Wednesday, September 10, 2008
WSJ: Blogs: Realtor Tours Evansville, Wi Foreclosed Homes
Click on the post for the latest from a realtor that toured two Evansville foreclosed homes.
Video; Council: Lake Leota: The Box Culvert 400M Add to Lake Leota referendum?
Council discusses whether to add $400M for box culvert project to the Lake Leota Referendum.
Download File
Download File
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Video: Council: Lake Leota: Jack Speaks: Urges Transparency
Video: Common Council: Lake Leota Referendum: Jack Speaks for Transparency, for the benefits of letting the public vote in a referendum
Download File
Download File
Audio: Common Council: Lake Leota Going to Referendum: $2 million;
Audio: Common Council: Votes to place issue of Lake Leota Dredging project on ballot for voter approval---price tag of $2million.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Alert: Call Your Alderperson----Yes---- Mason Is Right: We need a referendum on Lake Leota: Let the People Decide
Public Works: 7-22-2008: Lake Leota: Mr. W asks Why do we need a referendum? Mason Braunschweig answers.
Download File
Download File
Classic speech by Mr. Michael Pierick to the Evansville Planning Commission in joint session with Union, on the impact of residential growth and action or no action of restraint and planning and what the result might be.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Gazette; School Beat: Cuts hit schools in Edgerton:
Click on the post for the latest from the Janesville Gazette. Declining enrollment. Elimination of the Four Period Day. Staff cuts.
yahoo: Finance: Is Lehman Next???
Will they find additional capital in time? Click on the post for the latest from yahoo.
Dateline Normal, Mn.: "All Public meetings during Monday Night Football"---FICTION
click on the post for the latest.
www.factcheck.org Corrects Palin rumors
Some of the recent information regarding Republican VP Sarah Palin has been incorrect. Click on the post for the story in Newsweek.
Monday, September 08, 2008
School Beat; Evansville School Reports: Focus on Orientation
Click on the post for the report that will be aired at tonight's Evansville School Board Meeting.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Soucheray: Pioneer Press: St. Paul: RNC: "Minnespolis got the Gold Mine...We got the shaft"
Classic Soucheray. Days after the Republican National Convention, Joe Soucheray has figured it out.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
St. Paul: RNC: List of Arrests
Click on the post for the list of Ramsey County Court for the arrests related to the RNC protests.
OpEd;: One Alaskan's Opinion on Sarah Palin
Click on the post for a widely circulated letter written about Sarah Palin and her background as a local mayor in Alaska.
Nostalgia: St. Paul: RNC: "Free People in a Free Country are Free to Use Their Cameras"
This was an article written right before the convention. Just imagine. Flashing a videocamera plus wearing a Green Bay Packer sweatshirt----what would your chances be? Click on the post for the full story.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Video: Union: Plan: 1 of 2: Draft Wind Turbine Ordinance; Decommissioning language
Video: 1 of 2: Key points on Decommissioning language in proposed Wind Turbine ordinance
Download File
Download File
Audio: Union: Wind: DeCommissioning section or Wind ordinance
(Ed.note; I apologize for audio quality--this was at the country club and midst a hubug of activity. This is just the first section of the meeting.)
Plan: Union: Draft Wind Turbine: Topic of DeCommissioning section of ordinance
MP3 File
Plan: Union: Draft Wind Turbine: Topic of DeCommissioning section of ordinance
MP3 File
Town of Union Plan Commission Meets Friday--WIND TURBINE on the agenda: 5:30PM Country Club
Click on the post for the agenda. Note that the meeting is at the Country Club.
Video: Finance: Lake Leota Referendum: 2 Million is the number;
Finance committe: 9-4-2008: Best estimate is 2 million. This will be the amount on referendum and the capital budget will be adjusted accordingly.
Download File
Download File
RNC: St. Paul: Protests Day Four--a gallery of photos
Click on the post for the scenes from yesterday in St. Paul.
Yahoo: Subprime: Yale: Prof Shiller: Video: The Subprime Solution
Prof. Shiller, author of "The Subprime Solution" speaks of what the solution might look like---and notes that times of crisis in the past have spurred innovation and change as in the 1930's. He suggests some changes that would be innovative.
Click on the post for the video.
Click on the post for the video.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Finance: Audio: Review of 5 Year Capital Plan Begins; Changes; Questions
Audio; Evansville Finance Committee: Thursday, Sept 4, 2008; Beginning Review of 5 Year Capital Plan; Initial Discussion, changes. clarifications, questions--
MP3 File
Last night at the Evansville Finance Committee meeting, Dan Wietecha began by mentioning that the five year capital plan was simply a gathering together of the wish lists of the departments, and before any cutting. In just a glance, the 2009 Capital Funding request was 8.7 million dollars, so there was an awareness that there was some urgent need to delay some projects to the future.
The Library---moved to 2013. Dan Wietecha mentioned that this project that would cost about 2.5 million was not feasible to be done earlier and the speculation about it was causing confusion among folks.
The Roundabout/Bypass lane on East side----$300M plus and committee felt it was not realistic to put this in for 2009 since the developers showed little interest at the present to act.
The EMS remodeling---$380M delayed to future for discussion.
On Police Squad cars---three cars plus SUV--still only one would be replaced each year. Would be a problem if that changed to replace quicker.
Clarification of GO General Obligation debt capacity----The video of Greg from Ehlers and Asssociates that discussed debt capacity occured at a time when it was assumed that the city would borrow 2 million for the biodiesel plant---since then that loan has been repaid---thus freeing up additional borrowing capacity---thus, the theory would be to use that borrowing capacity to fund Lake Leota restoration. City Administrator Dan Wietecha stated that in the end, the positon of the city would be about the same or 50% of GO capacity, and would have the capacity to meet emergency needs, but at the same time, the budget would be tight.
All these matter are covered in the uncut audio above. Enjoy.
MP3 File
Last night at the Evansville Finance Committee meeting, Dan Wietecha began by mentioning that the five year capital plan was simply a gathering together of the wish lists of the departments, and before any cutting. In just a glance, the 2009 Capital Funding request was 8.7 million dollars, so there was an awareness that there was some urgent need to delay some projects to the future.
The Library---moved to 2013. Dan Wietecha mentioned that this project that would cost about 2.5 million was not feasible to be done earlier and the speculation about it was causing confusion among folks.
The Roundabout/Bypass lane on East side----$300M plus and committee felt it was not realistic to put this in for 2009 since the developers showed little interest at the present to act.
The EMS remodeling---$380M delayed to future for discussion.
On Police Squad cars---three cars plus SUV--still only one would be replaced each year. Would be a problem if that changed to replace quicker.
Clarification of GO General Obligation debt capacity----The video of Greg from Ehlers and Asssociates that discussed debt capacity occured at a time when it was assumed that the city would borrow 2 million for the biodiesel plant---since then that loan has been repaid---thus freeing up additional borrowing capacity---thus, the theory would be to use that borrowing capacity to fund Lake Leota restoration. City Administrator Dan Wietecha stated that in the end, the positon of the city would be about the same or 50% of GO capacity, and would have the capacity to meet emergency needs, but at the same time, the budget would be tight.
All these matter are covered in the uncut audio above. Enjoy.
Yahoo: Finance: Housing: Shiller: Video:
Professor Shiller, the author of the famous book, "Irrational Exuberance" speaks on video on the current housing situation and what might be next. Click on the post.
Dateline Normal, Mn.: "It's Porta Pottie Time"---FICTION
Original post of March 2008. Click on the post for the classic.
Video; Aware, Inc., a division of Community Action, Inc., reminds Evansville residents that the United Way Campaign is here again and to please donate generously due to high demand for services due to recession.
Download File
Download File
Julie Hermanson, Program Director for AWARE, a division of Community Action, Inc, discusses the back to school supplies drive as well as the Snackpacker Program that has been so successful--reviews how to enroll your child in this program
Download File
Download File
September 2008: AWARE: Julie Hermanson Speaks on the recent successful funding campaign and the generosity of Evansville business that has been essential for AWARE success.
Download File
Download File
Second part of presentation of Fred Juergens on Lake Leota 7-8-2007 Finance Committee Meeting--Juergens recommends binding referendum; recommends listening to the voters after full education on the options
Download File
Download File
Gazette; ABC Supernanny Coming to Evansville!!!!!!
Gina Duwe has the scoop. What a wonderful development and opportunity to showcase Evansville. On Kids...and Parents...behaving badly.....Even the timing is perfect. Right in the midst of the Referendum or Recall Campaign.
Click on the post for the full story in the Janesville Gazette.
Click on the post for the full story in the Janesville Gazette.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Evansville: 5 year Capital Budget--3 of 3 spreadsheet::::::::$8,637,374 in Project Cost for 2009
(Ed.note: Click to enlarge.)
Evansville----- 5 year Capital Budget: 1 of 3 spreadsheet
(Ed.note: Doubleclick to enlarge. These numbers will be discussed in Finance Committee tomorrow night as well as Common Council meeting next week.)
Flood of 2008 Video: Information
(Ed.note: Howard Gage of Videogenics and son were award winning video producers of video in Janesville. They were of help to The Evansville Observer in the first video learning some years back. The Observer sends condolences in this terrible loss, and hopes the video might be of interest to readers in the Rock River area. )
“Flood of 2008” Video Information
My name is Lois Forbes, a retired teacher (a member of the Janesville Area Retired Educators’ Association). Our retired teachers’ group is assisting in this endeavor. I am sending this so you will be able to receive the information in writing and will be able to study it at an opportune time for you.
I am contacting you because Howard Gage, father of John Gage, is working with the United Ways in Rock and Jefferson Counties to produce a video John had made of the recent flood along the Rock River .
John passed away two weeks ago in an automobile accident. He and his father were the owners of Videogenics. John had been taking photos and planned to make a video to aid the flood victims. At the time of John’s death, all the photos had been taken and the video was nearly complete.
Howard has finished everything that needed to be done to produce the final video. Now it is being readied for production and distribution. This is where we need the assistance of local businesses and companies.
Many individuals in Rock and Jefferson Counties have suffered losses because of the flood of 2008. This documentary video (“Flood of 2008”) has been produced and will be on sale in communities along the Rock River . The videos will be sold for $10.00 each. All proceeds from the sale of the video are designated to go to special flood relief funds established by United Ways in Rock and Jefferson Counties . Three United Ways are involved in this venture--- United Way of North Rock County , Stateline United Way , and United Way of Jefferson County . Information is also available on the United Way website.
In order to defray the cost of duplicating and packaging additional copies of the DVD, three levels of giving have been established. Obviously, donations at one of the three levels will ensure that all proceeds from the sale of the DVD’s go to individuals in need of assistance. The three levels are as follows:
The Producer Level – Individuals or organizations donating $1,250 will
allow us to duplicate and package 1000 additional “flood of 2008” DVD’s.
The Director Level – Donations of $125 will allow us to duplicate and package
100 additional “Flood of 2008” DVD’s.
The Associate Level – A donation of $12.50 will allow us to duplicate and
Package 10 additional “Flood of 2008” DVD’s.
I hope you will be supportive of this endeavor. If you wish to participate, checks should be written to United Way, 205 North Main Street, Suite 101 , Janesville , WI 53545 .
Please write “Flood Video” on the memo line.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Lois Forbes
“Flood of 2008” Video Information
My name is Lois Forbes, a retired teacher (a member of the Janesville Area Retired Educators’ Association). Our retired teachers’ group is assisting in this endeavor. I am sending this so you will be able to receive the information in writing and will be able to study it at an opportune time for you.
I am contacting you because Howard Gage, father of John Gage, is working with the United Ways in Rock and Jefferson Counties to produce a video John had made of the recent flood along the Rock River .
John passed away two weeks ago in an automobile accident. He and his father were the owners of Videogenics. John had been taking photos and planned to make a video to aid the flood victims. At the time of John’s death, all the photos had been taken and the video was nearly complete.
Howard has finished everything that needed to be done to produce the final video. Now it is being readied for production and distribution. This is where we need the assistance of local businesses and companies.
Many individuals in Rock and Jefferson Counties have suffered losses because of the flood of 2008. This documentary video (“Flood of 2008”) has been produced and will be on sale in communities along the Rock River . The videos will be sold for $10.00 each. All proceeds from the sale of the video are designated to go to special flood relief funds established by United Ways in Rock and Jefferson Counties . Three United Ways are involved in this venture--- United Way of North Rock County , Stateline United Way , and United Way of Jefferson County . Information is also available on the United Way website.
In order to defray the cost of duplicating and packaging additional copies of the DVD, three levels of giving have been established. Obviously, donations at one of the three levels will ensure that all proceeds from the sale of the DVD’s go to individuals in need of assistance. The three levels are as follows:
The Producer Level – Individuals or organizations donating $1,250 will
allow us to duplicate and package 1000 additional “flood of 2008” DVD’s.
The Director Level – Donations of $125 will allow us to duplicate and package
100 additional “Flood of 2008” DVD’s.
The Associate Level – A donation of $12.50 will allow us to duplicate and
Package 10 additional “Flood of 2008” DVD’s.
I hope you will be supportive of this endeavor. If you wish to participate, checks should be written to United Way, 205 North Main Street, Suite 101 , Janesville , WI 53545 .
Please write “Flood Video” on the memo line.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Lois Forbes
St. Paul RNC: Pioneer Press: Police: Protestors were not the Criminals; Anarchists Were
Click on the post for the story. Those who violated the law on Monday in St. Paul were anarchists and had planned their activity for a long time and came from all over the country to do so. They were not in the organized protest groups. Click on the post for the full story,.
Dateline Normal, Mn.: "Swim With the Loons Fall Harvest Festival Comes to Normal, MN" ----FICTION
This is one of a long series of print and audio tales that is FICTION, but...other than that...
Click on the post for the latest.
Click on the post for the latest.
"No" means "NO" in Normal, Mn.----FICTION
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.
"What about a Lake referendum?" I asked.
Herman laughed.
"That's real easy, Wolfman. NO means NO. A No would mean its settled. "
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.
"What about a Lake referendum?" I asked.
Herman laughed.
"That's real easy, Wolfman. NO means NO. A No would mean its settled. "
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Evansville Common Council President Mason Braunschweig explains why Evansville needs a Referendum on the Lake Leota Issue
Public Works: 7-22-2008: Lake Leota: Mr. W asks Why do we need a referendum? Mason Braunschweig answers.
Download File
Download File
Video Tour of Annandale, Mn., The "Snooty Fox Gallery and Gifts," Historic Downtown in the Heart of the Lakes of Minnesota
Download File
Download File
Travelogue: Annandale, Mn., Heart of the Lakes, Historic Downtown. Home of the Snooty Fox Gifts and Gallery, Grampa's Hardware, In Hot Water Coffee Shop and much, much more......
Download File
Download File
Streetdance, Annandale, Minnesota--Labor Day----Tootsies Bar and Grill. Thanks to the band--"The Roosters" who allowed me to video.
Download File
Download File
Daily Planet: St. Paul: Details on tear gassing of Journalists
Details on the tear gassing of journalists in St. Paul. Click on the post for the story in the Daily Planet.
OpEd: St. Paul: RNC: Intimidation, Harassment of Media Effective
There was no press coverage to speak of yesterday at the marches in St. Paul, Mn.. The preemptive strikes by police on "out of town videographers" that included seizing equipment, computers as well as personal items was effective in sending the message that video coverage of the event was not desired.
The registered protest groups were never the concern as I see it. These groups marched as scheduled, some with police escort front and back, some down Summit Ave to the Capitol, and the scene was colorful, but orderly.
The concern was always the anarchists---who did not register with anyone and were intent on harming. These folks were arrested, and were about 50 of the 10,000.
The Observer has not developed an immunity to tear gas. Hence I took a view from afar and tried to capture the larger view. I was about to talk to some police at 7th and Waucota, but they were involved with searching a van and interrogating some suspects and thought otherwise. Yes. I did switch to the Minnesota Gopher hat at the border, but still did not feel safe with the video campera trained on the marchers. The intimidation worked. The "news" became the weather. Stay tuned. This is the Evansville Observer.
The registered protest groups were never the concern as I see it. These groups marched as scheduled, some with police escort front and back, some down Summit Ave to the Capitol, and the scene was colorful, but orderly.
The concern was always the anarchists---who did not register with anyone and were intent on harming. These folks were arrested, and were about 50 of the 10,000.
The Observer has not developed an immunity to tear gas. Hence I took a view from afar and tried to capture the larger view. I was about to talk to some police at 7th and Waucota, but they were involved with searching a van and interrogating some suspects and thought otherwise. Yes. I did switch to the Minnesota Gopher hat at the border, but still did not feel safe with the video campera trained on the marchers. The intimidation worked. The "news" became the weather. Stay tuned. This is the Evansville Observer.
St. Paul RNC: Mother Jones: Photo Essay of Convention
Click on the post for some additional photo coverage from Mother Jones of March in St. Paul yesterday.
Last Day at the Lake: Rising to meet the Sunrise: The Dive in the Lake....or easing down the ladder.
Download File
Download File
Monday, September 01, 2008
Dateline St. Paul: Republican National Convention: Sights and Sounds
View from the St.Paul Cathedral looking as protesters begin assembling at Minnesota Captitol.
Download File
Download File
Sights and Sounds of the Protests and Counter Protests in St. Paul, Minnesota for Republican National Convention
Download File
Download File
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Mpls-St. Paul: RNC: Daily Planet: "The UnConvention and UnUnConvention"
In addition to the RNC meeting and party in St. Paul on Sept 1st---there is the unconventional party being celebrated in Minneapolis---click on the post for the story in the Daily Planet.
Pioneer Press: St. Paul: RNC: Police Harrassment Preemptive Strike?
The action has started early in St. Paul. Stay tuned.
Added Audio Podcasts Available for Town of Union meetings
Due top popular demand as evidenced by increasing downloads of audio podcasts, The Evansville Observer has enlarged the archive of audio available for download in the archive. The audio files are loaded and the video will come next.
Click on the post to view this file. It can be accessed by clicking the picture of the windmill on the right of the blog or the red "xml" next to Union meetings. Enjoy.
We are pleased to offer these resources to citizens as well as news reporters who are seeking primary sources to write the news. History is written first with primary sources. Enjoy.
Click on the post to view this file. It can be accessed by clicking the picture of the windmill on the right of the blog or the red "xml" next to Union meetings. Enjoy.
We are pleased to offer these resources to citizens as well as news reporters who are seeking primary sources to write the news. History is written first with primary sources. Enjoy.
Gazette: Gazette, WISC, join forces to provide Rock Co News Coverage
Click on the post for the latest.
Theatre Corner: ECT will present "Escanaba In Da Moonlight." in October--Mark your calendars
Evansville Community Theater will proudly present the comedy, “Escanaba In Da Moonlight,” written by Jeff Daniels for 6 shows in October on the JC McKenna Middle School stage.
“Escanaba In Da Moonlight,” is a raucous look at the traditions of Deer Camp as told through the escapades of the Soady Family. The year was 1989 and Reuben Soady was in danger of becoming the oldest member of his family to have never taken a buck.. Come, see The Buckless Yooper, Jimmer Negamanee from Menominee and the rest of the family as they deal with aliens, big bucks and the supernatural.
ECT will present the show on October 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 PM with a matinee on Sunday October 19 at 2 PM . All shows will be in the McKenna Auditorium, 307 S 1st St in Evansville .
Tickets are $8 if purchased in advance and $10 at the Box Office. For more ticket information, please contact Melissa Schnepper at 882-4523
“Escanaba In Da Moonlight,” is a raucous look at the traditions of Deer Camp as told through the escapades of the Soady Family. The year was 1989 and Reuben Soady was in danger of becoming the oldest member of his family to have never taken a buck.. Come, see The Buckless Yooper, Jimmer Negamanee from Menominee and the rest of the family as they deal with aliens, big bucks and the supernatural.
ECT will present the show on October 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 PM with a matinee on Sunday October 19 at 2 PM . All shows will be in the McKenna Auditorium, 307 S 1st St in Evansville .
Tickets are $8 if purchased in advance and $10 at the Box Office. For more ticket information, please contact Melissa Schnepper at 882-4523
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Dateline Normal, Mn.: "There are NO Jails in Normal, MN."----FICTION
Click on the post for the latest.
Background; RNC: Answer Coalition: Rally on Monday, September 1st--St. Paul Capitol
(Ed.note: Click on the post for the website of the Answer Coalition in Chicago. I hope to have audio and video of involved participants on Sept 1st---Stay tuned to the Evansville Observer.)
Protest the Republican National Convention
Sept. 1-4, 2008
St. Paul, Minnesota
End the War Now!
Moratorium on foreclosures and evictions!
Jobs, Health Care, Education, Housing!
Equal Rights for immigrants and ALL!
To get on the bus from Chicago to the RNC go to http://marchonrnc.org/ChicagoBus for more info. Join thousands of people to demand an immediate end to the war.
The big protest march and rally begins on Monday, September 1 with a mass rally at 11:00 a.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol. The march steps off at 1:00 p.m. to the Xcel Center, site of the Convention. Delegates begin to arrive at the convention at 2:30 pm. There will be a 4:00 to 6:00 pm closing rally with musical performances and more speakers.
There are more protests and events scheduled over the 4 days of the convention, including a protest on Thursday, Sept. 4 that is timed to coincide with McCain's acceptance speech.
All out for the RNC. For more info call 773-463-0311.
The ANSWER Coalition will also be protesting at the Democratic National Convention, August 25-28.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Help Build a Better World! Intern with ANSWER Chicago
Click Here to Fill in the Application Today!
Join the struggle for social justice in our communities and all over the world. Be a part of building an independent people's movement to stop war, racism and all forms of oppression. Help organize to end colonial occupation in Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Haiti, and everywhere.
This spring, summer and beyond ANSWER will continue to organize and support a wide variety of progressive actions, including protests against the war in Iraq and mobilizations for immigrant rights. ANSWER is involved in the people's movement in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, all over the US and all over the world.
ANSWER uses a diversity of tactics and strategies to build, sustain, expand and deepen the new anti-war, anti-racist, pro-justice movement that has emerged. More info
Protest the Republican National Convention
Sept. 1-4, 2008
St. Paul, Minnesota
End the War Now!
Moratorium on foreclosures and evictions!
Jobs, Health Care, Education, Housing!
Equal Rights for immigrants and ALL!
To get on the bus from Chicago to the RNC go to http://marchonrnc.org/ChicagoBus for more info. Join thousands of people to demand an immediate end to the war.
The big protest march and rally begins on Monday, September 1 with a mass rally at 11:00 a.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol. The march steps off at 1:00 p.m. to the Xcel Center, site of the Convention. Delegates begin to arrive at the convention at 2:30 pm. There will be a 4:00 to 6:00 pm closing rally with musical performances and more speakers.
There are more protests and events scheduled over the 4 days of the convention, including a protest on Thursday, Sept. 4 that is timed to coincide with McCain's acceptance speech.
All out for the RNC. For more info call 773-463-0311.
The ANSWER Coalition will also be protesting at the Democratic National Convention, August 25-28.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Help Build a Better World! Intern with ANSWER Chicago
Click Here to Fill in the Application Today!
Join the struggle for social justice in our communities and all over the world. Be a part of building an independent people's movement to stop war, racism and all forms of oppression. Help organize to end colonial occupation in Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Haiti, and everywhere.
This spring, summer and beyond ANSWER will continue to organize and support a wide variety of progressive actions, including protests against the war in Iraq and mobilizations for immigrant rights. ANSWER is involved in the people's movement in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, all over the US and all over the world.
ANSWER uses a diversity of tactics and strategies to build, sustain, expand and deepen the new anti-war, anti-racist, pro-justice movement that has emerged. More info
Audio; Nostalgia: "Do We Really Mean It?"
"Do We Really Mean IT? Let's Suspend the Rules.
Are we a people of law or convenience? Do we just suspend the law whenever it gets difficult? Mr. Connors asked the question: "Do we really mean it?"
Classic Observer of yesteryear
MP3 File
Are we a people of law or convenience? Do we just suspend the law whenever it gets difficult? Mr. Connors asked the question: "Do we really mean it?"
Classic Observer of yesteryear
MP3 File
Monday, August 25, 2008
Public Works Meets Tuesday---Referendum Language on Agenda
Click on the post for the updated agenda.
Evansville City Beat; Archive of Meeting Audio Expanded on Podcast
Due to the rise of traffic indicating interest in audio of public meetings, The Evansville Observer has expanded the number of audio files available for listening nationwide.
Click on the post for the listing of audio now available. To listen to a selection, just right click on it, and download to your desktop. Click to listen or upload it to your Ipod to listen to. Mail it to your friends. Make a cd of your favorite city hall meetings. Who knows. Maybe you want to make a special cd and give it as a Christmas gift. O.K. that might be going too far.
Enjoy. It is free from the Evansville Observer. Remember. We are NOT a newspaper. We do not throw out our work every night. We save it.
Click on the post for the listing of audio now available. To listen to a selection, just right click on it, and download to your desktop. Click to listen or upload it to your Ipod to listen to. Mail it to your friends. Make a cd of your favorite city hall meetings. Who knows. Maybe you want to make a special cd and give it as a Christmas gift. O.K. that might be going too far.
Enjoy. It is free from the Evansville Observer. Remember. We are NOT a newspaper. We do not throw out our work every night. We save it.
School Beat; Archive Video Library Expanding via Podcast
Due to popular demand seen in rising podcast downloads, The Evansville Observer has expanded the library of the "oldies but goodies"----the audio from Evansville School meetings from the past----
Click on the post for the current listing---it is a work in progress. After choosing one of the audio files to listen to, just right click your cursor and save it to your desktop. Click to listen or just upload it to your Ipod to listen while jogging or..whatever.
Enjoy. Remember when you are in a meeting, and cannot recall what someone said previously---just click on the audio archive---maybe some nostalgic audio might help.
Click on the post for the current audio available.
Click on the post for the current listing---it is a work in progress. After choosing one of the audio files to listen to, just right click your cursor and save it to your desktop. Click to listen or just upload it to your Ipod to listen while jogging or..whatever.
Enjoy. Remember when you are in a meeting, and cannot recall what someone said previously---just click on the audio archive---maybe some nostalgic audio might help.
Click on the post for the current audio available.
Nostalgia: Dateline Normal: "The Trellis Manager"---FICTION
How a small community became obsessed with trellises right after "American Idol." What Freud had to say about it all.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Nostalgia: "On BlueBerry IceCream"----Classic Speeches of Evansville
Nostalgia; Michael Pierick speaks to Evansville Planning Commission on Impact of Uncontrolled Residential Growth beyond Smart Growth Plan and possible impacts on taxpayers---2007
MP3 File
MP3 File
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Glimpses of the Evansville Community Band---at the Park
Click on the post for a short video of the Community Band at Lake Leota recently. Compliments of a readers. Thanks.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Wind; Better Plan Blog: Eric Rosenbloom on Benefit of Wind---fact and fiction
One of the assumptions of both sides of the disucssion of wind turbines has been that the energy that wind produces will be causing a direct decrease of the other energy source fuels and the depeletion of the ozone etc.
Eric Rosenbloom has written an analysis of what the effects have been in other countries, and what the equation really is.
Click on the post for the article in pdf format.
Eric Rosenbloom has written an analysis of what the effects have been in other countries, and what the equation really is.
Click on the post for the article in pdf format.
Wind: Better Plan Blog: The strategy of Influence peddle first; inform later..if ever
Right out of the handbook for wind development comes the strategy. Click on the post for the latest.
Budget Status: Evansville Municipal Court--- Year to Date: July 31, 2008
(ed.note: Because the Municipal Court was in Session on 8-18-2008, no report was available at the Committee of the Whole Meeting. This is the 7-31-2008 report of Revenues and Expenses. Double click for largest view. Revenues exceed expenses. )
Capital Times: Wiley: " Wisconsin Has Lost It's Way"
Outgoing Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Writes. Click on the post for the story in the Capital Times.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Nostalgia: June 2007: Dateline Normal, Mn.: "Why Debt Comes First"----FICTION
(Ed. note: This is one of a long series of tales from a land up in northern Minnesota.....a land of fiction.....but other than that.....it is a lot like our own. Enjoy. )
Recently, after watching just one too many videos of the Plunkett Raysich study, I took a long drive. It was spring. I needed a break in the schedule. To fish. To play a little tennis. So I headed up Hwy 10 north of the Twin Cities to Normal, Mn.
On the long drive, I kept thinking of all those charts of the consultants----the ones that showed that even though locals were not increasing their birth rate.....it was those folks from out of town that kept coming.....and coming....and coming....and they were the ones we were building the schools for. We needed to get ready and incur some debt for them. Why I wondered.
So, I just blurted it out to Herman: "Why would the debt come first Herman? I just do not understand.
Herman just let our a huge bellylaugh. "You are just too busy, Wolfman. (that's what he always called me. It is real simple. The debt always comes first when a revolution happens. Always."
"Whatever do you mean, " I asked.
Herman went on: " In a community where there is a broad section of ages, folks stay in their homes till they die. It is real stable. Real diverse. Real stable."
"Exactly." I said. That is what Evansville is all about. A diverse age range that makes life interesting."
Then Herman said; "The problem is that those old folks pay a small fee for property tax compared to what a young couple would pay with two kids. Two kids would be worth $16,000 of revenue to a school district. Thus, it motivates a sophisticated leader, to add debt, big time....and force seniors out of their homes with higher taxes so younger folks can move to town. It is called in planning documents "recycling the housing stock."
"It sounds pretty "green," but it is terrible news for seniors," I said.
Herman mused, " I guess debt is a form of security for a long career. Nothing is more threatening to a career than a stable community. And lots of seniors. They just got to move on to keep the enrollment up. "
"That's pretty cynical Herman, " I replied. "Do you mean to say that the reason to incur the debt is to keep the enconmy moving by moving the seniors out of their homes?
"Yup," Herman replied. That is what all that "Applied Population gismo" is all about.
It was a long trip back home. Thank goodness I am back in good old Wisconsin. Where we do not believe in any of that debt first and then enrollment growth. Where we believe in a diverse community of all age groups. Where we resist sophisticated plans to divide and conquer.
Alleluia.
Recently, after watching just one too many videos of the Plunkett Raysich study, I took a long drive. It was spring. I needed a break in the schedule. To fish. To play a little tennis. So I headed up Hwy 10 north of the Twin Cities to Normal, Mn.
On the long drive, I kept thinking of all those charts of the consultants----the ones that showed that even though locals were not increasing their birth rate.....it was those folks from out of town that kept coming.....and coming....and coming....and they were the ones we were building the schools for. We needed to get ready and incur some debt for them. Why I wondered.
So, I just blurted it out to Herman: "Why would the debt come first Herman? I just do not understand.
Herman just let our a huge bellylaugh. "You are just too busy, Wolfman. (that's what he always called me. It is real simple. The debt always comes first when a revolution happens. Always."
"Whatever do you mean, " I asked.
Herman went on: " In a community where there is a broad section of ages, folks stay in their homes till they die. It is real stable. Real diverse. Real stable."
"Exactly." I said. That is what Evansville is all about. A diverse age range that makes life interesting."
Then Herman said; "The problem is that those old folks pay a small fee for property tax compared to what a young couple would pay with two kids. Two kids would be worth $16,000 of revenue to a school district. Thus, it motivates a sophisticated leader, to add debt, big time....and force seniors out of their homes with higher taxes so younger folks can move to town. It is called in planning documents "recycling the housing stock."
"It sounds pretty "green," but it is terrible news for seniors," I said.
Herman mused, " I guess debt is a form of security for a long career. Nothing is more threatening to a career than a stable community. And lots of seniors. They just got to move on to keep the enrollment up. "
"That's pretty cynical Herman, " I replied. "Do you mean to say that the reason to incur the debt is to keep the enconmy moving by moving the seniors out of their homes?
"Yup," Herman replied. That is what all that "Applied Population gismo" is all about.
It was a long trip back home. Thank goodness I am back in good old Wisconsin. Where we do not believe in any of that debt first and then enrollment growth. Where we believe in a diverse community of all age groups. Where we resist sophisticated plans to divide and conquer.
Alleluia.
Video; The Onion: War for the White House: BS is the major issue
The Onion weighs in on the current campaign with timely video. Click on the post.
Committee of Whole: 8-18-2008: Finance Director Lisa Speaks:
Committee of Whole; Report of Finance Director; Audits: Realignment of duties; Record retention and organization
MP3 File
MP3 File
Committee of Whole: 8-18-2008: Water and Light Report; Scott George Speaks:
Committee of Whole; Water and Light: Scott George reviews projects on agenda for 2009 and expenses
MP3 File
MP3 File
Committe of Whole: Park Board: 8-18-2008: Ringhand Speaks:
Committee of the Whole: Quick survey of status of parks and what is on the agenda for expenses.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Committee of the Whole; City Hall: Remarks regarding repairs still necessary for City Hall as well as current space available.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Ad Hoc Evansville Schools Planning Committee meets
Click on the post for the agenda of the recent meeting.
Fannie and Freddie Mac----Rescue coming?
The Chinese have reduced their interest in this type of debt----and that may make rescue inevitable---click on the post for the article in Bloomberg.
"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.
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.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Video; Common Council of the Whole: Discussion of WWTF; The Capital Expenditure a result of State mandates and not residential development
Download File
Download File
Monday, August 18, 2008
St. Paul: Republican Convention: Police Union Unrest Perfect timing for RNC
Click on the post for the latest. Perfect timing for the RNC. A problem with gangs in St. Paul plus a little police union unrest. Plus 50,000 protestors plus 15,000 media.
Do not worry. I will not wear the Packer sweatshirt. Just the Media sweat, gold and black. Stay tuned. Street view from the convention is coming.
Do not worry. I will not wear the Packer sweatshirt. Just the Media sweat, gold and black. Stay tuned. Street view from the convention is coming.
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