Friday, April 30, 2010
Evansville Plan Commission Meets Monday--May 3, 2010
Click on the post for the agenda---new happenings.
"It was S__T but our clients really wanted it"------
This is a brief summary of the recent testimony of certain Wall Street gurus who have been charged with securities fraud----
In televised testimony that was certainly worthy of BBB drama awards, the executives entoned in a straight face that this was just what Wall Street does, and they were just capitalists being normal, doing their job.
The process is that one just packages "S__T" and make it smell like roses and then sell it to innocent buyers and when they have left the office, just short it till it crashes of its own dead weight.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned.
In televised testimony that was certainly worthy of BBB drama awards, the executives entoned in a straight face that this was just what Wall Street does, and they were just capitalists being normal, doing their job.
The process is that one just packages "S__T" and make it smell like roses and then sell it to innocent buyers and when they have left the office, just short it till it crashes of its own dead weight.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned.
Frontier Airlines Comes to Madison on Monday---Lower fares to West
Click on the post for the latest.
Mailbag; Evansville I and E Club Meeting coming in May---
Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club Gets a Dose of Healthcare Reform at May 12 Meeting
What impact does healthcare reform have on self-employed entrepreneurs and on small business owners?
One impact from healthcare reform is a small employer tax credit, available this year. Attorney Cynthia Van Bogaert will address the tax credit and other aspects affecting small businesses at the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs meeting Wednesday, May 12. The meeting, open to the public, is set for 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the historic Eager Economy Building at 7 E. Main St.
Van Bogaert is a partner with Boardman, Suhr, Curry & Field, LLP, in Madison, and chairperson of the employee benefits practice group. She also is co-author of the 401(k) plans manual, and author of the 401(k) column on the employee benefits web site, www.benefitslink.com.
Every monthly meeting of the Evansville I&E Club offers ideas, connections, advice and more. After the main program, each attendee has a minute or so to talk about their business, invention, idea or problem that needs a solution. This informal form of networking has become a popular feature of the club, whether you are an inventor, entrepreneur, established business person, investor or supportive patron.
On a lighter note, another benefit is sampling refreshments at the meeting. In May, refreshments are sponsored by Formecology, LLC, specializing in beautiful, sustainable outdoor living. Based in Evansville, Formecology and its president, John Gishnock III, have a regional presence evidenced in residential landscapes that are artful and environmentally friendly.
Club meetings are free, thanks to donations and business sponsors like Formecology, LLC. Inquiries about the club may be directed to I&E Club President John Gishnock at 608-882-6656.
What impact does healthcare reform have on self-employed entrepreneurs and on small business owners?
One impact from healthcare reform is a small employer tax credit, available this year. Attorney Cynthia Van Bogaert will address the tax credit and other aspects affecting small businesses at the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs meeting Wednesday, May 12. The meeting, open to the public, is set for 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the historic Eager Economy Building at 7 E. Main St.
Van Bogaert is a partner with Boardman, Suhr, Curry & Field, LLP, in Madison, and chairperson of the employee benefits practice group. She also is co-author of the 401(k) plans manual, and author of the 401(k) column on the employee benefits web site, www.benefitslink.com.
Every monthly meeting of the Evansville I&E Club offers ideas, connections, advice and more. After the main program, each attendee has a minute or so to talk about their business, invention, idea or problem that needs a solution. This informal form of networking has become a popular feature of the club, whether you are an inventor, entrepreneur, established business person, investor or supportive patron.
On a lighter note, another benefit is sampling refreshments at the meeting. In May, refreshments are sponsored by Formecology, LLC, specializing in beautiful, sustainable outdoor living. Based in Evansville, Formecology and its president, John Gishnock III, have a regional presence evidenced in residential landscapes that are artful and environmentally friendly.
Club meetings are free, thanks to donations and business sponsors like Formecology, LLC. Inquiries about the club may be directed to I&E Club President John Gishnock at 608-882-6656.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Twin Cities Real Estate Market Summary---
Click on the post for the utube summary by the Mpls Realtor Assn.
Open Enrollment Waiting Game in Brodhead: Gazette.
Check out the latest from Gina Duwe in the Gazette.
Self Governance for Snowmobilers?
Click on the post for the latest from the Public Safety meeting in Evansville.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Pioneer Press; Soucheray: The St. Paul Art Crawl
Click on the post for a classic from Joe Soucheray.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Madison Schools: Budget Salary Freeze highlights: WSJ
Click on the post for the story in the Wisconsin State Journal.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Road and Track: The small cars are coming----The Mazda 2 or "Demio"
Click on the post for a preview of several smaller cars coming soon.
CapTimes; Cindy Sheehan to speak tonight at Memorial Union
Click on the post for the story in the CapTimes.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Happy Plumbers Day---TODAY---Celebrated by Duluth Trading with Longtail T Special
Click on the post for the website. Longtail T's are priced today at $9.99 in honor of Plumbers Day.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
RockNetRoots Blog: Ryan votes NO to extending unemployment
Click for the article in RockNewRoots Blog.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Thrice Denied----FICTION
A: " I swear I don't know that guy."
Q: "Are you sure? Are you not one of the associates of his at work and such?
A: "Absolutely not!!! I swear that I never knew that man or what he was doing.
Q: "But did not we all see you in extra activities with this man and was not he in your social circle?"
A: " I swear that I never knew anyone acting in my behalf...I firmly swear that I never had any idea that he or anyone else was acting in my behalf in robocalling."
And the then the cock crowed.
Q: "Are you sure? Are you not one of the associates of his at work and such?
A: "Absolutely not!!! I swear that I never knew that man or what he was doing.
Q: "But did not we all see you in extra activities with this man and was not he in your social circle?"
A: " I swear that I never knew anyone acting in my behalf...I firmly swear that I never had any idea that he or anyone else was acting in my behalf in robocalling."
And the then the cock crowed.
Airline at Dane Co Airport accused on not paying a living wage: WSJ
Click on the post for the story. Maybe your employer is on the list too.
WPT: Video: What's Next for Science Communication?
Click on the post for some ideas from a Wisconsin Public Television lecture.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Historic Preservation Meets Wednesday---More Historic Districts Planned
Click on the post for the full agenda.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Minn; Daily Planet: Budget Situation in Minn---illustrated.
Minnesota is between a rock and a hard place----Click on the post.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Status of TIF #5:
Click on the post for the official minutes of the Redevelopment Authority meeting.
These minutes reflect the discussion that was held at the very inception of TIF 5, and very vigorous discussion as I remember it, that wondered whether the infrastructure costs in the TIF would put an unrealistic burden on appreciation of the other properties and thus the TIF fail to make projections--however, looking 25 years ahead is always a tricky thing considering that this has been the worst economic situation since the 30's.
Mr Wietecha makes a point that it is important that the guarantees to the city and taxpayers be adhered to.
Stay tuned. I sure would like to stick around to cover the closing of the TIf in 2035.
These minutes reflect the discussion that was held at the very inception of TIF 5, and very vigorous discussion as I remember it, that wondered whether the infrastructure costs in the TIF would put an unrealistic burden on appreciation of the other properties and thus the TIF fail to make projections--however, looking 25 years ahead is always a tricky thing considering that this has been the worst economic situation since the 30's.
Mr Wietecha makes a point that it is important that the guarantees to the city and taxpayers be adhered to.
Stay tuned. I sure would like to stick around to cover the closing of the TIf in 2035.
Council reorganizes on Tuesday---new appointments coming
Click on the post for the agenda and the list of appointments.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Mailbag: Ojeda writes:
Dear Friends,
We would like to invite you to the 8th annual Hispanic Community Project Fiesta this Sunday, April 18th from 1:00 to 3:00 in the High School commons. This year's fiesta will include live music with Sonidos Suaves
The proceeds from this year's Fiesta will go to support a worthy cause. Please click here (might not open at school) if you would like to learn more about this important project, Una Casa para Cindy (A House for Cindy).
Please feel free to advertise the event to your family and friends as well.
Sincerely,
The MS and HS Hispanic Community Project
We would like to invite you to the 8th annual Hispanic Community Project Fiesta this Sunday, April 18th from 1:00 to 3:00 in the High School commons. This year's fiesta will include live music with Sonidos Suaves
The proceeds from this year's Fiesta will go to support a worthy cause. Please click here
Please feel free to advertise the event to your family and friends as well.
Sincerely,
The MS and HS Hispanic Community Project
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Redevelopment meets tonight: 6:30PM; Audit of TID #5 in focus
Click on the post for the full agenda.
Nostalgia: 2008: Video; School: Mr. Pierick:" Slow Down"
Video: Ad Hoc Committee: 9-10-2008: Mr. Michael Pierick looks at process as 11 year target---nothing will happen till the current debt is paid from the high school, unless there is an emergency.
Download File
Download File
St. Paul Closes 8 schools; Eliminates Middle School Athletics: Star Tribune
Click on the post for the latest.
Edward Jones Opens Office in Evansville
Video: Edward Jones opens office in Evansville===Come on in=== Randy Call, Registered Rep introduces himself and new office administrator Amy.
Download File
Download File
Madison Council passes "Fair Trade" resolution
Click on the post for the latest. The resolution did not include local workers.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Evansville Common Council Meets Today---Jim Brooks to be appointed alderman Ward 2
Click on the post for the full agenda.
Rock County Progressives Form---invite members
Inspired by the Michael Moore movie, "Capitalism--a Love Story"---they have been called to further action---click on the post.
Monday, April 12, 2010
WSJ: Madison Schools put out the call for used corporate computers
Click on the post for the latest.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Message to Schools: "Make Do With What You Have"--Gazette; Greg Peck
Click on the post for the OpEd from the Gazette.
Union Wind Turbine Hearings now available on Mediafly.com
Click on the post for the hearings. Choose episode desired. Allow time for the video to load---they will proceed from one to the next automatically---choose the size of screen to view. Enjoy.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Spring Cleaning at the Eager Library
Hello Friends of the Library,
Recently, the current Friends' Executive Committee became aware of a past Spring-time tradition at Eager Free Public Library. The tradition almost disappeared in the mists of time, but now we are reinstating it. So, here we go... SPRING CLEANING BLITZ AT EFPL!
Our first Spring Cleaning Blitz in "quite a few" years will occur on Saturday April 24, 2010, from 1 PM until 4 PM or earlier. We'll do the "extras" that the library's regular cleaning crew just doesn't have time to do. In order to complete the tasks Kathi Kemp has planned, we need at least 15 volunteers who can wield dust-cloths, push vacuum cleaners & brooms, spray Windex, etc. Many hands make light work!
Please check with all members of your family and volunteer to dust tops of bookshelves, sweep out the furnace room, clean the basement windows inside and out, etc, etc, etc. (Kathi has a bunch of et cetera's!) Be assured that there will be no heavy work or lifting.
Once you've committed to help make your library spic & span, please email us at libraryfriends@charter.net to let us know that you're coming and how many other helpers you can bring along. We want to hear from you. Thanks to all of you in advance, for being a Friend of the Library!
--
Fred Juergens, President
Friends of the Eager Free Public Library
Recently, the current Friends' Executive Committee became aware of a past Spring-time tradition at Eager Free Public Library. The tradition almost disappeared in the mists of time, but now we are reinstating it. So, here we go... SPRING CLEANING BLITZ AT EFPL!
Our first Spring Cleaning Blitz in "quite a few" years will occur on Saturday April 24, 2010, from 1 PM until 4 PM or earlier. We'll do the "extras" that the library's regular cleaning crew just doesn't have time to do. In order to complete the tasks Kathi Kemp has planned, we need at least 15 volunteers who can wield dust-cloths, push vacuum cleaners & brooms, spray Windex, etc. Many hands make light work!
Please check with all members of your family and volunteer to dust tops of bookshelves, sweep out the furnace room, clean the basement windows inside and out, etc, etc, etc. (Kathi has a bunch of et cetera's!) Be assured that there will be no heavy work or lifting.
Once you've committed to help make your library spic & span, please email us at libraryfriends@charter.net to let us know that you're coming and how many other helpers you can bring along. We want to hear from you. Thanks to all of you in advance, for being a Friend of the Library!
--
Fred Juergens, President
Friends of the Eager Free Public Library
Committee of the Whole surveys issues on the table for Evansville
Click on the post for the March minutes.
Blogs; White House; The Open Government Initiative
Click on the post for the latest efforts of the Obama administration to make things more open and transparent....and just in time too, with politics locally becoming more secretive.
Can Independent citizens, labor unions, corporations act on their own in elections with no price limit or supervision?
Click on the post for a federal case recently that may have implications.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Rock County Coroner Decision Delayed: Gazette
Click on the post for the latest. A full discussion of this issue would be appreciated......
Common Council votes Tuesday on Erosion Control----with Senior Center implications
Click on the post for the latest.
Gazette; Blogs: Gina Duwe says Eric Busse said that robocalling was unknown to him
(Ed.note; The following is from the Gazette blog regarding the election:}
Hey folks, Gina here. Eric Busse contacted me to shed light on some speculating going on here.
On the “robo calling” … “I don't have a clue what it is and I sure was not calling people to vote for me. If it was done, I didn't know anything about it,” Busse said.
He also cleared up his role in area sports.
“The only coaches paid in baseball are the Head Varsity and JV coaches. Anyone else is a volunteer assistant of which I have done for 8 years and I put in a lot of time to help get our baseball program to where it is now,” he said.
He said he does get paid by Evansville and other area schools for refereeing football games.
“In addition, I do get paid for being part of the event staff at basketball games as do others in the community (staff and community members),” he said.
Hey folks, Gina here. Eric Busse contacted me to shed light on some speculating going on here.
On the “robo calling” … “I don't have a clue what it is and I sure was not calling people to vote for me. If it was done, I didn't know anything about it,” Busse said.
He also cleared up his role in area sports.
“The only coaches paid in baseball are the Head Varsity and JV coaches. Anyone else is a volunteer assistant of which I have done for 8 years and I put in a lot of time to help get our baseball program to where it is now,” he said.
He said he does get paid by Evansville and other area schools for refereeing football games.
“In addition, I do get paid for being part of the event staff at basketball games as do others in the community (staff and community members),” he said.
Dateline Philippines: Health Workers seized
.
To: Health Professional Network
From: Health and Human Rights Team
Date: 8 April 2010
Health Professional Action
43 Detained Medical Personnel
Philippines
Amnesty International is concerned for the safety of 43 health workers detained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) since 6 February 2010. Joint forces from the military and police forcibly entered a private residence in Morong town, Rizal province, where the health workers were staying. The health workers were not informed of the reason of their arrest or where they were being taken, and Amnesty International is concerned that their rights to due process are being violated.
Members of the AFP searched the premises while the detainees were outside, and they claim to have found bomb-making materials and guns under the beds in the house. The military accused them of being members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Military officials have suggested that the place where they were arrested is an NPA training camp. Various military spokespeople have accused the health workers of conducting either a bomb-making seminar or a health skills training for NPA medics, at the time of their arrest at 6am on 6 February. The health workers, however, say that they gathered for a Community First Responders’ Health Training sponsored by two local NGOs. The police filed criminal charges against them for possession of explosives and guns.
The detainees’ lawyers filed a petition of habeas corpus challenging their clients' arrest and detention. The Court of Appeals denied this petition but ordered the military to produce the detainees before the court on 12 February. The military did so, but only on 15 February, and refused to answer questions regarding allegations of torture and other ill-treatment made by some of the detainees. The Court of Appeals referred to a lower court in Rizal to determine if the 43 health workers had been illegally and arbitrarily detained. No decision has been given on this.
A military spokesperson from the 202nd Infantry Brigade told the Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines (CHRP), that the arrest of the 43 health workers was “mainly a police operation”. The Philippine National Police has refuted this. All the detainees are in the custody of the military, not the police. Thirty-eight of them are being held at Camp Capinpin, a military camp, while the remaining five have been moved to an undisclosed military “safe house”.
In a media interview, the five at the “safe house” admitted to being members of the NPA, although there are concerns over the circumstances surrounding their confessions— their families have reported harassment by the military, and the military has admitted to offering detainees money for “reintegration”.
There have also been claims by detainees of harassment, torture and other ill-treatment by the military to force the detainees to admit they are NPA members. Allegations of torture led to a visit by the Health Secretary, who reported that the detainees were in good health but appeared to be in mental anguish over their arrest. Amnesty International appreciates the Secretary’s efforts, but emphasises that her visit cannot be a substitute to a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation into these allegations, which the Philippines is obliged to carry out as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Convention on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Amnesty International is therefore calling for a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation, in accordance with international law and standards, into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention and treatment of the health workers. At the time of writing, the military is challenging the mandate of the CHRP as to whether it extends to investigating these issues through its pubic hearings.
Amnesty International also calls for fair trials in a civilian court of law for the detainees.
Amnesty International is concerned that the arrest, detention and subsequent treatment of the health workers will affect the ability of other health care professionals to work in rural areas, at a time when there is already a shortage of health care professionals in the countryside.
Background
Health workers in rural areas have faced attacks and persecution that range from murder and assassination attempts, to filing of fabricated charges and other forms of harassment. Community health workers are of vital importance in the Philippines, where underserved and rural areas experience shortages of health care workers. Many NGOs have begun training community health workers nationwide regardless of their level of formal education. This practice is not unique to the Philippines and has been widely used with success in other developing countries.
Serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law (the laws of war) continue to be reported within the context of the government’s counter-insurgency campaign against the NPA. Such violations include enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment, extrajudicial executions and warrantless arrests carried out by the AFP or paramilitary groups. The government has also repeatedly claimed that the NPA has continued to purge its members, in unlawful killings that amount to human rights abuses. Those most at risk include civilians - many from indigenous or impoverished communities – who are accused of being NPA sympathizers. Also at risk are members of lawful organizations which have been publicly labelled by military officials as sympathizers of or fronts for the NPA.
Recommended action
Please write to the Philippine authorities below:
• Explaining that you are a health professional concerned about human rights;
• Urging that all 43 health workers arrested on 6 February in Morong, Rizal, receive a fair trial, in accordance with international standards,
• In particular, urging that no planted evidence, confessions or statements obtained through torture, other ill-treatment or harassment of families is admissible in any proceeding against the health workers;
• Calling for the security and well-being of the detainees to be guaranteed;
• Calling on the authorities to ensure that health workers are able to carry out their legitimate health care activities without restrictions or fear of reprisals.
Addresses: [Please note that connections to fax numbers are sometimes difficult to obtain]
Hon. Norberto Gonzales
Secretary of National Defense
Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Bldg.,
Camp Emilio Aguinaldo,
E. de los Santos Avenue
Quezon City, Philippines
Email: Gonzales.nb@gmail.com
Salutation: Dear Secretary Gonzales
President of the Republic of the Philippines
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacañang Palace
J.P. Laurel Street
San Miguel 1005, Manila
Philippines
Telegrams: President Macapagal-Arroyo, Manila, Philippines
Fax: + 632 736 1010 / +632 832 3793
Salutation: Dear President
COPIES TO:
Dr. Esperanza Cabral
Secretary of Health
Department of Health
San Lazaro Compound, Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila, Philippines 1003
Fax: +632 711 6744
Hon. Leila De Lima
Chairperson
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Building, Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman 1100, Quezon City, Philippines
Email: chr.delima@yahoo.com
Fax: +632 929 0102
Please also send copies to diplomatic representatives of the Philippine government accredited to your country.
If you receive no reply within six weeks of sending your letter, please send a follow-up letter seeking a response. Please send copies of any letters you receive to the International Secretariat, attention of Health and Human Rights Team, 1 Easton Street, London WC1X 0DW or e-mail: health@amnesty.org
To: Health Professional Network
From: Health and Human Rights Team
Date: 8 April 2010
Health Professional Action
43 Detained Medical Personnel
Philippines
Amnesty International is concerned for the safety of 43 health workers detained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) since 6 February 2010. Joint forces from the military and police forcibly entered a private residence in Morong town, Rizal province, where the health workers were staying. The health workers were not informed of the reason of their arrest or where they were being taken, and Amnesty International is concerned that their rights to due process are being violated.
Members of the AFP searched the premises while the detainees were outside, and they claim to have found bomb-making materials and guns under the beds in the house. The military accused them of being members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Military officials have suggested that the place where they were arrested is an NPA training camp. Various military spokespeople have accused the health workers of conducting either a bomb-making seminar or a health skills training for NPA medics, at the time of their arrest at 6am on 6 February. The health workers, however, say that they gathered for a Community First Responders’ Health Training sponsored by two local NGOs. The police filed criminal charges against them for possession of explosives and guns.
The detainees’ lawyers filed a petition of habeas corpus challenging their clients' arrest and detention. The Court of Appeals denied this petition but ordered the military to produce the detainees before the court on 12 February. The military did so, but only on 15 February, and refused to answer questions regarding allegations of torture and other ill-treatment made by some of the detainees. The Court of Appeals referred to a lower court in Rizal to determine if the 43 health workers had been illegally and arbitrarily detained. No decision has been given on this.
A military spokesperson from the 202nd Infantry Brigade told the Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines (CHRP), that the arrest of the 43 health workers was “mainly a police operation”. The Philippine National Police has refuted this. All the detainees are in the custody of the military, not the police. Thirty-eight of them are being held at Camp Capinpin, a military camp, while the remaining five have been moved to an undisclosed military “safe house”.
In a media interview, the five at the “safe house” admitted to being members of the NPA, although there are concerns over the circumstances surrounding their confessions— their families have reported harassment by the military, and the military has admitted to offering detainees money for “reintegration”.
There have also been claims by detainees of harassment, torture and other ill-treatment by the military to force the detainees to admit they are NPA members. Allegations of torture led to a visit by the Health Secretary, who reported that the detainees were in good health but appeared to be in mental anguish over their arrest. Amnesty International appreciates the Secretary’s efforts, but emphasises that her visit cannot be a substitute to a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation into these allegations, which the Philippines is obliged to carry out as a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Convention on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Amnesty International is therefore calling for a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation, in accordance with international law and standards, into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention and treatment of the health workers. At the time of writing, the military is challenging the mandate of the CHRP as to whether it extends to investigating these issues through its pubic hearings.
Amnesty International also calls for fair trials in a civilian court of law for the detainees.
Amnesty International is concerned that the arrest, detention and subsequent treatment of the health workers will affect the ability of other health care professionals to work in rural areas, at a time when there is already a shortage of health care professionals in the countryside.
Background
Health workers in rural areas have faced attacks and persecution that range from murder and assassination attempts, to filing of fabricated charges and other forms of harassment. Community health workers are of vital importance in the Philippines, where underserved and rural areas experience shortages of health care workers. Many NGOs have begun training community health workers nationwide regardless of their level of formal education. This practice is not unique to the Philippines and has been widely used with success in other developing countries.
Serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law (the laws of war) continue to be reported within the context of the government’s counter-insurgency campaign against the NPA. Such violations include enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment, extrajudicial executions and warrantless arrests carried out by the AFP or paramilitary groups. The government has also repeatedly claimed that the NPA has continued to purge its members, in unlawful killings that amount to human rights abuses. Those most at risk include civilians - many from indigenous or impoverished communities – who are accused of being NPA sympathizers. Also at risk are members of lawful organizations which have been publicly labelled by military officials as sympathizers of or fronts for the NPA.
Recommended action
Please write to the Philippine authorities below:
• Explaining that you are a health professional concerned about human rights;
• Urging that all 43 health workers arrested on 6 February in Morong, Rizal, receive a fair trial, in accordance with international standards,
• In particular, urging that no planted evidence, confessions or statements obtained through torture, other ill-treatment or harassment of families is admissible in any proceeding against the health workers;
• Calling for the security and well-being of the detainees to be guaranteed;
• Calling on the authorities to ensure that health workers are able to carry out their legitimate health care activities without restrictions or fear of reprisals.
Addresses: [Please note that connections to fax numbers are sometimes difficult to obtain]
Hon. Norberto Gonzales
Secretary of National Defense
Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Bldg.,
Camp Emilio Aguinaldo,
E. de los Santos Avenue
Quezon City, Philippines
Email: Gonzales.nb@gmail.com
Salutation: Dear Secretary Gonzales
President of the Republic of the Philippines
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacañang Palace
J.P. Laurel Street
San Miguel 1005, Manila
Philippines
Telegrams: President Macapagal-Arroyo, Manila, Philippines
Fax: + 632 736 1010 / +632 832 3793
Salutation: Dear President
COPIES TO:
Dr. Esperanza Cabral
Secretary of Health
Department of Health
San Lazaro Compound, Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila, Philippines 1003
Fax: +632 711 6744
Hon. Leila De Lima
Chairperson
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Building, Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman 1100, Quezon City, Philippines
Email: chr.delima@yahoo.com
Fax: +632 929 0102
Please also send copies to diplomatic representatives of the Philippine government accredited to your country.
If you receive no reply within six weeks of sending your letter, please send a follow-up letter seeking a response. Please send copies of any letters you receive to the International Secretariat, attention of Health and Human Rights Team, 1 Easton Street, London WC1X 0DW or e-mail: health@amnesty.org
FEMA: What is your flood Risk?
Do you want to know the flood risk level of your property? Do you want to know the flood risk of any commerical property in Evansville or proposed commerical property?
FEMA has created a site that shows you your flood risk----click on the post. They also show the insurance agents that can provide flood coverage locally.
FEMA has created a site that shows you your flood risk----click on the post. They also show the insurance agents that can provide flood coverage locally.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Finance Committee Meets Thursday: Police Station Sale on the Agenda
Click on the post for the agenda.
Blogs; Rocknet Roots Blog: On Coroners Office
Political Operatives Initiate Power Grab For Coroner's Office
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
TYRANNY ALERT!
If a few Rock County supervisors get their way, ordinary citizens will have less of a share in local decision-making when they lose their right to vote for the county coroner's office. Recent action out of the Rock County Courthouse shows a handful of county supervisors are preparing to short circuit the county board's majority decision made back in March of 2009. At that time, the Board voted 16-12 in favor of keeping the county coroner an electively held office.
Yesterday (Monday), during the Public Safety and Justice (PS&J) committee meeting, Supervisor Mary Beaver (Evansville) requested a motion to hold a special meeting of the PS&J for Wednesday beginning at 4PM to fast track a medical examiner's resolution on the agenda with the stipulation that regardless of the outcome of that vote on the resolution by the PS&J committee, the resolution will still be forwarded to the county board for a vote on Thursday, April 8 at 6 PM.
Beyond the obvious right for local citizens to select one of their own for coroner is the blatant arrogance and lack of trust opposing county supervisors have towards their own constituency's ability to make the right choice. Let alone the negative atmosphere of partisan politics and a fabricated aura of mistrust cast towards the honorable employees and coroner currently working the office. They don't deserve this kind of treatment from anyone, particularly from members of the county board. It shows a complete lack of class on their part.
There is no doubt this rakish attempt is only the beginning of a full-fledged campaign to centralize unchecked county power into the hands of GOP establishment sponsored textbook bureaucrats. Besides, the only people who should make the decision to surrender such an important elective right should be the people themselves in the form of a referendum - not a cabal of political operatives carrying out a vendetta against a very capable elected official. The will of the people must not be held hostage by a few ego-centered authoritarians.
The key players in this apparent coup to wrest the coroner's office away from the ballot box and county residents are Russ Podzilni, Richard Ott, Louis Peer, Mary Beaver, and Mary Mawhinney.
Tell them kindly, voters are smart enough to make the right choices and to keep their hands off of our voting rights.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
TYRANNY ALERT!
If a few Rock County supervisors get their way, ordinary citizens will have less of a share in local decision-making when they lose their right to vote for the county coroner's office. Recent action out of the Rock County Courthouse shows a handful of county supervisors are preparing to short circuit the county board's majority decision made back in March of 2009. At that time, the Board voted 16-12 in favor of keeping the county coroner an electively held office.
Yesterday (Monday), during the Public Safety and Justice (PS&J) committee meeting, Supervisor Mary Beaver (Evansville) requested a motion to hold a special meeting of the PS&J for Wednesday beginning at 4PM to fast track a medical examiner's resolution on the agenda with the stipulation that regardless of the outcome of that vote on the resolution by the PS&J committee, the resolution will still be forwarded to the county board for a vote on Thursday, April 8 at 6 PM.
Beyond the obvious right for local citizens to select one of their own for coroner is the blatant arrogance and lack of trust opposing county supervisors have towards their own constituency's ability to make the right choice. Let alone the negative atmosphere of partisan politics and a fabricated aura of mistrust cast towards the honorable employees and coroner currently working the office. They don't deserve this kind of treatment from anyone, particularly from members of the county board. It shows a complete lack of class on their part.
There is no doubt this rakish attempt is only the beginning of a full-fledged campaign to centralize unchecked county power into the hands of GOP establishment sponsored textbook bureaucrats. Besides, the only people who should make the decision to surrender such an important elective right should be the people themselves in the form of a referendum - not a cabal of political operatives carrying out a vendetta against a very capable elected official. The will of the people must not be held hostage by a few ego-centered authoritarians.
The key players in this apparent coup to wrest the coroner's office away from the ballot box and county residents are Russ Podzilni, Richard Ott, Louis Peer, Mary Beaver, and Mary Mawhinney.
Tell them kindly, voters are smart enough to make the right choices and to keep their hands off of our voting rights.
Video; Evansville School Board: Mr. Pierick speaks
Video; Evansville School Board; Monday, March 15, 2010: Mr. Pierick speaks: "Just Say NO"----the math of taking all the Brodhead Open enrollment students does not add up---it causes Evansville Taxpayers to ante up about $4000 per student taken, in a situation where Brodhead taxpayers pay less than Evansville residents, and in addition it exhausts the physical resources of the schools.
Download File
Download File
History: Evansville Flooding Files now on Mediafly----2005-2010
Click on the post for the Evansville, Wisconsin Flooding Files, 2005-2010 on Mediafly.com. They cover with audio and video the flooding and meetings about it.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Saturday, April 03, 2010
"Leave it up to the Building Inspector"----FICTION: Tales From Normal, Mn.
Click on the post for the latest.
Evansville Plan Commission votes to "leave it up to the building inspector"----
City of Evansville Plan Commission
Regular Meeting
Monday, March 1, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall (Third Floor), 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
MINUTES
1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Mayor Sandy Decker.
2. Roll Call. Members present: Mason Braunschweig, Jim Brooks, Sandy Decker, John Gishnock, and Diane Roberts. Members absent: Carol Endres and Bill Hammann. Others Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Planner John Stockham, Bob Janes, and John Morning.
3. Approval of agenda. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve the agenda. Motion approved 5-0.
4. Approval of minutes.
A. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Roberts to waive the reading of the minutes from February 1, 2010 regular meeting and approve them as printed. Motion approved 5-0.
5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed. None
6. New Business
A. Brown School Subdivision. Stockham stated this final plat conforms to the preliminary plat. He recommended that prior to recording the final plat, an indication that each duplex lot have a single shared driveway serving both units on the lot be placed on the face of the final plat. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Final Plat for Brown School Subdivision with recommendation. Motion approved 5-0.
B. Preliminary CSM, Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, 16443 W. Porter Rd. Stockham stated the CSM would expand the lot size to 1 acre, which would be a conforming lot. This would not create any new units or any new lots. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to approve Preliminary CSM, Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, 16443 W. Porter Rd. Motion approved 5-0.
C. Amendments to Zoning Ordinance. Stockham reviewed the ordinance amendments recommended by the Unified Land Development Code Committee. Decker opened the public hearing at 6:13 p.m. There were no public comments. Decker closed the public hearing at 6:14 p.m. The Commission discussed several sections of the proposed ordinances including natural lawns in the landscaping ordinance, repair and service in the parking ordinance and storage and parking of recreational vehicles in the parking ordinance. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to recommend to Common Council approval of Ordinance 2010-02, Amending the Zoning Code Related to Landscaping, Signs and Parking with the following changes:
• Landscaping Article - striking Section 130-272
• Parking Article - changing Section 130-1304(b)(2)a to grant an exception for recreation vehicles for visits lasting no longer than 15 days and no more than 30 days in a year.
• Parking Article - adding to Section 130-1302(e) Repair and service. No commercial motor vehicle repair work or service of any kind shall be permitted in association with parking facilities provided in residence districts.
Motion approved 5-0.
D. Amendments to Erosion Control Ordinance. Stockham reviewed the revisions in the proposed ordinance that were made after the December, 2009 Plan Commission meeting. Decker opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Bob Janes asked why there wasn’t higher scrutiny for property near the water. Stockham explained that approval through Committee or the City Engineer could cause concerns regarding timeliness and expense. The Building Inspector is qualified to issue permits and he can still refer complex projects to City Engineer. Decker closed the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. There were no additional questions or comments. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to recommend to Common Council approval of Ordinance 2010-03, Amending Municipal Code Chapter 48 Related to Erosion Control. Motion approved 5-0.
7. Old Business
A. Review Recommendations of the Evansville-Union Implementation Committee. Stockham recommended that the Plan Commission take on the task of reviewing the map and tables with the current comprehensive land use plan, over a period of time. He recommended taking into consideration the Highway 14 study when reviewing the extraterritorial area.
8. Report on other permitting activity by City Planner. Stockham stated activity continues to be slow.
9. Report on the Unified Land Development Code Committee. Stockham stated the next meeting will be in April.
10. Report of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission. Decker stated the Century 21 property appears to be moving ahead.
11. Report of the Evansville-Union Implementation Committee. Referring to the maps, Bob Janes commented that he thought they were the charge of the committee and now it feels like the process is starting over. Decker stated the Implementation Committee is by ordinance an advisory committee to bring recommendations to the Plan Commission. She added that there is an extensive process to adopt any change to the comprehensive plan.
12. Report on Common Council actions relating to Plan Commission recommendations. None
13. Update on Board of Appeals actions relating to zoning matters. None
14. Enforcement Report. None
15. Next regular meeting date. Monday, April 5, 2010
16. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Motion approved 5-0.
Prepared by Judy Walton, City Clerk
The minutes are not official until approved by the Plan Commission at their next regular meeting.
Regular Meeting
Monday, March 1, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall (Third Floor), 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
MINUTES
1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Mayor Sandy Decker.
2. Roll Call. Members present: Mason Braunschweig, Jim Brooks, Sandy Decker, John Gishnock, and Diane Roberts. Members absent: Carol Endres and Bill Hammann. Others Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Planner John Stockham, Bob Janes, and John Morning.
3. Approval of agenda. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve the agenda. Motion approved 5-0.
4. Approval of minutes.
A. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Roberts to waive the reading of the minutes from February 1, 2010 regular meeting and approve them as printed. Motion approved 5-0.
5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed. None
6. New Business
A. Brown School Subdivision. Stockham stated this final plat conforms to the preliminary plat. He recommended that prior to recording the final plat, an indication that each duplex lot have a single shared driveway serving both units on the lot be placed on the face of the final plat. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Final Plat for Brown School Subdivision with recommendation. Motion approved 5-0.
B. Preliminary CSM, Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, 16443 W. Porter Rd. Stockham stated the CSM would expand the lot size to 1 acre, which would be a conforming lot. This would not create any new units or any new lots. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to approve Preliminary CSM, Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, 16443 W. Porter Rd. Motion approved 5-0.
C. Amendments to Zoning Ordinance. Stockham reviewed the ordinance amendments recommended by the Unified Land Development Code Committee. Decker opened the public hearing at 6:13 p.m. There were no public comments. Decker closed the public hearing at 6:14 p.m. The Commission discussed several sections of the proposed ordinances including natural lawns in the landscaping ordinance, repair and service in the parking ordinance and storage and parking of recreational vehicles in the parking ordinance. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to recommend to Common Council approval of Ordinance 2010-02, Amending the Zoning Code Related to Landscaping, Signs and Parking with the following changes:
• Landscaping Article - striking Section 130-272
• Parking Article - changing Section 130-1304(b)(2)a to grant an exception for recreation vehicles for visits lasting no longer than 15 days and no more than 30 days in a year.
• Parking Article - adding to Section 130-1302(e) Repair and service. No commercial motor vehicle repair work or service of any kind shall be permitted in association with parking facilities provided in residence districts.
Motion approved 5-0.
D. Amendments to Erosion Control Ordinance. Stockham reviewed the revisions in the proposed ordinance that were made after the December, 2009 Plan Commission meeting. Decker opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Bob Janes asked why there wasn’t higher scrutiny for property near the water. Stockham explained that approval through Committee or the City Engineer could cause concerns regarding timeliness and expense. The Building Inspector is qualified to issue permits and he can still refer complex projects to City Engineer. Decker closed the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. There were no additional questions or comments. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to recommend to Common Council approval of Ordinance 2010-03, Amending Municipal Code Chapter 48 Related to Erosion Control. Motion approved 5-0.
7. Old Business
A. Review Recommendations of the Evansville-Union Implementation Committee. Stockham recommended that the Plan Commission take on the task of reviewing the map and tables with the current comprehensive land use plan, over a period of time. He recommended taking into consideration the Highway 14 study when reviewing the extraterritorial area.
8. Report on other permitting activity by City Planner. Stockham stated activity continues to be slow.
9. Report on the Unified Land Development Code Committee. Stockham stated the next meeting will be in April.
10. Report of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission. Decker stated the Century 21 property appears to be moving ahead.
11. Report of the Evansville-Union Implementation Committee. Referring to the maps, Bob Janes commented that he thought they were the charge of the committee and now it feels like the process is starting over. Decker stated the Implementation Committee is by ordinance an advisory committee to bring recommendations to the Plan Commission. She added that there is an extensive process to adopt any change to the comprehensive plan.
12. Report on Common Council actions relating to Plan Commission recommendations. None
13. Update on Board of Appeals actions relating to zoning matters. None
14. Enforcement Report. None
15. Next regular meeting date. Monday, April 5, 2010
16. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. Motion approved 5-0.
Prepared by Judy Walton, City Clerk
The minutes are not official until approved by the Plan Commission at their next regular meeting.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Windmills on Parade 2009 now on Mediafly--History Channel
Click on the post and allow time to load. Scroll to the Windmills on Parade video from last year. Click on the screen size to make full screen.
This summer will feature an even bigger selection of windmills.
This summer will feature an even bigger selection of windmills.
Evansville Idol 2009 now on Mediafly---in the "History" channel
Click on the post and then scroll to the episodes from last years Evansville Idol.
Evansville Idol 2010 will even be better----and The Evansville Observer plans full coverage including the finals. Enjoy.
These video clips can also be accessed on the Evansville Observer by searching on the upper left corner box under "Evansville Idol".
Evansville Idol 2010 will even be better----and The Evansville Observer plans full coverage including the finals. Enjoy.
These video clips can also be accessed on the Evansville Observer by searching on the upper left corner box under "Evansville Idol".
Blogs: White House; Workplace Flexibility in Focus
Seme businesses have used technology only to be more rigid and controlling; Others have used high tech to be flexible and creative in the work place. Click on the post for the discussion in the White House.
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