Thursday, March 31, 2011
Video; "Scotty We're Coming For You": The Kissers
Click on the post for a look back to the days of the protest at the State Capitol.
Alligator Airboat Cruise Comes to Normal, Mn.; Tales From Normal, Mn.: FICTION
Recently I spent a week in Vero Beach, Fl where my sister has a retirement home. One of the relatives there just bubbled about a spectacular airboat cruise, a little pricey it was, that lasted about an hour for about $50 per person, and the wonder of it was that as you floated above the waves, the skipper could slow the craft down so he could point out the alligators looking up with those two eyes at you.....
Thankfully, the only day possible to schedule this event for myself was all booked so I promised that I would go next year....but the more I am listening to the local pundits, I think this might be a viable prospect for the locals....after all, the notion all across America seems to be to save all the good land for farming, and build residential homes in the swamps....and thus what could be a better way of touring new residential areas for development than the airboat tour??
Recently the governor of Wisconsin, in his very first offical act, made a special pitch to have some swampland in Green Bay made legally acceptable for a car dealership.....and in lockstep, a professor in Whitewater said that the major impediment to the dynamic growth of Wisconsin business was the overly restrictive laws against being a swampdog developer.....this notion was partucularly galling since up here in Normal, Mn. we are dang proud of our reputation as distinctive swampdog developers....we have never found a swamp that we could not find a creative use for, and the only drawback was occasionally not finding some ignorant buyer for the property even when dressed up in its finest clothing.
Let the record be set straight---that Normal, Mn will challenge all comers to be the Swampdog king---and we are placing our orders for the new airboat cruise boats as we speak....this could be the tourist bonanza that we have been praying for....our prayers have been answered.....Make way the path of the airboat.
Thankfully, the only day possible to schedule this event for myself was all booked so I promised that I would go next year....but the more I am listening to the local pundits, I think this might be a viable prospect for the locals....after all, the notion all across America seems to be to save all the good land for farming, and build residential homes in the swamps....and thus what could be a better way of touring new residential areas for development than the airboat tour??
Recently the governor of Wisconsin, in his very first offical act, made a special pitch to have some swampland in Green Bay made legally acceptable for a car dealership.....and in lockstep, a professor in Whitewater said that the major impediment to the dynamic growth of Wisconsin business was the overly restrictive laws against being a swampdog developer.....this notion was partucularly galling since up here in Normal, Mn. we are dang proud of our reputation as distinctive swampdog developers....we have never found a swamp that we could not find a creative use for, and the only drawback was occasionally not finding some ignorant buyer for the property even when dressed up in its finest clothing.
Let the record be set straight---that Normal, Mn will challenge all comers to be the Swampdog king---and we are placing our orders for the new airboat cruise boats as we speak....this could be the tourist bonanza that we have been praying for....our prayers have been answered.....Make way the path of the airboat.
Public Hearing on Evansville Comprehensive Plan Coming April 4, 2011: Full audio and Video coverage on Observer
Click on the post for the plan to review prior to the meeting.
United Land Development Meets Today---
NOTICE
The meeting of the City of Evansville Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) Committee will be held on the date and time stated below at City Hall (Third Floor), 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance.
City of Evansville
Unified Land Development Code Committee
Thursday, March 31, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall (Third Floor), 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approve Minutes of September 30, 2010 Meeting
5. New Business
A. Section 130-1274 Sign Regulations – Allowing certain commercial signs (e.g. outfield fencing, swimming pool) in public parks subject to Park Board and City Council approval.
B. Chapter 110 Subdivision Ordinance – Regulating land divisions in the City’s long-term growth boundary.
6. Old Business
A. Section 130-261 through 130-275 Landscaping Regulations – Continued discussion of the point system requirements.
7. Discuss Future Meeting Dates
8. Motion to Adjourn
Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible.
Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you
The meeting of the City of Evansville Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) Committee will be held on the date and time stated below at City Hall (Third Floor), 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance.
City of Evansville
Unified Land Development Code Committee
Thursday, March 31, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall (Third Floor), 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approve Minutes of September 30, 2010 Meeting
5. New Business
A. Section 130-1274 Sign Regulations – Allowing certain commercial signs (e.g. outfield fencing, swimming pool) in public parks subject to Park Board and City Council approval.
B. Chapter 110 Subdivision Ordinance – Regulating land divisions in the City’s long-term growth boundary.
6. Old Business
A. Section 130-261 through 130-275 Landscaping Regulations – Continued discussion of the point system requirements.
7. Discuss Future Meeting Dates
8. Motion to Adjourn
Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible.
Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Russ Feingold Writes: Immelt must Go
It's everything that's wrong with corporate power today:
News broke last week that General Electric, America's largest corporation, made $14,200,000,000 in profits last year and paid $0 in taxes -- that's right, zero dollars in taxes. At the same time, C.E.O. Jeffrey Immelt saw his compensation double. Now I hear that GE is expected to ask 15,000 of their unionized workers to make major concessions in wages and benefits.
But what really adds insult to injury is the prestigious and influential position Jeffrey Immelt holds as chair of President Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.
That's wrong. Someone like Immelt, who has helped his company evade taxes on its huge profits -- and is now looking to workers to take major pay cuts after his compensation was doubled -- should not lead the administration's effort to create jobs.
We cannot stand by and watch while we are led down this road. Mr. Immelt must step down from the president's jobs panel -- and if he won't, President Obama needs to ask for his resignation.
Help us build public pressure on GE's Jeffrey Immelt to step down or President Obama to get his resignation from the jobs council: Sign our petition at www.ImmeltMustGo.com today!
How can someone like Immelt be given the responsibility of heading a jobs creation task force when his company has been creating more jobs overseas while reducing its American workforce? And under Immelt's direction, GE spends hundreds of millions of dollars hiring lawyers and lobbyists to evade taxes.
All of this at a time when Fox News and the right wing are demonizing public workers, like teachers, as the cause of our economic problems.
It's time for policymakers to stop coddling corporate interests, and get to work creating jobs and wealth for Main Street. We shouldn't reward wealthy CEOs and Wall Street for behavior that undermines the nation's economy.
Be a part of this meaningful fight. Help us tell President Obama that if GE isn't paying taxes or treating workers well, Immelt Must Go!
President Obama has been talking about how we must "win the future," and I agree with him in that goal. Jeffrey Immelt is not the person for that job.
Thanks for uniting as a progressive,
News broke last week that General Electric, America's largest corporation, made $14,200,000,000 in profits last year and paid $0 in taxes -- that's right, zero dollars in taxes. At the same time, C.E.O. Jeffrey Immelt saw his compensation double. Now I hear that GE is expected to ask 15,000 of their unionized workers to make major concessions in wages and benefits.
But what really adds insult to injury is the prestigious and influential position Jeffrey Immelt holds as chair of President Obama's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.
That's wrong. Someone like Immelt, who has helped his company evade taxes on its huge profits -- and is now looking to workers to take major pay cuts after his compensation was doubled -- should not lead the administration's effort to create jobs.
We cannot stand by and watch while we are led down this road. Mr. Immelt must step down from the president's jobs panel -- and if he won't, President Obama needs to ask for his resignation.
Help us build public pressure on GE's Jeffrey Immelt to step down or President Obama to get his resignation from the jobs council: Sign our petition at www.ImmeltMustGo.com today!
How can someone like Immelt be given the responsibility of heading a jobs creation task force when his company has been creating more jobs overseas while reducing its American workforce? And under Immelt's direction, GE spends hundreds of millions of dollars hiring lawyers and lobbyists to evade taxes.
All of this at a time when Fox News and the right wing are demonizing public workers, like teachers, as the cause of our economic problems.
It's time for policymakers to stop coddling corporate interests, and get to work creating jobs and wealth for Main Street. We shouldn't reward wealthy CEOs and Wall Street for behavior that undermines the nation's economy.
Be a part of this meaningful fight. Help us tell President Obama that if GE isn't paying taxes or treating workers well, Immelt Must Go!
President Obama has been talking about how we must "win the future," and I agree with him in that goal. Jeffrey Immelt is not the person for that job.
Thanks for uniting as a progressive,
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Janesville to do Property revaluation in June: Will Evansville follow?: Gazette
Click on the post for the latest.
Madison Prop Taxes going up and down: WSJ
Click on the post for the article.
Madison Schools are defiant and continuing with 4K, even if it means laying off experienced teachers. Stay tuned.
Madison Schools are defiant and continuing with 4K, even if it means laying off experienced teachers. Stay tuned.
Library Savings to be used for Civil War Events?
Click on the post for the agenda for the meeting of March 29, 2011.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Dave Sauer Speaks: The Movie
Now available in Mediafly.com version. Also on Itunes for free download. Click on the post and enjoy.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Controversy surrounds Gov. Walker Speech on Tuesday, March 29th at Holiday Inn in Janesville: Gazette
Click on the post for the latest.
Minnesota Retired Public Employees Want Pension Cuts restored; Pioneer Press
Last year the state of Minnesota cut the vested benefits of retired public workers---now the workers have sued to get these benefits back....Click on the post for the story in the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Sen Bill 22; The New Charter Schools are Coming: Hearing today:CapTimes
The new face of charter schools including administration by a board of political appointees, etc. will be discussed today at the State Capitol. Click on the post for the article in the CapTimes.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Minnesotans Chant "Tax the Rich": Rail at Cheap Labor Conservatives: StarTribune
Click on the post for the latest.
City of Evansville: LOMR discussed and BFE
LOMR. A Letter Of Map Revision is applied for through the City of Evansville (likely with Wisconsin DNR agreement) to FEMA. It is used to change flood zones, floodplain and floodway delineations, flood elevations, and planimetric features. A local example is a pending application which would alter the floodplain boundaries in the vicinity of Westfield Meadows and would establish BFE along the drainage ditch.
RETURN TO TOP
What is the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?
The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the highest water surface elevation with a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in a given year. The 1% flood is also know as the 100 year flood, but we all know that they can occur more frequently than every 100 years.
The BFE is used in permitting and regulation of construction in the floodplain. In general, new habitable construction must be at least 2 feet above the BFE to ensure reasonable protection of the property.
The BFE, or more correctly a building's lowest floor elevation in relation to the BFE, is a major factor in determining flood insurance premiums.
Some mapped floodplains may be designated as Zone AE. These floodplains have BFEs associated with them, which are marked on the FIRM. A Flood Insurance Study (FIS) that accompanies the FIRM will provide more detailed BFE information than the map.
Some mapped floodplains may be designated as Zone A. These floodplains have been identified as prone to flooding but have not had a formal study to establish their BFEs. Without an established BFE, there may be other documents or data that may be used in estimating the BFE for permitting and regulatory purposes.
Everything else being equal, flood insurance premiums will be greater in a Zone A than a Zone AE simply because the BFE is unknown.
RETURN TO TOP
What is the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?
The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the highest water surface elevation with a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in a given year. The 1% flood is also know as the 100 year flood, but we all know that they can occur more frequently than every 100 years.
The BFE is used in permitting and regulation of construction in the floodplain. In general, new habitable construction must be at least 2 feet above the BFE to ensure reasonable protection of the property.
The BFE, or more correctly a building's lowest floor elevation in relation to the BFE, is a major factor in determining flood insurance premiums.
Some mapped floodplains may be designated as Zone AE. These floodplains have BFEs associated with them, which are marked on the FIRM. A Flood Insurance Study (FIS) that accompanies the FIRM will provide more detailed BFE information than the map.
Some mapped floodplains may be designated as Zone A. These floodplains have been identified as prone to flooding but have not had a formal study to establish their BFEs. Without an established BFE, there may be other documents or data that may be used in estimating the BFE for permitting and regulatory purposes.
Everything else being equal, flood insurance premiums will be greater in a Zone A than a Zone AE simply because the BFE is unknown.
Audio: Wind Turbine Warranty Discussed
Audio; Public Works: March 21, 2011; Waste Water Treatment Plant and Wind Turbine discussed; Warranty Claim discussed; Maintenance Agreement explained.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Audio: LOMR: Westfield Meadows:
Audio; Public Works: March 21, 2011: Dave Sauer discusses the LOMR, Letter of Map Revision that has been applied for with the DNR for Westfield Meadows and why.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Audio: Public Works: 6t St Detention Pond Update
Audio: Public Works: March 21, 2011; Dave Sauer updates the committee on the new proposed design of the detention pond.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Monday, March 21, 2011
Revisions to the Evansville Comprehensive Plan Highlighted----
The Plan will come up for public hearing in April. Click on the post for the plan.
Warranty on Evansville Wind Turbine to be discussed: Monday night 6PM
Click on the post for the agenda of the Public Works committee meeting, Monday night, 6PM.
What is a LOMR? It will be discussed at Public Works TONIGHT at 6PM.
Click on the post for the definition from FEMA. Public Works committee will discuss a LOMR at the monthly meeting at 6PM at Public Works Garage on Madison Street.
"Why I Am Never Going to Own a Home Again": Yahoo: Finance: Video:
Click on the post for the latest.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Moral Hazard: When Those Who Govern Become Those Who Prey
Last week I was discussing the Wisconsin political situation with a friend. I said: " There is a problem with pensions it seems." He replied: "Maybe, but not in Wisconsin."
He was right.
Wisconsin public employees have had a defined benefit pension system that has been the top of the nation...in fact, years ago, when I was in the brokerage business, my fellow brokers watched closely to each and every purchase decision the Wisconsin pension system made...why? because they were the best in the nation and everybody knew it.
The amount of accrual that is necessary for a defined benefit plan is substantial....and Wisconsin has a fully funded plan....the amount of accural for a defined contribution plan would be very,very much less, and there is a moral hazard for states to STEAL the difference from public employees and make the change in pension plans to do so...That is moral hazard indeed.
He was right.
Wisconsin public employees have had a defined benefit pension system that has been the top of the nation...in fact, years ago, when I was in the brokerage business, my fellow brokers watched closely to each and every purchase decision the Wisconsin pension system made...why? because they were the best in the nation and everybody knew it.
The amount of accrual that is necessary for a defined benefit plan is substantial....and Wisconsin has a fully funded plan....the amount of accural for a defined contribution plan would be very,very much less, and there is a moral hazard for states to STEAL the difference from public employees and make the change in pension plans to do so...That is moral hazard indeed.
The Phillips Chair: The Story of How it Came to Be: plus Video
The Phillips Chair
Download File
The Story Of How It Came To Be
My name is Dr. Joseph C. Phillips. I practiced optometry for 39 years. Good reading posture is very important in the control of progressive myopia (near sightedness). I developed the chair for my near sighted patients. Other adult patients in my office would see that funny chair in my office and want to sit on it. I would explain the chair and then they would want to buy one for use at their computer. I started getting "War Story" phone calls. My patients who were using the chair on a regular basis would call and say, "Gee Doc, I've been meaning to call you. I used to go to a Chiropractor two or three times a month. Haven't been back since I bought your chair six months ago." After about a dozen such tales I bought 100 chairs and converted them to The Phillips Principle. I sold those 100 chairs in the 120 days prior to falling off a ladder two years ago, crushing my lumbar #1 vertebra.
I have two stories about the chair I would like you to know. One is of a 40 plus year old patient, Marlene. Marlene works for Winter Architects in Wichita . Marlene is a lovely person. She always has a smile on her face and is most pleasant. I walked into her office one day, two years ago at 10:00 A.M. She was frowning and grumpy. I asked, "My God Marlene, what is the matter?" She said, "My back is killing me" I asked if she had been to the doctor. She said, "Yes, and I am going again tomorrow." I told her I would be right back and left to get her my chair. I delivered it, explained it, and left. At 3:30 that afternoon she called me and said, "Bless you. I do not have a pain in my body." I later got her one with adjustable arms. In her presence I told Dan Winter, the architect, the chair was $275. Dan told me to take a hike. He would not pay that much for any office chair. Marlene looked Dan in the eye and said, "Dan, if the chair goes I am going with it." Dan replied, "Write him a check." I saw Marlene again the following July. I asked her when she had been to the Chiropractor last. She said she hadn't been back. Then she added the kicker, "When I got up this morning I had a back ache, I could hardly wait to get to work to get on my chair." Marlene also says her general posture has much improved since having the chair.
In my own case, after the ladder accident, it was the only chair other than a recliner that I was able to sit in comfortably. I sit in it to eat all meals. I must sit in it to put on and take off my socks. I cannot do it any other way. And I can demonstrate to uninjured people why it is easier. It is like I designed this chair in advance for my own impending problem.
I have dozens of stories like this from people in Wichita , KS .
I have chairs sold to individuals in New York , Pennsylvania , Florida , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Colorado , California , North Dakota , Kansas , Michigan , Wisconsin , Illinois , Virginia , Texas and Alaska .
In Wichita , KS., two executives of Intrust Bank sit on my chair every day and have for over two years.
One of Boeing's ergonomic engineers told me that they all had been taught that the angle between the thigh and shin bone should be 90 degrees. He said, "I now know that is wrong. This damn chair is really good."
Joseph C. Phillips, O.D.
For further info on The Phillips Chair, email fre2observe@yahoo.com
"Your Back is Gonna Love This Chair"
Download File
The Story Of How It Came To Be
My name is Dr. Joseph C. Phillips. I practiced optometry for 39 years. Good reading posture is very important in the control of progressive myopia (near sightedness). I developed the chair for my near sighted patients. Other adult patients in my office would see that funny chair in my office and want to sit on it. I would explain the chair and then they would want to buy one for use at their computer. I started getting "War Story" phone calls. My patients who were using the chair on a regular basis would call and say, "Gee Doc, I've been meaning to call you. I used to go to a Chiropractor two or three times a month. Haven't been back since I bought your chair six months ago." After about a dozen such tales I bought 100 chairs and converted them to The Phillips Principle. I sold those 100 chairs in the 120 days prior to falling off a ladder two years ago, crushing my lumbar #1 vertebra.
I have two stories about the chair I would like you to know. One is of a 40 plus year old patient, Marlene. Marlene works for Winter Architects in Wichita . Marlene is a lovely person. She always has a smile on her face and is most pleasant. I walked into her office one day, two years ago at 10:00 A.M. She was frowning and grumpy. I asked, "My God Marlene, what is the matter?" She said, "My back is killing me" I asked if she had been to the doctor. She said, "Yes, and I am going again tomorrow." I told her I would be right back and left to get her my chair. I delivered it, explained it, and left. At 3:30 that afternoon she called me and said, "Bless you. I do not have a pain in my body." I later got her one with adjustable arms. In her presence I told Dan Winter, the architect, the chair was $275. Dan told me to take a hike. He would not pay that much for any office chair. Marlene looked Dan in the eye and said, "Dan, if the chair goes I am going with it." Dan replied, "Write him a check." I saw Marlene again the following July. I asked her when she had been to the Chiropractor last. She said she hadn't been back. Then she added the kicker, "When I got up this morning I had a back ache, I could hardly wait to get to work to get on my chair." Marlene also says her general posture has much improved since having the chair.
In my own case, after the ladder accident, it was the only chair other than a recliner that I was able to sit in comfortably. I sit in it to eat all meals. I must sit in it to put on and take off my socks. I cannot do it any other way. And I can demonstrate to uninjured people why it is easier. It is like I designed this chair in advance for my own impending problem.
I have dozens of stories like this from people in Wichita , KS .
I have chairs sold to individuals in New York , Pennsylvania , Florida , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Colorado , California , North Dakota , Kansas , Michigan , Wisconsin , Illinois , Virginia , Texas and Alaska .
In Wichita , KS., two executives of Intrust Bank sit on my chair every day and have for over two years.
One of Boeing's ergonomic engineers told me that they all had been taught that the angle between the thigh and shin bone should be 90 degrees. He said, "I now know that is wrong. This damn chair is really good."
Joseph C. Phillips, O.D.
For further info on The Phillips Chair, email fre2observe@yahoo.com
"Your Back is Gonna Love This Chair"
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Public Works Meets Monday: Retention Pond on the Agenda;
According to legend, the 6th Street Retention Pond is the top priority on the public works agenda in Evansville...it has been since 2008, and it may be so eternally....
Click on the post for the full agenda.
Click on the post for the full agenda.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Gov. Walker to make announcement in Evansville Today: 12:15 PM.: Gazette
Click on the post for the latest.
Baker; Book Review: Social Media Trumps Traditional Marketing----
Click on the post for a book review by Paul Baker.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Gov Walker inspires Exit from Public Service; CapTimes
Public Employees are leaving in droves. Click on the post for the full story.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
WSJ: Nichols; Wi Supreme Court Race just got moved to front burner-----
Click on the post for the article.
Germany to shut down 7 Nuclear Plants that date prior to 1980: Reuters
Click on the post for the latest.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Evansville School Board Packet for meeting tonight plus Supr Carvin's Report
Click on the post for the details.
Will Janesville post delinquent developers names on web?: RockNetRoots
Click on the post for the latest.
Minn Republicans follow Wisconsin lead: Try to Reduce Taxes for corporations midst 5 billion deficit
Click on the post for the latest.
Dateline Florida: Florida trying to exit flood plain insurance business to avoid disaster:
One of the stories buzzing southern Florida last week, was the new initiative to replace state backed flood plain insurance with private insurance that would have the special feature of being based on market rates---the owners would be surprised with huge increases in premium that could make it unaffordable.
The national policy that allows folks to build in hazardous areas and then have the taxpayers pick up the tab when the disaster happens is about to end. Florida finally is waking up...and the timing is pretty striking with the tsunami incident in Japan.
The national policy that allows folks to build in hazardous areas and then have the taxpayers pick up the tab when the disaster happens is about to end. Florida finally is waking up...and the timing is pretty striking with the tsunami incident in Japan.
WSJ; Author Stephen King Identifies Gov. Walker as one of the "Three Stooges"
Click on the post for the latest.
Dateline Viera, Fl: Clerk of Court attempts to outsource over 100 jobs
Florida seems to be in the forefront of outsourcing. Click on the post.
Evansville School Board Meets Tonight: 6Pm: School Scoop
Click on the post for the latest from Schoool Scoop.
New E-Book Services now at the Hedberg Library: Gazette
Never fear again about a library fine..Check this out. This is the new look for libraries...and what is also neat is that the brick and mortor expense for new libraries can be eliminated. Make a note of it.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Wisconsin State Budget impact on Local Libraries Cited
Click on the post. Local Funding levels could be affected.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Evansville Finance to discuss Imacet of Wis budget Repair Bill on City Budget Thursday
Click on the post for the latest.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Fighting Bob: Walker Speech Based on Union busting by local government units
Click on the post. By busting the unions, locals can balance the budget by firing the senior expensive union folks? the trained teachers? and hiring all new inexperienced?
You make the call.
You make the call.
Developer Defaults cost Janesville 3 million; Changes proposed for future: Gazette
Click on the post for the full story.
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