Sunday, November 30, 2008

Minn: StarTribune; Minn Tax Revenue Plunges in all categories----huge gap

Finance folks in government are burning the midnight oil----and wondering how to fix the coming gap. Click on the post for the story in the Mpls Star.

WSJ: "Fire Lekrone if Hazing Continues"-------

Click on the post for the OpEd in the Wisconsin State Journal for Sunday.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Yahoo: Cyber Monday is almost here: OnLine retailers ramp up the deals.

One of the areas of reflection might be what things, stuff...is worth----it is also a mystery just the basics---what the price is ....at many, many online sites----just as when one goes to the retail malls, armed with various coupon offers, it can be bewildering to go back for a refund, or exchange, and go over the accounting of it all-----

These days ...when prices on products can change daily, as well as the various offers---free shipping, $10 off for purchases over $50, or x price for this day only, or a special product free for all purchases over a certain amount----as you wander through cyberspace, stay tuned to the rapid price changes of things as the drama of this Christmas season unfolds.

Click on the post for the full story on the Cybermonday that is coming this Monday.

Minn; Star Tribune; "Cut the Family Angst"....

Click on the post for an intersting article on ....when the kids come home.....for Thanksgiving...and the holidays...

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

WSJ: UW to consider Three Year degree possibility---

Click on the post---it would be a cost saving measure. Imagine. Down from an average of 5 years today for average time to graduation.

Mailbag: Oregon Observer: Local Deli Owner Living the Dream ( reprinted with permission)

Deli owner living the dream after five years in business
By Hannah Disch
Observer Correspondent
Theresa Alberici always dreamed of opening her own deli. Five years ago she achieved that dream when she, along with her husband Tom, opened Alberici’s Delicatezza located on Hwy. 14 in Evansville. Today Alberici is happy to be doing what she loves, even if business isn’t exactly booming.
Fresh out of high school, Alberici spent 10 years working at Fraboni’s deli in Madison. She later worked for 10 years at the Wild Iris CafĂ©, owned by her sister. She and her husband moved to Evansville in 1999, and when the last two places she worked at closed and she couldn’t find an employer who would let her cook what she wanted, she decided to make the leap to owning her own business.
At the time, Evansville was a quickly growing community with people from New York, Chicago, Madison, and all over passing through. With choices of local eating establishments limited to a few fast-food places and a couple of family restaurants, Alberici saw the need for a deli where busy people could purchase quality homemade food and specialty items.
For the first several years, business climbed steadily, but with the recent downturn in the economy, Alberici’s has suffered along with everyone else. Costs have escalated as food prices have risen. And business has slowed with the closing of nearby plants and increasing gas prices.
“My people from out of town aren’t coming,” said Alberici. “Normally I get people from all over. I had people coming in from Gays Mills coming in just to buy my sausages. You don’t see that as much now because gas prices have gone up so high.”
The 115 mile trip from Gays Mills to Evansville might seem like a long drive for some sausage, but the food at Alberici’s is not your typical fare. Alberici stresses quality and substance over style and price. She serves deli meat from Boar’s Head in New York because it contains no fillers, glutens, artificial colors or flavors. Deli meat at Alberici’s is sliced at the time of purchase and not before in order to preserve freshness and flavor.
Food at Alberici’s is unprocessed, homemade, and in some cases, homegrown. Alberici chops her ingredients by hand and makes everything from soups to salads to sauces to ravioli and manicotti herself. In the summer she grows her own vegetables and uses them at the deli. She tries to use organic and locally grown ingredients as much as possible in her cooking. “I work with Pecatonica Farms out of Hollandale, Wisconsin,” said Alberici. “They’re not certified organic, but they do grown their own feed and they don’t use antibiotics or hormones. I eat only their meat at home.”
Alberici is on a mission to get people to eat better. She feels that when people eat cheap processed foods they don’t realize that they are paying with their health, and they’re not getting their money’s worth either.
“I try to teach people too, you eat at a fast food restaurant – you’re getting a by-product. You’re getting fillers,” Alberici said. “Yes, it may cost you a dollar less for that sandwich but you’re hungry an hour later because you haven’t eaten a meal, you’ve eaten fillers and by-products.”
According to Alberici, government regulations only mandate that a product labeled ‘meat’ contain 30 percent actual meat. The rest can be water, sugars, flour, cereals and carrageenan, the seaweed based “glue” that holds everything together.
She feels that the rise in diseases such as diabetes and celiac disease is directly related to the amount of sugar and gluten-based fillers found in meat and other processed foods.
Alberici has several customers who come to her specifically for gluten-free products. Not only does she serve gluten-free deli meat, but the mayonnaise she uses is gluten free, and she sells gluten-free pasta as well. And because she makes almost everything the deli sells herself, she knows exactly what’s in it without having to read the label, which is not the case at many delis.
A love of good food and creative cooking runs in Alberici’s family. Her sister Anna not only owned and cooked at the Wild Iris, but is a co-owner of the popular Greenbush Bar in Madison as well. Her mother cooked at Smoky’s, the Continental, and other Madison establishments, while her father had a side job catering part-time. Growing up, Alberici ate homemade food and her family never frequented franchises.
Now Alberici is proud to own and operate “a real deli” with a friendly hometown atmosphere where she not only knows customers by name, but also remembers their favorite foods as well.
“I get people from everywhere,” she said. “They try the food and they love it. People call me all the time asking how do I make this or how do I do that. That’s what I’m here for. I tell people how to make things or what’s good on this or with that. That’s what original delis were made of, good food and good company.”

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Herald: The Influence of Robert Rubin

Robert Rubin---key player in the growth, bust, of Citigroup.......has played a key role in the appointment constellation of the Obama administration re economics team----What perfect timing for Citigroup to be bailed out just as his proteges are ascending to the throne---but one wonders----has Rubin repented? Does he know of regulation?

Click on the post for the article. Stay tuned for the developing story.

Breitbart.com: Comcast: On-line sales for November disappoint so far

Will on-line sales for the Christmas season be flat, decline slightly or......? Folks are waiting to see whether on-line sales can hold the line. Stay tuned.

Click on the post for the full article.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Video: LIN'S GARDEN is now open on East Main Street. Click on the video to tour the new chinese restaurant. Stop by and tell them that The Observer sent you. Enjoy.


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WSJ: Frugality is in---

Click on the post for the top story of the WSJ.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Mailbag; Bear Trader recommends----

Click on the post for an analysis of the current economic situation that "Bear Trader" thought was excellent. It seems that our recovery from the current situation might resemble that of Japan a decade ago? Click on the post and enjoy.

NYT: A Caution on Gift Cards?

A short article on some things to consider when giving a gift card.

Santa corner: The stocking Stuffer

One of the most popular items for the guys this Christmas for their stockings ---according to my elves at Duluth Trading----is the ball cap ear band-----

In these times of recession and cold, it is essential to keep the "lobal warming" intact. Click on the post for the product.

WSJ: American Family Trims Workforce

Click on the post for the story in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Gazette: The Return of "Layaway"------

This holiday season, shoppers are using layaway as an alternative to credit cards. Click on the post for the full story in the Janesville Gazette.
Evansville/Union Implementation Committee discusses current capacity of sewer system; Possible forms of intergovernmental agreements between Union and Evansville presented.


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Gazette; St. Mary's Janesville Breaks Ground

Folks have been looking for options for health care in Janesville for years, and now the new hospital is only two years away---click on the post for the story in the Janesville Gazette.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Markets: Minyanville: Lost====

Click on the post for the latest from Minyanville.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Background; Evansville Economic Development Plan

(ed.note: The following is from the City of Evansville news release:)

Economic Development Information Interviews:

The number one goal of the Evansville's Economic Development Plan is to create an "alliance" or "organization" to oversee economic development for Evansville's future. The mission of this entity will be implementation of the Economic Development Plan. But it will also coordinate and consolidate efforts by the City, the Chamber of Commerce, and others, thus reducing duplication of effort and inefficient use of our resources.
With this in mind, the City's Economic Development Committee is hosting a series of information interviews with existing economic development organizations to learn about their structure and see if a similar organization may be a fit for Evansville. This is our opportunity to learn from their successes and their missteps.
On Wednesday, November 19, John Beckord, President of Forward Janesville will answer questions about their organization and how they address economic development. The information interview is from noon to 1:00 at the Bank of Evansville community room. Lunch - sandwich, chips, cookie and soda - will be available for $7.
To learn more about the Economic Development Plan and how the business community has participated in its development, please see http://www.ci.evansville.wi.gov/Summit.htm.

OpEd: Saving Private Somebody---the reality

Recently the Observer got an angry comment from someone at the US Senate in Washington---it seems that that person felt it was unreasonable for the public to know where the money from the recent bailout was going----the comment suggested that the Congress has oversight responsibility and that it will review this every six months or so. Why the need for any faster supervision?

And just yesterday, it was announced that the previous hotly debated "bailout" of the banks, will in fact not be consituted as previously discussed by Treasury Paulson during one exhausting week of very public debate---It seems that the banks,,,and the public credit will not be bailed out, but somebody will..........an unnamed party.

So---We're Saving Private Somebody. This would be a great movie title. You can write the script yourself. I am all ears as to the script details. You make the call.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Dateline Welch, Mn: Hunter bags 27 point buck with 1 shot muzzleloader

Click on the post for the story. She did change clothes for the photo. The original orange attire was bloody.

I guess this is the challenge to folks in Wisconsin----The guys from Escanabe in da Moonlight never got anything this big, I presume.

Video: Terry Whipple---coming on NOV 12th--WED--- to kick off I&E Club forming in Evansville

Terry Whipple is the Executive Director of the Juneau Economic Development Corporation: His speech is "Catch the Culture." 3 of 3 Click on the mail icon and mail this video to your business friends---the Meeting on November 12th is a must attend event.


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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Monday, November 10, 2008

Lake Leota Project: Over 2 million already?

Click on the post for the Finance minutes---the Revenue Anticipation bond authorization is for over 2 million. Are we over already?

Milwaukee Journal: Duluth Trading, Lands End top the heap of Web Retailers---Consumer Reports

Online retailers are looking for a strong Christmas---and shoppers who might shun the malls are still web surfing for Christmas specials. Land's End and Duluth Trading of Belleville are among the leaders according to Consumer Reports.

Click on the post for the story in the Milwaukee Journal.

Bloomberg News: Federal Reserve; Bailout: Transparency?

Click on the post for an interesting article on the debt that the Federal Reserve has been accepting as collateral for bailout money, and the transparency, or lack of it of what the Fed is currently holding.

WSJ: Housing: Dane County Home/Condo Inventory Levels

Click on the post for the analysis in the Wisconsin State Journal.

I and E Club Kickoff Coming this Wednesday--Nov. 12th===Terry Whipple Keynote speaker

Evansville I&E Club Kickoff Meeting: Terry Whipple Guest Speaker

Evansville, WI - On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the newly formed Evansville Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club (I&E) will host its first meeting at the Union Bank and Trust community room. In recognition of the event, Terry Whipple, creator of the nationally-acclaimed Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club model for rural economic development, will be the guest speaker for the kickoff meeting.

Terry is the Executive Director of the Juneau County Economic Development Corporation and the critically acclaimed Juneau County I&E Club. He is the brainchild behind the wildly successful Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club model. Terry's goal was to create a contagious innovative environment in which persons could investigate the potential of their ideas within a supportive group of like minded individuals. It has been amazingly successful in Juneau County and has spun off similar clubs throughout the state and nation.

Terry last spoke to the Evansville business community at the Economic Development Summit in January, 2008. From the start, the City of Evansville's recently adopted Economic Development Plan relied on the business community's input through surveys, focus groups, and the Summit. The Evansville I&E Club is a direct result of the Summit and the Economic Development Plan.

Evansville's I&E Club has a mission to increase networking and referrals within the community, to provide educational opportunities through speakers, and a chance for local businesses and non-profits to build awareness by facilitating the networking of entrepreneurs, inventors, and investors to help bring new business ideas to fruition.

Participation in this professionally supportive club is free and open to the public on November 12, 2008, 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the UB&T, 2 East Main Street, Evansville. Entrepreneurs do not need to have an invention or current business plan to participate. Join us and network with like-minded individuals: share resources, exchange ideas, and be mentored. You never know who you may meet and what you could learn!

WSJ: It's Packers--Vikings Today----

After two games in the metrodome recently, every time I hear the word "metrodome", I reach for the earplugs---It is very hard to believe that this has gone on over 25 years. Next year the Gophers will play in their new stadium, open air like the Badgers, and the scoop is that they just cannot wait.

Who do you think will win today? Click on the post for the article in the Wisconsin State Journal on the inside scoop.

Saturday, November 08, 2008

NYT: Recession is affecting Hospital Admissions

Click on the post for an interesting article. It seems that cost shifting to the private insurance sector and patient pay has finally hit the wall.
Video: Ald Wyse feels better education of Banks and insurance companies is the answer.


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Video: Straight Talk on the floodplain---Citizens ask for help---city replies.


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Badgers Face Gophers Next Week-----What is your call?

The Minnesota Marching Band wanted badly to be there for this game on Nov 15th. The Gophers still have high hopes for a bowl game. O.K. So do the Badgers for some reason. Since the Minnesota band cannot attend, click on the post to capture the scene as the Minnesota Marching band prepares for gametime.

Gopher alums will be meeting to tailgate at Edgewood College prior to the game for a little pump session. Enjoy.

Winter Arrives in Minnesota----

Are you ready for some white stuff?---click on the post for the story from Minnesota.

Where will development happen next?

Click on the post for the minutes of the Evansville/Union implementation committee from October 2008.

Nostalgia: Memories of Summer 2008: Winter is on the way

Classic "Mustang Sally" Blooze Brothers style. Turn the volume up loud---it always sounds better loud. Click on the mail icon and email the video to one of your friends. Enjoy.


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Terry Whipple to headnote I&E Kickoff Wed Nov 12th in Evansville

Contact: Dan Wietecha, City Administrator
City of Evansville
(608) 8822263
office
(608) 7519811
cell
dan.wietecha@ci.evansville.wi.gov



Evansville I&E Club Kickoff Meeting: Terry Whipple Guest Speaker

Evansville, WI – On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the newly formed Evansville
Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club (I&E) will host its first meeting at the Union Bank and
Trust community room. In recognition of the event, Terry Whipple, creator of the
nationallyacclaimed
Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club model for rural economic
development, will be the guest speaker for the kickoff meeting.


Terry is the Executive Director of the Juneau County Economic Development
Corporation and the critically acclaimed Juneau County I&E Club. He is the brainchild
behind the wildly successful Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club model. Terry’s goal was
to create a contagious innovative environment in which persons could investigate the
potential of their ideas within a supportive group of like minded individuals. It has been
amazingly successful in Juneau County and has spun off similar clubs throughout the
state and nation.
Terry last spoke to the Evansville business community at the Economic Development
Summit in January, 2008. From the start, the City of Evansville’s recently adopted
Economic Development Plan relied on the business community’s input through surveys,
focus groups, and the Summit. The Evansville I&E Club is a direct result of the Summit
and the Economic Development Plan.
Evansville’s I&E Club has a mission to increase networking and referrals within the
community, to provide educational opportunities through speakers, and a chance for local
businesses and nonprofits
to build awareness by facilitating the networking of
entrepreneurs, inventors, and investors to help bring new business ideas to fruition.
Participation in this professionally supportive club is free and open to the public on
November 12, 2008, 6:30 8:
30 PM at the UB&T, 2 East Main Street, Evansville.
Entrepreneurs do not need to have an invention or current business plan to participate.
Join us and network with likeminded
individuals: share resources, exchange ideas, and
be mentored. You never know who you may meet and what you could lear

Obama Celebrations---from Madison to around the world

Click on the post for the CapTimes story about the celebration in downtown Madison last night. The party in Grant Park in Chicago was a stunning moment in history. Hope you all had a chance to see it.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Evansville Voter Resource: Audio and Video Record

If you click on the post you will access the video and audio of Evansville city meetings over the past two years---many relate to the Lake Leota Issue as well as the floodplain concern. After the site on mediafly loads, click on "View Episodes"----all the meetings will load and then you can choose the small screen, or large screen.

These audios and videos are also on the Observer, but with Mediafly, the presentation is full screen, and the episodes are presented in one place for easy research. You can even subscribe so you instantly receive the latest episode of what's happening in Evansville.

Nostalgia; September 2007: Video: Greg of Ehlers and Associates Discusses GO Debt Capacity of Evansville

Greg from Ehlers and Associates, the financial advisors to Evansville, reviews the debt capacity of the City with respect to General Obligation borrowing, and where we are as a city.

definition:

ASSESSED VALUATION - the value of property against which an ad valorem tax is levied, usually a percentage of "true" or "market" value. In Wisconsin, the Department of Revenue annually publishes an "Equalized Value" report that estabishes the real estate value in each municipality for debt purposes. Under the Wisconsin Constitution, municipalities may not have general obligation debts outstanding that exceed 5% of their equalized value.






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Monday, November 03, 2008

Agenda; School AdHoc Committee Meets TONIGHT--6:30-8:30PM

EVANSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Long Range Planning Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
Monday, November 3, 2008
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
J.C. McKenna Middle School Library
307 S. First Street
Note, public notice of this meeting given by posting at the District Office, Levi Leonard Elementary School
Office, Theodore Robinson Intermediate School Office, J.C. McKenna Middle School Office, High School
Office, Evansville School District Web Site: www.evansville.k12.wi.us, and by forwarding the agenda to the
Evansville Review, M&I Bank, Union Bank & Trust and Eager Free Public Library.


AGENDA

1. Review Committee’s Desire to Work in Breakout Groups.
2. Discuss Land Options.
3. Discuss Facilities Options.
4. Discuss Next Meeting.
5. Other.
6. Adjourn.


Persons needing special accommodations or more specific information about the agenda items
should call 882-5224, Ext. 3387, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
More specific information about agenda items may be obtained by calling 882-5224, ext. 3387 or
ext. 3386.
Posted: 10/21/08

Dane County Planning: Background; Flood Insurance REQUIRED for AE designated areas

(Ed.note: At the very end of the meeting on the floodplain the DNR representative explained that there are state standards, national standards and local standards for flood insurance for AE areas---Dane County has REQUIRED flood insurance where there is a federally insured mortgage involved. However, it is up to the local municipality to make this requirement. The following is from the Dane County Planning web site. )


Q: What do "Zone AE," "Zone A," and "Zone X" mean on the FIRM maps?
A:
Zone AE are areas that have a 1% probability of flooding every year (also known as the "100-year floodplain"), and where predicted flood water elevations above mean sea level have been established. Properties in Zone AE are considered to be at high risk of flooding under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance is required for all properties in Zone AE that have federally-backed mortgages. Construction in these areas must meet local floodplain zoning ordinance requirements, including evidence that priniciple structures are above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as shown on the adopted FIRM maps.

Zone A are areas that have a 1% probability of flooding every year (also known as the "100-year floodplain"), and where predicted flood water elevations have not been established. Properties in Zone A are considered to be at high risk of flooding under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance is required for all properties in Zone A that have federally-backed mortgages. Construction in these areas must meet local floodplain zoning ordinance requirements. New construction in Zone A areas may also require submission of engineering cross-sections of the waterway to determine Base Flood Elevations and floodway and floodfringe boundaries.

Shaded Zone X are areas that have a 0.2% probability of flooding every year (also known as the "500-year floodplain"). Properties in Shaded Zone X are considered to be at moderate risk of flooding under the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is not required for properties in Zone X. Local floodplain zoning ordinances do not apply to Zone X.

Audio: WCLO: Layoffs at Bliss Communications may affect Evansville coverage?

Janesville Gazette editor Scott Angus talks on WCLO about the recent downsizing at the Gazette where they cut 10% of the workforce. He reviews the pressures of GM closing, the national economy, and how the Gazette will have to cut certain non core areas of coverage. Evansville was not mentioned as a core area.

All across America---corporations are cutting back----all across America families are cutting back....and even cities like Janesville and Madison are cutting back....some....are not.


Stay tuned. Click on the post for the full discussion with editor Scott Angus.

OpEd: Reflection: Investing: "On Controlling the Highs and Lows."

One of the classic rules of investing, intoned to all entry level financial professionals, is that one must develop the art of controlling the highs and the lows---and that to be at the top of one's savvy game, one must in fact reverse human emotion ---when there is fear, develop greed....and when there is greed...develop fear.

Why it was only last week, when Warren Buffett, the top gun guru who owns Berkshire Hathaway, and who recently bought GE at 22 and has been telling everybody in America to buy, buy, buy...especially since he has a big position in GE now, and he has even wryly said that it is important for America to buy since otherwise he might not look good--

--The only problem----it is a rare person who can reverse human emotions--why recently when a friend owned Apple Computer at 180 and had purchased it only months before at 120, I mentioned that taking profits was good---to which he responded that he was holding for long term and I could tell that he was multiplying it out---why at that rate of increase, he..well..it would be worth a ton...but in the plunge it came down to 80 or so.On the other side, when the market plunged a week ago I mentioned to a loved one that it might be nice to buy...a little, not the whole S&P, just a little....and even that suggestion was met with...well...glares that telegraphed that that individual thought I might have lost my mind.....

So there it is----the vast disparity between the platitude and the reality---if anyone out there has indeed reversed human emotions, or has a simple way to do it with maybe a combination of taiche, yoga and zen meditation....email me at the Observer at fre2observe@yahoo.com I am all ears.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Video: Straight Talk on Floodplains--What is an AE zone? The AE Zone reflects elevations that should be acceptable unless there is a 100 year flood. 100 year floods do not happen three times in five years.


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Video: "Straight Talk of the floodplain"---On Zone A.


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Video: Living in the Flood Plain ---What is a LOMR and what it means to you.


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"Ask the developer:", "Ask the Real Estate Agent," Review the governmental process.


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Video: Just Say NO to Lake Leota---The Top 10 Reasons


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At the Living in the Floodplain meeting last week, citizens asked a key question: 'Why did nobody tell us? Click on the video for the answer given.


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DNR official suggests "restoring" Lake Leota may make flooding worse

At the meeting last week, when asked whether filling the lake might possibly make matters work in flooding homes----the official said that the city would have to do a engineering study to determine that comparison---and they have not done so so far---click on the audio for the full 1 1/2 hour audio---the discussion occurs about the 1 hr. 10 minute mark.

This is something that voters need to consider. Make a note of it.