Nostalgia: 2014: Tales From Normal,Mn: FICTION: Distinguished Trust Representative urges Investors to Hold

 A distinguished executive from the Frozen Tundra Investment Fund was in Normal, Mn. this morning to speak at the Big Minnow Rotary Society of Normal, Mn.,,,a group of older bass fisherman in these parts...and after his presentation, in which he urged the locals to keep their holdings in stocks and bonds and not sell in a panic, because he was hoping to sell those shares held in margin accounts on a short sale for his company and make a killing...as he had been doing for all the past year...well...the bass fishermen were pretty stunned, and then after a second cup of coffee they got a little angry...why...just to think that all of the baby boomer generation had been fed a bunch of pablum to be long term investors so that the wise guys could sell them short and make a killing just made them furious....stay tuned as I follow this story...

Nostalgia: OpEd: 2010: Evansville Budgets: Getting to Zero: DeJa Vu

 

OpEd: Evansville: Budgets: "Getting to ZERO" 2010

All across America cities and states are facing difficult budget seasons where they review the programs of the past that cannot be funded given the decline in revenue from federal or state aids, or tax revenue. The first of the attempts is to hold the line in actual dollars spent to prior year levels---as opposed to a rubber stamp for a 4% increase or so. The days of the rubber stamp are over.

The difficulty with the ZERO is that to get to zero requires that if wage contracts are honored, some programs and yes some staff have to be furloughed....yes some fees have to go up....and some taxes have to go up. There is just no other way the arithmetic works, unless we have some "grants" to bail us out, the "grants" being from the federal government, which is us, and which will, and is coming to get us in taxes as we speak....

In each of the past four decades there have been times of austerity. If you flip back you can remember or research these---from the recession of 1970 and the closing of Gisholt Machine Works in Madison, to the layoffs at Oscar Meyer, to the recession of 1981 to the Crash of 1986 etc.....

The Past is gone. 

This is going to be a difficult budget season for everyone, and the deal has been changed on the State and Federal level. The days of everyone advocating for themselves and working to see their pet projects approved is over....Programs will be cut....Sacrifices will be made....as they have in the past. Dreams for programs will be put on hold for a later date--delayed and not destroyed....When things get better we can take the dreams out of the file cabinet and plan....or maybe our kids will take the files out of the file cabinet.

This is not the time for unseemly ranting...It is the time to reflect on how to make reasonable promises that can be kept over time...and review the ones that have been made in the past that are in jeopardy of being broken. Were the promises from the State to our schools broken? Will the promises to our seniors be broken? Will the promises to our civil pensioners be broken?

Nostalgia: August 2013: Tales From Normal, Mn: Bystander Arrested for thinking thoughts of possibly asking a question: FICTION

 

Bystander arrested for thinking thoughts of possibly raising a question: Tales from Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Just got the text...seems a bass fisherman was walking around a state Capitol Near Normal, Mn and watching the horsemen on large horses patrolling, and the very heavily armed police...was thinking in his head of a question that might be asked...and he was promptly arrested...seems that even thinking a thought these days is considered wayward activity...so it's not just living the straight life...but thinkin the straight and narrow, very narrow life too that is the new thing in Normal, Mn.. 

Nostalgia: 2011: Austerity Days Come to Normal, Mn: Fiction

 

Austerity Days" Come to Normal, Mn: Fiction

Just the got the text today that there is a huge celebration in Normal, Mn. this weekend for "Austerity Days." All of the most conservative pundits in the country have been yelling for austerity, yelling that people have too much debt, yelling that it is all the other guys fault----but up in Normal, Mn. austerity has arrived....nobody is spending anything....and the city is set to celebrate. 

If you get near Garrison this weekend, just look for the large signs---to celebrate the return of life of the 1950's one store will be selling hamburgers for .25 and also beer will be really cheap...but then it always has been cheap in Normal, Mn. Sure business owners would like you to buy something, but bein that it is austerity days, they will be real laid back on the sales technique. Stop on by. It should be fun.

Nostalgia: 2008: Bear Markets ---The Poem

In bear markets

things
go
down
stocks
hope
families
dreams
health
faith and
people
too

On a
global
view
Over the
long
haul
In
a greater
good
larger
macroeconomic
sense
In the
divine
order
of things
according
to Greenspan
they might be
good
HUH?

For
me
it's
cash
cash
cash
that counts
when
bear markets
mean
bare

Nostalgia: 2008: "Past Results do not guarantee Future Performance".

 Ed. note: This is a post from The Traders Blue Book from 2008: It is one of the most popular posts.) Past Results Do Not Guarantee Future Performance." If you do not remember this phrase, you are probably too young to read this post. In virtually every mutual fund brochure or prospectus for a unit trust of whatever investment, there is the caution...... after of course the investment representative has gone over the wonderful result if..... in theoretical terms..... you had invested ....$1....at the Crash of 1929 and invested that in this particular investment....you would have had the wonderful result listed above....." and after speaking of those wonderful theoretical results, there is the caution about ...."Past Results do not guarantee future performance..." Recently, in Evansville, in our own school projections for future school demand for facilities, whether we looked at population projection or building permit historical data, nobody wanted to read the warning----"Past results do not guarantee future performance." Even in the Evansville City budget, the city financial consultant, Greg Johnson, from Ehlers and Associates stated that "proceeding forward with no further General Obligation debt, the future seems to be no problem with debt capacity." The problem, of course, was pointed out by Fred Juergens, who counted 5 million in dreams that were penciled in on the capital investment budget for the year around 2009. It seems we always, as human beings, want the pro forma future not to include the unfortunate expenses of the reality of the things on the horizon. I could go on about flashing lights from dashboards of cars re warnings, but.....I think you get the jist. As a stress reliever, it is important to manage stress and ...a little denial is good. Sometimes....the denial gets too large. Posted by Evansville Observer at 8:58 AM

Nostalgia: 2005: X-19: The story of Don Thompson

 As an Evansville regular of the library, you may notice the silver Honda with the license plate, X19, each morning and you may notice an older gentleman in a burgundy french beret cap. Like clockwork, he enters the library and approaches the circulation department each morn----- "Good morning ladies." " How is everyone this fine morning." "We're just fine, Don How are you this morning? You are a little late."..........

Evansville's X19 has a long history as a WWII veteran and a car dealer in Evansville. .....

During WWII, on the island of Okinawa, X19 served first as a PX manager, and later when the military learned about his ability to take and develop film, as a forward observer. Located very close to the Japanese lines, his job was to telephone, and quickly, the adjustments for Allied artillery. Avoiding detection was survival. This was the third of his landings. First there was Kiska, then Saipai.. The next one, the one he already had his number for, was the landing on Japan. " We were all dead, and we knew it, he said. " We knew the reputation of the resistance in Japan, that all those on the Japan landings would be history." 

After the A-bomb, and the end of the war, X19 returned home to Evansville. There was a long tradition in the automobile business in the family. His step- grandfather had been the first Ford dealer in the State of Wisconsin. His father was the sales manager of the Ford dealership in Evansville, located where the roller rink is now today. X19 began to work in the Evansville dealership. After X19's son returned from the Vietnam war, they got to chatting one afternoon about the car business. The son said he really didn't like the business. X19 said, " Well, that make's two of us. I have been frustrated with it for years and only kept it for you. In fact, Ford had a v8 in 1937 with 60 and 85 HP that got 35mpg, but preferred the big, gas guzzlers that were unreliable. I have never forgiven them for that. It was a big mistake. Let's sell the business." And he did. He is now on his 5th Honda. 

When he sold the dealership number 19, he changed his license to X19. He got the idea from the governor of Wisconsin, who had number 1 on his license plate, and then when he left office, took the number X1. 

In the years since, X19 has served 30 years on the library board, as well as 30 years on the Board of Review. 

I have mentioned in an earlier post on "How to sculpt a David," that the key to creating things is knowing what one does NOT want to become. Carving out the unwanted really defines a person. What caused the gift of length of years Don has been given?--87 1/2. It is all right there on the license plate...... X19.

As you enter the library this halloween, you might sense the spirit of X19, the spirit of Don Thompson. His spirit of service lives.

Nostalgia : 2013: The Legend of Theodore Robinson

 Many years ago, Chris Eager, the then president of UBT bank, and activist in the move to create the Evansville Senior Center, came to a meeting of the Evansville School Board, to introduce the concept of the Evansville Community Center, and why it was expanded to a broader concept to get public support...during the question and answer period, he was asked why the middle school was called the "Theodore Robinson Middle School"--to which he replied, " Theodore Robinson was a student here who left and became a great painter in Europe, studying under some of the great masters...and our goal for our city and school should not be to be able to say that we have created graduates that have lived their whole lives in Evansville, but that we have launched students to form successful lives and families and careers." I who had favored the name "Grove School" was stunned, and recognized instantly that Chris was right....I hope to launch our children to the larger world, and even ouselves, and to be able to say to strangers, "I am from Evansville, Wisconsin."

Nostalgia: November 2006: That I Might See: That I might Hear: That I might speak

 (Ed.note. Whenever the Observer finds an unusual sermon locally, I will try to summarize it for my faithful readers. In case some might have missed it. I have long been a reader of printed sermons, such as Jonathan Edwards, etc. In times gone by, this was an established area of literature, and rhetoric. )

Last Sunday a local pastor in Evansville gave a sermon that was pretty remarkable. It was on the blind man at the side of the road. Yes, there are several of them in the gospels, but in this one story, the blind man is told to shut up and be still. The Lord hears the commotion and says, "Bring him to me." A little teaching lesson for those disciples on their future role.

Anyway. When the disciples approach the blind man and tell him to come forward, the blind man throws off his cloak. The pastor noted the fact that the blind use their cloak to keep the coins that people throw to them in their begging. So---throwing the cloak is pretty remarkable. The blind man had a real focus on what was important. He already "saw" pretty clearly.

The Lord then asks the blind man: "What do you want? And the blind man says, "That I might see."

You all know the rest of the story. But.....

As I traveled about this week, I counted the number of bifocals and extra reading glasses, and the sunglasses etc that those over 40 struggle with as their eyes suffer a variety of conditions......It is pretty rampant. It is very, very common. I invite you to do a little survey. I think you will be amazed by the data. 

I liked the sermon and all. From the Observer perspective, I wonder what kind of "blindness" was really being cured here? As my readers know, I have been a big fan of Pinocchio and stories etc, and never have confused the point with the facts. I know some folks think the Lord was a vision specialist and did a little early laser treatment. NO. I think not. He also was NOT an educational specialist who wrote books on braille. NO. I would propose...for friendly debate of course...that it's a different kind of blindness---the kind we all have.

Very early....we begin not seeing. The things that are inconvenient. And the hearing too begins to fade. We just do not want to hear. The lies. The pain. Well, lots of stuff.

And then the final blow. The voice fades. We lose the ability to raise our hand and speak. To ask questions. To disagree. It becomes just too uncomfortable.

What woe! To be blind. And deaf. And dumb. And the progression begins so early in life.

So. It's not too late. To stand. To see. To hear. And to speak. Let's throw off the cloak and begin. Toss the small change on the floor.

Nostalgia: 2014: Tales From Normal, Mn: Heritage found preserved in cave in Normal, Mn FICTION

 Just got the news...via tweet...from the bass fishermen in Normal, Mn, who have taken the rainy morning off and are holed up at Betty Lou's Coffee Shop..where all the coffee is double strong..and the whipped cream is no extra charge....it seems that this past weekend some young boys were exploring in the caves around Normal, Mn., and they discovered on one wall something pretty unusual...and in a moment they were thunderstruck because it just proved that hundreds, maybe thousands of years ago...humans were here and well..they were our ancient heritage...they saw the words carved out that we see all over the world today from humans of the highest order....." We need more and better weapons."

Nostalgia: 2017: Tales from Normal, Mn FICTION: Candidate wants to use his vast bankruptcy experience to help America

 Just got the tweet from the bass fishermen at Betty Lou's coffee shop....where there has been some hot and heavy talk this morning about which Republican candidate for President would be the best candidate to lead America...and the front runner has said that he wants to utilize his vast bankruptcy experience to get the best deal for America....stay tuned.

Nostalgia: 2022: Tales from Normal, Mn: FICTION: National Day of Fraud Repentence Scheduled.

 A national Day of Fraud repentance will be celebrated on Sunday January 30,2022 in Normal, Minnesota. This will be a day long event held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Because of the overwhelming interest in this event reservations are required. This event is principally designed for penitant corporate executives. Trained evangelical ministers will be available to hear your confession and prosecutors will also be available to suggest plea agreements. This is a special opportunity for corporate whistleblowers to invite their CEO's to attend this event. There is no admission charge and in fact the whistleblower with the largest fraud referral will receive a special prize

Signs of the Resistance

 

Nostalgia: 2012: Americans DO Remember!!

 What are investors telling us on Wall Street? Investors are in CASH. The machines are in equities. The regular citizen has been barraged by media pundits telling them that they must take their life savings and at a time they face retirement, that they should invest in equities. Seniors are not buying it. They are in CASH. What does that tell you and what does that mean for the Presidential election? America does remember the crash of Lehman in 2008. They do remember the white faced President Bush and Secretary of Treasury Paulson speaking on the imminent crisis they faced and the prospects of a complete financial meltdown. So guess what? Americans do not want to go back. They remember. The election is over. Their memory has served the people well.

Nostalgia: 2006: " The Great Bank Robbery of 2005

 The Great Robbery of 2005; Or, a modest proposal for the historical revision of the tales of armed robbery; OR, Book Review: “The best way to rob a bank is to own one.” By William K. Black.

Recently right in the midst of our local bank moving to its new location, a bold, young man strode in and robbed it in broad daylight. Because of the bank relocating, the cameras had been disabled and in the aftermath, the local rumor was that probably the robber would never be caught. Hopes faded for a solution to the crime.  

As days passed, the rumor spread that this master of mischief had used such deceit as bandaids on his fingers to do the evil deed. He was rumored to change his clothes as fast as Superman and that he had a lot of tatoos on his back. The number of the tatoos seemed to grow as the days passed.

And then, just when the legend was starting to pick up speed, the robber was caught. By his own large mouth. 

It seems that the robber, had spoken to another person while the FBI videotaped his discussion of robbing six banks in four states in seven months. In the process of these crimes, he netted $40,000. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison for each robbery. Like 120 years in prison for $40,000. 

I know what you are thinking----- that this guy just could not do the math. Robbers of earlier days in the 1930s were a lot smarter. Like Jesse James who the folks in Northfield, Minn still celebrate with Jesse James days. Those were the days! Those were the smartest of the smart! Wrong. Nothing has changed. The math was the same or worse in those days of yore. Who then ARE the “ GREATEST “of the bank robbers?…..Read on.

I am currently reading the book, “The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One,” by William K. Black. Mr. Black was the lead regulator during the Savings and Loan Crisis of the 1980’s. In all, over 1000 individuals were convicted of felonies for what is called “control fraud.” This is essentially the white collar version of armed robbery. However, you might be interested to know that nobody counts it as robbery. Huh?

Mr. Black points out in his book that the lessons of the robbery of the S&L’s of the 1980’s has been lost on folks today, and today the same technique is being used to loot corporations. Mr. Black says ,” In 2003, the United States Department of Justice reported that property crimes had continued their trend and fallen to an all-time low. In fact, property crimes have surged to an all-time high since Enron collapsed in late 2001. The reason for the contradiction is that the Justice Department does not count serious crimes because it excludes white-collar crimes from its data keeping. A wave of frauds led by the men who control large corporations, what I term”control fraud,” caused the massive losses from property crimes.”(pp13)

So there you have it. All about the Great Robbery of 2005. Oh, by the way, it wasn’t the guy with the tatoos.

Nostalgia: 2008: On Bears, On Bear Stearns, On Bear Markets

 Yesterday, after listening to the Bloomberg News channel since 5am or so, I had turned the T.V. to "mute" so I could just see the breaking news on the bottom rather than listen to the spin by the pundits. It is a lot quieter that way.

Soon after the markets opened, I saw President Bush speaking, a little stressed it looked like, and after watching him for a while, I tried to guess what he was saying. It looked like he was mouthing that "There really are WMD in Iraq." Or maybe "We are really victorius in Iraq." or maybe that 'I am a compassionate conservative."

What a disappointment to turn on the sound and hear the actual words: "Trust me, the economy is sound. Our markets are resiliant. These are tough times....."

I did recall that these were almost the exact words that Herbert Hoover had mouthed in 1929.

The markets plunged right after President Bush had got done speaking. Nothing could be worse that a President trying to inspire confidence when his approval rating is historically low.

The markets are a matter of FAITH. A confidence Game. Always have been. Bankers rely on their counterparts to ensure that when there is a peak of outflow they can sustain it. No one bank alone has the cash on hand to do so; In fact, cash is probably less than 1% of assets. This is why when the faith of the investment community left Bear Stearns, they sold for $2 per share----the plunge in value is simply stunning for those involved.

The "Big boys" at Bear Stearns walked away with their bonuses from January. The regular employees walked away with nothing. At least bankruptcy would have been a little more equitable.  

Now that the Federal Reserve has indicated it can intervene creatively, we will see whether it will intervene directly into the mortgage maket and specifically provide a remedy to homeowners who are in their homes and facing foreclosure. They have the power to do this. So far there has been rhetoric. Treasury Secretary Paulson opposes such a move. President Bush opposes such a move. Such a move may be necessary. Stay tuned. 

Nostalgia: 2012 : The Rise of "Gangsta Government".

 (Ed note: This is reprinted due to popular demand from the Reflections blog) The Rise of "Gangsta" Government: Oh the Glories of Little Bohemia Recently I took a winter pilgrimage of sorts up to Manitowish Waters in Northern Wisconsin to spend a weekend near "Little Bohemia"---the resort where the FBI had that famous gun battle with John Dillinger as depicted in the recent movie. As I approached the lodge in the erie darkness, I was stunned that the very dark display of the film was in fact how it was in real life....we had a wonderful time at dinner there where there are momentos of the Dillenger event and I do recommend everyone to take a trip to see for yourself...but I digress... Those were the days when bold robbers met their fate at the hands of skillfull lawmen of the young FBI....what has happened to those days when bribery and extortion were met with the righteous wrath of the courageous FBI? Take for example the recent event in Madison, Wisconsin where a noted corporation, posing through a middleman, threatened the State of Wisconsin that they would leave for the warm weather of Florida unless they were paid several million dollars to relocate to the nearby Middleton...... How is this different from the famous extortion cons of the wild 1930"s. Very simple. Now we call it Economic Development

2005: Nostalgia: "The Tipping Point" or Where is Harry Truman when we need him?

 Recently there has been a lot of talk about the "Tipping Point" or the moment or event, whether large or small, that things change. On PBS News Hour on Friday last, David Brooks went into a long and interesting presentation on why Katrina was a tipping point, and not only that, but listed a long series of natural events that have as a result created a political earthquake. Click on the post to get the story as well as the real audio. 

Specifically, he mentioned the occasion in Louisiana of a very big storm when the governer had to decide to flood some homes to save the capital. He pledged to pay for the homes and rebuild. He lied. Out of the outrage of that incident came the rise of Huey Long. The Kingfish. The fictional rendition of Huey Long is dramatized in the novel "All the King's Men," by Robert Penn Warren. One of my favorites. 

If you can dust off your old copy of "All the King's Men," the opening two pages are pretty dramatic. It begins with the view from inside a limo driving in the night in Louisiana, with the headlights peering out, rolling through the night, with the powerful limo squashing all the critters that venture out on the roadway, rolling along cushioned from the reality of the ebb and flow of the real world below. It's been thirty years, and the picture is still vivid in my memory.

It is kind of sad and ironic that leaders like the Kingfish rise to power by working on the alienation of the people from their leaders and in the end, fall as a result of that same alienation.

The image of President Bush at 50,000 ft. reviewing the destruction of Katrina may also be a powerful image that may provoke a powerful political change. We shall see. Political patronage or Pork, may be a condemned routinely, in highway projects and in many areas of life, but when it permeates the survival of the country, or Homeland Security, we are in deep trouble. Thus, when asked recently whether the US can withstand another disaster or attack at this time, even President Bush hesitated and said "That's a good question." 

President Harry Truman rose to fame at the end of WWII investigating the corruption of war profiteers. It would be nice if we a had him now. He could come by on one of his train trips, come through Evansville, cause I would be the first to yell, "Give em hell, Harry."

"The Tipping Point" or "How LIttle Things Can Make a Big Difference" is written by Malcolm Gladwell and is available at the Eager Free Public Library.

2006: Nostalgia: Black Elk Speaks: " The Circle of Trust has been broken"

 The time was twenty years ago. My sister has just been through a perilous period as a public relations pro for a major Fortune 500 company. The pension assets of her world wide company had been threatened because some bonds---yes bonds peddled by Michael Milliken and such--- had comprised such a large portion of the company pension plan that in the panic that ensued with the bond scandal, the retirement of thousands was threatened. 

She was called in by the CEO. He told her the mission----to regain trust.

She told him directly that the only way to regain trust was to remove the barriers to communication and unite the employees worldwide, for better for worse---in an internal blog of sorts. To dispel rumor. Quickly. 

A year later. The panic was over. The employees had shared their worst fears. They had fashioned a financial solution together with management. It was not pretty. They were in it together.  

A year later, Susie was invited to speak in front of the Conference Board in Washington. They wanted a speech about broken trust, and how to regain it. The Conference Board is the board that each month releases the economic index of confidence. They wanted to hear some ideas on trust. On confidence. On how to regain it once broken. 

In her speech, Susie reviewed the conditions of employment of our fathers and mothers through the first 70 years of this century. Folks working their careers with one company. A spirit of compact between employer and employee. Then she described the total breakdown that was underway in America. 

She likened the breakdown to the experience of the American Indian. She referred to one of the Indian speeches, I believe it was by Black Elk, of the Sioux nation. He described the situation of the Indian. He said that they had made compacts with all the Presidents and all the compacts had been broken. Was there not one person left who could keep his word?

Black Elk went on to describe the vision of his people---a vision of interdependence world wide. A sacred circle. A sacred hoop. 

I relate the story in this season of politics since it is a time when promises are made with ease and easily broken. Too easily broken. 

This year especially, it seems that it is simply out of fashion to even talk about issues whatsoever. It is all about scandal, diversion and smear.  

Being a leader as Black Elk saw it is more than a shell game. A game of deceit. It is a sacred role. Something to think abou

Tales from Normal Mn: Nostalgia: 2010. : "no" means "no" in Normal Minnesota

 Well. It has been just a hubub of political activity locally. With all the budget talks. One of the things that just picqued my interest was the series of video where the discussion was about what would happen if a certain referendum would go down to defeat in November. What would happen if the public said "NO."

The answer was that the politicians would still "work it" and bring it back to the voters in a year. Maybe they would change their mind. Maybe if they were asked more nicely, maybe with a "pretty please" they would agree.

Just that morning I had been reviewing the early elementary school anti bullying campaign curriculum, and something struck me as unusual. The same kind of behavior that schools on a daily basis are teaching our kids to avoid, is the exact type of behavior that our government celebrates.

Whenever I wonder about things, I just pick up a cellphone and give my friend Herman, the countryboy lawyers from Normal, Mn. a call. He knows the law. He should know.

"Herman, how does it work up in Normal, Mn? Does "NO" mean "NO" in Normal?

Herman just laughed. "Wolfman,"(that's what he always called me), "NO" always means "Maybe" in politics. That is because there is no morals in politics, just opportunism. Hence, "NO" is just a relative term for a point in time. 

Then Herman went on: "In love and war, however, "NO" might mean different things. The President might say "NO" to Russia invading Georgia---and then keep saying "NO" hoping that it would be believed. Still. Ya have to have some force to back it up. So also in love. The girl can say "NO" but always keep her hand on the phone to call 911 to make sure. It is just "trust but verify," in love and war. 

Nostalgia: (2007) : Memories of John Jones

 Many of you may remember John Jones, the owner of Jones Barbells on Union Street. He was an avid flyer, a flight instructor and a weight lifter known nationally by his plane with the Jones Barbell logo on it. He was the son of a World War II ace pilot. 

There are many John Jones stories. He was a very simple and direct and honest person. Sometimes disturbingly so for high and mighty types. John was most at home in his welding overalls with the top glass shield that he retracted, like Dark Helmet, when he came from the back welding area to help a customer. He loved welding, and selling was just extra.

Back in 1990 I wandered into the shop to see his weight equipment and explained to the big guy that I had been a long distance runner in my youth, and a slow one at that, but needed to regain my leg strength. He said not a word. He just waved me to follow him back to the leg press section of the display room. He showed me his patented leg press machine, the one that had the special safety and he designed to prevent back injuries. I was an easy sale.

As I cleared out my storage chest recently of the many race t-shirts over the years, I had to smile. John never said that my dream of running again was crazy, like most of the relatives. He just showed me what was necessary.

Everything was on a handshake with John. His word was good. I would buy everything he had eventually. Finally, when I asked about some new piece, he quietly said, "Dick, you just need to use what you have. It's up to you, not the equipment."
That was just what I needed to hear then. 

To those of you that attended the recent peace vigil, I applaud your showing up to express your opinion by free assembly. To those who take the other side, I applaud your right to express it.

The question is not for those who show up. The question I have is ----Who is the real Observer. Is it me? I think not. I have to write a bit each day with my name on it. The observers are those who just log on to observe what the rest are talking about. I know because I get the traffic reports.

John Jones told me something that I did not want to hear. The equipment was not going to get the muscles. It was up to me.  

To those who are just observing, think about expressing yourself without fear. Think
about telling a friend about The Evansville Observer. The Observer is not about me. It is really about the comments. It's about the discussion. The Observer is just a place to talk. A place to chat about possiblities. It is only going to be what you, the observers, make it.

When Daytrading America

 When Daytrading America, Its always best to have a Hedge Fund analyst in the Situation Room---to give the best possible insider trading advice to all concerned and explain the mechanics of puts and calls.  

A "put" is not a "putt".  It could be easy to confuse the two.  

The China Bromance is Dead

 Back in 1972 the China Bromance began after Nixon visited China with Henry Kissinger.  As the love story developed, I always thought we would buy their bargain priced goods and we would sell them our higher level technology, and along the way show them how democracy worked and the magic of human rights.  

It's been 50 years.  No deal.  Seems we learned more about their authoritarian ways than they learned from us.  

Being positive:  We can go back to Rotary phones.  There was a time we were adults and could use a map when we traveled.  We could survive without our phone tracking our every step.  We could speak without our TV or phone recording us secretly.  

When we fish-- we can go back before electronic fish finders and go to our favorite spots on the lake.  We can just pop the small trolling motor onto the boat and fish in the early morning with the family.  No big pontoon with the luxury fish storage bin in the back.  Yes the good old days.

And other good news:  When couples go out to dinner, they won't be spending all their time staring at their phones and will actually talk to each other.  It could be wonderful.  A real reversal of attention deficit disorder.

And drivers will actually drive their cars rather than stare at their phones.  Biking will be a lot safer.  Yippie.  

 Classic Posts from the past:

Monday, October 22, 2007
Reflection: Thoughts on the Great Crash

OpEd: "The Great Crash" by Galbraith

If you have read the recent book by Alan Greenspan, "Turbulence," and I have not yet completed it, although I have skimmed parts, and if you have listened to the coverage of the G7 in Europe, as well as pundits in the press, there is the spin that we just cannot do anything about "busts" of markets. The Fed is just helpless it seems when it comes to taking any action to deflate "Irrational Exuberance."

Bold action CAN be taken to rescue banks that have been packaging "mortgage securities" and of course bold action CAN be taken to rescue banking entities that are "too large to fail." That being said, other than rescuing the big guys, they are helpless.

The cause of the Great Crash as explained in the book by John Kenneth Galbraith, was the severe disparity of wealth in America which had widened in the 1920's. The only time in our history that has equaled this is TODAY.

Frequently, the Big boys, as they are called, can be heard saying that this is NOT THEIR PROBLEM. It is true that one does not get to be a "big boy" through meditative exercise...however that being said, without buyers, sellers cannot prosper. In some marketing equation then, one is one's brother's business keeper. Any seller must therefore make sure the buyers can still buy.

How long could such a period of "NON BUYING" last. This is the eyeopener. In 1929, when my father turned 18, and his father died, he went off to college. Then in 1933 when he worked for a few years before going into the service---till the Korean War...the fact that the depression lasted from 1929 to 1950 meant that a whole generation of folks waded through twenty years of "NON BUYING".

The pundits have said that thank goodness we know a lot more about economics now than then. Show me.

Tales From Normal, Mn: High Level Penguin Negotiator Sought for Tariff Talks

 Just got the news out of Normal, Mn where all the bass fishermen are gathered at Betty Lou's Coffee shop, where all the bass fishermen gather each morning.  The bold poster in the Brainerd Daily Times caught their eye". "HIGH LEVEL PENGUIN NEGOTIATOR SOUGHT". 

Must be able to negotiate with island of Penguins where no human has been able to survive.  Only the fittest must apply for this position.  No hint of past surrender to penguins will be tolerated.  Conservative patriots preferred.  Alcohol use or drug use is acceptable.  Some history of business fraud preferred.  

Stay tuned as I follow this story.

Evansville Observer: Public Works: 11-27-2007: Joe DeYoung of MSA Speak...

Evansville Observer: Public Works: 11-27-2007: Joe DeYoung of MSA Speak...: MSA: Joe DeYoung speaks: Flooding was no surprise at all. Download File

2007: Nostalgia: Evansville Observer: Dr. Lezlie Painovich Presents scholarship

Evansville Observer: Dr. Lezlie Painovich Presents scholarship: Dr. Painovich presents Stoughton Scholarship on Scholarship night. Download File

Parodi Landscaping

NOW SHOWING: At Eager Free: Mature Artists of Evansville, Wisconsin: Meet at Eager Free for Exhibit...

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Evansville Observer: Keynote Address: 2008: Economic Summit

Evansville Observer: Keynote Address: Economic Summit: Mr. Terry Whipple, Executive Director, Juneau Economic Development Corporation---speech titled "Catch the Culture." 1 of 3 video ...

Evansville Observer moves to "Archive" Status: Breaking News

The Evansville Observer blog, one of the largest and longest running blogs in the USA, has moved to "Archive" status and will continue to be available to viewers worldwide for searching the history of Evansville, Wisconsin as seen in the actions of it's citizens in public meetings addressing the issues the city has faced between 2005 and 2013.

Mailbag: Vinehout: Forum explores challenges facing public schools

Forum Explores Challenges Facing Public Schools Public education started down the statewide voucher path with the start of the school year across Wisconsin. While things might not look different on the outside, big changes are happening in the state’s public education system. One of the biggest changes is the expenditure this state budget makes in taxpayer-funded vouchers for private schools. At the same time, over half of public schools will see no increase in state aid. Many of our rural schools will see the maximum cut – a bit above 15%. But private school parents around the state are looking forward to two infusions of public money into private schools. For the first time in state history, private schools statewide are eligible for public dollars through vouchers. The program starts small: 500 students statewide in the first year and 1,000 students in the second year. But people on both sides of this debate predict the cap will be temporary. In addition, private school tuition will be a tax deduction for parents, costing Wisconsin taxpayers an estimated $30 million over the state’s two year budget. I recently spoke at a community forum aimed at stimulating conversation about the future of public schools. Participants learned Wisconsin’s public schools are doing a good job in the face of many challenges. Nearly 9 out of 10 public schools meet or exceed state expectations while only 4% are failing. But statewide, student poverty has substantially increased. I shared with participants the story of my school district of Alma. Twelve years ago less than 2 out of 10 students were poor (as defined by eligibility for free and reduced lunch). Last year 4 out of 10 students’ families fell into this category. The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram reported 42% of Eau Claire district students are from economically disadvantaged homes – a 10% increase in five years. Often, teachers use their own money to supply children with healthy snacks, school supplies, and warm clothing. A school social worker confided that 15 of her Middle School students are from homeless families who have exhausted all options for shelter. The effects of poverty undermine children’s ability to learn. It takes more resources, financial and staff, to help economically-disadvantaged students keep pace with their peers. Yet such aid to assist schools has steadily declined. Jeff Pertl of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) explained to forum attendees how poverty impacts student performance. High poverty schools are often low performing schools. Students simply do not have resources to learn. Minority students are more likely to attend a poor performing school. This exacerbates the state’s achievement gap. To address this issue, 20 years ago the state embarked on an experiment with voucher schools in Milwaukee. Questions still swirl around the success of this experiment. While Milwaukee’s voucher program gave students more educational options, DPI data on 2011-12 Wisconsin Student Assessment Scores show Milwaukee voucher students are less proficient in both reading and mathematics than students in Milwaukee public schools. The forum audience wanted to know the cost to public schools of the expansion of the private school vouchers. Mr. Pertl explained on average the state funds 61% of the cost for public school students and 100% of the cost of statewide voucher and independent charter students. Although the voucher system was touted as a way to help poor students in failing public schools, two-thirds of the students who signed up for the statewide voucher program were already in private schools. UW Madison School of Education Dean Julie Underwood added key facts to our discussion. The most profound statement came from my colleague Senator Dale Schultz whose comment should give us all pause: “Look, I voted for charter schools at different times and choice schools. And why did I do it? Because I want our kids to have the best and I know that sometimes you gotta look outside the box for a new solution and it’s worth trying.” “But I don’t quite understand – when the facts are in, when we know that our public schools are doing a superior job – we put the money in the other pot.” “To me it looks like the largest middle class entitlement ever and how’s that conservative?” (A tape recording of the forum is available on Wisconsin Eye at the link below: http://www.wiseye.org/Programming/VideoArchive/EventDetail.aspx?evhdid=7960 )

Assad tells Obama to stop arming rebels, or no deal | WashingtonExaminer.com

Assad tells Obama to stop arming rebels, or no deal | WashingtonExaminer.com

Catholic, voucher schools oppose testing bill : Madisondotcom

Catholic, voucher schools oppose testing bill : Madisondotcom

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: Agendas NOT being prepared in order to save paper: Tales from Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: Agendas NOT being prepared in order to save paper: Tales from Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: They just love education: They are studying Beer brewing every Wednesday: Forever till they get it right: Tales From Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: They just love education: They are studying Beer brewing every Wednesday: Forever till they get it right: Tales From Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Pollster Paul Maslin offers advice for Mary Burke : Ct

Pollster Paul Maslin offers advice for Mary Burke : Ct

Fed judge rules Wis. union changes legal : Madisondotcom

Fed judge rules Wis. union changes legal : Madisondotcom

Mailbag: Social Media Marketing

Group: Social Media Marketing Subject: 3 Free brand new guide books from HubSpot – download them today before they go away Our friends at HubSpot have provided 3 brand new guide books to help you build your business. These are always spot on and very useful. Take a look: 1. How to Leverage Pinterest for Business Pinterest is simply EXPLODING and more and more companies are leveraging Pinterest to reach a new audience, increase visits to their websites, and generate leads or retail sales. Grab this free ebook to learn how to use Pinterest to increase traffic, leads & sales for your business. Get your free copy here: http://bit.ly/19pdIQi 2. 17 Customizable Templates: Shareable Graphics on Social Media People are 44% more likely to engage with content on social media that contains pictures. But creating visual content takes time and resources. Download these 17 free customizable PowerPoint templates to easily create social media content that your audiences will want to share! Get your free templates here: http://bit.ly/1fEVN9Q 3. The 30 Greatest Lead Generation Tips, Tricks, & Ideas Ever Generating leads is a marketer's single most important objective. Yet, only 1 in 10 marketers say their lead generation efforts are highly efficient and effective. Grab this collection of 30 proven – yet often overlooked – lead generation strategies, so you can start reeling in those leads. Get your free copy here: http://bit.ly/18zINQr Go ahead and forward this email to your friends and colleagues that you think might benefit from this. Here's to your success, Mike Crosson Moderator and Publisher www.SocialMediopolis.com

'Brown Jug' bill would levy additional $1,000 fine against Wisconsin underage drinkers : Ct

'Brown Jug' bill would levy additional $1,000 fine against Wisconsin underage drinkers : Ct

School Scoop: I'm not the only one who wondered about the CAC vs...

School Scoop: I'm not the only one who wondered about the CAC vs...: The first question asked at the Citizen Advisory Committee information sharing meeting tonight was not asked by me, but was the same questio...

As Syria debate rages on, Baldwin says she opposes airstrikes : Ct

As Syria debate rages on, Baldwin says she opposes airstrikes : Ct

Mailbag: I and E Meets Wednesday: Micro Brews on the agenda

Hi everyone Something’s brewing at I&E Club! Page Buchanan of House of Brews will talk about his adventures and lessons in starting his microbrewery in Madison. If you ever wondered what it might be like to have a microbrewery, now’s your chance to hear from someone who’s doing it. We’re meeting, as usual, at Creekside Place, 102 Maple Street, Evansville. And while you’re at the meeting, enjoy refreshment sponsored by another entrepreneur who created Cloud Knocker, a unique web-venture that compiles all your preferred vendors, coupons, specials and similar information in one handy place. See you Wednesday!

Municipal judge takes truancy court to school : Ct

Municipal judge takes truancy court to school : Ct

On Campus: Pocan bill could shrink student loan debt : Wsj

On Campus: Pocan bill could shrink student loan debt : Wsj

Students on field trip find body in Madison lagoon : Madisondotcom

Students on field trip find body in Madison lagoon : Madisondotcom

Evansville Observer: Nostalgia: 2007: Mason speaks: NO TIF for Easts...

Evansville Observer: Nostalgia: 2007: Mason speaks: NO TIF for Easts...

Evansville Observer: Mailbag: Vinehout Writes: Re: Health Care Changes...

Evansville Observer: Mailbag: Vinehout Writes: Re: Health Care Changes...: Health Insurance: Big Changes Happening "What am I going to do about health insurance?” the woman at the picnic recently asked me. She ...

Evansville Observer: OpEd: NFL Settles Concussion Suit with 4500 playe...

Evansville Observer: OpEd: NFL Settles Concussion Suit with 4500 playe...: The settlement announcement yesterday by the NFL with 4500 players gives one pause and suggests that if taxpayers would like to avoid a huge...

Oped: Starting a World War to get some excitement in a boring second term?

Time to get some perspective....maybe comedy club might help....there are other ways to create excitement.

Evansville Observer: Nostalgia: November 2006: 4K: Jamie Fellows Speaks...

Evansville Observer: Nostalgia: November 2006: 4K: Jamie Fellows Speaks...: Current Daycare providers serve 142 childrens of possible 150 in Evansville. 4K proposal is duplication of services. Download File

Nostalgia: Timewarp: Evansville Observer: School Scoop: District Investigates 4K for the Fou...

Evansville Observer: School Scoop: District Investigates 4K for the Fou...: School Scoop: District Investigates 4K for the Fourth Time in Si... : Click on the link below to see that the district is again investigatin...

OpEd: Jerry Roth ended the 4 Period Day in Edgerton: He knows what to do:

Getting more flexibility in scheduling is not rocket science---it is fully covered in 7th grade algebra under probability: the number of combinations in a four period day is 4x3x2x1==24 and the number of combinations in an 8 period day: 8x7x6x5x4x3x2x1=? Every child knows this math---and the terrible result for current students is harmful because of the lack of flexibility of curriculum and the the scheduling difficulties that result--and the bottom line is lack of attractiveness for residents coming to our community. Bottom line...Change or face the consequences.

School Scoop: Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) to Convene Septem...

School Scoop: Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) to Convene Septem...: I got an email from Jerry Roth, district administrator, inviting me to attend the first meeting to establish the CAC. I presume every parent...

Nostalgia: What Pres Bush told the Pope:

I spoke with the Pope and disagreed about the Iraq war----I told him "Don't worry it will be a short war."

Evansville Observer: Evansville Observer celebrates the End of the Four...

Evansville Observer: Evansville Observer celebrates the End of the Four...: The End of the Four Period Day will be the event that indicates a seriousness about educational achievement that has been lacking for a deca...

Evansville Budget Meetings Scheduled---9-26-2013

Common Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI Agenda 1. Call to order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the August 13, 2013, regular meeting and to approve them as presented. 5. Civility reminder. 6. Citizen appearances 7. Reports of Committees A. Library Board Report B. Youth Center Advisory Board Report C. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report (1). Motion to accept the City and Water & Light bills as presented. (2). Motion to approve Exclusive Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection and Disposal Contract with Advanced Disposal Services Solid Waste Midwest, LLC, from 2014- through 2020. (3). Financial Audit of year ending December 31, 2012. D. Plan Commission Report E. Public Safety Committee Report F. Public Works Committee Report G. Water & Light Committee Report H. Economic Development Committee Report I. Redevelopment Authority Report J. Parks and Recreation Board Report K. Historic Preservation Commission Report L. Fire District Report M. Police Commission Report N. Energy Independence Team Report O. Board of Appeals Report 8. Unfinished Business. 9. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor A. Mayoral Proclamation In Recognition of Exceptional Evansville Volunteerism 10. Communications from the City Administrator 11. New Business A. League of Wisconsin Municipalities Annual Conference in Green Bay, October 16-18. Earlybird registration deadline Monday, September 16. 12. Introduction of New Ordinances A. First Reading of Ordinance 2013-06, Amending Chapter 46 of the City Code regarding Safe and Sanitary Maintenance of Property. [Sponsors: Alderpersons Fuchs and Montgomery]. 13. Meeting Reminders: A. Budget Presentations Meeting: Thursday, Sept 26, 5:45 pm, City Hall. B. Committee of the Whole Meeting: Saturday, Sept 28, 8:00 am, Creekside Place. C. Regular Meeting: Tuesday, Oct 8, 6:30 pm, City Hall 14. Adjournment Sandra J. Decker, Mayor 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.

School accountability bill has little support : Madisondotcom

School accountability bill has little support : Madisondotcom

Agenda: Finance Meets Tonight: 9/5/2013

NOTICE: The regular meeting of the Finance and Labor Relations Committee for the City of Evansville will be held on the date, time and place stated below. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Regular Meeting Thursday, September 5, 2013, 5:30 p.m. City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI AGENDA 1. Call to order and roll call. 2. Approval of Agenda. 3. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the August 8, 2013, regular meeting and to approve as printed. 4. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed. 5. Presentation: Financial audit of year ended December 31, 2012. 6. Motion to accept the City and Water & Light bills as presented. 7. Unfinished Business: A. Discussion: Personnel Policy. B. Discussion: 2014 Budget. 8. New Business: A. Motion to recommend to Common Council approval of Exclusive Solid Waste and Recyclables Collection and Disposal Contract with Advanced Disposal Services Solid Waste Midwest, LLC from 2014 through 2020. B. Motion to approve application to Evansville Fund to support Montana Leggett Eagle Scout project. 9. Adjournment. Mason Braunschweig, Chair Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the City 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.

Mailbag: Vinehout Writes: Re: Health Care Changes

Health Insurance: Big Changes Happening "What am I going to do about health insurance?” the woman at the picnic recently asked me. She had no health insurance and had several health problems. In the next several weeks big changes are happening related to health insurance. Open enrollment will begin October 1st for a new competitive Health Insurance Marketplace for small businesses and those who buy insurance on their own. Health plans will go into effect in January 2014. Those who have insurance through HIRSP, the state’s high risk pool, will be required to transition to private coverage through the Marketplace. The recently passed state budget made changes to the state’s BadgerCare program. Under those changes parents, currently covered by BadgerCare that make over $15,500 for a couple, will receive a letter soon telling them they will lose coverage through the state and must sign up for a private plan through the Marketplace. About 90,000 people are expected to lose BadgerCare coverage by the end of this year. In the counties that make up the 31st Senate District over 4000 people are affected by this change. But, for the woman I met at the picnic, the news is good. Beginning in January people making less than $11,500 a year will be eligible for the state’s BadgerCare program. These folks should contact their local county health department to receive instructions on how to sign up. Local consortiums (counties working together) are staffing up to prepare for over 80,000 people who will be eligible for BadgerCare beginning next year. All other individuals who will be purchasing insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace can go to HealthCare.gov for information. There is also a toll-free call center available to help answer questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free number is 1-800-318-2596. I’ve spoken with many local agents and brokers who are preparing for the expected influx of new customers in October. “We’ve hired new agents,” one firm told me. “We are also planning many information meetings to help answer questions.” He shared that folks really like the personal service they receive from an agent. In addition, those without internet access find it much easier to work with a local agent. In addition to insurance agents and brokers, there will be specially trained and certified individuals who to help people apply for health insurance through the Marketplace. These Certified Application Counselors and licensed Navigators will not only help individuals but can assist small business people find health insurance plans that fit their needs. I recently spoke with a former business owner in Trempealeau County. He always provided health insurance to his employees but found premiums very expensive. “I was at a competitive disadvantage because my big box competitors did not provide coverage for their employees,” he said. The Small Business Heath Option Program (SHOP) will give small employers some of the advantages large employers have today. Small businesses may be able to qualify for health insurance tax credits. If a business has fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees with an average salary of $50,000 or less the business can qualify for up to 50% of the premium paid for employees’ insurance. In addition, these businesses are now able to buy less expensive insurance through the new competitive Marketplace. Small employers can go to Healthcare.gov or call the special SHOP phone number 1-800-706-7893. To find out if they qualify for the Small business Health Care Tax credit, employers can visit IRS.gov for more information and resources. As October 1st approaches, people will see more education and outreach efforts in their counties and communities. I will have updated information in my Senate Office. People can reach my office by calling 877-763-6636. I will also be putting updated information on my Senate website at http://legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/vinehout The Affordable Care Act is already making it easier for people to get, keep and afford health care benefits. It helps protect consumers from discriminatory insurance practices, allows children up at age 26 stay on their parents’ health insurance, provides free wellness and prevention care, and strengthens coverage for those on Medicare. And the new Marketplace will give Wisconsinites answers to their questions about affordable coverage. If you wish to unsubscribe from this newsletter, reply with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line Sen.Vinehout@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol Room 316 South - P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 Toll Free: (877) 763-6636 or (608) 267-2871

School Scoop: It only took an hour...

School Scoop: It only took an hour...: Well, we stormed the citadel this morning to fix my kid's schedule. Upon entry, the office staff were not particularly helpful. "Do...

Insurance rates released by Walker questioned : Madisondotcom

Insurance rates released by Walker questioned : Madisondotcom

School Scoop: Let's Form Evansville's Academic Warriors!

School Scoop: Let's Form Evansville's Academic Warriors!: Calling all folks who are passionate about academic excellence! I have an idea I have been noodling about in my brain for a few years. Every...

Evansville Observer celebrates the End of the Four Period Day for EHS

The End of the Four Period Day will be the event that indicates a seriousness about educational achievement that has been lacking for a decade. Call your school leaders and let them know that academic achievement matters, and that continued obsession with nonsense is not a substitute for change.

School Scoop: Evansville School District Fails Students

School Scoop: Evansville School District Fails Students: My daughter, a Junior this year, has been waiting for her schedule to be posted for a month. On Thursday, my friend informed me that the sch...

Wireman: Meet and Greet Opportunity Sept 4, 2013

Meet Jon Carson, the National Executive Director of Organizing for Action. We are thrilled that he will be here on Wednesday, September 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Hans & Mary Lou Sollinger, 1206 Sherman Ave. lakefront home. suggested contribution $75 Here is a brief bio of Jon: Jon grew up on a farm in Western Wisconsin before attending UW-Platteville and graduating with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He worked on campaigns for more than a decade, including Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign, and serving as manager for Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth's congressional campaign in 2006. Jon served as the National Field Director for Obama for America in 2008. Later he joined President Obama's administration as Chief of Staff of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. He went on to serve as the Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. After the 2012 election, Jon was appointed as the Executive Director.

Mailbag: Eager Free Library: Upcoming Events

Laura, our Assistant Director extraordinaire, has another exciting program starting this fall. Any questions and/or volunteers interested can contact her directly. Emoji This fall we are starting a new program series for school-age kids (K-5) called the STEAMpunks Club. The programs will be held at the library on Evansville School District early-release days, and each month will have a different theme based on STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. The programs run from 1:15-3:15 and will follow this [loose] schedule: Open with picture book based on that month's theme Hands-on activities and experiments Break for snack and another picture book Group games Quieter activities like a craft project or storytelling Ideally I'd like to have one or two volunteers at each "day" to help set up/clean up, hand out supplies, help with activities as needed, and generally be "around" as a grown-up presence. I have no idea what to expect for turnout during these activities, since this is our first time running something like this, but I'm excited to find out! Our first STEAMpunks Club day is Wednesday, September 18 (theme is SCIENCE!) from 1:15-3:15. Interested parties can send me a note! Thanks as always! Laura Damon-Moore Assistant Director Eager Free Public Library (Evansville) 39 W. Main Street 608-882-2260 damon-moore.laura@als.lib.wi.us

Minutes: Public Safety: August 2013

Public Safety Committee Wednesday, August 7, 2013 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Common Council Chambers 31 South Madison Street MINUTES 1. Chairperson Jacobson called meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll call of committee and staff members present was: Chairperson Jacobson, Brooks and Fuchs, Police Chief Scott McElroy, and EMS Chief, Mary Beaver. 3. Motion by Fuchs, second by Jacobson, to amend the minutes to remove Owl and insert Out on agenda item 9, first paragraph and approve the July 3, 2013 regular meeting minutes. Motion passed, Brooks abstaining. 4. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed- None 5. Old Business - None 7. New Business a. Motion by Brooks, second by Fuchs, to approve the Operator’s License application(s) for Kathleen K Hermanson, Bonnie L Calkins, Lejuana E Meade, Christine Edlund, Melvin Arnold, Judy A George, Allan L Hurst, and Lynda M Laursen. Committee wanted noted that 7a4 did not have city/state/zip included on application. Motion passed. b. Motion by Brooks, second by Fuchs, to approve the Temporary Class “B” Retailer’s License application for FairShare CSA Coalition for the Seventh Annual Bike the Barn event on September 15, 2013 in Lake Leota Park, Evansville, Wisconsin. Alderperson Jacobson questioned why there was no listed bartender to accompany the application. Motion by Jacobson, second by Fuchs, to table the motion to be considered at the September 4 meeting. Motion passed on 2-1 roll call vote. c. Alderperson Jacobson brought up the Knox Box. Chairperson Jacobson discussed the item. Alderperson Brooks requested more information be brought before the committee. d. Chief McElroy presented his 2014 Budget for discussion. Items mentioned were squad replacement and radio for the emergency trailer, additional squad rifles, department staffing, and accreditation with associated expenses, phone system, utilities, and office supplies. Revenues seem to be on target for 2013. 8. Police Department There were 1142 calls for service in the month of July 2013 compared to 1113 in July last year. License plate transactions for July 2013 were 64. Officer Jones has completed Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training. Staff completed range training August 1, 2013. On August 8, 2013 one part-time officer, Jamey Davis, will be appointed at the Police Commission meeting. Coop student, Josh Chenoweth, has been working morning hours since June 10th. The Emergency Operations Manual/Plan is being updated with the assistance of Administrative Assistant, Samantha Trumpy. The police department assisted with the 5k/10k run on the Fourth of July. The July 4th festivities went very well. On July 24, staff went to the Daycare Kids Club and met with children ages 6-10. Chief McElroy represented Evansville at the Rock County National Night Out event in Beloit on August 6, 2013. Officers Reese and Laufenberg will represent Evansville on August 15 for Evansville Night Out. Chief McElroy will attend for a short time then leave for a class. Evansville Police Department will be participating in the State of Wisconsin annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunken drivers from August 16 through September 2, 2013. 9. Emergency Medical Service The run total for the month of July 2013 was 50, with the year-to-date total up to July 31, 2013 was 312. 810 had one of the runs for July with a year-to-date total of 38. The year-to-date total for 2012 was 245, with a 67 run increase for 2013. Effective July 11, 2013, the State approved the Evansville EMS to utilize manual defibrillation on all pulse-less non-breather calls. The Evansville Night Out is scheduled for August 15, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A free of charge pool party will be offered to anyone in attendance after demonstrations are complete. A condensed Bike Rodeo will also be held for local children. 10. Motion by Fuchs, second by Jacobson, to adjourn at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Jacobson, Chairperson These minutes are not official until approved by Public Safety at their next regular meeting

Public Safety Meets Wed, Sept 4, 2013

NOTICE The regular meeting of the Public Safety Committee for the City of Evansville will be held on the 4th day of September, 2013 at 6:30 p.m., in Common Council Chambers, 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance. Public Safety Committee Wednesday, September 4, 2013 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Common Council Chambers 31 South Madison Street AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Motion to approve the August 7, 2013 regular meeting and the August 15, 2013 special meeting minutes as printed 5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed 6. Old Business – 7. New Business a. Motion to approve the Operator’s License application(s) for: 1) Michael R Paulson 2) Whitney M Snyder b. Motion to approve the application for the Temporary Class “B”/”Class B” Retailer’s License for Evansville Chamber of Commerce & Tourism for the Shop, Savor and Stroll Chamber Event on September 20, 2013 in the Eager Economy Building, 7 East Main Street, Evansville Wisconsin. c. Discussion regarding Community Outreach with Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force d. Update and discuss the Park Store burglary, the Press Box Fire and the Church Street explosive device e. Discussion of Police Department 2014 Budget f. Discussion of Emergency Medical Service 2014 Budget 8. Evansville Police Report 9. Evansville Medical Service Report 10. Motion to adjourn Barbara Jacobson, Chairperson 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.

Planning Commission Meets September 3rd: Public waiting for agenda

The Planning Commission meets on September 3rd.....Where is the agenda?

Evansville Meetings September 2013

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Labor Day City Offices Closed 3 Plan Commission 6:00pm City Hall Fire District 7:00pm Fire Station 425 Water St Tourism Comm No Meeting 4 Public Safety 6:30pm City Hall 5 Finance/Labor Rel 5:30pm City Hall 6 7 8 9 Park Board 6:00pm City Hall 10 Common Council 6:30pm City Hall 11 EMS 6:00pm EMS Building 11 W Church St 12 Board of Review 4:00-6:00 pm City Hall Housing Auth 6:30pm Housing Auth 455 S 1st St 13 14 Municipal Court 7:45am City Hall 15 16 Economic Dev 6:00pm City Hall 17 Youth Center 6:00pm Youth Center 209 S 1st St 18 Historic Pres 6:30pm City Hall 19 20 21 22 23 24 Public Works 6:00pm DPW Shop 535 S Madison St Library Board 5:30pm Library 39 W Main St 25 Water & Light 5:00pm W&L Shop 15 Old Hwy 92 Municipal Court 6:30pm City Hal 26 Common Council 5:45pm City Hall 27 28 Comm. Of the Whole 8:00 am Creekside 102 Maple 29 30

OpEd: NFL Settles Concussion Suit with 4500 players: Concussion Ins coverage next for High school and college players?

The settlement announcement yesterday by the NFL with 4500 players gives one pause and suggests that if taxpayers would like to avoid a huge liability surprise on their tax statements, comprehensive concussion coverage for high school and college football players is next---this would be a pay to play program...pay the insurance if you want to play... Maybe it should be expanded to the grade school football programs also. Stay tuned as I follow this story.

I and E Club Meets September 11th: Beer Business on the Agenda

September 11: Build Your Own Beer Business I&E Club is presenting, just in time for Oktoberfest, a program on building your own beer business. Come to the next meeting Sept. 11 to hear Page Buchanan of House of Brews. This Madison microbrewery -- nanobrewery? -- is small but mighty unique due to its business model! This program is sponsored by CloudKnocker, a platform that allows you to search from your mobile device without being "tracked" for advertising purposes. Save the date and come to Creekside Place for this next meeting!

Judge: NFL, players to settle concussion lawsuits for $765 million : Sports

Judge: NFL, players to settle concussion lawsuits for $765 million : Sports

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: No Sales Awards: No Raises; Just Extra Pottie Breaks in Normal, Mn.: Tales from Normal, MN.:FICTION

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: No Sales Awards: No Raises; Just Extra Pottie Breaks in Normal, Mn.: Tales from Normal, MN.:FICTION

Evansville Observer: Mailbag: Krake: Theodore Robinson Plein Air Compe...

Evansville Observer: Mailbag: Krake: Theodore Robinson Plein Air Compe...: Theodore Robinson Plein Air Committee PO Box 321 Evansville WI 53536 Hello, It’s hard to believe that nearly two months have pass...

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: Bystander arrested for thinking thoughts of possibly raising a question: Tales from Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Tales From Normal, Mn.----FICTION: Bystander arrested for thinking thoughts of possibly raising a question: Tales from Normal, Mn.: FICTION

Minutes: Water and Light: July 2013

Water & Light Committee Meeting Regular Meeting Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Water & Light Shop, 15 Old Highway 92, Evansville, Wisconsin 5:00 p.m. MINUTES 1. Meeting called to order at 5:01 PM. Present-Brooks, Ladick, Montgomery. Also present, Mark Sendelbach, Brian Berquist, Mayor Sandy Decker. Dan Wietecha arrived during budget discussion. 2. Motion to approve Agenda as printed. Ladick/Montgomery- passed unanimously 3. Motion to waive the reading and approve June 26, 2013, Water & Light minutes as printed. Ladick/Montgomery -passed unanimously 4. Citizen appearances other than agenda items. None. 5. Customer concerns. Discussion and possible motions for billing adjustments. None. 6. Superintendent Report. a. Project Updates i. Garfield Ave-Underground portions of project are nearly complete. Surface work will begin during 1st full week of August. Mark requested that utility be informed when removal of the old road work will be near underground electric. ii. Hwy 59 -work is complete at both ends. Early billing looks to be higher than estimate but Mark is investigating timing of transition to old 92 for possible billing overlap. iii. Old 92 & 5th St -Poles are set and line has been pulled from Madison Street to Hyne Road. b. Disconnection report-Disconnection postponed one week due to high heat. 16 notices sent, 11 still disconnected. Four notices sent for nonpayment of repayment plans. One still disconnected, possibly occupied. 7. Committee Reports a. Capital Budget discussion-As part of capital budget discussion we looked at the report from Dixon Engineering regarding condition of the water tower. Recommendations from Dixon suggest that painting inside and outside, and various maintenance items should be undertaken in a 1 to 2 year timeframe rather than 5 years we were expecting from early reports. Total estimated cost for all repairs, paint, and upgrades, including $29,000 worth of engineering and contingencies, is $218,000. 2013 capital budget had estimated $160,000 in 2014 for painting the water tower. b. Mayor Decker, Mark, Sendelbach, and Jim Brooks met with Lauri Isaacson, Cory Neeley, and Phil Hansen of WPPI on the morning of July 31 to discuss AMI costs and possible timing. Prior capital budgets have allocated $50,000 per year on an ongoing basis for implementation of AMI, a figure that has been recognized is unrealistic. Based on equipment recommendations from Elster and discussion with WPPI regarding timing and financing. Total project expenses for implementation would be near $600,000. 1st year expenses for MDM integration would include $25,000 in WPPI service startup fees and $6000 for CIS Clarity implementation. Yearly ongoing expenses would be approximately $8200 per year for WPPI MDM management plus $1500 per year for Elster software license. c. Based on earlier estimates of revenue restraints and revenue caps, ability to finance major street repair project 2014 appears unlikely. The utility had budgeted $362,500 for 2014 for a 4th Street project that is unlikely to happen in that timeframe. d. Based on these discussions changes will be made to draft capital budget worksheet to reflect these expenditures: i. For 2014-remove $50,000 for smart grid meter program. Urban rebuild, $75,000 from cash on hand. Truck number 8 replacement, $28,000 placeholder, committee requested Mark to get more accurate estimate for replacement. The Union Street transformer project, $265,000 from cash on hand using proceeds from 2013 bonding. Move 4th Street project $362,474 to 2015. Increase Paint Water Tower from $160,000 to $220,000. Add $15,000 from funds on hand for GIS handheld and mapping project. Bring Northeast Urban rebuild forward from 2015, $425,000, if funding source can be identified. ii. 2015-remove $50,000 smart grid, remove $265,000 Union St. , move 2nd Street project $553,124 to 2016, remove $160,000 paint water tower, remove $425,000 Northeast Urban rebuild. Add new capital line for AMI implementation $600,000 total with $300,000 financed by no interest loan from WPPI. We’ve asked Lauri Isaacson to investigate possible loan balances for 2015. e. Mayor Decker requested that the committee look at Lineman wage competitiveness in the marketplace before placing operating budget request to Council. Committee asked for more information to be reviewed at August meeting. 8. WPPI Report. a. Written Report 9. Old Business. a. Discussion and motion to remove from table motion made April 24 to accept bid for water tower cleaning. (Carried from June)- Following discussion, no motion was made. Earlier motion failed on table. b. Motion to accept contract with Water Tower Clean and Coat to clean tower in the amount of $3200.- Rendered moot by 9a. 10. New Business.-None 11. Upcoming meeting dates. Next meeting at August 28, 2013- 5:00 at W&L Shop 12. Motion to adjourn. Ladick/Montgomery, meeting adjourned at 6:12 PM. Jim Brooks Committee Chairperson

Business Corner: Fun with Ameritrade at the Palmer House in Chicago: MarketDrive: The Magic of Tom Sosnoff

When hundreds of investors gather on a warm beautiful afternoon on Saturday to hear investment talk, and then after the keynote speech at 2:00PM all the older guys gather around the key speaker like a mosh pit at a rock concert---then you know you have something special---and that was the way it was in Chicago on Saturday at the Palmer House when Ameritrade put on their "Market Drive" event and Tom Sosnoff, one of the creators of the "Think or Swim" platform was the keynote speaker---My daughter, Molly had flown in on Friday night for the event and I wondered if all the effort was going to be worth it----WOW....it was the finest business event I have ever been to... The move of Ameritrade buying "Tasty trade" has meant a surge of creativity and intensity added to the capital and class of the Ameritrade organization....and the combination was on full display on Saturday....after it was all over, Molly just said: "That was stunning". If you have a chance to attend an event like this, I urge you to do so....you can watch all the video you want...read all the blurbs, but there is nothing like in person and the dynamics of talking with fellow...ya..mostly older folks..it was just wonderful...and the wonder of the restored Palmer House and the design of the event was fabulous...hope you can attend an event like this someday....

Coming soon to Creekside--Oktoberfest in Monroe PLUS Badger Game after-----Sept 14, 2013

Bus Trip to Minhas Oktoberfest in Monroe September 14 Bus leaves Creekside Place at 11am and returns by 8 pm $35 Fare Includes All This · Bus Trip via Kobussen Party Bus · Leave the driving to us · One Bloody Mary or Screwdriver at Creekside Place · Box Lunch by Greg of The Night Owl · Music and Fun all afternoon at Minhas Oktoberfest · Back to The Night Owl for the Badger Game

State imposes new requirement on unemployed : Madisondotcom

State imposes new requirement on unemployed : Madisondotcom

Minutes: Eager Library Board of Trustees: July 30, 2013

Eager Free Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes from July 30, 2013 1. Call to Order Board President Susan Kruser called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Trustees present: Kruser, Sharon Cybart, Eloise Eager, Gwen Clendenning, Wally Shannon, Vicki Lecy-Luebke. Also present: Library Director Megan Kloeckner, Bill Wilson (Himmel and Wilson, Library Consultant), Gregory Baum (FEH Associates, Inc., Architectural Firm) Absent: Bob Flaherty 2. Amendment to Agenda Eager moved to change the order of the agenda to allow our speaker to move ahead of business items. Shannon seconded the motion. All approved. 3. Gregory Baum Library consultant Wilson introduced Baum to the Board, along with some background information about other library projects he has been involved with. Baum presented to the Board an expansion process used by FEH Associates, Inc. The nine steps include: a. Building Needs Statement b. Project Goals for Success c. Site Assessment and Alternatives d. Existing Building, Drawing, Codes, and Engineering Evaluation e. Evaluation Criteria f. Design Charrette and Community Participation g. Site/Concept Development Costs h. Funding City, Grants, Capital Planning Study, Campaign i. Timetable and Schedule Baum recommended this process should start 14 months before funding is sought. The cost of this process, with this firm, is approximately $18,000. Two names were given as recommendations for the capital campaign work. 4. Approval of Meeting Minutes Shannon moved to approve the June minutes. Eager seconded. Motion passed. 5. July Bills Shannon moved to approve the bills as presented. Cybart seconded. Roll call vote: Ayes—Kruser, Eager, Clendenning, Shannon, Cybart, Lecy-Luebke. Motion carried. 6. Librarian’s Report a. Budget Update and Circulation The preliminary 2014 budget will be submitted to City in August. The budget is right on target for this year. Circulation has increased since May by approximately 800. We have been borrowing less and lending more! b. Programming Update Teen program attendance varied from 10 to 15 attendees. Programming for the younger children ended in July. Program attendance, not counting the summer reading program, was 196. c. August Author Visit Jamie Swenson will be leading the storytime August 21. The Friends of the Library will purchase her book Boom!Boom!Boom! from Book World at a discount and will be able to return those not sold. d. Fax Prices Patrons will now pay one dollar per page for using the fax machine. This will replace the confusing variety of prices charged previously. 7. Old Business a. Gift Policy Cybart has an expert examining our policy. b. No Build Easement Shannon spent a day at the Historical Society examining documents which are now in probate. c. Social Media Policy Shannon moved to adopt the policy that Arrowhead Library System has put forth. Clendenning seconded. All approved. Motion passed. 8. New Business a. Treasurer’s Report Clendenning updated the Board on all monetary accounts. A question arose about taxable dividends and interest that Clendenning will check out. A donation from Don Emerich’s memorial service is to be designated for computer purposes. The Board is grateful to the family. b. Dress Code Patron comment expressing concern for appropriate dress was shared. The Board policy was examined and it was determined that Kloeckner would address any situations deemed inappropriate. 9. Adjourn Clendenning moved to adjourn the meeting; Lecy-Luebke seconded. Meeting Adjourned at 6:55 p.m. (Eager departs 6:30 p.m.) Next meeting: August 27, 2013 Minutes by Trustee Lecy-Luebke Note: Minutes of the Library Board of Trustees are not official until approved the Library Board of Trustees at a meeting called and noticed for that purpose.

Nostalgia: 2008: Having it All; Knocking on Heaven's Door

TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2013 Classic: 2008: Knock, Knock, Knocking on Heaven's Door: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2008 "Knock, Knock, Knocking on Heaven's Door" or "Son of a Preacher Man"---a true story (Ed.note: click on the post for a version of the song by Bob Dylan) Last Sunday, as the family headed out of town to launch the youngest to college, we reached for the music---it had been a long standing tradition that the very first song was always supposed to be a Tom Petty number. I offered that I had a special Tom Petty tape from years ago and they said "O.K." As the song began, there were some moans. "We don't want Bob Dylan," they said in unison. "Relax" I said. Tom Petty is coming shortly. Then Tom Petty came on stage to thunderous applause and he began singing "Knock, Knock, Knocking on Heaven's door with Dylan, in limited acoustic version. We had never heard this version. We all loved it. As the car rolled along, I remembered a famous lunch I attended last December----a lunch of all the community organizations in Evansville. I don't get invited to too many lunches, and was just launching into the entre when the main speaker arose. We will call him "Son of a Preacher Man"---- He began by recounting that he indeed was the son of a preacher man---and that many organizations in Evansville had dreams----and those in attendence knew what they were. He went on: "For a second, let's just go around the room and list off all of these dreams"----and they obliged. The new library, the new fire station, the new city hall, the new police quarters, the Lake Leota Project, the new schools, two of them, the new community center, and the new waste water treatment plant." Just then, I decided to bite into my sandwich: The speaker went on. "I know that there are some who think we need to make choices. That we cannot have ALL of these things at once. For me, as the son of a Preacher man, I think otherwise. We can have it ALL!!! And NOW. That is what I believe." That is when I chocked on my sandwich. Posted by Evansville Observer at 10:32 AM

Mailbag: Wireman: Events of note:

two events from Wisconsin Women's Network ONE 1. Many Voices, One Network: A Celebration of Women's Equality Day Monday, August 26, 2013 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Sunprint Cafe on the Square 10 W. Mifflin St., Madison New! Be sure to join us on Monday for news about an exciting challenge donation! As a reminder, Women's Equality Day is our only fundraiser of the year. If you have not already done so, sponsor this great event by using the secure Paypal button below, or simply mail back the sponsorship form at this link: paypal_donate button Don't forget to bid early for your favorite items on our online silent auction site! Just visit http://www.32auctions.com/WED2013 to view the items, create an account, and start bidding! Online bidding closes on Monday, August 26th at noon. Final bidding will take place at our Women's Equality Day Celebration. Have questions? Contact us at 608-255-9809 or info@wiwomensnetwork.org. TWO 2. Join us for a "Women on Topic" Brown Bag on the Student Loan Debt Crisis Join us for the next WWN "Women on Topic" Brown Bag discussion on Tuesday, September 3rd! The September Brown Bag will be led by Analiese Eicher and will focus on the student loan debt crisis and its September Speaker Analiese Eicher impacts. Eicher is the Program and Development Manager at partner organizations One Wisconsin Now and One Wisconsin Institute where she primarily works on two programs: fighting the trillion dollar student loan debt crisis; and protecting the right to vote. Eicher is an expert on voter suppression efforts aimed at students and young people in Wisconsin and is involved in first-of-its-kind research and groundbreaking polling on the issue of student loan debt and its effects on Wisconsin and the nation's economy. Read her full bio at this link. The September Brown Bag will take place in the WWN Conference Room, located in the Center for Change, 612 W. Main St., Suite 200, Madison. Have an idea for a great Brown Bag discussion topic or want more information about the series? Call us at 608-255-9809 or email info@wiwomensnetwork.org. See a list of past Brown Bag speakers at this link.