enjoys pretending that we're bad guys being chased by the police. I think I enjoy the fantasy about as much as he does thanks to this set of tunes that conjure images of car chases, private eyes, mobsters on the run."
After four weeks in theaters across America, moviegoers can't get enough of two very popular sleuth films. "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" has already raked in over $157 million. To launch us into this week's segment and set the proper mood, here's a selection from the movie soundtrack, the driving, suspenseful, "Zu Viele Füchse Für Euch Hänsel."
The Barking Lot (01/14/12)
The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of this just in…Written by my lovely wife, Jennifer and me. It opens with the weekend dog walking forecast followed by the main blog from dog lover, Jennifer. Then it’s DOGS IN THE NEWS and our close. Enjoy!
THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.
TODAY: Flurries. Mostly cloudy. High of 23. Plus all that snow over the sidewalks and streets. "F"
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy. High of 33. Not much better, but better.. "D"
Here’s my lovely wife, Jennifer with this week’s main blog:
Last week I blogged about New Year’s Resolutions for dog owners as well as for dogs themselves.
For those making resolutions, I think most of us are still in full-on “I can do this!” mode. After all, it’s only two weeks into 2012. Without doing any scientific research I’d bet that every year the promise made by most is to lose weight and/or exercise more. Paying attention to your pet’s weight was indeed mentioned in the resolutions suggested by Dogster.com.
Resolutions or not, this time of year is probably the most important to consider Fido’s fitness. Admit it: our dogs get nice, long, leisurely walks during the pleasant seasons. But when the wind chill is sub-Arctic those walks turn in to quick runs to “do the duty” and head back home to a nice warm sanctuary.
Have you thought about why Poochy is getting paunchy? Ernest Ward, D.V.M., is a practicing veterinarian, author, speaker and athlete who is dedicated to helping pets and their humans live healthier lives. His past web chat may help you understand why.
Are you looking to increase your fitness level along with Rocky? Anyone who has time to walk the dog has time to work on fitness, according to Tricia Murphy Madden.
As I’ve mentioned more than once in The Barking Lot, our wonderful neighbor feeds his dog Mickey only high-quality, vet-approved “people food” and nothing that is manufactured for dogs. This blog shares some food for thought as well as canine-friendly recipes that you might find useful in helping your dog slim down.
Finally, if you’re confused about all the information that’s out there, some dog nutrition myths are debunked here.
Good luck and here’s to the healthiest year yet for you & your furry friend!
---Jennifer Fischer
Thanks, Jennifer!
It's time for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.
Could a dog cost votes for Mitt Romney?
Skiier documents proof of dog's burial, escape from avalanche.
Florida Marlins pitcher welcome in
Man arrested for walking dog with his car.
Service dog within reach for boy with epilepsy.
Mr. Newton helps special ed students.
Carrie Underwood to the rescue!
Lost three-legged dog...FOUND!
Here's a Barking Lot UPDATE!
Another good reason to microchip.
Why don't their paws freeze?
Think your dog is smart?
Reckless behavior? Owners should be punished.
Lucy isn't a handful, but she's definitely half a handful.
5 things your dog wants from you.
Why dog shows are like presidential primaries.
Is Uggie Oscar material?
Kim Kardashian replaced by a dog in Super Bowl ad.
THAT'S IT FOR DOGS IN THE NEWS!
HERE'S OUR DOG PHOTO OF THE WEEK!
Clad in tiny replica of Japanese police outfits, female toy poodles, one-year-old Karin, left, and two-year-old Fuga, are presented to the media on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012 at the Tottori Prefectural Police headquarters in Tottori, Japan. In an effort to strengthen public relations, the Tottori prefectural police appointed two female toy poodles as honorary dispatch section chiefs on Jan. 10, Dial 110 Day. The number 110 is a hotline to contact the police in case of emergency in
We close, as we always do, with our closing video.
Would you spend $50,000 to clone your dog?
Watch.
Week-ends (01/14/12)
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...
HEROES OF THE WEEK
Gareth Bellingham
Pat McAfee ... and Allen West.
Tim Tebow
Chris Rice and Mat Rasmussen
Michael Nutter
VILLAINS OF THE WEEK
Mark Powell
Stephen Chase Brigham
Lenox Hill Hospital
Man abandons baby at Occupy DC camp
Planned Parenthood
Haley Barbour
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"Romney is the one they don't want. They know they can beat anybody else. Romney, they think they can beat, but it's a harder road."
MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell referring to the White House.
"I think he's the underdog, not the underdog by much. If the election were held today, depending on who the Republicans nominate, of course, I think he might very well lose in a close election.
Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather
“Can we drop a little bit of the pious baloney?”
Newt Gingrich, Republican presidential hopeful, addressing rival Mitt Romney at a debate last weekend after the former
“I want individuals to have their own insurance. That means the insurance company will have an incentive to keep you healthy. It also means if you don’t like what they do, you can fire them. I like being able to fire people who provide services to me. You know, if someone doesn’t give me a good service that I need, I want to say I’m going to go get someone else to provide that service to me.”
Mitt Romney
"That's been an image people have tried to paint of me since the day Barack announced, that I'm some kind of angry black woman."
Michelle Obama
“When I saw him scoring, first of all, I just thought, Thank you, Lord.”
Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos quarterback, who connected with Demaryius Thomas on an 80-yard touchdown pass in the first play of overtime during last Sunday's AFC wild-card game against the
OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK
Then there's this little item.
MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK
A local group uncovers massive errors in same day voting registrations in
And it's not just Milwaukee.
MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK
Sometimes the over-hyped story of the week is warranted.
STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK
Cop tickets woman. Cop asks woman out. Woman sues cop.
Vermin Supreme
NFL brawl may have saved a referee's life.
That's it for Week-ends. Thanks for stopping by.
We close with the latest from NewsBusted:
Recommended Reading (01/15/12)
Here are, in my view, interesting, noteworthy columns and articles from the past week that I highly recommend (You will note that on occasion, I do not endorse the opinions of the author and may point that out. Despite my disagreements, I still feel the piece is worth a read).
Giants know they can match Packers score for score
“Green Bay Packers games are best thought of as basketball games. The Packers are going to score often. Their opponents are going to score often. Defensive play is more appropriately measured in stops and turnovers, not necessarily points allowed. Every forced punt is a success. Keeping the score close gives either team a chance to win in the final seconds.
By basketball standards, the Giants played extremely well against the Packers on Dec. 4 at MetLife Stadium. Here is a deeper look at what happened in that Week 13 game: the strategies, the mismatches and the tendencies that each team will try to exploit — or cover up — when they meet in an N.F.C. divisional playoff game Sunday at Lambeau Field.”
The secrets of Tebow hatred
NOTE: This column was published before Saturday's Denver-New
"The NFL is generously stocked with forgiven felons, including millionaire wife beaters and dog killers. So how did a clean-living quarterback with deep commitments to charitable service and miraculous last-minute victories become the most controversial player in the league?"
Let the man pray, already
"A reader sent me an email Tuesday that criticized the liberal media for criticizing
Walker confident he will survive recall threat
“The vicious animosity toward
‘
The silence of the Republican candidates
"Obama administration bigwigs are falling all over themselves to denounce, condemn, lament, and apologize for the unfortunate behavior of a few Marines in Afghanistan last year…Maybe it was too much to expect senior officials to make the common sense points that 1) this incident is not something to get hysterical about, and 2) it needs to be put in the context of the admirable behavior of 99 percent of our troops 99 percent of the time. But aren't there Republicans around who might want to make this point?”
To take down Obama, Romney must win battle of the bloat
"If you don't think government is more bloated than Dom DeLuise with an allergic shellfish reaction, you simply haven't been paying attention. Yes, regulations hurt the private sector, but they also hamper the public sector, making it impossible for it to do what it should. The government that built the Pentagon in 16 months would probably need at least that long just to get a meeting with the EPA today."
Where have all the liberals gone?
"Here's a test I invite you to take. Watch C-Span's morning call-in show and listen to what people who phone in on the 'Democrat' or "'iberal' line have to say. When is the last time you heard a caller say, 'We should all pay higher taxes so that the government can provide us with universal day care'? Or how about, 'We should all pay higher taxes so the government can provide us with universal long term care'? I bet you can't remember ever hearing that. Here is what I suspect you will hear:
Leftism makes you meaner
"Leftists’ meanness toward those with whom they differ has no echo on the normative right. Those on the left need to do some soul-searching. Because as long as they continue to believe that people on the right are not merely wrong but vile, they will get increasingly mean."
The worst economic recovery since the Great Depression
“Today, over 4 years since the recession started, there are still almost 25 million Americans unemployed or underemployed. That includes 5.6 million who are long-term unemployed for 27 weeks, or more than 6 months. Under President Obama,
In a difficult moment, a picture of grace
"The picture was taken after the meeting began. David Knoble and Amelia Stinson-Wesley, two candidates for a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board seat, were seated next to each other. They had met just two days before and had talked only briefly, so when Stinson-Wesley reached for his hand 10 minutes into the meeting,
He’ll even admit he was a little uncomfortable.
But he didn’t let go."
My Most Popular Blogs (01/15/12)
As I post every Sunday, here are the ten most read blog entries of mine from the previous week. NOTE: some entries may have been posted prior to the past week.
2) Does Franklin spend enough on its public schools?
Dear Ted Thompson:
Please draft defensive backs who can guard against the pass.
What's that conventional wisdom...defense wins championships?
Oh, and by the way the number remains 3:
4th quarter comebacks by Aaron Rodgers.
Today was a major embarassment and disappointment.
I was at a party a week ago Saturday and every one in the room was rooting for Detroit against New Orleans. Why? The thought was New Orleans was Green Bay's toughest obstacle to the Super Bowl. They all forgot that there was a difficult challenge awaiiting today.
Packer fans, we are all guilty. We think with our hearts and not our heads.
Finally, NFL MVP? Brees? Rodgers?
Neither one, I say.
Bill Cowher: Dumbest sports analysis of 2011
I think it's pretty safe to say.
Cowher, the former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, and a darn good one, said the following about the Packers last December during a CBS-TV broadcast:
“Guys, we are watching greatness. In my opinion, no team has been greater. You know what? You can pick and say well, the defense (is not great). They have never trailed in the fourth quarter in these 18 games. You are going to give up some yards. They take the ball away. You are watching the greatest team in football history unfold before our eyes. Let's enjoy it. Let's embrace it."
Culinary no-no #260
THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF
FOOD BLOGS, BUT ONLY ONE CULINARY NO-
NO!
July 2008.
The Milwaukee Brewers open a 4-game series against the Cardinals in
Peanut-free zones at the ballpark was a topic on my program a few days later as I filled in for Mark Belling on Newstalk 1130 WISN. Comments ran the gamut.
Some viewed the promotion as a wonderful, thoughtful idea. Others wondered where you draw the line on special accommodations for fans.
Several callers made the valid argument that parents are taking a serious risk bringing their peanut allergy suffering kids to the stadium because in order to get to their seats, they have to pass many areas where peanuts are still being sold, consumed, and dropped on the ground.
Consider also the peanut eating seats that are adjacent and very close to the peanut-free zone. And how about fans, unaware of the special promotion, who toss shells that end up in the zone that prohibits peanuts?
I’m not sure if the Cardinals have ever brought this promotion back.
Now it’s 2012. Ammaria Johnson, a 7-year-old Virginia girl died after an allergic reaction at school. Police say the girl was given a peanut by another child unaware of her allergy.
Johnson ate the peanut on the playground at her school during recess. Then she realized she had hives and was suffering from shortness of breath, and was taken to the school clinic after she approached a teacher.
While in the clinic, Johnson stopped breathing. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to find her in cardiac arrest. She could not be saved.
Against the backdrop of the Johnson death, a new product has hit the market.
The latest pro-life news
From Pro-Life
And
Documentary re: Milwaukee Conservative talk radio to air on MPTV
January 30, on Milwaukee Public Television channels 10 & 36, Liberty or Lies?, a new documentary analyzing Milwaukee Conservative talk radio, will air from 9-11 p.m.
2ND UPDATE: Voting for Franklin School Board is very easy
I noted that fiscally conservative Franklinites should not vote for Donald Petre:
Turns out he’s a WEAC union leader/activist for Oak Creek, just what we don’t want/need on the Franklin School Board.
So the next piece of information should come as no surprise but is valuable for
Makes we wonder if Petre was recruited by other Franklin School Board members or anyone involved in the Franklin Public Schools administration who share the view that Walker must go which is totally out of touch with the vast majority of Franklin property taxpayers who have voted for Walker time and time again in tidal waves.
To repeat, Donald Petre would be a disaster on the Franklin School Board. Voters, don't let him or his ilk infiltrate the leadership of our public schools.
UPDATE TO THIS UPDATE: Candidate Petre has his own yard signs up. In typical union fashion, i.e., we don't have to follow the rules, none of his signs have the appropriate disclaimer on them.
Seen tonight (Monday) on the 10:00 CBS 58 news...
A report on the recall against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Interviewed and shown on camera as a recall supporter ...
Christine Neumann-Ortiz is the founding Executive Director of the radical organization, Voces de la Frontera that strongly supports illegal immigration.
No surprise they wouldn't like Scott Walker.
Gov. Walker: A year of restoring fiscal discipline and fighting Obamacare
The following appears in the latest edition of the Wisconsin Conservative Digest and is re-printed here with permission of the publisher.
A year of restoring fiscal discipline and fighting Obamacare
By Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker
Together we have done a lot to restore fiscal discipline and stop the implementation of ObamaCare in
When I was inaugurated the State of
Instead, we asked public employees to contribute to their own pension and healthcare plans. While it was a bold political move, what we were asking for was actually modest in comparison to private sector employees. We asked government workers to make a 5.8% contribution to their pensions and a 12.6% contribution to their health insurance premium; about half of what those in the private sector contribute.
We made the structural reforms necessary to eliminate our state’s deficit and allow local units of government to balance their budgets.
The reforms we put in place are working for taxpayers all across
In addition to eliminating the deficit we’ve also fought hard to oppose ObamaCare and the negative impact it would have on small businesses. We need to end the federal government’s encroachment on our state’s rights. If implemented ObamaCare would eliminate jobs and cost small businesses $830 million in lost sales revenue according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
That is why, on my first day in office, I directed Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen to join the multi-state lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of this overreaching measure. This lawsuit is currently scheduled to be heard by the United States Supreme Court with a decision expected by early next summer. My sincere hope is that this measure will be found to be unconstitutional and that our state’s ability to maintain control over our health insurance market will be preserved.
I remain opposed to the implementation of Obamacare in our state, and will continue to fight for healthcare policies that encourage personal responsibility, help those who are truly in need, and are ultimately based on the free market.
We have done a lot in a year, but we have more work to do. These founding principles can be reaffirmed by continually challenging the status quo, while always remembering that it is more important to think of the next generation than the next election.
E-mails, I get e-mails: Happy New Year
Hope 2012 brings us all a year of fun, laughter and God's love.............
I can no longer open a bathroom door without using a paper towel, nor let the waitress put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.
I can't sit down on a hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.
I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose.
Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.
I can't touch any woman's handbag for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public toilet.
I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS for the email about rat poo in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.
ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
I can't have a drink in a bar because I fear I'll wake up in a bathtub full of ice with my kidneys gone.
I can't eat at KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes, feet or feathers.
I can't use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.
THANKS TO YOU
I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN,
I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car, so a serial killer doesn't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up.
I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes seven different types of cancer.
AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW
I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face, disfiguring me for life.
I no longer go to the cinema because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS when I sit down.
I no longer go to shopping centers because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
And I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a huge phone bill with calls to
THANKS TO YOU
I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big black snake could be lurking under the seat and cause me instant death when it bites my butt.
AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE
I can't ever pick up a 10 cent coin dropped in the car park because it was probably placed there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over.
I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.
If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, and the fleas from 120 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's best friend's beautician . .
Oh, and by the way..... A German scientist from
Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.
P. S. I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because I was told by e-mail that water splashes over 6 ft. out of the toilet.
NOW YOU HAVE YOURSELF A VERY GOOD DAY
Congrats to these school districts; how about you, Franklin?
Thanks to Recent Reforms, Merit Pay Coming to Some Wisconsin School Districts
"Just doing my job"
The following appears in the latest edition of the Wisconsin Conservative Digest and is re-printed here with permission of the publisher.
"Just Doing my Job"
Budget is balanced, taxes are down, reforms are working
By State Senator Alberta Darling
Last summer, in the middle of the attempt to recall me, a man came up to me, shook my
That story always reminds me how ridiculous these recalls really are. We simply did the job we were elected to do. We balanced the budget without raising taxes and it is working!
In
Some state employees didn’t like the reforms we passed. Unlike most working families, the recession hadn’t affected them. The state picked up most, if not all, of their lavish health care benefits and did the same with their pensions. The contracts they locked in forced taxpayers to pay for perks that wouldn’t even occur to the average private sector worker. Perks like bus drivers earning six-figure salaries, employees calling in sick and still getting time and a half pay and teachers getting exclusive Cadillac health care plans offered by a provider created by their own unions.
Things had to change. Especially in a recession,
The
The truth is
This is a big problem for Mitt Romney
*This does not mean I'm supporting Newt Gingrich. I'm merely pointing out a key issue many voters may have with Romney.*
MUST SEE VIDEO: No matter how you feel about Newt...
He handed Juan Williams his hat during this week's debate. Yes, I know I'm a bit late on this one, but I just had to post.
.jpg){kind=link}
