Friday, January 30, 2009
yahoo: Credit Card Corner:
Click on the post for an interesting article---Seems that exactly where you are shopping is being watched.
OpEd: Capital Times: Paul Ryan says "Drop Dead" to constituents?
Click on the post for the oped in the Capital Times.
yahoo: Community banks rejecting Bailout funds----
Many community banks that had at first thought they might participate in the bailout funds, now on further review are deciding it is not in their best interest to do so----I call this the Katrina Banking Syndrome Concern-----the banks must be concerned that the same organizational incompetence that came to the non rescue of Katrina victims, may be the undoing of those involved in the bank bailout.
Click on the post for the story in Yahoo.
Click on the post for the story in Yahoo.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Evansville I and E Club Podcasts----Audio and Video Now available
Click on the post to see the new podcast library of selected audio and video of the Evansville, Wisconsin I and E Club----subscribe now so you never miss an episode.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Blogs: London: London FlyGirl Update----New Runway at Heathrow---
Here's the latest from LondonFlyGirl---a regular contributor to the Observer. Click on the post.
CapTimes: The Non-Profit Crunch---
Donors are saying "Come back later." Click on the post for the full story.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wisconsin State Journal: On Hospitals---On Community Benefit ....and more
The Wisconisn State Journal has been in the midst of a campaign reviewing hospitals---charity care---and what consists of the term "community benefit"-----It would be nice to get that term defined in municipalities also, and state departments.
Let us go ahead and separate politics, journalism, economic development and such from pure community benefit when we can define it.
Click on the post for the latest segment in the Wisconsin Journal series.
Let us go ahead and separate politics, journalism, economic development and such from pure community benefit when we can define it.
Click on the post for the latest segment in the Wisconsin Journal series.
Yahoo: Banking: Bankers Brace for regulation----
Seems that self regulation....or no regulation has failed. Time for regulation for matters of the public trust---stay tuned. Click on the post for the article today in Yahoo.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Evansville Common Council to Meet In Special meeting--at Public works Garage TOMORROW
Click on the post for the full agenda.
Gazette: "Freezing Teachers Pay?
Click on the post for the discussion of the upcoming teacher negotiations for Janesville Schools and the hard choices that may have to be made.
Pioneer Press: Minn Governor Proposes Cuts to Cities, Counties, Schools, Welfare
Click on the post for the latest. Will Wisconisn cut aids to cities and municipalities? Stay tuned.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Yahoo: Finance: "Putting an end to Magical Thinking"
Is there a danger of inappropriate optimism.......the cando without the do.... Click on the post.
Wedding Corner: St. Paul: Getting Married midst the Winter Carnival----
Click on the post for the story of the recent wedding in St. Paul.
With the photos midst the ice sculptures, and 2 degree weather. Now that's hardy stock?
With the photos midst the ice sculptures, and 2 degree weather. Now that's hardy stock?
Dateline Normal, Mn.: "DNR Funds Audio Video"----FICTION
Click on the post for the latest from the land of Normal, Mn.---a land of fiction....but other than that...
WSJ: Hospitals in Focus: The Issue of Charity Care----
Click on the post for the article in today's Wisconsin State Journal.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Nostalgia: Dateline Normal,Mn.: "Fed Urges Banks to Lend"--FICTION
Click on the post for an oldie but goodie, from the land of Normal, Mn.
Evansville I & E Club meets February 11th; 6:30PM---Marketing for Small Business the topic
Click on the post for all the details.
Roger G. Roth,CPA & Associates, LLP---Downtown Evansville
This Tax Season, choose the Tax Professionals you have known and trusted all year long----Roger Roth, CPA and Associates. Call them today at 882-2795 to make an appointment or stop in and meet our friendly staff.
Click on the post to see the services we offer and review some tax resources available. Click on the picture to see the newly restored historic West Main of downtown Evansville.
Mailbag: Tammy Baldwin Writes: What Happened Last Week
What a week! What a time! What a country!
I can't really put into words my feelings about this week's Presidential Inauguration other than to say I was awestruck by the sea of humanity stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and deeply moved by President Obama's call to service. It is a challenge that Americans have hungered for and welcome.
As daunting as our current challenges are (and we cannot underestimate the seriousness of our economic situation), I feel extremely hopeful about the future. I am heartened by President Obama's initial statements and actions in office to reaffirm our nation's basic values: respecting the rule of law, rejecting the cronyism and corruption of the past eight years, and restoring the stature and influence of diplomacy, science, and ethics.
There was great celebration on Tuesday and I was privileged to not only witness the Swearing-In Ceremony, but also, as an Honorary Co-Chair, to view the Inaugural Parade from the Presidential Reviewing Stand. Tuesday night, I spent some time at the Midwest States Ball where I saw many Wisconsinites who had come to the Capital to be part of history.
While the occasion was historic, people experienced many logistical problems; and I was saddened to learn that many people were denied access to the Swearing-In Ceremony even though they held tickets and arrived early. Congress will be conducting an investigation into this matter and I encourage anyone who experienced problems to share their stories with me.
Wednesday morning found us all hard at work, intent on helping our economy recover, not just for immediate relief, but for long-term vitality.
Below you'll find a short summary of some of the things we accomplished this week. I invite you to share this newsletter with friends. The year promises to be full and exciting.
Sincerely,
Tammy Baldwin
Your Member of Congress
THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
I supported and the House voted in favor of tough accountability measures this week to reform the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) and ensure the money is spent effectively to help stabilize our economy and get credit flowing again. The legislation:
· Enforces strict accountability, closes loopholes and requires transparency,
· Requires at least $100 billion be used to help homeowners and address the mortgage crisis at the root of the recession,
· Forces banks to report how government funds are being spent,
· Limits executive bonuses for firms participating in TARP,
· Assists cities and other tax-exempt issuers in finding investors for their bonds; and
· Gives explicit authority for TARP funds to be used for automobile company restructuring.
The next phase of our economic recovery program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (ARRP), is being crafted now in consultation with the White House. This week, it was considered in several House committees that have jurisdiction, including Energy and Commerce (see below).
IN COMMITTEE
Energy and Commerce
In a marathon mark-up session lasting more than ten hours, our Committee considered the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (ARRP). This legislation is necessary to revive today's foundering economy in the short-term, and secure its long-term security and growth.
Our Committee's jurisdiction included portions of the bill relating to energy, health, and telecommunications. Our final recommendation included an amendment I offered specifying that $500 million of the bill's temporary loan guarantee program for renewable energy and transmission would be available for leading edge biofuel projects. These projects will produce transportation fuels that substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Wisconsin is a national leader in advancing biofuel technologies. The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, located in Madison, is a federally-funded research center focused on finding ways to create forms of cellulosic ethanol - fuel created from inedible plant matter. Further, many companies in Wisconsin are working on commercializing biofuel technologies that will power vehicles and replace the need for dirty fossil fuels. Without my amendment, the list of technologies eligible for loan guarantees under the plan did not include assistance for the further development of biofuels.
Judiciary
The Judiciary Committee met for organizational and procedural purposes this week, including subcommittee assignments. I am pleased to be joining the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties which has jurisdiction over the following subject matters: Constitutional amendments, Constitutional rights, federal civil rights, ethics in government, other appropriate matters as referred by the Chairman, and relevant oversight.
COMING UP
The House is expected to vote on the ARRP economic recovery bill on Wednesday and Speaker Pelosi has promised it will reach the President's desk by mid-February.
I can't really put into words my feelings about this week's Presidential Inauguration other than to say I was awestruck by the sea of humanity stretching from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and deeply moved by President Obama's call to service. It is a challenge that Americans have hungered for and welcome.
As daunting as our current challenges are (and we cannot underestimate the seriousness of our economic situation), I feel extremely hopeful about the future. I am heartened by President Obama's initial statements and actions in office to reaffirm our nation's basic values: respecting the rule of law, rejecting the cronyism and corruption of the past eight years, and restoring the stature and influence of diplomacy, science, and ethics.
There was great celebration on Tuesday and I was privileged to not only witness the Swearing-In Ceremony, but also, as an Honorary Co-Chair, to view the Inaugural Parade from the Presidential Reviewing Stand. Tuesday night, I spent some time at the Midwest States Ball where I saw many Wisconsinites who had come to the Capital to be part of history.
While the occasion was historic, people experienced many logistical problems; and I was saddened to learn that many people were denied access to the Swearing-In Ceremony even though they held tickets and arrived early. Congress will be conducting an investigation into this matter and I encourage anyone who experienced problems to share their stories with me.
Wednesday morning found us all hard at work, intent on helping our economy recover, not just for immediate relief, but for long-term vitality.
Below you'll find a short summary of some of the things we accomplished this week. I invite you to share this newsletter with friends. The year promises to be full and exciting.
Sincerely,
Tammy Baldwin
Your Member of Congress
THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
I supported and the House voted in favor of tough accountability measures this week to reform the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) and ensure the money is spent effectively to help stabilize our economy and get credit flowing again. The legislation:
· Enforces strict accountability, closes loopholes and requires transparency,
· Requires at least $100 billion be used to help homeowners and address the mortgage crisis at the root of the recession,
· Forces banks to report how government funds are being spent,
· Limits executive bonuses for firms participating in TARP,
· Assists cities and other tax-exempt issuers in finding investors for their bonds; and
· Gives explicit authority for TARP funds to be used for automobile company restructuring.
The next phase of our economic recovery program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (ARRP), is being crafted now in consultation with the White House. This week, it was considered in several House committees that have jurisdiction, including Energy and Commerce (see below).
IN COMMITTEE
Energy and Commerce
In a marathon mark-up session lasting more than ten hours, our Committee considered the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (ARRP). This legislation is necessary to revive today's foundering economy in the short-term, and secure its long-term security and growth.
Our Committee's jurisdiction included portions of the bill relating to energy, health, and telecommunications. Our final recommendation included an amendment I offered specifying that $500 million of the bill's temporary loan guarantee program for renewable energy and transmission would be available for leading edge biofuel projects. These projects will produce transportation fuels that substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Wisconsin is a national leader in advancing biofuel technologies. The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, located in Madison, is a federally-funded research center focused on finding ways to create forms of cellulosic ethanol - fuel created from inedible plant matter. Further, many companies in Wisconsin are working on commercializing biofuel technologies that will power vehicles and replace the need for dirty fossil fuels. Without my amendment, the list of technologies eligible for loan guarantees under the plan did not include assistance for the further development of biofuels.
Judiciary
The Judiciary Committee met for organizational and procedural purposes this week, including subcommittee assignments. I am pleased to be joining the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties which has jurisdiction over the following subject matters: Constitutional amendments, Constitutional rights, federal civil rights, ethics in government, other appropriate matters as referred by the Chairman, and relevant oversight.
COMING UP
The House is expected to vote on the ARRP economic recovery bill on Wednesday and Speaker Pelosi has promised it will reach the President's desk by mid-February.
Friday, January 23, 2009
NYT: How do Hospitals get Paid?--a Primer
"Chaos shielded by a veil of secrecy"----click on the post for the full article.
Yahoo: Markets: GE Brings good things to life?
GE is in the news with speculation on what the new year will bring----click on the post for the article in Yahoo.
Markets: Yahoo: Advance/Decline, Up/Down, Hi/Low 1/22/2009
Advances & Declines
NYSE NASDAQ
Advances 922 (24%) 693 (24%)
Declines 2,791 (72%) 2,061 (71%)
Unchanged 153 (4%) 133 (5%)
Up Vol* 1,327 (166%) 344 (19%)
Down Vol* 3,727 (467%) 1,455 (81%)
Unch. Vol* 39 (5%) 7 (0%)
New Hi's 7 7
New Lo's 113 133
*in millionsmore...
NYSE NASDAQ
Advances 922 (24%) 693 (24%)
Declines 2,791 (72%) 2,061 (71%)
Unchanged 153 (4%) 133 (5%)
Up Vol* 1,327 (166%) 344 (19%)
Down Vol* 3,727 (467%) 1,455 (81%)
Unch. Vol* 39 (5%) 7 (0%)
New Hi's 7 7
New Lo's 113 133
*in millionsmore...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Star Tribune; Minn Gov Pawlentry Announces Budget Cuts--no Tax Increases
Click on the post for the Minnesota governor's plan to fix the budget gap for Minnesota.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
NYT: OPEd: David Brooks: "The Politics of Cohesion"
Classic David Brooks OpEd. The Time has come. It is not about you. Click on the post.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Star Tribune: Morningstar: Minnesota Community Banks Threatened by bad loans
Click on the post for the latest.
Mailbag: Wind: European Groups call for Wind Energy Moratorium
National Wind Watch supports European call for wind energy moratorium*
European Platform Against Windfarms (EPAW) also calls for study of wind
power's record to determine its true benefits, costs, and adverse impacts
---------------------------
Rowe, Mass., Jan. 15, 2009 -- On the morning of October 4, 2008, before
the second national protest against industrial wind energy development
in Paris, several groups from France and other European countries agreed
to form the European Platform Against Windfarms (EPAW).
On November 24, with more groups having already joined them, EPAW
publicized a letter [1] that they will send to the Commissioners of the
European Union and Members of the European Parliament.
The letter calls for an immediate moratorium on wind energy projects
throughout the E.U. and independent study of wind energy to assess its
carbon savings and its economic, social, and environmental impacts.
National Wind Watch supports this call and wishes them well.
We have a lot to learn from Europe, where there is a long experience
with substantial presence of wind energy on the grid. The time is long
overdue that regulators and planners should stop talking about what wind
energy "can" do and start examining what it actually has done.
North America and the rest of the world also should heed EPAW's request
for a reality check.
In December 2008, the British Wind Energy was forced by the Advertising
Standards Authority to reduce by half its claims of how much carbon
emissions might be reduced by wind energy. [2] This and other claims by
the wind energy industry need to be examined by independent experts, so
that energy policy is based on facts rather than sales material.
On the other side of the scale, the industry has long downplayed adverse
impacts as "in the past" or aberrations. In recent years, however, the
cumulating effects of industrial wind energy development, along with
heavy-duty support roads and transmission infrastructure -- on wetlands,
on birds and bats, and on human neighbors -- has become impossible to deny.
Organizations devoted to protecting raptors and bats have expressed deep
concern about the siting of giant wind turbines where they can endanger
these animals. [3] And a forthcoming peer-reviewed epidemiological study
by Dr. Nina Pierpont of Malone, New York, describes the effect on people
as "wind turbine syndrome", a common and consistent set of symptoms that
include tinnitus, nausea, and depression. [4] When people suffering from
this syndrome leave the area, the symptoms subside. Several families
have had to abandon their homes to regain their health.
On January 9, 2009, the New York Supreme Court annulled a town law
regulating large wind turbines because the town board did not take a
"hard look" at relevant areas of environmental concern, and it
disregarded study committee recommendations for setbacks and noise
standards to protect the health and well-being of residents. [5]
Everyone involved in promoting and supporting the spread of industrial
wind needs to take a "hard look" at the facts. As Eric Rosenbloom,
president of National Wind Watch, said, "If we have learned anything
from the last eight years, from the collapse of Enron who helped create
the modern wind industry [6] to the demise of Lehman Brothers who
invested heavily in wind to avoid paying taxes [7], we can not trust the
players themselves to look out for our or the environment's interests.
We need policies based on facts, not promotional materials or wishful
thinking."
/References/
[1] http://www.epaw.org
[2] http://www.wind-watch.org/news/?p=20985
[3] For example: Wilderness Society and Center for Biological Diversity,
http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1165; American Society of
Mammalogists, http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1039; North
American Symposium on Bat Research,
http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1037; Virginia Dept. of Game and
Inland Fisheries, http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=158; Hawk
Migration Association of North America,
http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1202
[4] http://www.windturbinesyndrome.com
[5] http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1198
[6] Most notably, Enron invented "green tags" to sell wind energy
production twice. Also see: "Enron's Ken Lay asks for Texas Gov. Bush's
help in securing tax credits for wind",
http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1055; "How the White House Energy
Plan Benefitted Enron", http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1075
[7] http://www.wind-watch.org/news/?p=20756
---------------------------
National Wind Watch is a nonprofit corporation established by
campaigners from around the U.S. in 2005 to promote knowledge and raise
awareness of the negative environmental and social impacts of industrial
wind energy development. Information, analysis, and other materials are
available on their web site: www.wind-watch.org.
European Platform Against Windfarms (EPAW) also calls for study of wind
power's record to determine its true benefits, costs, and adverse impacts
---------------------------
Rowe, Mass., Jan. 15, 2009 -- On the morning of October 4, 2008, before
the second national protest against industrial wind energy development
in Paris, several groups from France and other European countries agreed
to form the European Platform Against Windfarms (EPAW).
On November 24, with more groups having already joined them, EPAW
publicized a letter [1] that they will send to the Commissioners of the
European Union and Members of the European Parliament.
The letter calls for an immediate moratorium on wind energy projects
throughout the E.U. and independent study of wind energy to assess its
carbon savings and its economic, social, and environmental impacts.
National Wind Watch supports this call and wishes them well.
We have a lot to learn from Europe, where there is a long experience
with substantial presence of wind energy on the grid. The time is long
overdue that regulators and planners should stop talking about what wind
energy "can" do and start examining what it actually has done.
North America and the rest of the world also should heed EPAW's request
for a reality check.
In December 2008, the British Wind Energy was forced by the Advertising
Standards Authority to reduce by half its claims of how much carbon
emissions might be reduced by wind energy. [2] This and other claims by
the wind energy industry need to be examined by independent experts, so
that energy policy is based on facts rather than sales material.
On the other side of the scale, the industry has long downplayed adverse
impacts as "in the past" or aberrations. In recent years, however, the
cumulating effects of industrial wind energy development, along with
heavy-duty support roads and transmission infrastructure -- on wetlands,
on birds and bats, and on human neighbors -- has become impossible to deny.
Organizations devoted to protecting raptors and bats have expressed deep
concern about the siting of giant wind turbines where they can endanger
these animals. [3] And a forthcoming peer-reviewed epidemiological study
by Dr. Nina Pierpont of Malone, New York, describes the effect on people
as "wind turbine syndrome", a common and consistent set of symptoms that
include tinnitus, nausea, and depression. [4] When people suffering from
this syndrome leave the area, the symptoms subside. Several families
have had to abandon their homes to regain their health.
On January 9, 2009, the New York Supreme Court annulled a town law
regulating large wind turbines because the town board did not take a
"hard look" at relevant areas of environmental concern, and it
disregarded study committee recommendations for setbacks and noise
standards to protect the health and well-being of residents. [5]
Everyone involved in promoting and supporting the spread of industrial
wind needs to take a "hard look" at the facts. As Eric Rosenbloom,
president of National Wind Watch, said, "If we have learned anything
from the last eight years, from the collapse of Enron who helped create
the modern wind industry [6] to the demise of Lehman Brothers who
invested heavily in wind to avoid paying taxes [7], we can not trust the
players themselves to look out for our or the environment's interests.
We need policies based on facts, not promotional materials or wishful
thinking."
/References/
[1] http://www.epaw.org
[2] http://www.wind-watch.org/news/?p=20985
[3] For example: Wilderness Society and Center for Biological Diversity,
http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1165; American Society of
Mammalogists, http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1039; North
American Symposium on Bat Research,
http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1037; Virginia Dept. of Game and
Inland Fisheries, http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=158; Hawk
Migration Association of North America,
http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1202
[4] http://www.windturbinesyndrome.com
[5] http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1198
[6] Most notably, Enron invented "green tags" to sell wind energy
production twice. Also see: "Enron's Ken Lay asks for Texas Gov. Bush's
help in securing tax credits for wind",
http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1055; "How the White House Energy
Plan Benefitted Enron", http://www.wind-watch.org/documents/?p=1075
[7] http://www.wind-watch.org/news/?p=20756
---------------------------
National Wind Watch is a nonprofit corporation established by
campaigners from around the U.S. in 2005 to promote knowledge and raise
awareness of the negative environmental and social impacts of industrial
wind energy development. Information, analysis, and other materials are
available on their web site: www.wind-watch.org.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Agenda; Economic Development--the first step
Click on the post for the agenda of the meeting on January 19th which is the very first baby step of progress for Economic Development for Evanville---a simplification of the cobweb of organizational structure designed to impede....stay tuned.
WSJ: It's a Bull Market for Long Johns-----
This week, The Observer has been filling in taking some orders for a mail order firm---and it is easy to describe the panic buying I have seen in the northern tundra---as in folks from Wasilla, Alaska calling for special wool lined work pants, or women all over the country ordering long johns, even with expedited delivery.
One trucker who was on a big rig in Alaska---dryly said to me--" Up here....we learn at an early age....ya take care of the assets....or ya die."
Need I say he asked for next day air delivery.
So---there is good news for those retailers who have bulked up in the inventory that has counted....
Click on the post for the coverage in the CapTimes.
One trucker who was on a big rig in Alaska---dryly said to me--" Up here....we learn at an early age....ya take care of the assets....or ya die."
Need I say he asked for next day air delivery.
So---there is good news for those retailers who have bulked up in the inventory that has counted....
Click on the post for the coverage in the CapTimes.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Video: Kevin McPherson of Venture Partners speaks to I & E Club of Evansville, Wisconsin
Video: Meet a Venture Capitalist that spoke in Evansville on Wednesday Night----Kevin McPherson of Venture Partners
Download File
Download File
Video: I & E Club: Evansville: 1/14/2009: Eric Larsen introduces featured speaker on Venture Capital; Highlights upcoming February Meeting: Marketing for small businss will be the topic of discussion
Download File
Download File
USA Today----Colleges Cut Instructional Spending
Are students paying more and getting less? Click on the post for the full article in USA Today.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
OpEd: Reflection: " Work your plan and Plan your Work"----and other funny sayings
There was a saying back in around 1980 that for small business, the secret was to "Plan your work, and Work your Plan." It was the real mantra for everybody.
Don Sheehan, Award Winning Dale Carnegie Sales Trainer shocked me one Saturday morning in a seminar when he spoke to about 25 busness owners who were facing the severe recession of 1982-----He said there was a new rule-----"If the plan is not working---change it. Following in the old rut is a prescription to failure."
One of the essential premises of the current "bailout" mentality for the banks, is that the essence of the system is ok, and that we just need another layer of debt for not the kids, but the grandkids and great-grandkids to pay off.
One specific industry that is facing this dilema is the news industry. Newspapers have not in general adopted or have found the winning balance between digital and print for advertising---and there have been some stunning misteps----As Don Sheehan suggested, there must be an essential reshaping of the way things are done in order to survive---and those who are facing their demise are not able to make the necessary changes.
Say in banking---community banks in America are trying to meet their customer---they simply have to since they are local. Big banks feel no such imperative---and most it seems to me have made the decison that they will take the bailout money and use it to buy other banks so that they can get bigger, and thus even more insulated from failure, since the Fed will bail out only the biggest. This formula simply cannot work. It you think it can explain how it can work.
Don Sheehan was right. "Work your plan and plan your Work" is just an idiotic saying in a time of crisis---the key is to have the courage to find a plan that works and make the necessary changes.
Don Sheehan, Award Winning Dale Carnegie Sales Trainer shocked me one Saturday morning in a seminar when he spoke to about 25 busness owners who were facing the severe recession of 1982-----He said there was a new rule-----"If the plan is not working---change it. Following in the old rut is a prescription to failure."
One of the essential premises of the current "bailout" mentality for the banks, is that the essence of the system is ok, and that we just need another layer of debt for not the kids, but the grandkids and great-grandkids to pay off.
One specific industry that is facing this dilema is the news industry. Newspapers have not in general adopted or have found the winning balance between digital and print for advertising---and there have been some stunning misteps----As Don Sheehan suggested, there must be an essential reshaping of the way things are done in order to survive---and those who are facing their demise are not able to make the necessary changes.
Say in banking---community banks in America are trying to meet their customer---they simply have to since they are local. Big banks feel no such imperative---and most it seems to me have made the decison that they will take the bailout money and use it to buy other banks so that they can get bigger, and thus even more insulated from failure, since the Fed will bail out only the biggest. This formula simply cannot work. It you think it can explain how it can work.
Don Sheehan was right. "Work your plan and plan your Work" is just an idiotic saying in a time of crisis---the key is to have the courage to find a plan that works and make the necessary changes.
Audio; Kevin McPherson, CFO of Venture Partners speaks to I&E Club-Evansville
Audio: Kevin McPherson, CFO of Venture Partners speaks to I and E Club---draws a crowd in frigid weather and gives excellent speech
MP3 File
MP3 File
I and E Club Meets Tonight---6:30PM--Hagen Insurance, 15 North Madison, back door
Evansville Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club (I&E)
Network with local entrepreneurs. You never know who you may meet and what you could learn!
Next meeting: Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 pm, at Hagen Insurance, 15 North Madison, please use the back door.
Guest speaker: Kevin McPherson, CFO of Venture Investors, LLC, presentation on Financing Your Venture the Right Way.
For more info.....
Network with local entrepreneurs. You never know who you may meet and what you could learn!
Next meeting: Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 pm, at Hagen Insurance, 15 North Madison, please use the back door.
Guest speaker: Kevin McPherson, CFO of Venture Investors, LLC, presentation on Financing Your Venture the Right Way.
For more info.....
CapTimes; Wind Chill Warning: Cold affecting driving, slide offs
Click on the post for the latest from the Capital Times.
Evansville Volunteers needed for Meals on Wheels
Dear friends,
Volunteers are needed at the Primetimers' Senior Center , 320 Fair St. from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday to help package the Meals on Wheels meals that are delivered to homebound city residents. They package the food that is delivered in bulk daily from Janesville and put it in thermal bags for Meals on Wheels volunteers who then deliver it to residents.
If you are able to help package one day per week or a few times per month, please contact Nancy Kress @ 882-4011 or Pat Engendorf @ the Primetimers' Center, 882-0407.
Thanks,
Robin Grignon
Volunteers are needed at the Primetimers' Senior Center , 320 Fair St. from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday to help package the Meals on Wheels meals that are delivered to homebound city residents. They package the food that is delivered in bulk daily from Janesville and put it in thermal bags for Meals on Wheels volunteers who then deliver it to residents.
If you are able to help package one day per week or a few times per month, please contact Nancy Kress @ 882-4011 or Pat Engendorf @ the Primetimers' Center, 882-0407.
Thanks,
Robin Grignon
Mailbag: "You might live in Minnesota, If....."
(Ed.note: A friend from Minnesota sent this our way. It is important, if we in Wisconsin are to develop collegial relationships with Minnesota to save governmental costs that we understand the psyche of Minnesota. Here is the introduction.)
Minnesota :
If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through
18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you're proud that your state makes the
national news 96 nights
each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you have ever refused to buy something because it's "too spendy",
You m ight live in Minnesota.
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March,
You might live in Minnesota.
If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there,
You might live in Minnesota.
If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the
middle of his forehead,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time,
You might live in Minnesota.
If your town has an equal number of bars and churches,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you know how to say...Wayzata...Mahtomedi ... Cloquet
Edina... and Shakopee,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy,
You might live in Minnesota.
If vacation means going "up north" for the weekend,
You might live in Minnesota.
You measure distance in hours,
You might live in Minnesota.
You know several people, who have hit deer more than once,
You might live in Minnesota.
You often switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again,
You might live in Minnesota.
You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow
during a raging blizzard without flinching,
You might live in Minnesota.
You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events,
You might live in Minnesota.
You install security lights on your house and garage and
leave both unlocked,
You might live in Minnesota.
You think of the major food groups as beer, fish, and Venison,
You might live in Minnesota.
You carry jumper cables in your car, and your girlfriend knows
how to use them,
You might live in Minnesota.
There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm
at any given time,
You might live in Minnesota.
You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a
snowsuit,
You might live in Minnesota.
Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,
You might live in Minnesota.
You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter,
and of course, road construction,
You might live in Minnesota.
You can identify a
southern or eastern accent,
You might live in Minnesota.
Your idea of creative landscaping is a plastic deer next
to your blue spruce,
You might live in Minnesota.
If "Down South" to you means Iowa,
You might live in Minnesota.
You know "a brat" is something
you eat,
You might live in Minnesota.
You find -10 degrees "a little chilly",
You might
live in Minnesota.
You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Minnesota friends,
You DO live in Minnesota
Minnesota :
If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through
18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you're proud that your state makes the
national news 96 nights
each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you have ever refused to buy something because it's "too spendy",
You m ight live in Minnesota.
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March,
You might live in Minnesota.
If someone in a store offers you assistance, and they don't work there,
You might live in Minnesota.
If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the
middle of his forehead,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time,
You might live in Minnesota.
If your town has an equal number of bars and churches,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you know how to say...Wayzata...Mahtomedi ... Cloquet
Edina... and Shakopee,
You might live in Minnesota.
If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy,
You might live in Minnesota.
If vacation means going "up north" for the weekend,
You might live in Minnesota.
You measure distance in hours,
You might live in Minnesota.
You know several people, who have hit deer more than once,
You might live in Minnesota.
You often switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again,
You might live in Minnesota.
You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow
during a raging blizzard without flinching,
You might live in Minnesota.
You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events,
You might live in Minnesota.
You install security lights on your house and garage and
leave both unlocked,
You might live in Minnesota.
You think of the major food groups as beer, fish, and Venison,
You might live in Minnesota.
You carry jumper cables in your car, and your girlfriend knows
how to use them,
You might live in Minnesota.
There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm
at any given time,
You might live in Minnesota.
You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a
snowsuit,
You might live in Minnesota.
Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,
You might live in Minnesota.
You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter,
and of course, road construction,
You might live in Minnesota.
You can identify a
southern or eastern accent,
You might live in Minnesota.
Your idea of creative landscaping is a plastic deer next
to your blue spruce,
You might live in Minnesota.
If "Down South" to you means Iowa,
You might live in Minnesota.
You know "a brat" is something
you eat,
You might live in Minnesota.
You find -10 degrees "a little chilly",
You might
live in Minnesota.
You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all your Minnesota friends,
You DO live in Minnesota
I and E Meeting: TODAY--Wed Jan 14, 2009: 6:30PM
EVANSVILLE AREA
Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club
I&E
Wednesday: January 14, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
Location: Hagen Insurance Agency Guest Speaker: Kevin McPherson
15 North Madison Street
Evansville, WI 53536
(next door to M&I Bank)
"Financing Your Venture the Right Way."
The guest speaker is Kevin McPherson, Chief Financial Officer of Venture Investors, LLC., Visionary Investments, University Research Park, Madison, Wisconsin and he will be speaking on the topic: "Financing Your Venture the Right Way".
Mr. McPherson oversees this Madison-based venture capital firm with $200 million under management. Before joining VI in 2004, he was the CFO at Authentify and Teach.com, two technology start-ups that raised a total of more than $25 million in venture capital. Earlier in his career he worked at Hewlett Packard in Silicon Valley and Arthur Andersen in Chicago .
Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club
I&E
Wednesday: January 14, 2009 @ 6:30 PM
Location: Hagen Insurance Agency Guest Speaker: Kevin McPherson
15 North Madison Street
Evansville, WI 53536
(next door to M&I Bank)
"Financing Your Venture the Right Way."
The guest speaker is Kevin McPherson, Chief Financial Officer of Venture Investors, LLC., Visionary Investments, University Research Park, Madison, Wisconsin and he will be speaking on the topic: "Financing Your Venture the Right Way".
Mr. McPherson oversees this Madison-based venture capital firm with $200 million under management. Before joining VI in 2004, he was the CFO at Authentify and Teach.com, two technology start-ups that raised a total of more than $25 million in venture capital. Earlier in his career he worked at Hewlett Packard in Silicon Valley and Arthur Andersen in Chicago .
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Bloomberg News: State Pension Funds----the problem
Click on the post for another aspect of the "bailout."
WSJ: Bruer: Overture Proposal is 'beyond outrageous."
Click on the post for the latest.
One of the items that is not mentioned in the article is the contingent liability that may exist for investors with Mr. Madoff of New York to come back and reclaim part or all of the distribution of funds invested with him during the look back period.
So under the proposal, the city woulc pick up debt, and one wonders whether they also assume that they would pick up and "contingencies?"
This is part of a long standing developing saga. Stay tuned.
One of the items that is not mentioned in the article is the contingent liability that may exist for investors with Mr. Madoff of New York to come back and reclaim part or all of the distribution of funds invested with him during the look back period.
So under the proposal, the city woulc pick up debt, and one wonders whether they also assume that they would pick up and "contingencies?"
This is part of a long standing developing saga. Stay tuned.
Star Tribune: Minn-Wis Governors plan Joint Initiative to Cut Expenses
The details will be announced in a meeting this morning. Stay tuned.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Evansville Economic Development meeting set
(Ed.note: This is a City of Evansville press release.)
Economic Development Information Interviews - fourth (and maybe final) in a series:
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 Monday, January 19, Mayor Nancy Osterhaus and Steven Sobiek, Economic Development/Energy Sustainability Director, of the City of Columbus will give a presentation and answer questions about how the City of Columbus addresses economic development. The information interview is from 11:45 to 1:00 at Romanos. Lunch - pizza, salad and soda - will be available for $8.
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/business/econdevplan/index.htm.
Economic Development Information Interviews - fourth (and maybe final) in a series:
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 Monday, January 19, Mayor Nancy Osterhaus and Steven Sobiek, Economic Development/Energy Sustainability Director, of the City of Columbus will give a presentation and answer questions about how the City of Columbus addresses economic development. The information interview is from 11:45 to 1:00 at Romanos. Lunch - pizza, salad and soda - will be available for $8.
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/business/econdevplan/index.htm.
Gazette: QuadGraphics announces Layoffs.
Click on the post for the full story from the Janesville Gazette.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
CapTimes; The High Cost of COBRA---continuing health insurance
Click on the post for the story---some pretty high numbers.
Gazette: Lake Leota Dredging Progress Detailed
Click on the post for the latest. Gina Duwe has the scoop.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Yahoo: Robert Rubin resigns: Says he did not foresee collapse; Ditto Cheney;
Finally Robert Rubin has resigned Citigroup. Click on the post for the full story.
Evansville Common Council may suspend Redevelopment Committee---nothing much happening
Click on the post for the agend for Council.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Dateline Normal, Mn.: "Bailout Breakthrough---Agreement: Send me the Money----FICTION
Click on the post for the latest. The land of Normal, Mn., is a land of fiction--but other than that.....
MSNBC: Shoppers getting used to 75% off.
Interesting article----folks will not buy it seems, even $200 jeans unless they are marked down 75%.
Where is this? New York? How pricey are your jeans?
Click on the post for the full article.
Where is this? New York? How pricey are your jeans?
Click on the post for the full article.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
School Beat; Minn: Gov Pawlentry suggests group purchasing for school districts.
Click on the post for the latest.
Gazette; State Funds Rock Co transportation Study---Evansville Not Included
Click on the post for the latest from the Gazette.
Calling All Directors:
Directors- Pitch Your Show! Evansville Community Theater is soliciting proposals from directors for
a musical to be presented at the state-of-the- art Evansville Performing
Arts Center in August 2009. ECT has brought the finest in local theater
to Evansville and has a tradition of involving the community in its
musicals. Now, they want you to be involved, too.
Pitches will be heard on Saturday January 17 from 9:30 AM to Noon and
on Tuesday January 20 from 6 PM to 7:30 at the Eager Free Library on
Main St in Evansville . Please schedule a time for your pitch by
calling Melissa Schnepper at 882-4523 in the evening or send an email
to information@ ectstagelights. org
Proposals should include the director's resume and/or bio, information
about the show including cast size and flexibility, a rough budget and
crew requirements for the show. Presentations are expected to last 15-
20 minutes each.
ECT does not compensate directors, cast or crew.
a musical to be presented at the state-of-the- art Evansville Performing
Arts Center in August 2009. ECT has brought the finest in local theater
to Evansville and has a tradition of involving the community in its
musicals. Now, they want you to be involved, too.
Pitches will be heard on Saturday January 17 from 9:30 AM to Noon and
on Tuesday January 20 from 6 PM to 7:30 at the Eager Free Library on
Main St in Evansville . Please schedule a time for your pitch by
calling Melissa Schnepper at 882-4523 in the evening or send an email
to information@ ectstagelights. org
Proposals should include the director's resume and/or bio, information
about the show including cast size and flexibility, a rough budget and
crew requirements for the show. Presentations are expected to last 15-
20 minutes each.
ECT does not compensate directors, cast or crew.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
yahoo: Apples moves to end digital rights management DRM
Click on the post for the story----It has been a hassle recently with some distributors of music restricting the right of distribution of paid for music to a single computer and such. The term "ownership" was in question for many. Click on the post to see the story of how Apple plans on removing DRM from the songs it distributes. Enjoy.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Mpls Star: Minn Poised to cut state aid to municipalities--cuts for cities pending
Will Wisconsin follow the lead of Minnesota? Are cities prepared? Stay tuned.
LondonFlyGirl Blog: Some Travel Tips for the Holidays and beyond....
Some useful tips---thanks LondonFlyGirl. click on the post.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Town of Union Wind Turbine Ordinance tops 2008 news
In reviewing all the stories of 2008, what stands out for me is the way the Town of Union drafted their wind turbine ordinance, established the study committee, used counsel, asked the questions and listened to citizens in countless public sessions----there are many of these meetings on audio with The Evansville Observer. As one organization said, "The Town of Union led the nation in the examination of the issue of setback from wind turbines."
It cost money, time, and committment----and I congratulate all those who contributed to this effort.
Click on the post for a list of some of the relevant recorded meetings.
It cost money, time, and committment----and I congratulate all those who contributed to this effort.
Click on the post for a list of some of the relevant recorded meetings.
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