31 December 2005

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

28 December 2005

False Gods

If evolution and overall science and not divine intervention is the truth to life then:
  • Where are the examples today of evolution? Man has not changed in body structure for thousands of years, nor has any animals. Man’s evolution has only been in how and where living. The animals have had to adapt to live with man where man has not been before. Do not bring up that flying fish or mudpuppies are the signs of evolution, they have been around in the same form since discovered
  • Why don’t we have a deep canyon where the Mississippi or the Nile flow? Those rivers have been around as long as the Colorado which ‘formed’ the Grand Canyon and they don’t have the large channel
  • Where are the craters like on other planets and moons? Sure, there are a few but our planet should have a lot more. They can’t say that the moon protected us, look at what happened to Jupiter a few years ago and that planet has larger moons
  • Why did some scientists discover human footprints along side some dinosaur tracks? Both were ‘frozen’ at the same time

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What the @#$%?

What in the world happened around Milwaukee during the Christmas weekend? A man was pulled out of his car and beaten and a fatal shooting in a bar to name a couple of incidents. This is suppose to be a joyous time of year when we put aside petty things and do what is right for our fellow man.

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27 December 2005

Back in Milwaukee

We're back from our Christmas trip. Right now I am trying to catch up on the news that happened in Milwaukee over CHRISTMAS weekend. I will post more when I get caught up.

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21 December 2005


Christmas 2003 Unaltered picture taken at the Missouri/Arkansas state line

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Christmas Trip

Starting Thursday night Sandy and I are going to Arkansas to visit my folks. They could not make it here because Pa had hip replacement surgery a couple of weeks ago and is not feeling up to a 12 hour drive. We probably will be back on Monday and I will try to catch up on the news and whatever after that. I know it will be a short turn around for a trip that long, but thats all the time Sandy's boss will let her have off. In 2002 while we were down there for CHRISTMAS the area down there got at least 4 to 6 inches of snow. Lets pray we don't get the same.

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19 December 2005

Another loss

WOW 48-3! What a bloodbath, worse loss since 1980. Me thinks this might be it for Sherman and Farve.

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Goodwill Towards Fellow Humans

Whatever happened to goodwill towards your fellow man during this joyous time of year? During the last couple of days I was treated to some very rude behavior by my fellow humans. I can understand the need of some trying to wiggle through the crowded aisles at Wal-Mart, K-mart, Kohl’s, Sears, and Farm and Fleet to get to the items that you need for the little ones or Mom and Dad but at least use some common politeness. Words like excuse me, or I sorry I did not mean to (insert incident) do go a long way in easing the burden. Also, if someone says one of those phrases don’t get snippy the person saying excuse me is showing you politeness and some respect.

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14 December 2005

Wednesday 12-14-05 rant

I have some time before my final Business Management class starts so I figured I could write something for the blog. I left the In-Laws at 2:45 and got to school at 3:45 after stopping for a bite to eat. Where’s the snow storm? This is a normal type of snow that I remember from growing up in Wisconsin. It could be worse. Jeez, get a clue people! There are wimps out there when it comes to inclement weather or a prediction of. The plows and salters have been out and the roads are OK, but people want to go too slow (like 15 in a 45) when there is only wet pavement and no ice because it is above freezing. But back as to why I have time before class. My father-in-law and I went to Dannie’s school ‘holiday’ gig. They did mention Christmas! The gig started at 1:30 and was for K4 up to 2nd grade, we only stayed long enough to see and hear her sing until about 1:45 (I guess). What got me was the packed house at a grade school gig in the middle of the week (it was SRO 15 mins before it started). From what I saw the kids were great. I did the best I could in taping it, but we were near the back and did not have a clear view to get all the kids. Besides, I was not the only one taping or taking pictures (a lot of proud parents and families).

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12 December 2005

New state problem

From the JS: "Over nearly three years, the state Department of Revenue has wrestled with 665 "critical" problems with the computer system designed to track the state's sales tax receipts." "On average, that's one every day and a half. Add in the 2,034 incidents classified as "serious," and glitches rise to an average of 2.5 a day." "State officials paid American Management Systems $12.2 million for the system, but the cost has since ballooned to at least $27.6 million. Engan noted, however, that the increased cost also was due to changes in the contract and changes in the scope of the computer system that the state purchased."A price overage and the system not working for a government agency, that does not happen. Wisconsin just does not have this kind of problem.

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WHOOOO HOOOOO! The Packers won

In my humble opinion Detroit was screwed by the refs because Tauscher was penalized for holding end Cory Redding in the end zone but the refs did not call it correctly even after a long delay (it should have been a safety). But hey it can not be reversed now. But a shout out to Shaun Rogers for pushing Gado while Gado was out of boundsin OT. Up to that point I was thinking that GB was going to lose another close one. Still a wierd stat : Packers points for 255 - Opponents points 255 but they are 3-10.

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10 December 2005

Freedom OF Religion

Taken directly from the transcript of the United States Bill of Rights:

Article the third... Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Taken from the Wisconsin Constitution:

Freedom of worship; liberty of conscience; state religion; public funds. SECTION 18. [As amended Nov. 1982]

The right of every person to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of conscience shall never be infringed; nor shall any person be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry, without consent; nor shall any control of, or interference with, the rights of conscience be permitted, or any preference be given by law to any religious establishments or modes of worship; nor shall any money be drawn from the treasury for the benefit of religious societies, or religious or theological seminaries. [1979 J.R. 36, 1981 J.R. 29, vote Nov. 1982]

Article I, §18 - ANNOT.A nativity scene displayed by a city did not violate the establishment clause. Lynch v. Donnelly, 465 U.S. 668 (1984).What I see (I am not a lawyer) is that Congress or the state can not make a religion or restrict any practice of a persons religion, Including a Christmas display at a public facility.Has anyone noticed that Christian AND Jewish holidays are NOT on the MPS calander yet Kwanzaa is? I think this might be a violation of the third ammendment and section 18 of the State costitution.

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09 December 2005

Christmas Music

I found a fun channel on DirecTV called Special X-Mas, this channel plays off beat Christmas music. I have heard some wild and funny songs in the last few days, I know it cheapens the spirit of this time of year, but it is an alternative to what the other stations are playing. It is channel 860 on the DirecTV network (it is run by X-FM satellite radio).

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08 December 2005

Good News

Good news, I am almost done with my management classes. I have my capstone class starting next Wednesday. Five more nights of the upper level courses, then I will be in some more general courses. I might graduate in July 2006. It is amazing that I finally will have a college degree!

2006 (College graduation) minus 1981 (High school graduation) equals 25 years in-between!

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05 December 2005

More Slogans

Wisconsin

Wisconsin – Doyle’s Payland

Milwaukee

Milwaukee – Great place by a Great sewer

Milwaukee – The NEW Chicago

Visit Downtown Milwaukee (before 6pm)

Milwaukee – Wake up and smell the lake

Milwaukee – Don’t drink the water

Milwaukee – We don’t need a stinkin mayor

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Milwaukee Weather

Wow, did the weather people mess up. Initial predictions were 2-3 inches of snow max, we have at least 5 ½ in our yard from that mess by Sunday morning! But hey nobody is perfect. This is not the only time this snowfall season they messed up with the prediction, at least it snowed this time. Well then again, they were technically correct. Everyplace that matters to them (Milwaukee Media) was hit with three or fewer inches (see my post Milwaukee Media). Thankfully this gave me the excuse not to watch the Packer debacle.

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04 December 2005

Brilliant

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03 December 2005

Christmas Light Display

During my surfing I came across this story at snopes.com: http://www.snopes.com/photos/arts/xmaslights.asp Open the links to see a master artist at work.

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01 December 2005

GB Packers

The GB Packers record since Coach Sherman took control is:
  1. 9-7 (no playoffs)
  2. 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs)
  3. 12-4 (0-1 in playoffs)
  4. 10-6 (1-1 in playoffs)
  5. 10-6 (0-1 in playoffs)
  6. 2-9 (as of 12/1) (no playoff appearance possible)

One might say that coach is getting worse.

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29 November 2005

I AM OLD

I am officially getting old because I have the following symptoms:
  • back pains
  • knee problems
  • grey hair in my beard
  • getting senior discounts
  • bifocals
  • I am getting ‘crotchety’
  • I tend to find that I am saying “When I was your age” too often
  • No more bar hopping
  • More naps on the weekends during the day, so I can stay up to maybe 11pm

And the kicker is last night (11/28/05) I had to go to the urgent care for what I thought was a possible broken thumb, only to be told that I might have Arthritis! I know it can hit at any time but OMG all these symptoms add up to the same thing, I AM OLD!!! What gets me that in my 20’s I was one of those who turned up the stereo while playing my LP’s or listening to FM rock stations. If I forgot something, it was due to alcohol. In my 30’s I started to turn down the stereo and buy CD’s to replace the vinyl I couldn’t play on my new stereo system listen to the same stations yet starting to listen to talk radio (75% rock -25% talk ). Most of the time if I forgot something it was the ending of the alcohol. Now that I am in my 40’s, I will not buy new CD’s because I do not know any of the newer groups, and I am listening to talk radio more than 90% of the time, and now if I forget something I have nothing to blame it on!

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28 November 2005

Packers

The day after a Packer game this year is very depressing. No one is happy, it’s the same report that one or more players are injured, Coaches play calling is bad, Brett retiring, etc… All I can say is the Packers were due for this downturn. Many fans have been blind to this fact but it is the cycle for any team. Going back to the 60’s to today GB, Dallas, San Fran have all had the up years then a major downturn then they explode into a powerhouse team again. GB fans have had it the best so far 13 in a row for winning seasons! Be thankful we root for GB and not the Saints, Browns, Bengal’s or Arizona. Those fans have rarely seen a championship caliper team in recent memory (at least mine). I am sort of looking forward to draft day 2006 to see whom GB will pick up to shore up the team. I know there is talent on the right now and too many injuries, but they do need more depth with less of a drop off in that talent than what they have now. I also will say that either Coach Sherman needs to be let go or the GM needs to step in and tell him to make more adjustments in the second half. From my vantage point the losses to the Vikings I saw none in either game.

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26 November 2005

Its Saturday afternoon

It’s Saturday afternoon and I am playing games online and listining to the radio while I am writing this (the TV is off). Sandy is over by her parents helping to put up their outside Christmas lights in the snow and I am home with the cat. Yes I know I should be helping but I was sleeping when she left and besides, I am afraid of heights. Lets see how cold she is by the time she gets home; I just might have to turn up the heat to help warm her up. I know gas is high but I do not want to wear five layers of clothes just to stay warm.

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25 November 2005

Reflection

Well the year is almost over and it is time to reflect on what has happened in our lives in ’05. Here are some highlights (or lowlites)
  1. The year started with me working, and ending unemployed.
  2. Celebrated Sandy and my 4th wedding anniversary
  3. Learned new things
  4. Watched way too much T.V.
  5. Listened to talk radio more
  6. Felt like an old foggy mostley because of #7
  7. Recieved a senior citizen discount at a couple of places (I'm only 42)
  8. Found a new diversion on Tuesday’s in the summer called 2WT at Culvers on north 124th, many motorcycles to see there every week
  9. Started this blog
  10. Made several rides on the bike
  11. Laughed at myself
  12. Survived another year at school
  13. Made new friends
  14. Had fun with Sandy

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Typical Late November Day

Let it snow somewhere else! Even tho we have a 4-wheel drive Jeep it was a brutal drive to and from the Mineshaft in Hartford (where we took our neice Dani and brother-in-law Bob, btw its a great place to take the family). We were going only 40 to 45 on the freeway due to the blasted snow! I will gladly send this garbage south or better yet up to the UP. Its amazing that after 40+ years I have never really liked the white stuff. It's just that there is nothing to do but sit at home and wait it out (yes I like some indoor activities). Post ya later

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24 November 2005

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a very happy and safe holiday weekend

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19 November 2005

Update on personal news

Update on personal news: I have been on a temporary work assignment after a couple of months without work and I have been too tired to post. Unfortunately, it will only last until the end at the end of November. Therefore, this blog will be light for content until then.

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09 November 2005

Another stuck on STUPID

This letter to the editor from October 31,2005 in the JS got me thinking

PARTISANSHIP

What about deceit in GOP's own party? Thank you, Amy L. Geiger-Hemmer of Hartland , unofficial spokeswoman for the Republican right wing of southeastern Wisconsin, for another in an endless series of complaints about Democratic misdemeanors ("Doyle is displaying his arrogance," Your Opinions, Oct. 26).This time, Geiger-Hemmer was upset about the age-old practice of politicians accepting political contributions in exchange for favors. Not really news. If we are to be upset about the molehill, dubbed Travelgate, where is the outcry about the mountain, Rep. Tom DeLay?The Texas Republican is currently under investigation for alleged money-laundering to Texas Republican political candidates. This is a story of millions of dollars funneled to Texas Republican candidates in order to take control of the Texas Legislature so Republicans could redraw state districts in order to send more Republicans to Washington, which in fact has taken place.This is corruption and dishonesty on a biblical scale, but apparently somehow it didn't appear on Geiger-Hemmer's radar. Apparently, Republican dishonesty is to be ignored whereas Democratic dishonesty must be brought to heel.Barry R. SniderRiver Hillshttp://www.jsonline.com/news/editorials/oct05/367054.asp

What makes the DeLay issue a mountain and Doyles pay for play a molehill? Oh I forgot DeLay's a Republican. Doyle has only damaged the image and integrity of his office and the state government as a whole. Age-old practice of accepting political contributions in exchange for favors, not news??? This called a BRIBE and is illegal, but Mr. Snider wants everyone to turn a blind eye because its a Democrat involved, if this were Gov. Thompson or Scott Walker he would want their heads. Mr. Snider take off your blinders and face the facts.

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Wisconsin's new Slogans

Here is a couple of suggested slogans for Wisconsin:
  • If you like the state, don't forget to tip the Governor
  • Welcome to Americas Taxland

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07 November 2005

Beliefs

  • I believe in God
  • Family is key to a good life
  • All people are equal – no matter their skin color, education, or economic status
  • Own up to your mistakes – don’t blame others, society, etc
  • Respect others – even though you disagree with them
  • Hard work and love will overcome 99% of all problems
  • Forgive people for their mistakes – but they have a finite number
Beliefs that I have formed through thought and life experiences:
  • Most people are good and decent – sometimes they hit hard times
  • Government is NOT the answer
  • Children need to be disciplined when they make a major mistake
  • Prison and jail are not a rehabilitation device, they are to PUNISH those who break the law
  • Welfare is not a lifelong program
  • All media is biased – the reporters, editors and owners bring their opinions into anything they write or report
  • The free enterprise system is not evil
  • Sam Walton was a very smart business man – he saw a niche where others ignored and took the opportunity

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04 November 2005

Milwaukee Housing Authority

We need to look at the City of Milwaukee Housing Authority (HACM) budget and overall operation. This agency is responsible for maintaining affordable housing in the City of Milwaukee and is a governmental agency. I have problems with this entity. I live near a “scattered” housing site that is run by HACM and have had problems with the current set of tenants. I get the following impression from my dealings with HACM:
  • Requests and or complaints by tax paying citizens are ignored or dismissed as dribble. When objects were thrown out of second story window and into my yard, the response from the operator of the 24 hour hotline was “You did not see them throw it out, so it might not be them”. Other neighbors have called HACM and have received the same treatment.
  • They agency feels it does not need to report its budget every year on its web site. The last year mentioned is the estimated 2002 cycle.
  • HACM employees feel that they do not need to follow the open records law. Request by myself to determine how many persons are suppose to live in the “scattered” site were met with the response “we can not give that information out”

According to the HACM website, ‘the 2002-estimated budget was $68.5 million’ and has ‘63 units of market rate rental housing’ (http://www.hacm.org/about/index.htm). With this in mind let us look at the overall picture of the Mayor and Common Council complaining that the city needs more revenue HACM could bring in revenue this year of at least $3 million (63 X $50,000) and $125,000 a year after that.

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03 November 2005

Milwaukee Media

The Milwaukee media claims they are the source for news and weather for Milwaukee, but in reality they ignore a large segment of the area. Since at least the mid 90's the news media have reported very little on anything south of I-94 to the Racine county line, from Lake Michigan west to the county line.
  • The first case that I noticed was a armed bank robbery in the mid 1990's in which shots were fired, the suspects fleed on foot broke into a home with the police chasing and had a standoff for several hours. What coverage did it get? A little blurb by the traffic reporter on channel 6.
  • Another case happened summer of 2005. Shots were fired on Lincoln Avenue near 33rd street. Lincoln Avenue was shut down for several hours while the police investigated. The coverage was so underwhelming it was NOT reported! Even though the local paper has a facility nearby.
  • On one occasion I watched 1/2 inch hail fall from my front window for about 10 minites. During this I turned on the local news channels to find out what was going on and was amazed with what the weatherman was reporting. Accrording to them what I was witnessing was not happening
  • Unfortunately, it took a child dying near the intersection of 33rd and Lincoln to get any reporters to show up on this side of town.

If any of these incidents happen on the north side,Washington County,Ozaukee County,Racine County,Etc... these would be reported as front page news and lead the television news.

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