This Just In ...

Week-ends (5/2/09)

Posted by Kevin Fischer on May 2, 2009

Week-ends

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


Purple Heart recipients at Walter Reed


17-year old girl from Quartz Hill, California


State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee)


Tony Bennett


Andy Mackie


Once again, Carrie Prejean



VILLAINS OF THE WEEK


The swine flu


VP Joe Biden


The Delaware Department of Transportation


Porscha Bowman


Scott Hanson


Joy Taylor and Phil Carden



QUOTES OF THE WEEK


"After six years in office Governor Jim Doyle says he's not responsible for our current problems. I disagree. (The culture in Madison) repeatedly puts the interest of government before the interests of those they are meant to serve."
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, announcing his bid for governor.


"It's a tough time for us, too, so why should we have to help out Madison with another tax?" 
Rod Fisher, president of the Marathon County Tavern League and owner of The Relocation Pub and Eatery in Kronenwetter, reacting to a proposal to increase the state's beer tax. He estimates that business has been down between 12 percent and 15 percent in the receding economy.


“People that engage in employment discrimination deserve what they get. But in the system now, two-thirds of the claims are dismissed. It’s fraught with unfounded claims, and the concern is that trial, bar and personal injury lawyers may see this as a good way to make money.”
James Buchen, vice president of government relations for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, on a bill aprpoved by the Legislature that updates Wisconsin’s Fair Employment law by directing circuit courts to order people or companies to pay compensatory and punitive damages if found guilty of discriminating against employees.


"We must do everything we can to prevent error. Errors cost us the lives of our children."
State Senator Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee) arguing on the floor of the state Senate for his bill to require alarms on day care vans to alert drivers about chidlren in the back seat.


"I have strong opinions, strong ideas. But I'm not looking to become some famous conservative movement leader. I just don't see that as my role. That's not my thing. I want to be a policy leader."
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Janesville)


"I would tell members of my family — and I have — I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now. It's not that it's going to Mexico. It's you're in a confined aircraft. When one person sneezes, it goes all the way through the aircraft."
VP Joe Biden on NBC's "Today Show," about the swine flu.


"The advice he is giving family members is the same advice the administration is giving to all Americans: That they should avoid unnecessary air travel to and from Mexico. If they are sick, they should avoid airplanes and other confined public spaces, such as subways."
Biden spokeswoman Elizabeth Alexander, doing damage control following Biden's remarks on The Today Show.


"If he could say that over again, he would say if they're feeling sick they should stay off of public transit or confined spaces because that is indeed the advice that we're giving."
Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano, attempting to bail out Biden.


"If anybody was unduly alarmed for whatever reason, we would apologize for that."
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, on Biden's comments.


“Leave me, if you must, but be faithful to me if you are with me. I cried and screamed, I went to the bathroom and threw up."
Elizabeth Edwards writing about her husband, John's infidelity in her new book, "Resilience."



OUTRAGE OF THE WEEK


White House blunder



MOST UNDER-REPORTED STORY OF THE WEEK


State report card shows need to nurture business



MOST OVER-HYPED STORY OF THE WEEK


Swine flu, perhaps?



STRANGEST, MOST UNUSUAL STORY OF THE WEEK


He wanted to go to jail with his brother...


Naked frisbee at the University of Oregon


I cheated on my wife.........while sleepwalking


Masked wrestlers and the Virgin Mary



REMEMBER: Your suggestions/nominations for any of these categories every week are welcome, especially for HEROES OF THE WEEK. If you know of anyone in the community deserving of recognition, please e-mail me.